Buzzherd:: blog for Leslie Ross

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Blue Grass Boogie ~ Extreme Dancing-Cross Training

June 24, 2008

On the 4th day of the Telluride Bluegress Festival, I could barely rally for Hot Rize and the Trailblazers. I had been pounding the tarped grass for @10 hrs a day, boogying with my favorite peeps. It was the 35th Anniversary, the sun browned our shoulders and the New Belgium Brews went down way to easy.

TBF is not just a music festival. Its an amazing gathering of people coming back year after year to celebrate music, the mountains, family, friends, fun and festivities. Our Crew- the sound board tarp - or the mohotties ( named after a mispronounced mohitto joke), try to combine all this with some biking, hiking, yoga, good eats and splashing in the river somewhere between it all.

Biking in T-Ride

For those of you who wonder how can you fit it all in with everything going - how can you get in your daily ride, don't fret. We found a few, close to town that statified our need to climb and descend. Thats riding in T- ride in a nut shell. 99% of the ski area rides were closed due to elk calving (which of course ~ who can argue with that) and late season snow pack. But regardless, the dancing you will do at this festival might leave you too worked to even consider hopping on the trails. Biking before bluegrass was a nice change of scenery and a way to stretch our leggs from the previous day. Thought it was quite a feet to find some 1-2 hr rides that were userfriendly and accessible. We asked everyone who seemed in a position of knowledge (friends, bike shop owners, gondola attendees, mountain hosts. With each interview, we received completely different answers about was open and where we should go. Here are the 3 we did - so if you are down in that next of the woods you can get a jump on your ride planning.

***I'll be back later to give you more beta on the rides.

River Trail/Airport/society Hill- Mill Creek Ride-
Ridge Trail, jurassic, railroad bed, to river trail
Bear Creek

Dancing in Style:

TBG is a time when mountian folk get to put on their fun festive attire and strut their stuff. It's a chance to wear flowy skirts, your cowgirl hats and step beyond capilene and puff sweater. I was excited to put my new Patagonia duds to the test. Day one I arrived in my Pinback Top, Morning Glory Hoody and Cordalette Shorts. On my head, the Pistil betty collectors addition and my Smith Melrose specs protecting my eyes-festival style. Later, I slip on my Vitaliti Skirt for more sun protection and fun dancing attire. In the evening, I suit up my Morning Glory Dress with my bike arm warmers for extra warmth. On my feet, Keen Newport H2 for a stable platform to bounce off of. A dip in the river in my Boucau Halter Top and Wavefarer Board Shorts. Sunday it starts to rain and snow (June 22). Grab my Duway Caprisunder myW's Eventide Dress, thorw on my favority cap 4hoody under my specter jacket and I am ready to roll. I am warm and dry. Able to keep up my cross training~ the Bluegrass boogie!!!

Yes, its basically a Patagonia closet. And it works. No worries, super durable and dependable. Any time Anywhere. Fine dining or dirt digging.

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Cruiser Bike Winner Gives Back

June 17, 2008

Dear friends of the Babes in the Backcountry,

Living in Breckenridge, CO has inspired me on many levels. Rumi wrote, �Be the Beauty you wish to see in the world� Everyday is a chance to educate, explore, and cherish this precious resource we have of wilderness and forests. Education is a vital key in this process. As I offer chair massage to the public at my studio, I play relaxing music on a solar powered stereo, and hand out information on conservancy and how each person can make a difference when taught how. At our home we recycle, compost food scraps, and turn off all unneeded lights. Every action has a reaction in the environment.

Please help support Babes as their efforts to reach the community are dynamic and growing.

The latest offer is this

Gain better health while saving $$ all year long with Harmony�s Wellness packages. (not to be used in conjunction with any other Harmony offers) All include custom aromatherapy and the sacred sounds of tuning forks and singing bowl (optional)

Receive your free eco � gift with package purchase.

BALANCE Buy 3 - 60 min massages @ $195 = $65 each

Buy 3 - 60 min Ashiatsu @ $225 = $75 each

NOURISH Buy 5 - 60 min Massages @ $70 and get the 6^th one free = $58 each

Buy 5 - 60 min Ashiatsu @ $80 and get the 6^th one free = $68 each

OXYGENATE Add an Oxygen/ozone steam therapy (30 min) to any massage for $45

Thanks to you for all you do��.Inanna Hall 970.485.3344

Everyday is a gift, that�s why we call it the present.

118 S. Ridge St, Breckenridge, CO

www.harmonyhealthmassage.com inanna@harmonyhealthmassage.com

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Biking ~ better than therapy

June 17, 2008

Last fall, I just couldn�t get enough time on my mountain bike. The shiny new baby blue full suspension blur I treated myself to had changed my life- well at least my riding life. Which can often change your life. The eight months of winter at 9600 ft in Breckenridge, left me yearning for that feeling I packed up in a plastic bin last October when the snow began to blanket the trails. Heart pumping as knobby tires ascend a steep shoulder width path. Sigh at the top, ahhh, breath, breath. Feeling strong, excited and pumped to have crested the rocky climb, the corners of my lips curve towards the sky. Breathing out, focused ahead, seeing with my third eye, I force my gaze to stay between the aspen lined single track as I descend with the speed of a young boy. Body back, arms outstretched but relaxed, breathing from center, driving from the force between my legs, I descend. It is a whoosh!!!. Bliss. I feel on top of the world.

Time on the bike is time to think, to put things in perspective and gage how off or in balance I really am in the moment. Riding resets my daily clock. It inspires me, grounds me, humbles me, connects me and expands my vision and perspective. It a journal entry or a measures time. On my bike, I observe changes in weather, visits with friends, solo time and is a litmus test of how my body is feeling. Through my lenses, I see and feel the seasons change, the flowers bloom, erosion at work, pine beetle devastation, development, community service, run off raging, heat scorching, the sun setting and the alpenglow dancing above the mountains. Its therapy for the mind, body and spirit. I�ve been craving that feeling again. And feeling guilty about not wanting to go backcountry skiing when all my favorite spring skis are still �in�. Its been one of the most stellar seasons on record and all I can think about are tank tops and bike shorts and exploring the single track behind my cabin. It�s the simplicity of gear and the short commute. No puff jackets or goggles, hot tea or expedition weight gloves.

After a winter bundling up and of going within, it�s time to shed those layers and let the sun shine in and warm the spirit. The summer solstice reminds us to celebrate the light as the days now get shorter. Schedule in outside time both to recreate and to sit and enjoy the earth. Be an observer. Notice when we get out and play, how creative and loving we become. Our hearts open and we are able to give more freely of ourselves to the ones we love- the people and the planet. Get connected and see how good it feels. Wishing you an incredible summer full of rejuvenation and exploration. Ride on!Leslie

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White Rim Mt Bike Trip- September 11-14

June 17, 2008

Canyonlands are Calling!!! Women's White Rim Trip Sept 11-14, 2008

Every September I look forward to this 4 day trip on the White Rim. It's a chance to be out there. No cell phones. No computer. Just riding, great women, camping with incredible vistas, yoga, gourmet dining (river trip style) and tons of laughs. Babes joins up with Rim Toursfor a Gourmet Mountain Bike Trip in the Canyon Lands National Park.

Yes, you can bike th 100 mile trail in a day. And No you do not have to be an expert to ride it. But the Babes trip is not a race or get it done and out of the way. Its about the journey. Enjoying not only the riding but the full package. I love this trip because friends of all abilities can come and everyone can go there own pace. We've got a sag wagon with all our gear and food. Yoga at camp every morning, riding at your own pace to take in incredible scenery and an opportunity to spend quality time with each other.

Tags: mountain bike, rim tours, white rim, women's bike trips, yoga

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Leslie's Blog

June 16, 2008

Leslie's Blog

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Spring Break Babes Style

June 11, 2008

Check out Leslie's thoughts on the Babes Canada Trip to the Campbell Icefield Chalet.

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Babes Rock Silverton

June 11, 2008

The Sixth Annual Babe's Sisters in the Steeps continues to inspire women to feel comfortable and confident in the steeps. Patti Banks and Kim Havell led the charge with tips and techniques to ski the steeps with ease. The Sisters rose early for a pre ski yoga session to jump start the day and wrapped up at Grady's Bar. Great snow, inspiring women, challenging terrain. What more coudld a gal want ( for her girl's get a way weekend)? And Better Yet, It always seems to snow for the sisters. Next spring we plan to work lodging back into the package.

Tags: Silverton, Sisters in the Steeps, Steep Skiing

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Women's Adventure Magazine Writing Conference

June 11, 2008

Being so busy organizing trips and workshops for other women, I thought it was justified to head to Boulder this past weekend June 6-8th, to immerse myself in the Magazine Writers Conference Sponsored by Colorado based Women's Adventure Mag. It was definitely time well spent. Kodos to Michelle, Karina, Lynne and crew for hosting an inspiring, informative, accessible and smooth event. The breath of knowledge and experience among the speakers- from Pam Houston to Tracy Ross ( Backpacker/Skiing) was phenominal. The caliber of women and men that attended blew me away, each with their unique writing style and message. The conference proved to be the perfect springboard to not only inspire me to get back on the key board, but provided practical info to help with the process. I will definitely make time for more in the future.

Babes Special. WAM is offering $50 off the tutition for anyone that mentions Babes when registering. More Conferences on the horizon....

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Spring Break Babes Style

June 11, 2008

Babes Headed to Canada this April for our 3rd Annual Spring Ski Mountaineering Camp- Not really boot camp for Babes. More of an incredible week of amazing women, delicious food, steller guiding, comfy hut, a variety of skiing from powder to corn, long ski days, yoga, sauna time, backcountry skills sessions and tons of laughs.

Take a peek at Jessica's photos from the trip. And Lisa's photos from 2007.

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A Busy Winter for Babes

June 11, 2008

Welcome to Spring time? Summertime? Autumn? Yes, it's snowing again in the High Country. June 11th. Its going to be quite a while before we can bike anything above treeline.

Time?

Well its been a year since I last posted. A sure sign of a work a holic. What's been keeping me so busy? Babes had workshops from Colorado to Canada, Utah and South America. From Beginner Hut trips to ski mountaineering adventure week at the Campbel Icefields Lodge. We opened our offerings up to men this winter- which was well received. We have been working with members of our community to develop a program to offer opportunities for Lation women in Summit County to get out, learn and explore their backyard as well as offer a bridge between the various mountain populations.

And most importantly Babes celebrated our 10 year Anniversary this winter with an amazing weekend in Crested Butte to raise money for the Save Our Snow Foundation and the Babes Backcountry Education Fund. Alison Gannet presented an inspiring on Global Cooling. Her talk left guests charged with new ideas on how to take small steps toward change. Many thanks to all the companies that helped to support this event including Patagonia, Black Diamond, Pistil, Clif Bar, Keen, Smith, Osprey, New Belgium Brewing Co, Baraness Wines, Redwood Creek, Crested Butte Mountain Resort. To see the full list of sponsors. For more on the history of Babes....

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Bike'n Babes Mt Bike Clinic

June 18, 2007

Saturday, June 16th the Bike'n Babes were blessed with incredible weather at Carter Park in Breckernidge. Four women from Denver, Aspen and Breckenridge participated in our first of the summer skills clinic with Rip Stoke. The gals had an incredible ratio of coaches to students. Almost 1:1.

Local Bike Maven Annie Black (Yeti Rider and Divas Lead Coach), Cristina Begy (

2003 24 hour World Solo champion Cristina Begy) and myself spent the day sharing tips and techniques for efficient bike handling. So incredible to see the improvements of all the women in such a short period of time. The morning nervousness quickly replaced with smiles, relaxed shoulders and a new " going for it" attitude.

After a morning yoga session with Steve at Abby Hall, we headed over the park. The Bike Babes each received a complementary pair of Bridgedale Women's Specific Bike socks, enough Clif Bloks and Nectar Bars to last them for a couple rides, Cool Tags to offset their travel and 20% off online shopping with patagonia.com. The morning was spent getting to know our bikes, from how to fall, shift, break, descend, ascend, corner and play on our bikes.

After @ hour lunch break we headed out to explore the incredible Town of Breck trails to apply our new skills. We wrapped up the day back in the park with Cold New Belgium Brews and recapped our successes for the day. All faces were beaming. Armed with a full bag of new tips and tricks for fun safe trail riding.

Colorado Free Ride hosted our evening Babes Night Out Tech Night- Good Eats from Downstairs at Erics, Blue Paddle in the Bottle and great trips from Owner Greg Gurus on how to maintain our bikes and do quick repairs on the trail. Thanks for a great day of getting to know your bike.

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Moving From Center

June 13, 2007

This week I committed to making all decisons based on feeling rathering than thinking. How does it feel to me rather than is this the best thing for me to be doing right now. Focusing on bringing more balance into my life- in all aspects, the more i move from center the better I feel...whether on my mountain bike, what work tasks to tackle, how to interact with an individual or what summer projects to do next. I get immediate responses in my body if i am making decisions based on thinking- stubling, tripping, twisting a knee, falling off my bike. Although when i move from my core -all is smooth, I feel more in balance, I am focussed and have more fun with all aspects of life.

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Babes tending to the garden

May 30, 2007

Althought the snow keeps falling in the high country at 9600 ft in Breckenridge, the Babes are taking some time to fix up the office. Ripping up carpets, sanding floors and painting the walls. Traded in my skins for a sander. Feels good to tend to your garden.

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