Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 03, 2007

Stone Fort Bouldering Comp Wrap-Up

The Finale to the Triple Crown Bouldering Series—The Stone Fort

The fourth annual Triple Crown Bouldering Series rolled in to Chattanooga last Friday night under the best of circumstances. A sweeping cold front complete with chilly temps and powerful winds blew in to town just in time for the comp. The front had followed weeklong rains, and as every seasoned boulderer knows, this combination sets a unique stage—one that is perfect for “sticky” climbing conditions.

Continue reading "Stone Fort Bouldering Comp Wrap-Up"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 08:24 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

November 28, 2006

Tommy & Beth Movie at Rock/Creek December 1, 2006

Continue reading "Tommy & Beth Movie at Rock/Creek December 1, 2006"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 03:37 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

November 22, 2006

Triple Crown Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser

Triple Crowners! The finale to the Triple Crown is just around the corner, and we have been hard-at-work to make this the best competition in the history of this series. To add to the fun, the event has once again been extended into Sunday!

Continue reading "Triple Crown Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 04:54 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

November 09, 2006

"My First StumpJump Adventure"

Angela Stansberry from Hanceville, AL sent in this great race report from this year's StumpJump 11 Mile race. Her husband ran the 50K and it sounds like they both had a great weekend here in Chattanooga. If you have any race stories to share, please send them on to Mark at mark @ rockcreek.com

I'll try to keep this quick & to the point! This was my first ever trail race & I had an absolute blast!!! My husband Mike has finished several 100 milers, 50 milers & 50Ks -- I've always been his crew & really enjoyed the atmosphere & people....Well, this year he felt that I was ready to run my own race while he ran his....talk about SCARED! I was afraid I'd get lost (no way -- it was marked too well), that I'd be last (not that there's anything wrong with being last -- to finish is to win, right?), or that I'd fall off the mountain (well, I very nearly did)....we came up the day before for the tasty carbo load dinner & slide show -- lo & behold, both my husband & I were winners of some snazzy prizes in the raffle! This was an omen of things to come.... the day dawned clear & frosty, but many of us were "hanging out" in the restrooms prior to the start of the race (if you know what I mean -- race nerves). I was armed with long sleeved layers to shed later when the sweating started, my trusty iPod Shuffle loaded with Led Zeppelin & Steve Miller Band tunes, & my regular road trainers....how intimidating to be in the midst of all these seasoned, Montrail-clad, half-naked mountain goats! My goal was just to finish....

My husband & I had strolled on the first mile or so of trail the day before -- he warned me that it was deceiving....well, he was right. I kept up with a smart pack of chattering youngsters until the trail changed....they sped off without me, their colorful singlets flashing, & left me in a lull....as I bounded down a rocky gully, I rolled an ankle & hit the ground with a grunt. I sprang to my feet expecting a broken ankle but it was suprisingly fine...then I expected a leg drenched in blood but no, it was only scraped....at least nobody witnessed the crash! I darted down the trail before the others caught up to me, heading into the roughest terrain I'd ever seen! Those swinging bridges made me spazz out & the skinny goat trails made me clench my teeth but I trudged onward....the aid stations were fabulous & so encouraging! They pumped me up & sent me out with the ominous words "It gets interesting from here on out"....imagine my panic by this announcement. There were times that I thought I was in big trouble -- climbing straight up the teeth of Signal mountain causes the ol' quads to seize up! I was exhausted already, with many miles left to go....

On the return trip, I was pushed by a great guy who dogged my footsteps the entire way....I could hear the bridges creak as he stepped up & his gasps for air; these propelled me into constant forward motion, sometimes almost crawling. Bouncing down the rocks, constantly putting on my brakes while wiping sweat out of my eyes -- well, I thought my knee was toast. It was just me & the guy behind me....I put some distance between us & halted mid-trail to lay hands on my knee & ask the Lord for some help....He came through, as always, & I managed to trot my way back out to the pavement. Man, was I excited to find out I didn't have to re-enter the woods! I was actually almost done, the finish line was in sight, & the faithful crowd clapped & cheered as I gasped my way past the time clock (which read 2 hrs. & 27 min.). I scavenged an ice bag for my knee & collapsed on the grass to bask in the glory of my first 11 miler....my husband came streaking across that same finish line in 6 hrs. & all in one piece.....we were proud of each other & thrilled to be a part of the same race....

Thanks, Rock Creek Outfitters! Because of your great atmosphere, fine give-aways & fabulous volunteers, I had a perfect weekend....now excuse me as while go dig the gravel out of my leg! See you next year...

Angela Stansberry
Hanceville, Alabama

Read more about the StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race, and shop for trail running gear at RockCreek.com

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 18, 2006

2006 Hound Ears Report from Chad Wykle

Chad Wykle, former Rock/Creek employee, co-founder of the Triple Crown Bouldering Series and current sales rep for Chaco and Marmot, gives us a rundown of last weekend's Hound Ears competition in Boone, NC on October 7, 2006. The first stage of the three-part competition, Hound Ears is located on private property and is only accessible one day a year, for this comp. This was the 13th year for Hound Ears and as usual the event sold out well in advance. Chad gives us a detailed report on the weekend's events, from the bad omens Friday afternoon all the way through to a spectacular first-- and then SECOND- female ascent of the challenging 'Fuc Yo' V9 problem. The event also raised an impressive $1200 toward the acquisition of the Boat Rock bouldering field in Metro Atlanta, GA. 

Triple Crown rolled in to Boone on Friday afternoon with all the trappings of an impending disaster.   Despite the bluebird conditions that held sway overhead, a change in the forecast called for rain on Saturday and Sunday-

Could it be that the organizers (Jim Horton and Chad Wykle) had taken things one- step too far?  After all, it was year number 13 for the event, and the two refused to follow the obligatory rules regarding the "unlucky" number.  Go to any hotel and scroll through the floor numbers, or any long standing event and look over the years-you won't find a 13th floor or "the 13th annual" anything.  

Instead of following "good luck" protocol, the two actually billed the event as the 13th annual "Lucky 13" Hound Ears Bouldering Competition, complete with classic flaming skull logo and a judge tee shirt that depicted former president Richard Nixon with a red face and devil horns. 

Continue reading "2006 Hound Ears Report from Chad Wykle"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:08 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

September 07, 2006

John Stamstad: Ultra-Marathon Man

Friday, October 6, 2006
at the Vendor Fair and Carbo Supper before the StumpJump 50K
Rock/Creek Outfitters, 100 Tremont Street, Chattanooga, TN  37405

Patagonia and Rock/Creek Outfitters are proud to present John Stamstad, an extreme endurance athlete and sponsored Patagonia trail running ambassador. John will present a slideshow at Rock/Creek Outfitters' Tremont Street location in downtown Chattanooga, TN, the night before the StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race. John embodies the determination and commitment to the outdoors necessary for success in events such as the StumpJump 50K. He serves as an example to us all, and will undoubtably offer an impressive slideshow.

"I enjoy working with Patagonia because they are a leader in making clothing systems that work in the field under extreme conditions. My strongest contribution to this partnership is in product feedback and development. Some of my events and projects cross the line between Endurance and Alpine and put gear to the highest test. Crossing 300 miles in Alaska, or 100 miles in the desert, puts clothing to the ultimate test – if it will work under those conditions it will work for anyone, anywhere."  -John Stamstad

That's an important fact, because as a kid, John wanted to be an explorer. "I knew that I wanted to explore. I remember feeling disappointed that I wasn't born a couple hundred years earlier to be able to experience the undiscovered world first-hand."

John knew he needed adventure in his life, but he just didn't know how he was going to get it. "Luckily, I got to forge a few trails myself on a mountain bike and also explore the limits of my own endurance," John says. "I was extremely fortunate to be at the forefront long distance mountain biking. It gave me the opportunity to do things that hadn't been done before and explore the frontiers of a new sport."

See full details on the StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race and sign up online.

Continue reading "John Stamstad: Ultra-Marathon Man"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 01:45 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

September 05, 2006

Rock Creek Wins Again!

Continue reading "Rock Creek Wins Again!"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 04:24 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack

August 09, 2006

StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Race Coming Up in October

It's hard to believe with 100+ degree days here in Chattanooga, but Fall is right around the corner, and Fall means nothing less than the best ultramarathon in the Southeast, the StumpJump 50K (& 11 Mile) Trail Run. Now's the time to sign up for the race, which will be held October 7, 2006.

We had a great race last year with about 250 runners, and we expect this to be the best year yet. We have a FREE Carbo Supper sponsored by Salomon, makers of high-quality trail running shoes, as well as a Vendor Fair where you can come check out the latest technology in trail running shoes, aparrel, and nifty toys like Suunto's wristtop GPS units.

We just got word that Mountain Hardwear is stepping on as a major sponsor this year. We're happy to hear it, and you should be too, because that means we'll have the Mountain Hardwear Wicked Tee as our race shirts this year. The Wicked Tee, if you don't already have a few, will change your expectations of a wicking synthetic tee. These things are great. (By the way, we also have a free Wicked Tee offer right now on the Web site, so if you want to go ahead and pick one up for your training, now's the time).

Sign up for the StumpJump Trail Race online at Active.com or download an application here.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 02:19 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack

June 28, 2006

Motorcycle Adventurers Coming to RockCreek

Rock/Creek Outfitters is proud to announce a slideshow presented by global voyagers, Uwe Krasuss and Romona Eichhorn. The event will take place at the 100 Tremont Street, Rock Creek Outfitters location at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 16th. This is an event that should not be missed.


Romona and Uwe have spent the past five years taking pictures and recording all of their adventures traveling by motorcycle in over forty different countries. Their trips have ranged from the rainforests of southern Chili to the coasts of New Zealand. Both Uwe and Romona work as freelance photojournalists for numerous international magazines and publications, such as RoadRUNNER Magazine. Donations at the door will benefit Uwe and Romona’s traveling funds, and their striking photographic prints will also be available for purchase.

Before becoming a global adventurer via motorcycle, Romona worked as an interpreter and translator while Uwe managed a construction company as a civil engineer. Growing up near the Thuringian Forest in the southernmost portion of Germany, both Romona and Uwe dreamed of the day when they could roam the world freely. Following the demise of the Soviet Union in 1989, Uwe and Romona got together and dreamed up an adventure so crazy that it left many of their friends and family scratching their heads.

Their plan was to sell all of their possessions and attempt to ride a motorcycle around the world in five years. There was only one problem: Romona, had never ridden a motorcycle before. Romona recalls, “By mid-November I finally had a license in my pocket. The very next day winter arrived and heavy snow fell. Therefore, my ‘riding experience’ was severely limited…I would eventually have to improve my ‘riding skills’ on the way!” Amazingly, after having virtually no riding experience, travel experience, nor money, Romona and Uwe embarked upon their worldwide journey.

Since that time Romona and Uwe have traveled the world and visited some of the most beautiful and dangerous sites on the face of the planet. From dealing with sticky customs officials at the Liberian border, mechanical issues in Egypt, to roaming the Carretera Austral in Chile, Romona and Uwe are modern day Magellans. They have traversed across some of the most technical and desolate expanses of land on the face of the Earth. Romona best sums up their journey when she says, “We wanted to ride off the beaten path…the worst roads would always lead you to the most beautiful places.”

Recently, Uwe and Romona were featured at the Americade in Lake George and at the Honda Hot in Knoxville. Since starting their globetrotting, these moto-adventurers have written for over fourteen different international publications as freelance journalists. Read about their current adventures in South America in RoadRUNNER magazine. Be sure to be at Rock/Creek on the 16th of July at 7 p.m. and let Romona Eichhorn be your tour guide for your own private adventure around the world.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 06:00 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 11, 2006

Rock/Creek Outfitters Sponsors Tour de Georgia

Rock/Creek Outfitters to Sponsor North America’s Premier Cycling Event

Chattanooga-based outdoor specialty store will be sponsoring two King of the Mountain Climbs during the annual 2006 Ford Tour de Georgia from Tuesday, April 18th to Sunday, April 22nd

Chattanooga, TN - Rock/Creek Outfitters and RockCreek.com is proud to announce their sponsorship of two King of the Mountain Climbs (KOM) during the annual 2006 Ford Tour de Georgia.  The Tour de Georgia is recognized as North America’s premier cycling event and rolling festival.  The six-day, six-stage event draws the many of the best international and national cyclists cycling teams and showcases some of the unique towns and terrain in Georgia and Chattanooga Tennessee. “We’re psyched to have the opportunity to work with the Tour de Georgia again this year,” remarked Rock/Creek owner and cycling enthusiast Dawson Wheeler.  This is Rock/Creek’s second year to be involved in sponsoring a KOM event.

The 2006 Ford Tour de Georgia will begin in Augusta, Georgia on Tuesday, April 18th, and the 600-plus mile cycling course will end with a grand finale in Alpharetta, Georgia on Sunday, April 23.  This event is owned by the Georgia Partnership for Economic Development (GPED) and governed by the GPED Board of Directors.  As a 501c(6) non-profit entity, GPED’s mission is to develop the Tour property as an economic and marketing property for the state of Georgia and for the benefit of the Georgia Cancer Coalition.

Stage Four of the Tour de Georgia is a 118.9 mile stretch from Dalton to Dahlonega taking place on Friday, April 21.  Rock/Creek Outfitters and RockCreek.com will be sponsoring Stage Four’s first KOM climb to the top of Fort Mountain, a 2875 foot (876 m) tall mountain.  The KOM finish line is located 23.8 miles into Stage Four and is a Category 2 climb.  The first rider to cross the line will be awarded $1,500 from Rock/Creek Outfitters. 

The second KOM climb sponsored by Rock/Creek Outfitters and RockCreek.com will be held on Saturday, April 22 during Stage Five of the Tour de Georgia.  Stage Five is a 94.5 mile stretch from Blairsville to an epic finish atop Brasstown Bald.   The KOM will share a finish line with Stage Five.  It is a Category 1 climb up Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in Georgia that has been compared to Alpe d’Huez of the Tour de France.  The first cyclist to cross the finish line will be awarded $1,500 from Rock/Creek Outfitters.

About Rock/Creek Outfitters and RockCreek.com:

Rock/Creek Outfitters is a specialty outdoor retailer with two decades of brick and mortar experience. We are committed to personal and professional leadership in the outdoor industry and the larger community, especially with regard to environmental initiatives. We use outdoor retail as a platform to encourage all people to get outside and become active. We know that in order to make a positive impact on the environment, we need to share our own love of the outdoors with others. For this reason, our sponsorship and environmental efforts are aimed at promoting outdoor recreation and permanently improving access to the backcountry.

For more information, see our Tour de Georgia page or contact Katherine Nielsen at (423) 265-0406 ext. 1113 or katherinenielsen @rockcreek.com.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 04:48 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

April 03, 2006

River Gorge Race Results

The 2006 Rock/Creek River Gorge Race turned out to be a great success, with over 200 runners competing. The course was wet and we had a couple injuries and many falls, but most runners found the race to be fun and challenging.

Be sure to check out these photos from the race >>

(try this link to Wilderness Adventure Photography if that does not work)


Here are the preliminary results (scroll down for 6.2 Mile results).

2006 RIVER GORGE TRAIL RUN - 10.2 MILE COURSE

PRENTICE COOPER STATE FOREST - SIGNAL MTN, TN

April 1, 2006

Sponsored by Rock\Creek Outfitters & The Chattanooga Track Club

      PlaceNameAgeSexCityStateTime

      1 Barry Lucas 39M1:14:44

      2 Jonathan Krichev 29MHuntsville AL1:19:08

      3 Geno Phillips M1:20:21

      4 Michael Green M1:22:28

      5 Cory Hall 30MChattanooga TN1:22:53

      6 Bill Fletcher M1:24:52

      7 Benjamin Myers 28MMcMinnville TN1:25:52

      8 Matt Sims M1:26:23

      9 Kevin Boucher M1:26:28

      10 Mike Berry M1:27:20

Continue reading "River Gorge Race Results"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:08 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Come and Celebrate the 6th Annual High Octane Climbing Competition!

Tennessee Bouldering Authority is inviting the public to join them in their newly renovated climbing gym on April 15, 2006 for a killer climbing competition

Chattanooga, TN - The Tennessee Bouldering Authority (TBA), in cooperation with The North Face and Rock/Creek Outfitters, is proud to announce the 6th Annual High Octane Competition. On April 15th, 2006 at 11:00 am, TBA is inviting the public to join them in their newly renovated gym located at 3804 St. Elmo Ave, Suite 10. Three Divisions of Competitions will be held, including Unleaded, Super-Unleaded, and High Octane. Prizes for the winners of each division will include LaSportiva and Five Ten climbing shoes. The cost to compete is $25.00, and there is a spectator fee of $10.00.

These entry fees include a free entrée from Mojo Borrito as well as access to the 6th Anniversary Dub and Groove After-Party. There will also be plenty of door prizes and swag from the broad spectrum of sponsors. In addition, Michelle Smith will be sharing a slide show presentation that covers her two week road trip sponsored by Red Chili and Wild Country. The road trip included eight people in one RV. They began in Salt Lake City went to California and ended the trip back in Utah. Smith has conquered numerous V8's and V9's as well as bold trad leads, and high scores including several 1st place finishes in comps.

Following the days events, the gym will be transformed into a studio for the 6th Anniversary Dub and Groove After-Party. According to TBA’s Luis Rodriguez, this year is going to be, ‘especially festive.’ The entry fee for the celebration is included in the High Octane Competition entry fee or there is a $5.00 entry fee at the door. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Mafioso (hip hop), DJ ArchBishop (Progressive House), and DJ HeavyWeight (Dub & Reggae). There will be cocktails available in exchange for small donations.

For more information, please contact Luis Rodriguez at 423-822-6800.

About Tennessee Bouldering Authority
Bouldering is the essence of rock climbing, allowing the mind and body to learn the basic tenets of moving over stone. TBA is a training facility specifically built to develop climbing strength and challenge the mind. All the tools are available to take you from a novice to an expert level in a comforting, appealing environment. TBA is an indoor bouldering gym unlike any other.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 09:42 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 15, 2006

LRC Trail Day April 22, 2006

Rock/Creek, along with Chaco and Five Ten, is sponsoring a trail day up at one of our favorite crags, Little Rock City. This incredible boulder field is owned by a Golf Club and the owners graciously allow us to climb on their private property. As a way of giving back, and in an effort to ensure future access, we have periodic trail days at LRC.

Our next event is planned for April 22, 2006, at 9AM, and will last about 5 hours.

Location: Mont Lake Golf Course, Soddy-Daisy TN

On tap will be two activities for the Montlake Golf Club:

1) Parking lot landscaping and cleaning
2) Cleaning out dead wood from climbing areas
3) Re-establishing trails in climbing areas
4) Cleaning (and climbing!) as many problems as possible

We are also planning to have some hotdogs, hamburgers and cokes for participants. We're not sure yet if the SCC will be covering this or if Montlake will be "cooking."

"I spoke with the landowner's wife a few weeks ago--she was very thankful for the climbing community and the work that we have done in the boulderfield and on the golf course. She, her husband and the community at Montlake have been very good to us, and I passed that fact and thanks on to her--just wanted to share that with you all. Thanks for all that you have done and continue to do for LRC and the community of Montlake." says Chad Wykle

Posted by Mark McKnight at 04:32 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 14, 2006

Sign up now for the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race

It's almost time for the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race, presented by The North Face. The race will start at 8:00 AM EST on April 1, 2006 (and that's no joke), at the Cumberland Trail parking lot on Signal Mountain outside Chattanooga, TN. Come enjoy some of the best trail running in the region and see why Rock/Creek is famous for their race bags.

WHO SHOULD RUN THIS RACE?

All Runners! This race is meant to be fun and expose those of us who don't normally run on trails to the beautiful wilderness areas surrounding Chattanooga. Do not feel intimidated if you have never run on dirt trails before. It is not uncommon to walk many sections of a trail run. Remember that trail running is strenuous. Practice before you participate; it makes the race more fun.

TRAIL DESCRIPTIONS:

6.5 Mile Loop: The trail is a portion of Mullens Cove loop trail. The first 3 miles are on the rim of the gorge, providing spectacular views on the Tennessee River Gorge and Chattanooga. This trail crosses 3 small creeks. At Snoopers Rock Overlook the trail turns back onto a jeep road for about 1 mile, then rejoins the single track trail and back to the Cumberland Trail Parking area to finish. Race begins at 9:00 a.m. Hydration station is provided at mile 3.

10.2 Mile Loop: This trail is the entire Mullens Cove loop trail. It shares the first 3.2 miles of the 6.5 mile loop then continues across Tower Road and back onto single track trail. There are numerous creek crossings and some rocky terrain. The trail is a bit more strenuous but the terrain and the views are unbeatable. The trail ends at Cumberland Trail Parking lot. 100% single track the whole length. Race begins at 8:45 a.m. Hydration stations will be located at mile 3 and 7.

For complete race details, and to sign up online, see the race information page on rockcreek.com.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:06 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 06, 2006

More press for RockCreek Adventure Race Team

I just found another article mentioning the RockCreek Adventure Race Team and their outstanding performance in the Goldrush 24. This article from Greg Yetter comes from sleepmonsters.com:

After a night of gusty winds and near freezing temps, dawn arrived and with it a hope for a warm day. With the better conditions teams moved through the race course with determination. A determination to finish.

Earlier race officials calculated that only 6 teams could finish the entire course in the allotted time. Of those only HALF did and all were 3 person coed teams.

First across the finish line was Team 2-Enduraventure. With every report from the outlying CP/TA's the team showed no hint of losing their lead on the chase teams.

Next, Team 17-Rock Creek Outfitters were reported at TA4. In short order they ran from the canoe take-out to downtown Woodstock, GA and a crowd cheering them into the finish line. Some of the crowd was provided by the city of Woodstock. It was great that a Chili/Barbeque Cook Off was held in the same park as the finish line. [Continued on sleepmonsters.com]

Stay up to date on the latest from RockCreek's Adventure Race Team at RockCreek.com. Be sure to check the "Events" and "Announcing" sections on the bottom of the home page.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 02:38 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

RockCreek Team Places 2nd in Goldrush 24 Adventure Race

Congratulations to RockCreek's Adventure Racing team, which placed 2nd this weekend in the Goldrush 24 Adventure Race in Woodstock, Georgia. They were the second of only three teams to finish this grueling race within 24 hours.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution had a great article about the team:

Seconds after completing a 24-hour, 75-plus-mile race over grueling terrain and freezing waters, Patricia Williams Smith had one question.

"What can we eat?" she asked as her exhausted colleagues with the Rock Creek Outfitters team, Dan Miller and Jim Farmer, wondered the same thing.

"We have some barbecue and chili for you. All you want," said Toby Bramblett, the director of the Goldrush 24 YMCA Adventure Race in Woodstock.

Food and racing. A perfect combination on a perfect day. It was the first time that Woodstock has held either the chili and barbecue cook-off or the adventure race. Residents could enjoy plenty of good eating while waiting for the teams to stagger to the finish line. And after making it to the finish, the teams could enjoy good food as the sweet smell of barbecue and hickory smoke formed a pleasant sensory cloud over the finish line.

"That's the only reason we wanted to get to the finish line," Farmer said, only half-joking. "That was the motivation." [continued on ajc.com]

We're sure to hear more great things from the newly created RockCreek Adventure Racing Team: Jim Farmer, Dan Miller and Patricia Williams Smith.

The Goldrush 24 is sponsored by the YMCA of Atlanta and the City of Woodstock. For more details, see the YMCA page.

Stay up to date on the latest from RockCreek's Adventure Race Team at RockCreek.com. Be sure to check the "Events" and "Announcing" sections on the bottom of the home page.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 09:12 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 20, 2006

Triple Crown feature by Climbing Magazine

Climbing Magazine has a great writeup of the Triple Crown with a photo gallery. Check it out at this page on their Web site.

I think this feature will also be in the next issue of the magazine, so watch your news stands as well.

RockCreek has been a proud sponsor of the Triple Crown since its inception several years ago. For updates on the series, check our Triple Crown page on RockCreek.com.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:01 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

February 06, 2006

Update on Triple Crown Fundraising Efforts

2 February 2006

Update on Triple Crown Fundraising Efforts:

In the Fall of 2005, in an unprecedented effort to raise money for direct access, Chaco Sandals “teamed up” with RockCreek.com, Alabama Outdoors, and The Triple Crown Bouldering Series.

Long recognized as a major contributor to environmental causes, Chaco, in conjunction with Rock/Creek Outfitters and Alabama Outdoors provided unique Custom Performance Sandals for competitors to purchase at the 2005 Triple Crown. The sandals were developed using a custom strap and also had the new Stealth Diamond Pattern Sole. Ultimately, over $4,000 was raised through the sale of the Chaco sandals!

Proceeds from the sandal sales were earmarked for donation to Rumbling Bald. However, during the course of the Triple Crown series, negotiations between the Carolina Climbers’ Coalition and the State of North Carolina secured access for the future to this fantastic bouldering/trad climbing area. Rumbling Bald will become a State Park!

With the serious concern that has developed in regard to the CCC’s purchase of Laurel Knob located in Jackson County NC, a decision was made to re-direct the Chaco Sandals donation toward the purchase of this fantastic crag. For a full update on the massive efforts to gain access to this resource, see the CCC homepage. http://www.carolinaclimbers.org/

The Triple Crown and The Southeastern Climbers’ Coalition want to take the opportunity to say a huge thank-you to Chaco. These guys have quietly gone about the business of gaining and maintaining access for outdoor recreation for years. With the help of regional retailers like Rock/Creek Outfitters, Alabama Outdoors, The Great Outdoor Provision Company, and others, Chaco will put close to $20,000 into direct action causes in 2006 here in the Southeast alone. Thanks Chaco for supporting access to the many outdoor resources here in the Southeast and throughout the United States.

-Chad Wykle

Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

January 31, 2006

Triple Crown Final Results

January 7th dawned cold and perfectly sunny in Chattanooga for the Triple Crown Finale - and amazing conditions unfolded at Little Rock City by mid-day that allowed for one of the best weather days of the season.

Was it the weather that provided all of the inspired bouldering, or was it some kind of strange "Kharmic" mix of motivated friends that produced "career days" for so many? Who knows-but one thing's for sure; fantastic scores were the norm, and the day felt more like a massive "session" than a competition.

Continue reading "Triple Crown Final Results"

Posted by Mark McKnight at 04:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

December 19, 2005

Triple Crown LRC Comp Rescheduled

Dear Triple Crowners!-

We have rescheduled the Little Rock City Bouldering Competition for Saturday January 7th 2006. An e-mail containing all of the competition particulars will be coming in the next few weeks. The itinerary for the competition will be very similar to the plan that we had for December 3rd. Should the weather be poor on the 7th the competition will be moved to Sunday January 8th.

We also want to send out a very special thank-you to all of the folks who braved the weather and came out to the First Tennessee Pavilion on Sunday for our Speed Climbing and Dyno competition. We raised over $3,000 for Habitat for Humanity! We want to say a very special thank-you to the competitors that donated their cash prizes ($900) to the cause as well—Heath Bailey, Kate Reese, Alli Rainey-Wendling, Ronnie Jenkins, Dave Graham and Nancy Jackson.

The representatives for Habitat for Humanity were brought to tears by the size of the donation, and extremely thankful to the entire climbing community for their support. They reported that, “this money would cover the cost of a roof or floor for a new home for an underprivileged family.” They were especially moved by the fact that the competitors gave back their winnings.

Big thanks to all of our sponsors (Rock/Creek Outfitters, Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, Chaco, Misty Mountain, Oakley, Rockstar Beverages, Arborwear, Montrail, and Metolius), our volunteers, and climbers for helping us make this happen!

Please keep checking the SCC website and the Triple Crown website for updates and information.

**Those participants that cannot attend should contact us by no later than Monday December 19th—

Best Regards,

Jim and Chad

Posted by Mark McKnight at 09:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

November 14, 2005

Custom Chaco Sandals for the Triple Crown

From the latest SNews issue:

Chaco footwear, in conjunction with Rock Creek Outfitters [RockCreek.com's parent company] and Alabama Outdoors, will offer one-of-a-kind performance sandals available for purchase at the 2005 Triple Crown Bouldering Series. Proceeds will help the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Carolina Climbers' Coalition gain permanent public access to bouldering, climbing and hiking areas in the United States.

Featuring two custom webbing designs not available in stores, Chaco performance sandals will be available for purchase to all participants and attendees of the Triple Crown series at nearly 40 percent off regular retail. A large portion of the proceeds are going to help create a new state park at Rumbling Bald, N.C., known for climbing and bouldering. Upcoming Triple Crown www.triplecrownbouldering.org.

Events are Nov. 5 in Steele, Ala., and Dec. 3 in Chattanooga, Tenn. Chaco, Rock Creek and Alabama Outdoors say they'll put close to $20,000 into direct action causes in 2006 in the Southeast alone.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 03:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 31, 2005

The Truth about the RockCreek.com Stump Jump 50K

10.10.05
By: Big Red Robinson

The Stump Jump is one of the easiest 50K's in the East.

There's really not much climbing--the total is only about 2200'.

Aside from a couple of little rocky patches, the trail is smooth and
non-technical. It's a much easier course than Mountain Mist.

Oh yes, and possums are purple, have fairy wings, and fly South for the Winter.

'Well, this is a pretty nasty hill, early in the race, but it must be one of very few, since there's only about 2000 feet of climbing. I guess I'll push it while I can.'

The course began as asphalt and stayed that way for a half-mile or so. I charged ahead to take the lead shortly after the gun and maintained this position for several tens of yards. It was quite satisfying. I felt like the real Big Red. There was a short fella and a fella with a big tattoo on one leg at the front. I ogled them from behind before overtaking them in my one show of strength for the day. I knew the short fella was going to be strong, because the tattooed fella called him Josh. The tattooed fella, though larger and bit rougher, I knew would be swift, because of the tattoos. (You see, this inking contains a not so coded message, regardless of the graphical details: 'I'm real fast and I torture ALL of the hills.' Most of my competent ultra friends have these markings. I, alas, have nothing remarkable on my peel aside from a few hairy moles.) Later, my friend Stephen, who also has no tattoos, would explain to me that this kid was none other than Bryan Dayton, training partner of Dave Mackey, destroyer of 50K fields. Stephen also explained that Bryan was at the Stump Jump because his parents live in the South, not far from Signal Mountain, in Tullahoma, Tennessee. 'He's probably a nice guy with a good upbringing,' I reflected.

My strategy was to go out hard then settle into my true place in the universe within that No Man's Land, that Void, between the leaders and the masses. Hard indeed. After six or seven miles of brutally rocky, wildly ragged, Cumberland style punishment, I really thought I might DNF. 'This is gonna require anywhere from 1.5 to 2.0 liters of Coca Cola to pull off,' I thought to myself. 'Pretty soon I'm gonna start gettin passed like a Sunday driver. The Tennessee River Gorge sure is pretty today.' I was quite miserable, but in the end, I learned that I was in a lot better endurance shape than I thought, as I was able to continue making myself miserable for the next four hours. I could do nothing with the bigger climbs but walk fast and shuffle intermittently but I managed to blaze the downs and the very rare flats hard enough to maintain my self-respect.

At mile six or seven, the leader (intimidatingly tattooed Bryan) comes up behind me and passes me! Holy! 'How far ahead are they?' 'Around ten minutes I would guess.' Later I would learn that a whole lot of folks took a wrong turn early in the race and accumulated a few bonus miles in the process. This could partially explain why no one passed me in the race. Bryan, despite having lost ten, fifteen minutes went on to win in a course record time of, get this, 4:01. When he passed me this second time, I noticed how colorful and elaborate the picture on his leg really was.

A massive boulder perched on a delicate column. The shattered remains of an old plateau, crust of an ocean bottom, sliding away over eons. The gaping maw opening up to catch me on its loamy palate, to chew on me with its granite teeth. I'm tossed up and down on phantasmagoric earth waves, splattered over a field of smooth, ancient stones, thrown down the devil's staircase. I hear no footsteps behind me. I catch two men, uniformed in black, in a mossy gulch. 'Where do you come from?' I came from Rocket City, but I was born in the valley below at Memorial Hospital. Cool. I pass over a familiar road again. A man at an aid station notes, 'It says here Big Robinson for runner number 90.' 'I'm an egotist and I'm sparing a more accomplished athlete from having his reputation intertwined with mine.' Tripwires snatch at my size 14 Orizabas. Fear of the two men in black pulls me up a nauseating climb to the last aid station. I slam four Coca-Colas, for the sixth and last time. A young kid wearing green appears before me, swaggering, tank absolutely empty. 'C'mon, kid, let's go!! I know you got somethin' left.' I hit asphalt again, flying, all out. I see the clock at the finish line at the top of the last, small hill. 5:01. My chest heaves and embarassingly loud grunts issue forth. I might have said a cuss word, but I don't think it came out fully formed. Shoulda broken five. Coincidences reach up from the past to weigh on my used up mind.

As confirmed by another runner's altimeter watch, the climb is much more than 2200'. More like 3500'. With the extra upsy-downsies that the organizers missed with their GPS mappings, they also probably missed a little horizontal distance.

The Truth is that the Stump Jump is a formidable eastern 50K (especially if you approach it with the mindset that it'll be easy) with a lot of technical running. It's at least as difficult as Mountain Mist, if not more, and it should be measured in units of Horton miles. That is The Truth.

More importantly, the Stump Jump is a beautiful course in an unusual geological setting. I had outrageous fun. The aid stations are wonderful and staffed by extremely helpful and friendly people who understand the importance of Coca-Cola. The goodie bag was totally on, with two pairs of technical wool trail socks, a North Face drop bag, a Marmot tech-T, and the latest Trail Runner. Saves me at least two shopping trips. Thank you. I'll see you again next fall.

2005 Race Results

Fastest of the Fast Blaze the StumpJump

Race Information and Application

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:06 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 14, 2005

Houndears Results

Results are in for Houndears. Click here to check them out! The 4th annual Triple Crown Series - Houndears competition took place on Saturday, October 5th 2005 near Boone, North Carolina. Over 400 climbers and spectators lined up to be a part of the opening of fall climbing season in the deep south.

RockCreek.com is a proud sponsor of the Triple Crown Bouldering Competition.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:38 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

October 13, 2005

StumpJump Results Posted

We had a great time at the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K and 11 Mile trail race this weekend. Despite a bit of rain on Friday we had a great vendor fair at the downtown Chattanooga store. We had a great carbo supper which was free to racers this year. This event continues to grow; we had about 250 racers this year.

The race results are available here.

If you missed it this year, be sure to check back with us next year! We are always trying to improve this race and we look forward to an even better time in 2006.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 02:23 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

September 28, 2005

StumpJump Quickly Approaching

RockCreek.com's popular StumpJump 50K and 11 Mile trail race will take place October 8th. We have over 200 signups so far, so if you wanted to run this year make sure to get your application in soon! You can sign up online and get more information by clicking here.

Our sponsors have been gathering all their giveaways and raffle prizes for the Saturday night packet pick-up and vendor fair. The Vendor Fair runs October 7, 2005, 1-6PM EST, at 100 Tremont Street. The Carbo Supper (FREE for registered runners, $8 for non-runners, requires RSVP to Mike at StumpJump50K@comcast.net): 6-7PM EST, 100 Tremont Street.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 05:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack