mountain biking in woods

Pedaling Innovations: High-Performing & Comfortable Clipless Pedals

Hank Shell Everyone remembers the first time they ate it on a set of clip in pedals. I remember my first time like it was yesterday. It was crisp November morning at the RAT near Ridgway, Colorado. I was riding a friend’s bike, powering my way upward through stands of juniper and pinyon pine on

FTG_GiftIdeas2017

Last Minute Outdoorsy Gift Guide

Hank Shell I’m not sure if you were aware of this, but IT’S ALMOST CHRISTMAS, Y’ALL. If you’re anything like me, and hopefully you’re not, you’ve put off gift buying for a couple of those really picky folks on your list. You know, the ones that demand a certain tactful consideration from any gift buyer.

colorado-fourteeners

Staying Safe On Colorado’s Fourteeners

Hank Shell It was a dry and frost-hewn August morning when I rose in the dark to snatch my roommate’s blender from the kitchen counter, absconding with it to the basement where I could floor that little motor with impunity – I had a pretty serious breakfast smoothie habit at the time. Still do. The

Simplifying Your Life In the Backcountry

8 Steps to Simplifying Your Life – In the Backcountry

When I was young, I was part of an adventure outing group in western North Carolina – kind of like Boy Scouts, but less formal, more oriented toward outdoor sports, and void of any religious components. We’d hike, climb and paddle all over the country, just a rag-tag group of granola eating kids and a

fly fishing

Best New Fly Fishing Gear of 2017

Hank Shell It’s springtime here in the Rockies. Temperatures are rising and rivers are swelling with runoff. Soon, the waters will recede, insects will begin to hatch, and anglers from across the country will wade into Colorado’s many streams to fool a few fish. We often think of spring as a time of rejuvenation, and

The Best Hiking Boots of 2017

Hank Shell The days are getting longer, the sun is shining brighter, and it’s time to get out and hit some trails. Spring is one of my favorite times to get out and put down some mileage on area trails. Of course, winter can leave your footwear looking a little less than dapper. If you’re