MARK BOURBEAU
Walden, CO, full-time Colorado State Parks Resource Technician, part-time SnoWest SnowTest rider and freelance writer
Favorite Riding Area: The northern Colorado Rockies from Rabbit Ears Pass to the Wyoming border.
Why There? The first reason is this is my backyard so the travel time is 30 minutes to an hour max. The second reason is that on an average year the snowfall is well over 300 inches. Two winters ago we had 530 inches of the white stuff and there have been several years when we have had snow when other areas were without. The third reason is the terrain diversity with everything imaginable except for wide open high country riding (that's all Wilderness). The fourth reason is the scenery and vistas in these mountains. There are no rivers or streams that flow into Colorado. It's all downhill from up here and you can see forever.
How Long Have You Been Riding? This coming winter will be my 41st year of tearing up the white stuff.
Your Current Ride: My pony is an obsolete (still keeps up), yet pretty much stock 2001 Polaris RMK Snow Check Special. Upgrades include an Allsport bottom end kit, Xtreme Performance Stage 2 top end, Starting Line single pipe, 151-inch Series 4 track, complete Holz Performance suspension package, Boss lightweight seat; R&M Lightning lightweight hood, Cobra windshield, Powermadd adjustable handlebar risers, C&A Pro skis.