Tag Archives: colorado

Camping Well: The new era.

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Hey there friends. Well, it’s been awhile, hasn’t it? I know. It has.  I was reminded today of something I wrote year ago. I wanted to take this site in a new direction. While I explored a few different avenues, it occurred to me that what I want to do is not too far off of what i’ve done. I’m not going to talk about double-breasted Brooks Brothers suits or leather wingtips, though I may sneak in a pair from time to time, I’m just going to talk about what I know. And what I know, as a Denver native, is the art (and I stress art) of “headlight camping.” Headlight Camping? Yes. I am not one to backpack in 11 miles before finding a spot to pitch a tent. I prefer to have the car within sight, a fire raging, and plenty of whiskey and guitars to make the night a blur of amazing. I would like to introduce you to the new venture, Camp Well. Right now, yeah, it’s a baby of an idea, but the goal for this is so much more. An online shop stocked with items I believe in and would actually use camping versus what it might LOOK like you would take camping. Trust me, ain’t no one gonna wear that $150 “rugged” shirt camping just to get drunk, climb a tree, and rip the shit out of it when you jump down and nearly stumble into the fire.

So stay tuned. This is gonna be fucking fun, man.

Here’s the philosophy: just be cool, have fun, don’t be a dick, and, above all else, camp well.

Peace trails,

Will and Camp Well

 

Brunch with Topo Designs and Living in Denver

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Topo in Topo. Bagception

Saturday turned out to be one of the most productive and inspiring days in recent history. I awoke when the sun hit my face, mulled about the house for a minute or two, played with bird in the back yard, and hung out with the lady friend. When noontime came, and I rode my bike clear across the city to meet up with Mark, my friend and one of the brain trusts behind Topo Designs.  It’s pretty rad having one of the best new brands around living basically next door.

We chatted for a few hours over French Toast and mimosas, real manly like, about product, shops, ideas, the future, Australia, Fancy Tiger, Left Field, and destroying. After settling up, we rode to his casa.  I had promised a friend I would pick him up a Klettersack in the duck camo colorway (pictured).  I got to peep Mark’s house, too, which was rad as he has done some killer remodeling. So, yes, dinner parties will be had.

One thing that Denver really has going for it is the community vibe and everyone working well together. Whatever industry it is, everyone pretty much has everyone else’s back. Don’t know too many other places like that. Plus, we have ghost pepper vodka at Sputnik… and $5 mimosa carafes. Sort of hard to beat that.

Onward, 5280,

WGP

Skatepark Life

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Cushing: A living legend

Roughly 5 years ago, give or take a year and a couple months, I left the skatepark without realizing it would be the last time I rode for a good long while. Call it moving on, call it losing interest, call it saving my knees for more important things: I stopped skating to pursue other endeavors. Not that I think I was an idiot to do so, it’s more just I am kicking myself for letting it go this long. So I said, “Fuck this noize,” (spelled like that in my vernacular), and I dusted off my old Enjoi deck, bought a fresh pair of Vans, threw on a Supreme hat, a pair of Levi’s and a Thrasher tshirt and headed to the skatepark.

“You can’t just get in the ring with Ali cause you think you can box.” Jessie from The Fast and The Furious (the first and still best installment) says this to Spilner before he and Vince go at it man-style. This was sort of my mentality as to why I drove 20 minutes to Cushing in lieu of riding my bike 5 minutes to the Denver park. I’m not going to kid myself into thinking I can roll with the Denver hessians and rippers.. yet. So I opted for the small, somewhat janky metal ramps of Cushing, a park I frequented in high school but haven’t returned to since. Save for some new ramps, the spot was exactly as I left it in 2000. Shit… 12 years… I just thought about that.

I was the only one pushing around for about 30 minutes. Just then, a somewhat disheveled kid rolled in and promptly sat atop the quarter pipe to roll a joint. “Want some, dude?” He asked as I took a breather. “Nah, man, I’m straight. Thanks, though,” I replied. “Fuckin a, man. I love this place.” It’s behavior indicative of Cushing, or what I remember the park as. Not that I was ever one to smoke weed, kids doing it at skateparks just seems natural. …Especially when no one is there, and you’re hung over (as this kid appeared to be).

I worked on relearning the frontside flip on the banked ramp as he puffed away and sloppily did a few 5-0 grinds and hard plants. About 45 minutes later, this girl comes in and proceeds to absolutely destroy the mini-ramp. Blunt stall, kickflip out. nollie shove-it to stall to flip out. It was awesome. The other dude there joined her on the ramp for a bit, taking turns with their lines, chatting it up, etc. I think they were friends. Maybe. I don’t know. I focused on landing that effing frontside flip, which didn’t come. I got a few other cobwebs swept off the bag of tricks, though, so the day wasn’t a total wash. Plus, it felt phenomenal to be back on the board.

It’s gonna be a long, hot Summer of skating and camping and drinking and skating. Each week, I will attempt to find a new skatepark spot in Colorado and give it a go. Should be a good time. So if you want, you should join. I will keep you updated where I will be.

Next post: My setup. Stay Tuned.

WGP

The Encased Meat Tour 2011: Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs

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Signage above Colfax

Colfax has come a long way in recent years: higher-end apartment complexes popping up, more restaurants, bars, and shops moving in, and a fresh coat of paint slapped on buildings here and there. The stretch of road between Broadway and Colorado Blvd is lookin rather proper in parts. One of the tips of the overhaul iceberg sits at the corner of Colfax and Monroe, an establishment simply known as Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs.

The crew gathered at 2PM on a gorgeous Denver Sunday to partake in some meat, cold beer, and sparkling conversation. We started this round with some highly-recommended flash-fried veggies. Not entirely sure what made them flash-fried versus just warm, but regardless, they were tasty. The group split one order so as not to fill up and leave no room for the dogs… Cue: The Main Event.

Steve's Flash Fried Veggies

California Dog: Fried red and green peppers, lettuce, spicy mustard, cheddar jack cheese, sliced tomatoes.

My Concoction: Lettuce Wrap Veggie Dog with Spicy Mustard – Yellow Mustard – Ketchup – Caraway Sauerkraut – Red Onions – Grilled Red Onions – Jalapeno Peppers – Sport Peppers – Green Relish – Dill Pickle Chips – Dill Pickle Slices – Celery Salt

L-R: Dallas Dog: Chili con carne, cheddar jack cheese. Chicago Dog: Spicy mustard, green relish, red onions, sliced tomato, celery salt, dill pickle spear, sport peppers. Fries

The dogs were good. The fries were free (Chris did a good job on that one!), and customer service was second to none. Mike, the guy announcing order numbers did so with the enthusiasm of a WWE announcer when the Rock was about to come out and layeth the smacketh down on some jabroni…. (nerd alert).

Pitchers of beer were only $9, which made me recall my college days at the Trailhead in Fort Collins, putting away pitcher after pitcher of Moosehead with my friends.

Back to Mike…Seeing as how this was an encased meat stop, not one of us tried the smashburger on the menu. Mike had us promise to make sure we come back and try it, promising that it was as good as the patty they serve at Elway’s but $15 less. Hell of a sell there!

If you’re on Colfax, want a quick bite among good people, love hot dogs, and don’t want to put a dent in your back account, check out Steve’s. And if you’re around July 31, 2011, come by for their hot dog eating contest. I gotta see this one in person…

Check out the rest of Steve’s dogs and their story:
Steve’s Snapping Dogs 
3525 E. Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80206-1816
303-333-SNAP

An Open Question: For those not living in Colorado…

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I was asked recently what I thought the outsider’s perspective of Colorado is. I had a few insights. things I heard through the grapevine and from all the people I’ve met from around the globe. But I thought I would aggregate your thoughts here today. So please, if you’re living somewhere besides Colorado, chime in in the comments below as to what your perspective of the state is.

Thanks in advance.

Will

The Shape of (this) Site to Come.

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It’s no secret that as of late, the posts of The Momentum have decreased in number. Going from one / two a day to one a week, or so, is a big shift for me and the site in general. I am taking a step back from the post to encourage more quality versus quantity. These posts will focus more on the everyday life I lead and how the products I use, places I visit, things I eat and drink come into play. Also, I have recruited some friends to contribute in the arenas of restaurant reviews, music you should be listening to, and others. Being the Colorado native I am, an emphasis on the outdoors and the juxtaposition of it with the professional life.

Amid all the noise and posts of the other sites on the Internet, I came to the conclusion that I wanted to do something new. For the most part, I don’t have a strong opinion one way or the other about a high-end designer’s / company’s SS/11 line, unless I have some experience with them in the past. I realized too that I’m a man of simple pleasures. I know what I like and have found myself escaping the realm of “want” and living in the space of “need.” A major purge of what I own has started, parring my wardrobe down to the essentials. I will not stop buying  nor reviewing those items I think will work well in my everyday.

In the meantime, while I work on the new direction, feel free to follow my random posting of pictures, videos, text, and audio on my Tumblr: The Best Most Awesome.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to thank the lot of you that have stuck with me over the years. This is just another transition, and we’ll be back in full form with a new outlook ASAP. Besides, it’s camping season almost. What better way to make all your city kids jealous than with post-weekend posts about Saturday’s camping trip? Fires and footlongs. Mountain dogs day hikes. Whiskey and beer. Whiskey.

Best,

WGP

 

Present Yourself: Working from Home || Late submissions to the 100 Days of Ties

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Today’s presentations come from the comfort of living rooms nation-wide. There’s a freeze covering much of the nation, and, yesterday, this morning, and what is forecasted to continue into tomorrow, Colorado is feeling the weight of it. That said, and seeing as how, overnight, my pipes froze in my condo and work is a good 45 minutes away, I opted to work from home. Now barring any unforeseen needs to get to the grocery for provisions, I am almost positive that, outside of this post, no one will see my Bonobos / Yuketen / J. Crew ensemble, thrown together quite hastily because I just wanted to wear something comfortable.Now, get to work.

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100 Days of Ties: Day 93, a nightmare commute, breakfast meetings, and a new silk tie.

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Stupid phone actin a fool. But what's up Mr. Red Sweater?

It started snowing in Colorado yesterday afternoon. Cool. I was stoked. But what I failed to take into account was how much snow was actually sticking to the streets and the fact that I had a hefty commute from Boulder to Denver. Usually, I peace out of the office at 5:15. I decided 4:00 should do the trick. Long story, short, I pulled into Denver around 7:45. Note to self: Use the facilities beforehand regardless of commute time. A diamond in the mess of last night was upon telling my story to the bartender at the dive across from the busstop when I was imbibing a much deserved drink, she felt so awful that she brought me out two Cuervo shots….on the house. That made the impending 45 minute walk home much better. This morning, though, wasn’t much better. Took me 2 hours to take on what’s normally a 45 minute TOPS drive. And I was late for my breakfast meeting. Not to worry, I got charm to boot.

Count it: Silk tie from the Tie Bar | Red Sweater from Lands’ End Canvas (who is having a massive sale) | Wharf shirt | Droiiiiiiid

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100 Days of Ties: Day 81 and time to break out the J. Crew Down Jacket.

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Went all J Crew today. Not on purpose. Just how it went.

It was cold as hell this morning. Hell, in this scenario, is not the flaming inferno but a frigid wasteland of icy sidewalks, rosy cheeks, and no escape from a blistering wind. Luckily, and I was actually looking forward to it based on the reco from Jennifer Broome, I got to don the Crew Puffer I acquired last year and haven’t worn. Compliments galore from lots of folks already on the bad boy. And while that’s all well and good, it’s warm as all get out. Quite nice.

But dammit, if I don’t need some new denim. Kick the tires and light the fires.

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Made in the USA: Quality family time in Breckenridge, CO and the MSR Evo Tour 22 Snowshoes

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My MSR's: All the way to the left.

Any time I get to spend with my family is the best time. I make no secret how close I am with my mother and father and little sister (and yes my two brothers when they are around). So when I get the chance to be with them, I chomp at the bit. That said, this past week (December 30, to be exact), I found myself in Breckenridge, CO to not only hang out with the fam but to also try out the MSR Snowshoes my dad got me for my birthday. Whoa, buddy… Killer.

So for the 6 mile hike we take, I am floating on the snow, all the while telling dad how he needs a pair of these. “And, Dad? They’re made in the USA… Double bonus!” After only minutes in my birthday present, he’s going to buy his own pair. USA! USA! USA!

And for a gratuitous, “This is why I really love my family life,” photo, read on,,,

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100 Days of Ties: Day 79 and the final warmth before the cool down in Denver.

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Market Street Station with Sperry, the Hill Side and Lands' End Canvas

I love days like today. The air is warm and slightly heavy, the way it always is before a huge front comes our way drenching us in either snow or rain. Everything is calm, everything is quiet, and soon enough, everything in the Denver Metro area will be covered in a white blanket of the stuff the Eskimos have 26 words for. Myself? I will be heading out of town to take part in some snowshoeing with the family for a day. But then it’s back to it come Friday for New Years Eve.

See you all in 2011. Be safe. Be happy. Be always working hard.

Will

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100 Days of Ties: Day 67: Holiday Party -or- tartan tie, new sweater, open bar.

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J. Crew everything save for the H&M peacoat, Brothers Bray bag, and Sperrys.

Lookit that sun gettin all up in my eyes and the wind throwing the locks to and fro. Though that part of today’s look is a bit worse for wear, I picked up the sweater last night amidst one of the most pleasant J. Crew shopping experiences I have had in quite some time. Just a friendly staff at the Flatirons locale…

That said – Tonight is my company’s holiday party which I deemed the J Crew tartan tie appropriate attire. Pair with a crisp white button down and the new sweater? Dig. Plus, I brought along the velvet blazer – Standard for any Yuletide company party. I’ll be by the bar…puttin out the vibe.

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100 Days of Ties: Day 63: Taking the late bus with the Hill Side, J. Crew, LL Bean, and Gant Rugger (again)

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Alley: Between Larimer and Market on 16th / Gant Rugger jacket over a J. Crew shirt and belt and Hill Side tie. The L.L. Bean Signature mocs got me to the stop on time.,

It’s astounding how much even an extra half hour of sleep can be for one’s soul. I used to wake to the alarm around 5AM, drag my tired body from bed, throw on the garb for the day, pack a lunch, etc, and head out the door well before 5:50. What was I thinking? Scratched the old routine, one of many I need to change, and am getting a few extra Z’s. It’s like a whole new world, or one I haven’t seen in awhile, has been opened to me. Plus, the bus driver on the 7:23 to Boulder might just be the friendliest one yet…even if the usual guy I had earlier grew the gnarliest mustache and is damn proud of it.

RSVP today for the 100 Days of Ties Party in NYC and, if you feel so inclined, follow my Margaritour on EatingEverywhere.com.

Cheers.

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