Matt

The column should be called “Ask Dr. Obvious” instead of “…Dr. Flake”.

I wouldn’t convert to Clickers now. It is getting virtually impossible to find something decent in boots. This is most likely my last season in them for that reason, and that will require me buying new liners to boots that are already quite worn out.

Yeah, don’t be worried about finding partners in NoCal. Check out these TR’s to quell the doubts.

http://www.splitboard.net/talk/viewtopic.php?t=726
http://www.splitboard.net/talk/viewtopic.php?t=791

California has a vibrant splitboard community, due at least in part to BCRider’s advocacy. Some of us from NV even get in on it. 😉

Huevon – Oh, I agree that less sidecut is better in the steeps, just maybe not the kind of sidecut you’re talking about, but really I don’t know. My main point was that comparing a board’s sidecut/radius to skis is useless.

Sidecut also has to be balanced with board length and stiffness against intended use. Long raceboards have long radii…[Read more]

The sidecut changes drastically when the ski/board is flexed by loading in a turn. Perhaps skis flex more with the (one) foot centered on them as opposed to a rider’s (both) feet placed apart, and the actual turning radii, board vs. ski, are about the same for any given turn. A snowboard racer would have insight into this.

But there’s a new…[Read more]

Is that it? You guys are no fun (or I’m a lousy troll).

Anyway, keep the curriculum loose. Don’t get too detailed and rigid. That way the group can converge on the skill areas that that particular group needs, and the flexibility will help adjust to the varying levels of experience in the group. Look at the applications (which should have…[Read more]

I wasn’t being funny. Sarcastic with a touch or irony, but not funny. Virtually everybody I know who frequents the backcountry, whether they use a board, teles, AT, or even Extreme Ironing, has learned using this basic method. I would submit that if this doesn’t suit somebody then perhaps they are not suited for the backcountry, where…[Read more]

Course Curriculum:

1) Get out there and do it (aka. “get ‘er done”)
2) Make mistakes.
…….2a) Don’t get seriously hurt or killed.
3) Learn from mistakes.
4) Repeat…

This course is self-study at your own pace. PM me for where to send the check to. 😉

PJ, I’m on the waiting list at the Greenstone Suites.

I’ll try to talk Bombshell into coming too, since the three goils had so much fun last time. She’s on a rafting trip and won’t return until Friday. I may hafta hike out and get her or something unreasonable like that. 🙄

I’m in – 90% sure, but I don’t yet know when I’ll be slogging in.

I wonder if parking’s gonna be an issue with this many dirtbags.. err, I mean splitters going. We’re gonna slaughter Saddlebag, just like we did Ginny Lakes. 😈

This time of year in the Sierra, a 3-season tent works fine, or any sturdy tent with a rain fly really. My 3-season actually holds up pretty well in winter wind and snow. Just build up a little snow around the the bottom of the tent fly to keep air from circulating . A bivy sack in a hole is not too bad an option either. For a bag you would…[Read more]

The gate is not open on the east side of Tioga Pass. Plowing has reached Tioga Pass Resort, so they’re close, but no word on when the road will open from the east to the pass.

Fassnor… n’est pas mort! About time you got your ass back up here.

Is anybody bringing a grill of some sort?

Doh!, double post… 😳

I am no ringleader, mtnrider. I’ve just been there recently so I’m trying to help.

I’ve got a super kewl rental minivan since my car’s at the bodyshop, so I’m sleeping in it. But I’m bringing a tent too in case. Parking will be in a single file, I guess.

Some unlikely but possible problems this weekend.
– No restroom facilities – buried up to…[Read more]

PJ, I don’t know for sure, but I think there will be reasonably close areas for tent camping. The end of the road is next to the Trumbull Lake CG, and even though it’s not open, there should be flat snow there. Thunderstorms are a possibility, so be prepared. If it gets really really bad, there’s always Bridgeport or Lee Vining to retreat to.

That snowbank pic is actually taken about a 1.5 mile from the 395 turn-off – about 4 miles from the end of the road. The snowbanks at the road end are only 5 or 6 feet deep.

Whoever gets there first, leave enough room for people to turn around at the end of the road. This will help us and the fishermen out and maybe prevent altercations with The Man.

Sweet!

There’s talk of another storm next week now. Bring it! 😀

Welcome to the forum, GirlRider. Shellie is an AT skier and she’s somewhat familiar with VA Lakes’ Black Mountain area. I think Mrs. Powderjunkie may be there too and she’s a splitter.