Some intrepid North Carolina adventurers braved the hurricane to risk their lives for a bit of kiteboarding. So far the video’s racked up over 80k views on YouTube. Another hundred thousand and you can expect to see more kiteboarders seeking similar thrills in the next hurricane. And then we can read about it on the news.

via Wend

Photo by Karthikc123

Montana authorities are saying that fillets cut from 58 fish taken from the river in Yellowstone that was affected by 42,000 barrels of Exxon oil are showing no oil. They’ve declared the fish safe to eat. There was oil found in the fish livers and gonads, so the fish might disagree that there were no adverse affects from the spill. In any case, just stay away from the gonads. And Exxon.

via Moldy Chum

The River Why will premier, of course, in Portland. This is the trailer for a movie based on a book that several fishing friends of mine have really enjoyed. I liked the book as well, especially the first half. I really have only vague memories from the rest of the book, but based on the trailer for the film I can see why. Also of note, on The River Why website the man playing the reporter is credited as appearing in Hollow Man, which is the only movie I’ve ever walked out on.

Row to the Pole has arrived at the 1996 Magnetic North Pole. Yes! I was so glad they picked the Magnetic North Pole from the year I was a sophomore in high school. You see, it turns out the Magnetic North Pole drifts about 35 miles every year towards Russia. Sure, this might be a Russian government conspiracy, but that’s no reason to not row all the way to the 2011 Magnetic North Pole. The Row to the Pole team selected the ‘96 because, well, who knows? I do know this, the only thing worse than rowing through the Arctic and finishing your goal is having people say, ‘Huh?’ once you tell them about it. I’m sure no one will remember it was the ‘96 pole in a few years.

via Adventure Blog

Further proof that Vibram Five Fingers have real staying power, footwear behemoth Adidas is launching a line of their own foot gloves even though they won’t be able to count on any military contracts. I bet you’re thinking, “Now why didn’t Vibram patent that foot glove design?” Well, astute reader, they did. They’re currently suing Fila and if history repeats itself Adidas is lawyering up for their inevitable lawsuit.

via Gear Junkie

Backcountry.com Athlete Cedar Wright and Stefan Lavender spent a week in Ten Sleep Wyoming climbing and shooting footage with their tiny dogs as companions. The product is Mini Dawgz The Movie. Based on the opening credits it looks like Cedar’s dog is pretty good at driving really fast.

Earthquakes in New York and Colorado. A hurricane in New York. And now a barrage of 700 lightening strikes in Yellowstone in one 24-hour period. These are the things that happen when I try to leave town for a week. The strikes in Yellowstone ignited six wildfires though none larger than an acre. So are we having crazy weather or has a government hostile to the US testing a doomsday device? We’ll find out soon enough. The good news is that all the fires in Yellowstone are being managed and none look to pose much of a danger to the park.

Bozeman, Montana will become the new training grounds for ice climbers seeking to enter the 2014 Olympics in Sochi with the construction of the first UIAA approved ice climbing facility in North America. The design made my local students incorporates old lift towers from Bridger Bowl, and during summers the spot will be used as a venue for outdoor concerts. Check out Bozeman Ice Tower for a look at the design. It looks cool, but I’m going to keep holding out for ice fishing to be an Olympic event.

Backcountry.com lost a favorite son this past weekend. The story of Jeff Bates’ battle with cancer is legendary and has touched everyone at Backcountry and everyone in the local bike community and beyond. He was an incredible person, a dedicated employee, a great friend, and a loving husband and father.

Thanks, Jeff, for your contributions and commitment, and for being part of our lives. You will be forever remembered for your strength, optimism and valor.

Friends touched by his generous spirit and inspiring battle with cancer are welcome to make a donation through the Jeff Bates Melanoma Fund.

Photo: Jeff Bates Melanoma Fund