NOTES FROM THE RUNAROUND

Nate Kirschner out to explore the potential of this range sans throttle.

Just wrapped a few weeks of projects in the Idaho / Wyoming Mountains and grateful for the introduction to new horizons neighboring old favorites. The ranges that divide these states are vast and riddled with trails that provide grand rewards for those willing to push up these peaks. The local Moto community is largely to thank as much of the passage here was first burned into the earth by way of a throttle, unlocking vast expanses of terrain otherwise difficult to journey. For those with legs willing to pedal/push up these steep trails, there is guarantee of a healthy dose of adrenalin and hard-earned sights.

The Carriboo Jack is a 2-day grassroots enduro bike race born from a desire to resurrect vast stretches of wild backcountry trails in the Caribou-Targhee wild. Nate Kirschner, a relative newcomer to the area, had big dreams of creating something special for the bike community here on the lesser known side of the Tetons, and found fertile ground in the local community. A willingness to roll up the sleeves was not limited to the local mountain bikers, as ranchers, Moto riders, and business owners all contributed tremendously to make the Carriboo a go!

Local artist Cy Whitling created some truly special awards from "locally harvested" materials.

I had the chance to spend some time with Nate prior to the event as I'd been working in the area, covering the Wydaho Rendezvous, a demo and celebration of all things bike at Grand Targhee resort. It was quickly apparent that the locals and in-the-know industry folks that were in town for the Wydaho were growing nervously excited for the Carribou the following weekend. Word of big climbs and deep backcountry descents had grown frequent while Nate and local support had been out marking trail and adding up the actual mileage. This wasn't going to be a give-away race 

Always good to get out and practice a few techniques before the summer photo season kicks off. The Big Mountain Enduro at Winter Park was a prime venue with ever-changing weather and a great race!

I am one year, six months, and five days into my one year photo road trip, and it's somewhat absurd that it's taken me this long to sit down and make this website a reality. But, there have been brilliant sunsets, star filled night sky's, bike rides, (SO MANY) long drives, and enough breathtaking vistas to convince me that there were far better things to devote my time to.

But here we are, and I see this as a proud landmark in the journey that has been this life of late. Initially, I felt that I had some things to hone before I was ready to share my work with the world, but I know that life is short and waiting until something is ready to ship is often the best way to ensure that it never happens. 

So here we go. I hope that some of the images I share here inspire you to take a step outside, look at the world with a different lens, or allow you to discover something you've never seen. All I ask is that you understand that the world is in fact a fragile place, and it's important that we respect this earth and all that it provides us. My wish is that these images lead to others loving this world as much as I do, and not simply inspiring them to chase down a "trophy photo" without an awareness or love for the path along the way. 

Well, it's beautiful outside, and I think that the last week of stumbling my way through creating this site is deserving of some outside time and a chance to recharge the batteries with a scramble through the Colorado high alpine.

Thanks for visiting. I hope you enjoy your time here.

-Cort