MOUNTAIN KHAKIS - Built For The Mountain Life Blog

Greetings from Oswego, New York...

George Sr., George Jr., and Kathy just checking in from somewhere in upstate New York!

 

George Sr. is wearing our Alpine Utility Pant and Jr. is wearing our Cottonwood Cord.

     

Kathy showing off the Women's Cottonwood Cord.

Mountain Khakis Sponsoring Bike Team

 

For Immediate Release:

 

Jan. 27, 2009

 

Winston-Salem, NC

 

Premier Sports Partners is pleased to introduce the UCI Continental Team: "Team Mountain Khakis-cycleMK." This team was formerly known as the "Time Pro Cycling Team."  The team remains strongly committed to its mission of identifying young talent and teaching the trade of professional cycling.  Pairing young high-potential riders with experienced captains and mentors speeds knowledge transfer and shortens the learning curve and everyone is given the common goal of delivering top performances in national caliber races.   The team management is pleased to have found such a strong supporter of our mission and goals in the Mountain Khakis organization.

Mountain Khakis is a Jackson Hole, Wyoming-based company that produces high quality, all-purpose outdoor pants. Mountain Khakis were designed by outdoor enthusiasts to handle the day-in-day-out needs of the rugged outdoor lifestyle and are made to be durable, yet comfortable. Crafted with attention to every detail, Mountain Khakis pride themselves on producing one of the highest quality products in the outdoor apparel industry. 

The 2009 team will be directed by Jason Snow and consists of many returning riders as well as some key additions.  Andy Baker, Jackie Simes, Eric Barlevav, David Guttenplan, Mike Stoop, Tom Soladay, Daniel Ramsey, Jon Hamblen, and Adam Myerson are returning riders.  New additions include Mark Hekman, Toby Marzot, Logan Loader, Will Hoffarth, Spencer Beamer, and Issac Howe.  The All-American team will alternate its young riders and experienced mentors through both a southeast regional calendar and a full NRC, USA Crit and  U.S.Pro Tour schedule with the ultimate goal of winning a National Racing Calendar event.

As part of the process of cultivating the next generation of US cyclists, Premier Sports Partners have established a unique talent identification process. Two riders on the 2009 team, Logan Loader and Will Hoffarth, were selected from our 2008 Performance Camp.  It is an unprecedented opportunity and offers all young riders a legitimate forum to show that they have what it takes to ride for a professional team.  We hope to take at least 4 riders from the camp this year for our 2010 team.  The camp will be held from June 10th through the 14th in Winston-Salem NC.

More information about the Mountain Khakis program, the team, and the Performance Camp can be obtained at the team website www.teammountainkhakis.com.

We wish to say a special "thank you" to those who support of our mission and make this program possible: Mountain Khakis; Edifice Construciton; Budget Self Storage; Hincapie Sportswear; Kazane; Dedicated Athlete; Cyclesafe.org; Freedom; Eleven81; Lazer; Hibros; Albabici; Scicon; Tifosi Optics; 360 Self Storage Advisors; Momentum Auto Sales; TRP Brakes; Sun Printing; and, of course, our financial benefactors and dedicated fans.

Here is to you old friend!

MK Ambassador Rob LaPier and his is best buddies Chris Tatsuno and Tyler Horne bidding farwell to the '89 Chevy the best way they know how!

 

When the storm finally stopped we were all in quite a panic. The unfortunate in-bounds fatality and devastating slide that partially destroyed the Couloir restaurant has been a tragic reminder that nature rules. This year’s snowpack prompts us that no matter what goals one may have on the “to do” list, the mountains dictate the window of opportunity. 

            So instead of using December’s full moon illumination to venture into the untracked backcountry we did the opposite. A crew of snow enthusiasts gathered at one of the flattest places in Teton County for a night of skiing in the Stilson Parking lot. 

My friend Chris Tatsuno, of www.Christatsuno.com, has been living out of his ’89 Chevy Van for about three years now.  He is a soulful ski bum who is truly free to roam… wherever he can afford to on his raft guiding salary.  When Chris heard about the holiday storm cycle in the Tetons he headed to Jackson to find a temporary parking lot for the, ‘motor home.’  When the storm calmed down he packed up and headed out of town. His van, however, was on her last leg and broke down just south of Hoback Junction. Being a good friend, my trusty ’95 Toyota Tacoma and I came to the rescue.  We pulled the van to the Stilson lot, a temporary resting place before giving it a proper send-off. 

After many cold nights and well over 100,000 miles together Chris was sad to leave behind his companion but the prospects of a new(er) van were calling his name. It was hard to see him depressed for a few days but alas the light bulb sparked.  In all the years of traveling he had always wanted to jump the van. If this was truly the end of the Chevy’s days then it was high time to ‘jib’ the van before leaving it for dead.

Chris used a fleet of diggers to sculpt a jump and pile snow on the passenger side to cushion the fall. Thanks to a few curious locals we were able to rally a snowmobile and driver to complete the tow package. Most funerals cost between $5-10K, Tatsuno was total invested 24 PBR cans. 

That night everyone took a few turns tapping Chris’ old girl.  I am not sure if it was the smell of two-stroke, the nearly flat landings and tons of carnage, or the gangsta rap music in the background, but I was somehow reminded of my younger days in Colorado. I almost forgot that I moved to Jackson for the Tetons non-terrain park scene.’ I can only imagine what the frequent bus drivers were thinking when they saw a crew of 15 skiers illuminated by headlights and a snowmobile revving in the far corner of the lot. 

That evening we made the most of a full moon night bid the van farewell. Chris’ enthusiasm reminded me that no matter what genre of riding one falls into, or what mountain town you call home, we all share a passion for the winter. To all those who have loved and lost (a vehicle), raise your glasses to Chris Tatsuno, his van and undying devotion to life in the mountains. Cheers.

Words by Rob LaPier // Images by Julie Weinberger: www.jamminjuliephotography.com

 MK Ambassador, Rob LaPier

 

 

 

Chris Tatsuno

          

SICK                                                    

Tyler Horne

How do you MK? - Phil Hoffmann

Phil Hoffmann on a brisk morning at Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah National Forest (NC) with Daisy Dog.  Phil own's Looking Glass Outfitters.

 

Phil is rocking out the Cottonwood Cord.

How do you MS? - Kylie Reece Wong

Kylie Reece Wong, having a grand time during New Year's!

 

Check out Mountain Sprouts for more products like the Snow Pea Bunting.

Off the Grid, An Adventure with AJ

MK Ambassador, AJ Linnell, describes an epic trip with his buddy Jake.  AJ is a project manager with Creative Energies.

     

Sometimes work and passion merge on the same day, sometimes even on the same project.  I am passionate about snow and recreating in it.  I am lucky to have a job that benefits the environment and helps us build a sustainable future.

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to fuse these pieces of my life into one delightful day at work.  My buddy Jake and I loaded up two dogs, ten gallons of distilled water, and cross-country touring gear for a day of maintenance on a rural off-grid solar electric system.  We drove from sunny Victor through foggy Jackson and south into the sun once again until we were just south of Star Valley, Wyoming.

Two miles of skiing across surface hoar-laden farmers’ fields and up a bluff (each with 5 gallons of water in our packs) brought us to our client’s summer cabin.  Our job for the day was to top off his batteries with water and ensure that the system was functioning properly.  Watching as the batteries swallowed up 10 full gallons of distilled water was impressive, and surprising.  Anticipating lighter packs for the return trip felt pretty good.

The system ultimately checked out and we shut it down for the rest of the winter, leaving it set to send just a trickle-charge from the PV modules to the batteries to maintain their viability.

Skiing down a gentle slope with my dog, surface hoar glittering under the afternoon sun, I was struck with the knowledge that I live a blessed life.  And with even greater satisfaction I kicked off towards the truck and, ultimately, the love of my life waiting for me at home.

Now THIS is Built for the Mountain Life

Dealer Profile - MH Frank in Clemson, SC

  MH Frank is the Class of the Class when it comes to Specialty Men's Retail.  Located in Clemson, SC, they've been in business serving their community for 37 years.  Steve Poteet and Co have made an effort to put the customer-first, always emphasizing the service they provide in addition to the terrific lines they offer.

MK has been a featured brand in their store since 2007, and has happily found a niche with their customers as the go-to brand for bottoms.  Drawing from Clemson University, their clientèle includes the gamut of men from shaggy frat-boy, to classroom professor, to the old-time alumni in the community, Mountain Khakis serve as the perfect pant for all occasions in a small college town.  Whether it's a Mid-Autumn Football game, a Spring tee-time on the course, or a lecture at the University, MH Frank has the right assortment to fit the bill.

So if you're in town to support the Tigers, or even to support the visiting squad, stop by and ask for Steve.  Be sure to trouble him about his antique car collection he keeps in the back of the shop!

Hueco Trip Report - Kyle McFarland

MK Ambassador Kyle McFarland, a vet of our team, just took his first trip down to the famed Hueco Tanks area in Texas.  He submitted an update on his experience -

I just got back from my first ever trip to Hueco, TX. I was only there for three climbing days but it was enough to get me very psyched and totally work my finger tips. my goal was to do nothing but classic problems and just have a good time. On my first day I sent crimping christ on the cross V10 in three tries. Day two I did a hand full of V7's and 8's and pumped full of seamen V9 in a few tries, and on day three with barely any skin left I sent fern roof V10 in a few tries. I had a great time and made a lot of progress on Shaken not stirred V11 or 12.

Under the Influence @ the Visulite in Charlotte

Mountain Khakis is helping present the newest Teton Gravity Research film "Under the Influence" for one night only in Charlotte, NC at the Visulite Theater on January 28th.  For information, see below.  For tickets, contact the Visulite.