flyingcracker

Our recently married, enterprising young neighbors, Mike Wehmeyer and Robin Jones, are now selling fresh veggies and fruits in CB South every Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm (or until supplies run out). Their Hotchkiss farmer friend Mark is supplying early season items which Mike and Robin plan to eventually supplement with their own crops. Robin told flyingcracker that their offerings will vary depending on the season; later in the summer they expect (among other things) peaches, heirloom tomatoes and many varieties of peppers. We've recently dined on fresh salad greens, raab and luscious cherries from their stand, and plan to arrive early Wednesday afternoon so as not to miss out on fresh peas! Highly recommended if you're in the CB South area.

Farm stand: 4 - 7 pm Wednesday afternoons outside the CB South fire station, all summer long.

Yesterday afternoon (Thursday May 7, 2009) we lost the (one and only) official flyingcracker.com Garmin Edge 305 GPS while riding the Walrod Cutoff trail above Cement Creek road. This is the same superb GPS we've used to track the wanderings of our dog Duke while riding Reno-Flag-Bear-Deadman. It's the same GPS we use to create maps for our local nordic trails in winter. It's the same GPS we've loaned to the Crested Butte Nordic Council for pinpointing the location of their trail network in relation to private property. It's the same GPS we used to monitor over 1200 miles of summer trail-riding and nearly 500K of winter nordic skiing last year. Apparently we can't live without it. So we're offering a reward for its return...

Find this:

lost somewhere between "start" and "end" on this satellite image: (Google Earth KML file)

and return it to flyingcracker.com for a $50 reward and lots of good trail karma!

This occurred somewhere between the first aspen tree grove above the three-way trail intersection above the Cement Creek caves and Walrod Gulch where it intersects Cement Creek Rd., a total of 2.45 miles (we know the distance from our many GPS tracks on that trail!) We rode from the 3-way intersection downhill on the trail to Walrod Gulch (northeast). See the diagram or Google Earth KML file link above (ignore the low section on Cement Creek Rd.) for the start and end of that short ride. This trail is east of Crested Butte South, CO.

Near the end of riding season in Fall 2008 the tab securing the GPS to its mounting bracket broke for no apparent reason. During our last rides of the season we kept the Edge secured to the mount with cable ties. On this particular ride we used a thick rubber "LIVESTRONG"-style band (seen in photo below) to clamp the GPS to its mount. Presumably the band slipped off and the GPS wiggled out. Since the GPS comes out of its mount to the right (see below), we think the unit is likely on the downhill side of the trail. We saw the GPS on our handlebars as we started and did not notice it missing until the bottom of Walrod Gulch.

A few people have asked why we don't just bill another hour at work and buy another. Good question. We've already spent many hours slowly searching the trail (alone and with sympathetic friends), publicizing the loss to fellow trail users, and posting notices on this popular trail. Unfortunately, buying a replacement GPS won't restore the GPS tracks from our recent (first) bike trip to Grand Staircase / Escalante Canyon / Capitol Reef in southern Utah. Also we don't like leaving trash in our national forest. Another friend suggested using a beach-type metal detector. According to those who should know, the rock in our vicinity contains a lot of iron so false positives make that method of searching untenable. Instead we're hoping that in the next week or two someone walking, running or riding will catch a glimpse of the GPS. After that the blooming springtime growth will make finding the unit a lost cause.

So if you're planning a hike soon why not try the Walrod Cutoff? The trail is in great condition and the pasque flowers are blooming. If you want (or need) some good trail karma keep an eye out for the flyingcracker GPS. We're offering a $50 reward for its return. Thanks!

The key phrase during the 2009 Al Johnson Memorial Uphill Downhill Telemark Race was "warm and sunny". Temperatures in the upper forties and clear skies made for good costume weather and once again our friends and participants did not disappoint.

Long Dragon was a hit with the crowd. We enjoyed seeing Jeremy Wallace maneuvering the tail. Great work team!

Nice attention to detail on the dragon head. Note the dreadlocked whiskers.

A very pregnant nun, Sister MZ, taking super-secret costume notes.

Apparently monsters can free their heels as well as their minds. Look how this giant compares in size to Martin Catmur & Dave Scheefer!

A-Roid, And-roid, or Andrew Kastning, take your pick.

Los Lobos roadies participated in the fun...

... while bunnies snacked on chocolate raisins (now we get it!) for power during the race.

Warm temps brought out cute pink marshmallow costume accessories. And at least one crazy Australian accessory.

Returning from a nation-wide conference of fast-food mayor mascots, Alan B. sticks with his agenda in a homemade Big Cheese outfit.

Bikinis and chaps, what a wonderful concept.

Columbian coffee. Where does Juan Valdez come up with these beauties?

The Kebler Elves are flyingcracker favorites for consistency of design and gently poking fun at our visitors (c'mon, we've all heard people ask for directions to "Keebler" Pass). Well done ladies!

Flower power is all some people need to make it to the top.

Butterfly had extra help from her wings.

AJ start as seen from the NFL. Apparently a lot of slow starters in this crowd.

Everyone's favorite KBUTian, Kristen Lawrynk, workin' the rainbow connection!

Cowpokes ready for the roundup on the Last Steep.

Who says the AJ isn't good clean fun? Laundry basket, washer and dryer clean up the mess.

Another butterfly emerged from her cocoon at the top of the NFL.

Not many guys can make this look work, but this Aussie lad pulled it off nicely according to our female friends. Unfortunately he must have had a miscommunication about the full extent of the race. Upon reaching the top of the climb, ahead of all contenders, this bloke raised his arms and let out what sounded like an Aboriginal yell - apparently thinking he had won the race. In an attempt to help we informed him, "Hey dude, you aren't done yet!" Upon hearing his reply, "Where do I go now?" we knew his race was all downhill from that point on. He finished with an assortment of new slope-rash skin coloring. Note for next year: Nordic skate gear may work at Mt. Hotham or Perisher Blue but it's not recommended for double black-diamond extreme terrain at Crested Butte. Nevertheless, good on ya mate!

Sully appears to have perfected his locker room towel (or ski skin) snap, hoping to shake the confidence of eventual winner Travis Scheefer.

Dodo birds made a rare comeback but their balance looks a bit shaky pudding!

Was Sunday the last day of the season? Rarely do skiers atop Avery get a treat like this.

"Hmmm, I wonder if the snow on Hard Slab has softened yet?"

Snorkeler getting ready for the liquid delight below.

A new catchphrase: "We're glad you're here (wearing chaps)." Two chapmisstresses tackle the downhill.

Like a scene torn from The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, various players follow either a fairy or a rabbit down a very steep slope.

Hunters and skeletons cautiously peer over the edge... the end is nowhere in sight.

This couple had fun flossing each other during the race.

Dana Bradley, Crested Butte's Red Lady for 2009, enjoying post-race festivities. Congratulations Dana!

Karate Kid vs Zombies. The winner? All of us!

Ben-Jammin' and the Swifters Rockstar Band, rocking with the jet-set at the crazy post-race party.

One of the biggest costumes in the race, this horse had to be a tough ride down the Last Steep.

Congratulations Travis and Rebecca, and thanks to CBMR and the AJ organizers for another fine spectacle. See you next year!