In progress now. Photos via Wyo Tourism.

With a focus on titanium framesets, simple drivetrains, unique frame geometry and some insanely large weelset options, Black Sheep Custom Bikes is a high end bike nut’s dream come true. Based in Fort Collins, the shop offers quite a few frame models as well as custom build options and help with build kits. Prices are definitely not for the timid, but if it’s literally time to trade in the car for a bike, it might be the right choice (even if you need to throw in the extra cash).

We’ll be headed up to Gray Reef in a couple weeks (if the insane water levels subside) and might just have to stop by the world headquarters of Cliff Outdoors. Hands down the best fly boxes on the market born and bred in Casper, WY.

Starting the weekend rides to a cluster of ponds in town for some water splashing, mud caking and fish watching with the little ‘en.

Helmets – Pro-tec and Pro Rider Toddler
Pack – Parrott Canvas
Tee – Star Wars
Shirts – Brooks Brothers Madras and Crew Cuts Thistle
Shorts – Wild Things (OK, I’m a little obsessed) and Old Navy Kid’s Camp Shorts
Shoes – Kayland Men’s Comet Approach Shoes (I’ve always liked the stiffness of approach shoes for biking with strapped toe clips) and Toddler Vasque Hiking Boot (no clue if this is a legit site, but sheesh those are cool kicks)
Snacks – Clif Mojo (much preferred over the paste bars) and Snack Trap filled with whatever we can find, preferably not rocks)
Bike – Salsa Vaya
Trailer – Chariot Cheeta One

While waiting for the runoff to subside, we hit up some local ponds for a bit of spring panfish on flies. I’m starting to look forward to this every year not only as a way to keep fishing during a normal downtime in the trout schedule but just for the sheer numbers of these little beauties. As an aside PSA, Orvis is now offering a free spool with every Battenkill reel purchase, time to stock up.

Shirt – White Mountaineering Madras
Hat – DQM Oxford Camp Hat
Pack – Tough Traveler Waterboy
Pants – Wild Things x Kato Climbing Pants
Water Bottle – Nalgene Retro
Seat – Therm-a-rest Lite Seat
Sneaks – Saucony Jazz Low Pro
Socks – Kodiak Men’s Work Crew Sock
Sport – Roadrunner 32-panel Footbag

I’ve always been a sucker for nylon. Maybe it’s partially due to the fact that I can remember back to when it was high tech but I think mostly because it seems to have spawned a classic simplicity in outdoor gear that just might never go out of style. At any rate, a new thrift opened about 3 blocks from my house and I managed to pick up this whole lot for under $30. Jackpot.

Sweatshirt - Japanese version of gear from my alma mater
Hoodie – Patagonia Lightweight Sun Hoodie
Belt – Bison Slider, pick your poison from the fugly good webbing patterns
Jacket – North Face Dot Shot Jacket
Shorts – Chopped Dickies
Long Johns – Wickers
Pack – Gregory Sunbird
First Aid Kit – Super Glue and Duct Tape
Shoes – Danner Wrap Top Light
Hat – Huf

While many of you may puke in your mouth just thinking about these, I suspect there is another subset that is rethinking the possibility. Of course, already done well in j-land, I think it may be time to rethink the mountain classics sitting in my closet. Looks like purple is only available overseas.