April 2011

Treat Other Blogs As You Want Yours to Be Treated

New England Outside is just over 1 year old with 36ish posts! This still makes me the new kid on the outdoor blogging block but I have already leaned the most important lesson: build relationships with other bloggers and treat their blogs as you would like yours to be treated. You might think that the […]

by Grant Ritter

First Ascent’s Sandstone Jacket Makes the Case for Soft Shells

While descending from the summit of Mount Adams I had a gear desire for something more. The temperatures were too mild for full summit gear but to windy for a base layer. Surely a magical piece of gear existed too meet this need but it was not in my pack that day. First Ascent’s Sandstone […]

by Grant Ritter

The Landmarks of the Seven Sisters Trail Race Course

The Seven Sisters course is a pretty brutal place. The 12 mile out and back single track course has the ability to deplete your endurance and mess with your mind. During the race the hills seem endless and it is easy to become disoriented. Don’t worry, I am on your side and I know the […]

by Grant Ritter

2011 Westfield River Wildwater Race

The Westfield River Wildwater Race is a New England tradition that combines hill town charm with the rush of whitewater paddling. I took on this race for the third time on April 16 and cannot wait to do it again. The race has been run for 58 years straight which makes it the oldest consecutive […]

by Grant Ritter

Why We Hike: A challenge to the hiking blogosphere

Fellow outdoor blogger Tom Mangan, from Two-Heel Drive, has issued a challenge to the hiking blogosphere to describe “why we hike”. Part of the challenge is to write this post in only 15 minutes with 5 minutes for proofreading. I love a challenge and my stop watch is ready so here it is: I have […]

by Grant Ritter

Warm Weather Goals

Have you noticed that the days are getting warmer and the sun is shining a little longer? Spring has arrived and summer is coming but no season lasts long in New England. We could be back to snowy forecasts in just over 4 months so time is of the essence. I find that lists help […]

by Grant Ritter

Seven Sisters Trail Race 2011: Planning My Revenge

The Seven Sisters Trail Race is the hardest physical challenge that I have ever faced but there is nothing quite like it so it is one of my favorite events. Completing it creates a feeling of happiness that rivals Christmas, winning the lottery or any other joyous day. Last year the course won and I […]