Lighten Up, Francis.

Man I can be an asshole sometimes. It's in my DNA. It comes on fast and strong and before you know it, I've alienated my partner, the group, the team, anyone in striking distance.

Thank christ for dogs and their endless tolerance of shitty masters.

Although I'd love to blame my behavior on god, drugs, the Vietnam war, catholic school, the East Coast or high fructose corn syrup, the reality is I have no one to blame but my crappy, impulsive, procrastinating, low-blood sugar self. 

And for this jerk, the root of my frustrations, the genesis of all that is dickish, manifests from simply feeling a loss of control. 

It's really that basic. 

When I feel out of control/a lack of control, I'm an utter ass. Which ironically makes me feel more out of control....which, you guessed it, leads to even more irrational and bullish behavior. Fuck me. That's why I solo a lot. Always have, no matter the sport. Works out better that way for all involved.

This past weekend was one of those weekends that went south before I walked out the door to head north (and west)  Off to Utah one more time before this year's AZ300. The plan was to roll to Moab early, train hard for two/three days and then rejoin my people for two more days of fun, friendlies, Scamping and partying.

I have processed, reflected upon and distilled enough feedback from those I love and adventure with to clearly see that the big driver for me, in regards to feeling "in control"is rooted in two areas of concern. 

Proper nutrition and proper planning. 

This weekend, I clearly fucked up on both fronts!

First, planning. I have been so incredibly busy lately. This is good as the lazy days of being fun-employed and trying to decide what neat activity(s) to fill my open days with are long since past. 2015 hit with a fury and I've been busy with school contracts, board work and community projects. I'm also opening a new business which never seems to get enough love or attention. Add to the mix my photojournalism efforts and it all adds up to the need for 28 hour days and 9 day weeks....

Alas, there just never seems to be enough time to get it all done.

This push has recharged my professional mindset, my executive confidence and most importantly, my bank account. But as I've reengaged in the rat race, the balance and focus needed to keep my AZ300 dreams on the rails has been difficult to maintain. 

A typical day usually looks like this....

Up at 430 am- coffee/read news/check email

This inevitably leads to mental engagement and inbox action in the early hours or Facebook bullshit.

By 530 am I'm at the gym. (3 days a week)

I toss iron for 30 to 40 minutes and then ride the bike for 60 to 90 minutes.

On the two weekdays I'm not working out, I use the pre-sun up hours to write. I try to practice my craft and work on future articles/pictures etc. I also try, with mixed fidelity, to hold myself to mindfulness and yoga exercises during these early hours, too.

At 715, it's time to start the daily, morning rituals- wake up my partner and check-in with the only person willing to put up with my madness, cook us breakfast, make fresh juice, feed the dogs, do the breakfast and juicing dishes, walk/run the dogs and as often as I can, accompany Rachel to work. Then, there's chores that happen depending on the day- food shopping, laundry, bills, errands,etc.....typical adult, keep the household going type shit. 

I'm usually done with the morning stuff by 10am. I can do 9 if I adapt and hustle and cut out the gym. But most days, it's already ten o'clock when I'm starting my work day. Meetings, emails, computer time, phone time, more meetings....you get the point. Most days there are engagements and work related evening bullshit. I'm usually calling it quits and walking in the door at 7pm. 

Rachel and I try to cook every night and with the return of grilling season, dinner is getting easier to prep. Repeat dishes, dogs, etc and I'm finally winding down by 8pm. An hour of couch time with my sweetie and in bed at nine.

And repeat.......Mon-Fri.

So when does the bike riding fit in? These races, future trips and expeditions.....they all grow from a love of riding my bike and being outside. So when does that all happen? 

Well....sometimes at night. Sometimes in the early morning. And on most days that I don't find myself in meetings past four pm, sometimes in the afternoon. Springing ahead with the time change is a blessing that brings more pedaling opportunities my way. Being lucky enough to live in Durango means that if I can find an hour, I can ride- The goods are just too close to my front door for excuses.

HOWEVER, this go, go, go lifestyle also forces you to make the most out of your weekends (and like most people) I prefer to opt for more fun and less suck on Saturday and Sundays. But this is also when responsible people are often set aside time for planning for their week ahead- pulling gear, setting schedules, packing for that trip that mid-week, etc, etc. 

And it is at this pivotal juncture that I often choose the fun over the forethought. In short, I've realized there's a direct correlation as to how much of a dick I'll be later in the week connected to the prep and planning I tackle (or choose not to) on the weekend. 

There's really two frames of mind for the ADHD genius- now and not now. And so when the fun and beer are flowing, the trails are tacky, the river is up, friends are in town- whatever the parameters or persuasions, I often chose the now, over the then. But the choice to avoid thinking about what's ahead leaves me feeling out of control when that future present becomes the reality of now. I am not the "just roll with it guy" I actually only become the "roll with it guy" when I feel like I've got a handle on logistics and resources. I need to hustle in order to rest. I need to think through everything in order to think about nothing. That's how I'm wired and such was the case last weekend. 

I chose to go to Moab the weekend prior which had left me zero bandwidth for preping for this week's Utah adventure. I originally planned on squatting in the Scamp thru the entire week. I thought DGO schools were on spring break....but my dates were wrong and the opportunity to work another week in Durango forced me from the field last Sunday night. Rather than squatting in the desert on a self-imposed training vacation, I was back at the grind and making cheese.

Jumping into the work week, instantly  in the weeds and when I look up, it's already Wednesday night. I'm supposed to leave Thursday night with Bonecrusher and I'll be living out of his rig until synching with Rae at Seacrest Manor on Sunday. Needless to say, I did not do an adequate job of addressing my camping, bikepacking and backcountry travel/living needs before my departure. 

I left home already feeling out of control. I wasn't even close to being set up for success. 

And the ripples of that reality would send waves thru the entire weekend.

Magic Man

Find the HAB and move forward.

That's not say we didn't schralp hard and have fun. We got in a great training day on Friday. Thirty miles of technical riding, sand slogging and hike-a-biking north of Moab. Our goal was simple. Suffer and seek the sucky stuff.  Find the shitty trails, the too steep, washed out climbs and in the hot mid day AZ-esqe temps rally hard. For me, there's no better AZT training (other than Arizona) than Moab. After working out with full bags for about five hours, we called it quits and headed up to Horsetheif campaground to bivy and prep for Sat. AM.

Mussleman Arch is much easier to cross in the dark.

Ah, the annual WRIAD shake out. I love and hate this route so much. I love the scenery, the setting, the scale. I hate the sand, the lack of H20 and the jeeps and tourists. Taking the good with the bad is all part of it I guess but man, I wish I could roll with it all better. Anger is a gift.

The first rays of Saturday illuminate a red dot slowly pedaling around air traffic control's lofty perch.

Crushing miles at dawn

Brief TR summary- We scorched the White Rim as it scorched us. We departed early (330ish) from Horsethief, road into the park, dropped the Schaffer switchbacks at 4:20 and pedaled the first 20 miles of the WR in the dark. Had an awesome day with Tom and we were crushing down miles. We were at Murphys by 11:15 and making the post-lunch turn towards the Green River by noon. 

Toasted on Hardscrabble

It was freezing until 9:30 am. Then it got really hot. After lunch, we pushed hard to the top of hardscrabble and dealt with mega-sand from Potatoe bottom all the way to the split. Deeper bullshit than usual. Walked the final pitches of the MB switches in full sun and finished off the rim job- top of Schaffer to top of Mineral was about 12 and small change moving with less than 2 hours stopped-full bags and hot temps- fuck yeah, huge improvement over 2014!  

Everything went swimmingly until that bullshit Mineral Bottom road grind. I know from past trips that I need a water cache after topping out the Mineral switchbacks. It's at that point that my 300 oz. from the day are usually spent. I try to adhere to a strict- don't cache in the park, don't use a support crew and definitely don't count on begging a random SAG wagon for water! So this makes a gallon or two stashed on Mineral Bottom Road at the top of the final climb out pretty essential. 

Long story short- didn't stash the cache. Drank my last H20 upon topping out and had to grind that sucky 14 miles out MBR to Horsetheif on empty. No hydration brought on the cramps I had successfully avoided all day. Got passed by a group that was chasing us all day. Ego went nuts. The sun seemed to recognize this and turned up the late afternoon heat as I fought my way back towards Hwy 313.  

The situation wasn't dire. I wan't going to die. I just had to deal with discomfort and the ramifications of my poor planning. The universe was bullying me and I was barreling quickly towards the "out of control" zone. Bonecrusher would check in and I would snap back. What an ass, Michael. That guy can squash you but he for some reason, he just rolled with it. Lots of time in the shit teaches a man patience and tolerance of weaker constitutions. 

high and dry

 We were supposed to bivy up high and descend Mag 7/GBR/bikepath to town on Sunday. We were going to meet our people at Milts after finishing this training ride and we'd be at about two hundred for the 48 hrs. But unfortunately for angry Michael, plans change and the next thing I know we are headed south into town on Saturday night. 

It's slamming in Moab and I'm fickle. Showers and food.....or at least a shower. Hit the grocery store by 9:50 pm-The City Market deli was long closed so the hot chicken of my dreams was just that, a dream. I opted for some bullshit to-go salad. This is were the nutrition piece continues to takes shape. After fighting back from dehydration I was now going to flirt with malnutrition. 

Great choice after a hundred mile day. Instead of more food, I bought beer.

An asshole sits upon his poop-bag throne. A self anointed king of the Land of Dickdom. My lack of calories Sat. evening, too much post ride partying and too little post ride sleep have all conspired in transforming me into a royal shit show. When I awake Sunday morning, thing's continue to go downhill.....I find myself wishing I was alone in my bivy, relishing my post WRIAD filth with no one around to piss off. But nope, I'm in camp, everyone's complaining about their asses, their eggs and beets for breakfast and it's time to do the group thing....happy place, happy place.

I'll spare you the details but it wasn't until I destroyed some Milts hours later that I started to come around. Why I spent the morning riding many more miles, refusing to eat and take care of myself, instead of heading into town for some real food and a break makes little sense to me now. 

It's really scary how when my sugars and food needs are out of whack, how ignorant and belligerent I can be. Additionally, not having a handle on my in-field logistics and backcountry resources only amplified my discontent. This maelstrom of issues fueled a perfect storm of a weekend ultimately leading to lots of contrition and "I'm sorry" conversations with those I love this week. 

Piss poor planning led to a fucking disastrous performance off the bike. I was out of control. Not on on the trail...but in life. :( Tomorrow always gives us another chance to get it right. Always moving forward.

Okay, enough buzz kill reflection from this sad sack. Things are for sure good and I'm a super blessed human being. Here's more pics from a killer weekend:

Breakfast of Champions

First light gives us a look at these puppies that Spooner fashioned in the dark. Nice work!

rim job

making the turn

Rackerman, Chuck Norris and Spooner 1

Extra large, greasy American food....yes please, with bacon!!!!

Back in Durango, reflecting on the week ahead and enjoying some "me time" on the Colorado Trail 3/26/15.
Feeling better already! I'm focused on packing this weekend for AZ :)

Outerbike Spring 2015- Bikepackers Magazine Article

Outerbike Spring 2015 – Bikes

 6

BY MICHAEL ACKERMAN ON MARCH 18, 2015REPORTS

Bikepackers are a finicky customer to cater too. In addition to having all the wants and desires of traditional mountain bike consumers, we have additional needs that can sometimes overwhelm the neophyte demo tech or hungover pitch man. But as more and more cyclists decide to strap on bags and hit the trail, forward thinking companies with an eye on capturing their share of the market have attempted to up their game.

We first noted this trend when Bikepackers Magazine reported from Interbike in Las Vegas last fall. We observed a growing number of bike manufacturers specifically marketing to bikepackers. We checked out custom bikes and bags being sold together and we got to briefly demo some 2015 rides.

But that experience left us wondering “how accurately do the sales presentations and slick marketing schemes correlate with a bike’s real ride and actual potential for bikepacking adventures? What’s the truth with these rigs and what really works for a bikepacker looking to buy a new bike?

Interested in exploring more, we traveled to Moab to shred as many demos as we could. In between laps at the Brand Trails, we spoke with company reps and tipped back frosty beverages with a plethora of folks. After many conversations, bike rides, product testing, and yes, more beer, we’re not sure we’ve answered our initial question – but three days of camping, riding and laughing in the Utah desert made for some fun evaluations.

Bikes

Ibis Tranny 29

Without a doubt, riding this bike was a major highlight of the weekend. The Ibis Tranny is a work of art that hides behind a utilitarian, “I can do anything” identity. Clean lines, lightweight and an “oh so playful” ride define this carbon 29er. We pedaled the Tranny, set up as a single speed with a Gates Carbon belt drive, and we didn’t want to give it back. The Tranny’s versatility and applications for bikepacking are clear. Ample frame space, internal cable routing, geared or fixed and the ability to break the bike down into a suitcase are all major positives for bikepackers. But when the bags come off and you get a day to shred singletrack, this bike will transport you back to your days of neighborhood dirt jumping on your childhood bmx. Reluctantly, we handed this champion back over to the Ibis team but the high fun factor found on this first date will definitely have us coming back for more Tranny love.

Yeti SB5

I trad climb, paddle a bucket boat and pedal a steel hartail. So how does a curmudgeon like me end up on this bad ass piece of futuristic bicycle technology? Answer, I’m a greedy fun hog. After testing bikes with an eye on bikepacking applications, it was time to rally some squish. The Yeti tent didn’t have a Large ASR Carbon for us to spin (their oft recommended bikepacking rig) So we decided it’d be acceptable to take this stallion out for a gallop. And holy wow cakes, I think I’m quitting cross country and taking up enduro! You don’t need to think on this bike. It feels like cheating as you quickly adopt a “point it and pedal” approach to riding this bike. It crushes everything it encounters and is squishier than your average Wal-Mart patron. At just over 5 pounds with 27.5 wheels, Yeti’s new Switch Infinity system and 5” of travel, it was hero time. Although Yeti claims the SB5  is equally competent climbing and descending, I found it difficult to see this bike being used in a ultra racing/bikepacking context. But I put those practical thoughts aside and went looking for more ledges to huck. Undoubtedly, the SB5 is emblematic of the performance and quality that defines the Yeti legacy.

Pivot Les

The Pivot Les is a race machine in every aspect. The bike has a 69.30* head tube angle and 100mm of fork travel, and the combination of longer chain stays. The Les was stable, particularly that front wheel, and it set me up in an ideal race position. This all proved to be important, as the HT climbed like it should, but it also spun through descents and corners with ease. While Pivot’s size chart had me on a medium (5″11/32″ inseam), I felt a bit scrunched. While some say no to carbon for the bikepacking application, this would be a perfect Tour Divide bike, as well as every day rig. Nevertheless, I had a blast on this bike, and would not mind taking one home.

Pivot Les Fat

When BPM demoed the Salsa Beargrease last fall, we thought we’d found our big, beautiful mistress of fat. But a dog will hunt and now there’s another secret beauty that’s stolen our heart. The Pivot Les Fat is a trail gobbling monster that saw a lot of demo action at Outerbike. If the smile generating ride isn’t enough to convince you this bike is rad, then its tech specs are sure to seal the deal. The Les Fat fits all fat/plus wheelsizes (26 X 3.8, 26 X 4.8, 27.5+ and 29+) via Pivot’s visionary, Swinger II dropout system. The bike comes stock with internal cable routing, a carbon front fork and beefy, 4” Maxxis tires. If you want a multi-season fatty that can shred the gnar with ease, the Les Fat is a smart investment. Bikepacking considerations include multiple cage mounting options, rear rack mounts and moderate frame space for bags.

Pivot Mach 429 SL

We put both male and female testers on the Pivot Mach 429 SL and generated consistent feedback between our riders. This carbon 29er definitely rides like race bike. It’s fast on straightaways, holds tight in the corners and is an absolute savage on steep climbs. Pivot has designed this bike to “dominate any event.” Our testing team agreed that this was one of the better, full suspension, cross country-esqe options we tried. We unanimously felt the descending capabilities were just average but we like how Pivot’s achieved a blend of race and huck with this rig. The inner triangle offers moderate room for custom frame bags and bikepackers will appreciate the quality workmanship and attentive customer care that comes with an investment in a Pivot bicycle.

 Durango Bike Co. Blackjack

The most unique bike of the weekend was the Blackjack from Durango Bike Co. While it may not look like your traditional bikepacking rig, this bike has much more to offer then what the eye may see. The Blackjack is of the 29er platform variety, but it comes with a 148 rear spacing, which Sram just announced components for today. This feature allows you to swap your 27.5 plus wheels and will accommodate a 3.25″ tire. It essentially makes it a one bike quiver, for some. As I hopped over the bike, I was drawn to the drops and rough of the trail ahead, it simply ate up everything in my path. Where the bike did not excel as much was the climbs, but this is a trail bike, not a XC bike, so keep that in mind. Overall, this bike is ahead of its time, and should be very popular once it is in production later this year.

Yeti ASR

The ASR Carbon does everything extremely well. This bike climbs like a beast, feels super in control on descents and is a monster when opening it up on the buff. We were all blown away by the stability and balance provided over variable trail conditions and the bike handles the ugliest of chunk like it’s no big thing. Unquestionably, this is the perfect all around bike for full suspension bikepacking applications. Remarkably, the ASR carbon instilled confidence and inspired higher speeds than any other bike ridden at Outerbike. “This bike has changed my perception about gender specific bikes. As a smaller female, I’ve always looked to ride woman’s specific models. The ASR Carbon has definitely proved me wrong!” A big price tag is the one challenge for this big time bike.

Ibis Ripley

The Ibis Ripley was a powerhouse for Moab XC riding. The Ripley may seem like “a lot of bike” for the average cross country rider, but when you are on it, it does not feel that way. It has speed and pop, and handles extremely well on varying singletrack. The interesting thing about the Ripley coming from a small frame rider, was that although it is a 29er, you feel as though you are riding in the bike, instead of feeling like you are on top of it. The downside to this bike for bikepacking would be the lack of solid frame space for a bag.

Scott Spark

The Spark is a full suspension bike that rides more like a hard tail. It was stiff and a tad too skittery on the Moab chunder for our liking. It took too much to muscle to feel in control on this rig. Needless to say, the tricky handling and lack of beef was downright scary at some points. BPM did like the lightweight carbon build and the 27.5 wheels ensured the bike “climbed okay.” It also has descent triangle space. (maybe some loaded bags would give us the missing mass we felt was needed?) The race ready stock build featuring Scott’s suspension technology and elegantly tapered head tubes was nice. But the confidence and control this bike claimed to provide were definitely absent for our team.

Rocky Mountain Altitude

Rocky Mountain Bicycles describes the Altitude as an all-day long, do anything bike. This is true if the bike’s geometry works for you. An average, male rider will have no issue with the Altitude’s steep top tube and stand over height. However our female testers, fit by RM techs, found the Altitude’s dimensions challenging. “Ladies, watch your bits!” We liked the internal cable routing, 150 mm of travel and 27.5 wheelset on this carbon beauty but agree bikepackers would be better served exploring other RM models like the Instinct, Element or Thunderbolt. A descent ride but definitely a must try before you buy!

GT Helion Carbon

The Helion Carbon by GT was another cross country style ride that was offered for demo at Outerbike this year. Although this bike was on the heavy side, the geo was on point for a small frame (rider size 5′ 5.5”). The biggest upside to this ride for bikepacking would be the sheer amount of frame space that the small frame offers for a full suspension bike. Typically as a small frame rider, it is extremely difficult to find a full suspension bike that can accommodate a custom frame bag worth carrying. With the design of the Helion and the low center of gravity rear suspension, you end up with a huge amount of frame space. The unique rear suspension design also gave the ride a smooth flow, killing two birds with one stone.

More to come on the sights of Outerbike, stay tuned.

Quick on the Thaw- Bikepackers Magazine Article

Quick on the Thaw

 0

BY MICHAEL ACKERMAN ON MARCH 15, 2015REVIEWS

Rocking a new bike, bags, lights and a Dynamo hub, Bonecrusher takes full advantage of the 2015 thaw.

I’ve spent the winter dreaming of sunny singletrack and upcoming bikepacking adventures. Trade shows, demo days, internet research, magazine reviews, exploratory trips to REI and my local bike shop have sparked my imagination and helped to stimulate the US economy. After spending the off-season acquiring a number of new products that I’m incredibly excited to try, I found myself conspiring to take full advantage of global warming.

With the last decade’s climate as a guide, I knew a mid-winter thaw would make its annual appearance in the four corners sometime in January and February. And right on cue, the warm weather and dry dirt arrived in the new year. For almost two solid weeks, Durango, Cortez, Aztec, Sedona and Moab seductively beckoned riders to capitalize on the 2015 thaw.

Although the mid-winter dirt and 60+ degree temps did not last long, the thaw afforded me the opportunity to conduct some initial gear and equipment testing. Not surprisingly, some early season favorites have emerged and have already earned a spot in my kit for this season.

The crew pauses for lunch in Moab on weekend two of the 2015 thaw

ON THE BIKE- TRP SPYKE Brakes

Installing the TRP SPYKE was straightforward and the brakes took only minutes to set up.

TRP SPYKE

Last year, my bikepacking exploits seemed to come with all sorts of brake drama. After two seasons of Elixir shenanigans, I had soured on the idea of utilizing hydraulic brakes for longer backcountry adventures.

I put the old BB7s back on my trusty steed, confident the return to cable brakes would mitigate facing issues I couldn’t fix in the field and the resultant, long walks back to civilization.

I went searching for a cable brake that was well designed, easy to install, a cinch to maintain and would provide me with solid stopping power. A tall order, I know. But when I discovered TRP’s SPYKEs, I new I had found my new brakes.

The SPYKEs are solidly constructed and were incredibly easy to set up on my Salsa El Mariachi. I also installed TRP rotors- 180 up front/160 rear.

A quick spin around the neighborhood and the brakes were dialed in. The SPYKE’s dual sided pad engagement design promotes even wear and engenders a “set-it and forget-it” mindset. The SPYKE is a no hassle brake requiring minimal maintenance and  translates well into bikepacking and ultra racing applications.

I also love the feel of the SPYKEs when stopping. They offer an arresting experience that simulates the gentle grace offered by hydraulic brakes. No squeaking, no abrupt jerking. Just a smooth, steady application of friction and silent clamping power. Overall, the SPYKEs are rad and I’m looking forward to having them on my bike this season!

IN THE BAGS- FIX IT STICKS Replaceables Tool

FIX IT STICKS Replaceables T-Tool is compact and super efficient for in-field wrenching

Bikepackers are always trying to trim their set-ups down to the barest of essentials and our tool kits are no exception. For far too long, I’ve been guilty of carrying around a heavy, bulky bike tool outfitted with all sorts of gadgetry I’ve never once employed.

To shed weight and bulk, I disassembled my bike tool and harvested only the pieces I could utilize when fixing my rig. Although I now had the correct pieces for the most common problems I’d encounter, it was difficult using the disaggregated tools to wrench on my bike. Enter Fix It Sticks.

Billed as an “ingenious innovation that started a revolution in bicycle multi tools,” the original Fix It Stickshit the market and offered riders an instant alternative to bulky, multi-tools. Fix It Sticks are a compact solution that generates the torque needed to wrench on your bike in the field. This season, Fix It Sticks has refined the original T-tool model, adding interchangeable bits on the Replaceables tool.

This beautifully machined, American made tool easily found a home in my toolbox and repair kit.

The Replaceables tool is steel and at 118 grams, feels much beefier than the original , 55 gram aluminum model.

The Replaceables tool comes with eight, interchangeable bits including: 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm Hex, Torx 25, and Phillips #2 attachments. It’s fantastic Fix It Sticks has designed this new tool with the magnetic, bit nesting function and the ability to accept “any standard ¼” bit.

ON THE BODY- Club Ride 2015 New West Jersey

Abandoned Bike Man to the rescue! I’ve struggled with bike jerseys in the past.

I don’t fancy myself a super hero. So I don’t usually wear bike jerseys.  As a bikepacker, I’d rather roll with a  wool or polypro top. But I’ve come to like stash pockets and I like listening to tunes. I also like collars, looking classy and less homeless as I saunter into resupply towns.

Club Ride’s 2015 New West  jersey is sharp, fits me well and is western as fuck. Fashionable pearl snaps, and faux shoulder recoil patches will awaken the rugged individualist in you. You can rock this jersey on the trail, at work or at the local saloon and look good all the while.

Technical features like a hidden, full front zipper and side panel mesh venting betray the shirt’s foundation a casual garment. Weave in Club Ride’s RideDryWear quick-drying fabric, RideLight reflective accents and a UPF 30 rating and I’ve got a shirt that will race and tour well. Chose from a selection of cowboy inspired colors, grab some whiskey, a high spirited lady and ride off into your own single track sunset.

And as quickly as it arrived, our spell of beautiful conditions ended. Impending weather announces the finale of the 2015 thaw.