Saturday, February 27, 2021

Yeah, I'm still out there...

Due to various commitments, I haven't done much skibiking the past two seasons.  Believe me, I've wanted to be out there. I dream about runs from two years ago. 

I'm working 18 hour days/7 days a week to keep my company going.  I lost my mom a year ago and COVID-19 took my dad in less than a week just before Christmas 2020.  As a high-risk person myself, ski resorts don't want me around right now either.  Looks like my group is up next for vaccinations.

I'm still making skibike accessories such as weight-rated leashes with weight-rated carabiners and ski covers for ski or car interior protection.  Expect a 4-5 day turn-around on orders as they are all manufactured on demand.

My ski cover design has seen some improvements over the years.  The collar is now higher and longer which offers more road spray protection. The zipper is now a #8 coil zipper offering a more robust zipper performance and longevity.

I updated the website as some product descriptions were confusing.  If things still aren't clear, send an email and I will get back to you.

Find my website at https://www.epicskibike.com/ 

Email is watertigerenterprisesLLC (at) comcast.net 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoSkibike

Ski covers under construction for Lenz Sport Big Fat skidders:





by G. Kunkel © 2021 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.

Thursday, January 31, 2019

Winter Park Resort ends their skibike program

by G. Kunkel

 Most have heard by now.  Winter Park Resort has ended its skibike lesson and rental program.   It was ended for pure economics.  Not enough lessons or rentals were sold.

Skibikes are still permitted at Winter Park.  No license needed.  No leash required either.

If you need a professional tour (lesson), I can help you out.  Skibikes are not intuitive to ride despite what some people think.  One should never have to stick out a foot to stop after the first 1.5 hour of learning.  One risks tearing an ACL if that is not stopped.

Take a all-day tour with me and you'll be safely riding in control.  I can't call it a lesson for legal reasons.

Maximum of two people per tour.  Four hour tour is $200.  Tour only. Rental not included.  Lift ticket not included.  Tour must be at a Front Range Epic Colorado resort or one must purchase me a lift ticket and maybe even some lodging/gas depending on distance/duration.

Besides viewing the beautiful Colorado scenery, one will learn skidded traverses for speed control and stopping, skidded turns, linked skidded turns, stopping, stance, loading/unloading the chairlift,  hockey stop (emergency stop), fishtail turns for use on cat tracks, safety rules, use of leash, and skibike maintenance.

Tours are weekday only.   Weekend crowds are not conducive for viewing scenic beauty or learning new skills.

 You'll learn bombproof skills needed for riding hardpack and steeper blue runs.

Want to learn carving?  Unfortunately we'll spend the first 1.5 hours un-teaching that skill at the start of the tour.  Leaning into a turn is counter-productive when learning skidded traverses and turns on a freestyle Type II skibike.  I know it sounds crazy but I've converted hundreds+ of people over the past ten years.

Let's go have some fun in Colorado.



© 2021 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

Thursday, March 15, 2018

Crested Butte opens more terrain for skibikers

by G. Kunkel

Crested Butte ski area has allowed skibikes for the past few seasons.  Unfortunately, they seemed to not really understand their capabilities.  Bikers were restricted to green and blue runs.  How boring.

This season they've loosened their restrictions somewhat.  Skibikes and skibobs are now permitted on all green, blue, and black runs.  Restricted terrain is now double black diamond runs and extreme terrain.   No access to terrain parks either.

Never-evers will need to take a two hour lesson and earn a Crested Butte snowbike license.  Those holding a license from another resort will need to review skibike procedures, chairlift loading, and permitted terrain with one of their instructors.  One will then be issued a Crested Butte license.

Type 1 and Type 2 skibikes are permitted at the resort.  There is no mention if homebuilt bikes are permitted.  Leashes are not required on the lift.

Skibob rentals and lessons are available at Crested Butte.

I can live with these policies.  I know some people will be disappointed that the higher level expert terrain is off-limits.   You'll just have to travel on to Telluride and Silverton.  You know who you are.  Remember, Silverton is currently 'by invitation only'.  Telluride will let one ride anywhere you want to.

Get current Crested Butte skibike policies here.


© 2018 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

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Protective gear for skibiking

by G. Kunkel

Freestyle skibiking presents many of the same risks as downhill mountain biking or motocross.  While snow is more forgiving than dirt and rocks, impacts still happen.

Full face helmet

Wearing a full face helmet is not overkill or meant to look cool.  Smashing ones jaw or teeth into the skibike handlebars can be a painful experience.  Upon rider ejection, smashing said teeth and jaw or head into a sold object can be life-altering.  Find a well-fitting winter full face helmet and use it.  Winter helmets don't have the ventilation that summer ones do.

Combo knee and shin guards

If you've ever experienced rider ejection on your skibike, you know what these do.  As one is flying over the handlebars, ones legs or knees bang into them.  I've had permanent purple bruises above my knees some seasons.  Again, find a well fitting set that fit over thermals.  I had to cruise many reviews to find a pair I like.  A good set is going to run just north of $100.

Googles

One needs clear vision to see where one is going.  In addition, if one wears eyeglasses there are additional challenges.  To keep my googles and eyeglasses from fogging up, I use OTG goggles with a built in fan.  The fan keeps down the fog on both.  They are not inexpensive. Somewhere north of $150.

Waterproof insulated clothing

Skibike clothing is the same as ski clothing.  Wear outdoor gear suited for a windy wintery environment.  This includes jacket, pants, and gloves.  Clothing suitable for lower on the mountain may not be warm enough at 12,000ft.

Warm winter boots

I use snowboard boots while skibiking.  They keep my feet warm and offer necessary support.  In addition, my feet love a pair of wool blend socks on them.  There are other winter boots such as Bunny Boots that others prefer and are rated for arctic environments.

Leash

Many resorts require them while riding on the chairlift.  Use it so people below do not have a skibike land on them if dropped.

Those are the essentials of skibike protective gear.  One can add a bell for that stray skier or snowboard who moves erratically around the slope.  Ring it, and they know you are behind them.  Otherwise, the above list should cover most everything one needs.

© 2018 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

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Skibike cross

by G. Kunkel

Skibikers now have full-time access to a boardercross course.  So, it's now skibikecross.

Winter Park Resort discontinued their NASTAR racing program and turned the old race course into a terrain park.  The newly labelled park features a professionally designed boardercross course.

The course is open to everyone including skibikers.  The course is pretty wide and can probably handle five skibikes at one time.

The top of the course features a steep drop-off at the start to help racers get some speed.  Riders will then hit the first set of rollers.  Air-time is a possibility.

The rapidly descending course then has a series of swooping banks that alternate from side to side.  It pretty much takes the width of the old race area.  There is netting to separate the course from those coming down Cranmer.

After the banks come another roller and more steep banks.  The end of the course drops skibikers back onto Cranmer.

I tried it out yesterday and it was alot of fun.  And, hardly anyone was using it.  I saw a ski patroller sneak in there and play around.

The course is always open so everyone is going to discover this course sooner or later.  I'd try sooner as it is bound to quickly become popular.

Local skibikers have wanted a boardercross course for some time.  Let's get out and use it.



 © 2018 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

Friday, February 16, 2018

2018 Purgatory Skibike Festival is Feb 23-24

by G. Kunkel

The annual Purgatory Skibike Festival is fast approaching.  The dates are Friday February 23 - 25.

There will be a few skibike dealers in attendance so one can try out their products.  I do not know if there is an age limit.  There will probably be liability waivers to be signed.

Registered participants qualify for event discounts.  That means $35 lift tickets for registered skibikers.

Not sure what events will be held during the festival.   I think it will mainly be group rides and demos.

Durango is getting snow so it should be fun.



© 2018 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

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Skibike stance It's important

by G. Kunkel

Where one places their weight while riding stand up Type 2 skibikes makes a big difference. Put it in the wrong spot and you may be in for an exciting ride.

Stance

The front ski needs weight on it for it to function.  Doesn't matter if in powder or on packed powder.  Or if one is skidding or carving.

Ideally while stopped, one has weight 50/50 on each foot and balanced between the fore and aft skis.  While riding one's weight is going to constantly be shifting depending upon terrain and activity.

Hips

Where are your hips?  Skiers have a term called 'skiing in the backseat'.  Same thing happens on a skibike.  It is a natural reaction to forward motion and is a fear response.  If your hips are behind your seat, you are in the backseat.  Move them forward.

Flexed

Be in a nice flexed stance.  Bend those ankles, knees, hips, and elbows into the athletic flexed stance.  You remember, the one used for tennis, dribbling a basketball before a free throw, and skiing or snowboarding.

Look Up

Don't be looking at the snow.  It is still white.  Look up and in the direction you are going.

These are just the basics.  A trained professional can spot what a skibike rider is doing through 'movement analysis'.  PSIA tests instructors at every level to see if they can accurately describe what a client is doing.  There is no prescription for change if there is not a proper diagnosis.

One can obtain professional skibike instruction at Winter Park Resort Ski + Ride School.  Type 2 rental is included with the lesson.

© 2018 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

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

2018 Lenz Sport Skibike Sale

by G. Kunkel

Lenz Sport is having a pre-order sale on its  new Recon skibike.  It's not a new model, it just a model that is now being produced by an outside factory.  Built to the same strict Lenz Sport standards.

Photo courtesy of Lenz Sport


This is what was posted up to their Facebook page today.
The all new Recon Skibike is coming. This is our first Skibike produced at an outside factory, and it’s got the same geometry and durability as it always has. Kitted up just like this it’s retailing for $1700. We are doing a pre-order program for $1300 while inventory lasts. Offer ends midnight March 15th. Email, message, or call us for details.
So if you want Lenz Sport quality at a knock-off price, this is it.  This deal is not going to last.

Think about it:

Solid design - things are not going to "snap" when landing a jump.

Solid suspension - no pogo stick feel when riding. The stock forks have dampening so the rider is not thrown off the bike while riding.

Solid skis - Lenz Sport makes an interchangeable lineup of skis.  Packed powder to deep powder can be managed.  The Recon comes stock with the new Conniption Stix skis.  They are not as stiff as the Trix Stix and have a slightly shorter turning radius.

Not bad. 

© 2018 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

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Skibike lessons - Yeah riding is counter-intuitive at first

by G. Kunkel

I really think everyone should have a Type 2 skibike lesson from a qualified trained professional when first jumping on-board.  It's just too easy to get going too fast out of control on a Type 2.  And when I mean trained qualified professional, I mean someone with a PSIA background.  I've seen too many quacks out there teaching carving a bike right off the bat.

Riding a Type 2 is not like riding a bicycle - at first.  It's more like motocross or downhill mountain biking.  It's nothing like cross-country mountain biking.

Terrain used for learning is important.  All the basics should be taught on nearly flat green runs until the basics are learned.  Over-terraining novices is easy to do.  Do not move on to blue runs until they learn the basics of slowing down and stopping.  If they still need to put feet down to stop - they do not get it.  Do not pass go.

Learning to stop and slow down is learned just the way skiers do.  Learn to skid the skis to slow down.  It's easier said than done.  Most people want to ride a skibike like a bicycle and lean into the hill.  That gets the skis on a carve - which is a disaster for a beginner.  The handlebars need to be tilted downhill while traversing to achieve the skid.

If an instructor introduces carving right off the bat - they are an unqualified idiot.  Putting students on a blue slope only confirms they are an idiot.

After learning skidded traverses comes skidded turns.  Again, one needs to unlearn leaning uphill.  One must learn to keep the skibike skis barely on edge on the snow.  It requires tilting the handlebars downhill throughout the turning motion.

One also needs to look where one is going - not down at the snow.  Look up and across the slope when performing skidded traverses.  It's really important.

These skills must be learned before advancing to new terrain.  Afterwards, advance to a harder green slopes.  If one must put their foot or feet down to stop, go back to the easy green.  You are not ready to advance.  Using a foot to stop can lead to a torn ACL.

Knowing how to skid your skis is important at even higher skill levels.  Say one is flying down a run and suddenly it's a giant ice patch.   Get off the edges and skid.  Same holds true in the moguls - get off the high edge angle.  Skiers understand this.

If one does not feel comfortable riding on steep blue or black runs, it's probably because one never learned to skid their skis in the first place.  Step back and learn.

If one needs a professional skibike lesson from trained professional skibike instructors, contact the Ski + Ride School at Winter Park Resort.   Type 2 skibike lessons are cheaper than a hospital bill.  Lessons are suited for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners.



© 2018 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

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Lenz Sport on Adventure Capitalists

by G. Kunkel

 And Devin Lenz made in on national TV.

Read more about it in the Fort Lupton Press


© 2018 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.

Friday, March 10, 2017

Skibikes at the National Sports Center for the Disabled

by G. Kunkel

Skibikes are an integral part of the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter Park, Colorado.  They are so popular that the NSCD equipment manager buys up most K2 Snowcycles that he finds listed locally on Craigslist.

The snowcycles are very versatile so they can accommodate a wide range of adaptive athletes who come through the skibike program.  One can attach tethers behind the bikes for control or add pads to the seat for stability.

These skibikes can be ridden either like a skibob with foot skis or as a freestyle bike.  Riding it as a skibob with foot skis provides a platform with a lower center of gravity and a very quick learning curve for most anyone.

ABC News was at NSCD recently and filmed this report:


 These skibikes are much more affordable than many other adaptive devices.  A sit-ski runs about 10k while a skibike can be purchased for significantly less.

K2 Snowcycles are no longer manufactured but there were significant numbers of them produced.  Most are now sitting unused in garages or in an unknown warehouse.

While one can no longer order parts from a manufacturer, replacement parts can still be obtained or work-arounds can be devised.  NSCD has found ways to fit new skis onto their skibikes.

The seat covers for most of the fleet were pretty torn up last season.  I took one seat home and cut a pattern for it.  The seats were then all recovered in arctic vinyl which should be much more durable than the original.  I donated my time and labor to the program.



If one wants to support this wonderful program, they are always looking for volunteers.


© 2017 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

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

2017 Skibike NASTAR

by G. Kunkel

Skibikes still have their own division in NASTAR.  The program is barely hanging on though at Winter Park Resort.  The program fees for the ski resort are expensive (like 20k) and the course is run entirely by volunteers.

Last season I ran my skibike down the race course just for jollies.  Freestyle bikes are not really made for this.  Skibobs are.

Anyway, I took a run down the course on Sunday just for kicks.  I didn't try too hard as the course was really icy and crashing was not on my menu.

It snowed pretty good Sunday night and they groomed the course really nice.  So I decided to try it again.

Ski School employees get one free run per day otherwise it's $10 for unlimited runs.  I had to choose between lunch or NASTAR.   I made one free run on Monday.

I decided to run this attempt flat out.  Hardly anyone had taken runs on it so the course was in great shape.  Few, if any, ruts.

After charging the start gate, I got into a tuck and attacked the gates.  Didn't hit any though.

I got to the bottom and performed a skidding hockey stop with rooster tail.   The results were quickly annouced over the PA system.

Another Platinum NASTAR Medal for me.



After going up the Prospector lift,  I headed back to the start shack to collect my medal.  It's nice and hefty this year.

When I got home, I found out that was the last day to qualify for the NASTAR National Championships in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.    And my time qualified.

The next morning I had a "Congratulations" banner on my race record.   The skibike women's division handicaps are all pretty tight together.  There's some good competition there this year.

The entry fee is $199.  That does not include lift tickets.   That does not matter for me as my employee pass is direct to lift there.  The entry fee is another matter - not in my budget.

Skibikers can still obtain discretionary entries.   Just ask management.  The address is on their website.

© 2017 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

Saturday, February 18, 2017

Skibike article in the Summit Daily News

by G. Kunkel

A year ago I contacted the sports editor of the Summit Daily News after he published an article on skibobs. Some of his information was correct and some of it was not. I invited him to come learn more.

Last week he sent me an email to take me up on my offer. He wanted to do a follow-up article on freestyle (peg) skibikes and learn some about the people who do it.

I posted up an invitation last week on the Facebook Snow bike/ Ski Bike Group for riders.   Devin Lenz and Rich Mayer quickly responded.  After a flurry of messaging, phone calls, and emails - we were set for Wednesday morning at Keystone Ski Resort.

After meeting up at the Wooley Mammoth parking lot in Morrison, we loaded up the bikes in Devin's truck and headed out to Summit County, Colorado.
Skibiking at Keystone. Photo courtesy of Summit Daily News
We met Phil Lindeman  and his photographer Louie near the gondola and unloaded the bikes.  He got some basic skibike terminology and background information on each rider.  We then loaded on the gondola.

At the top, the group was quickly approached by a ski patroller and a safety patroller.  They wanted to know more about the bikes as they had never seen them before.  As usual, we got stared at by skiers and snowboarders on the mountain.

After a brief refresher on freestyle skibiking, Phil was set to venture out on ski runs.  They got lots of photos and video for their skibike article.  They asked more questions as well.

After two hours of riding around, Phil and Louie had to move on to their next assignment.  So we said our farewells.

We stayed and rode around for the rest of the day.  Conditions were pretty firm and icy.  Not really enjoyable but did provide challenges that I normally avoid.  We stopped for some lunch and then headed back out.

After going down the steepest, most icy, black diamond run down the front side, I decided that it was a day for me.  I hung out on a bench while Devin and Rich made a few more runs.  Another Lenz Sport rider came flying through while they were off riding.  Couldn't figure out who it was.

We then headed home all the while discussing what a pretty day it was.  Better than spending a day in the office.

The completed skibike article can be found online at the Summit Daily News website.

© 2017 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

Monday, February 6, 2017

Wax those skis and stop sticking to the snow

by G. Kunkel

When very cold weather strikes, some are puzzled why their skibike slows down.  Most likely it depends upon what is on the bottom of your skis.

Having the right temperature rated wax on your skis for the current conditions can make all the difference.  While universal temperature wax works most of the time, it fails at sub-zero temperatures.

Photo courtesy of George F. Davis and the thermometer at his house.
If one wants to glide effortlessly across the snow at 10 degrees below zero F, you'll need different wax on the ski base.  Read the product insert or most are green colored waxes.

A good cold temp wax is either the Purl Green or Purl Blue wax.  You'll need a wax iron, wax, and a plastic scraper to make it happen.  Both these waxes are environmentally friendly as well.

It doesn't take much was to get the job.  However, buying in bulk is cheaper in the long run.  Buy the 1 pound bar and you'll be set for a few seasons of sliding on snow.

If one is not up to waxing, well there is always happy hour at the local bar.  When it is really cold and windy, that's sometimes the best option.  The Thai wings at The Winter Park Pub are really tasty.

Wax can be purchased online or at your local shop.  Don't count on the shop tuning and waxing skibike skis.  They don't fit real well into some of the machines and they'll need to be hand-tuned.

 © 2017 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

Friday, January 13, 2017

The new Winter Park Resort skibike video is out

by G. Kunkel

And it tells the overall focus of the Ski + Ride School skibike instructors.  We welcome everyone.

Now is the time to stop with the painful skiing.  Skip the falling in beginner lessons.

 

Trevor looking for his next big hit.

Learning to skibike is easier than it looks.  That said, it still takes lessons to learn to ride a skibike safely.  Riding them is not like riding a bicycle nor is it intuitive.

Most beginners try to start off carving the skis instead of skidding the skis.  This leaves the riding unable to slow down or stop.

In a lesson, you'll learn how to skid those skis using a proper combination of stance and tilt the handlebars downhill.  Having learned the skidded traverse, it's on to the J-turn.  One then combines both of those into skidded turns.

Falling rarely happens in a skibike lesson.  One has more mobility in snowboard boots.  Boot and helmet rentals are included in the lesson.  Opt for a regular ski helmet or use a full-face downhill mountain bike helmet.  Don't forget your eye protection.

 © 2017 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

Monday, January 9, 2017

Free Demo Day on January 22, 2017

by G. Kunkel

There will be complimentary skibike lessons at Winter Park Resort on Sunday January 22, 2017 courtesy of Lenz Sport Skibikes and the Winter Park Ski + Ride School.

This gives people the opportunity to qualify for a skibike license which one needs to rent a bike at the resort.  One needs to know how to load/unload from the chairlift, perform a skidded traverse, perform a skidded turn, and do a hockey stop to earn their free license.

Minimum age is 14+ for participants.  One will need a valid lift ticket.  Guardians will need to sign the liability release form for minors.


The lessons will last 1.5 hours and the demo's will run from 9am to 4pm.  Space available on first-come basis.

New skibike license holders can rent a bike for the rest of the day or come another day.

The license does not expire at the end of the season.  Hold onto it for future seasons.  If one loses it, go to guest services and have another printed out.  It is a picture license.  Only the person on the picture can rent a bike.

More information can be found here.

 Enjoyed your free lesson?  Tips are appreciated.

© 2017 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

Sunday, January 8, 2017

The Winter Park Resort Ski Train returns as the Winter Park Express

by G. Kunkel

The original Winter Park Ski Train ran for most of 69 years.  It stopped in 2009.  I was fortunate enough to work on it a few times selling lessons for Ski + Ride School on the trip up.



I was gutted the day they said the train was sold.   It was a Denver tradition for many years.



After a false start and insurance squabbles, the Ski Train is reborn in 2017 as the Winter Park Express.  The new train is run in partnership with Amtrak, Centurylink, and Winter Park Resort.   The new 1.5 million dollar heated train platform was funded by a partnership of organizations.

The new train departs from Union Station which was refurbished several years ago as a transportation hub.  A new rail line connects DIA directly to the station allowing airplane passengers to take a rail to rail connection to the ski area.

The Winter Park Express leaves Union Station in Denver at 7 a.m. and arrives at the base of the ski area around 9 a.m.  It can carry up to 500 people per trip.  It runs one trip per day on the weekends from January to March.  The California Zephyr runs the same route everyday but departs later and drops passengers off in nearby Fraser.

Here's a view of the new platform that I took on Thursday 1-6-2017 from the third floor of the Ski School Building.  As one can see, the view is blocked by the safety barrier and the resort got nearly three feet of snow.



A travel guide covered the first trip.  If one is curious about the process and the resort, the video gives a good overview.




There's plenty of room in the baggage car for skibikes.  One might want to bring some padding if you don't want the bike banged up.  One can also rent a skibike at the ski area if one has a Type II skibike license.   West Portal Rentals is located on the ground floor of the black building attached to the blue building where the train stops.

The cost of the train one-way starts at $39 which is less expensive than the local airport shuttle.  Holiday dates are more expensive.

The train runs in bad weather, by-passes Berthoud Pass closures,  misses the hideous Interstate 70 traffic, and provides a scenic way to see the Colorado mountains.

© 2017 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

Thursday, December 29, 2016

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

Thursday, November 24, 2016

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

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

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