Xtreme Idaho Spring 2016

Spring 2016

6 best

exercisesto prepare for cycling season

Bike Shopbikes.elementoutfitters.com

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neW Mtb parK

tHe latest

aDDitionto tHe portneUf

Wellness coMplex

top trails in pocatellofor beginner, interMeDiate anD aDVanceD riDers

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XTREME IDAHO ~ SPRING EDITION 2016 ~ IDAHO STATE JOURNAL ~ 3

Inside

EDITOR: David Ashby, [email protected]

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More than 58,000 distributed plus available online.

A CRASH COURSE IN mOUNTAIN BIKING New to cycling? Here are some tips to get started.

GETTING BACK IN SHAPE fOR RIDING6 of the best exercises to prepare you for the long summer.

TOP BEGINNER, INTERmEDIATE AND ADVANCED TRAILSLocal trail guru Bruce Olenick dis-cusses the best places to ride in the Pocatello area.

Letter from the Editor .......................... 45 Tips for making Sure Your Bike fits ... 9DIY Bike maintenance ...................... 10Gear Checklist ................................ 12Creating GoPro Videos .................... 14from flab to fit ............................... 16City Creek Trail System map ............ 20Trail Etiquette 101 ........................... 26Avoiding Wildlife Attacks ................. 28Pocatello Pioneers ........................... 32Pedalfest ........................................... 34Spinderella ........................................ 35Photos from Our Readers ..................... 372016 Races and Rides ........................ 38

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New Pocatello MTB park opens May 3Tait Beebe hits a big jump at the new bike park in the Portneuf Wellness Complex

30......................

Spring 2016

6 best

exercisesto prepare for

cycling season

Bike Shopbikes.elementoutfitters.com

offer inside

Your full service shop!

neW Mtb parK

tHe

latest

aDDitionto tHe portneUf

Wellness coMplex

top trails in pocatello

for beginner, interMeDiate anD aDVanceD riDers

4 ~ XTREME IDAHO ~ SPRING EDITION 2016 ~ IDAHO STATE JOURNAL

David Ashby Editor-in-Chief


‘You’re just bad at biking’ I’ll never forget the time I shattered my collarbone while riding my bike. I was only 12 years old. As I was riding down the street from my house, I accidentally gripped my brakes really hard and flew right over the handlebars. Landing face-first on the hard pavement didn’t bother me. Neither did the sharp pain that radiated from my right clavicle. Hell, the jerk in the car honking and yelling at me to get out of the middle of the road didn’t even faze me. What did bother me, however, was the thought that my bike was possessed by Satan. I don’t know if you’ve ever felt that a bicycle could be possessed by a demonic entity, but that’s exactly what I thought. It seemed like that whole contraption was a harbin-ger of doom. I got the bike for my 12th birthday about a week ear-lier. During that morning I had a Little League baseball game that resulted in me getting beaned on two separate occasions — once in the elbow and once in the face. The latter left a shiner that could be seen from space. Oh, and did I mention I committed a stupid fielding error that cost us the game? Happy birthday, Dave. So naturally when my father presented me with the new bike later on in the day, I was in no mood. I took the bike I later assumed he purchased from the sporting goods department in the bowels of Hell, put it in the garage and left it there. It sat there stewing in its own evil juices before I de-cided to give it a test ride. That test ride resulted in my busted collarbone. “The bike’s not haunted, Dave,” my dad yelled at me as I stood with my shoulder in a sling. “You’re just bad at biking.” My dad even rode it up the driveway to prove me wrong. However, when he hit a crack, the bike wobbled and fell over, violently sending my father directly into the concrete. Luckily, Pops was uninjured. I can’t remember exactly what happened next, but I think the bike vomited a split pea soup-like substance in my dad’s face. It’s amazing how the thought of a bike being possessed by Satan will turn you away from cycling. But that’s exactly what happened to me. For the next 19 years, I completely avoided the sport. Then last year, I had a change of heart. Last year’s Xtreme Idaho biking magazine was a phe-

nomenal success, and I decided to celebrate by purchasing a mountain bike. It was my first cycle in almost two decades, and it was pretty sweet — a blue and gold Specialized Hardrock. I’ll never forget the first time I took her to City Creek. I rode around some of the beginner and intermediate trails, and I didn’t fall off. But just like when I was 12, I got burned by the brakes, only this time the burn was literal. As I disas-sembled my bike, I grabbed the disc brake by accident, which was super-heated from my descent back into the parking lot. You can barely see the scar on my palm anymore. Then, a week later, I took it easy and rode down a por-tion of the Portneuf Greenway. Everybody always tells me to stay on the trail. I even wrote it down and published it in last year’s magazine. So naturally, I went off the trail. The next day I realized both my tires were flat. Later on, when I went to pick up my bike from the repair shop, the mechanics were not too happy to see me. One told me he spent over an hour picking dozens of jagged thorns from my rubber tires. “You went off the trail, didn’t you?” he asked in a stern voice. It was at that point I started to ask myself if I had been afflicted with yet another possessed bicycle. I sure hoped not. I couldn’t afford to keep a bike locked in a garage — I was going to be making payments on it for a long time. My fiancé (now wife) saw how disgusted I was as I cried over my credit card bill. She recommended taking our bikes along with us to her family’s campsite in Island Park. Between dealing with the usual problems that come along with camping, Dot and I hopped on our bikes and just rode. We rode in the pine forests on the trails, we rode in circles around all the other campsites and we rode to places usually only accessible by foot. The whole world stopped as we pedalled along. It was like when we were little kids, with-out a care in the world. All the stresses of adult life just blew away with the wind. In other words, it was exactly the way riding a bike should be. And guess what… nothing bad happened over that long weekend. It turns out my dad was right after all. My bikes weren’t possessed by Satan. No, I’m just bad at biking.

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Those entrenched within the extreme sport of mountain biking can answer ques-tions like what to buy and where to go as if it were second nature. But when it comes to getting involved in one of the nation’s most popular outdoor activities, the inquisitive, uncultured greenhorn generally has no idea where to start.

If you’re combing through websites or blogs online, picking the brain of that expert biker buddy or drifting haphazardly through one of East Idaho’s many

outdoor sport shops, it’s easy to feel like the gears in your head are vehemently spinning out of control — especially when some price tags are higher than the cost of your first used car.

Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to become one of the 40 million Americans who mountain bike annually, and in order to get the most bang for your buck, consider this list of recommendations as the “Crash Course in Mountain Biking 101,” the beginners guide, or the tips and tricks section of Mountain Biking for Dummies.

Finding a bike, For the price you likeIt’s safe to assume finding the right bike for the right price can be as stressful as washing a

red towel with a load of whites, only you’re wallet can’t be fixed by rewashing it with a cup of white vinegar. However, experts like Kirk Lepchenske, an employee at Barrie’s Ski and Sports in Pocatello, can make sure your financial investment pays off.

According to Lepchenske, the first and most important step when purchasing a bike is determining what style of riding you’ll be doing.

“By biking, are you talking about leisurely rides around paved trails at the Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre or six months from now do you see yourself riding up the gut at City Creek or some hard trails like that?” he asked. “Those questions will greatly narrow down

A crAsh course in mountAin bikingby Shelbie harriS

A variety of bikes for sale at Element Outfitters’ Bike Shop in Pocatello.


what type of bike you need to be on.”Though it might be tempting to pur-

chase an inexpensive $200 bike from a department store, avid hard-core bikers advise against it. These bikes may be af-fordable and the perfect fit for more lei-surely rides, but many Huffys, Mongooses and Pacifics found in big box stores are simply not built to withstand East Idaho’s often-rugged terrain.

Yes, some high-end bikes can run over $12,000. Lepchenske said jokingly that you’re not a real mountain biker if your car costs more than your bike. But the novice cyclist can get a decent quality bike for between $400-$700, and $1,000 will get you a first-rate high-end bike. Howev-er, the more money you invest in your kit, the more you’ll be rewarded in the end.

“If you take a department store bike out for your first ride and it’s not shift-ing right, it doesn’t handle right, or the wheels aren’t straight, it’s going to make for a miserable experience right off the bat,” Lepchenske said. “With mountain biking, as much or more as anything, you get what you pay for. If you spend the money on a nice bike, it will be more com-fortable, easier to maintain and ultimately make you more apt to get out and ride.”

Once you’ve purchased a bike, you can typically expect to spend $50-$100 per year in upkeep costs, according to Lep-chenske, with full tune-ups running from $30-$40.

The costs for maintaining a bike are measly when compared to the average yearly operating cost of owning and main-taining an automobile, which the Sierra Club estimates to cost more than $8,000.

gear and acceSSorieS: the abSolute and the optional

The amount of gear and accessories avail-able to mountain bikers runs the gamut from specialized shoes to padded shorts, perfor-mance-tracking computers to compressed car-bon dioxide canisters and life-saving helmets to protective gloves.

Though difficult, it’s important to deter-mine what’s absolute and what isn’t. First off, a downright necessity is a protective helmet. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates helmet use reduces the odds of head injury by 50 percent, and the odds of head, face or neck injury by 33 percent.

Like the bike itself, the type of helmet to invest in depends heavily on your style of riding. Landon Crawford, an employee at Element Outfitters in Pocatello, said there’s cross-country helmets that provide protec-tion to the top and back of the head, as well as full-faced helmets – similar to motorcycle helmets, which provide 360-degree protection and are intended for downhill and endurance style riding.

“A decent helmet can run $30-$40, but they can get expensive,” Lepchenske said, adding that when the price gets higher than $40, what you’re paying for is lightweight, good ventila-tion, adjustability and comfort. To encourage people to wear helmets, Barrie’s offers 20 percent off all helmets and other accessories.

Aside from the helmet, a pair of protective gloves is the other essential accessory for those looking to hit the trails. Crawford said the majority of bikers prefer to wear a glove that covers the entire hand. But for others, a glove with open fingers provides for a better grip and improved ventilation.

Other accessories recommended to

improve the experience include a CamelBak hydration pack or water bottle, a first aid kit, a spare tube and patch kit, and a collapsible tool kit to repair flat tires or to make adjustments on the fly.

get in, get out, and get FitDid you know it only takes two to four

hours a week to achieve a general improve-ment to your health?

It’s true, according to the Better Health Channel, which also claims cycling can help to protect you from serious conditions such as stroke, heart attack, some cancers, depres-sion, diabetes, obesity and arthritis.

Cycling is beneficial because it’s low impact, meaning it causes less strain and injuries than most other forms of exercise. It’s as intense as you want it, it’s a fun way to get fit and it’s easy, as most people know how to ride a bike … and once you learn, you don’t forget.

Kathleen “Waffles” Van Wesenbeeck, a Belgium native and mountain bike enthusi-ast who runs the bike shop at Element, said mountain biking is not only good for your physical health, but your mental health as well.

“Of course it’s a great form of exercise, but it also allows you to enjoy the outdoors in a way that’s different from driving around in a motorized vehicle,” she said. “It’s more peaceful, quieter and you can actually enjoy yourself more. On top of that, it’s a major adrenaline rush to go downhill, jump over rocks and go over trees.”

build a biking network and become interconnected

Once you’ve purchased a bike, acquired the gear and convinced yourself that riding a bike downhill at speeds upwards of 40 mph is a better way to exercise than hitting the treadmill for a few hours, it’s time to find others who love the sport as much as you do.

The first step should include taking your bike to any of the bike shops for a safety check and quality tune-up. While the experts look at your wheels, be sure to ask their favorite places to ride.

If you can’t take their word for it, then check out mtbproject.com, a website in partnership with the International Moun-tain Bicycling Association that provides a detailed listing of local trails and bike paths complete with reviews and ratings by fellow bikers. The Eastern Idaho page also provides a complete outline of all the trails online and the local trail listings, accompanied with directions to get to specific locations.


Befriending other cyclists will make biking more enjoyable.


In addition to working as a mountain bike expert at Barrie’s, Lepchenske recent-ly started the blog mountainbiking101.wordpress.com in hopes to connect those interested in the sport. The blog features first-hand accounts, tips and tricks, as well as links to other helpful resources.

In the summertime, Barrie’s hosts a “Wednesday Night Ride” in which people of all skill levels are welcome to partici-pate. Lepchenske said the trails for these rides usually run from upper-beginner to intermediate in terms of terrain but also feature a “no drop ride,” meaning no mat-ter how slow you go there will always be someone behind you with more experi-ence to help guide you along the way. Element is also planning to host a weekly ride event, but they are still in the process of working out the specifics.

Another great resource for those who are interested or already involved in mountain biking is Revival Sports Outlet, a sister store to Barrie’s that allows customers to sell their used equipment on consignment. Unlike other consignment stores, if the merchandise sells, 70 percent goes to the seller and 30 percent goes to Revival. Plus, those who frequent the store usually frequent the trails too, and that’s important when trying to branch out and build a network.

what are you waiting For?

If you’ve ever seen the Red Bull videos of extreme mountain biking, know that those are professionals in the sport with years of experience, and the terrain these individuals subject themselves to are handpicked to be the ultimate test of their skills and abilities.

You don’t have to expose yourself to the same grueling, precarious trails to have a good time. Yes, the likelihood of crashing at least once is inevitable with the sport of downhill mountain biking. But without the risk, would there be any room for reward?

“Ninety-nine percent of us are just people who are up there riding around on the trails for a good time,” Lepchenske said. “Two things are guaranteed with mountain biking: eventually you’re going to crash and eventually you’re going to get a flat tire. Considering the sport over-all, I think those two things are worth it in the end.”

tipS For getting the moSt out oF your bike

Don’t buy a bike from a Department store: The $200 huffys and Pacifics found aT big box sTores such as Wal-MarT can’T sTand uP To The rough Terrain of easT idaho.

$400-$700: A greenhorn should be able to pick up an adequate bike and all the necessary accessories for between $500 to $600. But the more money you put into your bike, the more you’ll get out of it.

not all accessories are essential: not every accessory is absolutely essential to protect yourself and get the most out of your riding experience. for example, while there are a variety of high-performance clothing options made from wicking material that keeps you cool and pulls sweat away from your skin, regular workout clothes will suffice for most beginner and intermediate riders.

But some accessories are essential: Ty Nelson, owner of East Fork Bikes in Pocatello, said a helmet, a first aid kit and a patch kit to repair flat tires are absolutely essential for any cyclist. If you’re are going to splurge on any accessory, make it your helmet.

More riding, more savings: Consider this — the Sierra Club estimates the average yearly operating cost of owning and maintaining an automobile is $8,220. The average operating cost of a bicycle is $308, a savings of almost $8,000 per year for the average American. Then consider the health care savings — a 2011 study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health said those who use their bikes for 30 minutes each day could see a reduction of $544 per year in individual health care costs. Plus, you’ll look pretty fit from all the excess weight you’ll lose.

more money, more durability: What distinguishes a $10,000 bike with a $500 bike is durability. if you are going to be hitting the roads and the trails pretty hard, you are going to need to invest more money. but a $1,000 bike can last 10 years or more if it is maintained properly.

be cautious of useD bikes: If you can’t pay out $500 to $1,000 for a new bIke, adequate used bIkes can usually be found on craIgslIst and In newspaper classIfIeds for as low as $150. but If you have to go that route, remember the old sayIng “buyer beware.” nelson saId to make sure to take the bIke on a test rIde before you buy and to make sure to Inspect the parts to make sure they are In proper workIng order. for example, If the brakes or the suspensIon system are In bad shape, replacIng them can cost more than what a brand new bIke would have cost you in the first place.

ask the hard-core riders: The mountain and road biking communities are incredibly friendly and always anxious to offer their advice on riding techniques and what gear will produce the best results. if you take their advice, your chances of success will rise substantially.


4 tips for mAking sure your bike fits your body

FrameCycling can be extremely arduous and

uncomfortable when the bike frame doesn’t fit your body.

If the bike is too big or too small, your performance will suffer because you won’t get the most power from your leg rotations while pedalling.

“The biggest thing is comfort,” said Jona-thon Hunt, manager at Barrie’s Ski and Sports. “You’ll ride faster and have more fun when you’re comfortable.”

A quick way to ensure a bike frame is suited for your body is to stand over the frame with both feet on the ground. There should be a clearance of about one to two inches between the frame and your groin area.

pedalSWhen pedaling, your knees should be directly

above the pedal. If your knees are excessively bent, your bike is

probably too small. Plus, being in a cramped position on a bike

limiwts your performance and could cause knee injuries.

If the frame is too big, leg rotation will be hindered, which will limit your speed and per-formance.

SeatEvery cyclist has a personal preference regard-

ing the size and position of their seat (or saddle). Some like to ride high, some like to ride low, some like skinny saddles and some like wide saddles with lots of padding.

Your bike seat should be in the position where your leg is almost completely straight at the bot-tom of a pedal rotation.

handlebarSYour hands, arms, back, neck and shoulders

should feel relaxed when you’re riding. If any of these points feel stressed during the ride, this could indicate a problem with handlebar place-ment.

On most bikes, the height of the handlebars is fixed. But if your bike allows you to adjust the height of the handlebars, it can make a major difference in preventing or alleviating lower back pain.

The handlebar height should not force you to lean over excessively to the point of feeling stretched. But you don’t want to be perfectly upright either, because every bump on the road or trail will be absorbed by the spine, which can cause chronic back pain over long rides.

Like many of these tips, experimentation is key to finding what suits you best.

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DIYit’s been a long, cold winter. unless you’re one of the few hard-core riders who like to ride in

the snowy weather, your bike has most likely been sitting unused in your garage for at least six months. Keeping a bike sedentary and unused for so long can cause problems with its many mechanisms and components. This quick guide will help you shake the winter blues off your bike and get it prepped for a long summer of riding.

Tires • Check the sidewalls to make sure they are not cracked or dry rotted. if you see damage, it’s time to replace your tires. a replacement set of tires can run between $20 and $50.• Make sure your tire pressure is adequate by using a tire gauge. The proper Psi measurements should be on the sidewall.


braKe asseMblies• Before riding your bike, make sure the brake arms and shoes function properly and are properly positioned. over time, brake components can be damaged through normal wear-and-tear and fail to work properly. if the brake components are not working properly, take your bike to a professional mechanic for repairs. • Tighten any screws or bolts in the brake assemblies.

chain• Clean grime from your bike chain with a towel. afterward, make sure the chain is properly lubricated. Keep in mind that a little chain lubricant goes a long way — if you use too much, you’ll create a giant, sticky mess. chain lubricants can run between $5 to $15.• A chain wear indicator will show if your bike chain will need to be replaced.

BIkeMaIntenance


driveTrain• Have a professional bike mechanic inspect the drivetrain at least once a year. if you are a hard-core mountain biker, you should have it inspected twice a year, preferably in the spring and fall. out of all the components of you mountain bike, the drivetrain has the most moving parts. damage to either the bike chain, the cassette and the derailleurs can cost the riders hundreds of dollars to repair.

braKes• If you hear a loud squeaky sound when you hit the brakes, your brake pads need to be replaced. you can also tell if your brake pads need replacing through the fingerprint method — if you press your thumb against the pad and your fingerprint doesn’t show up, your pads need replacement.

sTanchions• After every ride, clean the stanchions with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution, making sure to remove grime near the seals. • Inspect the stanchions for any nicks or deep scratches. damages like this will severely ham-pered the performance of your suspension.

susPension• Mountain bike suspension systems need to be ser-viced by a professional mechanic at least once a year. • If your bike fork runs off air, using a shock pump ev-ery now and then to replace the air in the bike will help give the rider a smoother ride on the trails. a shock pump costs between $40 to $75 and can used on the fork in a matter of seconds.

braKe levers• Remove any noticeable dirt and grime from around the brake levers and handlebars.

braKe cables• Inspect the cables for any fraying or rust. if you see damage, the cables will prob-ably need to be replaced by a mechanic. • Every few months, clean any dirt from the brake cables and add a small amount of lubrication near the cable housings.


12 ~ XTREME IDAHO ~ SPRING EDITION 2016 ~ IDAHO STATE JOURNAL12 ~ XTREME IDAHO ~ SPRING EDITION 2016 ~ IDAHO STATE JOURNAL

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is an incredibly fun activity. But for those who are ill-equipped for a ride in the wilderness, the activity can also be dangerous. Preparation is key to staying safe. The follow-ing checklist will help you make sure you have the proper gear on your ride so you can deal with sudden obstacles, such as a debili-tating injury, flat tires or just getting lost. We even included some blank spaces so you can add your own preferred gear.

Gear Checklist

XTREME IDAHO ~ SPRING EDITION 2016 ~ IDAHO STATE JOURNAL ~ 13XTREME IDAHO ~ SPRING EDITION 2016 ~ IDAHO STATE JOURNAL ~ 13

Protective Gearq Helmetq Elbow padsq Shin guardsq ___________q ___________

Clothingq Glovesq Sunglassesq Raingearq windbreakerq Extra set of socksq Bandanaq ___________q ___________

Repairsq Patch kit

q Spare tubesq Spare tireq Portable tire pumpq Tire leversq Lubricantq Knifeq Bike multi-toolq Co2 inflator with cartridgesq Duct tapeq ___________q ___________

Navigationq Compassq Mapsq Guidebooksq Trail permit

q ___________q ___________

Electronicsq GPS or cell phoneq Extra batter-iesq Cameraq Flashlightq Headlightq Taillightq ___________q ___________

Personalq Wallet with cash, credit cards and IDq Snacksq Performance

foods/drinksq Sunscreenq Lip balmq Bug sprayq Chamois creamq Small towelsq Paper towelsq Toilet paperq ___________q ___________

Safetyq First aid kitq Soapq whistleq Bear bellq Mirrorq ___________q ___________q ___________

559 S. 5th Street • 208-235-1311 • Pocatello

YOU GOT IT!


by david aShby

how awesome are gopro cameras? In the 12 years since the Gopro 35mm hero was first released, the cam-eras have taken the world of extreme sports by storm. but what makes a gopro camera unique is its acces-sibility. for about $500 or less, anybody can purchase one of these devices. But making a video that stands out from the millions of other similar videos littering You-tube and facebook requires skill, technique and a little luck. the following six tips should help you get the most out of your Gopro camera.

don’t produce an epicthink about this — one third of all viewers stop watch-

ing online videos after 30 seconds. after 90 seconds, over half of all viewers have abandoned the video entirely.

the whole point of creating videos is for the enjoyment of online audiences. the problem is that online audi-ences have extremely short attention spans. if you want to have any chance of your video going viral, you have to grab peoples’ attention quickly, preferably within the first few minutes.

so when you get down to the editing phase, make sure the most interesting portion of the video is depicted early on, because the likelihood that people will wait five minutes to watch your awesome jump is incredibly slim.

plan out the narrativea truly captivating storyline is normally composed of

an introduction, a crisis, a climax and a resolution. Knowing from the previous tip that more than half of all

viewers tune out after 90 seconds, it’s easy to see how daunting it can be to try to create something interesting enough to pull viewers away from funny cat videos and toward your footage. But it can be done.

try to plan out your narrative ahead of schedule, even focusing heavily on a difficult and potentially hazardous section of your ride. Utilizing fast-motion during slow or largely irrelevant spots in the footage, as well as slow-motion during key sequences, can improve your story and produce a far more interesting video.

Keep in mind that capturing before and after footage can be key to adding comedy or emotional impact to a video. sometimes an off-the-cuff reaction after hitting a big jump or crashing and burning is the best part.

6 tips for creAting the best videos with your gopro



get the beSt mountOne of features that makes

the Gopro stand out is the user’s ability to mount it just about anywhere.

some of the strangest (and coolest) places we’ve seen include attaching it to a kite in flight, a dog collar and the tip of a sword. for point-of-view mountain biking videos, the most popular places for mounts seem to be on top of the helmet, on the handle-bars and on the rider’s chest.

But finding which mounts work best usually requires some experimentation. riding around with a camera on top of your head can feel weird, especially after long distances, while some riders using the handlebar mounts on rough trails have complained about the resulting video being too bumpy and jar-ring to watch.

Before using a mount on a big ride, test run it first. Watch the ensuing images afterward to make sure you’re getting the best video possible. there’s nothing worse than pedaling to the top of the mountain, only to realize later that your resulting footage is unusable.

diFFerent angleSever seen those pOV videos on

Youtube of a biker riding through the woods. You watch closely, thinking something cool is going to happen. But there’s nothing. Just riding. One angle, boring as hell.

sure, not every video you make is going to go viral. Most of the time, your personal video docu-ments will not set the internet on fire.

But you can definitely create more interesting videos by uti-lizing different angles. there’s the standard handlebar, helmet and chest mounts — try using all three for differing points in your ride. You can also have a friend film you as you ride. Be innovative with the mount, and don’t be afraid to pull out the old duct tape.

the whole idea is to get as many different angles as pos-sible. that way, when you get to your computer for editing, you have far more to work with.

keep an eye on the wi-FiWhat’s particularly great about

Gopro can also be a drain… a literal drain on the battery.

Yes, the Wi-fi allows you to view live footage on your phone. But keeping Wi-fi on for long periods of time can destroy the life of your batteries. always make sure that when you shut down the Gopro to shut down the Wi-fi as well. Otherwise, the blue Wi-fi light will keep blinking and eventually drain the life out of your batteries. Gopro cameras are compact devices that capture action-packed, high-resolution videos. those small batteries get worn down quickly.

With that being said, investing in extra batteries is also a good idea. You don’t want to spend an hour riding to an isolated destina-tion, only to realize that your sole battery is stone dead.

have a lot oF FriendSpersonally, i hate facebook. for whatever reason, this site

tends to transform the most sane, normally reasonable people into foul-mouthed, moronic blowhards the minute they log into their facebook accounts.

But when it comes to promot-ing news and multimedia, face-book is arguably the best place to go. Yes, sites like Youtube and Vimeo are perfect places to host videos. But oftentimes, the videos just sit there.

that’s where facebook comes in. think of facebook as a deliv-ery vessel that distributes your videos to like-minded people through their news feeds. When you have lots of friends on face-book, you have a larger audience that can react and share your videos to others. that’s normally how a video goes viral, simply through the act of sharing a post on facebook.


Photo by Doug LindleyGoPro cameras are used by athletes in a number of extreme sports, including motocross racing, surfing and skateboarding. With the right protective mount, you can even drive straight through a puddle of mud.


by david aShby

“Fuller Figured Bry-an.”

At one time, that was Bryan Gee’s nick-

name. The Pocatello resident once weighed 220 pounds, an extremely unhealthy weight for his 5’7” frame. Besides the light ribbing from his friends, he was also suffering from a myriad of health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cho-lesterol, chronic heartburn, chronic kidney stones and pre-diabetes.

“I was pre-diabetic when I was 34,” he said. “My health insurance was expensive because of my lifestyle and I wasn’t doing a lot of the things I wanted to do.”

But it was an embarrassing moment at his job at Idaho State University in 2008 that caused him to make a giant lifestyle change.

“As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Associate Professor at ISU, I sometimes have to play with the kids on the floor,” he recalls. “When I got up, I heard a tear and asked, ‘what is this.’ I ripped my pants getting off the floor.”

Gee called the moment an “awakening” and quickly started taking steps to living a healthier lifestyle. By the end of his journey four years later, he would successfully lose over a quarter of his bodyweight.

During his high school days, Gee was a competitive road cyclist. But with college and the start of a career, Gee had let this pasttime slip away and he started gaining unhealthy fat. He said most of his weight gain occurred when he was living in Buffalo, New York, before moving to Pocatello in 2007.

His weight gain was especially apparent when his new employers at ISU gave him a walking tour of the campus.

“After 20 minutes I was out of breath,” he said. “I couldn’t take the slopes on East Terry and Memorial Drive.”

Since he had a road bike collecting dust in his home, he decided to start pedaling for more exercise. It was a tough transition.

“In 2008, the first time I rode from ISU to AMI, which is what ON Semiconductor used to be called, I had to stop six times,” he said. “It took an hour to complete.”

Knowing he wouldn’t be able to lose the weight without the support of similarly minded people, he sought out a community of cyclists.

“I joined the Idaho Cycling Enthusiasts (ICE), and that really was the catalyst,” Gee said. “Alex Urfer and Dave Hachey took me under their wing and I learned how to train.”

Not only did he actively participate in the group’s rides and hillclimbs, he also received nutritional tips from the other members. In time, the excess weight started to drip away.

“It wasn’t rapid,” he said. “It was gradual, Continued on Page 36

From Flab

to FitHOW A POCATELLO MAN LOST OvER 1/4 OF HIS BODYWEIGHT BY CYCLING

Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

2240 East CEntEr PoCatEllo, ID | 208-233-8344

a Aaron Altenburg, MD Matthew McKinlay, PA-C

Greg Ford, MD Tanner Mitton, PA-C

Scott Huneycutt, MD Annie Dixon, PA-C

Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery

Pain Management

Elizabeth Gerard, MD

Stephen M. Maloff, MD

Ryan Hope, MD Adrian Turpin, PA-C

Timothy Snell, MD

Neurosurgery and Neurology


Story by Shelbie harriS/photoS by doug lindley

after a great winter season, the time has come to hang up the skis and boards and shake the cobwebs off the moun-tain bike. getting your bike tuned up is high on the list of priorities, but so is making sure your body is back in shape and accustomed to the strenuous activity of mountain biking. All cyclists and mountain bikers — from the first-time recreational biker to those looking to improve their performance — will benefit from adding resistance-training exer-cises to their programs. below are six basic exercises to wake those muscles up after a season of hibernation. all exercises can be completed without weights, but weights can be added for those who need a little extra power.

stationary bikeMuscles Targeted: Quads, Hamstrings and CalvesThere’s nothing better for a cyclist to prepare for the mountain biking season than hopping on a stationary bike. The exercise simulates what a rider would experience out on the trail, and according to cam-eron Sato, a private certified personal trainer, the best method for getting those lower extremities back in action is high intensity interval training (hiiT). spend 60 long seconds with the bike on one of the lowest settings, 30 seconds on one of the harder settings and then rotate for as many sets as you can do for 20 to 30 minutes.

siDe LungeMuscles Targeted: Glutes, Quads

for this exercise, stand with your feet shoulder width apart. then take a large step to the side, keeping your foot forward. With control, slowly bend your knee, moving your bodyweight over the leg, ensur-

ing your knee is kept above your foot and weight through the heel. Chance Muntean, the fitness director at Gold’s Gym in Pocatello, recommends 12 to 15 repetitions and said this exercise will help

strengthen the glutes and the quads for hill climbs.


pLanksMuscles Targeted: Abs, Glutes, Adductors (Hips), Quads, Hamstringslike the side lunge, this exercise requires no extra equipment other than your bodyweight. Start lying face down on the floor or a mat. Then bring your arms underneath your shoul-ders. Keeping your core tight and your stomach drawn in, slowly lift your hips and torso up, suspending your body on your elbows and toes while keeping your shoulders, hips and heels in line. hold for 30 to 60 seconds. nicolle clay, the personal training director at fitness inc. in Pocatello, believes an overall body workout is essential, but experience in her cycling classes has shown her that core strength is essential. This exercise strengthens the muscles in your core, giving you stability and providing more power and endurance throughout your ride.

HorizontaL puLL-upsMuscles Targeted: Biceps, Shoulders, Lower Back, Rhomboids

Though focusing on lower body strength and conditioning is crucial for mountain biking, be sure not to neglect the upper body muscles as well. This exercise targets the later-als, rhomboids and biceps. all you need for this exercise is a bar around chest height. start by facing the bar and lowering your body under it. Muntean said you must keep

your heels on the ground and remain in a straight posture from head to feet. slowly pull your chest toward the bar and lower back until your arms are straight. complete 12

to 15 repetitions. This exercise strengthens the muscles in your arms and lower back, providing muscular balance and preventing injuries caused by any sudden impacts.

Hip fLexorsMuscles Targeted: Hip Flexors, GlutesThe hips are an important muscle group when it comes to riding or cycling, and it’s im-portant to ensure those areas are as limber and strong as possible. The first step with hip flexors is to come unglued. This can be accomplished by finding something to roll on. anything will do, such as foam rollers, lacrosse or tennis balls, Pvc pipe or anything else lying around the house or gym. To work these tissues, move into plank position with the rolling device positioned between the iliac crest (no, it’s not a rare species of bird, but your upper pelvic region) and the floor. Slowly roll the device laterally several inches at a time. once the muscles are unglued, you can then focus on extensibility. adopt a kneeling position in front of something you can use to hold your back foot up. squeeze your glutes and hamstrings, which will push your hips forward. hold for at least 60 seconds. Clay said the rotation of the hip flexors is an important process of pedaling and its wise to ensure those muscles are well-developed.

squats anD pistoL squatsMuscles Targeted: Quads, Hams, Hip Flexors, Adductors (Hips), Lower Back

last, but certainly not least, are leg squats. according to sato, these actions mimic the act of forcing the pedal down to the ground and providing force and strength when

climbing hills or looking for that extra bit of “umph” for the homestretch. start by standing feet hip-width apart. for pistol squats, you will move your weight and balance on one

leg. Move your free leg in front of you and slowly lower your body, performing a single leg squat. a normal squat involves the same principles, only with both legs. Muntean

said that ensuring the knee doesn’t pass the toe on pistol squats is essential. complete 12 to 15 repetitions per leg or in total for regular squats.


X

X

X

X

X

AN

D

I

I

I

I

I

Major Trail Descriptions Miles

City Creek Trail: Main single track trail which meanders along City 2.75Creek. Total elevation gain for the trail is 930 feet.

Lower City Creek Trail: The lower portion of the City Creek Trail is 1.21defined as the stretch from the Grant Street Parking Lot to Bridge 10. Some rocks and obstacles are present as well as a few small steep grades. This section is recommended as a Biker-One-Way-Uphill from Bridge 1 to 10. Use special caution at Bridges 7, 8,& 9.

Upper City Creek Trail: The Upper City Creek Trail is comprised of 1.54the section from Bridge 10 to the connection to Kinport Road. Some rocks, roots and obstacles are present as well as a few steep grades. Use caution for the hill section between Bridges 10 & 11.

911 & Lifeflight: 911 is a downhill only, classic CCMA roller coaster 0.76ride for skilled bikers. The adjacent Lifeflight Trail is an escape route for 911, is less challenging, and bi-directional.

Bench Trail: Alternate to the “up the gut” section of the City Creek 1.21Trail, this trail can be rocky and rutty.

Black Cairn: Fast single track leading from the top of the Outlaw 1.37Trail towards the “Old Dairy”. Check your brakes!

Bump Trail: Main single track connector to Cusick Creek. 0.65

Burrito: Single track “side loop” around Death Valley. 0.71

Cusick Creek Road: This is an alternate route to Kinport Peak, 3.72although the upper reach is very rocky and technical. Only the lower 2.13 mile section is within the CCMA.

Death Valley: Challenging single track up a small ravine. 1.08

City Creek/Kinport Road: The longest road/trail in the CCMA 5.38which accesses Kinport Peak. Only the lower 3.4 mile stretch is within the CCMA.

The Grove: This serpentine, technical single track travels through 0.90an aspen grove and is a great alternative to the North Fork road for hikers/bikers.

Lichen: A nice single track for hiking and biking, this trail winds 0.39through a shallow draw filled with flowers.

Mushroom: Tough, single track alternative to the last mile of the 0.87Upper City Creek Trail.

North Fork: Main motorized route north of City Creek. The 1.92majority of this route travels through BLM land which begins a short distance east of the cattle guard crossing.

Over the Top: Challenging climb with switchbacks and views. 3.77

Prison Trail: One of the original biking “loops”, this single track 0.69provides the most direct access to Cusick Creek via the Bump Trail. Although most of the trail is easy, watch for the steep section through Death Valley.

Serengeti: This combination of single and double track helps 1.23provide motorized access to the southern & eastern portions of the CCMA. Tread lightly here as it travels through sensitive wildlife habitat. The length of South Serengeti is approximately 1.18 miles.

Sullivan’s: Arguably the CCMA’s most scenic trail, this carefully 1.20carved, technical single track connects Serengeti to Mushroom and the main City Creek Trail.

Switchback: This great climbing run connects Black Cairn to 1.55White Cairn. White Cairn: Fun, single track connector to Bridge 11. 1.43

City CreekManagement Area

Trail System

For more information contact:

City of Pocatello Parks & Recreation144 Wilson Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83201

208.232.3901

Map by Bruce Olenick

Revision: 2.0 (05/10/12)[email protected]

CALES

½ mile

SCALE

Be Respectful!!

Because some of the trails cross private land, it is important to stay on the marked trails. Landowners have been kind to allow public access on select trails so we must repay the generosity by respecting their land. Travel off marked trails is trespassing and puts at risk the future of public access on private land.

YIELD to ALL

YIELDTO

SHARE THE TRAIL

Trail Key

Paved Road

Non-motorized Single/Double Track

Multi-use Motorized Single/DoubleTrack (<24”)

N

S

WE

End of Trail

Gate

I

X

Creek

Parking

Caution!

Bridge & Number15

Bike One Way

Multi-use Motorized DoubleTrack (<50”)

Easy

Intermediate

Difficult

Extremely Difficult

Trail Difficulty Rating:

Closed

CCMA Boundary

Hill (>20% grade)

Trail Intersection

<50” >50”<24”

<50” >50”<24”

<24” >50”<50”

Multi-use 4x4 Double Track (>50”)<50” >50”<24”

!

!

Centennial Park

Lower Lots

Upper Lot

Limited Parking

Rainey Park

Old Dairy

Water Tank

Women’sCorrectional

Facility

Church

WaterTank

Water Tank

Cross-cut

Priso

n

Fenceline

Dea

th V

alle

y

nilatiR

Bum

p T

rail

Lichen

Switchback

Dairy

Roc

ky P

oint

911

eno

C

Bail

otirruB

otirru

B

llivuS ans

To Kinport Peak

evorG ehT

Ben

ch

Trai

l

Se h rt euo nS geti

DNA

Outla

w

Old Two Track

Old Two Track

Lower O

utla

w

nriaC kcalB

North Fork

Tank

Road

To Kinport Peak

kcarT eniL egdiR

kc

arT

eni

L e

gdi

R

Old

T

wo Tra

ck

Serengeti

To Kinport Peak

daoR keerC kcisuC

Sandy LaneCanyon Drive

Gw

en D

rive

Skylin

e Driv

e

West

Fre

emont Trail Creek Road

Clark

Stre

et

Lincoln Avenue

Benton S

treet

South G

rant

Rock

y P

oin

t R

oad

Fore Road

City

Cre

ek R

oad

South Grant

evirD weivyellaV

daoR evCo

Portneuf Greenway

Gate

Gate

Cattle Guard

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

4

6

1078

9

1

3

5

2

Gate

Gate

Portneuf R

iver

Cusick Creek

Trai

l Cre

ek


X

X

X

X

X

AN

D

I

I

I

I

I

Major Trail Descriptions Miles

City Creek Trail: Main single track trail which meanders along City 2.75Creek. Total elevation gain for the trail is 930 feet.

Lower City Creek Trail: The lower portion of the City Creek Trail is 1.21defined as the stretch from the Grant Street Parking Lot to Bridge 10. Some rocks and obstacles are present as well as a few small steep grades. This section is recommended as a Biker-One-Way-Uphill from Bridge 1 to 10. Use special caution at Bridges 7, 8,& 9.

Upper City Creek Trail: The Upper City Creek Trail is comprised of 1.54the section from Bridge 10 to the connection to Kinport Road. Some rocks, roots and obstacles are present as well as a few steep grades. Use caution for the hill section between Bridges 10 & 11.

911 & Lifeflight: 911 is a downhill only, classic CCMA roller coaster 0.76ride for skilled bikers. The adjacent Lifeflight Trail is an escape route for 911, is less challenging, and bi-directional.

Bench Trail: Alternate to the “up the gut” section of the City Creek 1.21Trail, this trail can be rocky and rutty.

Black Cairn: Fast single track leading from the top of the Outlaw 1.37Trail towards the “Old Dairy”. Check your brakes!

Bump Trail: Main single track connector to Cusick Creek. 0.65

Burrito: Single track “side loop” around Death Valley. 0.71

Cusick Creek Road: This is an alternate route to Kinport Peak, 3.72although the upper reach is very rocky and technical. Only the lower 2.13 mile section is within the CCMA.

Death Valley: Challenging single track up a small ravine. 1.08

City Creek/Kinport Road: The longest road/trail in the CCMA 5.38which accesses Kinport Peak. Only the lower 3.4 mile stretch is within the CCMA.

The Grove: This serpentine, technical single track travels through 0.90an aspen grove and is a great alternative to the North Fork road for hikers/bikers.

Lichen: A nice single track for hiking and biking, this trail winds 0.39through a shallow draw filled with flowers.

Mushroom: Tough, single track alternative to the last mile of the 0.87Upper City Creek Trail.

North Fork: Main motorized route north of City Creek. The 1.92majority of this route travels through BLM land which begins a short distance east of the cattle guard crossing.

Over the Top: Challenging climb with switchbacks and views. 3.77

Prison Trail: One of the original biking “loops”, this single track 0.69provides the most direct access to Cusick Creek via the Bump Trail. Although most of the trail is easy, watch for the steep section through Death Valley.

Serengeti: This combination of single and double track helps 1.23provide motorized access to the southern & eastern portions of the CCMA. Tread lightly here as it travels through sensitive wildlife habitat. The length of South Serengeti is approximately 1.18 miles.

Sullivan’s: Arguably the CCMA’s most scenic trail, this carefully 1.20carved, technical single track connects Serengeti to Mushroom and the main City Creek Trail.

Switchback: This great climbing run connects Black Cairn to 1.55White Cairn. White Cairn: Fun, single track connector to Bridge 11. 1.43

City CreekManagement Area

Trail System

For more information contact:

City of Pocatello Parks & Recreation144 Wilson Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83201

208.232.3901

Map by Bruce Olenick

Revision: 2.0 (05/10/12)[email protected]

CALES

½ mile

SCALE

Be Respectful!!

Because some of the trails cross private land, it is important to stay on the marked trails. Landowners have been kind to allow public access on select trails so we must repay the generosity by respecting their land. Travel off marked trails is trespassing and puts at risk the future of public access on private land.

YIELD to ALL

YIELDTO

SHARE THE TRAIL

Trail Key

Paved Road

Non-motorized Single/Double Track

Multi-use Motorized Single/DoubleTrack (<24”)

N

S

WE

End of Trail

Gate

IX

Creek

Parking

Caution!

Bridge & Number15

Bike One Way

Multi-use Motorized DoubleTrack (<50”)

Easy

Intermediate

Difficult

Extremely Difficult

Trail Difficulty Rating:

Closed

CCMA Boundary

Hill (>20% grade)

Trail Intersection

<50” >50”<24”

<50” >50”<24”

<24” >50”<50”

Multi-use 4x4 Double Track (>50”)<50” >50”<24”

!

!

Centennial Park

Lower Lots

Upper Lot

Limited Parking

Rainey Park

Old Dairy

Water Tank

Women’sCorrectional

Facility

Church

WaterTank

Water Tank

Cross-cut

Priso

n

Fenceline

Dea

th V

alle

y

nilatiR

Bum

p T

rail

Lichen

Switchback

Dairy

Roc

ky P

oint

911

eno

C

Bail

otirruB

otirru

B

llivuS ans

To Kinport Peak

evorG ehT

Ben

ch

Trai

l

Se h rt euo nS geti

DNA

Outla

w

Old Two Track

Old Two Track

Lower O

utla

w

nriaC kcalB

North Fork

Tank

Road

To Kinport Peak

kcarT eniL egdiR

kc

arT

eni

L e

gdi

R

Old

T

wo Tra

ck

Serengeti

To Kinport Peak

daoR keerC kcisuC

Sandy LaneCanyon Drive

Gw

en D

rive

Skylin

e Driv

e

West

Fre

emont Trail Creek Road

Clark

Stre

et

Lincoln Avenue

Benton S

treet

South G

rant

Rock

y P

oin

t R

oad

Fore Road

City

Cre

ek R

oad

South Grant

evirD weivyellaV

daoR evCo

Portneuf Greenway

Gate

Gate

Cattle Guard

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

4

6

1078

9

1

3

5

2

Gate

Gate

Portneuf R

iver

Cusick Creek

Trai

l Cre

ek


top beginner, intermediAte And AdvAnced trAils in pocAtello

by bruce olenick

5Valve House — up and back (West fork tH)

similar to the West fork Trail across the street, valve house offers a double-track climb up the northern sections of scout Moun-tain. starting slowly up this trail, you will climb approximately 900 feet in about 2.5 miles before valve house starts getting decidedly steeper. it might be at this point that you turn around at the intersection of the upper blind springs Trail and head back to the car at West fork. once in shape, however, you can continue up the trail to the top of valve house springs for another 1.5 miles. from here, you can come back down the Windago Trail to the south fork Mink creek road or continue the slog up scout Mountain, where valve house eventually connects to the east fork Trail along scout’s western flank. But by this time, you’ll be an intermediate rider...

beginner

1city creek beginner’s Loop (Junior

pedalfest race) — (Lower city creek tH)

starting at the lower city creek Trailhead, a beginner can travel up the city creek Trail for a 1/4 mile before turning left up the bench Trail (not over the bridge/creek) to continue to the top of the bench. This initial climb is the tough-est part of the ride. once there, stay left along the rim Trail, by-passing death valley and merging with Lifeflight (along 911). Make another left on the Prison Trail for a short distance and then turn right onto burrito. Take this trail for 1/4 mile and make another right onto crosscut. This trail will take you back to the bench Trail for an easy downhill trek back to the parking lot. This 3.4 mile loop will challenge you initially, but after several rides you’ll be mastering some simple climbing, rock scampering and switchback turning.

2sacajawea parkThis city of Pocatello Park along the Portneuf river offers some walking and bike riding

trails right in town. although short in distance, you can lengthen your ride to connect to the larger greenway trail system and travel north or south of sacajawea. This area is not very chal-lenging, but is a great place to start if you haven’t been on a bike for a while or you are getting the kids out for some exercise.

3kirkham trail (south Valley connector/south 2nd tH)

This paved trail offers some basic skill training for the beginner mountain biker. There are a few op-portunities along this trail to travel on gravel or dirt, but the bulk of the distance is paved. This is also a popular jogging trail, so please yield the right-of-way.

4West fork mink creek — elk meadows — (West fork tH)

This “go to” trail maintains its status as one of the area’s favorites. The first several miles of West fork is a good beginner trail and allows for a newbie to “go as far as you can” before turning around back to the parking lot. This ride offers a steady gradual climb through a Douglas fir forest and tops out at a beaver pond complex. once in shape and you make it to the gate at the top of West fork after a 3.5-mile climb, you are rewarded with a spectacular view of elk Meadows. from here, your trail options increase dramatically and you’re on your way to becoming an intermediate rider.

View from City Creek’s Bench Trail


intermediate

2Valve House — upper blind springs —

Windago — south fork Loop (West fork tH)

starting off rather inconspicuously along a two-track trail, valve house climbs gradually along scout Mountain’s northwest flank. While there are several varia-tions to this ride, the most varied path is had by turn-ing at the “second left” ap-proximately 2.3 miles up the trail onto upper blind springs. This well-shaded double track yields a rather stiff climb to the ridge line and then levels off as the trail nears the intersection of the east fork and the termination of valve house. com-ing down valve house is hoot for about 2.2 miles, and then a quick left puts you onto the ever-fun Windago. after roller coasting along an intermit-tent stream for about two miles, the trail emerges on the south fork of Mink creek road. Traveling downhill on 3 miles of im-proved gravel and asphalt puts you back at the West fork Trailhead. This 12.3 mile “loop” clocks in as an intermediate “plus” loop in the Pocatello area.

4Butterfly Loop — City Creek — Bench — Death Valley — Lichen — sullivan’s — gut — cone — grove — outlaw — black

cairn — switchback — White cairn Loop (Lower city creek tH)

This “loop” in the city creek Management area (ccMa) is among the most popular in the complex. The trail begins in the lower city creek Trailhead and travels up the bench Trail to death valley. offering the rhythmic swings of traveling up the death valley drainage and veering off onto lichen through prime songbird habitat, this route continues with a sidewinding and exhilarating trip along sullivan’s Trail. next, one simply follows the main gut of the city creek Trail back down to the creek crossing 200 yards past bridge 12 over to “cone.” a new connector has been completed by some hard-working boy scouts to connect the existing cone Trail to the grove Trail.

1slate mountain (Dry fork) — tick (cow springs) — West fork

— gibson Loop (gibson Jack tH)

This intermediate “plus” ride is the one with the most “views.” starting at the gibson Jack Trailhead and traveling up the left-hand fork to dry creek, the trail follows a narrow canyon, crossing Dry Creek five times before starting up the grade to the slate Mountain saddle. once crested at mile three, the trail remains at 6,000 feet (give or take 100) for the next 2.6 miles. after skirting slate Mountain, a right turn onto Tick (cow springs) for a little less than a mile brings you down to the West fork of Mink creek crossing and the West fork trail on the other side. Turning right on West fork, travel another 2 miles uphill to the junction of the crystal/elk Meadows trail and make yet another right (it is a loop, you know). finally, at approximately 1.4 miles across elk Meadows, turn right on a short up-trail that brings you to the “pink” gate at the top of the gibson Jack drainage. now it is a 3.7-mile bomb back to the trailhead along gibson Jack creek. This is one of the best loop trails in the area, and it’s filled with spectacu-lar vistas, creek crossings, screaming downhills and moderate climbs. at 13.4 miles, it doesn’t get much better than this.

3Wiggle Worm — (bLm buckskin tH)ready for some climbing? Wiggle Worm offers

a fun 1,000-foot climb covering approximately 3 miles of trail through juniper and sage. sidestepping the north arm of chinese Peak, the full loop travels along federal lands ending at barton road and return-ing via american road to the buckskin parking lot for a total trip of about 7.5 miles. although not super-technical, this trail requires some side-hilling skill and plenty of stamina.

continued on page 24

Slate Mountain panorama.

Sullivan’s Trail in the fall.


advanced

1skinny Loop (upper city creek tH)although it’s been around a while, this seldom used trail is one of the more aggressive sustained trail climbs in the area. de-

spite its easy-flowing nature, this tight, technical switchback-laden loop is one 3-mile gut-buster, especially riding it in a clockwise direction. don’t leave your lungs and legs at home on skinny, or you’ll crash and burn. it is most easily accessed off of the rocky Point Trailhead, or you can ride up the north fork of city creek and come down black cairn where this trail cuts to the north at the intersection of switchback, black cairn and dairy. riding this trail counter-clockwise is easier, but be prepared for a 300-foot drop in a little more than a 1/2 mile on the return. Woohoo!

The grove is characterized by tight, twisty-turny singletrack through an aspen grove creating this mile-long “funship.” once emerging from the trees, climb up outlaw until reaching the saddle between the north fork drainage and the “black cairn” drainage. Travel below the ridge line for yet another 1/2 mile before making a strong right turn onto the black cairn trail. check your brakes and be prepared for a swoopy-scream for a mile until the in-tersection with the uphill portion of switch-back Trail. This will take you up and over the top of the ridgeline to White cairn and near the upper Trailhead. continue travel-ing to the city creek trail on White cairn and rejoin the creek at bridge 11. This awesome 11.3-mile loop takes in some of the best terrain the ccMa has to offer!

2sterling Justice (gibson Jack tH/cusick creek tH)

Named for the first Pocatello forest ranger, this 6.5-mile long trail end-to-end is the latest masterpiece in a long line of classic single-tracks in the area. Taking a little over a year to build, the sterling Justice trail connects the gibson Jack creek drainage to the city creek drainage on the west side of the city of Pocatello. While the trail maintains a relatively constant elevation around 6,200 feet for approximately 2 miles, getting there is another story. The climb on the cusick creek side is better left to advanced-intermediate to expert riders, with its eight switchbacks and 1,200-foot elevation rise in less than 3 miles. The climb on the gibson Jack side takes a more leisurely pace, reaching 6,200 feet in 4.5 miles. from trailhead-to-trailhead, the sterling Justice trek is all of 9 miles. The ride itself is technical and includes a little bit of everything that one may expect from sub-alpine rid-ing — rock gardens, exposure, tight aspen groves, switchbacks, cactus and sage. also, keep in mind that the ride on either end begins on two-track before meet-ing up with the sterling Justice single-track at 0.77 miles and 1.66 miles on gibson and cusick creek, respectively. as an added bonus, you are greeted with a spectacular overlook located at the halfway point of the trail. Just follow the short 500-foot side trail through the juniper grove for an unmatched view of the city below.

continued from page 23

3West city creek — over the top from cusick (any city creek tH)

The over the Top Trail, which connects the cusick creek and city creek drainages, remains a frequent choice among the area’s hard-core mountain biking enthusi-asts. The climb over the long arm of Kinport Peak is best made from the cusick creek side if you prefer a more slow and gradual ascent through a series of well-crafted switchbacks embedded in groves of aspen. More aggressive riders attack over the Top from the city creek side, attempting to “clear” the nine consecutive switchbacks without stopping. To give you an idea of the steepness of this accordion-like trail segment, the trail goes straight up 115 feet in less than a quarter mile — a pretty good “pull” using anyone’s stan-dard. expect long rock gardens, steep exposure in places, and tough inclines/declines in this 3.5-mile advanced traverse.

Intersection near the Sterling Justice Overlook.

Approach to Over the Top Trail.


5crestline — east fork (east fork tH) The crestline trail is

a favorite among those bikers who love high al-titude exposure. starting at the south end of scout Mountain, the crestline trail travels along the east side of the mountain’s rock face along ledges and carefully carved out rock gardens. emerg-ing on the north end of the mountain, the trail switches back on itself and travels through the forest until reaching a small parking area off the main paved usfs road. all in all, it is a 5-mile trek. When combined with the east fork of Mink trail on the opposite side of scout Mountain, a biker can circumvent the peak in an 11.5-mile loop. crestline, because of the exposure, is not for the “faint of heart.”

4inman canyon — portneuf range (inman tH)This hidden gem offers plenty of

technical riding opportunities along the high elevations of the Portneuf range with a mixture of single- and double-track. from the trailhead, several options exist to stretch a ride into a several-hour excursion. Travel-ing east on the inman canyon road, two or three north options present themselves in order to travel along the south shoulder of Putnam Moun-tain through “primitive” country. bring plenty of water and prepare to hike in some spots. a more popular option is to take the “13” route along the ridge line south, which provides op-tions to come down the east slope to Toponce creek, smith creek, Wood road, Pebble creek, or connect to the east boundary Trail. returning to the trailhead via usfs 240 is anoth-er option that requires big lungs, big thighs and sturdy shoes. awesome country. however, the trails here are for the more advanced, especially once traveling off of the main usfs roads.

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Trail ETiquETTE 101

The most popular moun-tain biking trails in East Idaho are often utilized by a variety of others users — hikers, horseback riders, dog walkers, cross-coun-

try skiers, even stock animals like cattle. To help avoid con-flicts and keep safe, numerous groups such as the U.S. For-est Service and the International Mountain Bicycling Association, have developed standardized rules concern-ing trail etiquette. The rules state that mountain bikers must yield to many other users (“wheels yield to heels”), so it is of utmost importance to cyclists that they understand basic trail eti-quette. It could save your life.

equeStrianSThere’s an important reason why

mountain bikers and hikers must al-ways yield to horse-back riders and pack animals on the trail — horses, mules and cattle are living

creatures that can be unpredictable and uncontrollable. It’s a lot easier for a hiker or mountain biker to move out of the way.

Here are a few tips on what mountain bikers can do if they encounter stock animals on the trail.

• If you encounter pack animals, step off the trail on the downhill side.

• Speak to the rider/animal owner in a calm voice, which helps build rapport

and keeps the animal(s) calm.• Ask the horseback rider for instruc-

tions on how to pass safely.•If you approach a horse from

behind, keep at least 30 feet away so you do not startle the animal.

hikerSTo keep all trail users safe, etiquette

calls for mountain bikers to also yield to hikers.

Here are a few tips of what to do when you encounter somebody on foot.

• When approaching a hiker from behind, slow down to the same speed as the hiker and pass slowly, preparing to stop if necessary.

• Be cautious when making sharp turns around blind corners. Somebody else might be on the opposite end of that corner. If you are pedaling too fast, a collision might be unavoidable.

• Communication is key. When approaching a hiker from behind, yell out, “on your left.” This way, the hiker is aware of your presence and knows to stay on the right side of the trail.

• Take note if the hiker is wearing headphones or is walking a dog. With headphones, the hiker might not be able to hear you approaching, while a dog might sudden bolt in front of your bike.

other mountain bikerSIt’s not just equestrians and hikers

you have to worry about on the trail, because there’s certain etiquette rules between mountain bik-ers, as well.



• When two mountain bikers meet on a slope, uphill traffic always has the right-of-way. While it’s a buzzkill to have to stop halfway while riding down the mountain, it’s an even bigger buzzkill to have to stop while pedaling uphill.

• When faster cyclists are ap-proaching from behind, move to the side of the trail and let them pass. If the passing cyclists do not say anything, wave them by.

• Don’t ride too close to other cyclists. “Wheel-gating” can eas-ily lead to a violent crash.

winter bikingWith fat bikes growing more

and more popular throughout the past few years, trail etiquette rules have been adapted to include winter biking, as well.

Luckily, the rules are very similar. Cyclists must yield to cross-country skiers and snowshoers on the trail by alert-ing them to their presence and slowing down as they pass.

1Ride Open Trails: Respect trail and road clo-sures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail.

Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as a state or federal wilderness.

2 Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When

the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creat-ing new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations

and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

4Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re com-ing — a friendly greeting or bell ring are

good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield

to other non-motorized trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

5Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sud-den movement or a loud noise. Give animals

enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow direc-tions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.

6Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-

sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and ap-propriate safety gear.

*Information courtesy of the International Moun-tain Bicycling Association (www.imba.com/about/rules-trail)

6 ruleS oF the trail

When faster cyclists are approaching from behind, move to the side of the trail and let them pass.


Fernandez was mountain biking with four friends when he came upon the large cow moose who had a calf nearby. The cow zeroed in on Fernandez, so he dropped his bike and ran.

The doctor said he ran through a nearby aspen grove trying to find a tree large enough to shield him. But the cow moose kept right on his heels and made moves that he said reminded him of a horse in a barrel race. Dr. Fernandez stumbled and fell, and the cow moose reared up on her back legs and brought her front ones down while making a huffing sound.

The hooves on the big animal struck Fernandez’ bike helmet and cracked it before

leaving the area with her calf.Fernandez reacted like most people might

when confronted by a thousand-pound ani-mal. But some of his moves might have been the wrong ones, according to wildlife safety experts.

According to a recent article in Mountain-bikerreviewed.com, running from an animal should be avoided.

“With all animals never provoke the animal, and never run away from the animal,” the article stated.

Fernandez did the right thing initially when he tried to find a tree to stand behind for protection, but experts warn that running will provoke a chase.

There are two main rules that experts from the U.S. Park Service, Idaho Fish and Game and mountain biking websites share when it comes to wildlife encounters.

The first is to remain calm. The second is to keep your bike between you and the animal and back away slowly while talking in a calm voice.

All the experts say bikers should wear a hel-met and bright clothing. The park service says all riders should learn to give wildlife a wide berth and to always carry bear spray.

Idaho Fish and Game has compiled infor-mation on wildlife encounters for bikers, hik-ers and campers that can be used to help avoid attacks from different species of animals.

wild encounters

Bikers need to heed safety adviceby michael h. o’donnell

It doesn’t happen often, but people who enjoy navigating trails on mountain bikes can sometimes find themselves in a dangerous close encounter with a wild animal. It happened to Pocatello doctor Luis Fernandez last August in the Gibson Jack area south of the Gate City when a protective mother moose left him shook up and bruised.


black bearS• Keep your distance. If the bear notices you, remain still. A scream or yell may trigger

an attack. note that a bear standing on its hind legs is usually curious, not threatening.• If the bear is stationary, move away slowly. By moving sideways, you will appear less

threatening. do not run, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. •Stay calm and remember that most bears do not want to attack you — they usually just

want to be left alone. bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second.

• Make yourself look as large as possible by moving to higher ground and spreading your arms apart.

• If you have bear spray, use it if the bear charges. Bear spray should be easily acces-sible on your person — not buried in a backpack

• Always leave the bear an escape route.

grizzly bearSidaho fish and game offers advice for potential grizzly encounters, but rei has a stern

warning: “it is not advisable to ride mountain bikes in grizzly country. bikes cover ground quickly and quietly, meaning you could encounter a grizzly in a swift and startling manner. such a meeting is a grave error in grizzly territory.”

if you are bold enough to ride trails in grizzly habitat and experience an attack, idaho Fish and Game says you should play dead. Lie flat on your stomach with your hands clasped behind your neck and spread your legs to make it harder for the bear to turn you over. Remain still until the bear leaves the area. If the attack persists, fight. Hit the bear’s sensitive face and muzzle.

mooSeThe rules for a moose encounter are simple, according to idaho fish and game.• Keep your distance. Never approach a moose, especially a female with her young.• A moose will often bluff by pawing the ground and licking its lips. If it lowers its ears, a

charge is forthcoming.• If a moose charges, running might be the only option. Try to keep a tree or other object

between you and the moose, or climb a tree if necessary.• If you find yourself with no escape and the moose has you on the ground, curl in a

ball and do your best to protect your face and head. Try not to make noise. Moose charge because they perceive you as a threat. if you are curled up on the ground quietly, you will likely appear less threatening.

• Carrying and discharging a can of bear spray may also deter a charging moose.

mountain lionSThere have been no documented attacks of mountain lions on bikers in idaho. but an

11-year-old boy was injured by a big cat in 2011 in the boise area when he and his father went looking for a missing dog. The boy suffered scratches on his arm and hand before the cat fled the scene.

here are tips for bikers who encounter a lion:• Do not run. It will likely trigger a chase response in the cat.• Do not turn your back on the lion. Crouch down, or try to hide.• Keep eye contact and back away slowly. Leave the animal an escape route.• Make yourself look as large and intimidating as possible. Stand on a rock or

stump. open your shirt or jacket or spread your arms apart to appear larger than you are.• Shout, wave your arms, or throw objects if the lion does not leave the area, • If attacked, fight back. If you have pepper spray, use it. Stay on your feet and use your

backpack, sticks, rocks or hands to defend yourself.



New Pocatello MTB park opens May 3

by cydney mcFarland

The new mountain bike park at the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello officially opens on May 3. The grand opening will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5:15 p.m.



On May 3, Southeast Idaho’s first mountain bike park will officially

open at the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello. The project has been in the works since the fall of 2014 and boasts slightly less than a mile of trails for beginners and experienced bikers alike.

The project was the brain-child of local attorney and biker TJ Budge and was able to become a reality thanks to DaNae Young of Spinderella, Portneuf Health Trust execu-tive director Shaun Menchaca, and park committee members Alan Worley, Dan Copeland,

Shannon Dixon, Jonathon Hunt and Tom Howell of Gravity Logic.

“It was really fortuitous,” said Budge. “I sat next to Shaun at an event and we talked about a park. He talked to the board and they were behind it.”

According to Budge, the park will have one uphill trail and three options to pedal down: a beginner trail, an intermedi-ate trail and the advanced trail known as “the jump line.”

“My kids love to go to bike parks,” Budge said. “So I thought, ‘why can’t we do something like that here?’”

By the end of March, the park was nearly complete, with a work day organized on April 9 so community members could come in and put the final touches on the trails.

“We’ve already had a bunch of kids riding out here,” Budge said in March.

However, with the closest bike park located at Grand Tar-ghee Resort, Budge said there are some rules of bike park etiquette that people should know to keep the new park safe and fun for all cyclists.

No. 1 on Budge’s list is to always wear a helmet. Riders are also expected to not ride up the downhill trails or down the uphill trail for their own safety and the safety of other riders.

“Really, the kids who have been out here seem to have that figured out,” he said.

To keep the trails up, Budge said bikers should never ride when it’s muddy — giving

Pocatello’s riding community one more reason to hope for more sunny spring and sum-mer days.

Budge said riders should also stick to the three trails available and not make their own. There will also be tools available so riders can do trail maintenance on their own so the trails will stay nicer for longer during the warm-weather biking season.

“Really, it’s just about being respectful to other riders,” Budge said.

The park is scheduled to be officially opened on May 3, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:15 p.m. But some bikers are already riding it.

Budge said the community has really rallied around the park. volunteers stepped up to help, the Portneuf Health Trust and Bannock County were big supporters, and Spinderella contributed a sizable donation to make the park a reality.

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by cydney mcFarland

The Pocatello Pioneers, a local mountain biking team made up of 6th through 12th graders, are about to start their sec-ond year of active

competition. But they are quickly growing in both size and skill level.

The team was founded last year, and has already competed in Utah high school mountain biking competitions. This year the Pioneers are up to 35 riders and, after the establishment of the Idaho Interscholastic Cy-cling League’s first competi-tions last fall, were able to race in their home state against 18 other teams.

While competition in the area was fierce, Pioneers coach Dan VanWasshenova said the team managed to have riders in the top 5 or 10 in every race this year. With their growth, the Pioneers were divided into two teams — one of students from Highland High School and another composite team made up of students from other schools.

Last fall, the team from Highland placed 6th overall and the composite team placed 7th. But according to VanWasshenova, if the two teams had been scored together, they would’ve placed 3rd in the state.

However, for most of the kids on the Pio-neers, it’s not really about the competition.

“Some people are really competitive but our team is open to people who just want to ride with friends,” said Ian Stites, a senior at Century High School. “It’s a really cool experience and you can do it at whatever level you want.”

Last year, Stites placed 5th overall in the boys’ junior varsity class.

The Pioneers focus on fun, and biking mirrors what the Idaho league is all about.

“We just want to get kids on bikes,” said Dylan Grandhandt, the head of the Idaho Interscholastic Cycling League.

To do that, the league is hoping to reach

out to kids who haven’t grown up mountain biking by offering scholarships for kids across Idaho.

Currently though, VanWasshenova said many of their riders picked up biking from their parents.

Pocatello High School sophomore Jacob Campos said his dad got him riding in fifth grade. This season was his first time riding competitively and he placed 17th overall in the boys sophomore class.

“I did my best,” said Campos. “I’m just hoping to improve this season. Maybe get on the podium.”


For scoring purposes, the Pioneers are divided into two teams — one of students from Highland High School and another composite team of students from other local schools. If both teams were scored together, they would have placed third in the state last fall.


However, the friendliness of the team has also become a huge draw for young riders.

“I joined when one of the other girls on the team asked me to come practice,” said Sydnie George, a freshman at Highland High School. “The races are great, everyone cheers for everyone. They’re always rooting for you no matter what place you’re in.”

George, in her first year on the team, was 2nd overall in the girls freshman class.

With summer on the way, the team is gearing up for next sea-son. According to VanWasshenova, the kids are supposed to start biking in April to prepare for the season, which begins in July. Competitive races start in August.

“I’d encourage people to try it,” George said. “It’s fun and a great way to get fit.”

pioneer proFileS

2015 was the first and last racing season for Century High School senior Ian. He finished 5th in the boys junior varsity class, something he said he is very proud of. ian has run track since the 7th grade but decided to switch to mountain biking last year. While his first sea-son was successful, ian said he wished he had joined the team earlier. While he can no longer compete, he said he’s made so many friends on the team that he will probably con-tinue riding with them just for fun.

a freshman at highland high school, 2015 was Sydnie’s first year riding with the Pioneers. She finished the season in second place in the girls freshman class. While this was her first year competing, sydnie has been riding the trails around Pocatello with her dad since 2012. syd-nie said she loves racing, especially on the trails at grand Targhee resort.

JacoB caMPos

sydNiE GEorGE

Jacob is a sophomore at Pocatello high School and finished the 2015 season 17th overall in the boys sophomore class. he is planning to return for next season and has a goal to make it to the podium as a junior. Ja-cob’s favorite trails to race are the ones that wind through the trees at galena summit.

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by debbie bryce

The hot rock Kids race kicks off the 2016 Pocatello city creek Pedalfest on June 10, and the annual spaghetti feed will follow at centennial Park on

south grant and idaho streets.currently in its seventh year, Pedalfest drew 150 adult

racers last year, while about 100 kids turned out for the kickoff event held between centennial Park and city creek.

organizer corey Wight said the kid’s races are free to children up to 8 years of age.

“last year the kids got cowboy hats and bandanas. They always get some kind of memento,” Wight said.

The hot rock Kids race on the Pump Track for kids up to age 8 begins at 5:45 p.m. on friday. The $10 hot rock Junior race for kids aged 9 to 14 gets underway at 6 p.m. and the adult mini bike races on the pump track start at 6:30 p.m.

Wight said that even though the children’s race is free, early registration is recommended.

online registration is available at citycreekpedalfest.athlete360.com.

Kids can also register for the Kids and Junior races in person at the Pump Track from 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.

adult racers can pick up their packets during the spa-ghetti dinner that follows the kids races at 7 p.m. friday.

Pedalfest starts at 9:30 a.m. on saturday, with the 27-mile open class. The 17-mile sport class starts at 9:45 a.m. and the 12-mile beginner course starts at 10 a.m.

owned by the city of Pocatello the extensive network of trails starts just south of the parking lot of the church of Jesus christ of latter-day saints on south grant street.

lunch will be provided by the sand Trap from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the awards ceremony and raffles to follow.

Wight said there is $1,000 cash prizes in the open class division, as well as prizes for the top three riders in each racing category.

The entry fee is $50, but if you register before June 4 the entry fee will be reduced to $40. registration deadline is June 8 at 5 p.m.

Wight said the entry fee gets racers a T-shirt, a swag bag and a $5 raffle ticket for prizes donated by dozens of local sponsors.

Major sponsors include barrie’s ski and sports, south-east idaho southeast idaho gastroenterology, snow Peak design and the sand Trap.

Money earned during Pedalfest helps to maintain the Pocatello trail system. it also supports u.s. forest service projects. Wight said this year’s event will also contribute to the local high school mountain biking team comprised of riders from local schools.


pedAlfest kicks off June 10

Seth ThomasYoung competitors in last year’s Hot Rock Kids Race.


by michael h. o’donnell

The Spinderella bicycle fun ride for women and girls,

ages 10 to infinity, will be held for the fourth year in a row on June 18 at Lower Ross Park.

The event, which was the brain-child of DaNae Young, began with just 331 riders the first year and has grown to 1,200 last year.

“We’re planning for 1,500 this year,” Young said.

Sign-ups for the event have already started and can be made by going to the event’s website at www.spinderellaride.com. With the help of sponsors and regis-tration fees, Spinderella raised $32,500 for the Make-a-Wish Foundation last year.

Young started the local Spinder-ella ride for women out of frustra-tion when she couldn’t register for a similar event in Utah, called the Little Red Riding Hood.

“So I started a ride for women here,” Young said.

The event has been made possible because of a core group of 13 volunteers who formed the Spinderella Committee. They

meet year-round to plan the an-nual ride and secure sponsorships. Those volunteers are Scot Gunter, Jan Carpenter, Steve Young, Shan-non Dixon, Barrie Hunt, Jill Hunt, Charonne Gunter, Keiko Dye, Angela Larson, Ashley Payne, Jodi Wotowey, Robb Dye and Ace Call.

“I started the ride for friends and family and now it’s turned into something we want to do for the community,” Young said.

The increasing participation is due to two factors, according to Young. The course, which starts and ends at Lower Ross Park in Pocatello, is fun and there is none of the pressure associated with races where riders are striving for best times. The event offers different distances from 10 to 100 miles.

“We cater to women who are

not hard-core bikers,” Young said. “It’s fun and we provide support like changing tires if necessary.”

Word-of-mouth has drawn more and more women to the annual ride.

For example, Cassie Page of Syracuse, Utah, participated for the first time last year after seeing a flyer for the ride in Lava Hot Springs. After completing the 2015 ride, she said she planned to return with a sister-in-law and some other friends.

Encouraging others to join the Spinderella event also held true for Janiel Chivers of Boise, who convinced friends Mandi Beard of Idaho Falls and Hollie Schrader of Pocatello to become involved last year.

“I thought it would be a great thing for my girlfriends and me to

have as an event together,” Chivers said.

Young said it’s this spirit of fun and camaraderie that keeps the event growing.

She said the water stations on the route are called “party stops,” and volunteers manning them try to give riders another reason to smile. Riders can vote on the best water station crew for a plaque of appreciation.

“It’s all about fun,” Young said.And although the age cutoff be-

gins at 10, there is no upper limit.Last year the oldest participat-

ing rider was 76, and this year Young said an 84-year-old has signed up. Spinderella has also be-come an international event, with riders from Canada and Europe participating.

But Young said the main focus is Eastern Idaho and generating interest among girls and women in this part of the state, something Young said has been working.

“It’s really cool to see that,” she said.

As part of the event, Spinderella offers different biking tops and T-shirts with the 2016 collection posted on its website.

Young said putting the event together has been a learning experience, but it’s been a great journey.

Spinderella Puts Fun on Wheels

Photo by Doug LindleyCyclists at last year’s Spinderella ride.

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Weight LossContinued from Page 16

which is a far safer way to go. I was losing fat, but I was also gaining lean muscle.”

After just one year of getting back into shape, Gee was able to cross off participating in the LoToJa Bicycle Classic off his bucket list. By 2009, he had built up enough endurance to participate in a relay in the 206-mile road race from Logan, Utah to Jackson, Wyoming.

“You got to have a community to help you set goals and hold you accountable to those goals,” Gee said.

ICE holds timed hillclimb trials throughout the summer. Though Gee had trouble completing the run on Scout Mountain south of Pocatello at first, he eventually scored a time under 30 minutes.

“The group has some competitiveness in it, but there’s this attitude that if you put in the time and effort, other group members will help you,” Gee said.

As a thank you for helping him get back on his bike and out of his 40-plus waist-sized pants, Gee served as president of ICE for two years as a way to give back.

Then the day came in 2012 when he reached his ideal weight of 150 pounds, a loss of 70 pounds over the previous four years.

Gee has stayed at the weight since then. Now he can ride from ISU to ON Semiconduc-

tor six to seven times in one hour — a far cry from his first trip in 2008, when he had to take six to seven breaks to complete just one stretch.

Though he attributes road cycling to vastly im-proving his physical health, he said you also have to make changes to your diet and your schedule to lose weight.

“It’s a lifestyle change, that’s for sure,” he said. “No fast food or soda. If my family goes out to a fast food restaurant, I’ll stay behind and have a salad.”

He also said that finding time to exercise is also essential. With his job at ISU, he has a lot on his plate, no pun intended. But he said you can’t let a busy schedule get in the way of your health.

“It’s hard when you have kids and a career,” he said. “Some of the fittest people out there are also the busiest people. Sometimes just getting an hour in five days a week is difficult.”

But it can be done, and Gee said that being fit gives him more energy to do the things he wants to do in his career, his recreational activities and with his wife Cydnee and three children: Riley, Maxine and Easton.

Ultimately, Gee wants to make sure “Fuller Fig-ured Bryan” never comes back. However, he still has a reminder of his chunky presence in his home.

“I have boxes of fat clothes downstairs,” he laughs. beFore & aFter

Photos readersfrom our

Tim Flicker shows off his guns at City Creek.Dallan Rodriguez rides through a puddle in Island Park.

Ben Brown pops a wheelie at last

year’s PedalFest race. Pirote Jamnanisil took this photo of Mark Lynn at City Creek.

Jerek Peterson hits big air.



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*on days during the summer biking season, weather permitting

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