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August 27, 2008
Rock/Creek Employee Honeymoons on the Appalachian Trail.
Ask any Rock/Creek employee what their top reasons are for working at Rock/Creek and it is likely that they will mention the flexible scheduling that allows us to take extended backcounty and trips abroad. The owners and managers not only permit us to take these trips, they also highly encourage it. How else are we to gather an intimate knowledge and understanding of the gear we sell? This also helps to keep the job exciting and reminds us why we entered this industry in the first place.
Currently Rock/Creek has a valued employee through hiking the Appalachian Trail. But Jessica is not out there alone, rather she is experiencing nature and the people of the Appalachians with her new husband, in celebration of their recent marriage. A week in the Bahamas simply wasn't enough for the adventurous two. The couple has documented their honeymoon on their blog site AndrewandJessicaGage.blogspot.com. On the site they are keeping a comprehensive trip report including pictures and videos from the trip. Don't be mistaken, its not all miles and miles of trees and brush. Jessica and Andrew have come across some interesting people, including a spirited bluegrass band in Monson, ME, staged at the local General Store.
We all would like to wish Mr. and Ms. Gates a safe and adventurous journey, both on the trail and in marriage.
Read more about Rock/Creek's diverse staff and their various adventures on our Staff Profile page >
Posted by bradmcallister at 5:32 PM | Comments (0)
August 25, 2008
Rock/Creek Race Team Wins Flatlanders Division at Wild West Relay
Plane ticket to Denver: $250
30 zip-lock baggies filled with boiled potatoes: $40
20 gallons of water: $25
Rental of a 12-passenger van, aka "The Stank Tank": $800
Participating in the suffer-fest known as The Wild West Relay: Priceless
On Friday, August 1, 120 teams pushed off from Fort Collins, Colorado to begin the 2008 Wild West Relay, a 195-mile, running relay in its fifth year. The race took teams on a northwestern route from Fort Collins up into the Rockies, crossed into Wyoming then headed Southwest over the Continental Divide before finishing in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The nonstop event took teams anywhere from 24 hours to 35 hours to complete and consisted of 36 individual legs or sections. A single member of each team would run one of the legs, tag a teammate at the end of the leg, and hop into the team van to ride to the next exchange zone.
The Wild West Relay welcomes all varieties of teams and we witnessed this on the course - the super competitive (some elite teams averaged close to 6:00 miles), the super ultra (a team of only three completed the entire course), and the teams that painted their faces, wore skirts (both men and women) and wrote crazy sayings on the sides of their team vans.
Our Rock/Creek team consisted of six runners placing us in the ultra division. Each of us had participated in endurance events of some kind before - triathlons, bike racing, ultras, adventure racing, etc. - however, this event presented a few challenges that would new to some of us. Elevation: The elevation during the race ranged from 6,000 ft to 10,000 ft above sea level. Elevation plus lots of running = lots of fun. Although our team was constantly moving, each runner had a couple of hours of "downtime" between each leg. Just enough time for your body to cool off and tighten up before the next run. Minimal sleep: I don't believe anyone got much more than 30 minutes of sleep. For adventure races, this is evidently the norm; however, for several of us, this was a new race addition.
There was also unanticipated (for some of us) fourth element - the heat. Chad Wamack had warned me that "it gets pretty hot in Colorado in July and August." I kept thinking to myself, "but it's a dry heat. That won't affect a Tennessee boy used to suffocating humidity." Well, a dry heat of 102, as it was on Friday afternoon, can affect you. The dry heat sucks the water out of your body exceptionally fast. So, we quickly learned (or at least I did) to get out of the sun and get in plenty of fluids as fast as possible after a stage. I started to run with a "technical" shirt because it retained just enough moisture to help keep my body temperature down.
After our team had gone through a complete rotation (each person running a leg), I believe we all got into our own routine for recovering from a leg, "cleaning up" (consisted of some combination of wiping off with moist "toilettes", changing clothes, hanging up clothes to dry out, etc.), getting in fluids and food, and "warming up" before the next run. As the race wore on, it became a challenge to continue to eat. After throwing down Power Bars, Cliff Bars, Gatorade, Pop Tarts, boiled potatoes, potato chips, and chocolate milk, your stomach just wants a break.
The one constant in the event, the great scenery provided by the Colorado countryside, made staying up well worth it. Covering the distance on foot (and staying awake for over 24 hours) really lets you soak in the landscapes and experience the Colorado outdoors - the mountains, the valleys, the rivers - at all times of the day - sun rise, high noon, sun set, and the pre-dawn, quiet hours.
Definitely a great experience. We finished as the first place flatlanders team (all team members residing below 2,500 feet sea level) and 22nd overall. A continuous relay of this length really made me appreciate taking the post-race shower, the post-race nap, and that I don't regularly live out of a van (aka The Stank Tank).
-Kevin Boucher
2008 Wild West Relay Rock/Creek Team:
Sam "Lightning" Linhoss, Team Captain
Leigh "It never looks like I'm running hard" Linhoss, Team Accountant
Matt "Look me in the eyes when I'm talking to you" Sims, Team Outfitter
Natalie "Everyone Remain Calm, Heat Stroke is a Learning Experience" Sims, Van Decorator
Lisa "Yes, I look at feet every day but even I'm not touching your feet Chad" Womack, Team Podiatrist and Driver
Kevin Boucher, Team Fighter Pilot
Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:24 PM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2008
Cumberland Trail Conference Seeking Volunteers
The Cumberland Trail Conference is seeking volunteers to help build a bridge spanning Big Possum Creek.
August 28-September 4: bridge building Big Possum Creek. During this time period, volunteers are needed to bring in lumber, rebar, concrete, and the tools needed to build the bridge foundations. I have several people that have offered to help get the material back to the bridge site on 4-wheelers. Once the material is at the site, volunteers are needed to construct the foundations. Camping will be available at the Possum Creek campground on Lee Pike. The CTC will pay for the campsites and will provide meals (it will be camp food, sorry nothing fancy). If you are interested in helping with this first step in building the Big Possum Creek bridge contact Amanda Leamon at Amanda.Leamon@frontiernet.net.
The Cumberland Trail Conference is a 501.3c whose mission is to "build, maintain, provide activities on and promote the Cumberland Trail, a scenic trail along the Cumberland Plateau between Chattanooga and Cumberland Gap, in order to help preserve the historical and cultural heritage of Tennessee, conserve natural resources, provide educational and recreational opportunities and connect local communities.
Visit the Cumberland Trail Conference website for more information and maps of the Cumberland Trail.
Posted by bradmcallister at 11:38 AM | Comments (0)
August 21, 2008
Summer Blowout Sale! Save up to 60%
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Undergoing MyBlogLog Verification
Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:30 AM | Comments (0)
August 20, 2008
Greenway 5 Mile Trail Race Entices New Trail Runners
Saturday August 9th proved to be another beautiful day in the Rock/Creek race series. The cool August morning brought 95 runners to Chattanooga's Greenway Farm to compete on 5 miles of mixed trail that included sections of gravel, grass and paved trail. Though shorter than other races in the Rock/Creek Trail Series, the race was well attended by both beginning and experienced trail runners. Rock/Creek is happy to report that out of 95 total runners 40% were first time trail racers!
Like other races in the Rock/Creek Trail Series, proceeds from this event support the Boonies Wilderness Trail Running Association, a.k.a. The Boonies. The Greenway 5 Mile Trail Race raised money for trail access and future trail races in the Chattanooga area.
Special thanks goes to the City of Chattanooga's Parks and Rec department for allowing Greenway Farm to be the site of the 6th race in the 2008 Rock/Creek Trail Series. The park was the perfect venue for the short, relaxed race. Greenway Farm, part of the North Chick Greenway, is one of Chattanooga's premier green spaces, if you haven't had the opportunity to to spend an afternoon on the park's comfortable trails, Rock/Creek encourages you to do so.
Rock/Creek would like to additionally thank event sponsors Mountain Hardwear, SmartWool, La Sportiva, Hammer Nutrition and Greenlife Grocery. As always, a special thank you goes out to the individuals from the Rock/Creek race team and the Boonies who dedicated their personal time to the event and its preparation.
Chris Heberer was the first male finisher and Jan Gauthier was the first female to cross the finish line. The top 25 finishers are below, entire results and photos from the event can be found at http://www.rockcreek.com/greenway/.
Chris Heberer 33:07:03
Calvin Cofield 33:08:40
Joey Howe 33:45:40
Tom Sell 34:21:14
Matt Gregory 34:40:27
Aaron Saylor 34:45:18
Zach Cowart 35:39:14
Jan Gauthier 35:57:37
Mark Gregory 36:19:21
Mitchell Kohlmann 36:40:90
Samuel Hammonds 36:45:25
Jason Hamrick 37:18:17
Thompson Wells 38:13:58
Katie Hammill 38:19:14
Erin Rayburn 39:18:46
Thomas Demoss 39:22:11
Mike Martin 39:31:00
Sheldon Millican 39:34:08
Sergio Bianchini 39:43:83
Will Hutchinson 39:44:37
Derek Usury 39:45:14
Kurt Lamon 39:57:08
Josh Henderson 40:05:24
Alex Tonsberg 40:06:24
Daniel Gross 40:32:27
Next up is the grand daddy of the Rock/Creek Trail Series; the 8th annual Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k. For those who have run this one in the past you know it's a race that can't be missed. Already about 350 runners from across the country have signed up for this popular event. For runners looking to put in less mileage there is a 11 mile version of the race as well. Both races will take place on October 4th, with a vendor fair and packet pick-up at Rock/Creek's Two North Shore location on October 3rd. Information and registration are online at http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump/.
Posted by bradmcallister at 6:57 PM | Comments (0)
August 12, 2008
Rock/Creek Race Team Member Finishes 2nd in Wasatch Speedgoat 50k
Rock/Creek race team member John Anderson flew out to Utah for the mountainous Wasatch Speedgoat 50K. John gave an outstanding effort and finished in second, just 3 minutes behind the winner. Below is John's story of the race. If you are interested in John's other accomplishment, and the accomplishments of the entire Rock/Creek Race Team, visit their profiles at http://www.rockcreek.com/raceteam.
The Wasatch Speedgoat 50k is based out of Snowbird, Utah and you get the unique experience of being cheered on by people riding up on the tram. You also get the unique experience of feeling your legs go through pain, then numbness, then pain again, and thankfully back to numbness as the course ascends 10,500 ft and descends the same in 50k. The race is directed by Karl Meltzer (several time winner of the Hardrock 100 who will be attempting to break the AT speed record starting on August 9th), and he puts on a great quad smashing race.
We started the day in the cool Wasatch mountains and headed uphill for the initial 4500' climb. By the time we got halfway up there was a lead pack of 4 runners, and Nate McDowell and I chatted about our kids between trying to catch our breath. Luckily for me Nate's daughter has a longer name than my son so he had to talk more. By the time we got to the top, Nate had a couple minute lead on me, and we came crashing down Mt. Baldy, complete with ropes and spotters from Black Diamond and settled in for a long day in the mountains.
The next several hours were spent climbing and descending the newly designed race course, some of it off trail, some singletrack, some on forest service roads, a short stretch through the ski tunnel that connects Snowbird to Alta at around 10,000 ft, and even a little time rolling around on the ground. The La Sportiva Fireblades performed excellently again--perfect for the technical terrain and the steep descents.
When all was said and done, Nate won in 5:43 and I finished up in second in 5:56. Although I did manage to chuck a snowball at Nate as he climbed above me in the final ascent. My ankles are sore and my lips are chapped, but it was a stellar race with outstanding views (and next time I'll remember the lip balm...)
Gear List for race: Patagonia Airius Top, Patagonia Long Haul Runners, La Sportiva Fireblade shoes, Patagonia Ultra Lightweight Socks, Smith Factor polarized sunglasses, Nathan Quickdraw water bottle, and Nathan 10k Hip Pack.
--John
Posted by bradmcallister at 3:57 PM | Comments (0)
August 8, 2008
Backpack Sale Ends Soon! Save 10-30% Today
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Food | Knives & Tools | Maps & Software | Pet Gear | Sleeping Pads | Stoves & Lanterns |
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Limited Edition Chaco Sandals !
Limited Edition Z/2 Sandals from Chaco.
$20 of your purchase goes directly to access.
Check it out today >
If you’ve been waiting to pick up a backpack for school, a day pack for those Fall hikes, or even a large travel or backpacking pack, now’s the time! Now until August 14, 2008, RockCreek.com is offering our entire line of backpacks and bags at 15-30% off. We have the highest-quality packs available to keep you comfortable no matter how many books you have to lug around or how long you’ll be in the backcountry. RockCreek stocks only the highest-quality packs from brands like The North Face, Deuter, Dakine, Arc’Teryx, Marmot, Gregory, and CamelBak.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:33 AM | Comments (0)
August 7, 2008
Vote the Environment Video from Patagonia
Vote the environment this Fall. Video from Patagonia.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:44 PM | Comments (0)
August 4, 2008
Ruling Goes Against Commercial Removal of Rock From State Park
Chalk one up for the good guys! Late last week the Tennessee Court of Appeals struck down a decision by a lower court that would continue to allow a unobstructed access to minerals on lands owned by the State.
This is great news for hikers, backpackers and land conservationists in the area. Those who have been on the Soddy Daisy segment of the Cumberland trail have seen the destruction that these unfettered mining practices can do.
The full story behind this case is a little confusing, as is normally the case when mining rights come into question. To simplify, Tennessee law states that land rights are separated into two different categories; surface and mineral. Surface rights include the right to harvest trees from the land and the right to develop public accessible trail systems. Mineral rights include the right to mine minerals below the surface. Certainly there is an inherent conflict. How does the owner of the mineral rights get to their precious minerals without disrupting the surface? At what point does accessing mineral rights violate the owner of the surface rights?
This conflict was the source of a case that the State of Tennessee brought against a Florida based mining company in 2007. The State claimed that the owner of the mineral rights, Lahiere/Hill Partnership, violated the State's surface rights when they destroyed 70 to 100 yards of the Cumberland Trail while harvesting limestone. The State of Tennessee promptly filed suit. The case was first heard in the Hamilton County court system in 2007. The initial ruling by Chancellor Frank Brown allowed mining on public lands to continue. The state appealed and the case moved to the higher Appeals Court. Last wednesday, the Appeals Court made the decision to send the ruling back to the lower court on the grounds that the original court ruling misclassified stone as a mineral. Based on precedent setting documents and cases, Tennessee minerals include coal, iron, oil, gas, and precious metals. The classification does not include stone.
The ruling certainly doesn't solve all the issue related to strip mining on the Cumberland, but it is a step in the right direction.
Both
Nashville's Tennessen and Chattanooga's Times Free Press have articles on the case.
A similar issue has arisen on the federal level. Currently mining on federal lands, such as in national forests, is governed by laws that were written in 1872. These laws state that mining is the best use of land and allows mining companies full access to precious metals without having to pay royalties on the materials that they remove. It has essentially been a free ride for mining companies for over 130 years. The House of Representatives passed a bill that would update the antiquated laws. Now it is up to the Senate to agree on an update before the bill is signed by the President. More information on the modernization of the 1872 Mining Laws can be found in a previous blog post.
It is vital that we tell our Senators how important it is that we protect our lands from undue destruction of our public lands. We must show that our voices are stronger than the millions of lobbying dollars spent by private mining interests. Senator Bob Corker is on the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. It is this committee that is assigned with putting together a bill that will be presented to the Senate floor. Please contact Sen. Corker and express how important it is to protect our lands.
Posted by bradmcallister at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)
August 1, 2008
20% Off Chacos Through August 2nd
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donate shoes, get 20% off Chacos Rock/Creek and Chaco invite you to swap your old (but clean) shoes, sport sandals or boots for a 20% discount on new Chaco Sandals. We’ll donate your old shoes to those in need and keep them out of landfills. how to give back… 1) Use coupon code “CHACORECYCLE08” |
The original value of your donated shoes should be roughly equivalent to that of your new pair of Chacos. Coupon does not apply to Chacos already on sale, but we’d still love to have your shoes to send.
where will my donated shoes go?
Footwear donated from the 2008 campaign will support the elimination of Hookworm anemia in Sub-Saharan African villages.
It has been estimated that as many as 1 in 3 people in Sub-Saharan Africa are affected by Hookworm anemia. The hookworm, a soil-born parasite, enters through bare feet and resides in the small intestine of its host. Within the intestine the hookworm feeds off its host supply. If the parasitic condition is left untreated, severe anemia and malnutrition will result. The condition will slowly advance until a blood transfusion becomes necessary for the infective individual’s survival.
In developing nations the cost of transfusion is often prohibitive and risky. Prevention, through the use of protective footwear, has been proven to prevent hookworm anemia.
Through the 2007 Chaco recycling program an entire village in Uganda was outfitted with shoes—a simple solution that completely eliminated hookworm anemia in the village.
In previous years the program has also supported communities in India and Nepal. Chaco’s program has also impacted communities closer to home. After hurricane Rita devastated the Gulf Coast region in September 2005, Chaco and participating retailers collected over 400 pairs of recycled footwear to distribute to displaced hurricane victims in affected areas of Louisiana.
Thanks to all those who donated to the 2007 program. This was our best year so far, with well over 100 pair of shoes recycled.
Please Send Your Donated Shoes to:
Rock/Creek
CHACO RECYCLE PROGRAM
4250 Benton Drive, Suite D
Chattanooga, TN 37406
1-888-707-6709
info@rockcreek.com
Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)
