Page 17 - April_2014

each month we review outdoor gear and local beer. want us to review
gear and beer
something in particular? C send a note to gear@vtsports.com.
by Hilary DelRoss

side. Crisp notes
of citrus from
the hops bal-

ance nicely with
the warm, slight-
ly heavier, cori-
ander spice.
This beer

left me feel-
ing content
yet slightly ea-
ger for what’s
next. Perhaps it’s

the beer. Perhaps
it’s a sign of the
season. Either
way, I’m ready to shed a layer or two and GeAr: ride Snowboards
GeAr: Tubbs Snow-
tread a little lighter. The Long Thaw, sorb shock and adapt to the variable
baretta
shoes flex alp
conditions we’re bound to encounter in
which is also labeled as the White IPA, Vermont. Comfortable, durable, light
is available in bottles, in cans and on Sorry guys, the Ride Baretta is a sweet, Ready to earn some spring backcountry and, dare I say, game changing. Wear
draft in the region for a limited time... all-mountain ride made specifically for turns? There are still plenty of stashes
and time is limited, so like the snow, get lady shredders. This directional snow- yet to be found and you’ll get there them with your Sorrels, Boggs, or hik-
it while it lasts. It’s available in Wind- ing boots or throw on your snowboard
board is sized for our boots so there’s fast on Tubb’s Flex Alp snowshoes no boots, strap your board to your back
sor, Vt, and Boston. 6.2% ABV.
no compensating for toe or heal drag matter what kind of conditions you run and enjoy the season’s bounty. you
while carving big turns or shimmying into along the way. These babies are de- won’t be sorry. $239.95
through the trees. Available in six sizes, signed for extreme terrain with a pair
you’re bound to snuggle into the one of curved, serrated traction rails run-

that feels like it’s built for you. It has ning the length of the shoe to grip hard Beer: harpoon
Hilary grew up in southern New England rocker in the tip to help keep you afloat snow and ice and prevent slide slipping.
on powder, and camber underfoot and They also feature steel toe crampons brewery The long
where she developed her love of nature and through the tail for those days you need and downhill snow breaks. When you
outdoor recreation, including learning to ski extra grip to stay upright.
take a step, you’ll stay put where you Thaw white ipa
at Rhode Island's only ski hill. After explor-
ing the Rocky and
Like all women’s specific sticks, there place your foot. Gender specific bind- Released in January, Harpoon’s White
Cascade Moun- are lots of proprietary tech bells and ings are easy to adjust on the fly, super IPA label celebrates the idea of spring
tain ranges, she whistles. If you have a backpack, fill secure and have a snap and clip to en- with the full understanding that
transplanted to the it up with the Long Thaw, hitch up sure straps stay out of your way. Lim- we’re in northern New England and it’ll
Green Mountain this snowboard and buckle into your ited toe rotation keeps effort down to be a while before we’re smelling daffo-
State where she
snowboards, skis, snowshoes because this board will a minimum so you have more energy for dils.
hikes, bikes, kayaks take you through the rest of the sea- the hike down. Tails drop to shed snow This light hued beer pours with a
and stokes camp- son’s spring powder dumps, cream while preventing the shoes from hitting head that disappears quickly, but the
fires from her home cheese frosting, corn kernels and snow your legs mid-stride. What about the hoppy bitterness of the IPA style sticks
base in Montpelier.
cone slush.
flex? It’s dreamy. Found in the deck, around and complements the spicy Bel-

$399.95
tail and binding, flexible materials ab-
gian with characteristics on the other

Adventure in Vermont

Explore one of New England’s richest landscapes

in beautiful Craftsbury Common, Vermont. Our
ANNUAL TENT SALE
classes in flat water canoeing, bicycle touring, and
backcountry climbing will hone your expedition

skills and let you travel the region.
AND

For information, please visit:
www.sterlingcollege.edu/summer
BIKE DEMO

Friday, April 25th + Saturday, April 26th
Sterling College

Details at: westhillshop.com/events
Working Hands.Working Minds.

Exit 4, I-91, Putney Vermont westhillshop.com 802-387-5718
n n
Vtsports.com 17
April 2014

Sterling Summer Outdoors.indd 1
1/29/14
2:58 PM