Like many of you out there, I've recently been bit by the smartphone craze. The functionality and capability of today's smartphones have taken the instant availability of information to a whole new level and with it, a whole market has been created to help protect this investment. … [Read more...]
Hooray for Ouray
It’s that time of year again when the climbing shoes and chalk bag find their place in the gear closet while the crampons and ice tools screech with the sound of a file sharpening their steel points. Yes, winter is finally here and in full glory with plenty of snow and cold temperatures, turning the most glorious of waterfalls into true sculptures … [Read more...]
All Mixed Up
In the fall when the temperatures are trying to get below zero in the foothills of Colorado, the ice has no problem being hardened by the sub freezing temperatures in the high country above 10,000 feet. In most years the fall is one of the best seasons to climb ice routes due to the minimal snow pack on the approach and solid forming ice up high. … [Read more...]
Wham! Bam! Lessons in Colorado's High Country
I heard Jackie yell “ROCK!” but it wasn’t the “Rock!” that you would normally hear while climbing. This was a voice of panic and fear,and yelled at the top of her lungs...repeatedly. I looked up and watched a 500 pound boulder heading straight for my head at extremely high speed. This wouldn’t be the worst part of my day. … [Read more...]
Choosing the Right Rubber for your Rig
My favorite letter gets reprinted about once a year in each of the 4WD magazines. The name changes, and the exact model Jeep varies, but the basic story is always the same. It sounds something like this: I’m a high school student with no money and I’m dreaming of putting 44” Swampers with a 12” lift on my uncle’s old 4 cylinder Willys. What is the … [Read more...]
Freaking Out About Rock Climbing
It doesn’t take a long, planned excursion to a far away place to actively pursue adventure, and with rock climbing it may be only a short drive across town; in your Jeep of course. … [Read more...]
What is an Expedition Anyways?
ex-pe-di-tion (ĕk’spĭ-dĭsh’On) n. A journey undertaken by a group of people with a definite objective: an expedition against the enemy stronghold; a scientific expedition to the South Pole. The group undertaking such a journey. … [Read more...]
What’s in a Swaybar?
Sway bar, anti-roll bar, torsion bar, torsion beam, torsion spring. All of these terms are interchangeable, simply meaning a bar that can “twist” without breaking. The varying terms can cause confusion and for whatever reason, they are each preferred by one application or another; off-highway applications use the term sway-bar, sports car … [Read more...]
Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Group Dynamics in Sticky Situations
“Hellooooo! Can someone please tell me where my right tire is at?” I yelled, as my Jeep teeter-tottered on two wheels. … [Read more...]