Colorado skibike season

by G. Kunkel

 After a very warm and very disappointing November,  December in Colorado shaped up nicely.

The past three weeks saw the ski slopes go from almost bare dirt to spectacular conditions across the state.  New terrain is opening weekly at most resorts.

At Winter Park Resort, most of the mountain is open.  Conditions are more firm in spots than others.  It is still early season after all.  We've had a few wind storms which make it difficult to retain snow at the higher elevations.  That said, ski patrol was blasting The Cirque on Tuesday.

There are still only three ski resorts offering Type II skibike lessons and rentals in Colorado.   Winter Park Resort, Steamboat Ski Resort, and Purgatory.  There are four rental bikes available in Vail.

My teaching schedule is now set for Winter Park Resort.  If you'd like your lesson from the most experienced coach at the resort,  my dates are:

• January - 2, 3, 5, 14, 15, 26, 27
• February - 4, 5, 16, 19, 20
• March - 4, 5, 15, 16
• April - 5, 6
• I may be available for private lessons at Winter Park and other Colorado resorts.  Private lessons do not include bike rentals.  These would be arranged through the WP Private Lesson Center.

All Winter Park Resort skibike instructors this season are summer downhill mountain bike coaches with the exception of myself.   Trevor is the new skibike foreman who maintains the bikes and performs staff training.

This season the skibike program is trying to demonstrate that Type II skibiking is for everyone.  Able-bodied, adaptive, the young, and the young at heart.  It really is easier to learn than skiing or snowboarding.  And the bike can be pain-free.

Winter Park Resort is putting more advertising into the program this season and offering incentives to the general public.  If you see someone out on the hill on one of the Lenz Sport skibikes, stop them and see if they have a lesson discount coupon with them.

See you out on the slopes this season.


 © 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Type II Skibike lessons at Winter Park Resort Colorado

by G. Kunkel

Lenz Sport skibike lessons return to Winter Park Resort for the 2016-2017 ski season.....with some changes.

Group lessons are now only offered in the morning.  Private lessons are available in the afternoon.

Reservations for lessons and rentals are no longer  available.  All are walk-up availability only.   First come, first served.

Meet up at West Portal Rentals as usual but the time is now 8:45 with the lesson leaving promptly at 9am.

Lessons run from 9 - 11:30 am.

Hopefully this will generate less confusion and frustration for everyone.  If you are there and it isn't taken yet, it's yours.

This is a brief intro by Bryan.


© 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Skibiking Vail Pass with the Devin Lenz Crew

by G. Kunkel

Its been two seasons since this was shot but it's still a fun video.   I didn't get to go on this particular outing.

As usual, Devin is wearing a green coat but someone else is too this time.

Thanks for shooting this Andy!

 © 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.  Google

The 2016-2017 Adaptive Epic Pass Application by Vail Resorts is now posted

by G. Kunkel

Adaptive athletes can get a super sweet deal on a 2016-2017 Epic Pass product.  And they can also buy a discounted ticket for their guide/helper as well (except A-Basin and Perisher).

Every October adaptive skiers and riders wait for the application to be published so they can apply or re-activate their old passes.

Yesterday I noticed that Disabled Sports USA published the Informational Letter and the 2016-17 Pass application on the Hartford Ski Spectacular website.  The National Adaptive Academy at Breckenridge is quickly approaching so I'm sure they were anxious as well for visiting athletes.   Vail Resorts is a major sponsor of the event.

There are a variety of adaptive pass products ranging from a few days to an unrestricted full season pass.  Prices range from $129 to $399.  One can choose from a menu of passes with different ski area restrictions.   The discounted prices are valid all season for adaptive passes and can be purchased all during the ski season.

One must establish eligibility before one can purchase the pass.  There is a long list of acceptable forms of eligibility.  The disability must be permanent.  My doctor typed up a simple one paragraph letter for me that asked for accommodation.  One does not need to use the official VR Physicians Form.

Stating that I'm using a skibike as an adaptive device on the application sealed the deal for them.  Vail Resorts has always been adaptive skibike friendly.

Once one has been deemed eligible and they've noted that in your online Vail Resorts profile, one can purchase the pass.  Don't worry, if you've ever purchased anything from VR and given your name, your name is in their computer system.  If not, call or email them and one quickly will be.

The pass can be picked up at any Vail Resorts Season Pass Office in Colorado, Utah, California, etc.   The pass can also be mailed to you.

In a bid to buck the system, I went to Boulder Ski Deals in Boulder, Colorado today to get mine.  It is owned by VR and I know they have a permanent Epic Pass Sales Office there.  They found my record, the eligibility note, found the pass product, and printed out my pass after forking over my credit card.

 So, if you have bad knees/back/disability and are limited to using a skibike, one is an adaptive rider.  Take advantage of this program.   It took me one phone call to Vail, one fax to Vail, and a 20 minute trip to Boulder.


 © 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Get your skibike forks serviced

by G. Kunkel

 Downhillers know this but skibikers may not.   You need to periodically have your front fork serviced.   The back shock might need service too.

Why?

The oil can leak out and if it gets too low - one could then damage the internal cartridges.   That gets REALLY expensive on a fork.  Cartridges run $70.00+.    I had oil leaking out of mine this spring- it was a big worry.

The oil does wear out as well.  You need to get it changed - just like your car.  The fork just stops functioning  correctly.   At a minimum, very active downhill mountain bikers get their oil changed once a year.

Is your bike leaking oil right now?  Best to get it serviced.

One can buy the replacement oil seals and try to do the service themselves if they have access to the proper tools.  There are plenty of YouTube videos out there.  You'll need to know the make, model, and year of manufacture of the fork to order the right size oil seals.  They come in different sizes.

A video for one Marzocchi fork model.

Not confident in your mechanical skills?  There are a number of service shops out there.  The cost runs $150-$200 for parts and labor.

If one needs quick service for a Marzocchi fork,  I can recommend Mountain Bike Forks by Mark.  He has a mail-in service and a mail order business for Marzocchi fork parts as well.  I recently got OEM Marz. oil seals for $38 including shipping from him.  Everyone else wanted $80 and they weren't OEM.

I don't own all the proper tools so I loaded up the oil seals, the skibike, and drove to Dirt Labs currently located in Boulder, Colorado.  They will be moving to Longmont in November.   I ordered my own oil seals because at that time, they couldn't get parts for Marzocchi forks.  Marzocchi went out of business last year.

I dropped off the bike at Dirt Labs on Friday and they called me on Monday afternoon and told me it was ready.  The service bill was $112 for the fork.   They also do mail-in service.   Call ahead for information.   The forms are on their website.

My oil was just beginning to get cloudy.   No cartridge damage either.  The rear shock wasn't leaking so I'm holding off on that.

I fixed the damaged ptex on my bottom of my skis and then waxed them.   Found a pair of barely used snowboard boots at a decent price.  The old ones were broken down and hurt my feet.

My bike is now ready for winter.    There's already been dustings of snow on the high peaks of Colorado.   The ski season is not far away.

© 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Ski bike covers

by G. Kunkel

No one likes riding a skibike covered in road grime first thing in the morning.  Your snow pants get dirty, your gloves get dirty, and all that mag chloride can't be good for the bike either.  Even CDOT advises washing ones vehicle to keep the mag chloride from rusting it.

After numerous requests, I've come up with a somewhat universal peg skibike cover.   It will fit all makes and sizes of Lenz Sport.  Nothing against other brands, it's just that there's a handy rack of 12 Lenz Sport sitting at Winter Park Resort for me to test it on.

Peg ski bike cover

I'm sure that it will fit other brands and models of peg ski bikes.  Send me your measurements.

As everyone likes different length handlebars, that is one measurement I'll need before I can make a cover.  Could be a tight squeeze or not fit at all otherwise.

I'll be using 500D coated nylon canvas for durability.  1000D can be used for an additional cost.  The cover uses one piece construction that zips on in minutes.  Three #5 molded tooth zippers keep it in place.  One in the front of the fork, one in back of the fork, and one underneath.

The covers are meant to be durable and last for years of use.  They are designed to be used on rear hitch-mounted bike racks.

Covers are custom made.  Choose your fabric color that Rockywoods.com has in stock.  Sorry, only black color zippers are currently available.

So if you are looking to free up some space inside your vehicle, here's your answer.  Order them here.

And over three feet of snow has fallen this past week at Winter Park Resort.  They just announced they will be extending the season to May 7, 2016.  Woo hoo.

My schedule is done so time to start traveling to the Western Slope of Colorado.  I hear 8-14" is falling tomorrow night and into Wednesday in one magical location.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

© 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Peg Skibikes and Skibobs allowed at all Vail Resorts Inc. locations in USA

by G. Kunkel

Vail Resorts allows skibikes and skibobs at all their resorts in the USA.  While some try to imply otherwise, this is far from the truth.   Recently, even local Colorado reporters have been duped by these individuals.

Do not believe a December 2015 article in the Summit Daily.  I and numerous friends ride our peg bikes at Vail.  One can even rent peg skibikes at Rocky Mountain Skibikes in Vail Village.

In Colorado one can ride peg skibikes and skibobs at: Vail, Beaver Creek, Keystone, and Breckenridge.  Have been for the past three seasons.

Peggers are also allowed at Park City, Heavenly, Northstar California, Kirkwood, Afton Alps, and Mt. Brighton.  Vail Resorts, Inc. loves skibikers.

Rocky Mountain Skibikes video filmed at Vail.

Rocky Mountain Ski Bikes from Ryan Spinks on Vimeo.

The rules say no biking in the terrain parks as well.  That rule is no longer enforced at Colorado Vail Resorts locations.

Make sure one does have a leash for the chairlift.  That rule is enforced at Vail Resorts locations.  It needs to connect the bike to the lift - not you.  One does not want to get dragged off the lift if the bike gets dropped or have it fall on someone below. 

If one has a pegger, the ski resort choice is almost limitless in Colorado.  Adaptive riders have even more choices.  Copper Mountain does allow adaptive commercially manufactured peggers - no homebuilds allowed though.

Bottom line: Don't believe everything one reads.  A few people still have anti-peg agendas out there.  Be informed.


© 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Skibike Snowbike NASTAR

by G. Kunkel

Two years ago, NASTAR citizen ski racing added a snowbike division.  So now skibikers can race and win medals just like skiers, snowboarders, telemarkers, and physically challenged racers.

The rules do not specify equipment so I think almost anything is fair game under the heading "snowbike".  Skibobs, peg skibikes, and three-ski bikes are all legal to race in this division.

Snowbikes are separated by gender and age in the snowbike division.  On the GS course, snowbikes get a (-50) handicap.  On the SL course the handicap is (-60).

The standard race course is 350 meters in length with 18-22 meters between gates.  The gates are offset 4-8 meters.  Depending upon the terrain, there are between 17-22 gates to go around.  Most courses take 23 seconds to run.  There is variability between resorts.

I did not get a class on Monday so I decided to get some free riding in.  While on the Prospector lift, I saw there were gates set on the Winter Park NASTAR course.  Upon further investigation, they were running races from 11am to 3pm.

It only costs employees $5 to race unlimited races while it's $10 for the general public.  After trying to remember my NASTAR race number, I handed over my $5 and filled out a daily paper entry form.

As I'd never raced my skibike before, I was unsure how to approach the gates.  The race crew was unsure how to run my race.  They decided in the end to let me run the course by myself in case I crashed.  They didn't want me to run into anybody on the other course.

For the first run, caution and strategy were the main objectives.  Starting gate strategy was not even considered.  Not hitting the gates or crashing were the goals.

The timer told me to go so I left the starting area and triggered the wand.  The first few gates were pretty easy as I had not built up any speed.  As the terrain steepened the gates came much quicker.

I soon realized that running the gates was almost the same as running them on a snowboard.  One had to turn above the gate and complete the turn at the gate.  Upon rounding the gate one had to immediately shoot for the turning point for the next gate.

Upon completion of the race course, I executed a nice hockey stop and waited for my time and what kind of medal I had won.  As I hadn't really been pushing things, I didn't expect much.

The announcer said congratulations announced my time and said I had won a gold medal.  That was unexpected.  If I pushed things on another run, I could win a platinum medal.  I never won one of those on a snowboard.

So I had to go again and again.   The next three runs were all platinum medal winning runs of the yellow course.

To mix things up I decided to try the green course.   That was a silver run.

Since that was not the direction I wished to move, my attentions moved on to the original goal of going to the terrain park and working on my skillz.   After some jumps and a run through the half pipe, I headed to the Competition Center Office to collect my medal.

My NASTAR Platinum medal

Normally medals are kept in the race shack.  They were out of platinums and silvers thus the trip to the office.

So, at the end of the day, I had a pleasant distraction for $5.  I also qualified for the NASTAR National Championships in Steamboat Springs in March.  Now if I only had the $199 for the entry fee.   Anyone want to sponsor me?  I'm happy to wear your colors/logos on the course and the winners podium when I collect medals.  And I do win medals at Steamboat.

My NASTAR Gold Medal from 2009 National Championships

© 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

How to carry your skibike to the ski base area

Carrying a skibike to the base area can be a trying experience.  I've put mine over my shoulder to transport it to the lifts.  I've also tried using a piece of rope.  Neither method is comfortable or pain free.

Nice shoulder bruise

When I've carried my Lenz Launch over my shoulder I've had two things happen.  One, my shoulder started experiencing pain with all that metal digging into it.  There is usually a nice deep purple bruise in my shoulder the next day.   I tried using a towel but then I didn't have a nice place to put it.

Using a piece of bare webbing works as well.  This method has its woes as well.  The webbing will dig into your shoulder and becomes painful as well.  Two years ago I got really lost in the Vail Village base area.  I had to stop alot to give my shoulder a break from the pain.

Carrying by the frame

This method only works for very short distances.  It's what I mainly use to transport my bike from the locker room to the meeting area for lessons.  Carrying a 28-30 pound skibike any further taxes your arms.  The metal frame gets really cold on those minus 30F days as well.

Best solutions to carrying a skibike - so far

Devin Lenz offers demos to potential buyers all the time.  He routinely has this issue with his clients carrying the bikes from the trailer.  Rather than make them suffer, he came up with a solution that he designed and asked me to make for him.

Combination padded carrying strap and leash

This skibike season, Devin is mainly having demos at ski areas owned by Vail Resorts.  Those include: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, and Keystone in Colorado,  It is a long way from the parking lot to the base area for all of these.

Padded carrying strap leash combo for skibike

Vail Resorts also has a strict on-chairlift leash policy to prevent dropped skibikes.  They do check when one loads the lift.  It is easiest to clip the bike to the chairlift bar even when it can only be partially lowered or sits above ones head.

Devin designed a combo leash/padded carry strap that will clip onto a Vail chairlift when one uses the right size wire gate carabiner.  Your shoulder won't take a beating from the parking garage to the Lionshead base area either.

Once one is at the base area, the pad can be removed.  It is small enough that it can be stored in a pocket.  That is one feature Devin insisted on.

I'm now selling these combo leashes on my website EpicSkibike.com.  Yes, that's Devin modelling his design on his latest personal skibike.  They can be purchased on this page.

Devin Lenz with a padded carrying strap leash combo

by G. Kunkel © 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Lots of used Lenz Sport skibikes for sale in Steamboat Springs Colorado

If you are looking for a used Lenz Sport skibike in January 2016,  there are a number of models for sale over in Steamboat Springs.

So far, I see a Blip, Brawler, Defender, and a Sortie for sale.  If you want to find them yourself, go to the Boulder Craigslist and search for 'skibike'.

The prices that I'm finding.

Brawler: $700
Blip: $1600
Defender: $2100
Sortie: $2100

 The Brawler has a springer fork but that is easy to upgrade.   The springer has a different feel but fun once you get used to it.

The Brawler is a size small.   Fits some about 5'6" and under.

The Blip is a smaller version of the Launch.  Great for kids and smaller riders.

The Sortie is a lighter version of the Launch.  Also built for women and kids.  The ad does not state what size it is.

I can't remember the details about the Defender.  Nothing about it is on the Lenz Sport website either.

While these skibikes are not being sold by Lenz, visit the Lenz Sport website if one wants to find out more about each model.  Then contact the seller using the contact information on Craigslist. 

These prices are really nice.   Buy one of these now and one can enjoy it for the rest of the ski season.


by G. Kunkel © 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Replacement K2 Snowcycle seat covers are now available

Seat covers are available for purchase for K2 Snowcycles.  If you have an original cover on your snow bike, I'm sure it's torn up by now.

The original seats were made from marine vinyl which just does not hold up in cold weather.  It gets brittle and then cracks.  Heavy duty arctic vinyl rated to -30 F is a much better option.

I'm now offering replacement seat covers that will fit all K2 Snowcycle models like:  the SMX, Adult 1.0, Youth 1.0.  They used a standard seat base for all their models.

These skibike covers are made from Spradling Arctic Vinyl in the black color.  One can get all the fabric specifications here.  The color pigments are UV stabilized to reduce any fading.  Seams are double stitched for strength.

The seat covers with installation instructions are $80 plus shipping/tax.   Discounts available to orders of 12+ covers.

Installation requires a heavy duty staple gun, staples, spray adhesive, hair dryer, hammer, heavy duty staple remover, patience, and brute strength.

If you don't feel like tackling the installation, drop by my house or mail me your seat.  There is an additional charge for installation and shipping.

All seat covers are made by myself in my Colorado studio.  

I am currently donating my time and expertise to making and recovering the seats for the K2 Snowcycle fleet at the National Sports Center for the Disabled at Winter Park Resort.

Here is the first replacement cover installed:

K2 Snowcycle replacement seat cover

K2 seat cover overhead view

New seat cover next to torn up K2 seat covers

These K2 Snowcycle snow bike seat covers can be ordered at EpicSkibike.com or off Ebid.net.  Or contact me at watertigerenterprisesllc(at)comcast.net.

If one needs an entire seat replaced due to degraded foam or wood base, SkiBikeFun.com offers them for $150 on their website.


by G. Kunkel © 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Adaptive peg skibikers allowed at Copper Mountain

Adaptive peg skibiker?  Your options have increased in Colorado.

Those peg skibikers with disabilities and are willing to work with management at Copper Mountain, can gain access.  It seems they are softening their stance - a bit.

I was over at Devin's shop yesterday.  He mentioned that a disabled couple that owned Lenz Sport skibikes had gained access to Copper Mountain.  I asked how they did it.

The couple quietly contacted Copper management and said they would like adaptive access.  After supplying all necessary medical documentation, they were issued permits that were affixed to their bikes frames.

They now can ride where the able bodied cannot.

So if you want to ride at Copper, have a disability, and politely approach their management - you may gain access.

I think I"ll inquire.

by G. Kunkel © 2016 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google