The Salida Pole, Pedal Paddle began in 1999 and is a truly unique, multi-sport event. Following the path of the spring runoff, competitors start at the Continental Divide, on Monarch Pass with a backcountry ski leg, mountain bikes carry competitors in the shadow of Mt. Shavano to the banks of the Arkansas River where whitewater kayaks take paddlers into downtown Salida for an exciting finish. Participants can compete as a team or individually. The Salida Pole Pedal Paddle will be reborn on April 18th, 2008 in Salida, Colorado. Benson’s Tavern in downtown Salida will host an after party and awards ceremony.

For more information visit www.3psalida.com

No fast runout here.

I discovered an interesting development at Monarch ski area today while doing a little after ski season skiing. It looks like the snowcat drivers had a major end-of-season party and then went out grooming at the end of it!  Most of the major ski runs are largely un-skiable due to new and major trenches, berms and ridges apparently caused by snowcats run amok.

Wahooooo!

Like the aftermath of some monster-truck slalom race, Monarch’s major runs now all sport deep snowcat tracks down the slopes. Pick a run : Sleepy Hollow, Great Divide, Ticaboo, Tango, Aftershock … all have these demolition derby-like snowcat tracks. It is clear that the “cats” were also plowing as well just weaving around, because many of the tracks are inset ruts.  Frozen in place like they are now, these ruts and lumpy berms not only take the s-m-o-o-t-h out of corn snow turns, they also create quite a leg-breaking hazard.

Jump or break a leg, your choice.

Inquiring minds want to know. Why would they do this?

Could it be some special snow-cat drivers training? Not likely, as any training would surely result in smooooooth packed snow, not a lumpy mess.

Perhaps something to slow spring melt water? Probably not, as most of the tracks are down the fall line.

How about snowcat races? Doubt it … Unless the guys (or gals) were racing for a personal best, you would expect more than one set of tracks on each run.

Maybe it is a new marketing campaign like Mad River Glen? “Off-season Monarch! Ski it if you can!”

What do you think? Give your well-reasoned and wacky theories in the comments.

Ride the wave.

Dates: Every Saturday: December 6, 2008 – March 14th, 2009
Time: Leaves the Hot Springs Aquatic Center at 8:30am SHARP
Leaves Monarch at 3:30pm SHARP
Cost: $5/person
Ages: All ages (Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.)
Notes: As a courtesy to those who are on time, we will not wait for people who are late going to or coming from the mountain.

Each rider is required to sign a liability waiver.  If you are under the age of 18 and plan to ride the bus, you’ll need to have your parents sign a waiver prior to the bus departure time.

All ages welcome.  Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

We are NOT chaperones.  Kids will be on their own once we get to the mountain.  Know your kids and be certain that they can handle the responsibility of taking care of themselves at the mountain and getting back on the bus by 3:30pm.

To ensure a ride, reservations can be made in person with payment at the Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center or with a credit card over the phone before the date you would like to ride.  Without a reservation, riders will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact Information:

Salida Hot Springs Aquatic Center (719)539-6738
Anicka Olsen – Salida Recreation Coordinator (719)539-5703
410 W. Rainbow Blvd. (Hwy 50)
Salida, CO  81201
salidarecreation@yahoo.com