Kaos Corner

That's Kaos, on the right.
Watch for upcoming weblog submissions.
Write us and we may post your note, event, festival or gathering.

It's KAOS Corner.

1/5/06 Happy New Year!

Another year is upon us, and another year down. Have you hugged your 'resolution' today? I think about the resolutions I make every year. I stick to them...for the first few months.

This year I am looking for peace in all its simplicity. Whether it's smiling to a stranger or waving with all my fingers at near by motorists while I ride my bicycle. Let peace start with me.

What is your Resolution? Write us and we will post your unique Resolutions...

1/18/06 Eugene, OR.

Time flies when one is at peace with man, woman, nature...speaking of nature, she has been a real mother. We have experienced 25 of 28 days of nearly continuos rain. We have set up Steep Planet World HQ in Eugene, Or. It is a notorious running town, Prefontaine types...

and has rolling hills to steep climbs laced throughout the region. Ideal for training at 400 ft. elevation.

No real MTB terrain in the town, but a gem of an area called Oakridge just 40 minutes away, by car, and could be considered the new off-road mecca.

Have I painted a picture (grey or otherwise?). The staff and I have had numerous meetings designed to get Steep Planet to the next level. Where we are not elevation, climate and recreationly impaired.

Any Suggestions?

1/22/06 Bend, OR.

I received a call from my brother-in-law today. Seems things are bright and white in Bend, Or. Lots of snow and skiing to be had. Never heard of Bend, Or?

Go to map here and see Mt. Bachelor here. Bend was a sleepy logging community turned recreational paradise. If given the chance to visit central Oregon, you must see this jewel.

Fun Alpine skiing, Snowboarding, Nordic skiing and snowmobiling are winter favorites. If you like snow but can be without the crowds, try snowshoes and Todd Lake, one of many true alpine lakes in the area. The people are friendly, the terrain challenging and the beer rewarding.

Wonder why I am honking Bend's horn? I spent a decade there skiing every winter for the Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation. (MBSEF). Basically the race department. More on that subject later. When not skiing, we rode our mountain bikes all 10 months or more a year.

There is no bad time to visit, and no bad time to live there...visit the Deschutes Brewery after a day of recreation and tell the bartender Steep Planet sent you.

1/26/06 OR Show

We are off to the much acclaimed OR Show. (Outdoor Retailer) Here we see the manufacturer's wares for the 2006-07 winter season. We are sure to find only the best in design, innovation and kookiness in products. Like Heely's shoes, remember those?

Or when in-line skates were the shizz-nit? What about ski pole beverage holders? Put your favorite beverage into a pair of these and you are sure to make friends on every chair lift ride.

This is where they get their debut, and nod...or not. At any rate, we will fill you in after the show. Got suggestions on what you want to see on the Planet?

2/4 Weather Report for the Northwest.

Still and Clear...

Still Raining, and Clear up to my @$$ in water, moss, mold spores. Went on a quick ride yesterday. Looked something like this.

4/15/06: The Move

Yes, it is true, Steep Planet has moved. The decision was made for a new adventure. We were looking for a dryer, higher climate with access to mountain bike trails, skiing, exploring, kayaking and whatever comes our way. Another motivation was relief from the daily distractions like traffic, pollution, home invasion et al.

So, in April 2006 we left Eugene, Oregon (elev. 396 ft.) and moved it all to Salida, Colorado (elev. 7080 ft.). Where the air is thin and the views are fat. Salida is a small town, about 5500 people, and is surrounded by 15 or so 14,000 ft. peaks. It took some time to get here but now we are living Colorado Time. What could be better? Now staff can ride, run, or hike during breaks…sometimes the big things are the little things and vice versa.

If you have been following along, you have seen us grow from 5 lines in 2003 to over 20 lines in these last years. After seeing what the BIG players sell and what the new innovators are designing, we know our product mix is likely to please the seasoned athlete, the elite racer, the weekend hero and the retro-grouch all at once. Each product is selected with our customer’s enhanced recreational experience in mind. New for Spring 2007, we will be adding Patagonia and Marmot to our product mix. Be sure to check out the new lines in January '07.

And like you, we make plans for the weekend. Add friends or solo, we love to be outside.

Always searching for the most comfortable, functional clothing and equipment designed for the wide array of options and weather in the outdoors. It’s a Steep Planet, get comfy.

Thank you for taking the time to catch up with us, please drop us a line and tell us what you are looking for. Or send us some photography of recent adventures.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Happy New Year 2007

As we enter the new year, we wish all of you exceptional health and peace.

Ok, OK... 2/1
Things in beautiful Salida are perfect. Great skiing both XC and DH. Got a quick 2 hr. ride on the roady Monday. Shlogged (jogged in light snow) on Tuesday. Had cold temps and new snow on Wednesday.

All that holiday cheer is melting away, Ok, OK...I'm working on it. A friend once told me that losing weight is as easy as running in the morning before eating. It is something to chew on...

Look for running togs this Spring from Craft, Patagonia, Pearl Izumi and Marmot. Nice plug?!