Ear to the ground

“I think someone needs to be feeding these animals – it’s obvious they’re hungry.”

- A visiting woman’s response to the summer onslaught of bear and rodent visits to Durango trash cans


Lightning George

It probably comes as no surprise that Durango boasts one of the world’s best skateboarders. What’s a little more shocking is that he’s 42 years old.

Durango’s George Pappas, formerly of George’s Hardwood Floors fame, took honors in last weekend’s U.S. National Skateboard Racing Championships. Pappas claimed second place overall in the men’s professional division at the Longmont race and earned a berth at the World Championships scheduled for Sept. 27-30 in North Carolina.

Slalom racing is one of the oldest forms of skateboarding and involves skaters negotiating a course of plastic cones in either a straight line or zig-zagged, offset turns. Last weekend, Pappas placed second in the Giant Slalom, sixth in the Hybrid Slalom, and second in the Tight Slalom, earning second place overall. Three-time world champion Jason Mitchell was crowned overall champion with a clean sweep in all events.  

While many were surprised at Pappas’ surge to the podium, one internet blogger confirmed George’s skateboard status, writing, “Don’t be surprised. George Pappas is a sick board rider. He raced slalom for Sims back in the ’70s and was one of the sickest snowboard pro riders back in the ’80s ... he’s got the skills and now some practice and equipment will make him a top racer. He was here way before we were. Don’t be surprised.”

Pappas is currently training in Boulder and coaching two of the fastest amateur racers in the country – Zach Maytum and Martin Reeves who also paid several visits to the Men’s Open Amateur Division podium last weekend.


Winterstick rides into the region

Opening day is only 82 days away, and another locally brewed option is now available to Four Corners riders. Wagner Custom, a custom ski building company located near Telluride, announced this week that the local factory also will begin manufacturing and distributing a select line of Winterstick snowboards, including the grandfather of all snowboards, the Swallowtail. 

Tom Fremont-Smith, of Winterstick, praised the new relationship saying, “We’re very excited to have this season’s Wintersticks built right in the mountains of Colorado, just a few hundred miles from the Wasatch range in Utah where the very first Sticks were built in 1972.”

Wagner Custom has made its name by handproducing high-tech skis and snowboards based on personalized fit and design.

 

In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows