Getting fresh baked biscuits in the backcountry

<p>Newly minted graduate Julie Painter </p>

My wife graduated on Friday from Brigham Young University-Idaho.

Places to play outside this time of year

<p>Cyclists gather for the first Monday evening group bike ride from Dave's Bike Shop in Idaho Falls. (Jerry Painter photo) </p>

It’s a sure sign that the season is changing when the first group bike ride of the year is held.

Big times at local climbing competition

<p>Competitors work on routes during Saturday's competition at The Edge Climbing and Fitness gym. (Photo courtesy of The Edge Climbing and Fitness) </p>

I spoke with the owner of The Edge Climbing and Fitness gym the middle of last week about his upcoming climbing competition to be held Saturday. He was confident of a good turnout.

Time to think about cycling in the national parks

<p>Luke Ramseth takes photos during a spring ride in Yellowstone National Park with bison relaxing in the background. (Jerry Painter photo) </p>

It’s that time of year when things change. Frankly, I’m ready for it.

Settling for a lesser adventure

<p>Jerry Painter pulls a sled behind a fat bike on the Cave Falls Road on March 1. The sled was attached to the bike by ski pole strapped onto the seat post with a bungee cord. Unfortunately the trip was cut short by a (Royce Lee photo) </p>

I was pedaling a fat bike along the Cave Falls Road east of Ashton this past Thursday when my journey came to an abrupt end after about 4 or 5 miles.

Tune in to the big race in Alaska

<p>Contestants line up for the start of the Iditarod Trail Invitational that started Sunday afternoon. The lead bikers were finishing the race on Wednesday evening. (Courtesy of Iditarod Trail Invitational) </p>

Now that the Winter Olympics are history, there’s another big event for outdoor enthusiasts to turn their attention to: the Iditarod Trail Invitational.