The Courage to Speak Softly

Who wants to talk about divorce? It can be a painful subject, and it's what I went through last ski season. I'd quit blogging, and shut off parts of myself to the world for 10 months.

I was also making a ski film with all my heart and soul; going to therapy, and working to maintain friendships.

It was the most difficult time of my life. I divorced a woman I shared great love with, and saw all the ugly parts of myself come to the surface.

What's next for me?  I didn't know if I would continue to pursue my dream of being a skier and a mountaineer. I didn't know if I had it in me still, and I was really looking.

I joke that I have the hardest job in the world; but the hardest part of my job is the soft human stuff.

It's the times I spend in the dark, alone, thinking about stuff I can't express any better than the fumbling mistakes I've lived through and endured.

So what's next for me? I don't know.  Hind-sight is never there it seems like. Going forward, I guess it's ok to be unsure about what's next.  And maybe, I like it best that way.

The mid-life crisis bicycle.

Another morning in the mountains.

I bought the mid-life crisis bicycle in May and focused on cycling for the first time in my life. Regularly going out and putting the hurt on myself. 60 to 80 mile days on dirt trails became normal.

In August I attempted to climb Mount Cowen in-a-day from my house. A 126 mile round trip effort, with close to 11,000 vertical feet of gain and loss would be required.  With no support.

My plan was to ride 50 miles to the trailhead from my house during the full moon in August. From there run/walk to the summit of Mount Cowen (the highest peak in the Absaroka Mountains at 11,211 feet) and back. About 26 miles.

Then finish off with another full moon 50 mile dirt road ride over Trail Creek Rd. Again unsupported.

I almost pulled it off; turning back just shy of the summit in slippery running shoes on dangerous snow conditions. And I made it home in just over the 24 hour mark at 24hr 20min. Bummer. I was so close to being cool.

The best part came at 4am on the first leg of the trip. I felt awful, and wrapped myself up in an emergency blanket for an hour on the side of the road.

I laid there hoping to sleep, but I was scared to let myself relax. Finally I gave in and passed out for 20-30 minutes. It was amazing. For those moments it didn't matter if I climbed the mountain or even if I made it home under my own power.

I was right where I needed to be. Laying in the grass, feeling crazy and content with the madness of my life.

Happy to put the hurt on; Mount Cowen.

I have lots of news going forward. From new partnerships, sponsors, a new film, and some fun product design and testing in the new human-powered world of outdoor adventure sports.

I am honoured to say I've joined Caravan Skis here in Bozeman and will be riding for them as an athlete. This is an awesome shock to me. My first real ski sponsor!

In my twenties I mangled at least 3-4 pair of skis a year. And somehow always ended up with a new pair of used skis in better shape than the ones I broke. It happened so many years in a row, that I made reference to being sponsored as a soul member of the world team. I loved it.

Yes, there was lots of ramen noodles and smoky nights spent in snow caves. And yes, hind-sight was never there as I blazed through Jackson, Girdwood, and Valdez as a young ski-bum.

Sure was fun though...

Caravan Skis, Bozeman MT

Ashley and the crew at Chalet Sports are stoked on Caravan Skis.

So what is next for me? For human-powered mountaineers? I have no idea. So stay tuned.

Dreamers!

Ennis, MT. fishing access.
First morning on our summer trip to the winds.

This year I had the most fantastic opportunity to be a part of  Therm-a-Rest's new 'Dreamers' program. 

Here's the blog I wrote for them. Part 1: The Bike Ride (on Therm-a-Rest's blog)

http://thermarestsleepingbags.com/part-1-the-bike-ride

Therm-a-Rest, the leader in sleeping pad technology for the last 20-30 years, is now making sleeping bags, and integrative sleeping bag/pad systems.

I tested the Antares 20º bag; weight 1lb. 15oz.

&

 the NeoAir All Season pad; weight 1lb. 3oz.

Awards.

More Awards!!!!

The combination of a new tent and sleeping bag/pad system 

lightened my load by over 4lbs.

Sleeping with the bag secured down to the sleeping pad, 

(with 2 flexible fabric bands,)

allowed for a more comfortable night sleep,

with less cold spots inside the bag,

 and more freedom to move.

Making for a warmer and more comfortable night out, 

with less weight.

&

Yes it won outdoor industry awards,,, again!

Just make sure you wake up on the right side of the sign.
(And look at the thickness of that sleeping pad!)

And, how do I say thank you enough, 

to the American Alpine Club (AAC), and

the 'Live Your Dream' grant for helping support

our 2013 human-powered expedition to the Wind Rivers

& the Tetons…!

Big Love,

From team Sweet-Bangs 

Beartooth Bust

Hello Friends,

I made this for you. 

For you to laugh at,

wonder about,

and feel inspired by.

I hope you like it!

p.s. Spending a week in the rainy tent w/ vertigo sucked!

But somehow Gillian Welch (soundtrack) makes it all better.

Crazy Peak Montana

posted by Chris Bangs

The final attempt in my latest and greatest project. 

Crazy Peak...!

One of the hardest things on these adventures is knowing how to pace myself.

And how much TIME I'll need to complete a climb.

Last day of the 'Kick My Own Ass' project...

Last week was a good example of the difficulty in pulling off a human-powered
adventure on a limited amount of time.

The bicycle ride into the Crazy's proved to be a lot more challenging than I had hoped for.

The 90 mile bike ride from my house to the trailhead was dripping with sweat.
The 90º+ temperatures and humidity from the thunderstorms
added to my misery.
(I already miss winter!)

Crazy Peak on far left.

The final leg of the ride was up a dirt road for 15 miles with no shade in the unbearable heat.

And for anybody who hasn't towed a heavy bike trailer up a dirt road....

Well let's just say, IT AIN'T EASY!!!!

If I ever wonder why more people are not jumping on this "band wagon to freedom," 

I realize that this is my answer.

It ain't easy,

and only fools like myself find the 

freedom in hardship.

SO I'M A HOSER,
and Crazy Peak skunked me....!

She skunked me so hard I'm bashful about it.

I got to the trail head, with only one day planned for the climb and ski.

I knew the approach to the climb was supposed to be tough,
but once I got there and looked at it....

I actually said "SHIT, THAT SUCKS!"

The plan for the climb (with my limited amount of time)
was to make the approach at night,
but that would have me
bushwhacking up a mountain side for 5-6 miles in the dark,
by myself,
in a place I've never been before.

To change my plan would have required me to ride 26 miles back to Big Timber,
call Justene and tell her my new plan,
buy more food,
and then ride 26 miles back up that boiling hot hill.

I may be crazy,
but call me stupid and I'll shove a case of
HOSER BEER down your throat.

The Beartooths, Granite Peak, & Five Nights Of Vertigo

Posted by Chris Bangs

North Face Granite Peak

Some where in my altered state,

sleeping for 5 nights with vertigo,
rationing handfuls of food for days,
I shouted, "THAT'S NOT GRANITE PEAK...!

I might not know where I am,
but I'm not lost,
and that.....
That's not Granite Peak...!"

And really,,,, that's where the story begins and ends.

I rode my bicycle,,,
(again, I know, right?!)

150 miles to the Beartooth Mountains.
Home of Granite Peak, 12,807 ft.
(the highest peak in Montana)

There I was hoping to climb and ski
the Notch Couloir on the north face (!)...

But...
I spent days in the rain.
(Going crazy in my tent)

The bicycle riding sucked!
Getting sprayed
by semi-trucks on the highway.

Pouring water out of my riding boots.
Camping with the wet smell of  myself...
AHHH!!!

Then the vertigo kicked in...!

And I looked like this hoser here...
Strung out on calories,
and looking for a good time.
("Hey babe!
You look like a sexy Mountain!")

The Map

Days earlier I left the map (!) with a friend by accident.
Now I was spinning around with vertigo,
camera in hand,
taking pictures of mountains that I had
no idea about.

Which mountain is this?
Which mountain is that?

Five days later, after being home in Bozeman.
Google Earth is kind enough to tell me,
that was Granite Peak.

I was right there!
If only I would have turned around,
and looked up!

Possible 5 toes, (wolverine?)
Whatever it was, there were multiple tracks playing in the snow.
And an obvious wolf track that I followed for 2 miles.

Schlep broken down completely and stuffed into a small car.

Even a week later, I hate this photo!!!!

Durring the bike ride back to Bozeman,
the vertigo tag teamed me with some heavy hitting virus,
and I  lost control of reality for a few hours.

The sunset came that night
as I lay spun out in my tent.

On day number ten of this strange adventure,
I was faced with
non-stop rain on a busy highway,
fighting the vertigo and this bitch virus,
or,
 the terrible thought of putting Schlep in a car
for 50 miles...

Which is worse?

Climb for a cause!!!!!
Please support ( $$,$$$ )
My Peak Over Poverty
"Seven Summit of Bozeman" project.

Your contributions make this possible...!

Even the smallest donations add up, so
please dip into the weekly beer fund.

The Beartooth Vegan

Making instant camper-friendly Power Foods for covering long distances. 

Posted by Chris Bangs

This week I am making instant backpacker superfood meals for my next trip to ski Granite Peak in the Beartooth Mountains.

Granite Peak is the highest peak in Montana at 12, 807 feet.

It is approximately a 146 mile bicycle ride to the West Rosebud Trailhead from my house, and
bushwhacking up a creek is listed in the route description.

Sounds like a lot of fun!!!!!!

Here's what I'm making for high grade, premium endurance fuel. It's sprouted, raw, tastes amazing, and it's on the go instant organic food!!!!!!

Start with Soaking:

I started with

almonds, buckwheat,

 pumpkin seeds, quinoa, garbonzo bean,

 lentils, and sunflower seeds.

Just soak things in water for a day, 

overnight, 

or for 24 hours.

Soaking beans, seeds, and nuts.  

Next step: Germination 

Drain off the water, and set up for germination. 

There are many methods for germinating.

Here I have garbonzo beans sitting on a baking dish (cover with towel.)

Lentils in a large bowl (cover with towel.)

Quinoa in mason jars with lid off.

Buckwheat (on the far left) in a mason jar tied with 

cheese cloth, and draining into bowl.

Takes about 12-24 hours to germinate.

Rinse 1 to 3 times a day while germinating.

Do not let foods dry out.

Then:

Look for little tails to start growing.

Edible at any time.

After soaking,  let germinate for 1-3 days.

 Drying:

Once all nuts, seeds, and beans grow little tails it's time to dry them.

Place items in dehydrator,

and set temperature to 115º fahrenheit. 

Keeping temperature below 115º will ensure the raw quality of the live foods!!!

Dry for 6-10 hours.

Once sprouted, dry in dehydrator. 

Breakfast Cereal

Spouted Buckwheat

Hemp Seed

Chia Seed

Spouted Pumkin Seed

Spouted Sunflower Seed

Raisins 

Golden Berries

Sweeten with other dried fruits or lots more raisins. Tastes great hot or cold. Especially good with Almond Milk!!!!! 

Allow the chia seeds to soak for 10 minutes prior to eating. No cooking necessary.

Dinner Flour Soups

Vitamix has an optional blade made for making flour.
Here I made spouted red lentil flour.

After turning lentils, garbanzos, and quinoa into flour, I divided the flours up into 5 different store bought soup mixtures.

Dinners

Corn Chowder

Refried Bean

Thai peanut bulgar

Split Pea

And,

Corn bean thai pea mix.

Add veggie bouillon to flavour.

By adding the sprouted bean flours to the pre-made soup mixed I am increasing the amount of protein to my dinner with high grade, super nutritious, organic, raw, and instant,,,,, superfoods!!!!!

Sponsored by:

(Fueled by:)

Mate Factor

 Yerba Mate Energizing Tea

I love yerba mate. It has just the right amount of caffeine and helps alkalize the body.

Try Mocha Mint, Lemon Ginger flavoured Mate.

Available in tea bags, great for camping!!!!

Soup mixes, dried fruit, and Yerba Mate!!!!!

Navitas Naturals

Coconut Water Powder

A great way to drink coconut water in the backcountry. 

Great as an everyday sports mix too!!!

Coconut Water gets in where the action is!!!!

Hilgard Peak;

posted by Chris Bangs

Wet Slides,

Turn Around Times

and Alarm Clocks......

What does this have to with a bike, a pair of skis, one pink sled, and Yellowstone National Park?

An adventure?????? Maybe.

Most of the time I don't really know what I'm doing.... I just trust in the process of life to figure it out for me.

-The trying-
-The failed attempts-
-The gentle urges to keep going-
-To keeping pushing up against the tread of rational thoughts-

How flipping cool is it to ride by a herd of Bison on the road; to look in the eyes of the largest land mammal of North America?

The keeper of the plains,
The cornerstone of a continent's eco-system,
The holders of wisdom and knowledge,

I can see the brutal past in their eyes,
Covered with a layer of forgiveness,
And the sacred journey we all must share,,,,,,, into the future.

I want to stop and pet them, and tell them that I love them;
but they're big, and they have horns,
and they don't need me to coddle them.

So I keep going.....

So many thoughts go through my head on a 100 mile bicycle ride........

May 3rd;
3AM;
Jump on my bicycle that weighs about 150 lbs with the trailer and the gear.
AND RIDE!!!!!!!!

102 miles in 14 hours

Though the dangerous Gallatin Canyon at dawn,
Climbing gently for the first 90 miles all the way to West Yellowstone and Hebgen Lake.

Spinning wheels,
Wet, sweaty, and cold.

Mild hallucinations,

And where did it get me?
Physically, mentally, spiritually!!!!!!

It brought me to a place of pain and struggle,
A place that smells of courage and fear.

A place where it's cold and the wreckage of winter glows in the daylight.

A place where my mind and body suffer,
and my spirit soars!!!!!

This is the place where I find myself dreaming awake.

Like I've written the story myself,
and invented the world.

This is the place that bring to me a feeling of awe,
Where everything is magical,
And if my alarm clock would just go off on time........

I'd live to see the adventure through.

But not all things are meant to be.

Some things are only a possible future,
and failure happens whether you like it or not.

• skis
• ice axes (2)
• crampons
• rope

      √ Check!!!!!

BUT,,,,,,
This was as close as I got to the peak. A long look across the valley to the beautiful Hilgard, highest peak in the Madison's.
Highest peak in Montana outside of the Beartooth's.

Dangerous snow conditions prevented me from skiing into this basin, and claiming this peak as my prize.

This is what I'd have to live with;

The failure of an idea,
The benefit of having dreamed,
The accomplishment of trying,
And the spark of life igniting inside me!!!!!!

This is what peace looks like!