On the Cross (and other Saturday adventures)

Saturday Christine and I ventured down to Highlands Ranch for the On The Cross CX race. It was a very fun course and I finished 30th out of 60. One thing is certain: I stink at starts. Even though I started in the second row, I was just about at the back within 100 yards. I guess it didn't help that the start grid was 20 people wide. This was a really good race for me because it forced me to work on some things I'm not good at (like loose off-camber corners, and loose corners in general), and I could feel myself getting better as the race went on. That's a great feeling.

Afterwards, Christine and I got our shopping on at Park Meadows Mall. Oddly enough, we ran into Ashley as we were wandering around. Strange since neither of us ever go to that mall.

After dealing with the supreme douchbaggery of Highlands Ranch we mustered up enough strength to go to REI. We bought a new tent earlier this year (the Big Agnes Seedhouse SL3), and we just weren't ultimately happy with it. I won't go into detail, but there were a number of things we weren't happy with. One of the reasons I continue to shop at REI (even after they banned dogs) is their 100% satisfaction return policy. We took our tent back, and did some shopping for a new one. We're going to get a Black Diamond Skylight, but we're going to wait until we get a 20% off coupon because it's pretty pricey. Laura - if any of your REI cohorts have anything good or bad to say about the Skylight, I'd love to know before I pick one up.

I saw someone at REI with a Mountain Madness Everest 2004 jacket on, so I felt the need to talk to him. We recently listened to the audio book of No Shortucts To The Top by Ed Viesturs , so I was familiar with the Mountain Madness name. We didn't talk much, but the guy did say he make it to the top and that the sherpas are amazing. He made it back with all his fingers and toes and he said he'd do it again. It's kind of cool to talk to someone who's been to the top of the world. I'd love to know what that kind of thing costs and I'm kicking myself for not asking him.

A trip to the REI Denver Flagship Store

REI is having their anniversary sale this week, and that mean members get 20% of one item. Christine and I stopped by while we were in Denver so we could pick out some new camp cookware. (We went with the stainless steel MSR Alpine Classic. We wanted to avoid the nonstick stuff because it's nice to be able to scrub your pots with sand.) It's hard not to love the flagship store, even when it's a madhouse (and you have to park at the Denver Aquarium just to find a spot). I spent quite a bit of time looking at books for an upcoming backpacking trip and Christine found some new clothes. A good time was had by all.

When you're at the Denver REI there are a couple near by places that you shouldn't neglect. On the opposite corner from REI (Platte and 15th St.) is a place called the Wilderness Exchange. It's a small place, but you can find some great deals there. I think they get overstock or older items from places so they frequently have some good prices. They have a bunch of climbing gear, but I have no idea what's a good price on that stuff. They also have used gear.

After all that shopping at REI and the Wilderness Exchange, you're bound to be hungry. Just around the corner, at 2401 15th St, is Proto's Pizza. They have really good crispy thin crust pizzas and on a nice day it's great to sit outside. (Apparently there are Proto's in Boulder and Longmont too, but I haven't been to those.)

My REI sucks

I was great at the Fort Collins REI today by a sign that said they were changing their pet policy. After April 5, only service animals will be allowed inside. I really like to buy things from REI but at the same time I'm very irritated by the rule change. At the very least, I'll be sending them an email to see if I can get an explanation and to let them know that I'll be happy to shop at Jax for my outdoor gear (where my dog is welcome).