Couloir

I was up there about 3 weeks ago. It has snowed a little bit up there since then, but the S. Side of SS should be a piece of cake...a hike basically. And the weather looks good for this weekend. You probably won't be alone if you go then. The N. Side of MS should be in ok shape too. The Hayden will have a few more cracks...being late in the season, but nothing too serious. And heading up the N. Ridge you should be good too. It may be a little interesting up high with a little steep (~30+ degrees) ice, but an ice axe and crampons should mitigate any problems with that if you are in good shape and good on your feet. Have fun!

Where specifically?

Yes, but EXCELLENT advice nonetheless!

Yeah, Iain's right, the Cannondale set me back $1080 (I got it on sale). I had the same thoughts about the walking commercial thing. All the decals are so huge. I got around that a little bit by not washing it so often so it kind of dulls down the flash. But I have to say I really like it. It's a tight, quick frame that responds nicely in climbs. It's also really steady going fast down trails. On the road, it's also very steady at high speeds. No doubt, cross bikes are a bit more expensive. I was looking at Redlines too. Just a so-so ride for me. The Bianchi's are definitely sweet, but as you put it Greta, a little higher on the Jack-Meter than the Cannondale. I considered used, but I'd heard a few horror stories from friends that bought used and they ended up either buying someone elses problem, or paying almost as much as new. Like everything, you take your chances I guess. Either way, a cross bike is a great choice for around here. Truly the best of both worlds.

I bought a Cannondale Cyclocross bike last March and am all over it! I have road tires on it now, but I'm about to put the knobbies back on and get out there. A cyclocross bike is great because its the best of both worlds. I have a really light bike, but it also has a very strong frame. I love it. And as far as training...yes, it is very good training for climbing.

"Hickory-dickory dock, the bitch was suckin'..."

I own a lot of it and I'm loving it. I bought it at ~$30 just after the first of the year, bought more at $40...just not sure how greedy I want to get.

Good call Fairweather. Here is a TR from some cats that did it a couple of years back. I like the idea of trying to negotiate this one. Sounds tasty. As an aside: I realize this is a climbers board, which I and the rest of the ones that post here in fact do. But knocking out some of these one day pushes around the peaks we already climb easily rivals that of some of the long days we experience when doing a car-to-car, or a summit-to-car trip any day. This topic will certainly never dominate any of the threads here. And I would argue that talking about these one day pushes is as much, if not more interesting than, some of the other random crap that gets tossed around here.

Man! That was an awesome TR! You tell a great story. Thanks for a fun read. Yeah, as JohnGo said, I have drank more bottles of wine simply by shoving the cork INTO the bottle. You're first "sip" has to be a good one because the cork wants to stay near the top of the bottle. Before you know it though, half the bottle is gone! Cheers! Great climb!

Good point Alex. Before I bought my Sarkens, I was using, and occasionally still use some single-hinged front points from REI that are almost 30 years old. They still work great!

Fair enough. PM me if you can swing it and I'm all over it. I live/work in Portland so I do need at least 1-2 days notice. Also, the snow-free days are limited, but count me in either way.

Economic 0.13 Social Lib/Auth -2.46 You guys don't really know me, so this is probably irrelevant.

Oops...seems I have stumbled across the "tolerant" left here. Excuse me for intruding in on the balanced discourse.

I've heard this. For those that don't carry a wallet or other ID...

Done. But can we start Tuesday? I need to let everyone know on Monday I will be out a couple of days.

I'm down with doing it. I just knocked out the Timberline Trail on Mt Hood in one push and would love to do this one. Bring it.

Sarkens

Southern Kitty: May-yayow...

Huh?! Maybe X2...And those cats don't wear helmets or body armour like those fucking NFL sissies.

You're not alone my brother!

Frankly, I thought the Zenix IQ accomplished all of the right things...and did it very well. The "flat light" with the BD Ion (I have one of these too) is eliminated by simply using the brighter settings (not the Hyperbright mode). It lights up the ground all around you, without funky shadows and allows you to see good depth. The Hyperbright mode (3 brightness settings, 1 flashing) on its highest setting worked great for me when I was trying to find the trail across a river and also up a steep sketchy ridge. I was really impressed. I'll grant you that the Myo XP may be ultimately brighter on its highest setting (Boost mode) than the IQ, BUT: it's more expensive; it's a bit heavier; it uses 3 AAs instead of 2 AAs and I think it adapts better to precisely the light you need (saving power). Especially being able to go from the two lower-power LEDs (3+1 settings) to the one Hyperbright one (3+1 settings)...without being the least bit complicated or a hassle to operate. It also has a strap over the top which keeps it securely in place when you're wrestling next to a hot fire after a long day of climbing...and drinking.

I just bought one of these and have to say it is the best headlamp I have ever used. Even on it's lowest setting it's enough light to light a trail in the dead of night. And the highest setting is amazingly bright. Awesome!

I knew that!

I bought the BD Sphynx 6 months ago and love it. Some cats here may argue that it has too many gear loops, but I use almost every one most of the time, and the pack fits great.