In March, four us (Jim Knight [+ his hound dog], Mat Gover, Joey Dempster & myself) did a hike/ski ascent of Provo Peak, just east of Provo (11,044 ft). I attempted this peak some 10 years ago, but due to inadequate equipment, I could not summit. On that attempt, also with Jim Knight, I didn’t have boot or ski crampons. The summit ridge was very windblown with a firm crust. My boots gave me no purchase. Jim went to the summit without me.
This year was different. I brought both boot and ski crampons (neither of which I used). We had 6 to 8 inches of fresh snow the prior night. We started up Rock Canyon on foot and proceeded to carry our skis for a few miles before there was enough snow to ski. Later we approached the peak from a N.W. ridge, which at times was difficult for me in the new powder, as my old Scarpa Laser boots didn’t provide the flex necessary in parts and I slipped backwards at times. We finally gained the main west ridge and uphill travel was easier. The descent down was very nice, with new snow over a firm base.
Author: Rando Richard
I’m an old guy (age 69 in 2023) who enjoys aerobic, endurance sports. I call myself a cardio-junkie. Perhaps the more appropriate term would be “ultra” endurance sports. Since I was a teenager I have always enjoyed “slow twitch” outdoor sports like backpacking, ice climbing, running, mountaineering, hiking, alpine skiing and randonnée skiing (alpine touring, backcountry skiing or skimo). In 2005 I starting running with more regularity — except this time it was not for the intent of getting ready for a mountaineering trip, but as an end to itself. From 2005 to 2007 I managed to eek out two seasons of ultramarathons — that is competitive trail runs up to 50 or 100 miles. Due to a nagging ankle injury from the 80s (an accident while ice climbing in the 1980s where my lower tib and fib were badly broken), I had to cease that grueling, but rewarding activity. I then migrated into ultra distance road cycling or randonneuring. The rides are called brevets (pronounced bruh-VAY, it’s French) and are minimally supported — they are similar to ultrarunning and backpacking where one must be self reliant. Although brevets are non-competitive, they do have have cut off times to qualify as a finisher. They are usually are done in groups, which can have a competitive slant to them. Today, I continue to participate in long distance cycling including some ultra-racing, randonnée skiing (a blend of cross country and downhill disciplines) and still get out on an occasional mountaineering trip.
Since 1996 I have been designing, manufacturing and selling camera bags. That is Kinesis Photo Gear (kgear.com). In 2005 I started selling cycling bags under the Kinesis label and eventually expanded it to including other sports like SUP (stand-up paddle boarding and some skimo). Consequently, it become eoGEAR — the “eo” stands for endurance outdoor.
My wife and I are empty-nesters now and we live and work out in the boondocks of central Utah, half way between Salt Lake City (great powder) and Moab (great red rocks).
Well, I guess that is all for now. Safe travels mate! Perhaps I’ll see you on the road or trail.
— Richard Stum
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