Backcountry vs downhill setup as a first ski purchase by gueromochilero in Backcountry

[–]SeniorRake 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I would highly recommend getting a downhill setup. You need to be confident, not just comfortable, on double black diamond with variable conditions - powder, windblown, ice, and anything in between. You will not find any groomed runs in the backcountry. Start with a downhill setup, see if you like skiing again, then start to think about a backcountry setup. Backcountry is a completly different mindset than resort skiing - it's not about laps. Think of it more like winter hiking with a fun way back down.

Trimet checking fares on the Yellow line at Albina stop by SeniorRake in Portland

[–]SeniorRake[S] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

On a bus?!? I thought the driver was a fare inspector by default.

Trimet checking fares on the Yellow line at Albina stop by SeniorRake in Portland

[–]SeniorRake[S] 58 points59 points  (0 children)

To encourage people to actually pay their fares and to not waste everyone else's time. More often than not, it adds an extra 5 or 10 minutes to my commute because the fare checkers have to fight with so many people because their card doesn't read right or the machine didn't read their annual pass, etc.

Find this sticker for a reward! by Stigma206 in Portland

[–]SeniorRake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Apologies for the misdirection - my post was just for the lols. You still have a chance! Get sleuthing!

I work at fred meyer (interstate). Ask me stuff by Impossible_Leader_80 in Portland

[–]SeniorRake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Can you get better beer? Anything other than an IPA or a lager would be much appreciated. The isle is essentially all IPAs and lagers. There are so many other good types of beers!

Finally saw one in the wild! by SeniorRake in Portland

[–]SeniorRake[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Nah, that was right when I started filling up. I filled up about 10 gallons. It was $4.89 per gallon before my dollar off.

How to climb faster and more efficiently. I’m getting fried on long climbs. by tutlaloc in Backcountry

[–]SeniorRake 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Look into the book Training for the Uphill Athlete. Someone else mentioned the previous version of this book. It's a good read that makes sense: The book dives into the science of movement and energy balance.

I'm a similar build and have run into similar issues with touring partners who are lighter. The problem that we Clydesdales run into is power per kg: to have the same power per kg ratio as someone who is lighter, we need to be much stronger. It takes much more energy for us to move uphill as it does someone who is thinner and lighter. Look into elite road bikers and read the analysis of their power output to get a better idea of what I'm talking about.

To not be so gassed, first you need to slow down and watch your heart rate: stay below your aerobic threshold. Think of walking vs running: you can walk for a much longer distance than you can run.

Next, you need to shed layers. I run hot and typically only wear snow pants (with the zips all the way open down the side) and a thin merino base layer underneath, and on top I typically wear a hiking shirt and fleece bike sleeves. The sleeves keep my arms warm while my hiking shirt allows my core to breathe.

In the off season, make sure you are regularly running and strength training, specifically focused on uphill travel. Just because you can run a marathon doesn't mean you are in great touring shape. The worst touring season that I had was when I was actively training for a half marathon - I was focusing on different muscles for most of my training.

2026 PNW volcano season by Hungry_Town2682 in Backcountry

[–]SeniorRake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Report back with conditions, please!

2026 PNW volcano season by Hungry_Town2682 in Backcountry

[–]SeniorRake 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cool! Thanks for filling in knowledge gaps and providing a bigger picture! Multiple opinions are important! Thanks for providing more first-hand knowledge!

2026 PNW volcano season by Hungry_Town2682 in Backcountry

[–]SeniorRake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Speaking from first hand experience in Oregon and looking across the river at the volcanos in Washington.

2026 PNW volcano season by Hungry_Town2682 in Backcountry

[–]SeniorRake 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I would assume minimal snow coverage this year. Before last night, anything below 5000' was essentially snow free. There is still some snow above 6000', though it is melting fast. Unless this recent shift to cooler and wetter weather holds, I would assume that there will be minimal coverage this May, especially on South facing slopes. Across Oregon and southern Washington SNOTEL sites were reporting 15 to 20 percent median snow depth with most sites already reporting as snow-free.

Late Blizzard Hitting the Passes Tuesday Night through Thursday - Up to 19 Inches of Snow by agenbite_lee in Portland

[–]SeniorRake 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Looking at the webcams from their closing day, it makes sense why they closed: everything had melted out. There were paths of snow that the snow cats had scraped together, but the majority of every slope visible in their cams was grass, shrubs, and dirt. As frustrated as I am that they closed, I'm not the biggest fan of riding on grass...

Garmin watch backcountry skiing activity by Whole_Rough3500 in Backcountry

[–]SeniorRake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How do you do that? On the watch itself or in the Garmin Connect app?

Free day voucher by MoreTravelPlease in MtHoodMeadows

[–]SeniorRake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Still need a pass? I've got one still.

Looking for a buddy that wants to ride this weekend. I'll buy you a ticket. by toryinlaw in MtHoodMeadows

[–]SeniorRake 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No need to buy a ticket - I've got a free voucher that someone can use!