The Sugar is Sweet

Praise the snow gods! With the recent chill in the air, I've been optimistic that this year's Southern ski season might be better than the last. And then just like that another beacon of hope lands in my email box, informing me that today Sugar Mountain opened a few slopes. This marks one of the earliest openings ever for the North Carolina High Country resort. Will this good fortune extend to other resorts around the region? It's too early to tell, but with news like this it might be a good idea to wax and sharpen a little earlier this year. For the deets on open runs check out www.skisugar.com.

-J.F.

Tri It in the Nude

As the heatwave continues to cripple the South, this weekend certainly doesn't seem like it will be ideal for a triathlon. But might you be willing to competitively run, bike, and swim this Saturday, if you can do it in your birthday suit?

If your answer is yes, consider signing up for the Bare Hare Sprint Triathlon. The event taking place on August 11 at the Bar-S-Ranch Nudist Resort in Reidsville, N.C., near Greensboro, is claiming to be the country's first clothing optional triathlon. The sprint distance race will feature a 500M lake swim, a 20K mountain bike ride (talk about saddle sore!), and a 5K trail run. The race is open to anyone over the age of 18. Sorry curious high-schoolers.

I for one like the idea of a race where you can really let it all hang out. But for crying out loud, go with SPF 30+ on the places where the sun doesn't usually shine!

For more information visit www.bar-s-ranch.com.

-J.F.