Boloney Moguls

Shreduary Mega Tour (Video on Vimeo)

2010-04-12T22:43:00.001-04:00

With my current employment driving me to long days of waking up late, drinking pints of coffee, running, and spending a lot of time at the beach, I decided I needed to take some time off and get back to editing. Because slush is everywhere and the sun is getting mighty toasty, I figured it was time to start catching up on the backlog of video editing I had. First up in my iMovie attack was the mega trip Kath and I took over Presidents Week. What started as a few day midweek trip to Maine to hit Sugarloaf expanded into 7 days in a Subaru. Stops at seven ski resorts. One and-a-half powder days. A whole lot of wine. And a crapload of fun. Keep reading after the break.

First day of riding we were lucky enough to meet up with Tim, Dan, and Lebrain up in Burlington and killed it at Bolton Valley all day. Tim's rock dropping and mogul bumping is just what the doctor ordered to spice up any video. Lebrain and Kath always do well to up the sketchiness factor and we of course also have the fashion stylings of one DiK.

From there, Kath and I loaded back into the Seenbaru and made an impromptu stop at Jay Peak after they received eight inches. What started as a brutally cold and crappy morning turned into an amazing afternoon. The powder was sick, but the poutine was even better. Those Canadians can do at least one thing right.

Next up was the long stretch in Maine. We stayed in a town that was 6 businesses long for three nights in a hotel that was built in 1910 (maybe). Maine was having a shitty season, but decent cold weather and sun made the groomed base awesome. Even then we still found some of the best woods in the country at Saddleback, and some that were certainly fun at Sugarloaf. Staying there during the Olympics after Wescott's Gold made for a lot of fun.

With bruised, tired, and sore bodies, we decided for one quick morning of riding in New Hampshire. Ullr rewarded our dedication with a non-forecasted mini-dumping that put down not three inches, but closer to twelve in spots. Best snow and fun of the trip.

The traffic through CT was not great. Enjoy the video.

The Greatest Video Collection Ever (Amazing)

2010-04-06T11:29:00.001-04:00

I've totally been neglecting the Boloney Blog, but this video collection over at Backcountry requires the world to know of its existence.

http://backcountrybeacon.com/2010/04/top-10-gape-tastic-videos/

Boloney Crush

2010-03-21T18:58:00.000-04:00

They didn't stand a chance.

Mega hike (mega nachos)

2010-03-21T18:44:00.000-04:00

After an awesome mission to Cody bowl we are capping off with insanely
awesome nachos. Go cascades!

Day 41

2010-03-20T17:17:00.001-04:00

On snow this season. Snuck onto the lift and cruising the slush and
sun. Après concert under the tram in a bit and I'm rocking the shred
vest 2.0. Wahoo.

Speilberg

2010-03-17T18:54:00.000-04:00

Speilberg. Steven. Is hanging at Jackson and drinking a pbr

Irish fest at Jackson

2010-03-17T17:54:00.000-04:00

Beers. 50 degrees. Sunny. St pattys. Bands all afternoon. Giddyup

Epic Fail (Brown Goes Down)

2010-03-14T15:10:00.000-04:00

Boloney's very own Brown Matt - well known for his hard drinking and mayhem in None More Blacker (see here) - threw an awesome inadvertent backflip this season. The results are amazing. Enjoy his edit of the hurt:

I Win (The Game of Oneups-manship)

2010-03-12T11:58:00.002-05:00

BP, Dan, I have something to say: I win. You thought you were cool with your 210s or your other variously absurd skis. K2 built these guys custom for their shop in Vancouver during the olympics. They are 16 feet tall. That would make them 468 cms. In that case I win... by quite a lot. I will be purchasing these skis and than I will be the ultimate skier.

Check out a few more pictures after the break.

Bolton Valley in the Raw (The Start of the President's Tour)

2010-03-09T11:53:00.000-05:00

Here's all the fun from the first Saturday of the Presidents' Week Mega Tour. Stop number one was an awesome day at Bolton Valley, VT.

Check it out!

Lake Tarded in the Raw (200th Post!)

2010-03-08T18:18:00.000-05:00

Three years into this blogging adventure and I've hit the 200th post. Who would have figured it would be the Lake Tahoe raw footage collection? As per Tim's request, I've put up all the unedited riding footage (plus a few other gems) in one long unedited clip. It goes Heavenly Day 1, 2, 4, then Kirkwood, then Squaw. Whole lot of fun stuff in there and great out west snow. First times for everything!

Squaw Recap (official)

2010-03-05T19:45:00.000-05:00

In bullet points:
-thousands of acres of nutso bowls, steeps, and cliffs
-Lorraine expressed a certain terror of everything squaw and forgot
how to ski temporarily.
-loraine has dubbed tim and myself the dareful duo
-high camp is one of the greatest places in the world to have a beer
-seeing Olympian Johnny Moseley walking down the road with his kid was
cool
-2$ pbrs in the local rippers bar and getting the skinny on unoffical
squaw was awesome
-squaw is epic

Squaw (Olympic mission)

2010-03-05T16:56:00.001-05:00

Off to squaw on the 755 bus after an absurd number of wines and tonics.

The mountain is amazing - thousands of acres of huge steep bowls.
Everything is good here. That is all.

Loraine-ism

2010-03-05T16:52:00.000-05:00

From yesterday in heavnlys powder.

"so what's the deal with this powder. Ya don't turn in it?"

Bps got a new shirt

2010-03-04T21:20:00.000-05:00

Dong has his going out shirt on.

This should be interesting.

Boloney Goes Sidecountry

2010-03-04T20:30:00.000-05:00

After ripping up the fresh snow heavenly had to offer I headed up to
the top of the milky way bowl for a spirited hike. 30 minutes later I
got to the top of the hill and had an amazing view.

An awesome run down the highest part of the mountain made for quite a
smile.

Next up we headed (seperately whoops!) to the fire break gate and off
the resort property. Deep snow. Pillows Trees. Rocks. Everything one
could want.

We went in seperately and I met up with gnaly skiier drew. Me and him
made it down eventually over an insane slope and met up with the rest
of the kids in the village. All in agreement: best run.

Well that was something. (all in)

2010-03-04T10:19:00.000-05:00

Last night was certainly something. After survivng the death bus to
get back, I got a little loopy and played a crap load of roulette. At
one point I was up 600. Let's just leave it at that.

Woke up to bluebird skies and 14 of fresh. Byahhhhhhh

Captain Kirkwood Comes Through (Deeper)

2010-03-03T19:45:00.000-05:00

Number 1 day in all the years i've ridden. I've never experienced a
time where everyturn yielded overhead snow waves and 100 percent
control.

At points the snow became blinding. Litterally so much snow in the
face, turn after turn, that riding required some kind if sixth sense
where you trusted the snow and the board.

Only exploring a fraction of this amazing mountain yielded my most
excellent runs.

I will return.

Bus ride of doom (hold me)

2010-03-03T19:41:00.000-05:00

If this message is my last communication, I died a happy boloner after
having my most epic day on a snowboard ever.

Currently, I am on the bus after roads have reopened. There is close
to 20 inches of snow on the road and the bus is sliding on everyturn.
The dropoffs at points are brutal in case of a rollover and the
visibilty is non existent.

The snow created such a white out and came down so hard before they
had to close the road to blast for avalanches. On the road!

Speeds are around 20 mph - any faster and we go out of control. Any
slower and we don't have momentum to maintain traction.

I've always said you have to earn you turns. On this day I'm just
happy I'm not driving.

I don't know when or if we will make it back to night, but I know
everyturn in the most perfect snow I've ever ridden made it worth it.

Thank you ullr.

For this power seen and one tk, that is all. Next stop, somewhere.

Quick Decisions (kirkwood pow hunt)

2010-03-03T11:38:00.000-05:00

7:04 at starbucks with the snow report open: kirkwood - 12 inches.
Heavenly -2 inches.

The decision was easy. A few quick phonecall to the rest of the
boloners and the bus company and at 7:24 we boarded a snow tired bus
headed to kirkwood.

Giddyup

Apple Sauce Canyon (do it up one time)

2010-03-02T16:09:00.001-05:00

With snow falling from California to Nevada tim and this seen headed
off to east peak to kill it in the woods we found yesterday in our
exploration.

Lapping the ares woods and rando dipper woods we found ton of fresh
snow and soft forgiving bump glades. Byahhh!!!

We had to try it out so after burning out on those wood we shot to
mott canyon - the mega gnar zone here.

Awesome. Only way to describe it. Numbered chutes. Great vert and
steepness. Easily accesible off the chair. Finally found some exposure
and good old Sierra Nevada style fun.

Unleash the fury

2010-03-02T11:20:00.000-05:00

The big storm that these cal-e-forn-ians have been talking about has
crossed the lake and the snow has started. They are predcting winds up
to 75 mph. This could get exciting.

908

2010-03-01T20:55:00.000-05:00

(technical errors stopped this from going online this morning)

I woke up after what felt like a 24 hour coma to the lights and buzzes of computerized slot machines, video poker, and desperation.

These people have been at it all night and everything is 24/7 at the mont bleu. After a room snafu which was aptly settled by bp, we
settled into our room which provided an ample number of doors and walls. Quite a bit of progress for Nevada.

After betting everything on black and letting it ride, I no longer have shoes, so will promptly retire from the adult recreation provided by this facility.

It's game on at heavenly today and time to gear up for fun and excitmnt at Lake Tarded.

It's hard to drink with goggles on

2010-03-01T14:04:00.000-05:00

Leraine's insightful comment of the week. The motto for lake retardho.

Boloney Off to Tahoe in the AM (Tahizzle?)

2010-02-27T20:07:00.001-05:00

Dong, myself, Claire, Tim, and one LeBrainest are off on a wild adventure to North America's second highest lake, the great Tahoe.

Resort of choice on this most rustic of trips? Of course the Mont Bleu Casino at the base of Heavenly. Giddyup. I'll of course, be way lame and spend more time updating the Boloney blog about our antics than boarding so stay tuned.

To all the Boloners left on the Island and one DiK near the good lake Champlain, we'll have an extra drink (or seven) for you!

(The picture to the right is the first result for a google image search on "heavenly." A French metal band. HA)

And as a special present to all those viewing this, straight from the lodge after the epic Belleayre mission yesterday, is BP eating a full bag of oysters. Note the crackers exploding out of his mouth at several times.

Epic (Katskills come through)

2010-02-26T20:08:00.001-05:00

Whoa. Epic. Insane. Deep. Are some of the only words to describe
today. Even with the snoiccane striking the tri state area, we made it
in under 4 hours. The mountain - belleayre.

Reports claimed there was 60 inches of snow. There was. I've never
been in something so deep and so heavy ever.

The turns - when they were succesful -were amazing. The turns when
they weren't so succesful resulted in lawn darting, face planting,
powder explosions and any number of other mega crashes.

Amazing. Video and photos will be up but they simply won't do justice.

Hero of the day - dude in camo who handed me a free beer when I was
buried waste deep.

I'll elaborate more later. Epic.

Boloney Powder Mission (Cilling the Catskills)

2010-02-25T22:00:00.000-05:00

No less than two Boloners are hoping into the Seenbaru in the AM and planning on doing some good old Bill Paxton style storm chasin'.

The plan? Thankfully NOT south to PA. This time we're heading to the stomping grounds where the snowboarding magic started for me - the Catskill mountain range. Now, we don't quite now yet where we are going - Plattekill, Hunter, Windham, or maybe Bellayre.

The road will be slow going and the approach to the mountains should be well iced - just how the Subaru likes it.

Hoping for big powder close to home. I'll send updates from the road. Time to slay the powder, giddyup.

PA Powder Mission (Blue Gets Browned)

2010-02-24T12:03:00.001-05:00

(Continuing on the catch-up, next is our storm chaser mission, tracking another snowpocalypse in the Mid Atlantic)

An early wake-up (5:30AM) started the mission. We knew the blizzard was coming West to East and PA would be getting it before New York, with heavy accumulations. So, if it started snowing here, it was likely already a disaster there. Our destination was initially Camelback, but a last minute audible switched the plan to Blue.

So after a dark and stormy wake-up, I was greeted with a lovely crust of ice and sleet on everything. Already, I was thrilled with the prospects of the 150 mile drive. Over to Trafalgar, Dong and Brown mounted up and we headed out to Pennsylvania. To check out the rest of the story and some video, hit here!

Forecasts the night before were claiming snow would start in the evening and get stronger all night, until it eventually would turn into a full blizzard by morning. A quick check of the snow totals in the morning were disappointing. It seemed like the storm might have stalled and the snow hadn't quite come yet. The plus side was this would make for a much easier drive out.

Because damn near everything East of the Mississippi was canceled because of the storm, the roads were empty, while snowy and icy. The highways were slow moving, but mostly clear and everyone seemed rationale. No special ed drivers blowing past on the right side, no one seemingly really trying to test the limits of their 4WD.

Once off the highway though, a different story began. The twenty-some miles on country roads were quickly becoming a disaster. The confidence I had in my friend's navigation was also misplaced. It turned out that his "rock solid" directions to the hill, were actually provided by a blue dot on a Blackberry and he didn't really remember at all how to get there.

With the non-existent traffic on these roads and the snowfall picking up, they got slicker and slicker. Even with the Subaru the increasingly windy roads that Brown led us into were not awesome. As we started sliding down a steeper hill into a sharp curve, I pretty much resigned myself that we were hitting the guard rail and let out an accepting "well, this is going to hurt."

Those awesome Japanese sure can make a grippy car, and traction was regained right before hugging the rail. Thankfully.

After a few more "damnit! Browns" were uttered, we finally locked eyes on Blue. One more push up the hill to the mid station lodge and we were there. My only real thought at that point was how gnarly that same final climb would be going downhill after 12 hours of snow.

Walking from the cars to the lodge, it certainly looked like some snow had come down, but nothing like the totals they were claiming. Undeterred, we got our lift tickets and geared up. Thank you college ID for continuing to provide me discounted lift tickets! So what I haven't attended a degree-granting institution in four years?

Right as we got out of the lodge the snow began picking up and the visibility that was already meager, disappeared. One turn into the run and we knew the drive was worth it. The snow was wet and heavy, but even with that, it was kicking up all over the place. The main cruiser runs on the mountain were covered in awesome snow, that was only rapidly increasing in totals.

Temperatures floated around that 33-34 degree mark, so while snow fell, it was extremely wet. Every flake hitting our jacket and pants almost instantly melted right into the material. It was going to be a very very soggy day.

We took a quick beer-for-breakfast break and headed back out after some thirty minutes. We were in for quite a shock. In that small amount of time the heavy bands of the blizzard struck and inches of snow fell. It just got heavier and heavier. Even in the mellow terrain offered up by Central Pennsylvania, snow blew up on every turn and coated us in a shell of the white stuff.

Back at the lodge, soaked through, we started hearing announcements about road closures. What started with some country roads, moved to the major highways. Watching the breaking news alerts on the TV over the bar, we saw the snowpocalypse turn into a traffic-pocalypse.

There was no chance we were leaving Pennsylvania that night. After some phonecalls, we found a hotel and plotted a course. Dong was in charge of navigation this time. The roads were way gnarly this time with heavy snow covering most of these PA back roads. Slow going, but what looked like it could lead to death was actually quite easy. We made it to some abandoned steel town next to the PA Turnpike and, in classic Boloney fashion, found the only open pizza place and alcohol supplier.

Making it back to the Country Inn and Suites we got a sick upgrade to a suite, and chugged sauce before a night of much deserved sleep.

In the morning the skies opened up and a brilliant blue bird day began. We headed over to Camelback to get some more of the powder riding in, and we were quickly reminded of being in PA. Brutal winds had kicked up and all of the 18 inches that came down the night before were already gone. It almost made it seem like the powder from the day before was a total figment. But we have the photos and videos to prove otherwise.

All and all our PA Powder mission was a shocking success. While it's against my cardinal rule to drive South for snow, I might have to make that more of a guideline instead.

Shreduary Strikes Sugarbush (Slashin' Snow)

2010-02-24T00:58:00.001-05:00

In my attempt to catch-up on all the goings on in this already packed with excitement Shreduary, I'll start with the most recent trip up to the infamous G305.

Everyone on the East Coast, and over large tracts of out West too, have spent weeks, if not the whole season griping about the lack of killer snow. I won't add onto that much as then to state the obvious. Before we got back to the condo, a classic January rain system swept through the entire North East, and demolished solid snow packs. Everything froze solid and great conditions were ruined.

So in the days preceding this trip, we all anxiously hoped for a few inches here and there to repair the damage done. Thankfully, light repairs were made. With Sugarbush getting something like 10 inches over the span of 10 days and firing their guns at full blast - and it being already February - I really wanted to get up there. Hit here or the header to read on and get the rest of the run down.

Brown and one sketchy skier were down for the early condo wake up and 40 mile drive. Sure enough the drive was a piece of cake, and the mountain was very cold. Overcast skies didn't break till noon and a light wind made for a finger tip-numbing morning. The whole point of this drive though was to hopefully get into some of the best snow in VT that could be found, and quickly Brown and myself were rewarded.

Many have regretted the decision to ever follow the lines and paths I blaze through the trees because they usually lead to a cliff or dead end, but my title as "shitty guide" might need to be handed to Brown. He got us into some woods that were brutally tight, and worst of all, a mine field of covered stumps and rocks. Every turn onto the toe edge resulted in a face plant. I'll let this epic Brown toe catch demonstrate:

Do note how he comes to a skidding halt only inches from a tree that would have felt great in the ribs. Love that one.

But the snow was good and after making a few successful turns through a section of these trees gave me a speed and confidence. Reality struck - or more aptly, caught - and clipping my edge, I spiraled out of control (more than usual I swear) and took a tree to the forearm and hip. I wouldn't want to be damaging that face of mine. How else am I going to pay the bills?

I think the real highlight of the day - beyond the exceptional Switchbacks at the bar and my award winning onesie, would have to be the lines we had and snow we found under the Castle Rock chair. Because of the rain, the whole mountain had its base encased in ice like I mentioned before. But all the snow they had gotten landed and stuck perfectly right on top. The only issue this presented was that after a week of successive turns, this pow was pushed out of the way in some areas and piled up in others. While some awesome turns were still possible, a quarter of the other turns grinded over ice.

This sort of variability made for some extra Xtreme runs, but nailing a big pile of left over powder makes anything worth it.

Sunday was an awesome mellow day on the hill at Pico. Let me back up a bit though and explain somethings about how apres ski the afternoon before became a whole night activity. After Kath got a margarita in her at the Bush, she only craved more. And I must admit, I did as well. So after a stop to the local liquor store, we joined up with the rest of the gang at the condo and started whipping up cocktails fruitier than I. Vodka margaritas anyone?

It wasn't long before Brown was drinking it out of a boot, the ladies were waxing my bat wings and nipples, and my Pentagon death hood was affixed to my head. A brutal game of Catch Phrase went down, with one-eyed Dan giving great clues like "thing... thing..." But, mix him into a team with me and obviously we understood the answer was "swamp."

So Pico on Sunday offered up some decent conditions, with thankfully a lot blown on the trails and a lot of grooming done. I don't think enough can be said this season about the snow makers and groomers not just at Pico, but really all across the country. While a few spots have been getting dumped on, it's been slim most everywhere else. These guys have been working the graveyard shift every night so we can slide down in the mornings.

But, I digress.

The brutal cold led to a shorter day to keep the fingers and toes working for the rest of the season. Most of the afternoon was spent doing a few runs down the well-built park setup, with Tim throwing down an awesome line. Sacrificing his thumb on one particularly hard landing, he still managed to nail some great spins with a 3 in there too. My shitty chase cam work did not properly capture the full steeze of the run, but clearly TK has been practicing his jumping and jibbing.

Another awesome weekend at G305 in the books. Till the next one...

Seen Having Too Much Free Time (GoPro, Oh No!)

2010-02-24T00:14:00.000-05:00

With the acquisition of a GoPro a few months back, I've been finding more and more ways to play with it. In the last 14 days, I've ridden something like 9 different mountains. In that time I found a whole plethora of uses and awesome ways to get fun shots. Instead of just rocking it as a helmet cam, I used it as a: chase cam, selfshot out front, wobbly cam pointing out, time lapse, car cam, and that's just the start of it. I've seen online all sorts of different ways guys are playing with these things and getting some really neat effects. As shreduary marches on, I'm sure I'll continue to get some awesome stuff out of it.

In this quick edit I've got some mega fresh pow in Blue Mountain and Cannon, mixed in with some awesome stashes at Saddleback, ME. For a season that has been lacking snow, the last two weeks have found my cameras - and myself - buried in it on multiple occasions.

I must say, I'm particularly psyched that I was filming myself when I caught an edge and front flipped. As opposed to trying to protect my body, I kept that awesome fish eye lens pointed right at me. Wahoo.

The Seen and Tim Show (Boloney Blasts UT: The Sequel)

2010-02-23T16:14:00.002-05:00

Whoa! Would have thought that not having a job would have enabled me to update the blog a whole lot more. And look at me, I even missed the TWO YEAR anniversary of the Boloney Blog. What has caused this delay in updates? Constant shredding of course. The last 14 days have seen great riding at Sugarbush, a powder day at Blue Mountain, PA, and then a mega Shreduary tour all through New England. Updates and run downs for all that will come in good time (I'll be on planes and bored a lot), but first I have exciting news.

I've gotten a piece up at SkiTheEast.net - and couldn't be more psyched - and have finished the accompanying edit. Let's call this piece a condensed version of the three updates I sent while I was in Utah in January. Hope you enjoy the video and story! You can get both by clicking the full report here or at the headline.

I was at Jackson Hole, Wyoming last year. A truly awe-inspiring mountain in the middle of nowhere. Growing up, and learning the trade on the East Coast, any time I go out West, my jaw drops taking in the sights and steeps. Starting on "mountains" with verticals measured in the hundreds, a place like Jackson Hole can be as good as it gets.

It was a random week in early March and I made it down a line through the Rendezvous Bowl - their gnarly top bowl - and I was pulling up into a brief lift line to do it all again. One of my buddies had a Long Trail sweatshirt on and a local struck up a conversation with him about the

brewery and skiing. When my friend was asked where the Long Trail was, he said Vermont, and almost as a knee-jerk reaction followed that with "You know, Ski The East, man." The local, while interested in the brewery, scoffed and said something like, "Ski the East? What for?" The conversation came to a quick conclusion.

For the last couple years, I've broken up my days skiing in New York and Vermont by going out West for a week or a weekend here and there in search of their mythic "guaranteed powder." Well, with my luck, I haven't seen much more with my airfare than my Subaru up in VT. But, still, I love it. Any time I can get on snow I'm happy, and the views and runs you can have out there are instant memories. But, most of the time, they seem to be between dumpings and have "sub-par" conditions when I show up.

Before my most recent trip over the Mississippi, I had been stalking the snow forecast sites for weeks in hopes that a mega dumping would hit before I got there. One or two did, but not within a few weeks of my arrival. I said to a friend that I didn't really care too much because a trip is a trip, and I'm not at the office.

Up early in SLC and on the bus to Snowbird, resort staff complained to one another about how many days they hadn't skied because of the "wretched" conditions and all the "hardpack." Even the optimist in me grew concerned.

What appeared at first to be cloudy skies, immediately turned into one of the most intensely sunny and beautiful days on a mountain I've ever had. At the summit, things looked as they should. Snow as far as the eye could see and long empty runs. This was a Saturday, yet no one was here and we looked to have the 3,000 acres to ourselves. Dropping into the deserted back bowl - the Mineral Basin - our edges slid and fought for grip, which they got after a second or two of coaxing. Turn after turn, the edges became more sure and smiles got wider. This was packed powder, not ice. Sure, a P-Tex party might have to be held after a week of this because of sporadic rocks, but for a "snowless" few weeks, the runs were crisp and edgable. Where was the hardpack and wretched conditions that the locals were complaining about?

The next day we hit another spot, this time in the Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Solitude, as the name suggested, was empty. On a holiday Sunday, I can just imagine the lift lines at some of the largest resorts in New England. Here though, emptiness. It must be that the snow is too hard, the cover too thin, the trails too slick. They know something we don't. But, we hadn't been here before so it would still be worth it. After taking a lift up to the mid-station, we cut over to a ridge that was plastered with more "thin cover" and "unmarked obstacles" signs than I could count, and I was sure this had to be a bad idea. But we were committed over the ridge, and two turns into the trees, powder sprayed up. Not deep by any means, but two-and-a-half weeks without snow and still kicking up powder? I don't even know how that's possible.

Run after run through in-bounds terrain - dipping in and out of the woods - and exploring all different regions in this playground, we were continuously rewarded with what seemed perfect snow and awesome skiing. A slight dip off the main trails through the trees yielded countless untouched lines - at points bogging us down by the abundance of snow. It only took a few minutes of work and traversing yielded ideal conditions.

At lunch I heard a woman say it was, "the iciest conditions I've ever skiied."

Back on the plane, a day later, that jackass from Jackson's voice popped into my head: "Ski the East? What for?" And a year later it really became clear to me: Because when you're in the East, any day on snow is a good day, and if you work for it you can find whatever you want. The years riding on true hardpack. Dealing with surprise rain in January. Grinding down sheets of ice from the Catskills to the Green Mountains. Watching weather models fail to deliver, week after week. Thinking two inches is a powder day. It's the patience during the bad days and the appreciation when the good days come. All these lessons make me the rider I am, and these lessons made those "sub-par" days in Utah feel epic.

While a state full of skiers moaned that Ullr hadn't been dumping snow on them, me and my buddy from the East, were on empty mountains, cutting through the trees and finding pristine powder. To me, it's pretty clear, "What for?"

Bring on the Pow (Heading South?)

2010-02-09T22:26:00.000-05:00

As soon as I've left D.C. to hunt powder in the North. The snow stopped going there, and instead came straight to the old apartment in D.C. D.C. is right now, the second snowiest city of the years - that's including the snow belt, places out west, and even the Mid West.

So because of that, and because yet another system doesn't look to make it to VT, we're headed West. No, not Utah, not Colorado, but Quaker land itself, Pennsylvania.

An early departure with a Seenbaru full of boloners off to Camelback. With hopes of a pow day, there is much excitement. Let's hope we can plow through the snow on the highways, skip passed the cops, and make it to some untracked PA paradise. Giddyup.

Them Winter Sports are Getting Too Brutal (Shut it Down)

2010-01-28T10:32:00.001-05:00

With XGames, Olympic Training, Dewtour, and the Boloney Battle all gearing up to full swing, the crashes are getting graphic. And ugly. And nearly death-inducing. For years now free skiing and snowboarding have gotten more "extreme" and are now resulting in tricks so complicated and technical that the slightest miscalculation guarantees a hospital visit. My call? Shut it down. Shut it down now. To summarize a few:

Kevin Pearce: Olympic halfpipe training. Trying to go for the double cork - ugh, I hate to even say the phrase - didn't quite make it. On the second off axis rotation, he clipped his toe edge on the deck or top of the wall, and slammed, hard, on his head. Even though he was wearing a helmet, he basically gave himself the scrambler and received a severe traumatic brain injury. And get this, he even had a helmet on. He would have been a dead man riding without one. He went from unresponsive to "recovering" while in a hospital near Park City, Utah. Prognosis, who knows.

Simon Dumont: This time, Xgames training in Aspen, Simon slammed on a double flip (I don't know if it was front or back) and according to ESPN "exploded off the deck." Lovely. He then catapulted all the way to the base of the pipe where he lay for 10 minutes. Ugly.

Danny Davis: Another gold medal contender for the Olympics, this guy got shutdown not on some double back cork mcrodeo, but good old Darwin stupidity. Jumping on a quad at 3am, he slammed into a fence after completing - in I believe a Dewtour stop - perhaps the "greatest half-pipe runs in the history of the sport." So excited, he cracked his pelvis and a vertebrate. Great....

But then, Shaun White is nailing tricks that are truly video-game quality. His most recent, which will likely make it into his Olympic run, not just a double cork, but a double cork mctwist 1260. I'm not sure what that is, but take a look.

Shaun White Double McTwist - watch more skate, snow, surf, and moto videos

These kids are getting out of control and paying the price for it. I'm sure they will all heal up and get back on the slopes, but for sure, the crashes will keep coming.

Shreduary Commences in Five Days (The Bums Win)

2010-01-26T11:18:00.000-05:00

Winter is here and my job isn't. The apartment is in boxes and the furniture on craigslist. Good bye swamps of the Mid Atlantic, hello True North.

As I take my leave from a big boy job to pursue the dream and become a U.S. tax dollar-sponsored snowboarder, my plans for the great month of Shreduary are in place. Not familiar with Shreduary? It's of course somewhere between Shredember and Smarch. My goal? Simple. Attempt to land 15/30 days of snowboarding. Banged up shin or not, I'm getting the shred on.

Mid week days? Check. Out West trips? Check. Icy frontier of Maine? Check. Everywhere in between? Yes. Boloney on hand sandwiches and keystone light? Check. Growing a grungy stache and developing that magical boot aroma? ... well I already did that.

Too further appease Ullr and the rest of the snow gods (Radio Ron included), I make it my solemn duty to rock the award-winning Onesie as much as physically possible.

If this appeals to you, sign up for the Power Seen Shreduary experience now!

And to get you further amped, check out TRice chatting about the North Face Masters at Snowbird:

Words With Travis Rice from The North Face Masters on Vimeo.

Videos Dropping and Shred All Over (WWS)

2010-01-21T11:31:00.001-05:00

Red Bull has put up yet another awesome video of Free Ride skiing in France. Certainly awesome and a good teaser of future Boloney ski projects.

Let this wet your appetite, because after myself and TK got back from Utah, I've already been in the editing bay getting together a quick hit edit from the trip. The summary? Lot's of sped up footage mixed with Tim killing it on the steeps of Uta.

The next month holds a lot of prime riding and skiing. What's on the agenda? VT, Maine, NY, maybe NH? It looks like we'll dodge the bullet and there may only be one slight warm up. Hopefully the powder keeps coming down good on the East Coast and a lot of core season shredding will go down. Will this year see some epic dumps in March? Let's hope the cold stays and El Nino keeps whipping up some moisture.

First week in March is of course the big out West trip. Tahoe right now is getting slammed with a mega storm that may produce 10 feet of snow over 9 days. That's what I call a POW day. Keep it up Ullr.

Brighton Bests Utah (Magic Uta Pow)

2010-01-18T14:25:00.000-05:00

In this installment of the SeenTK show, Brighton was heavily featured, with it's sick steeps and surprisingly abundant snow pack.

After another trek into the Big Cottonwood Canyon, two boloners headed off for their final day of riding during U2. Brighton is a place we were all blown away by last year, and we were both psyched to head back. Knowing the snow out here isn't epic this week, we figured Brighton wouldn't be as good as last year, but little did we know.

At first after a run up the Great Eastern Express, not to be confused with the Great Northern mud trail of killy, we thought we were in for it. The run under the lift and through the trails was icy and brutal. With a changed game plan, we moved farther right onto the hill and hit up the Morning Wood trees. Ah, the Brighton we remembered returned. Steep and snowy trees that seemed untouched even though they lacked fresh snow in two weeks. Rock drops, quick pow slashes, and terrifying steeps as far as our legs allowed us to go.

After several laps through there, we again moved on to greener pastures. This time, the Miley Cyrus express. The whole Miley "bowl" if that's even the right term, is a super craggy, steep, and gnarly area with acre upon acre of freeride terrain.

This was the real shock of Brighton. What we, well, at least I, thought would have been crusted over death steeps with gnarly exposure, turned out to be very edgeable snow, making for the best runs of the trip. Under the lift things looked rocked out and danger slick, but with Tim's enthusiasm we shot through lines that I thought wouldn't be doable with the snow there. Sure, I might have made some interesting rock slides, but skis and boards survived - as well as my joints and limbs - and the Miley zone was great.

Final mission of the day was the devastator itself: Rein's Run. In the morning that area was brutally hard and crusty. Something that steep is basically not didable in those conditions, but we had to see if it was as steep as remembered. Short answer, yes, nutso steep. In the final surprise of the day, the snow was perfect. Four or five turns and already dropping several hundred feet, snow sprayed up on every turn and the rocks were well covered. So good in fact we lapped it three times and as we descended lower to the Snake Express (or whatever it's called) we found plenty of little drops and surprise steeps.

Brighton has got to be one of the best hills in the world, and we were both psyched to take the bus through the Big Canyon and hit it up again.

U2 (Boloney Blasts Back)

2010-01-16T19:16:00.000-05:00

It's MLK weekend, and Tim and I are in SLC, well, Midvale, but same thing. Things are good and Utah is rocking.

Just like last year, we're hitting an identical weather pattern. Week or two with no snow, mega blue and sunny yesterday, slightly overcast and cloudy today. First order of business on Friday was of course, demolishing the continental breakfast at the Days Inn South. I might also add that Tim and myself were greeted as returning VIPs by the Bobby Sharp himself.

So after making a few waffles and drinking an uncomfortable amount of coffee, off to the UTA bus, next stop Snowbird. The Bird is in fact, the word. As usual it offered the most amazing steeps and lines around. Again, even without fresh snow, great runs and packed powder were abundant. The added bonus of Utah being sans fresh snow is the crowds are just not here. No wait on anything and enjoying the great sun made for an amazing day of near beers and cruising. With TK on the planks and myself on the board we cruised around all the favorite spots: Black Forest, Mineral Basin, and Peruvian. Even after riding this place last year, I am constantly blown away by just how terrifyingly steep nearly all the terrain is here.

Because no one hill is going to have "epic pow" this weekend, TK and I decided a exploration was critical. Today's mission was one of Solitude. Fun Fact about Utah: Never ask advice from morons that probably don't ski about where to go and where to ride. Solitude, what was claimed last year as a boring waste of time hill, turned out to be mega gnarly, easily on par with Snowbird or Brighton and quickly became of favorite.

Solitude had every kind of terrain imaginable: Steeps like the Bird, wide open cruisers like A Basin's main face, Craggy bowls like Jackson, trees like in the North East. The added bonus of Solitude is just that, no one is here. And because of that, snow, and I mean actual powder was everywhere. If you had told me it hadn't snowed here for two weeks I would call you a liar. All the terrain off the high lifts and within the woods was rip-able and full of stuff to push around. Enough good things can't be said about this place, so I'll just sum it up this way: next year I'll be going to Solitude first.

Tomorrow's mission will continue the plan of Blasting Back the Cottonwood Canyons. We're off to Brighton to go through the awesome woods, down the death steeps of Rein's Run, and through the gnar gnar bowl off the Miley Chair. Check out all the pictures to the right.

Giddy'up.

Bri/DK Fest X Recap (Bolla, Woods, and Pow)

2010-01-13T17:52:00.002-05:00

Three years running (on top of several of the K0 trips) and the Bri/DK Fest is still in full swing. For the 2010 season we were lucky in to get awesome snow, great weather, one DiK that was loaded down with 2 1/2 gallons of Vallapocellia. Read after the break for a run down on Killy, Pico, and wine by the liter.

This is now my third trip to G305 (often known as the Condo of Chaos). The first week I was up (1000 miles in three days) was more to just stretch the legs and see Killy than anything else. Conditions were terrible and almost nothing was open. The second trip was early December. That week I saw the transformation first hand as winter finally started. This weekend though was what skiing and riding in VT is all about: ungroomed powder, untamed woods runs, and glades packed with snow.

Starting the trip early with Dong, we hit up Killington on Friday to hunt down any powder that was still hiding in the trees. As a quick weather recap, on New Years a major storm hit Vermont. Killington got at least 18 inches, but that was a week before we got there. Still though, we ventured into the classic woods runs of Killy, starting with Julio.

Julio is an intimidating run: dense trees, exposed rocks, and variable conditions. Still though, no one else was in there and plenty of snow was able to be found when moving away from the main chutes through the trees. Dong and myself continued through Killy, going from peak to peak and dipping in and out of the major wooded trails. Off the other peaks, sections like Low Rider and Patsys had great powder and amazing turns to offer.

The final mission at Killington was to venture over to Bear Mountain and check out what was available to shred. To our surprise, woods that never open were actually open. Devil's Den - steep exposed rock and almost no route clearing - was impressive and loaded with untracked snow. Finally, the Growler woods to looker's right of Outer Limits were awesome as well.

The most amazing thing about Killington was the fact that ice was everywhere on the main trails. For a mountain that had just gotten well more than 18 inches of snow, you would think hard pack sheets of ice would not be abundant, but oh no. Not at Killington. Come to Killy for the ice.

With the rest of the gang up and snow falling heavily, we looked forward to two awesome days riding without crowds at Pico. What seemed to only be an inch or two of snow in the parking lot was easily 4-6 on the main trails of Pico. Cursing down the Upper and Mid Pike had to be some of the most fun I've ever had on a snowboard. One long line of fresh snow and endless turns and slashes to be made in it.

Psyched up because of the awesome conditions found all over the hill, the Kelly's and I headed over Giant Killer and traversed to the Poma Line - a remnant of the abandoned surface lift. All that remains now are power lines that service some of the summit facilities and pylons from derelict lift. From the top you can look down some 1000 vertical feet at the chute cut straight through the trees. Even though there hadn't been a substantial storm in a week, the snow was great and the edges were still untouched.

Once down the Poma Line, you begin the Poma trail: a cut through the woods no wider than a snowmobile in spots. Here the snow was deep and abundant. And in classic Seen form, I got buried and spent some five minutes digging myself out.

Of course deserving great note was Tony and Andrea's first time out on Skis. Big props for that and also for their remarkable success on Day 1 being on snow. Tony was even bold (or drunk) enough to head up to mid station and work his way down Gold Rush.

Highlight of Saturday night had to be another amazing Tim O'Carroll performance at the Long Trail. That Irishmen can do it right. Of course, DK, Nukey, and myself's ultimate round of Catch Phrase has to be noted as well.

Sunday was more of the same. Woods runs off the outpost chair and relaxed runs through the Summit and Birch Glades. The real fun of the day was the Telemarking. It was a free demo day, so Dong couldn't resist and had to strap a pair of teles on. Watching him make his failing lunge attempts at tele turns was a true marvel. Perhaps because of my vociferous mocking, the snow gods deemed it necessary for me to do a slick double backflip ragdoll crash on 49er. Thank you Ullr for the invention of helmets.

And so another birthday celebration is over, but many more weekend will be had at Pico this season.

Enchanted Madness (I Fail as Survivor Man)

2010-01-13T16:58:00.003-05:00

Before Christmas I shot up to the Catskills to do a mini Exit 20 tour. Lodging provided by the very comfortable Enchanted Valley Cleary Lodge. Some may perhaps remember the onesie-based antics that took place there last year around this time. Because this was a solo trip, I figured it might be fun to live blog my isolation evening in the woods of Cornwallisville. (well time-delayed live blog). The following are the uncut musings I jotted down while sequestered in the Enchanted Valley for what turned out to be a very exciting evening. Read below the fold for the uncut feed.

###

4:00 P.M.: I’ve arrived at the house. About 12 inches of snow on the ground, great day of riding down. Time to get the fire going in the house, turn on the heat, and get the lodge going for a night of DVDs and winter fun!

4:03 P.M.: Okay, the snow is sorta heavy and it is brutally cold out, but I’ve got the walk cleared off! Wahoo wine soon.

4:09 P.M.: Oh man, I just realized the fridge isn’t plugged in and the water isn’t good to drink. I guess I’ll have to run into town and grab some supplies to make it through the evening.

4:27 P.M.: The Iseen is failing me right now. This edge connection just won’t make it. I iSeened “food” and it came up with 0 results. I think I might have to drive all the way to Albany to get sustenance.

4:45 P.M.: With a bit of patience, I’ve realized you just got to do things mellow in the country. Simple living. That’s what it’s all about right? So I’m going to take a deep breath and get some food and head back.

5:12 P.M.: I’ve been in the deli/liquor store/video store/dinner/ grocery store for nearly 10 minutes and seem to have slipped into some kind of coma where I discussed the “weather these days” and compared that to the weather of the “old days” with the store clerk. One customer was lacking the majority of his teeth and bought a large bowl of peppers as a meal. I think there is something wrong in the water here.

5:40 P.M.: Got some grab and some beer! Awesome let’s get this party going.

5:41 P.M.: Damnit, forgot the Iseen charger. Rocking – no phone tonight. Way better. I don’t want any distractions. Time to kick back and enjoy some tube and booze.

5:42 P.M.: Alright, no T.V. That’s cool. I’ve got DVDs with me.

5:43 P.M.: Well, I only have Ghostbusters I and II. Great movies, I’ll watch those. Night saved!

5:44 P.M.: The case is empty!!!! This really sucks, but like I said, it’s the country. Just got to relax and enjoy the good air and scenery.

5:49 P.M.: Holy crap that was only 5 minutes???? I was starring out the window and I thought 2 hours went by. How does time move so slowly here?

5:58 P.M.: I really should have gotten more food. I’m already hungry again. What is wrong me with? Why does this place feel so tiny all of a sudden? It has gotten dark so early, I can’t see anything outside.

6:07 P.M.: New form of entertainment: KNIFE SHARPENING. I’m going to set records for most knives sharpened in an hour as well as sharpest knife ever. NIGHT SAVED.

6:27 P.M.: Wahoo. Found guns too. Those guys need a polishing that’s for sure. Country living RAWKS!

6:54 P.M.: Okay, this is a disaster. The beer that was outside chilling, went passed chilling very quickly. They’ve detonated and I now have no beer. The driveway is totally plowed in. I can’t get out until sunrise. No problem. I’ve got my guns and knives.

7:10 P.M.: This is staring to suck. How is it so early still. I’ve been here for days. I keep hearing things in the other room. When I walk in to figure out what it is there is nothing there. Probably the neighbor playing a game on me! Ha, good one.

7 :40 P.M.: There is definitely someone else in the house. This place is so small how come I can’t find them. Maybe in the basement? They are getting louder though. Bummer, better shut up soon because the joke isn’t funny anymore!

7:53 P.M.: No BEER, No DEW, No T.V. make SEEN go something.

7:57 P.M.: New plan: Wait outside for awhile and figure out where the voices are coming from. Once I figure it out, run at the guys with my superbly sharpened knives. Is there any ammo up here any more?

8:42 P.M.: That temp is no joke. Seriously 0 degrees out. Can’t feel anything and am no closer to catching the guy making all the noise. It sounds like they are telling me to do things, not talking to me so much. I don’t want to do the things. But they promise they have beer.

8:44 P.M.: REDRUM

8:49 P.M.: They’re in the walls. They’re in the frakking walls.

8:52 P.M.: No BEER, NO DEW, No T.V. make SEEN go CRAZY.

11:53P.M.: By my count I’ve been here for 47 days. Supplies have basically run out and the tricksters are unbearable. I can never find them, but I know they are here and I just want them to stop. I’ll beat them at their own game. I’m going to burn this place to the ground. If they try to escape, I’ll shoot them. I will win. I won’t do what you want me to do. The enchanted valley is cursed. There is a black magic at work here and I’ll stop it.

11:57 P.M.: Gotta whole bunch of gas and ammo. Going to head out and torch this place. Should make for one hell of a photo! Signing off for now.

###

Wow. Well that was something. First off, I want to thank the very kind neighbors in the Enchanted Valley. If it wasn’t for their quick thinking, I likely would have froze to death. It turns out There quick thinking when they found a pantless, bare-chested body in the snow next to a burning duraflame, certainly saved my life. I also want to throw a shout out to the Albany medical center who identified the toxins in the “vintage” bottled water I was drinking that I found in the house. Turns out a mix of sulfur and magnesium coupled with mold can bring on a bit of psychosis.

Long story short, Hunter and Windham rocked it mid-week style. They were really able to turn it around from what were dirt hills the first week in December to nearly 100% open mountains two weeks later.

Headwall Hiking (Round II)

2009-12-29T19:13:00.000-05:00

After the fun had yesterday up on the headwall and the overall blown out status of both I and BP's legs, a 800 step hike straight up sounded like a perfect idea... twice. Conditions were worse than yesterday. Snow was crispy and harder and the light was much much flatter. But the hike path was ever more packed than yesterday. With a better choice of gear and hydration, we put our heads down and charged on up.

I hit the top line twice and found some good snow and easy turns. Cupid was convinced there was a way through the cliff line that would let us hit the good snow we came up there for. Sure enough after following the lines of a ski patroller who shot down, we found the line. After the second hike up we followed the line down and hit some of the best snow of the trip.

The lower mountain might have been a bit gnarly today, but sure enough, if you hiked for your turns, you could find some awesome stuff.

Hiking for Pow (Jackson Christmas Day 3)

2009-12-28T19:46:00.000-05:00

After a quick run down (read 35 minutes of riding) from the tram to the base, the conditions just weren't there. So we headed out to Apres Vous and found some decent cruisers that were still intact. Again though, cover pushed away quickly and it felt quite North East style.

So, the 11:00 A.M. daily plan went into effect: Beers at the summit of the Gondy. Because of the crazy inversion here, the -4 at the base was actually closer to 25 at the summit. Unbelivable sun too made for an amazing chill session. Shockingly enough, I got antsy. I kept glancing behind the Gondy building where the hike up for the headwall is. A long packed out trail stretching up through the trees and climbing some 1000 feet to the top of Casper peak. Cupid was content will chilling so I grabbed the board, stripped off a few layers, and started the hike.

Initially, I thought I might only hike up a few dozen feet and take a quick pow turn in the untracked, but easily accessible area. As I started trudging up it though, the packed out trail - due to skiers boots - made for an easier hike. It was like a stairmaster from hell, and the altitude didn't make it any easier, but all and all, it was doable. With my head down, I just kept plodding away. In minutes, silence and the bowl opened up more and more. Great powder could be seen and now I realized how I was really up there. Perhaps an avalanche beacon would have been a good idea... Don't worry, I'm sure I could count on Cupid sitting at the bar to save me.

Eventually I saw a higher pitch and thought I might make it to there. After a few instances of this I figured I climbed several hundred vertical feet, and was continuing to make good progress. Finally though, I called it quits once another super steep pitch started. I saw a good area that still had a lot of snow and few tracks and shimmied over to strap in. Now, I noticed just how far I climbed and how gnarly the terrain got. It also dawned on me that I had no idea which way to go down, and no idea where the cliffs were.

As Ski Patrol famously told us, "Taste Death, Live Life." So, with that attitude, I dropped in and make some sick pow turns if I do say so myself. Then, I realized I was now in it, and was standing in front of a mondo cliff. Now, I knew I really should have figured out where the safe line is, and had no choice but to unstrap myself and hike up a bit and then over. The precipice I creeped across got gnarly and gnarly and I had to traverse over some 100-200 feet. Finally, I saw what looked like a rideable way down. Though, it was definitely the gnarliest chute I've ever considered going down.

Back into the board, pointing the nose down and making a few jump turns, I launched down the chute and somehow popped out on the otherside. Finally I had a view of the top of the gondola where I started the hike and make some slow turns through the lower bowl. Success.

Once Justin got off of work for his ski break, we made a beeline for the hike up Casper we did yesterday. Today though, the waist high we trudged through was packed where we stepped from yesterday and access was way easier. The Re-Session was on and many fun rock hits were had.

All and all, a great day of pow and fun on what everyone else bitched about as an awful day of hardpack.

Santa Shreds Jackson (Ho, Ho, Ho)

2009-12-27T23:36:00.000-05:00

Today, Santa came to Jackson. Okay, it was me in my crappy Santa suit still covered in beer and liquor from Santarchy 09. But, Santa came ready to party. Again, the mountain's early season conditions, while not ideal, were awesome off the second tram car. Ridding down Rendevous Bowl at 9:17 A.M. is a good thing.

Great runs were head in the early morning hour and exploration occurred. One trip found us down a bowl lacking snow but having many many bumps the size of Volkswagons.

The Santa suit though, is a very good. While most greeted me with a smile or a Merry Christmas, a few scrooges just looked irritated. They get coal. As does the child that smacked Santa with his glove. I know where he sleeps. He will feel Santa's wraith.

After a very festive round of warm rumplemeinze and Silver Bullets at the Bridger Gondy, Santa and Cupid were feeling quite loose. The intoxication though lead to finding some great lines through the woods.

Sidecar came out in style, grabing a pair of skis and hitting Teewinot. Later on Justin Credible showed up and hiking missions commenced. Up a line above Casper and again above Moran Faces. A short 10-15 minute hike through waist deep snow led to the best turns of the trip.

What will the rest of the week hold? Powder hikes? Spicy Margs? I'm sure all of the above.

Boloners in Jackson (Round II)

2009-12-26T19:57:00.000-05:00

BP and myself, as well as sidecare and the fam, are in Jackson Hole again. Right now a lot of condo time apres action is in effect and we're all having some cockatails after a long day of riding.

Conditions this year are real early season style. Very little is actually open off the top. From the tram ride up you can access the rendezvous bowl and one groomer cat track all the way back to the base. There are a mix of bumped out bowls here and there on the way down and a good deal of other rando cuts you can take here and there. The first half of the day was great and offered great groomed cruisers as well as very rideable bumps. As the day went on and the crowds picked up and the snow pushed off. The total lack of snow hitting Jackson this season is causing real problems for the hill and the constant moans of the locals is audible. These people don't know how spolied they are. Boloners know what true ice/hard pack is, and that is not here. Great long runs. Big turns. Sweet pow stashes. Jackson Hole is an incredible place and we all couldn't be more happy.

Pictures will be very accessible to the right.

Many Boloney Happenings (NO Plans)

2009-12-15T22:39:00.001-05:00

Jackson, Utah, Tahoe, Killy, Sugarbush, Mount Snow, Pico, and the list goes on. Just a sampling of the hills and territories gangs of boloners will be headed to this season. With snow blanketing the country, and winter rapidly spreading after an awful East Coast early season, we're all getting our ass into gear.

To follow in a much more abbreviated version than last year, I'll post some upcoming highlights:

Jackson Hole II: Boloney Strikes Back (12/25-12-30)
Bri Dk Fest X: Bonoirishlover won't know what hit him - let's show this decade who is boss (1/8-1/10)
U2: Snowbird, Brighton (MLK Weekend)
Tahoe: Humpin' Heavenly (Early March)

So there will be many trips of course. Perhaps some filming will take place if the mood strikes just right for Xceptionally Stylish.

As a small aside, to highlight the greatness of some of the places we'll hit, Brighton has found a skull and just identified it. And yea, it's fractured. Turns out some guy decided to get into an argument, go off on a stroll solo, and dove off a cliff. Most metal mountain ever? I don't know, but we'll surely be shredding it.

Bono Himself Replies to the Haters (U R Awesome)

2009-12-11T14:31:00.000-05:00

After BonoIrishLover's vicious attack on Bono, Bono saw it necessary to emerge from deep within the U.N. Security Council on Africa and reply, in video. Attached is his unedited, off the cuff response.

24 Hour Transformations (Uller at Killy)

2009-12-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

In one day, an amazing thing occured at Killington. Winter started.

Friday

Saturday

Winter at Last (Gorbachev, Sherlock Holmes, and BonoIrishLover)

2009-12-10T16:26:00.007-05:00

So after initial reports of excitement and merriment in late October and early November, things turned awful in a hurry. Al Gore was out there ruining the winter with warm temps and non-winter precipitation destroying the early season base. This then led to my East Coast news embargo.

I can officially say now though, that the embargo is lifted and Boloney Moguls declares this season open for business. Because I’ve recently become sponsored by the U.S. government, I took off from D.C. on Thursday and straight-lined it for Killington.

G305 is a true home away from home and always a happy sight after hours on the road. I arrived there in a t-shirt and jeans, while spitting rain persisted through Rutland. After some brew dogs and Vallapecila with Dan Kelly himself, I got some sleep in and woke up for early season mid-week riding. Because cold temps had finally arrived in Killington before the slight warm-up I drove through, the guns were cranking full blast for days and the terrain finally had at least a mediocre base.

Driving down the access road, I saw a familiar view that has been plaguing all the mountains of the East: dirt trails more suited for mountain bikes than snow sports. After Beer One, I suited up – for what was a much colder day than I expected – and headed to the K-1 Gondy. The mountain was alive with the roar of dozens of snow guns rapidly trying to jumpstart a winter that Uller seemed indifferent to starting.

Everything blown on was classic East Coast conditions and I couldn’t have been more psyched. Hardpack with a lot of man made on top of it – and more being blown – turns were good, edges held, and runs were fast.

With my faith restored in the East Coast and my new TRS, I returned to the condo and waited for the rest of the crew to arrive.

Friday night was a standard scene: carloads of Boloners arrived after 11 and mild raging occurred. We couldn’t have anticipated what Saturday would hold though.

Driving up to the hill everything seemed the same, besides the epic crowds that turned out for 2 top to bottom runs. Killington was again the only game in town. Mount Snow, Okemo, Stowe, Bolton Valley, all the NY/CT mountains had missed their projected openings AGAIN. All snow enthusiasts that had missed their Thanksgiving trip, on top of others, headed to the Beast to get their fix. Damn the conditions.

Enduring crowds was much easier as the Ktown snowmakers expanded the open terrain and helped us spread out a bit more. But, Great Northern was still the only way to the base. This caused a log jam of the worst variety, with kids, grandpas, and jib rats slamming into each other at high speeds at choke points on the bottom of the run.

And then it started to happen. Uller woke up and what I thought was just flurries and trace snow started coming down. The sky whited out, the light flattened, and snow came down. No one wanted to jinx it, but every time we looked at the once bare dirt runs of the morning, we couldn’t help but get excited, seeing the Beast wake up and take on its snow-draped style.

I think Tim said it best. What me and him were really excited about was spinning our newly acquired Subarus through their first snowstorm. Back at the lot after a day of riding through man-made and natural, the ground was completely covered with inches of fresh. The access road back to the condo was as treacherous as Great Northern was. But this time, we had 2WD cars trying to descend and climb ice-covered roads to no avail.

Back at G305, after a quick rally course run through the Pico lot with the Seenbaru, that I hope would make Ken Block proud, the celebrations commenced. We cooked up a mondo meal, poured some brown stains, and opened up Catch Phrase and Cranium. A night full of drinking, laughing, phrase-guessing, and charading took place. Finally it felt like winter was here and it could have been the middle of February for all we knew. Snow on the mountain, cold temps outside, and a raging fire inside. You know things are good when we're able to use the back deck as a beer cooler.

Sunday was any-day winter in VT. A little more terrain opened up, the guns were still blasting, but most importantly it was cold, and the Beast looked like the mountain we all expected it to look like in December.

Winter has come to Vermont and the rest of the East Coast. Just yesterday Killy claimed another 12ish inches coming down which will do wonders for the base. After some wind and bluebird skies, this weekend more precip is supposed to come down and cement the gains of the last week.

Finally, it is ski the east time.

Earning Turns (Assload of Miles for Early Season Riding)

2009-11-24T13:44:00.001-05:00

With the exception of one DiK, the remaining four of us all put in serious miles for minimal riding, and it was well worth it.

The Boloners:

Myself, Power: 500 miles one way
BP, Dong: 273 miles one way
Kath, Not Pukey: 300ish miles one way
Tim: 300 miles one way
Dan, DiK: 75 miles one way (ass)

While I will continue NOT to break my East Coast news embarago, some comments on this weekend's mega mileage trip are necessary. 5 Boloners in Killington with 5 cars. That's how BM keeps it green all year long. Roughly, the gang logged in excess of 2,800 miles for three open trails at Ktown. I think it would be impossible for ANYONE to question a Boloner's dedication to riding.

Saturday's mushy sludge was plenty rideable at the higher elevations but quickly rutted out and turned to a color reminiscent of the Mid-Atlantic. The trails lower down consisted more of rock ollies and avoiding running water and mud than powder turns, but I'll take it at least.

I seem to really be utilizing lists and short sentences, so I'll highlight the weekend via bullets:

High point: First shot of rumplemeinze in the 2010 season - delicious, refreshing, minty.
Comedy gold: Dan nailing himself in the throat, popping a cork out of his wine
Drinking achievment: Dan/Tim for dueley red-eyes at the Wobbly
Exceptionally Stylish moment: BP riding in his girly leather jacket, earning the descriptor "faggy 70s shit"
Random Hero of the weekend: The Hammer hanging out at the Wobbly during the Wild Stallions premiere
Sweet Air Award: Tim's backside 180 to mud plant

Snow, as well as, the Lack There Of (WWS)

2009-11-17T09:59:00.000-05:00

While it looks like the East Coast doesn't get to ski this year, there is still much in the Wide World of Shred to report.

First, Heavenly (where the gang is off to in March) is opening ahead of their original schedule, on Friday. They decided to make a web series all about snowmaking and their snowmaking crew, and I've gotta say, It is awesome. If you enjoy Deadliest Catch, Loberstermen, Axe Men, Ice Road Truckers, or another show about Guys that Do a Job that Doesn't Pay Much, you'll love this shit. Frankly, the slick editing and lack of a crappy song for the intro already make this better than half of the "real" shows. I've posted the teaser, but the full first episode is available at the Heavenly link.

I have now begun a news embargo on the East Coast until it is positive, so instead, I'll comment on Antarctica - perhaps the last frontier of shred remaining.

Jeremy Jones and crew are continuing to film for their two year project, TGR's Deeper, and they've posted a photo spread from Antarctica. Deeper is Jones' attempt to get back to what he thinks is the heart and soul of free riding - literally hiking every run. No snowmobiles, no helicopters. If you want your turns, you have to earn them. And it's not like he is hiking at resorts. He's picked places with unknown lines in the Alps, and spent months exploring vast stretches of AK. So, why not hit up Antarctica. That sounds reasonable.

Jeremy Jones, is of course the king of Free Ride. Check out some of his various hits. From That's it That's All last year, a custom edit with just him in there. Or how about his segment from Under the Influence?

I've attached two of what I think are the craziest shots. Remember, these guys are sleeping in tents there and then hiking step by step with full gear. No sherpas, no nothing. A board, boots, and all the gear and food they need to hike up the run, strap in, and then launch back down it. Who knew there was so much to Antarctica beyond penguins and cold? It certianly seems closer to a hard pack then POW, but these pros can handle that for sure. Check out the full article here to get the rest o the photos and a much better written article.

The Greatest Comment in the World (Youtube Rocks)

2009-11-13T11:28:00.002-05:00

On this classic video from the 07-08 Bri-DK fest, Dan did his best Bono impersonation.

Now, the best thing about posting something this amazing, is having it on youtube. There, the masses watch and discuss, respectfully and intelligently. Take this gem that I received last night. Probably the greatest thing ever written on youtube. Also take note of his username. Why don't you all tell him what you think of him and how great his opinion is?

BonosIrishLover (17 hours ago)

u r a fucking bastard

The real question is who "r a fucking bastard"? Is it I for positing, Dan because of the impersonation, or Bono for being a dick weed? I must know.

TGR's re:session, live in dc

2009-11-12T18:54:00.002-05:00

Boloney coming to you love from dc. Well actually va. W00tw00t
resession is here to kick the crap out of the mid Atlantic.

It's Always Rainy in Washington (It's Snowing Somewhere)

2009-11-12T13:11:00.000-05:00

We're deluged with rain in D.C. and most of the East Coast, and spirits may be down because the early ski season is looking pretty crappy right now. We've got days and days of warm weather sitting over VT and no one is getting to even make fake snow. But that's alright. Out West is getting dumped on. Supposed to be a foot or two in Jackson over the next day. Pacific Northwest just opened Mt. Baker and Mt. Hood. So, at least someone is getting to ride. Right? Doesn't that make us East Coasters feel better? Right?

Well, in honor of my new TRS and use of Children of Bodom (circa None More Blacker) I'm putting up this new video by Lib Tech.

Sales Position Available (Ideal Candidates Inquire Within)

2009-11-06T15:29:00.000-05:00

Well, there isn't exactly a sales position open - anymore. And, that's because this guy takes the job without an interview. I would buy anything he sells. Two of them. Just because he's awesome.

Oh yea, in news I'm sure no one cares about... KILLINGTON OPENS TOMORROW.

Unleash the Fury (East Coast Snow Update)

2009-11-05T10:43:00.000-05:00

Everyone on the East is sitting around, looking at gear - new and old alike - and anxiously waiting for Vermont to announce "game on." A quick jib sessions a few weeks ago at Mount Snow only served to make us all more hungry for the season to really start. All eyes now are on Killington. To paraphrase the Beast, snowmaking has been going on since yesterday, but conditions suck to make snow at the low elevations. Fresh, real snow might be coming tonight, but the temperatures for prime snowmaking will certainly be there. That's the critical part. The East Coast snow gods are fickle, but the icy hand of a New England winter isn't. When it shows up, it stays and locks in that deep freeze. Using our technology, we can finish the job. Gotta love the brand new fan guns they are using at killy pictured right. I think that thing was only on for six hours when they took this and there is already light coverage. Amazing.

The glimmer of hope? The Beast says they will make an official announcment about top-to-bottom skiing tomorrow around this time. Frankly, that seems much more positive than they were at this time yesterday. Let's hope they can do it. Boloney Moguls needs to keep it green and get back to Rutland.

Other prospects? Well with all this cold finally setting in, snowmaking at Mount Snow has seriously cranked up. They even claim to have gotten a few inches last night of fresh. In the picture to the left you can seem them blow as hard as they can all over mother nature. Damn green stuff needs to become white stuff. Down by the base, they have nothing, but again, at higher elevations it is really looking like a winter wonderland. Key here is to get great cover in for a 3rd annual post-Thanksgiving trip to the Snow Lake Lodge. Last year's debauchery can be recapped here. But to summarize, I ended up with a bruised jaw, Kath became Pukey, Kyle was anused, and Vinny was creeping about. Oh yea, and the plate of gravy.

Seenbaru Upgrades (Subaru Wahoo)

2009-11-03T10:48:00.000-05:00

Both Tim and I are rocking Subarus this season - his Outback and my Forester. These are cars that eat miles, shred through all types of inclement weather, and store massive amounts of crap with ease. While I have 0 complaints with the Seenbaru, I think Ken Block has successfully one-uped me. If there was anyway I could get this shred machine to be mine, I believe I would have to do it. Come on, even one drive.... And I continue to be jealous of his MTN Lab - located right next to Solitude and Brighton. Perfect snow, epic mountains, and all the toys a boy could dream to have.

Delayed Happy Halloween (Pumpkin Shred)

2009-11-02T15:09:00.000-05:00

While we were all off rocking John and Jackie's most metal wedding ever, we weren't able to do any spooky shredding (not that there is any snow on the East Coast to hit). But, thankfully, they've got a dash of it in Tahoe and these guys didn't miss a beat. Combing shred, pumpkins, and Tahoe and the Danger Zone cooked up something really good.

SKIPOPOW (Whoa Wednesday)

2009-10-28T10:36:00.001-04:00

I'm just a posting and re-posting machine! Everyone and their mother has been releasing videos with the impending season upon us (and partially started). Treat yourself to some amazing views and awesome riding with the SKIPOPOW video below. Awesome stuff TKB Films!

Corbets Starts Giving Me Nightmares Again (Jackson)

2009-10-28T10:21:00.000-04:00

As I documented and commented on greatly last year, Corbets' Couloir is really scary. Just when I got over it, JHSR had to post this picture during the storm nailing them yesterday. Yea, that's right, they are already talking about Corbets' opening for the new season, and as a corrolary, preparing to count all the broken bones and twisted knees it will cause. A quick youtube search will also yeild a whole bunch of new Corbets' death videos from the last season. It seems every year, more and more people are enchanted by that steep mistrees. Sedudced by the dream of glory and getting in there deep and fast. Only to find themselves ashamed and embarrased in the dark corners of youtube.

Keep on Skiing the East

2009-10-27T14:39:00.000-04:00

Check out this awesome video I found linked on Tramdock. Local Vermont rippers hit spots all over the East. The Tuckerman's part towards the end is awesome - and to the sounds of Pennywise.

It's the Final Countdown (Shred Season)

2009-10-27T11:42:00.000-04:00

In a post with a totally original name, inspired by a song I'm sure no one has ever heard, I will discuss the impending season and the various countdown clocks in motion.

29 days to the traditional Mount Snow Thanksgiving kick off
58 days to Jackson Hole part two - Shredding with Santa
80 days to Utah "get me two"
123 days to South Lake Tahoe - Hittin' up Heavenly

Of course, this is by no means an inclusive list. Many shred-tacular events will be happening before, after, and in between. Almost none of the East Coast trips that define the season are listed here. There has already been a quick jib session to Mount Snow and surely a VT weekend will occur in the next two or so weeks when Killington opens its doors. Will we get to Maine or New Hampshire this season? Jay Peak? The Burlington area? Where will the snow and the storms take us this season? How many miles will the Seenbaru put on it's inaugural shred season?

We should also already start thinking about the follow-up to Boloney Moguls' inaugral video, None More Blacker, EXCEPTIONALLY STYLISH. Will the follow-up live up to the hype or be loaded with Boloney Moguls' signature style of fail? In thinking about it, that's probably the same thing. You can go anywhere for extreme tricks and amazing riding. You come to Boloney Moguls when you want to see retards on ice.

Officially Some of the Best Ski Gear Ever (Retro Rocks)

2009-10-22T15:36:00.001-04:00

While flipping through the interwebs, I came across this gem of a film, "Snow Daze." According to the brief youtube description, it was the last Sims team video before their first buy out. I forget my early snowboarding history, and don't really have any idea what they are talking about. What I know for sure is, this clip from the epic snow saga features some of the best shred, style, and gear I have ever seen. Those wondering about Christmas ideas? Take a look at this gear, find it, buy it.

Zip Line! (Heavenly Rocks)

2009-10-21T09:45:00.000-04:00

Holy crap! I think I'm not even going to bother bringing my board to Heavenly in March. No one told me that they have the longest zip line in the continental U.S. I have no idea how much it costs to ride, but I don't particularly care. I will go "zipping" along the resort on this thing. Check it out!

Snow in October (or how Power Seen missed out a third time)

2009-10-19T16:14:00.006-04:00

Hey all, Dong Stül checking in here, due to the fact that once again Power Seen lives very far from all things that are good. As we all spend our days and nights patiently waiting for the winter season to officially begin, Mount Snow repeated their early season opening from last year, and put up a mini park for October 17th, and 18th. Aided by about 2 hours of fresh falling snow (goggles were needed for more than just style), crusty lips, crowds, and to many park rats to count made up for a very wonderful Sunday in October as Brown Matt, Tim and I ventured north to get on snow for the first time this season. Oversized clothing was laughed at, and back breaking crashes were had, all while Power Seen was rained on in the swamps of DC. Maybe next year he can get on snow in October too. Until then, pray for snow!

Sucking the Tetons (Free for Friday)

2009-10-16T10:37:00.001-04:00

With news that BP and myself will be back to Jackson Hole in two months, I'm getting really amped up about the Grand Tetons. In honor of that, check out the Sucking the Tetons segment from None More Blacker now. Dreaming of the powder days of December. And yes, I'll be wearing my Santa suit while shredding.

Sunday River Opens (SkitheEast)

2009-10-15T09:58:00.000-04:00

In a quick update to yesterday's post, Sunday River is now open. In addition to that, they've posted what may be the most boring, least exciting video of said opening ever. Watch it only for proof that there is snow on the East Coast.

A Basin Open (The Winter Spreads)

2009-10-14T13:47:00.001-04:00

My fondest - well most terrifying - memories of Colorado were probably at Arapahoe Basin. Now Arapahoe Basin is open for the X season. This monster mountain equipped with the huge front side plus the nutso steep and expansive Montezuma bowl is now letting riders and skiers in to kill it all day long at the high altitudes.

Nothing like tapping the Rockies with a Coors Light and delicious CO pow. It definitely has a light cover now, but it's amazing to see how much snow and how many trails (and how much of the bowls are covered) only at October 14th. This season is already shaping up to be an impressive one. The CO kids probably already have a few days on the hill considering Loveland has been open for a week. Jackson, Utah, and the Sierra Nevadas are taking some pretty decent dumpings too. Giddyup.

Like Dan says, the snow at A Basin is so awesome because of all the tears of the Arapahoe tribe. Photography above kindled borrowed from Sean Kerrick Sullivan.

But, we must be thankful for what's going on here on the Right Coast. Wild Stallions shipped (and I've viewed the greatness). Also, as the bum himself chastised me for not commenting about, Killy got some snow, and has also began snow making. Wahoo. Killy open before November 1? I think it could happen. Maybe Jay or Stowe will open up shop first. The race is on.

UPDATE: And the winner is: Sunday River. They opened today with a total of one lift and one trail. Count it!

None More Blacker (Resession Special)

2009-10-07T13:58:00.002-04:00

In honor of the official start of the 2010 season with the opening of Loveland in CO, Boloney Moguls' epic inaugural snow drama, None More Blacker, is now free for the masses. With over 37 minutes of shredding streaming over at Vimeo, watch at your own leisure as many times as you'd like. See who can watch it the most! What better way to usher in the start of the 2010 season than by watching an awful ski flick with the loudest of metal?

Now some will say this is just a clever way to head off all the "professional" ski flicks that will be coming out in the following weeks, like Meathead Films' Wild Stallions, Burton's B, or TGR's re:session. But I assure you, after watching the "quality" and "skill" presented below, you'll agree that we are only helping the big guys.

If you enjoyed this, donations are always appreciated to continue the Boloney Moguls cause. If you really loved it, hard copies are available including a special bonus Official Sound Track.

Stay tuned for details on the next snow drama, Boloney Moguls X: Exceptionally Stylish.

I'm Feeling Heavenly (Tahoe Time)

2009-10-06T10:20:00.000-04:00

While it is only October 6th, mid season trip plans are already in place. Where to you say? Tahoe of course! More specifically South Lake Tahoe, at Heavenly. Perhaps you'll remember some of the other epic Boloney adventures out West. Take, Breckenrage, Snowbird, or Jackson Hole for starters.

First off this year, just think of this, we're staying in Nevada, in a casino. The casino is walking distance to the gondola. Oh yea, there's also an indoor pool grotto. I can't see how any of this could possibly be a bad thing.

Tahoe of course straddles the California/Nevada border. When we board, we will literally be crossing the state line back and forth. The town itself is divided right down the middle (or third actually).

How about some data points? There are 6 24 hour casinos (we're staying in one of them) - making for 7,051 slots and 411 card tables.

Fun fact: Lake Tahoe is the North American Continent's largest Alpine lake and is 22 miles long, 12 miles wide, and covers a surface area of 191.6 square miles, and has 72 miles of shoreline. And the lake is 6,226.95 feet above sea level and the natural rim is 6,223 feet above sea level - I'm having a very hard time wrapping my head around that one. It is also second only in size and age to Oregon's crater lake (formed by a meteor impact).

This is a neat one: Although the summer's heat can warm the upper 12 feet to a comfortable 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Lake Tahoe never freezes over in the winter; this is due to the constant 39 degrees Fahrenheit, maintained at depths below 700 feet, largely because of the constant movement and volume of water.

(I've stolen most of this from the Heavenly website)

Some facts on the mountain itself: A vertical of 3,500, a summit over 10,000 feet, 4,800 acres of ripable terrain. They also claim to average between 350 and 400 inches a year. I like the sounds of that.

And the pictures all around were taken yesterday when Heavenly received its first blast of the season. 2-3 at lake level, 4-8 mid mountain to summit. They aren't even planning on opening for something like 60 days, and the snow is already coming. Maybe it will be an epic season all over the country.

All we know is that Boloney Moguls will hit it up the first week in March this year and much shredding, gambling, and debauchery will be done.

For some final inspiration, check out a powder video from last season.

Snow Update (I love Jackson)

2009-10-05T12:16:00.000-04:00

Jackson Hole is a magical place. It already looks to be the middle of winter there too. MUST GO BACK. That is all.

Snow Snow Snow (WWS)

2009-10-01T09:29:00.004-04:00

Wide World of Shred finally comes back to the start: snow. Utah comes through big time with this early season storm. There are now already videos up of what looks like a hell of a lot more than a light "dusting." Plenty shredable snow and rail jam occurs in these hooligans' videos.

Alright after watching the new show on SpikeTV, Surviving Disaster, this video is that much more amazing. Last night's episode was on surviving, after one of your buddies receives a severe ski injury. Of course, then bears and avalanches chase them. This video here is real and insane. Watch through for the whole thing, it is well worth it.

We've Got Snow! (Out West Looking Good)

2009-09-30T13:59:00.004-04:00

I might have jumped the gun yesterday. It looks like the snow winner is going to of course be, Snowbird!!! According to their pic of the day, things are shaping up to be great. While I don't know if this is the first snowfall of the season, it is certainly the first I've caught wind of. They say the location of this is in Cottonwood Canyon. Giddyup. It's only a 34 hour Subaru ride from D.C. to Utah. Who is in for a few weeks living in a car out West?

Is there a better sight than a snow filled canyon road? While it makes for gnarly driving, it opens up all sorts of possibilities. Soon, we'll be talking about the season's plans, layering, gortex, new gear, new slopes, runs, video, and pictures for the 2010 shred season. Boloney Moguls: coming to a slope near you.

UPDATE: Jackson Hole's FB page confirms the storm is rolling in up there too. Tetons and the Wasatch being hit on the same day. Will there be some accumulation at the higher altitudes? We've got to hope.

SNOW (The Gods Smile on Jackson)

2009-09-29T11:39:00.003-04:00

Weather reports are proving that Ullr the snow god is preparing to unleash his load all over the Grand Tetons. Winter is coming.

I refer you to the weather report here

Winter is nearly here.

Ragnarly (Enduro Racing and Boozing at its Best)

2009-09-28T10:24:00.004-04:00

After over 30 hours of running and minimal sleep, Team Beer Run crushed the Ragnar Relay of 200 miles. I had a great team and many beers were consumed. For a full run down on the day and a quarter Ragnasty event, check out the live blog we were updating the entire relay.
www.beerrun-dc.blogspot.com

Big thanks to my whole team. Everyone stepped up when they needed to and made this thing happen. B double E double R U N. On to the next. There is a Ragnar in Utah - Logan to Park City...

Also note that the medal is a bottle opener. Who woulda thought that all these runners would also be so in love with booze. I must say, I had an Octoberfest after running nearly 23 miles over 30 hours. It was the best single beer I've ever had in my entire life. Everyone should taste something that good. If you want the ultimate taste, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price...

Retro Snow and Beer Runs (WWS)

2009-09-23T13:07:00.003-04:00

This video from 1983 cannot be described with words. It is from the hit "Apocalypse Snow." Just watch it.

Further, I thought it was a good idea to get drafted into a 193 mile relay race on Friday. Yes, this Friday. The Ragnar Relay sounds gnarly. 12 runners, 36 legs, 3 legs per runner. 24 hours or so of running. Start 9AM Friday in Cumberland, MD. Finish sometime Saturday at RFK stadium in D.C. My team is known only as "Beer Run." I like the sounds of that and I hope to live up to their expectations.

Ragnar is awesome. Ragnar was a 9th century Norse King. He was a pirate, a raider, a conqueror, an explorer, and a wild man. I like the sounds of that.

Stay tuned to this blog for updates from the race.

He's Not Coming Back (Bodhi Paddles Out for Good)

2009-09-16T09:58:00.004-04:00

Another Boloney hero has left us and ventured off to the great point break in the sky. Patrick Swayze lived as he died - inspiring us on the beach, to the sky, to the slopes. Just this summer several boloners lived out "Operation Swayze" when in Point Break fashion, Pukey was abducted by Dong and myself, and thrown out of a plane at the early hour of a summer day.

Many of Boloney's key mantra's stem from the wise words of the Bodhisattva - the ultimate searcher. Rules to live by: 1) fear causes hesitation, and hesitation causes your worst fears to come true. 2) If you want the ultimate, you've got to be willing to pay the ultimate price. 3) It's not tragic to die doing what you love.

As Swayze said about Point Break, "It's a statement about our society... of giving up on yourself and becoming part of a system rather than staying an individual."

So tip your drink to this hero, and remember to take words of wisdom from two other Swayze classics, Road House and Red Dawn, and be thankful for the insight he provided us all with.

Burton Basicaly Bites Boloney's Borgir

2009-09-11T14:16:00.003-04:00

Boloney Moguls was far ahead of all the other big production/ski companies when we cranked out None More Blacker in June. Of course, who could forget the second teaser to the snow epic to drop featuring Pukey.

Now the theme in that hit teaser was Dimmu Borgir's The Serpentine Offering. Video posted on March 19, 2009.

Here, see Burton's trailer for their "B" movie.

Notice any similarities (beyond our equally epic style of skiing and riding)?

Burton: You should be ashamed of yourself.

MTB Edition (Wide World of Shred)

2009-09-02T16:05:00.003-04:00

While I will get everything up about the most recent debauchery weekend in Walton, I wanted to post an awesome barrage of MTB-related things I've come across in this edition of WWS.

First off: Awesome teaser for a new MTB video called "Dust and Bones." It's painful to watch because a trick isn't landed until about two minutes into the thing. They might not be motorcycles, but they are landing, hard.

Secondly: Red Bull in their infinitive brilliance has setup another sick demo of sorts. This time a barge floating around San Francisco with 1800 cubic yards of dirt on it. Presto, a floating freestyle platform.

Alright, I thought I had a third thing but maybe not.

Thanks Bill, POV Videos, and Snow Shred (WWS)

2009-08-25T11:06:00.005-04:00

In this installment of the wide world of shred, I'm all over the place.

First, with the Hurricane Bill update. It turned out so good, that Andy Irons himself was dancing over New Jersey and riding East Coast swell. Epic pictures abound on the intertubes. There is also now an additional "Tropical Wave" coming up the Atlantic that could make for additional swell next weekend. Wahooo. Perhaps a trip down to Ocean Shitty, MD to drop into the nutso closeout wave there will be fun.

Next up, Teton Gravity Research has been holding a point-of-view video competition and they just released the results. The number one video is epic. Definitely check it out.

Finally, ESPN had a post up about awesome spots to go to for vacations. Take a look at this pic of Portilio. If only one boloner got his ass in gear, perhaps we would be there. Just looking at these peaks is amazing. Riding and living up at 10,000 feet surrounded by the Andes and without a tree in sight. Definitely got to get there one of these days. And as to next year, planning is already in place. Seems like we may in fact be off to Heavenly to shred the slopes of the Sierra Nevadas. w00tw00t. Even better, we'll be staying at a casino, so we can just bet our plane tickets and get a totally free trip.

Avast, matey! (Swashbuckle Stikes Again)

2009-08-12T12:38:00.004-04:00

If you enjoyed everyone's favorite teaser to the smash hit "None More Blacker," than you already know Swashbuckle:

But, Swashbuckle has now risen to attack again from the very depths of Davy Jones' locker. Storming, raping, and pillaging wherever they go, beware. This group of course knows that Rum is for drinking, not for burning, and understands what leverage is. The first single is now available, as is the rest of the album. Get it or they will kill your loved ones. They might not have the Black Pearl, but I would shudder if I saw that cursed vessel approach off my port bow.

Summer Time (DC VS CHILL-E)

2009-08-10T13:08:00.006-04:00

To looker's right, you'll see a lovely map of the Mid-Atlantic where one power seen is currently sweltering. The last thing anyone could contemplate right now is snow. While D.C. might have a heat advisory in effect right now (at last checking the absolute temperature was rapidly approaching 100 degrees), it's a different world south of the Equator.

Down in Chile, the shred season is in full gear. More than just Portilio, there are spots all over the 2,500 hundred mile long country. With such clever names as "el colorado" and "valle nevado" I wonder what's next.... "el hunter mountain," "el jackson hole?"

Check out this great read over at ESPN Action. The article is more about boozing and traveling in Chile than shredding, but it is fun none the less. Snow is snow, whether it's pronounced snow or "el snow" and as it crosses the 100 degree wall today, I'm going to be wishing I was in "el chile" at 10,000 el feet. Meh, start organizing next year's southern boloney mission now.

And after recent communication with one exceptionally stylish Kelly, B-town is sounding better and better. Will the Boloney Compound finally become operational? Stay tuned.

Nitro Circus Season II (Bigger Budget = Bigger Death)

2009-08-06T09:50:00.002-04:00

In a very exciting bit of news, Nitro Circus - the only thing worth watching on MTV - will be back for a second even bigger season August 27th. Judging from this teaser, things are looking very good.

Shocking News (Really, I'm Just So Surprised)

2009-08-04T12:04:00.003-04:00

Danny Kass, a drug user??? What are the chances? Come on, I just had no idea.

In breaking news from New Zealand, Danny Kass, as well as Louie Vito, have been arrested and facing charges for possession of a "not insignificant amount" of cannabis.

More info can be found over at ESPN even though details seem to be extremely sketchy.

Really, I just can't imagine this guy getting busted for drugs...

Now, if only they got Magoon too, snowboarding would be about 95% less trashy, and the entire population of park rats would loose their idols.

Dimmu Borgir is Really Neat (and gives me nightmares)

2009-07-22T12:49:00.002-04:00

Dimmu Borgir is really neat. The name itself means "dark cities" and they've been around since 1993 (wow). Check 'em out.

Wild Stallions (SkitheEast)

2009-07-08T12:30:00.004-04:00

Skitheeast/Meathead Films have finally posted a trailer for their upcoming flick. This is of course the only company I would willingly advertise here.

Preorder here:
skitheeast

Ken Block is a Badass (Subaruas are Super)

2009-07-08T09:42:00.007-04:00

Top Gear is basically one of the most awesome shows on television and apart from Bear Grylls, the only good thing to come out of the U.K.

On Sunday's show they had Ken Block on doing bad ass stuff with a Subaru. While not exactly an 09 Forester. It will do. Kicker is that even Ken Block's rally car has a VT plate on it. Check this badassness out. Beyond just being awesome, it has some of the best camera work I have ever seen. I can't even imagine how fast those cameras were shooting to get those slow motion sections. Epic.

For further reading, check out Ken Block's part from DC MTN Labs 1.5. Subaru + Snow Park, NZ = Awesome

And this just in, looks like someone else is biting my Seenbaru style. Yes, that's right. Looks like Meathead Films have upgraded their meat wagon from that beat up Outback, to a shiny new - and well painted - Tribeca. Fine choice. I am a few months ahead of you boys though with my FORESTER. Way to keep it steezey.

Free at Last, Free at Last... to get drunk (Utah back on the Radar)

2009-07-02T08:38:00.003-04:00

Thank god, the Mormons have done something right. Clearly, after reading my critique of the SLC nightlife, the Utahans (sp?) have made the right decision and dropped the bullshit "private club" provision. Before, to enter a bar, one had to: "to fill out an application, pay a fee and become a member before they can go in for a drink."

Not awesome.

Now this has all been done away with, finally:

"Bars and drinkers are so thrilled by the new rules that they are planning what is expected to be the largest pub crawl in state history Wednesday, complete with free shuttle buses and taxis to 16 bars to commemorate what some are calling Private Club Independence Day."

Now that's a holiday I can celebrate.

All that's left is for them to stop selling that near-beer crap and we can finally relocate and make the Boloney West Compound.

BUY BUY BUY (None More Blacker Excepts)

2009-06-30T10:14:00.004-04:00

Still on the fence about purchasing None More Blacker? Well don't be a moron and buy now! Check out a few excerpts below.

Jackson Hole - Sucking the Tetons

skiTHEeast

G305

So what are you waiting for??? Order now. $5 gets you the limited edition hard copy which includes, the DVD, bonus features, the Official Soundtrack, a sticker pack, and a download code for a digital version. Order Now because supplies are running out and this price can't stay this low!!!!

Billy Mays (A Tribute to a Hero)

2009-06-30T10:01:00.007-04:00

The great Billy Mays has fallen. Another Boloney hero has passed, but we still have his great history of products and pitch man skills to remember. "Of course I've seen the product, I know it's amazing." Below, is what I feel is a fitting tribute to a God-King among men:

The Blackest of Premieres (NMB is Here)

2009-06-29T10:44:00.007-04:00

None More Blacker is here and was premiered with much fanfare on Saturday. The red carpet, the Death Juice, many Silver Bullets and Keystones, and of course, black outfits. The full feature was well received by the VIPs in attendance and many wish now for November, and the start of a new season, to come as fast as possible.

NMB is launching worldwide now and a few copies of the EXTREMELY Limited Edition are still available. Inquire within to order your very own!

As an added bonus for anyone who has purchased a copy of None More Blacker, you are now entitled to download the Ipod Edition, custom formatted and sized to fit your mobile device. Follow this link: http://www.vimeo.com/5368638. Then, from the lower right, select "download." Of course, not anyone can download this. You'll be asked for a password, email me to receive it. Shaun.cleary@gmail.com

Update: Paparazzi photography from the evening - Pukey - Power Seen - Mama Seen

None More Blacker is Upon Us (Premiere Time)

2009-06-25T12:19:00.003-04:00

Here it comes. None More Blacker is officially being premiered for the general public in a stupendous red carpet event at the Dong residence. The first-ever full-length Boloney Moguls feature documents the trials and tribulations of this East Coast shred crew as they tour the world and elsewhere seeking sicky pow pow, and of course, booze.

The premiere will be held on Saturday, June 27th. Expect food, booze, and of course, plenty of metal. There will be a two drink minimum before the screening begins and sobriety will NOT be tolerated. After the initial screening - aiming for between 9 and 10 P.M. - and subsequent tar-and-feathering I will receive for the poor quality of the film, beer pong and binge drinking - as well as NMB on loop - will follow.

Dress code: None more blacker of course with a philosophy of "Dressed to Kill." Interpret however you see fit. Contact me for invite and RSVP, or any other questions.

We are accepting orders of the limited edition DVD which includes the feature as well as the official soundtrack. But they are going fast, so reserve now so you will receive your copy on the launch day.

Here, again, is the initial teaser of this epic. See you Saturday. Stay thirsty my friends.

Snow Monster Strikes Again (News Flash)

2009-06-23T11:54:00.005-04:00

In a surprising turn of events, Washington, D.C. has been attacked by the infamous snow monster that has plagued mountains across the continent this winter. Even more shocking is the attack comes in the heat of the early Summer. Washingtonians: Watch out, he's coming for you.

This winter, we saw this mythic beast attack skiers out in Jackson Hole and Snowbird. Then we saw an attack against the gondolas at Whistler. Perhaps this beast now has a taste for metal?

Metal Music (The Soundtrack of Boloney)

2009-06-19T10:44:00.002-04:00

Here's a quick summary of some tracks that should be burned into the ear drums of all boloners or those aspiring to boloney.

In the category of "awesome intros" I'd say that has to go to VADER's "This is War." From the start to about 2:30 is an intro so epic, I wish I entered every room with this sort of brutality.

Cool indy metal track by some college kids. Another reminder of how awful I am at guitar:

New Killswitch is on the way. Look for the new album to drop right after NONE MORE BLACKER. This song is epic:

No Plans (Masse Tequila)

2009-06-16T11:25:00.006-04:00

So this weekend, Pukey, Dong, and myself got together for a no plans weekend. It was a great success. In a quick wrap-up, there was: a bottle of tequila crushed, a fat wad strewn about, axe throwing, surfing, MTBing, much driving, and the Feast of St. Anthony's thrown in.

Check out Pukey and myself's Picasa pages for full event imagery. But check out some of our sweet videos below:

Me, kicking the crap out of Pukey. She clearly, did not win.

Streetcar Cleary showing how to properly lob an axe in an updated version of the knife game:

Wide World of Shred (Boards, Bikes, and NMB)

2009-06-10T10:57:00.004-04:00

In the first installment of the new catch-all post, Wide World of Shred (henceforth WWS), I'll be covering a few topics.

Firstly, I looked at the cams for Jackson Hole. (A storm has since rolled in and obscured the cams) If you told me it was June in Wyoming, I wouldn't believe you. There is no point for that mountain to be closed. I think you could still ride the upper half without even hitting grass.

Second, this may be one of the gnarliest places I've ever seen, and the first time I've ever contemplated driving to Cleveland. Perhaps afterwords a pit stop at that super duper amusement park over there too. Check it out, Ray's Mountain Bike Park. It is supposedly the first indoor MTB park, specifically designed. As the place has taken off and just gotten more and more popular they have continued to expand and allow BMX in there too. Watch some of the videos, the place is pretty mind blowing. Now, they have actually shutdown till Fall for some sort of massive expansion. Oh yea, they've also added a specific room for INDOOR DIRT TRAILS. Nutso. The map itself of the place is insane, 103,000 sq ft of riding.

Thirdly, None More Blacker is soon to be upon us. End of June premiere that will certainly have a None More Blacker dress code as well. Be there. Team riders get a free limited edition copy. All others can pay a nominal fee to take home their very own copy of Boloney Moguls' first full-length production.

Off Topic (Arousing Comics)

2009-06-05T09:26:00.005-04:00

Totally off the topic of Boloney and shred. This is just really fun. So Microsoft has this crazy new motion controller in the works for Xbox and it seems pretty magical, called Project Natal (Take a look at the videos on the bottom of the page to get the jist). Check it out here to better understand. Then below is the comic I find so amusing. Of course, Penny Arcade has many other numerous bits worth checking out.

Jealous of the West (Random Updates)

2009-06-03T11:29:00.002-04:00

So as the weather continues to become sweltering in the Mid-Atlantic and Long Island heats up, those lucky enough to live in the high elevations out West are still able to have some uber late season shred. I guess at this point it is nearly summer skiing. Pretty cool. Check this video out posted by a dude who is living in SLC and hits some huge lines on parts unknown near Snowbird.

With the heat and sun, time to get busy falling off the mountain bike and surfing.

This Man is My Hero (How to Be Awesome)

2009-05-20T12:23:00.002-04:00

I've often wanted a hero. Someone to really look up to. Finding that none of the traditional heroes were sufficiently hero-worthy, I was discouraged. Then I saw this. I now have a hero.

It's a Buyer's Market (Boloney Moguls to Invest)

2009-05-13T12:44:00.003-04:00

Because the entire world may suggest there is some sort of "recession" going on (I prefer to think about the re:session), two mountains are up for sale and it is time for Boloney Moguls to go even bigger. Intrepid sleuth AtheFilter has tracked down this article in the BFP.

To summarize, Stowe Mountain Resort is up for sale. Sold in 2007 for 85$ million and has appreciated in value since then, details are sketchy on if they are going public or private of if they have any perspective buyers lined up.

Perhaps most interesting: "“Our hope is that our buyer will continue to develop Stowe in the environmentally respectful master plan that has been eight years in the making,” Tulupman said."

So clearly we know what we can do. If we buy this place we can totally screw over all the hippie tree huggers and do whatever we want. I think it is win win.

Also, look at this from skitheeast.net about Magic Mountain:

"Thank you all for your review of my letter last week in which I introduced the concept of co-operative ownership of Magic. I am encouraged by the number and the tenor of the responses. I understand that further details need to be presented in order for many of you to make a commitment to purchasing shares, and the purpose of this letter is to answer many of the specific inquiries which have been posed. In addition, in short order I will present a business plan, a five year budget, and a list of capital projects and the associated costs. As always, I appreciate your input, commentary, and questions, and I am hopeful that you all will continue to provide them."

It of course goes on to say that they want to sell 300 shares at 5000$ each. Now that's a deal. Who wants to own part of a mountain? I do! I do! Check out more details here http://www.savemagicvermont.com/

None More Blacker (Dropping June 12th)

2009-05-13T10:08:00.003-04:00

If you want to be the cool kid on your block, you'll have to pre-order now to receive the very special and very limited edition of None More Blacker. This LTD edition includes the full feature on DVD (chock with bonus features) as well as a bonus cd including the entire Official Soundtrack. June 12th, Walton NY will be the first event in the None More Blacker viewing tour. Quite a party it will be. Want NMB and the rest of the Boloney gang to come to your town? Just ask, most of us are unemployed!

To further level up your stokeness right now, check out this awesome powder skiing video from Redbull.

The line at around 2:20 is still a mystery to me. Does he fall? Does he tumble? Was it all intentional? There is so much pow it doesn't seem to matter.

None More Blacker Update (The End of Times in Upon Us)

2009-05-06T12:29:00.005-04:00

Breaking news from the depths of the underworld, None More Blacker has been completed and sent to DVD production. The total film clocks in at an astounding 38 minutes of boozing, shredding, and of course, a whole lot of metal.

A short preview of the Official Soundtrack
Dethklok - Thunderhorse
The 69 Eyes - Lost Boys
Grim Reaper - See You in Hell
and many, many more.

DVD package will include: the full snow epic, bonus features, and all character teasers.

For more previews, check out the teaser playlist right here: All the teasers, one playlist.

If you would like a limited edition first-run copy. Please contact me as soon as possible. Price is 1,00,000$ per copy, but that could be negotiable. We're still hoping for a late May premiere in Walton and perhaps a video tour, kicking off at Katie's in Smithtown, NY.