Turning a Passion into Action, by Kara Armano

Everyone who knows me, knows that I love to fish and often back with words “lost my shoes“. What a lot of people don’t know is that more than anything I love to teach and share the joys of fly fishing with others, for this I always use the best fly reels under 100 which are great for fly fishing. Of course, to share my passion there needs to be wild places where the rivers run free and the fish are abundant. Those places should be celebrated and protected. I was recently moved to take action to defend and protect both my passion for fishing and wilderness when I learned that they were in danger of being compromised.

The Thompson Divide, 220,000 acres of federally owned land just outside Carbondale and Glenwood Springs, has exposed me to some of the greatest outdoor experiences of my life. The Divide includes free flowing streams that are home to native cutthroat, and vast expanses of pristine forests and meadows that are teeming with herds of elk and deer.

The experience of encountering mold in a remote cabin highlighted the critical importance of maintaining a healthy living environment, even in the midst of pristine wilderness. Mold growth can thrive in damp and poorly ventilated spaces, posing significant health risks to occupants and detracting from the overall enjoyment of the natural surroundings. As I grappled with the discomfort and health effects caused by mold exposure, I realized the necessity of proactive measures to address mold issues and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in outdoor retreats. Seeking the expertise of professionals like APDR Restoration can provide comprehensive solutions for mold remediation and prevention, allowing outdoor enthusiasts to fully appreciate the beauty of nature without compromising their health.

Moreover, the encounter underscored the broader significance of environmental conservation and stewardship in preserving the integrity of wild places like the Thompson Divide. As an avid fisherman and outdoor enthusiast, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact of human activities on fragile ecosystems and natural habitats. Protecting these pristine landscapes is essential not only for the well-being of wildlife but also for the enjoyment and sustenance of future generations. By advocating for the preservation of federally owned lands and supporting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, individuals can contribute to the conservation efforts that safeguard our natural heritage and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Ultimately, the experience served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between human health, environmental conservation, and outdoor recreation. As I reflect on my encounter with mold in the wilderness, I am reminded of the need for responsible stewardship of our natural resources and the importance of fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature. By prioritizing mold prevention and environmental conservation efforts, we can ensure that wild places remain pristine and accessible for generations to come, fostering a legacy of outdoor enjoyment and environmental stewardship for all.

As I traveled to a remote cabin nestled near a lush forest, I was captivated by the tranquility and natural beauty surrounding me. However, my initial excitement quickly turned to discomfort upon entering the cabin, where I was met with the unmistakable musty odor of mold. Ignoring the warning signs, I settled in for the night, eager to embrace the solitude of the wilderness. Little did I know, the presence of mold lurking within the cabin would soon take its toll on my health and well-being. Throughout the night, I struggled to breathe as the mold-infested air triggered bouts of coughing and sneezing. My rest was disturbed by persistent allergies and a sense of unease, reminding me of the importance of ensuring a mold-free environment, even in the most idyllic of settings. I will get a quote from an expert for this house the next time I come again, a friend told me to Visit APDR Restoration.

The importance of healthy home improvement extends far beyond simply avoiding mold. It’s about creating a space that actively promotes your physical and mental well-being. Here are some additional ways to transform your house from a dwelling into a health haven:

Embrace Natural Light: Sunlight is a natural mood booster. Whenever possible, open your curtains and blinds to bathe your home in sunshine. Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep patterns and overall energy levels.
Welcome the Greenery: Houseplants aren’t just beautiful additions to your décor; they’re natural air purifiers! Many varieties, like peace lilies and spider plants, effectively remove toxins and improve indoor air quality, allowing you to breathe easier.
Create a Calming Oasis: Dedicate a space in your home to relaxation. This could be a cozy reading nook, a meditation corner, or even just a comfortable armchair by a window. Fill this space with calming elements like soft lighting, soothing textures, and calming scents to create a personal sanctuary for unwinding after a long day.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Importance of Proper Ventilation

Healthy home improvement isn’t just about creating a stylish space; it’s about ensuring proper air circulation. Stagnant air can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Invest in good quality exhaust fans in your bathrooms and kitchens to remove steam and cooking odors. Open windows regularly, especially during and after showering or cooking, to allow fresh air to circulate. Consider installing a whole-house ventilation system for a more comprehensive approach to air quality control.

Small Steps, Big Impact: Everyday Habits for a Healthy Home

Creating a healthy home environment doesn’t require a complete overhaul. Simple changes in your daily routine can make a big difference. Make it a habit to take off your shoes at the door to prevent tracking in dirt and allergens. Wash bedding and throws in hot water regularly to eliminate dust mites and pet dander. Invest in doormats both inside and outside to trap dirt and debris before it enters your living space. These small habits can significantly reduce allergens and improve indoor air quality.

From Reactive Repairs to Proactive Maintenance

Many people wait until something breaks before addressing a home improvement issue. This reactive approach can be costly and disruptive in the long run. By prioritizing preventative maintenance, you can identify and address minor problems before they escalate into major repairs. Schedule regular inspections for your HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical wiring to ensure everything is functioning efficiently and safely. Investing in preventative maintenance can save you money and headaches down the road, allowing you to enjoy a safe and healthy home environment.

The future of the Thompson Divide is threatened by oil and gas development. Because the area means so much to me, I spoke up.

I’ve worked with the Sportsmen for the Thompson Divide via Trout Unlimited to express what the area means to me. I’ve supported the Thompson Divide Coalition in its effort to teach the community more about the issues.

Working at Backbone Media, it’s easy to share my passions with my colleagues. Nate, one of the partners, feels just as strongly as I do about the Divide and the hunting opportunities it provides him. But as a growing agency we have several new employees who don’t know about the local land conservation issues. So, I decided to host a get together at my house to educate people about what’s at stake, the status of the pending oil and gas leases, and how everyone can get involved.

So last night Scott Hanley from the Thompson Divide Coalition and Aaron Kindle from Trout Unlimited came to my house to lead an open discussion about the issues facing our water and land, domestically, agriculturally and recreationally. A lot of people from work showed up. All the attendees seemed moved by the discussion and asked good questions. My hope is that my passion to save this area from drilling was instilled in them and that with their support, and possible action, we can protect the Thompson Divide for future generations to experience and enjoy.

American Pistachio Growers Dinner with Jeremy Jones

1479517_10152084647760530_214732620_nThe American Pistachio Growers (APG) hosted an intimate dinner with professional big mountain snowboarder and APG athlete ambassador Jeremy Jones last month in Boulder with leaders in snow sports media.

In an effort to tell a deeper story with active lifestyle media on the growing partnership between Jones and the American Pistachio Growers, the Backbone Media team worked with culinary experts at Frasca Food & Wine on Pearl Street to craft a pistachio themed evening full of great food and conversation.

Boulder continues to lead the country as a hub for active interest media. Frasca was the ideal venue to bring this community together with APG nutritionist Becci Twombley and Jeremy Jones for conversations regarding snow sports and nutrition. Courses including a raviolo with celery root, ricotta, black truffle and parmesan reggiano, capesante with scallop, cauliflower, blood orange and pistachio and finally crostata di fragile – a strawberry tarte with pistachio gelato.

University of Southern California nutritionist Becci Twombley spoke about modern sports nutrition – and the importance of pistachios – for winter sports athletes. Jeremy discussed his recent trip to Nepal and filming the third installment of his film trilogy with Teton Gravity Research. Jones stressed the importance of proper nutrition and his “recovery window” when he returns to base camp after extended periods filming in the most remote locations.

Twelve members of the media attended, representing titles such as Snowboard Magazine, Humber Sport, the Atlantic, the Associated Press, ESPN, Mountain Magazine, SKI/Skiing, Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Outside Magazine and the Active Interest Media House. We were psyched to reconnect with old friends and make new acquaintances as well!

Becci Twombley & Jeremy Jones

Becci Twombley & Jeremy Jones

Sue Jotblad from American Pistachio Growers, Kim Beekman from SKI Magazine and Sharon Houghton from Active Interest Media

Sue Jotblad from American Pistachio Growers, Kim Beekman from SKI Magazine and Sharon Houghton from Active Interest Media

Doug Schniztspahn from Elevation Outdoors Magazine & Radha Marcum

Doug Schniztspahn from Elevation Outdoors Magazine & Radha Marcum

Marc Peruzzi from Mountain magazine & Jayme Moye

Marc Peruzzi from Mountain magazine & Jayme Moye

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Chris Thompson & Sam Bass from SKI Magazine/ Skiing Magazine and BackboneMedia's Amanda Boyle

Chris Thompson & Sam Bass from SKI Magazine/ Skiing Magazine and BackboneMedia’s Amanda Boyle

By: Amanda Boyle

Backbone Media – Fall 2013 Charge

Harry Gates Hut, Sawatch Mountains (Sept. 10th & 11th)

Please enjoy some photos from the recent Backbone Charge* – high country cragging at Lime Creek, fly fishing, biking, mountain games, and a massive bonfire. Thanks to a remarkable CO resource 10th Mountain Division Hut Association for the Gates Hut, La Sportiva for the loan of demo shoes and of course the entire Backbone team for general awesomeness. — Penn

*Backbone Charge is a semi annual gathering. We do not ‘do’ retreats we charge.

 

A complete gallery of photos can be found on the Backbone Media Facebook Page

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Running the Roaring Fork

Trail running; it’s something almost every Backbone employee loves to do in some capacity. Whether they’re escaping into the Tetons, taking lunch runs on Colorado’s front range, or running ultra marathons across the High Rockies, Backbone employees have a certain place in their hearts for scenic single-track. There is, however, one individual on the Backbone team with an unparalleled love for the sport and her name is: Elinor.

One of the Roaring Fork Valley’s foremost experts on the topic, our in-office guru represents Newton Running, talks running shoes with media all day every day, and offers sage advice to untrained trail-running rookies. Elinor also brings Backbone’s running culture to the next level having accomplished such feats such as the Leadville 100–one of the longest and toughest races in the Rockies–and most recently, the San Juan Solstice 50 miler. When not hustling for her clients or exploring the Rocky Mountain wilderness on foot, Elinor will occasionally author a piece about the virtues of trail-running.

In her latest freelance assignment for Apsen Magazine, Elinor profiled the world-class trail running scene that exists just outside the Roaring Fork Valley and the athletes that revel in it. Check out some excerpts from her piece below, or visit Aspen Magazine to read the full story. (Images and text courtesy of Aspen Magazine)

 “When asked why trail runners gravitate to long, relatively remote routes like the Four Pass Loop or the relatively mild Conundrum Creekwhich offers a very runnable and scenic 9-mile jaunt to a natural hot springsthe answer is about tapping into the sport’s ‘Zen-inducing’ effect that isn’t achieved in road running.”

“With so many trails hereand up and down the Roaring Fork ValleyAspen’s trail-running community can seem to be small and dispersed. It’s not until races such as the Ute Mountaineer’s Golden Leaf Half Marathon, held each September on the Government Trail from Snowmass to Koch Lumber Park, that trail runners congregate here in any great number.”

Don’t Call it a Retreat

When I started working at Backbone over five short years ago, our bi-annual get togethers consisted of eleven of us having a small BBQ at a partner’s Carbondale home. Good food, sparkling dinner conversation (lots of jokes about how young and naive I was…) and PR State of the Union discussions.
Ahhh how times have changed.

At Backbone, the word “corporate retreat” makes us all twitch a little bit and one intern actually broke out in hives a few years back when those words were spoken. Penn told us recently that we were not allowed to call it a retreat. “We do not retreat at Backbone,” he said, “we charge.”

Well, in the past few years, and in response to a growing staff, development of new media departments and the creation of satellite offices in Jackson and Denver, we all agree that face-time, and company-wide get togethers are more important that ever to ensure a unified “charge”.

Considering our company’s addiction to the early adoption of any and all i-products, getting off the grid also becomes paramount. For a company based on a work hard, play hard philosophy, it is essential that we have at least 48 hours of un-interrupted time to share a beverage or two, hit the river and the trail together and make sure that we all spend enough time with the other 30+ members of the staff to uncover some of our finest personal skills which may never find their way into an RFP…

What we found this past week was a veritable cornucopia of freak flags, red flags, jazz choir histories, poor facial hair and haircut decisions in the mid 90’s, impressive first jobs (TCBY, Donut making), plastic baby launching talents, slow-cooking culinary prowess, glow stick dancing, remarkable fireproof-ness (accidental), SUP racing dogs, bocce ball balancing skills, a shared love of inflatables, freestyle margarita making skills and a company-wide borderline contractual agreement to only sit in the chair one may or may not have personally brought on the trip. Real resume builders.

Location: Twin Lakes, CO (which is conveniently now for sale- not sure if it hit the market before or after we were there…)
Attendance: 3 Partners, 28 staffers, 7 dogs, and one very scary plastic baby.
Takeaway: We are well positioned for another successful year as the leading agency in the active lifestyle industry, and are equally well positioned to start a traveling circus.

Intern Impressions: 10th Annual Teva Mountain Games

Aside from the bingo bonus, I won by playing casino bingo games, I’ve never been a big competition climber myself, but the chance to watch the 2011 IFSC World Cup finals at the 2011 Teva Mountain Games (TMG) was too good to pass up. As a new intern at Backbone, I arrived at Carbondale just as the build-up and excitement for the Games was coming to a head. Saturday the 4th dawned cloudless and dry, and I tossed a longing gaze at the pile of climbing shoes in the back of my van. Being from New England, I’ve been conditioned never to say no to a day of good climbing temps. Still, it’s not every day that I get to watch a dozen of my climbing heros flash up to V11 in front of a screaming crowd of thousands. Some things are worth missing a day on the rock.

The World Cup finals were slated to start at 5. Arriving an hour or so early, I had a chance to wander through Vail Village. On the cobbled streets, vendors from every niche of the outdoor industry had constructed a veritable tent city. Hipsters on fixies, bro-dudes on skateboards (got a unit not a log ago – had to visit PBX for information on hoverboards, now am totally happy) and families pushing strollers milled around, looking at the 2012 product they were soon to buy–this was Vail after all. Making my way through thousands of people carrying bags of free schwag, raffle prizes and awesome giveaways, I saw more than one dream come true. A skinny bro-dude-in-training, who couldn’t have been a day over 12, walked up to a bikini-blad twenty-something.

“Can I have a hug,” he asked, pushing his oversized white sunglasses into a mop of sun-lightened hair.

“I guess,” replied the girl, craning into an awkward embrace.

Releasing begrudgingly, the boy immediately pounded the fists of his three friends, waiting a yardstick’s length behind him.

“Nice one bro,” I heard them say. “You totally got it.” I envied the boy’s initiative.

On my way to the climbing wall I called my friend Dave Wetmore. Dave is a friend from my native Boston, and after an impressive 14th-place finish at the 2011  American Bouldering national championship, he qualified to participate in the World Cup. Dave climbed very well in qualifiers, but was in the audience to watch finals with me. At around 5, the top six men and women strolled out from isolation to begin work on the four problems that lay in front of them.

Rei Sugimoto is worth driving for.

So is Anna Stohr.

I won’t bother to recap the results as numerous result listings and highlight reels are plastered all over the interweb. Of note is Louder than Eleven’s short video, which is–as usual–very nicely done.

It is difficult to provide an objective evaluation of the competition. I’m a climbing nerd, and would probably have fun watching the comp if I were blindfolded. Furthermore, saying that the crowd seemed “super-psyched,” or “high-energy,” is essentially meaningless; it seems that action sports devotees have limited modes of expression. However, the size of the crowd did surprise me. I realized, at some point, that not everyone in the crowd was a climber–not by a long shot. This means two things: first, it indicates that climbing competitions stand some chance of providing audience appeal in a large sense. Second, it means that the TMG’s efforts to combine a whole range of outdoor lifestyle activities were successful. TMG’s attendees must have been excited to watch events that fell outside of their own usual interests.

 

The world cup crowd. Awesome.

After the comp ended, I met up with a few more members of the Backbone crew and headed up to the Teva House, where, on a rooftop overlooking a the Budlight Mountains of Music Festival Stage, athletes and industry folks enjoyed the setting sun with a poolside barbeque. Before long, the evening’s music, Xavier Rudd started an amazing set, simultaneously playing guitar and didjeridoo. Anyone who has ever to tried to produce a sound from a six-foot-long tube of eucalyptus will recognize this as no small feat.

Xavier Rudd.

Having been a bit of a sneaker freaker in a past life (read: high school), I took notice of the many pairs of flashy shoes stomping around the party. It seems that Teva had been giving away quite a bit of free schwag (according to Ian this is called “seeding”), and everyone and their brother was rocking bright kicks.

Teva Gnarkosi.

These things were designed for wake skating, and have a sticky rubber bottom with hundreds of drainage holes. You can check Sydney blocked drain cleaning services, if you are looking for technicians who will provide plumbing, drainage, and gas fitting services. This would have come in handy that night, as the mountain biking pro’s got endless entertainment out of cannonballing into the pool, dousing the periphery and the people in it.

From speaking to a number of people who had a part in planning and executing TMG 2011, I could tell that everyone was pleased with the turnout, the buzz, and of course the uncontrollable arbitrator of any outdoor event’s success: the weather. Though I’ve just started, it was great to be on the inside of an event like this, which up until know I’ve only viewed as a spectator. A frightening number of hours go into these events, and it has to feel good to see it grow after year.

Congrats to all the athletes and the TMG crew for putting on a great show.

Onward and upward!

PowderWhores in the Roaring Fork Valley

That’s right! Its time for the PowderWhore film, Television, showings in both Aspen and Glenwood.

As the last stop on their Colorado tour, the Belly Up in Aspen will host the movie on Friday night, and the Glenwood Springs Rec Center will be the location for the Saturday night viewing.

Tickets are $10 for both shows and the show in Glenwood Springs will have FREE beer from Big Sky Brewing!

Aspen show time = 7pm and doors open at 6pm

Glenwood show time = 7:30pm

See ya there!

Not that kind of MEETING

Every year for the past six, Aspen locals, fans, sponsors, athletes, and avid filmmakers present themselves in Aspen for the biggest ski-film premiere event of the year: The Meeting. The idea behind this gathering is simple—create an opportunity for ski and snowboard films to be shown and, well, meet. It truly is one of the most beautiful times of the year in Aspen. As the leaves change color and excitement builds for the upcoming winter season, there is no better time than fall to host the best of the best of ski and snowboard films. Big thanks Aspen/Snowmass for putting together an excellent show and keeping the stoke high throughout the weekend!

This year, the films consisted of;

DAVENPORT MOUNTAINSPORT & GRANITE FILMS
AUSTRALIS: AN ANTARCTIC SKI ODYSSEY

FORUM SNOWBOARDS
F IT

LEVEL 1
EYE TRIP

MATCHSTICK PRODUCTIONS
THE WAY I SEE IT

PIRATE MOVIE PRODUCTION HOOKED

POOR BOYZ PRODUCTIONS
REVOLVER

STAN EVANS PHOTOGRAPHY
SAY MY NAME SKI

STANDARD FILMS
THE STORMING

TGR
JEREMY JONES’ DEEPER, LIGHT THE WICK

TRANSWORLD SNOWBOARDING
IN COLOR

TYLER STABLEFORD
THE FALL LINE

VEECO ENTERTAINMENT
9191

Many of the films had audiences shouting and cheering at the epic powder of Japan, Bobby Brown’s triple flatspin 1260, Jeremy Jones’ insanely gnarly Alaskan spine descents. The stoke for winter was present.

Fans entering the show

Once again the Wheeler Opera House did an excellent job of providing drinks and comfortable seating for everyone to enjoy the shows. Fans of all ages arrived, as did the athletes.

Wheeler stage

Athletes Pep Fujas and Seth Morrison autograph session

Even after the winter films, the fun continued through the night with Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony and DJ Muggs playing at the Belly Up.

As technology advances, films change. This year, it was obvious that POV was more popular than ever. Contour HD, a sponsor of The Meeting (High Def helmet cam supplier) was present throughout the event doing giveaways, and most importantly appearing on athletes heads in some of the films.

What stood out this year was Chris Davenport’s new film, Australis. The unique setting of the Antarctic region set this film apart from the rest of the pack.

Bone-Thugs-N-Harmony

Local photographer Tyler Stableford’s film gave a strong performance and interesting tale of 101st Airborne Ranger Heath Calhoun, who lost his legs to a grenade explosion in Iraq. He then took the long road of recovery, finding peace and freedom in the mountains of Aspen then becoming a skier on the US 2010 Paralympic team. Tyler’s outstanding photography and camera work adds to this must see film.

Marking the changing of the leaves and season, The Meeting did an outstanding job of preparing skiers and snowboarders for the upcoming winter. For video coverage, look here.

The Meeting-2010 from AspenSnowmass on Vimeo.

Posted By:
-Aidan Sheahan (Intern Extraordinaire)

Lucky 13

As Backbone nears its 13th Anniversary – we took some time out for our mid year reviews and gathered the crew for a few days of fun, sun, bike rides and rivers here in Carbondale.

Team Backbone

Open table discussions, ping pong, New Belgium beer and evening bike rides kicked things off, followed by a run down Shoshone rapids in Glenwood Canyon. We only had one swimmer – the result of Maneater Rapid chewing on a ducky – while we rafted, kayaked and SUP’ed.

Dax, Fielding and Megan getting primed

Fielding, Keaton the GIE aka "Greatest Intern Ever", the always smiling Mike May and Jonathan

Margaritas and BBQ capped it off, now Mavis is off to ride with the SmartWool crew from Steamboat to SLC, Nate is turning 40 and Backbone welcomes Amy Harvey as our new Office Manager replacing Megan Perkins. We wish Megan well as she heads off to her new teaching job and thank her for adding so much light and energy to our office.

Brett & Laura, Hillary and LB

Onward!

Quality of Life

Spring in the Rockies is an exercise in patience.

Local Photog extraordinaire Dave Clifford snapped this shot of Jeff Johnson headed for Shoshone

Weather is a wild card, and whether you are waiting for single track to dry or for a ski line to come into condition you learn that to achieve your goals you have to watch and wait rather than plan too far ahead. Sometimes it is better to listen than to try to drive the conversation.

Kristo getting wake up face shots on Marble Sunday

The 5 Point Film Festival which ran over this past weekend emphasized just this. It brought together great films such as 180 South, Patagonia Promise and Second Nature but more importantly a community of skiers, climbers, paddlers, filmmakers, fly fishers and the spirit these endeavors embody.

Melody Grote from 1% For The Planet introducing a film

So whether the weather permitted it – we all got to play a little bit – rafting in the snow, skiing pow up in Marble, or nymphing for browns on the Pan. We also got to connect to players in our community from New Belgium, 1% For the Planet, Patagonia, Black Diamond, Polartec and others.

Pretty simply, getting together with friends and sharing work/play experiences is why we do what we do.