It hit me like the last time I got tasered: Dostie just told me on the phone that he got a pair of Garmont Mega Rides and yes, he is going to ski AT at the Couloir ski tests so he can edit with more authority in all glisse disciplines.
In a veiled caution from me to Craig about his reaction after he tries “bondage” skiing with extreme bias to free heel, I mentioned the time I saw a vegetarian slip. I was having a big slab of beef, and for some reason the vegan sitting next to me said “you know, I think I’ll try some meat for the first time in 25 years.” Oh yeah, I thought, “here comes a zinger (or an ‘exorcist’ moment’).” The guy grabs a big T-bone, hacks off a mouthful, makes a face, and says, “it tastes DEAD!”
Take that as you may, but my point is that all the vegetarian could do about his carnivory was state the obvious. I trust Craig will do better — even if bondage skiing does feel “dead” the first time he tries it in years. And if it does feel necrotic to Craig, I’ll suggest the viewing of some Bode Miller footage — or perhaps a day with Andre McLean.
More, it’s known there is a trend in backcountry skiing telemarkers switching to AT Randonnée backcountry skiing. Thus, one can only wonder if Craig will actually end up using his rando gear for some of his backcountry days. I predict he will, even though he swears on Paul Parker’s signed 1st edition that he’ll “ONLY USE THE AT GEAR FOR TESTING.”
All I can say: “he he he, Is Mitch Weber next?” Now I’ll duck.
Blog comment, Craig comes clean on his bondage moments: “I started tele skiing in 1986, part time. I made the complete switch 1/1/88, after porpoising 2 feet of fresh with free heels. I locked ’em for a review of carving skis for Outside for 7 days in 1997, and did a ceremonial locked heel day every year from ’88 to ’97, after that, it’s been free free free. And Lou, if you’re thinking I might switch — dream on. Were it not for the Silvretta Tele adaptor my going rando would be much more likely, because I like to earn my turns, and that free-hinging pivot makes the earnin’ less of a burnin’. So, With the advent of the Silvretta’s “swing set,” or even the 7tm Tour, I’d say the chances are slim. ”
WildSnow.com publisher emeritus and founder Lou (Louis Dawson) has a 50+ years career in climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. He was the first person in history to ski down all 54 Colorado 14,000-foot peaks, has authored numerous books about about backcountry skiing, and has skied from the summit of Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain.