by Mark Smiley | Jun 26, 2022 | Travel
Ice Chests To Consider For Your Summer Pleasure
by Mark Smiley
The summer months are upon us and it is time to keep your drinks and food cold for backyard barbecues, soccer tournaments, and trips on the lake. Whether you are in the market for a new cooler, want to add to your fleet, or just want an upgrade, there are a few different kinds to consider and none of these three brands begin with the letter Y.
OtterBox Venture 25
Venture 25: Otterbox is headquartered in Colorado, and its Venture 25 is a versatile and rugged premium cooler.
OtterBox, perhaps best known for its phone cases, has a line of premium coolers that are all made in the United States. OtterBox is based in Colorado and has built a rugged line of Venture coolers in the 25-quart, 45-quart, and 65-quart sizes.
We found the 25-quart size plenty large enough to hold all of the essentials and keep them cold for days. Ice retention on this lasted four days in our test. It was kept in the garage and away from the sun. If kept in a cooler environment with a thermal blanket over it, we are confident it would have lasted for many more days.
The Otterbox Venture 25 is well insulated due to a 2-inch thick, dense foam insulation made of industrial-grade, closed-cell polyurethane. It weighs just under 17 pounds and features silicone seals and latches. We found this cooler to have some of the toughest latches around which is ideal for those using it for camping.
Another feature that separates it from the competition is the durable integrated handles. Most coolers at this size and price point have rope handles. We found carrying this cooler was a bit easier than most of the other models we tested.
Add in a mounting system which allows for added accessories, anti-slide rubber feet, and an attractive design, this cooler should be added to your inventory as it checks the boxes and provides most small families precisely what they are looking for, a cooler that keeps items cold, and is easy to transport.
Visit www.otterbox.com for more information. At press time, the Otterbox Venture 25 was 20% off and selling for $183.99.
GOAT BOXCO
HUB 50: GOAT BOXCO’s HUB 50 is a premium cooler that includes water resistant cans that easily insert into the side of the cooler. The cooler is one that is ideal for just about anything including hunting, fishing, tailgating, or backyard BBQs.
www.GoatBoxCo.com launched their GOAT Cooler System during the COVID-19 pandemic and have created one of the most innovative and stylish coolers on the market. The name GOAT actually means GO AT whatever makes you happy in life according to co-founders Jack Robbins and Gary Dickerson. And building this cooler has been something that has made them happy.
This is another cooler made in the U.S.A., and its rugged design turned heads while testing. It features customizable storage and organization with cans that are designed to hold essential gear for any adventure and slide conveniently into compartments on the side of the cooler. They are built from the same polycarbonate that NASA uses and are water resistant. Whether it be a first aid kit, a place to store can koozies, BBQ essentials, or many other items, it is a creative way to keep items separated and dry.
Ice retention, which most people judge a cooler by, on this model, the HUB 50 (there is also a HUB 70 model), was one of the best on the market, outperforming some of the bigger named coolers. Ice remained ice for six days under warm temperatures and without using the “sacrificial bag of ice” to prep it. This cooler is one you would want to take on a fishing trip, a long weekend, tailgating, or just a backyard BBQ.
GOAT BOXCO strives to improve upon its product and values input from its customers on what could be changed or improved upon. Look for new products and accessories to be launched in the coming year.
To learn more, visit www.GoatBoxCo.com.
Canyon Coolers
NOMAD 20: Canyon Cooler’s NOMAD 20 is an over-the-shoulder soft cooler with a solid reputation of ice retention and ease of transport.
Finally, the Canyon NOMAD 20 is the only soft sided cooler tested and thus is the most lightweight. The NOMAD 20 is an over-the-shoulder soft bag that is comfortable to transport wherever it is you need to go with the built-in shoulder strap. Ice retention on this lasted three days and would most likely last longer if it were stored in a cooler place and prepped with a bag of ice the day before using.
Based in Flagstaff, Ariz., Canyon Coolers launched in 2010 and has one of the best warranties of any cooler company. It features a lifetime, no-fault, no-hassle warranty. They stand behind their products and it is easy to see why, with the NOMAD 20 outperforming the Yeti Hopper Flip in ice retention.
The NOMAD 20 is ideal for transporting food and drink for a quick staycation, your kid’s soccer game, or as a guest for a backyard BBQ. It even features a built-in bottle opener. This cooler is durable, stylish, and holds quite a bit of product for being an over-the-shoulder soft-sided cooler.
There are plenty of five-star reviews from users making this a popular choice that won’t break the bank. For more information, visit www.canyoncoolers.com.
The three coolers reviewed here are all different from one another. They have different designs and features that separate them from their competition. They share at least one thing in common and that is, they all keep your items cold for days. What more can you ask from a cooler?
by Regan Bervar | May 20, 2022 | Travel
High Ridin’ Todd Bannister
by Luke Schmaltz
Todd Bannister is a competitive dirt bike rider, participating in the Monster Energy AMA (American Motocross Assn.) Supercross Championship.
For the uninitiated, this extreme iteration of motocross features pyrotechnics, huge jumps, and hairpin turns on a track of dirt and mud that looks like it is designed to punish as much as it is to entertain.
Meanwhile, stadiums full of exuberant fans cheer on their favorite riders and savor the carnage when the inevitable body-mangling pileups take place.
Road Worthy
Although he was born in Colorado Springs, Bannister currently resides in Eaton, Colo. That is, when he isn’t out on the road pushing his personal boundaries to further his position in the overall rankings.
Bannister competes as a “privateer” which means he is not a corporate-sponsored, factory-backed rider with a huge team of technicians, an enormous budget, and the high-profile hoopla that comes with all of the hype.
To the contrary, Bannister exudes positivity, humility, and a genuine smile that no doubt makes his handful of sponsors, his family and his fellow member of Team Faith proud to be in his corner.
Doggone Exciting: Colorado hero, shown with his riding companion, competes in the Supercross circuit with a winning smile.
Vision And Purpose
Team Faith was founded in 1994 by Brian O’Rourke, a former high-level competitor in the sport who now serves as Manager and Team President.
O’Rourke’s vision is to imbue the tremendous impact extreme sports stars have on young people with a positive, constructive message.
After all, athletes in Supercross and other arenas are highly influential, especially through social media, and O’Rourke vows to “influence the influencers with the message of Christ.”
Emulate Your Hero
O’Rourke’s team consists of Road Pastors, Pit Pastors, mechanics, former riders, his wife and PR Director Monica, and a handful of professional riders. As a rider for Team Faith, one of Bannister’s roles is to spread the good word while competing at his highest level in Supercross.
While being guided by his team’s evangelical endeavors, Bannister also looks to his personal Supercross hero, Trey Canard, for human inspiration. Canard is a former five-time Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion (among other accomplishments) while also holding the unofficial title of “The Unluckiest Rider Ever.”
His crash reel plays like a cautionary video shown in a driver’s education class or something a doting parent would show to a child showing interest in motorcycles. Yet his personal faith and positive outlook always helped him overcome adversity and forge onward.
Returns From Injury
Up In The Air: Bannister soars above the track in dirt bike competition. The sport requires monstrous jumps and pinpoint landings. Photo: Dave Black
“That guy [Canard] is such an awesome dude,” Bannister begins. “His faith with Jesus has taught me a lot. I like to put that towards my racing and my career, especially with my team [which is] a ministry. He always had such a great attitude on life no matter what. Whenever he had something go wrong, he put his best foot forward and just kept on going. I always put [him] as someone to strive to be like,” Bannister explains.
Just like his hero, Bannister recently suffered a shoulder injury which sidelined him for most of the 2022 season.
April 30th at Empower Field at Mile High marked his return to the Supercross track and doing so in his home state made the event extra special.
“Colorado has its own feel,” Bannister explains. “The track here [at Mile High] is a little harder packed and the altitude has an effect too. It’s high altitude and I like it,” he says with a grin.
Breaking Bread
Feeding The Faith: Team Faith spreads the good word and feeds hungry riders at event competitions.
Understandably, Bannister likes high-energy music, and orchestrates his pre-race ritual accordingly. “I’m a really big punk rock guy,” he explains. “I also like pop-punk, so I usually go for a lot of Blink 182.”
As a member of Team Faith, Bannister also participates in the weekly ministry-based practice of feeding anyone and everyone in the race paddock (race team staging area) who might need a meal. With all of the privateer racers on a budget, it can amount to quite a few people.
“My favorite thing we cook that I like is the chicken because it’s healthy,” he laughs, “I go with that and a salad. I keep it kind of light because I have to race. I don’t care who you are, you’re always going to be nervous to a certain extent, so I try to keep the food down.”
Hometown Hero
A hometown hero, Bannister is quick to describe his love for his home state, “Colorado has its own feel. Nothing is like home,” he says.
“This sport requires huge jumps,” he notes. When Bannister is soaring above the track, for just a moment, he says, “A lot is happening really quickly … you just pinpoint a line and you do it in, literally, like, half a second.”
He sticks the landing and rides on.
by Mark Smiley | Apr 21, 2022 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Collaboration Fest: The Fillmore Auditorium was the venue for the 7th Collaboration Fest on April 2, 2022.
After a two-year hiatus, Collaboration Fest returned on April 2, 2022, at the Fillmore Auditorium. Ticket holders who purchased tickets to the 2020 fest that was cancelled due to the pandemic enjoyed over 150 beers. Guild members teamed up with fellow local and national brewers to create unique and interesting beers that were brewed specifically for this event.
Dubbed as one of the most unique and creative beer festivals in the world, Collaboration Fest is an annual beer festival hosted by the Colorado Brewers Guild. The Colorado Brewers Guild is a non-profit trade association representing Colorado craft breweries and brewpubs founded in 1995. CBG sponsors various beer events each year, such as the Colorado Pint Day, Colorado Brewers Rendezvous, Colorado Strong, and the Collaboration Fest. All of these are designed to increase awareness and appreciation of Colorado brewed beer.
“The sheer number of collaboration beers tapped in one single day is phenomenal,” said Shawnee Adelson, CBG executive director before the festival. “Beer lovers will get to sample everything from tried-and-true styles to some off-the-wall creations. There will be something for everyone at Collaboration Fest.”
Mockery Brewing and Baere Brewing Company collaborated for the seventh time spanning the entire life of the festival. Their first collaboration was Mocking Baered Episode I: Lost On Lacto Island. It started as a joke but then became a story they have told over the course of seven years collaborating together.
“This year, it is an Imperial Red [MockingBaered Episode 7: Some like it Hot!] with a lot of spicy and hot peppers, carrots, ginger, and smoked pineapple,” said Zach Rabun, owner of Mockery Brewing. “We are dipping back into some old recipes for this one. Chile beers are already a pretty polarizing category so we definitely want people to know that they’re going to have a chile beer,” said Ryan Skeels, owner of Baere Brewing Company. “This year we decided to incorporate some elements from collaborations of years past and throw a scorching amount of heat into an otherwise malty, sweet, and fruity beer.”
Mockery & Baere: Back row, left to right: Zach Rabun, owner of Mockery Brewing; Ryan Skeels, owner of Baere Brewing Company; and Jason Woody, Head Brewer of Mockery Brewing. Front row, left to right: Mandie Hardison, Mockery Brewing; and Matt Schenck, Head Brewer of Baere Brewing Company.
Collaboration Fest is among the beer fests that attendees look forward to the most. Also, brewers enjoy this one and were excited to see it return. “I think it would be a universal, industry response that there would be nothing but good things said about it [Collaboration Fest],” said Rabun. “We all do a bunch of different festivals in different formats all throughout the year but collab fest stands out because of the format and while we see the same handful of people at all festivals, this one is unique because everyone is pouring something that was created purposely for this festival. So, it’s not their normal lineup of beers you see at every other festival. You can see the different identities of each brewery and it’s cool to see what they can come up with.”
“Mockery is known for putting unique ingredients in their beers in a thoughtful way and now this is the one time a year that everyone decides they should do that so it is pretty fun,” said Skeels.” “Collab beers tend to be more experimental.”
Other stand outs at the festival were Comrade Brewing Company and Cheluna Brewing Company who collaborated on Szech Juan IPA, an American IPA with Szechuan chiles/peppercorns and Tamarind pulp for a combination of sweet/ spicy/hoppy to hit all the bases. “It’s great to have the festival back after a 2-year hiatus,” said David Li, owner of Comrade Brewing. “It showcases the community and camaraderie the craft brewing industry has. The szechuan peppercorn tamarind IPA we brewed with Cheluna Brewing finally happened after we were talking about it in early 2020.”
Comrade Brewing also teamed up with Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company to brew an American Style Double IPA. They experimented with Thiol enhanced brewing techniques for this collab. Jake Lancaster (Glenwood Canyon), Mark Lanham and David Lin (Comrade) have known each other for some time, and each got the ball rolling on this project.
All collaboration beers can be found at each brewery while supplies last. Comrade Brewing is located at 7667 E. Iliff Ave. in Denver, Mockery Brewing is located at 3501 Delgany Street in Denver, and Baere Brew-ing Company is at 320 Broadway in Denver. For a complete list of beers, visit collaborationbeerfest.com. Follow the Colorado Brewers Guild on social media @coloradobrewers guild.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 18, 2022 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Spa: The spa features Hydrotherapy in an area that resembles a cenote. The one-hour treatment features a sauna, steam room, and jetted pools to relax in.
Paradise: Dreams Natura Resort & Spa is a 553-room resort and a short 10-mile drive from the Cancun International Airport.
Dreams Natura Resort & Spa is a new resort which had the unfortunate timing of scheduling to open just before the COVID-19 pandemic began. After being closed for months, and then shifting to limited capacity, the resort is open to tourists at full capacity.
Dreams Natura, part of the AMR Collection, which also owns Secrets and Breathless Resorts, is located in Puerto Morelos, a 20-minute ride from the Cancun Airport. The resort prides itself on great service, beautiful landscaping, views, and activities throughout the day and night keeping the entire family engaged. “This resort has some of the best staff I have ever encountered at a resort,” said one guest. “They really enhance the experience by going above and beyond and always being friendly and accommodating.”
The 553 rooms are spacious and come stocked with free minibars, TVs with satellite channels, whirlpool tubs, and furnished terraces. Expect lots of open-air spaces, and a wristband-free all-inclusive program with good food and several places to eat or grab a drink without reservations. “Staying At Dreams Natura was so fun!,” said 10-year-old Ellie Smiley (this author’s daughter). “My favorite part of Dreams Natura was probably the activities and food. The days I was there I really enjoyed. They have such nice workers and the resort itself is so nice, I would definitely recommend.”
Infinity Pool: The main pool is where most of the action happens during the day. The entertainment team orchestrates activities and staff is on hand to keep the drinks flowing.
While the resort offers a beautiful place to have a wedding, relaxation with the family at their infinity pool, time on the beach, three water slides, or the on-property roll glider, the crown jewel of this resort is the spa. “The spa area is so nice and I loved how they designed it to be like a cenote,” said another guest. “The hydrotherapy circuit was such a special treat and I would highly recommend adding this to your treatments.”
The hydrotherapy experience begins with the sauna, moves to the vapor steam room, and then to the pools, the first of which has jets to relax the body, and then the last two being the hot tub and a colder pool to soak in. The entire treatment lasts one hour and leaves the guest refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.
While visiting the Riviera Maya, consider a catamaran sailing trip to Isla Mujeres. Cancun Sailing offers four different packages to choose from, all of which include a friendly staff that guides you through the process which may include snorkeling, shopping, drinks on board, and lunch. Cancun Sailing is one of the only companies, now 13 years old, to include docking fees in the price paid up front. They also have packages that include transportation from Dreams Natura. Visit www.cancun sailing.com for more information.
Southwest, Frontier, and United Airlines offer nonstop service from Denver International Airport to Cancun International Airport which takes less than four hours. With an additional 20-minute ride from the airport, it makes the travel a breeze. Once you are greeted at Dreams Natura resort with a cold beverage and towel and walk through the immaculate grounds, you are on vacation and have entered your home away from home.
For more information, visit www.amrcollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/dreams/mexico/natura-resort-spa, follow them on twitter @DreamsResorts or on Facebook at @DreamsNaturaResort.
by Mark Smiley | Mar 4, 2022 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Bird’s Eye View: Winter Brew Fest capped the attendance which made for an enjoyable experience for all attendees.
Denver Winter Brew Fest was held on January 22, 2022, at Mile High Station. Over 40 craft breweries from around the state and a few from outside of Colorado were on hand each day to pour their winter beers.
Made Here: Amanda Kruczynski from Made Here Beer was in attendance at the Winter Brew Fest on January 22, 2022.
The event featured live music from Journey Girls during the afternoon session and Stone Beat Invasion for the evening session. These bands added to the already festive atmosphere. Food trucks flanked the event including Basic Kneads pizza which has been with the fest each Winter and Summer.
The first Denver Brew Fest by RightOn Productions was created in a parking lot near Coors Field. Since then, the Summer and the Winter Brew fests have developed into an annual Denver tradition at Mile High Station and now the celebrations have been expanded to Vail.
WeldWerks Brewing Company from Greeley had one of the most interesting and flavorful beers as they often do. They poured a Candy Cane White Chocolate Cheesecake Berliner which is a Berlin-style sour ale brewed with white chocolate, candy canes, cheesecake, vanilla, milk sugar, graham cracker and with natural flavors added.
Impressive Display: Made Here had one of the best displays of any brewery at Winter Brew Fest.
A newcomer to the fest was Reverence Brewing Company which just opened last year at 17th and Franklin in City Park West. They poured two standout beers, a Cherry Wheat and a Hazy IPA. Long lines upstairs told you everything you needed to know about those beers.
Made Here Beer was also on hand for their second time. They had all three of their beers: lager, American Ale, and IPA available, along with plenty of giveaways for each attendee. Made Here is an American beer brewed in Colorado using 100% American ingredients.
The Summer and Winter Brew Fest held at Mile High Station has become an annual pilgrimage for many as it is a great way to sample many beers in a relaxed and festive atmosphere. “The Mile High Station is such a great venue and we have done both the winter and summer festivals for the past year,” said Amanda Kruczynski, Made Here Brand Lead. “It is really well organized and staffed and we feel like it is great exposure to the entire front range area for us to showcase our beer.”
Proceeds from the event benefited Big Bones Canine Rescue. For more information on all of the fests including the Summer Brew Fest coming July 23, 2022, visit www.brewfestevents.com.
by Mark Smiley | Jan 21, 2022 | Travel
by Mark Smiley
Wynkoop Brewing and Head Brewer Todd Bellmyer have brewed a new West Coast IPA beer, Much Needed Moisture IPA, to help those impacted by the Boulder wildfire. All proceeds from sales of this beer will be donated to the Boulder County Wildfire Fund. This beer launched on Friday, January 14, at Wynkoop Brewing Company, Ale House Denver, and both Cherry Cricket locations. Wynkoop’s parent company will make a 1:1 matching donation.
The golden hued brew features copious amounts of six different hop varieties and an ABV of 6.7%. The aroma is slightly tropical with a light bitterness and that classic West Coast IPA flavor.
Wynkoop Brewing opened in 1988 in Lower Downtown Denver and is Colorado’s first brewpub. For nearly 35 years, they have been brewing handcrafted beer in the basement brewery underneath Denver’s largest pool hall. Over the years the neighborhood has transformed and Colorado’s craft beer industry has exploded.
Fundraiser: All proceeds of the sale of Much Needed Moisture IPA benefits the Boulder County Wildfire Fund. The beer is available at Wynkoop Brewing Company, Ale House Denver, and both Cherry Cricket locations.
In addition to craft beer, Wynkoop offers an extensive menu complete with items such as nachos, mussels, a variety of salads, burgers, short ribs, pasta, and more. Executive Chef Chris Collins takes pride in the menu that he has put together. Collins is no stranger to Denver as he was the head chef at the Inn at Cherry Creek, a now closed popular spot in Cherry Creek North.
Wynkoop Brewing is located at 1634 18th Street in Denver. Visit wynkoop.com for more information or follow them on Instagram @wynkoopbrew.
