Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:28 PM | Comments (0)

October 28, 2009

Rock/Creek's first ever StumpJump 50k Film

For this year's Rock/Creek StumpJump, we wanted to bring the ultra trail running experience as close to you as possible. With the work of Andrew Kornylak from Atlanta, GA, we bring you the sights, scenes, grunts and strains from this growing trail race. The entire weekend was awesome, thanks to everyone who participated as well as volunteers and Rock/Creek staff (and a little help from the beautiful weather).
An extended version with more in depth interviews will arrive later this season.
~ Rock/Creek

2009 Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K Ultra from Rock/Creek on Vimeo
Can't see the video above? Watch the Rock/Creek StumpJump video on YouTube > 

Thanks to all volunteers and especially the race sponsors! Rock/Creek, SmartWool, Salomon, The North Face, Marmot, Vasque Project, Hammer Nutrition, Patagonia, La Sportiva, Deuter, Columbia, END Footwear, Greenlife Grocery, Trail Runner Magazine, and Southern Sprint Water.

For more race information, visit rockcreek.com/stumpjump/

Produced by Andrew Kornylak akornphoto.com

 Become a fan of the Rock/Creek StumpJump on Facebook 



Become a fan of Rock/Creek on Facebook

Follow the StumpJump twitter feed for year-round updates on the race & training runs

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 10:39 AM | Comments (1)

October 23, 2009

Patagonia Fall Weekend Sale!

Sale Sandals Rain Jackets All Jackets

Climbing Gear Paddling Gear Travel Gear Camping & Hiking Gear

Sign Up to Win Gear Sign up today for a chance to WIN $500 of The North Face Gear Click here to Sign Up >

Patagonia Fleece Jackets On Sale > Patagonia Shirts on Sale> Patagonia Skirts & Dresses On Sale > Patagonia Softshell Jackets On Sale > Patagonia Pants On Sale > Patagonia Underwear & Baselayers On Sale >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)

Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival (Nov. 13 & 15)

Join Tennessee River Gorge Trust when they host the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival, On Tour at the Tennessee Aquarium on Friday, November 13 and Sunday, November 15, 2009.

These educational films aim to motivate viewers to make a difference in their community and around the world. The films expose people to forward-thinking ideas and global awareness with topics that range from community activism, conservation and wildlife to some that are just plain fun! Patagonia, one of our favorite brands at Rock/Creek, and one of the most environmentally-minded companies in our industry, sponsors this festival every year.

Friday (November 13) evening's films are geared toward a more mature audience with complimentary soft drinks, refreshments and a cash bar. Friday's feature films include Fighting Goliath: Texas Coal Wars, Homegrown Revolution, Renewal, and The Story of Stuff.

Sunday's (November 15) family-friendly event includes refreshments, storytelling by Jim Pfitzer, and light-hearted and thoughtful films that will inspire children and adults including Goldfish, Once Upon a Tide, and Seed.
To view film bios, please visit Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival.

EVENT DETAILS:

Dates and Times:
Friday, November 13, 7:00-10:00 p.m. Cost: $15/Adult
Family-Friendly Showing: Sunday, November 15, 2:00-3:30 p.m. Cost: $10/Adult & $5 Child (12- under)

Tickets can be purchased at www.tnaqua.org, Prices and Registration details available here. Proceeds Benefit the Tennessee River Gorge Trust. For more information, please visit www.trgt.org or contact the Trust office at 423.266.0314.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 8:53 AM | Comments (0)

October 21, 2009

Tennessee Wild- Wilderness Workshop (Oct 31)

There will be a Wilderness Workshop planned for Saturday, October 31 in Chattanooga. From 10 AM - 2 PM, Tennessee Wild will hold a Wilderness Workshop at the Chattanooga Nature Center. Representatives from Campaign for America's Wilderness and The Wilderness Society will be on hand for this fun and interactive training.

Attendees will learn how they can get involved with our effort to expand wilderness in Tennessee's Cherokee National Forest. The workshop is free and open to the public. Childcare will be provided.
Directions to the Chattanooga Nature Center >
For more information, or to register, please contact Jeff Hunter at 423-322-7866 or jeff@safc.org.

Tennessee Wild is dedicated to protecting wilderness on the Cherokee National Forest for the benefit and enjoyment of current and future generations. They aim to educate the public about the benefits of wilderness and promote volunteerism and the sound stewardship of Tennessee's wild places.

Tennessee Wild organizations include:

Tennessee Citizens for Wilderness Planning
Sierra Club: Harvey Broome Chapter (Knoxville, TN)
The Wilderness Society
Cherokee Forest Voices
Smoky Mountains Hiking Club
Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition
Southern Environmental Law Center
Campaign for America's Wilderness

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 9:39 AM | Comments (0)

October 19, 2009

Over $13,000 Raised for Trails at 9th Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k

Crisp air and Tennessee dirt packed trails welcomed more than 600 determined trail runners the morning of October 3, 2009, for the 9th Annual Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k and 11 miler. Today, Rock/Creek announced that race entries and matching donations from a variety of sponsors raised over $13,000 for The Wilderness Trail Running Association (aka The Boonies). The money will be used in The Boonies' ongoing efforts to secure access to new trails, maintain existing trail systems, and run great trail races. Specifically, beneficiaries this year include The Cumberland Trail Conference, Friends of the Cumberland Trail, Lula Lake Land Trust, and the Signal Mountain High School Cross Country team.

Winner Joshua Wheeler of the Rock/Creek Race Team came in three minutes ahead of last year's time for a first place men's winning time of 4:15:00. Wheeler grew up in Signal Mountain and lives in Boone, NC. Nicholas Selbo, from Chattanooga, TN, came in second with a time of 4:21:53. Third place male finisher, Bryan Dayton came in at 4:34:57. He also grew up near Chattanooga and now lives in Boulder, CO and represents Vasque. First place female overall was Sally Brooking from Marietta, GA with a time of 5:37:28; just 6 minutes shy of 2008's winning time for females. Rock/Creek race team member and Signal Mountain, TN resident, Jaclyn Greenhill, came in second with 5:45:10 and Emily Ansick of Auburn, AL finished third female with a time of 5:51:39.

Male Masters winner Jay Curwen from Asheville, NC didn't quite clear the stumps, resulting in a slight injury on the trail, however, that did not hinder his solid finish time of 4:55:34. Following behind him were male masters finishers John Dove from Georgia with a time of 5:10:48 and third place male and Rock/Creek Race Team Member Randy Whorton from Chattanooga, TN with a time of 5:17:43. First place female masters winner was Enid Gonzalez from Kennesaw, GA in 6:13:48 and second place was Nancy Lewis From Greensboro, GA with 6:58:48. Third place, in 6:59:43, was Lisa Zaccarelli of Nashville, TN.

Runners Theodore Towse from Nashville, Marcus Faudi from Soddy Daisy, TN, and Brad Schneider from Bowling Green, KY took the podium spots in the 11 mile race with times of 1:25:41, 1:26:59, and 1:27:16. The women's podium included Shanna Hutchinson of Aspen, CO, Elizabeth Callaway of Athens, GA, and Lucie Becus of Franklin, TN, with times of 1:39:37, 1:42:32 and 1:45:42 respectively.

Rock/Creek hosted a vibrant vendor fair and packet pick up the Friday before the race at their 2 North Shore location. As hundreds of racers came through to pick up packets, the general public was invited to browse the latest gear and sign up for giveaways and raffles from race sponsors. After the fair, registered racers enjoyed a catered carbo supper where Laura Fryer from La Sportiva gave away dozens of pairs of free trail running shoes.

Saturday came quickly and beautiful weather awaited the runners as they congregated at Signal Mountain High School for the race start. After a pep talk from race organizers, the 50k and 11 Mile racers were off for a road start to thin the field before they hopped on to narrow singletrack trails. The race was a spectacle of gazelle-like speed, agility, and athleticism, as the top runners confronted challenging descents and climbs. First time racers were surprised by a few unique geological formations with names like Mushroom Rock, Indian Rock House, and the ankle-busting Rock Garden.

The Chattanooga area was represented by the accomplished ultramarathon runner and Rock/Creek Race Team Member, Joshua Wheeler, from Signal Mountain, TN. Andy Anderson from Truckee, CA, brother of 2008 StumpJump Champion and fellow team member, John Anderson (now of Boulder, CO), also grew up here. Wheeler, coming off a recent tibia injury, took a risk to train hard for this race after returning from a medical mission in Africa. He started building mileage in Africa and ramped up his weekly mileage to 100-120 miles a week in mid to late August. "For six weeks I went and found the most technical and steepest trails around. I knew going into the race that Bryan Dayton would be strong; being the 50k National Champion, I knew he was the greatest threat. It has always been a project and a dream of mine to win that race [StumpJump 50k]; I'm thrilled to have a high finish against a pretty competitive field while coming off an injury. It was finally great to string all the training together," Wheeler explains.

Race Director Jonathan Mobley credited the perfect combination of weather, racers, volunteers, and sponsors for the ultimate success of the race: "Rock/Creek's StumpJump exceeded my expectations on more levels than I could take the time to explain. We could not have asked for a more beautiful early Fall day. Participants were anxious to get on the trail and were excited by what they had accomplished when they crossed the finish line. No matter what personal goals runners had set forth for themselves, they were all equally inspiring. I would like to personally thank all of our sponsors for their endless support and volunteers for their tireless efforts to make this race a huge success. Looking forward to seeing everyone again next year!"

Now in it's 9th year running, the Rock/Creek StumpJump is gaining national recognition and prestige as one of the top 50k trail runs in the country, with racers form 20 states in attendance. This year's race will go down in Rock/Creek Trail Series history as the beginning of something tremendous for Southeast trail running, acting as a magnet for running talents and sponsored athletes such as Dean Karnazes (The North Face), Krissy Moehl and Bryan Dayton (Vasque) and hometown heroes like Wheeler and Greenhill. Moehl, who also represents Patagonia, had just come from a victory at the Tour de Mont Blanc, and decided not to race but was on hand to volunteer.

Top racers as well as raffle winners took home over $20,000 worth of prizes from various sponsors, including tents, sleeping bags and packs from The North Face. All 50k racers took home a pair of SmartWool socks and everyone down to the volunteers scored a technical t-shirt from Marmot. Hammer Nutrition and Greenlife Grocery provided race day nutrition and prizes. Volunteers from Signal Mountain and Ooltewah Cross Country teams helped hand out finishers' medals and cook hamburgers for the post-race meal. The day's festivities didn't end with that meal however, as Dean Karnazes headed back down the mountain after running the race to give another presentation as part of The North Face Speaker Series. A private VIP reception before the show raised well over $6,000 for Lula Lake Land Trust, with money coming in from ticket sales and being matched by Volkswagen, Audi Chattanooga, and First Tennessee. Other sponsors included Lyndhurst Foundation, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Medium, Talk Radio 102.3, Riverside Wine and Spirits, and Smart|Furniture.

The Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k and 11 mile course would not exist in its current location without the support of the Cumberland Trail Conference, a non-profit organization responsible for trail building, maintenance, and fund raising for what will eventually be a 300+ mile trail stretching across the state of Tennessee. As a beneficiary of the race, the CTC is guaranteed funds for support and published trail maintenance days, so be sure to check with the Rock/Creek Chronicle to plan for upcoming events.

Race sponsors included Rock/Creek, The North Face, SmartWool, Marmot, Vasque Project and BOA Lacing System, Salomon, Hammer Nutrition, Patagonia, La Sportiva, Deuter, Columbia, END Footwear, KEEN, Chaco, Merrell, Greenlife Grocery, Trail Runner Magazine, and Southern Spring Water.

Rock/Creek StumpJump is the oldest and largest of the 10 Rock/Creek Trail Series races. The next race will be the Upchuck 50k in November, then on to the longest trail race in Tennessee history, the Lookout Mountain 100k. For more information on the series, visit: http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/

For photography and official results, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump/

Photos courtesy Rock/Creek, c. Lucas George (top) and Rachel Tucker (middle & bottom).

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:25 PM | Comments (0)

October 9, 2009

The North Face 2-Week Exclusive Invitation

Sale Sandals Rain Jackets All Jackets

Climbing Gear Paddling Gear Travel Gear Camping & Hiking Gear

Sign Up to Win Gear Sign up today for a chance to WIN $500 of The North Face Gear Click here to Sign Up >

The North Face Fleece Jackets > The North Face Day Packs > The North Face 3-in-1 Jackets > Down & Synthetic Insulated Jackets > The North Face Shirts > The North Face Pants >

Posted by Mark McKnight at 1:22 PM | Comments (0)

October 6, 2009

Rock/Creek StumpJump Results & Photos

Rock/Creek's 9th Annual StumpJump 50k & 11 Mile trail race results are now posted! Check the race page for results. Also, be sure to become a fan of the StumpJump on Facebook and post links to your photos & race reports!

Rock/Creek Race Team member Josh Wheeler won the race in 4:15:00. He also set a record for this new course (we're running for the second year on this course, which is generally accepted as a "longer" 50k than the original course). Nicholas Selbo, also a Chattanooga native, placed second. Bryan Dayton of Boulder, CO, who won the race back in 2005 and held course record on the old course (prior to construction of Signal Mountain High School), came in 3rd.

Sally Brooking of Marietta, GA came in first female with a time of 5:27:28. Rock/Creek Race Team member Jaclyn Greenhill took second in 5:45:10. Jenny Hadfield of Willow Spring, IL took third in 5:46:44.

Race results have been posted online. The race went off Saturday with beautiful weather and world-class runners. In addition to Josh's win, we had several Rock/Creek Race Team members place well: Jeff Edmonds and Andy Anderson, came in 4th and 6th. Masters winner Jay Curwen of Asheville, NC finished and won the masters title despite breaking his arm on the course. He refused help and finished the race before heading off for treatment.

Josh Wheeler, originally of Signal Mountain, grew up in the area and has raced the StumpJump several times. He said he was coming off an injury and was thrilled to win the race. "I always wanted to win that race; it always was a project and a dream of mine to win," Josh said.

"Sponsors and volunteers made the race happen," explains Race Director Jonathan Mobley: "We really have to thank The North Face, SmartWool, Marmot, Vasque Project, Salomon, Hammer Nutrition, Patagonia, La Sportiva, Deuter Packs, Columbia, END Footwear, Greenlife Grocery, Trail Runner, KEEN, Chaco, Trail Runner Magazine, Southern Spring Water, and of course Signal Mountain High School, The Cumberland Trail and all the rangers at Prentice Cooper WMA. Without all these players we would not have a race."

Congrats to all finishers, and everyone who had the courage to come out and give it a try! We're really looking forward to an amazing 10th anniversary race, so stay tuned for 2010 details.

Mark your calendars now for the next race on October 2, 2010! Visit the Rock/Creek StumpJump Web site for year-round updates on sponsors, venues, and other developments.

Also keep in mind that the Rock/Creek Trail Series includes 10 race dates throughout the year. Our next race is the Upchuck 50k, a very tough ultra for those who didn't think the StumpJump was hard enough. December 19th's Lookout Mountain 100k & 10k is also part of the Vasque Project and should not be missed. Come run with us before you gorge yourself on turkey and holiday sweets!

Come join the discussion at the new Boonies Web site, http://www.runintheboonies.org/

Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:45 PM | Comments (0)

October 1, 2009

Rock/Creek StumpJump speaker Dean Karnazes in Chattanooga Times Free Press

As the weekend's momentum for the Rock/Creek StumpJump events are about to hit full swing, Rock/Creek is proud to share local coverage our StumpJump guest speaker Dean Karnazes is receiving for his accomplishments and coming arrival.
Coming to Chattanooga as part of the StumpJump 50k weekend, The North Face sponsored athlete Dean Karnazes will be speaking to the racers and the public for two nights only.

Joan Garrett, Chattanooga Times Free Press reporter, caught up with Dean for a quick phone interview before he heads our way. Here are a few things Dean had to say when asked questions about his beginning to run and why. He was out celebrating his 30th birthday and expressed a life changing moment...

A:...at 11pm at night I just said ' I am leaving, I am going running...to run 30 miles tonight to celebrate my 30th birthday' That one night of gusto changed the course of my life"
Q: What do you think about when you want to quit?
A: I use a technique I call baby steps. We tend to get ahead of ourselves especially in a marathon or half marathon... Don't think about what is still left in front of you. Just be in the moment, and be really present. Think about your next footstep. Do your very best in your next footstep, your next footstep and your next footstep"
[Read the Full Article w/ Audio]

Last Minute ticket purchases for Saturday's (10/3) public presentation at 7pm are still available online. Follow the link to PURCHASE SATURDAY TICKETS >

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)

September 30, 2009

Dean Karnazes' 50/50 Book Available at Rock/Creek

New York Times Best Selling Author and Ultramarathon runner Dean Karnazes is part of the Rock/Creek StumpJump weekend this October 2-3rd weekend. You can purchase a pre-ordered copy of Dean's newest book 50/50- Secrets I learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days-and How You Too Can Achieve Super Endurance! To pre-order purchase "50/50" go to http://www.rockcreek.com/books-and-calendars/5050-by-dean-karnazes/. We can hold the book for you to pick up at the event. Simply type "Will Pick Up In Store" in the comments at checkout. After the events, we will mail any books that have not been picked up. As a bonus, we will do our best to get the books signed.

Dean Karnazes will be speaking to the public at 2 North Shore on October 3, 2009. $8 general admission tickets are still available to purchase online and in-stores.

Go The Extra Mile: Life on the Run
A talk with Dean Karnazes, Ultramarathoner 

Rock/Creek 2 North Shore, Chattanooga, TN
October 3, 2009

‘Superhuman’ is the only word to describe Dean Karnazes’ feat of running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Dubbed "The Ultramarathon Man," and ranked among the 100 Time Magazine’s most influential people, Dean’s message to all is, "Get off the couch, get healthy, go the extra mile." With that mantra, and with a physiology adapted for endless running, he’s run 350 miles - nonstop - and most recently completed an ultramarathon across the world’s four great deserts, the Atacama, Sahara, Gobi and Antarctic.

Reserve your tickets today:

Saturday Event:

Three ticket options are available:



 CLICK HERE to Purchase Tickets Today!
Limited Quantity Available; these will go fast, so don't delay

$20- VIP Ticket includes the 6pm VIP Reception & Seat Reservation for the 7pm Presentation

$8  - General Admission Ticket includes Seat Reservation for the 7pm Presentation

$0  - Free Admission Ticket include a limited quantity of available free tickets.
         First come first serve with no Seat Reservation Guarantee for the 7pm Presentation
 
 After the amazing 2009 StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Race has finished and all stumps have been jumped, come join us for a VIP Reception at the One North Shore Penthouse for a one-on-one opportunity to mingle with Dean Karnazes. Thanks to smart|furniture for sponsoring the space, and to The North Face for bringing such an exciting speaker to Chattanooga. Tickets are required.

All proceeds from the sale of tickets will go to Lula Lake Land Trust. Help us preserve this amazing piece of property on Lookout Mountain! *Special Note: The VIP Reception is a Ticketed Event; separate from the Rock/Creek Trail Series Registration and the StumpJump Race Registration process.

 
Note: Friday's talk is open to Rock/Creek StumpJump runners only. 
See information on the Rock/Creek StumpJump here >

 

Read the book before you see the presentation!


Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner
by Dean Karnazes profiles his life and experiences with being one of the best ultramarathoners in the country.
Read and become inspired as one runner says,

"when I turned the last page, I immediately got out my running gear and had one of my best runs in a while" -Dave


Available online at rockcreek.com or in our two main store locations Rock/Creek at Hamilton Place and Rock/Creek at Two North Shore. 

Posted by Mark McKnight at 6:12 PM | Comments (0)

September 28, 2009

Spend an Afternoon with the Birds at Cloudland Canyon State Park (10/4)

The Lookout Mountain Conservancy (LMC) invites everyone to spend an afternoon at Cloudland Canyon State Park in Rising Fawn, GA on Sunday, October 4, 2009, from 3:00 until 5:00pm EDT.

The event is an opportunity for people to learn more about the LMC and its projects and meet Nate Thomas, LMC Project Manager. Kevin Calhoon, Assistant Curator of Forests for the Tennessee Aquarium will give an informative talk about birds that live, breed and migrate through Lookout Mountain on their annual voyage to and from the tropics. Joshua McKinley, Cloudland Canyon Interpretive Ranger, will be on hand to share information about the park. Refreshments will be served and the event is open to the public. A $5 parking pass is required at all Georgia Sate Parks. The fee, collected at the entrance to the Park, helps cover maintenance for recreational facilities in Cloudland Canyon.

The Lookout Mountain Conservancy is a public, non-profit land trust advocating, through partnerships and projects, for wise land use and good growth across the full 93 miles of Lookout Mountain. From Hamilton County, Tennessee to Etowah County, Alabama, LMC works to protect significant scenic, historic and ecological sites by connecting existing conservation areas. LMC provides environmental education and information to landowners and other interested parties about land conservation options. And, LMC promotes greenway development and conservation planning. The mission of the LMC is to protect and promote the stewardship of Lookout Mountain's resources of scenic, historical and ecological value.

Nate Thomas has more than 17 years experience in the environmental and conservation fields. He most recently served as North Georgia Conservation Manager for the Georgia chapter of The Nature Conservancy. As Project Manager for the LMC, he focuses on land management and conservation planning activities for the organization. Kevin Calhoon has been with the Tennessee Aquarium since its inception in 1991. He has led 11 expeditions for Tennessee Aquarium members, most recently to Antarctica. He has been a statistician for the Chattanooga chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society (TOS) for many years, coordinating local and regional bird counts, and has studied bird species from the South Pole to the tropics to Southeast Tennessee and beyond. In addition to his work with TOS, Kevin has been a long time member of Tennessee Bird Records Committee. Cloudland Canyon State Park is located on the western edge of Lookout Mountain. The park straddles a deep gorge cut into the mountain by Sitton Gulch Creek and elevation varies from 800 to 1,980 feet. Two waterfalls cascade over layers of sandstone and shale into pools below, making Cloudland Canyon one of the most scenic parks in the state of Georgia. Joshua McKinley has been an Interpretive Ranger with Cloudland Canyon for 5 years.

For more information about the event on October 4, or to find out more about the LMC, please contact Robyn Carlton, CEO at 423-424-3882 or visit www.lookoutmountainconservancy.org.
For directions to Cloudland Canyon State Park, please contact the Park at 706-657-4050 or visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)

September 18, 2009

Rock/Creek & Urban Rocks Host Climbing Gear Demo

Rock/Creek has teamed up with local Chattanooga climbing gym, Urban Rocks, to offer a night of climbing and gear demos from some of the top selling climbing gear manufacturers. Get your hands chalked and your feet ready for a night of gear demos as you slip on this year's best rated gear.

Top brands Metolius, Sterling and Evolv will have plenty of products to test out on the climbing walls.

Here are the details:
When: Wednesday, September 30th
Time: 5PM - 9PM

Price: The first 50 people can climb and test products for free!
*After the 1st 50 people normal Urban Rocks Day Pass rates apply.

A big thanks passed around to Rock/Creek, Metolius, Sterling and Evolv for making this night possible.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 5:14 PM | Comments (0)

September 11, 2009

The Beta Climbing Video Series: Six Feet Under with Brion Voges

Andrew Kornylak brings us the latest in "The Beta" climbing video series. FiveTen climber Brion Voges of Chattanooga, Tennessee drops the beta on "Six Feet Under" (V5), and "Instinct" (V7), two classic lines at The Stone Fort, near Chattanooga - the last leg of the Triple Crown Bouldering Series.

The Beta - Six Feet Under from Andrew Kornylak on Vimeo.

triplecrownbouldering.com - Brought to you by Marmot!

Support Climbing Access!
Five Ten, Rock/Creek and Triple Crown have teamed up to bring you the brand spankin' new Team 5.10 Shoe... 3 months ahead of schedule!

October through December, at Rock/Creek, the Team 5.10 Shoe will be 10% Off... and for each pair that's sold, Rock/Creek and Five Ten will donate a percentage of the proceeds to support climbing access along The Cumberland Trail.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:22 AM | Comments (0)

September 4, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team places 5th at TransRockies Run

As usual, our Race Team members can always document their race experiences far better than we ever could from up here in the media office, therefore, the following is from our front runner (no pun intended) Rock/Creek Race Team Member, Matt Sims and his experience at the recent GORE-TEX TransRockies Run with fellow Rock/Creek Race Team Member Sheridan Ames, where they finished 5th in the 80+ men's division. - Rock/Creek

"The Trans Rockies is a 6 day stage race that takes you from Buena Vista to Beaver Creek, Colorado. The total distance over the 6 days is 115 miles. Elevation gained is around 25,000 feet. The format is teams of 2. You must run with your partner through the entire days course.

This event was incredible and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Is it hard? Yes...
Does the altitude affect a lowlander from Tennessee? Yes...
Is it worth the $2,000 entry fee? Yes...

The Trans Rockies event is very well organized. The team of event coordinators and sponsors take care of your every need. No detail is over looked during the 6 days of fun. When you arrive in Buena Vista, Colorado they give you a huge duffle bag that is home to all your gear for the week. Every morning you pack up the duffle with your personal items and drop it off at the U-Haul truck. While you are running they break down your tent (that they supply) and haul it to the next location where it is set up waiting for you when you arrive.

'What does a normal day look like at the Trans Rockies race?'

Wake up at 6am and crawl out of the tent, only to realize that it is 33 degrees and you wish you had brought a heavier down jacket. Stumble your way to the breakfast tent and fill up on eggs, bacon, cereal, oatmeal, and of course lots of coffee. Go back to your tent and pack up your sleeping bag and pad. Drop off your duffle and head to the starting line by 8:00am. At this point you look at the course map/profile and realize that you will likely suffer thru 4,000 feet of elevation gain and suffer even more when you have to run 9 miles down the mountain. High point today is only 12,600 feet. Oh, that should be fun. Go find your running partner and make them believe that you feel totally fresh and ready to run, as if the 24 mile day previous was no big deal.

8:00am- As you enter the starting line corral you have to go through a mandatory gear check. It is required that you have a emergency blanket, waterproof jacket, hat and gloves with you at all times. Once you have been "okay'd" you make your way up to the front when you suddenly realize that you aren't at a local race any longer. Both male and female winners of the Western States 100 are there. Standing beside them are another dozen male and female runners that have won countless 50k, 50 mile and 100 mile races. Then there is Dean Karnazes who looks like he is just going out for his routine morning jog.

Off you go down a dirt road that will eventually lead to a 20% grade up the mountain on single track trail. Stunning views await you at every turn. Eventually you pop out above tree line and realize how fortunate you are to be where you are. Every 7 miles you come to an aid station/checkpoint. This is where you graze through the fresh cut fruit, GU, pretzels and myriad of other snacks. Eventually you top out at your high point of the day and then run down hill forever, finally crossing the finish line sometime before noon.

At the finish line you gourd yourself on the post race food, reflect on the day and how you feel. Eventually you work up enough courage to go sit in the nearby creek for 15 minutes to speed up the muscle recovery of your legs. After you've done this you walk to your tent, grab your duffle back and head to the mobile shower.
Once you've cleaned up then you are ready to hang out at the Salomon/Gore-Tex Relaxation Station where you can eat, listen to music, stretch and basically just hang out. If you want a massage then walk across the grass field and go pick between 20 massage therapists. If you'd rather walk into town and grab a beer, check your email, post a tweet or blog your little heart out, then go for it.

Dinner is at 5:00pm underneath the tent. It's literally a little city of runners that moves from one place to the next. After dinner they do awards and photo/video presentation of the day. It's always a ton of fun during the evening ceremony. The evening ceremony typically ends around 9:00pm, where you can then choose to hang out by the fire or head straight to your tent. For me, choosing the tent was always a no brainer.

People have asked me if it was worth the $2,000 entry fee (per team). I think any normal week vacation is going to cost around $2,000. In my mind this was a true vacation. I was doing what I love to do, which is run; in a unique place with a bunch of great people. We met some really good folks that we will undoubtedly stay in touch with. Every day is filled with activity as well as plenty of rest. I will also say that the sponsors of this event really out did themselves. They gave away so much stuff to every participant that I seriously thought I was going to have to ship a box back home. This doesn't make or break the event in my mind, but if you are one that really likes to "get" free stuff, this is the event for you. (jackets, watches, gloves, scarf, flashlights, first aid kits, duffle bags, hats, visors, socks, coffee mugs, water bottles) and the list goes on...

Go do the Trans Rockies race next year. Sign up early, because this event is gaining in popularity every year. Keep in mind that if you are not a "camper", you shouldn't let this stop you. You can easily do this event and sleep in a hotel or campground cabin every night. There were even families of runners that brought their kids. It's totally doable for the average runner.

'How do I prepare for the Trans Rockies?'
Run... Run up hill and run downhill and when you are done running, then run some more. If you live at sea level, then run with a bag over your head.
[Editor's Note: Extreme sarcasm was used in the previous statement. We DO NOT support running with a bag over your head as an effective training model, so don't even try it!]

While we don't have anything quite as extensive as the TransRockies, we do have the Lookout 100k coming up, as well as the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k, where Dean Karnazes will be running as well as speaking. Come join us, and hear first hand from Matt and Sheridan about the race!

Also, big thanks to Salomon for inviting the team out for the race!

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 3:10 PM | Comments (0)

September 3, 2009

Rock/Creek & Community Clean up Stringer's Ridge, Shocked at Extent of Trash Dumping

Chainsaws whistled against fallen trees limbs and the strain from the Jeep's wench caused enough disturbance in the woods to make any spectator's hands sweat with anticipation of the destined mud, sludge, and decayed trash they were about to encounter! The smell of exhaust clouds from the overheating Jeep were shortly overpowered by the stench of garbage and discolored bottles with "who knows what" inside.

This past Saturday more than 80 good-willed volunteers arrived for a Stringer's Ridge clean up day. What began as the first official clean up in response to the recent purchase by The Trust for Public Land (TPL) of 92 acres of wooded land in North Chattanooga evolved into a raucous of volunteers seemingly willing to bathe in rotten trash and dark chocolate colored mud, all for the sake of a cleaner Stringer's Ridge.

"The success of the day can be measured by the number of people who showed up with a genuine interest and concern in turning Stringer's into a usable piece of land" says Rock/Creek co-owner and land preservation advocate, Dawson Wheeler: "From the supporting groups such as SORBA, TPL, The Boonies and Rock/Creek, it was inspiring to see this many people come, willing to work HARD!" Over two million dollars has been raised from public and private donors to help save the land from development. Grassroots efforts have been an instrumental part of the fundraising. Organized pledges have also helped, and one such campaign, "The Rock/Creek Challenge," continues today. Rock/Creek has agreed to match customers' contributions up to $5,000, and has already donated $2,000 toward this matching gift.

Volunteers rolled hundreds of tires up a drainage valley apparently designated by the less environmentally-conscious as the local dumping spot. Volunteers filled a large dumpster provided by the city with trash, and more bags remain at the trail head to be hauled off this week. Local field organizer and wilderness advocate Jeffrey Hunter volunteered and had this to say: "I enjoyed picking up trash. Those truck tires were tough to handle though. I left at 11 AM tired, muddy & satisfied." A common theme during the work day was the surprising amount of commercial dumping that has occurred at Stringer's. The quantity of trash collected between the relatively short period of 9am to 1pm was so tremendous that a second construction-sized dumpster will be required to pick up the remainder of the trash bags from the first clean up attempt. A large amount of trash remains on the site for future trail days. Volunteers also constructed metal barriers that will prevent vehicular access by those wishing to dump trash on this land.

The Stringer's Ridge land was purchased through TPL as a result of support from citizens, multiple local businesses, corporations and non-profit organizations such as SORBA and The Boonies. The campaign is largely community-driven, with little government assistance and minimal Chattanooga press interest. As a result, this effort has taken deep roots in the hearts of self-motivated Chattanoogans who want to see improvements to their neighboring green spaces.

"We were asked numerous times by people from neighboring North Chattanooga, the bike clubs and the trail runners 'when are we going to do maintenance?'" explains Trust for Public Land Field Organizer, Rick Wood: " It just goes to prove that people really care and show interest in the ridge. For example, organized groups are already asking permission to go build up trails and solve erosion issues."

On Saturday, in a brief time span of four hours, volunteers filled more than 110 (45 gallons each) trash bags full of garbage. "I think we were all a little surprised at the amount of JUNK that was up there, but we were able to truly see the needs of the land" says Wood.

When asked how this first clean up attempt effected the future of Stringer's Ridge, Rick had this to say: "Yes, we made a dent, but it really opened our eyes to some 'hot spots' which will require hours of work, and heavy machinery to pull huge commercial truck and tractor tires out of the mud."

Despite the fact that this major land purchase nears completion, TPL still needs donation momentum to assist with future clean up expenses and the final purchase. For those in the Chattanooga community wanting to help, there will be a second major clean up day scheduled in early fall. More volunteers are needed, and any machinery that can be loaned or donated for use will be tremendously welcomed.

To get involved today, take The Rock/Creek Challenge online: http://www.rockcreek.com/stringers/
Future trail days will be posted here.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)

August 19, 2009

Rock/Creek Helps Save (and Maintain) Stringer's Ridge

The Trust for Public Land and the City of Chattanooga has partnered with multiple local businesses such as Rock/Creek and non-profits like the Boonies, to present the first trail maintenance day at Stringer's Ridge on August 29, 2009 from 9:00am- 12:00pm.

This extensive campaign with the Trust for Public Land, is a grassroots movement for the local community to save and preserve land from future development. Now, come be a part of the success and bring your skills to assist; with such a variety of trades and practices represented, it is a true community event you do not want to miss.

Two staging groups will meet and disperse for the day from High Ridge Road or Bell Avenue. Outdoor organizations, scout troops, church youth groups, and other interested volunteers are encouraged to come help. SORBA and The Boonies will provide garbage bags, tools, and special giveaways from local bicycle shops and outdoor businesses. Volunteers should bring water and work gloves. For more information, email Jason Howard - advocacy@sorbachattanooga.org .
For more details or to see who is planning on attending, visit the Stringers Ridge Trail Maintenance Day event page on Facebook. [Login may be required]

Over the past few months, Rock/Creek has promoted fundraising for "Saving Stringer's Ridge" through a donation matching challenge with our customers called "The Rock/Creek Challenge".

If you are unable to make it out the day of the trail clean up, please consider making a donation through any of these links to benefit the non-profit Trust for Public Land.

Already, through generous donations from around the Chattanooga area, TPL is able to conduct this first promoted trail maintenance day.

Thank you for your support. We'll see you out on the trail!

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 5:28 PM | Comments (0)

August 14, 2009

Rock/Creek Donates $1,600 After Successful Greenway 5 Mile Trail Race

Locally-owned specialty outdoor retailer Rock/Creek announces a $1,600 donation from last Saturday's 2nd Annual Greenway 5 Mile Trail Race in Chattanooga, TN. The money will go to benefit local non-profit, The Wilderness Trail Running Association, aka, The Boonies. Rock/Creek's donation will be used to fund future races and trail maintenance efforts necessary to sustain open access to trail systems in the surrounding region. "We are committed to supporting The Boonies and other like-minded non-profit organizations and landowners who are working to preserve our region's natural resources for responsible and sustainable recreational use for years to come," says Dawson Wheeler, co-owner of Rock/Creek.

The Greenway 5 Mile Trail Race took place at Outdoor Chattanooga's Greenway Farm in Hixson, TN. Established in 2003 by the city of Chattanooga, Outdoor Chattanooga strives to increase tourism, bring new residents to the community, protect our natural resources, and enhance the health and well-being of citizens and visitors alike. "Our hope is that in partnering with events like the Greenway 5 Mile Trail Race, we can use venues like Greenway Farm to promote outdoor recreation as a signature lifestyle in and around Chattanooga," commented Philip Grymes, Executive Director of Outdoor Chattanooga.

New and experienced runners alike took to the trails in last Saturday's race. Jonathan Mobley, race director for the Rock/Creek Trail Series, estimates that at least half of the runners were racing for the first time on the trail: "We always do a quick straw poll before the race, and this time at least half of the runners raised their hand to identify themselves as first-time trail racers. We're seeing familiar faces from the road running crowd."

The race course led runners on a mixture of open gravel and grassy paths as well as a short section of singletrack named the Boy Scout loop. Although more challenging than some may have expected, this race was a great opportunity for those new to the sport of trail running.

Alan Horton of Knoxville, TN set a new course record with a blinding time of 29:23:00. Close behind in 2nd and 3rd place respectively were John Sillery of Chattanooga, 30:11:00 and Kevin Boucher of Chattanooga, 32:43:00. Amanda Afdahl, new to the Rock/Creek Trail Series this year, led the women's division with a time of 39:42. Amanda, a Resident Director at Covenant College in neighboring Lookout Mountain, GA, shared the podium with 3rd place finisher and fellow employee Debby Vannoy, 42:42:00. Debby is the Covenant College Cross Country Coach. Laurie Cook finished 2nd in the women's division with a time of 42:00.

When asked his thoughts on the race, Steve Hamaker, local Chattanooga resident and race participant, had this to say: "It rocked! The race was well organized. The course had a good balance of singletrack, switchbacks, and wide trails and was especially great for beginners. And Greenway Farm is a great location in Chattanooga for this sort of family-oriented event. I really enjoyed the race and am ready to do it again."

Mobley credits the success of the race to the support of sponsors and tireless efforts of race volunteers: "I am incredibly grateful first and foremost to Outdoor Chattanooga for providing access to Greenway Farm for the race, to Rock/Creek, Marmot, Salomon, SmartWool, END Footwear, Archer Physical Therapy and Greenlife Grocery for their generous support. And like any other race in the series, the Greenway 5 Mile would not be possible were it not for the efforts of our volunteer staff."

The Greenway 5 Mile Trail Race is the 5th of 8 races in the Rock/Creek Trail Race Series. For more information on the race, visit: http://www.rockcreek.com/greenway and for other races go to http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, travel and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media/

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)

August 12, 2009

Rock/Creek's Rolling O' Lab event featured on iMultisport

Our friends at iMultisport have begun video coverage for a variety of sports and highlights from community events. They were present at Rock/Creek's Two North Shore location when we hosted the Oakley Rolling O' Lab back in June. If you missed the event this year, click on the iMultisport logo below and take a look at the full spectrum of tests and insights the Oakley Rolling O'Lab had to offer.

The Oakley Rep in the beginning of the video is wearing the Oakley Jupiter Sunglasses. The Oakley Jupiter has High Definition Optic lenses as demonstrated in the visual clarity test conducted inside the Rolling O' Lab.

The Oakley Sunglasses used inside the Rolling O' Lab for the (ANSI) Industrial Impact test were the Oakley GasCans. The demonstration included the High Velocity Impact Test with a Quarter Inch ball bearing shot at the Plutonite® lens, 150 ft/second= 102 MPH.

Writer's Pick:
"The Oakley Enduring Edge Sunglasses for Women is currently my most favorite sporty looking pair of Oakley Sunglasses! For men, I have to say the Oakley Half Jacket Sunglasses (REG) are really good looking glasses on a guy" -Rachel

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 5:34 PM | Comments (0)

August 3, 2009

Rock/Creek Greenway 5 Mile- Last Call for Registration!

Have you signed up for the Greenway 5 Mile Trail Race yet?

You know you have been contemplating it every week, every day, every hour, for the past month... but you just have not listened to your curiosity yet...?

Well let Rock/Creek assures you, this will be a memorable event! With more than 100 participants already signed up this year, there's still plenty of room for YOU! The increasing numbers will offer great competition within the beautiful venue at Greenway Farms. This race is very low impact and tame compared to the rest of the Rock/Creek Trail Series, so do not hesitate to sign up for this self rewarding event.

Here are the details once again:

Time & Location:
-Greenway 5 Mile Trail Race is held at Greenway Farm on August 8, 2009 at 9:00am EST. The Race is apart of the Rock/Creek Trail Series benefitting The Wilderness Trail Running Association (The Boonies). Sponsored by Rock/Creek, Marmot, Salomon, SmartWool and END Footwear.

Cost:
-The cost for registration is just $10.
(This will not include the techinical tee-shirt/ logoed tee anymore, because the deadline for that has already passed.)

Registration Options:
-Day of race registration will be available starting at 8am at Greenway Farms (no shirt will be included)

-ONLINE REGISTRATION will close Friday, August 7th at 12 Noon.

Packet Pickup:
-Packet Pick up is on Friday, August 7th (4-7pm) at Rock/Creek's Two North Shore store location. (no shirt will be available to those registering during Packet Pickup)

To REGISTER for the Greenway 5 Miler go HERE >

Click for Directions from Rock/Creek Two North Shore to Greenway Farms >

Go To the Greenway Race Page >

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 2:15 PM | Comments (0)

July 21, 2009

Volunteer for the Cumberland Trail Conference!

To our local Chattanooga community: If you are looking for a fun, organized, and low stress opportunity to get involved, please consider the following volunteer options presented by The Cumberland Trail Conference.

August 1, 2009: On Saturday, 2:00pm EST, Obed Wild and Scenic River National Park visitor center, Wartburg, Tennessee, Tony Hook, General Manager, Cumberland Trail Conference, will be presenting the Cumberland Trail project. Information concerning the Cumberland Trail project's past, present and future will be discussed. For further information, please contact the park visitor center at 423-346-6294.

September 25-27: Trail maintenance Tennessee River Gorge Segment. Interested volunteers will meet in the morning at 8:00am EST at Signal Point parking lot. Volunteers will be helping to repair wooden steps at Signal Point. This is a National Public Lands Day (September 26) event. Volunteers will need work gloves, water, and lunch. Please register for this event at www. cumberlandtrail.org or by contacting the CTC at 931-456-6259

September 28-30: Trail maintenance Tennessee River Gorge Segment. Trail maintenance will be performed from Mushroom Rock to Indian Rock House, and the Mullins Cove and Pot Point loops. This maintenance is in preparation for the October 3, Stump Jump Race. Interested volunteers please contact Tony Hook at cumberlandtrail@rocketmail.com or 931-456-6259.

October 2-3: Rock/Creek Outfitters in Chattanooga, Vendor Fair and 2009 Stump Jump Trail Race. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Cumberland Trail project. Please contact Rock/Creek at 888-707-6708(toll free), 423-266-8200 or visit the website at www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump for more information.

October 6-9: Trail maintenance New River segment (formally Smoky Mountain segment). Maintenance will be performed from Cove Lake SP trailhead to Norma Road. Interested volunteers please contact CTC office at cumberlandtrail@rocketmail.com or 931-456-6259.

October 15-19, 22-25 and November 12-16: Bridge replacement Rock Creek segment. Deteriorated log bridges across Boiling Springs, Flat Branch, and Rocky Branch will be replaced. Volunteers are needed to help move material and construct bridges made of treated lumber, further details TBA. Interested volunteers please contact CTC office at cumberlandtrail@rocketmail.com or 931-456-6259.

November 6-8: Annual Statewide TTA meeting, Townsend, Tennessee. Please visit www.tennesseetrails.org for more information.

February 21-March27, 2010: Annual BreakAway program. Lodging will be at the Dogwood Lodge, Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee. Trail construction and maintenance will be in the North Chickamauga Gorge segment, further details TBA.

April-June 2010: Trail construction in the New River segment. This construction will take place in the North Cumberland WMA located in Anderson, Morgan, and Scott counties, further details TBA.

Keep in mind, these volunteer options fulfill activity suggestions from the Passport to the Outdoors Sweepstakes Entries!

For further questions about The Cumberland Trail Conference visit their website at: http://www.cumberlandtrail.org/index.html

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 5:43 PM | Comments (0)

July 15, 2009

Rock/Creek and Chaco Collect Hundreds of Donated Shoes for Communities in Need, Divert Waste from Landfills

Chaco teams up with Tennessee-based outdoor retailer on a philanthropic and environmental mission: to divert shoes with life still in them from landfills to those in need. Nashville non-profit, Soles4Souls, to distribute over 500 pairs of donated shoes. Chattanooga, TN (PRWEB) July 15, 2009 -- Rock/Creek and footwear manufacturer, Chaco, Inc., announced this week that that on behalf of customers who participated in their Chaco Recycle Program, they will donate over 500 pairs of lightly worn shoes to Soles4Souls, who will distribute them to people in need. This year marked the 6th anniversary of the Chaco Recycle Program, which with help from retailers like Rock/Creek has collected over 14,000 pairs of shoes since its launch in 2004. Recycled shoe collection box at Rock/Creek's flagship store in downtown Chattanooga.   It's a good fit for Rock/Creek and Chaco, two companies who are both committed to sustainability. Not only are customers' old shoes diverted from landfills, but they also provide extra miles for people who need them. We're proud to take part in the initiative. The mission of the recycle program is to encourage customers to donate their old but usable shoes rather than tossing them in the trash. During the two week program, Chaco and Rock/Creek offered customers a 20% discount on a new pair of Chaco Sandals in exchange for their donated shoes. "I would not hesitate to say there are even more pairs of shoes than the 500," said Rock/Creek buyer, Chad Wykle. "I saw customers donate several additional pairs beyond the one pair required to receive the 20% Chaco discount. The Chattanooga community and RockCreek.com shoppers really took to this idea." Footwear donated in recent years has gone to support the elimination of hookworm anemia, a condition which is estimated to affect 1 in 3 people in Sub-Saharan Africa. The hookworm, a soil-born parasite, enters through bare feet and resides in the small intestine of its host. Left untreated, the parasite can cause severe anemia and malnutrition, which slowly advances until a blood transfusion, a risky and often cost-prohibitive procedure in developing nations, becomes necessary for the infected individual's survival. Prevention, through the use of protective footwear, has been proven to prevent hookworm anemia. Through one of the previous Chaco Recycle Programs, an entire village in Uganda was outfitted with shoes--a simple solution that completely eliminated hookworm anemia in the village. This year donated shoes will be distributed by internationally-recognized non-profit, Soles4Souls. The organization came about from one man's vision to offer aid--in the form of footwear--to those in need. After the tsunami hit Southeast Asia in 2004, founder Wayne Elsey felt the calling to help. He facilitated the collection of a quarter of a million pairs of donated shoes for tsunami victims. A year later, when Hurricane Katrina devastated our gulf shores, Elsey managed to collect more than 750,000 pairs of shoes from the footwear industry. To date, Soles4Souls has donated more than 3 million pairs of shoes throughout the United States, Central and South America, Europe and Asia. Rock/Creek co-owner Marvin Webb said of the recycle program, "It's a good fit for Rock/Creek and Chaco, two companies who are both committed to sustainability. Not only are customers' old shoes diverted from landfills, but they also provide extra miles for people who need them. We're proud to take part in the initiative." Brad McAllister, former Sustainability Adviser for Rock/Creek, said of the program: "Sustainability typically is defined as the long term balance between the environment, the economy and the needs of society. By offering customers the ability to recycle old footwear through donations to developing countries, and purchase a new pair of Chacos at a discounted price, the program touches on all three corners of sustainability. This is certainly a model program for all companies considering sustainability initiatives." About Rock/Creek: Rock/Creek was awarded 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and has ranked among Outdoor Business's top 25 retailers in 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek sells high quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, travel, and everyday living. Rock/Creek is committed to fostering positive change. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. # # #

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:36 AM | Comments (0)

July 7, 2009

99 Things to Do in July

Our expert community informants at FYI.timesfreepress.com have presented an amazing list of activities available to the surrounding community for the month of July! From Red Bank to North Georgia to East Ridge, it covers a huge spectrum of interests and activities spanning 13 different locations.

We have pulled out certain activities that qualify for our PASSPORT TO THE OUTDOORS summer adventure guide...

See for yourself and enjoy the great outdoors. We look forward to seeing you out and about in the summer sun; and remember, you have until September 1st to complete at least one activity to enter for the Grand Prize Sweepstakes!

6 You can walk, jog, skate or bike the Tennessee Riverwalk, which stretches from Chickamauga Dam to Ross's Landing and eventually will link to Moccasin Bend. 423-643-6888

20 The green bags protecting the trunks on new tree plantings downtown are courtesy of Take Root Chattanooga, 900 E. 11th St., which has committed to planting 1,500 trees in 33 species. 423-643-6952

25 There's a new kid in town. Chattanooga Zoo is home to a baby cotton-top tamarin. Born May 5, the little primate is a rare success story for monkeys in captivity. Zoo hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 423-697-1322

36 Creative Discovery Museum, 321 Chestnut St., celebrates the Honey Harvest in two sweet days, July 25-26. 423-756-2738

45 A nature walk, swamp critters and recycling fun are in store for elementary-age children this summer at Kids Time. These free Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department programs take place July 9, 16 and 23 at Shelter No. 4 at the Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Highway. 423-842-6748

54 Explore the deeper recesses of Ruby Falls with limited illumination in Lantern Tours, held every Friday and Saturday night in the summer. 1720 S. Scenic Highway. 423-821-2544

56 With milkweed flourishing along the banks of Lookout Creek, the lower meadow at Reflection Riding, 400 Garden Road, has become a haven for butterflies and bees. A patch of red clover has been planted to attract dragonflies, too. 423-821-9582

63 Let the stone horses, lions and sea turtles give you a squirt at Coolidge Park, 150 River St. 423-757-7629

76 A sunset walk along Missionary Ridge shows off historic markers, cannons, grand homes and -- oh, yes -- the view of the sun setting behind Lookout Mountain...

[ Read Full Article]

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 3:28 PM | Comments (0)

July 2, 2009

Rock/Creek Challenges Customers with $5,000 Matching Grant to Save Stringer's Ridge

Chattanooga, TN- Thursday July 2, 2009- Rock/Creek today announces another $1,000 gift to help save Stringer's Ridge. This donation serves as the kickoff to The Rock/Creek Challenge. In the Challenge, customers and friends of Rock/Creek are encouraged to donate to Trust for Public Land (TPL) in order to match Rock/Creek's $5000 commitment to Help Save Stringer's Ridge. This land includes the four hill tops visible from the downtown riverfront toward North Chattanooga. TPL is a national nonprofit land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, gardens, historic sites and natural places, ensuring quality communities for generations to come. To date, Rock/Creek has donated $2,000 to the Stringer's project. The first gift came from Rock/Creek environmental grant program with Patagonia, a manufacturer of outdoor clothing and gear with a long history of environmental stewardship. This most recent gift came from the money raised at the recent Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race.

The proposed acquisition to preserve the ridge began in 2007, after developers threatened to convert the undeveloped land into mass-residential area. Chattanooga residents opposed the land developer's plot and The Trust for Public Land voted in partnership with the City of Chattanooga to protect the scenic and historic landscape in September 2008. Continuing with today's public campaign, TPL's dream to preserve Stringer's Ridge as an undeveloped area continues to gain ground through support from community groups, individual donations, and corporate donations such as this.

Rick Wood, Chattanooga, Field Office Director for TPL, emphasizes the importance of the Chattanooga community in this effort: "We could not do this kind of work without people stepping up and saying this is really important. This is truly a grassroots-oriented campaign dependent on the diversity of donations. We are so close and it has been amazing to see the outreach and interest."

More than $2 million has been raised of the $2.5 million required to purchase the full 92 acres of property. In January 2009, the trust obtained a 37-acre portion of the ridge along with the landowner's agreement to establish a conservation easement to relinquish rights to future development on the remaining 55 acres. "We have plans to hire ecologists, landscape architects, and historians to truly understand and evaluate the treasure we are acquiring." says Wood. "A public planning meeting will be held for residents and volunteers interested in establishing public parks and building trails."

For over 20 years, Rock/Creek has been committed to taking people into the great outdoors. As a company founded by outdoor instructors, Rock/Creek's environmental mission always includes public outreach and an effort to open new lands to human-powered recreation. "Stringer's Ridge is truly a 'Land for People Project' as this land will be accessible to the public. I personally think this relationship between Rock/Creek and Trust for Public Land is a natural" says Rick Wood.

Mark McKnight, Rock/Creek's Marketing Director, emphasizes the the importance of this project: "Stringer's is in the background of our lives as Chattanoogans, and without the recent threat of development, most people never would have imagined that it needed saving. For those of us who value the recreational opportunities available on the property, or just love the view, we now have a unique opportunity to conserve this land for future generations to enjoy. We all will gain convenient access to a beautiful wild place free from development."

The donation process is simple. Trust for Public Land and Rock/Creek offer several safe avenues for you to participate in the matching challenge. Stop into one of Rock/Creek's store locations to drop off a donation with a manager or send gifts directly to TPL at:

The Trust for Public Land
202 Tremont Street
Chattanooga, TN 37405

You may also donate through Rock/Creek's Web site at http://www.rockcreek.com/stringers/ or TPL's website at www.tpl.org/RockCreek
The website directs you to a secure online payment page, or a PDF you may print out and send back.

For more information about how to support TPL's work on Stringer's Ridge, contact Carla Askonas at 265-5229, ext. 4 or go to www.tpl.org/StringersRidge

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 10:44 AM | Comments (0)

July 1, 2009

Reminder: Save 20% on Chacos when you donate shoes ENDS SOON!

Quick reminder: The Chaco recycle program ends next week, on July 5th. Between now and then, purchase any new pair of Chacos, use the coupon code RECYCLE9 and you'll get 20% off, then when your new shoes come in, send us a pair of gently-used shoes that we will donate to those less fortunate.

Rock/Creek is proud to once again support the Chaco Shoe Donation Program, starting this Friday and running through the Fourth of July weekend. This year's Rock/Creek and Chaco partnership will benefit the internationally-recognized non profit organization Soles4Souls based in Nashville, TN. Customers are encouraged to donate gently-used pairs of shoes for this organization to then redistribute to those in need. All brands of men's, women's and children's footwear will be accepted for donation. In it's fifth successful year running, Chaco will offer customers a 20% discount on a new pair of Chaco sandals, the day of donation, for any one pair of lightly used (but re-usable) pair of shoes, boots, or sandals given. Of course, no purchase is required and Rock/Creek invites customers to donate as many pairs of shoes as they would like.

Soles4Souls is an organization derived from one man's vision to offer aid through footwear to those in need. After the tsunami hit Southeast Asia in 2004, CEO and founder Wayne Elsey felt the urge to help. Nearly 250,000 shoes were collected for the tsunami victims, and shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated our gulf shores, more than 750,000 shoes were collected from the footwear industry. Expanding to international recognition in 2006, Soles4Souls has donated more than 3 Million pairs of shoes to the United States, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.

"In 2008, with the support of loyal Rock/Creek and Chaco customers, over 1,000 pairs of shoes were donated. This year, the shoe donation opportunity will last two weeks and will be available to the public through multiple Rock/Creek venues" says Chaco Representative, Chad Wykle. Stop by Rock/Creek's Hamilton Place and Two North Shore locations starting Friday June 19, 2009 through Sunday July 5, 2009, with used shoes in hand, to receive your 20% discount. The same discount is available for purchasers online at http://www.rockcreek.com/chaco/recycle/ Online, customers are invited to use coupon code RECYCLE9 for their discount, and then they will be responsible for shipping their donation back in the box they receive from Rock/Creek. At the end of the summer, all the shoes collected will be sent to Soles4Souls and then distributed to those in need throughout the world.

Retailers such as Rock/Creek, and community groups, churches, and schools are all avenues for this donation opportunity. "Rock/Creek is always seeking ways to help people and our planet. The 'Chaco Recycle Program' follows our mission to leave a practical legacy of commitment to our community, by recycling older, reusable shoes and preventing them from being trashed in landfills" explains Rock/Creek Marketing Director Mark McKnight. "Who doesn't have a pair of shoes sitting around that just don't work for your foot or don't quite fit perfectly? Now we're giving you the opportunity to clear out your closet and help others at the same time. Our past Chaco shoe donation programs have supported the elimination of Hookworm anemia in Sub-Saharan African villages, and outfitting an entire village in Uganda with their first shoes."

For full information about the 2009 Chaco Recycle Program, visit: http://www.rockcreek.com/chaco/recycle

Learn more about Soles4Souls by clicking the video below, or visit their website at http://www.soles4souls.org/index.html

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:39 AM | Comments (0)

June 29, 2009

Words from the Master of a Stage Race

Coach Lee Simril, the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race Men's Masters winner, shares his impressions of the 2009 Stage Race. He is a guest writer for the Rock/Creek Chronicle, and with that said, here are some words from his three day trail experience:

"First of all, a BIG congratulations to all the finishers this weekend - what a huge accomplishment.

Secondly...Wow, what a cool race! This was my first running stage race and I was not sure how I felt about stacking multiple days of hard and long running races together. I tend to take a couple of easy days in between hard running efforts, but I just could not resist doing this race in my own backyard.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised how my body handled the back to back days. Maybe it is the fact that the race is held on trails and not road, so it minimizes the pounding. I felt a little stiff and tired warming up each day, but once the gun fired it felt like any other trail race.

Competing for your overall raking in a stage race is very interesting. Each day you race for a finish on the day's race, while at the same time you are building an overall ranking for the combination of the three days. The concept is simple: each day you try to make up time on the people ranked in front of you. The trick is being able to do that without burning yourself out and getting caught by the people behind you.

Most people in the race had their own little battles going on with the people around them, and it made for very interesting racing. After the days' stages we all congratulated each other and had a few laughs about the events of the day.

The race organizers set up ice baths to use after each stage to aid in recovery. The ice baths were very popular and well used. Natalie Sims had one of my favorite quotes of the weekend when she advised a runner who was unsure about getting in the bucket right after he finished that "maybe you should wait on taking an ice bath...so that I can do mine now"...Now that is diplomacy!

Tempted to add this event to your calendar for next year? You do not have to be a superman or woman to finish a running stage race, you just need to build your running mileage for a few months beforehand and be willing to push yourself. The course is challenging and the weather can be hot, but it would not be a truly epic adventure if it was easy."

About the author:

Lee Simril, USAT Certified Coach, USA Swimming Coach

Since competing in his first triathlon in 1985, Lee has had a passion for the sport. Lee was the captain of his soccer team at Brevard College and went on to run track at High Point College in N.C. He was a captain and MVP at the conference and district meets.

After college, he competed nationally as a Triathlete. Lee thought he would eventually get a "real" job and leave sports behind, until he met his wife Brenda. Brenda was equally passionate about endurance sports, and within a few years, they had formed a four person Adventure Racing team that won the United States Adventure Racing Association's (USARA) National Championship.

Lee has coached Soccer, Masters Swimming, Youth Swimming, and Track and field for over twenty years. For the last thirteen years he worked for the American Bicycle Group (ABG), which manufactures Litespeed, Merlin and QR bicycles. During this time he worked with top athletes from around the world in the sales and design of wetsuits and bicycles.

Check out the Simril Multisport Coaching website to find out how you can "Reach Your Full Potential" through SMC for quality consultation and training www.simrilmultisportcoaching.com/default.html.

The next races in the Rock/Creek Trail Series have opened registration. Check out these upcoming races:

Rock/Creek Greenway
5 Mile Trail Race
August 8, 2009
Greenway Farms Chattanooga, TN
http://www.rockcreek.com/greenway

Rock/Creek Stump Jump 50K
50K & 11 Mile Trail Running Race
October 3, 2009
Chattanooga, TN
http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump/

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 12:43 PM | Comments (0)

June 25, 2009

Legendary Wilderness Crusader Doug Scott to speak at Rock/Creek on June 26th

REMINDER: This event takes place TOMORROW, THIS FRIDAY. Please come out! It's going to be a great opportunity to learn about saving our wilderness areas and to hear some of the history behind our American wilderness. Oakley has stepped up to provide some catering, so we'll have some food available. Please RSVP so we know how many are coming, but don't let that keep you away if you haven't been able to RSVP.

It takes an act of Congress to designate specific areas of land as forever protected "Wilderness" lands. Our natural, untouched resources are seemingly the most neglected areas by mankind. However, once land is selected, maintenance and preservation is reinforced, prolonging the existence of precious acres all across the nation.

In this current economic time of budget cuts and expenses causing a decrease in advocacy, what will the future be for our unprotected lands? Who will speak for them?

Come join Rock/Creek at the Two North Shore location on Friday, June 26th at 6pm to hear the answers to all these questions and more, as we welcome Doug Scott, a nationally recognized author and Policy Director for the Campaign for America's Wilderness. Rock/Creek has the privilege to host an evening of discussion and a book signing with this transformational public figure, as he talks attendees through his history with Wilderness campaigning, community support, and instruction on how to help pass along a gift to future generations.

Doug formerly managed a local environmental group in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, worked at The Wilderness Society, and for 17 years for the Sierra Club, including as conservation director and associate executive director. Doug was involved in enactment of the Eastern Wilderness Areas Act (1975), The Endangered American Wilderness Act (1978), the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness (Idaho, 1980), The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (1980), and the California Desert Protection Act (California, 1994), among others. Doug's status as a wilderness crusader takes him all around the United States for workshops, panel discussions, book signings, and radio talk show appearances such as the Dian Rehme Show, this past March.

Mark your calendars, and don't miss out on this eye-opening experience, free to the public however, RSVP is required below.
You may also RSVP by calling Rock/Creek at 423.266.8200 ext: 1112. Leave a message with your Name, Number, and Number of expected attendees

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 4:15 PM | Comments (0)

June 24, 2009

Rock/Creek Launches Chattanooga's Summer "Passport to the Outdoors"

Launch out on your Summer adventure, with help from Rock/Creek and Mountain Hardwear, who proudly present your official "Passport to the Outdoors."

Don't wait till the end of summer to start! You have until September 1, 2009 for the chock-full of fun passport to be your guide through adventures with friends and families. Every one is encouraged to complete activities to earn entries into a GRAND PRIZE SWEEPSTAKES.

Here is what you do to get started:
Stop by Rock/Creek's Downtown Two North Shore store or Hamilton Place store during store hours, and pick up the bursting with adventure passport. Each time you complete one of the 5 activities, come back to Rock/Creek, with your passport in hand to receive the approval stamp, and commence to the next activity. But the rewards don't stop there. Mountain Hardwear wants to acknowledge participant's efforts, by pairing a product offer or free item with every completed activity.

Participants have the opportunity to enter five times for the grand prize of a $1000 gift certificate for a retreat at the Snowbird Mountain Lodge in Joyce Kilmer Forest. The certificate may be used for a couple or the entire family. Various lodging options are available and this resort serves as a base for various outdoor activities from trail running to hiking and kayaking. For more details about Snowbird Mountain Lodge visit www.snowbirdlodge.com

In total, you have 5 great activities to accomplish, 5 amazing gear rewards from Mountain Hardwear, 5 possible entries into the Grand Prize Sweepstakes, and 5 potential amazing memories.

"We are excited about the passport launch for Rock/Creek, as it encourages families and individuals to get outside, to try a new activity and bring along a friend and most importantly, to have fun!" says Retail Marketing Manager for Mountain Hardwear, Jill Nickels.

Rock/Creek supports creative ways to help get people outside and explore our big wonderful planet. Our employees are anticipating a positive outcome and we look forward to hearing all the success stories. While it's not required, we would love to see photos and hear your stories of how you get outside this summer. The best submissions will be selected for publication on our blog, located at blog.rockcreek.com. Please email these to Rachel Tucker at rachel@rockcreek.com or drop them by the store.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 9:58 AM | Comments (0)

Oakley Rolling O Lab Appearing at Rock/Creek

The pulse is irresistible, the sight will attract your eyes like a magnet, the lure will draw you in from across the street... no, I am not talking about a man dressed in Elvis Disco.

If you drive by Rock/Creek Two North Shore location this Friday, June 26, you will be mesmerized by a 40-foot motor coach, decaled from bumper to bumper. Do not be alarmed, they are our friends Oakley.

The famed Rolling- O- Lab will be making an appearance in Chattanooga, TN at Rock/Creek Two North Shore parking lot on Friday June 26th, from 12-6pm. This curbside venue will display Oakley's latest High Definition Optics technology, and demonstrate their sun and sport glass protection.
Oakley Area Representative, Jason Aronson, will be present along with highly knowledgeable Rock/Creek staff.

Stop on by to check out this mobile "science lab" and discover for yourself, why roughly 80% of all Beijing Olympic Athlete's chose Oakley for their eye protection.

Stick around the area for Oakley's continued support of Rock/Creek's Doug Scott Wilderness Talk starting at 6pm. Refreshments will be provided during the book signing.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 9:56 AM | Comments (0)

June 22, 2009

Save 20% on Chacos through Rock/Creek's Shoe Donation Program

Rock/Creek is proud to once again support the Chaco Shoe Donation Program, starting this Friday and running through the Fourth of July weekend. This year's Rock/Creek and Chaco partnership will benefit the internationally-recognized non profit organization Soles4Souls based in Nashville, TN. Customers are encouraged to donate gently-used pairs of shoes for this organization to then redistribute to those in need. All brands of men's, women's and children's footwear will be accepted for donation. In it's fifth successful year running, Chaco will offer customers a 20% discount on a new pair of Chaco sandals, the day of donation, for any one pair of lightly used (but re-usable) pair of shoes, boots, or sandals given. Of course, no purchase is required and Rock/Creek invites customers to donate as many pairs of shoes as they would like.

Soles4Souls is an organization derived from one man's vision to offer aid through footwear to those in need. After the tsunami hit Southeast Asia in 2004, CEO and founder Wayne Elsey felt the urge to help. Nearly 250,000 shoes were collected for the tsunami victims, and shortly after Hurricane Katrina devastated our gulf shores, more than 750,000 shoes were collected from the footwear industry. Expanding to international recognition in 2006, Soles4Souls has donated more than 3 Million pairs of shoes to the United States, Central and South America, Europe and Asia.

"In 2008, with the support of loyal Rock/Creek and Chaco customers, over 1,000 pairs of shoes were donated. This year, the shoe donation opportunity will last two weeks and will be available to the public through multiple Rock/Creek venues" says Chaco Representative, Chad Wykle. Stop by Rock/Creek's Hamilton Place and Two North Shore locations starting Friday June 19, 2009 through Sunday July 5, 2009, with used shoes in hand, to receive your 20% discount. The same discount is available for purchasers online at http://www.rockcreek.com/chaco/recycle/ Online, customers are invited to use coupon code RECYCLE9 for their discount, and then they will be responsible for shipping their donation back in the box they receive from Rock/Creek. At the end of the summer, all the shoes collected will be sent to Soles4Souls and then distributed to those in need throughout the world.

Retailers such as Rock/Creek, and community groups, churches, and schools are all avenues for this donation opportunity. "Rock/Creek is always seeking ways to help people and our planet. The 'Chaco Recycle Program' follows our mission to leave a practical legacy of commitment to our community, by recycling older, reusable shoes and preventing them from being trashed in landfills" explains Rock/Creek Marketing Director Mark McKnight. "Who doesn't have a pair of shoes sitting around that just don't work for your foot or don't quite fit perfectly? Now we're giving you the opportunity to clear out your closet and help others at the same time. Our past Chaco shoe donation programs have supported the elimination of Hookworm anemia in Sub-Saharan African villages, and outfitting an entire village in Uganda with their first shoes."

For full information about the 2009 Chaco Recycle Program, visit: http://www.rockcreek.com/chaco/recycle

Learn more about Soles4Souls by clicking the video below, or visit their website at http://www.soles4souls.org/index.html

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:09 AM | Comments (0)

June 15, 2009

Rock/Creek Helps Connect and Protect Trails on Lookout Mountain

Today Rock/Creek and Patagonia announce a $1,000 donation to the Lula Lake Land Trust. The money will aid in the completion of the long awaited "Connector Trail" from Lula Lake to Cloudland Canyon State Park.

To date, Rock/Creek and Patagonia have contributed $10,225 toward preservation of this land. Adelaide Bratcher, Development Head for the Lula Lake Land Trust, comments on the partnership: "We initially approached Dawson and Marvin at Rock/Creek with the partnership because they sell gear to help get people outside, and they care about land preservation. They offered, without hesitation, to volunteer time and money for trails to be built with a future in public access. From past to present, so much has been accomplished for the community because of people like Dawson and Marvin, and the values they represent."

Dawson Wheeler, co- owner of Rock/Creek says, "We have deep roots in the Chattanooga area and we want this support of Lula Lake to have a lasting impact for years to come. We will continue to aid in the betterment of this beautiful area and look forward to increased public access to the natural resources on Lookout Mountain."

Bratcher explains that final approval with Georgia government agencies is still pending, but with donations such as this one from Rock/Creek and Patagonia, progress toward permanent access is evident. The most recent donations of time and money resulted in the construction of the High Point Trail and its use last year in the inaugural Rock/Creek Lookout Mountain 100K race, which also became the longest trail race in Tennessee history. This race offered a venue for runners to see the beautiful vistas and appreciate the wilderness areas that the Lula Lake Land Trust is striving to connect and protect. The next race to take place on the property will be the first day (June 19th) of the 3-day Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race. For more information on these races, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/

About the Lula Lake Land Trust:

The Lula Lake Land Trust is a non-profit organization which promotes land conservation practices by maintaining an environmental preserve, fostering educational and research opportunities, and protecting significant animal and plant life in the Lula Lake area. The Trust maintains portions of land in the northwest corner of Georgia created by the Rock Creek watershed where two water fall systems feed the small lake and offer more than six miles of hiking trails.

Historically, the land was unmonitored and disrespectful practices of mining, clear cutting, and garbage dumping threatened its natural sustainability. Mr. Robert M. Davenport purchased segments of property in 1958, establishing the core acres of property to The Lula Lake Land Trust.

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, travel and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media/

Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)

June 3, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Member, Josh Wheeler Successful at White Lake Half Triathlon

Rock/Creek Race Team Member, Josh Wheeler, finished third at the White Lake Half II Triathlon for the Open Males Division. Wheeler, native to Signal Mountain, TN now living in Boone, NC finished in 4:20:27 with a swimming time of 29:57, a bike time of 2:21:51 and a run time of 1:25:49.

" I waded out into the water, dolphin dived twice and was then informed by the announcer that the race would be starting in 45 seconds. 'Cool,' I thought, 'Let's get it on'...The first hour we were rolling mad thunder. I think I clocked through the 27mi maker at the hour... I stayed calm and continued to focus on good nutrition and my own rhythm... With a mile left, I re-attacked on the downhill, surging and opened a small gap..."

Follow him through his whole race day at White Lake and previous races, by visiting his personal Blog at http://jrwheeler.blogspot.com/

Great work Josh! We look forward to reporting your continued success with school and races.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 3:31 PM | Comments (0)

June 1, 2009

Rock/Creek Raises $5,000 for The Boonies at 3rd Annual Scenic City Trail Marathon

(Chattanooga, TN)- Locally-owned specialty outdoor retailer Rock/Creek today announces a $5,000 donation for The Boonies, the latest in a string of donations stemming from the Rock/Creek Trail Series. The Boonies will use the money to help run future events as well as secure access to single track trails. These funds came from last Saturday morning's third annual Scenic City Trail Marathon and Half Marathon, presented by Vasque PROJECT and Rock/Creek. Other contributing sponsors include SmartWool, Marmot, The North Face, and Hammer Nutrition. Local sponsors include Greenlife Grocery and Cleveland Toyota.

Threatening clouds and the forecast rain held off just long enough for the 183 half marathon and 73 marathon finishers to come across the line. The race took place on the trails around TVA's Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility. Compared to 2008, the race saw 25% growth in half marathon runners and 62% growth in marathon runners.

The course makes this a fast race, and this years' winner set a new course record. Rock/Creek Race Team Member Matt Sims cruised through the cloudy weather for an overall winning time of 3:11:47; nearly 27 minutes faster than last years' Marathon time of 3:38:04. Sims had this to say: "I am pleased with the race and I did exactly what I wanted to do. My hope was to stay with the lead group for the first loop and then try to gain ground through miles 17 through 24. This section is the more difficult and I figured it would be a good place to get ahead. It was a great course and a quality event."

Brenda Simril from Chattanooga battled it out on the course and placed first overall female with a time of 3:52:55. Second male overall was Josh Hite from Cookeville, TN with a time of 3:17:46 and Brenda's husband and owner of Simril Multisport Coaching, Coach Lee Simril placed third in 3:25:35. Dreama Campbell, also of Chattanooga, placed second female overall with 3:58:32. Cheri Fine from Atlanta, GA placed third female overall with a time of 4:00:53.

In the half marathon, Theodore Towse of Nashville took first in 1:29:18, just 3 minutes shy of last year's winning time and the current course record of 1:26:51. Sam Linhoss from Chattanooga and Jonathan Warner from Ringgold, GA were less than a minute apart. Linhoss placed second male in 1:30:41 and Warner placed third in 1:31:11. Taking the women's title, Jan Gautier from Chattanooga finished with a time of 1:39:13 followed by Theresa Saupé from Murfreesboro, TN in 1:44:30. Rock/Creek employee Deborah Jones from Hixson, TN finished third in 1:49:55.

Race Director Jonathan Mobley enjoyed the race, as he explains: "It was a great race overall. You could feel the excitement at the start line coming from a group of runners, far surpassing the number of participants in last year's race. It is encouraging to see the Rock/Creek Trail Series grow and I look forward to seeing more people experience these races in the future. I am extremely grateful to the volunteers, the sponsors, and the Vasque PROJECT for giving their time and resources to make this race possible."

The course runs along the perimeter trail of Raccoon Mountain, a TVA pumped-storage facility, and is a low impact single track created by SORBA (Southeast Off-Road Bicycle Organization). The trails offer declines, straight-a-ways, a rock bridge bypass, and hill climbs, making it one of the best trail running and mountain biking locations within 25 minutes of downtown Chattanooga.

Proceeds from both events go to The Wilderness Trail Running Association (aka The Boonies) and will be used for future trail races, trail maintenance, and sustainability efforts in the Cumberland and Southern Appalachian Mountains. A portion of the money raised will go to help with SORBA's trail building efforts. $2,000 of the total came from Vasque's PROJECT Thanks, an initiative that has been developed to drive awareness and donations to marquee nonprofit groups working to preserve trails across the country. The Vasque PROJECT is an effort, through nation-wide sponsorship of trail races, to foster competition, community, and stewardship. Through PROJECT Thanks, Vasque PROJECT event directors encourage partners to donate a portion of race fees to trail preservation or similar philanthropic groups in their local area. The Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k on October 3rd and The Lookout Mountain 100K & 10K on December 19th will also be part of The Vasque PROJECT.

The Scenic City Trail Marathon is part of the increasingly popular Rock/Creek Trail Series, a year-long trail running race series with 9 race dates and 13 distance options. The race attained national recognition this year with runners representing 10 states. The next event in the series is the Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race, taking place on June 19, 20, and 21. For more information on the series, visit http://www.rockcreek.com/trailseries/

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, travel and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media/

Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:18 PM | Comments (0)

May 21, 2009

Nearly 300 Signed up for Saturday's Scenic City Trail Marathon

******Media Alert*********

This Saturday, Rock/Creek and the Vasque Project Present The Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, benefiting The Boonies

What: Nearly 300 runners have signed up to run a fast, forgiving trail in the second race of the Rock/Creek Trail Series
Where: TVA Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility
When: Saturday, May 23, 2009, 8:00 a.m EST race start
Who: Rock/Creek, Vasque Project, The Boonies (Wilderness Trail Running Association)

Photo Opportunities:
Nearly 300 trail runners from around the United States will be competing on a beautiful course with sweeping views of the TN River Gorge and the Raccoon Mountain Reservoir.

Interview Opportunities:
Shiloh Mielke, world-class trail runner and Vasque Project athlete
Randy Whorton, President, The Boonies
Kris Whorton, fastest Female Masters 100-mile trail runner

Map to TVA's Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility (via Google Maps):
http://tinyurl.com/6dh9tu
When you get to the TVA Road, you follow it up to the gates to the facility. From there you will see signs directing you to Laurel Point.

Rock/Creek and the Vasque Project proudly present the third annual Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, taking place at TVA's Raccoon Mountain Pumped Storage Facility on the trails developed by SORBA-Chattanooga this Saturday. Both of these trail runs begin at 8:00 a.m. EST. Race-day registration and check-in will open at 7 a.m. The race begins and ends at the Laurel Point Parking Lot.

This increasingly popular Chattanooga race will be a stunning display of several hundred runners' determination to conquer fast and lenient trails, while posing the challenge of the imminent Course Record. Racers from 10 different states will be witness to beautiful landscapes, pristine forests and incredible community as a part of Rock/Creek's Trail Series.

"With 270 runners currently signed up to race, this now eclipses the 8-year-old Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race in participation, and becomes our second largest event after the StumpJump. I'm impressed with the level of commitment shown by the trail running community, as well as the many first-time trail runners I've heard from, people who are willing to move off the roads and try something new," explains Mark McKnight, one of the event organizers.

The Scenic City Trail Marathon is a journey for all runners, weather a beginner or an ultra fast runner aiming for the course record. This year's event includes a running clinic Friday night at Rock/Creek's Two North Shore location. The presenter will be world class trail runner Shiloh Mielke. Sponsors for the race include: Rock/Creek, Vasque Project, Marmot, Hammer Nutrition, The North Face, SmartWool, Greenlife Grocery, and Toyota of Cleveland. Participants who pre-registered will receive a technical tshirt from Marmot. Prizes and raffles will be provided as well.

Proceeds from the race benefit the Wilderness Trail Running Association (a.k.a. "The Boonies") for trail building efforts within the Cumberland and Southern Appalachian mountains.

For more information visit:
http://www.rockcreek.com/trailmarathon/

Contact:

Jonathan Mobley, Race Director
423.991.6008
jonathan.c.mobley@gmail.com

Mark McKnight, Marketing Director, Rock/Creek
423.643.1528 (office)
423.596.1573 (mobile)
mark@rockcreek.com

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, travel and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media/

###

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:50 AM | Comments (0)

May 18, 2009

Shiloh Mielke Trail Running Clinic Friday at Rock/Creek

Join Rock/Creek at our Two North Shore location, on Friday, May 22, at 6 pm, as we host a trail running clinic conducted by world-class mountain runner Shiloh Mielke. Scenic City Trail Marathon racers who have pre-registered may also pick up their race packets between 4 and 7pm. The clinic is open to the general public, and we invite you to come chat with the racers who will be in town from all over the country. We currently have 265 racers signed up, with 10 states represented.

A few details about Shiloh for those of you who haven't met him at local races: Elected to the 2009 Vasque Trail Team in April, Shiloh, 29, joins other team members on the basis of their dedication and accomplishment with their sport, as well as their holistic reputation.

Shiloh, a native to the Asheville, North Carolina, area has been making his mark along the high rolling mountain ranges since 2006. What started out as a track and cross country career from Brevard College and Northern Arizona University evolved into a placement on the 2006 US World Mountain Running Team. He ran again in 2007 and placed an impressive 37th overall and 2nd American. Mielke has plans to compete in the Mount Washington Road race, the Cranmore Hill Climb (host of the 2009 US Mountain Running Championships) and the World Mountain Running Championship in Camodolcina, Italy.

In between those races, he plans to head home to Asheville and improve his race record of 2 hours 16 min 55 sec at the infamous Shut-In Ridge trail race. Shiloh's leadership in the mountain running community certainly wins him titles, but more importantly, he inspires people in the outdoor community.

We're looking forward to sharing Shiloh's accomplishments with the trail running community. His talk will be a great kickoff for the Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon weekend. This race is the first of three Rock/Creek Trail Series races supported through the Vasque Project, powered by Boa Lacing System. Vasque will also be involved with the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k and the Lookout Mountain 100k.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 10:56 AM | Comments (0)

May 7, 2009

Rock/Creek Used Gear Sale in Chattanooga

Rock/Creek at Two North Shore, in Chattanooga TN, will offer a venue for the community to peddle gear at our (almost) annual Used Gear Sale on Saturday June 6th 2009 from 11am- 4pm. We invite everyone to come out and turn any unused gear hogging space in your closet into cash. Rock/Creek will provide closeout specials so you can make use of that saved cash for new gear.

This popular sidewalk sale will draw out all sorts of gear for the outdoor enthusiast to peruse. Previous years have seen kayaks, car racks, and a multitude of nick-nacks and outdoor essentials. Anyone from the community is welcome to set up a makeshift shop from their car to display items from their closet depths.

If you are interested in participating, reserve your sidewalk space by Monday June 1st. There is no cost to making reservations, therefore, sign up soon, because slots will be awarded on a first come first serve basis, with a total of 12 parking spaces available. Participants selling gear will need to arrive in the parking lot by 9:30 am to set up.

(Due to the nature of this event, all gear sales are final and not made in association with Rock/Creek's in store merchandise. Therefore, Rock/Creek is not obligated toward returns, exchanges or warranties, nor liable for injury caused after the event of the gear sale; always use discretion before making a used gear purchase)

To make Reservations:
Contact Will Cornett by email at will@rockcreek.com
Rock/Creek Two Northshore phone number: 423.265.5969

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 12:28 PM | Comments (0)

May 4, 2009

Registration Now Open for Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon

Registration is now open for one of Chattanooga's most popular trail running events of the season, the Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon. The events, taking place on May 23rd, are part of the Rock/Creek Trail Series and the 2009 Vasque PROJECT. The race weekend will also consist of an athlete clinic and a fundraiser for the Wilderness Trail Running Association, (aka The Boonies).

Proceeds from race day will be donated to the Boonies, an organization that focuses on maintaining trails in the Cumberland and southern Appalachian mountains. In addition to funds raised by Rock/Creek, Vasque footwear, event sponsor, will match donations up to a predetermined amount. Vasque donations are part of a new program, PROJECT Thanks, which is designed to assist trail preservation groups across the country.

Rock/Creek will also be hosting a trail running clinic during packet pick up, Friday May 22nd, the evening prior to the race. Shiloh Mielke, Vasque athlete and popular trail runner from Asheville, NC, will be leading the clinic and speaking on basics of trail running, his experiences, and deliver helpful tips on running gear.

To register for the race or for more details about the clinic, Rock/Creek, or the Boonies, please visit http://www.rockcreek.com/trailmarathon/.

About Vasque PROJECT 2009:

The Vasque PROJECT 2009 is a nationwide effort to foster competition, community, and environmental stewardship through Vasque's sponsorship of trail‐running events throughout the U.S. and Canada. The PROJECT includes 45 trail races in 12 states. Major races and race series include the Great Eastern Series in Charlottesville, VA, the Rock/Creek Trail Series in Chattanooga, TN, the Great Lakes Endurance Series in Northern, MI, the Golden Leaf Half Marathon in Aspen, CO, the Cougar Trail Series in Seattle, WA, the Rogue Trail Series in Austin, TX, the Fast Trax Trail Series in Edmonton, Alberta, the DINO Trail Series in Indianapolis, IN, Peter's Canyon Trail Series in Irvine, CA, the Grand Teton Races in Jackson Hole, WY, the River City Ramble in Red Wing, MN, and the Triple Lakes Races in Greensboro, NC. For more information about Vasque PROJECT 2009, or for details on products and retailers, visit www.vasque.com.

About Rock/Creek:

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek,visit www.rockcreek.com/media/.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:58 PM | Comments (0)

Rock/Creek Kayak Demo Offers Latest and Greatest

Do not let your Saturday float on by without visiting Rock/Creek and Outdoor Chattanooga's Kayak Demo, Saturday May 9th from 10 AM to 4 PM at Camping World in East Ridge.

Do you desire to see what the latest and greatest boats are before your investment or are you looking to start up the sport but do not know where to begin? This demo is for you! All variations of shape, size, style, color, and brand will be FREE to the public for testing. Boats from Liquid Logic, Native Watercraft, Dagger, Wilderness Systems and Perception, as well as a selection of paddles from Werner Paddles will be available for demo in the Camping World Campground Lake located at Exit 1 off I-75. No need to make reservations or bring personal gear. Our Rock/Creek Down Under Staff and Outdoor Chattanooga Staff will be available for help. All you need to participate is a willingness to have fun, and get wet! We will see you there!

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 12:02 PM | Comments (0)

April 30, 2009

Rock/Creek & Backpacker Challenge You to "Get Out More"

A note worthy event occurred Tuesday evening at Rock/Creek's Two North Shore location, as Rock/Creek hosted Backpacker Magazine "Get Out More Tour 2009". Do you wish for a well planned camping trip, yet you do not know what gear you need to start? Or for our seasoned backpackers; Do you want to hear specs and tips on the latest technology and gear? This six month tour, stops at 50+ specialty retailers nationwide to educate guests on the skills and gear needed to "Get Out More".

For eight years now, Backpacker Magazine's outdoor experts have been offering a hands-on training workshop to show consumers the latest gear and answer the common questions, "how does that work" or "what does that do." New tips and techniques were presented by outdoor experts Sheri and Randy Propster. This couple has gear tested all sorts of products, and knows what works best for a variety of skill levels.

Their enthusiasm for adventure was spread to all attendees of this year's event, and Rock/Creek offers a special thank you to Backpacker Magazine for including Rock/Creek as a designated stop, and the community of participants who came out Tuesday evening.

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 2:19 PM | Comments (0)

April 29, 2009

Rock/Creek Helps Disabled "Climb Higher"

If you entered into Urban Rocks Gym in Chattanooga, TN within the time frame of March 16 through April 20th, you witnessed personal achievement. Rock/Creek partnered with Chaco, along with Urban Rocks Gym, Outdoor Chattanooga, and Therapeutic Recreation Services for Chattanooga Parks and Recreation, to host a program called "Climbing Higher" an adaptive climbing program for individuals with a variety of cognitive and physical disabilities in the area. The program occurred at Urban Rocks Climbing Gym, on Monday evenings, starting at 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Click on the video below to watch an evening at Urban Rocks, during a Climbing Higher Program session.

Urban Rocks News explains in further detail,

"The 'Climbing Higher' Adaptive Climbing program is being held with the purpose of providing a unique outdoor opportunity for individuals with a variety of cognitive and physical disabilities to showcase what Ability is all about. The goal of the "Climbing Higher" Adaptive Climbing Program is to provide participants with an opportunity to learn basic climbing skills, provide socialization with peers, and enable them to participate in rock climbing independently in their leisure time. The First Session is designed for individuals with cognitive and/or intellectual disabilities. This three-week session will run: March 16, March 23, and March 30. The Second Session is planned for individuals with physical disabilities. This three-week session will run: April 6, April 13, and April 20."

Chris Gibson, co-owner of Urban Rocks Gym reports, "the program went very well with a turnout of about 10-12 individuals each week. During the first week, you can tell a few participants are apprehensive with climbing, and it seems by the third week, they were ready to clip themselves in and go climbing!"

This program offered the opportunity for diverse communities to unite and share their love for adventure. Rock/Creek and Chaco have a long standing relationship with community involvement. Chad Wykle from Chaco and Dawson Wheeler, co-owner of Rock/Creek, both heavily emphasize its importance.

"We had the means to be a support through money set aside from fundraisers. Each year we raise money with Rock/Creek promotions and pool the profits to give back to the community. Both Rock/Creek and Chaco were approached by Outdoor Chattanooga and Therapeutic Recreation with this unique opportunity in mind and portions of the funds were distributed toward the program's needs" Chad says.
Dawson states, "It was not a difficult decision when it came to supporting Climbing Higher. We heard about the need, and agreed on the importance of extending out to all forms of community needs."

Elaine Adams, Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, and Jessica Crowe, Therapeutic Recreation Intern, organized the assistance of UTC Physical Therapy student volunteers. The students' qualifications aided in a safe and meaningful experience for every participant. Elaine testifies to the inspiring stories from parents and caregivers about personal achievements. "The greatest part about this program is the opportunity for our participants to do something like this. Of course the concept of climbing is about getting to the top and it's a success, but why else do you climb? It's about physical fitness, hanging out with your friends, and that part about it is huge. To have that ability to come and have fun is therapeutic in itself."

The positive experiences will not stop with this program. Every purchaser of a pair of promotional Rock/Creek Chaco sandals contributed to these programs. Rock/Creek consumers can walk with pride, knowing a portion of their purchases will undoubtedly be given back to the community.

For more information about the recreation opportunities provided by the Department of Parks and Recreation, visit https://www.chattanooga.gov/PRAC/30_255.htm

For more information about Outdoor Chattanooga, visit http://www.outdoorchattanooga.com/

View Chaco inventory in Rock/Creek stores, or online at http://www.rockcreek.com/chaco-sandals/

To see more photos from Climbing Higher, visit
http://www.flickr.com/people/rockcreek/

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 2:00 PM | Comments (0)

April 27, 2009

Rock/Creek's Kris Whorton Sets New Record For Female Masters Runner in 100 Mile Event

Simril Multisport Coaching's Lee Simril Interview with Ultra Runner Kris Whorton


Please join our Rock/Creek Race Team family in celebration of Kris Whorton's amazing accomplishment at Umstead 100. We honor her achievement by sharing this inspiring interview between Rock/Creek's Kris Whorton, and our newest Rock/Creek Chronicle guest writer, Coach Lee Simril, from Simril Miltisport Coaching:

LS: Congratulations on finishing the 2009 Umstead 100 mile Trail Race

KW: Thanks. It's been a good week.

LS: Is it true that you set a new record for female masters runners in a 100 mile event?

KW: Yes. The previous record was 17:13, set by Connie Gardner in 2006.

LS: How was your training leading up to the big day?

KW: Training for Umstead was a bit atypical because we had a big 4 months last year with four 100 milers between July 19th and November 8th so I figured I would just carry it through the year after I signed up for Umstead in September. The first 100 was great, but we DNF'd on the second (three weeks later) with only about 18 miles to go. I still feel wonder at what happened to us on that one because we both felt good physically but we weren't into it mentally after about 55 miles for me and 75 for Randy. The next two 100s went well but I think I came out of the year feeling a little more worn out than I expected I would. I guess I was mentally tired because my head just wasn't in my training over the next few months and although I did the miles, averaging about 50 a week from November to the end of February and ran a few races, I didn't have my head in them and without the mental component, I just wasn't running like I wanted to. Umstead had been in the back of my mind for months, but I hadn't committed emotionally and I didn't want to go up there and run a half-assed race so about the third week of February I had a little talking to myself about commitment and attitude. Two weeks later we headed over to Mississippi and I ran a really solid, comfortable race, and had a PR. It gave me the mental confidence I needed and I figured I could gut out a borderline 17 hour finish at Umstead. I kept my mileage up for the second and third week of March and then only ran about 35 miles two weeks before and 4 miles the week of Umstead.

LS: Please give me a run down of your nutrition for race day, beginning with the night before the race and ending at the finish line.

KW: At about 4:30 we had an early dinner of rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, broccoli, and a beer. Race morning I had a little oatmeal about 2 hours before the start and half of a Recoverite. I'm not a big eater before or during races because I don't want to give my stomach fits. During the race, I had a Heed/ Perpetuem mix in my water bottle about every hour and I went through about two packets of Clif Blocks. I also ate a few cantaloupe cubes, a few pieces of potato with salt, and in the early evening, I drank Mountain Dew or Pepsi at the aid stations to try to settle my stomach a bit. The Heed/Perpetuem mix really works for me. Randy met me with a Recoverite at the end of the race.

LS: Please tell me your best moment of race.

KW: The whole day was really lovely and I enjoyed most of it, but I actually enjoyed mile 98.5 to 99.5 the most. We were running up the road to make the last turn into the finish stretch and it felt like we were flying because we were moving so fast. I don't know what the actual time on that mile was but it felt like a 7 minute mile and it was really empowering to feel so strong and so good at that stage. I felt like I could run like that pace for a couple more miles.

LS: Please tell me your worst moment of the race.

KW: I don't think I really had any worst moments on this one. Two years ago I had a lot of stomach problems and had many pit stops so when my stomach started going south on lap 7, I was a little concerned. I had to stop three times during those 25 miles but it was okay and everything held together.

LS: Did you use any pacers or safety runners during the race?

KW: I did run with "pacers" from 50 miles onward but it was more for conversation/company than pacing. Randy ran 50 to 75 with me and Stephen Smith ran the last 25. Pacing is really a misnomer because it's unrealistic for someone who's run 50 miles to be able to keep up with someone fresh. The "pacer" is there for companionship and the runner sets the pace. My companions, Randy and Stephen, did a great job keeping me company and I was happy to run with my usual training partners. I ended up feeling like I was out there on a training run.

LS: Did you get to enjoy the post race party? Do they have post race parties at 100 mile running races?

KW: We had our own little post race party actually. I came in about 3.5 minutes after the lead woman (Jill Perry) and didn't realize at the time that she had just finished. She was nearly 40 minutes ahead of me at the end of the 6th lap so I had no idea I was so close to her. I came in and Blake, the race director, and some of the other race personnel were talking to her but I still didn't get that she had just finished. My contacts were kind of gooped up from the pollen and I noticed a guy off to my left. He was standing there sort of expectantly and I didn't recognize that he was my friend Kean Hankins from Pinhoti. Randy came running in, bummed he'd missed the photo op at the finish line and Stephen sort of stepped off to the side. Then I realized the guy was Kean and Randy, then Stephen, and then Kean hugged me. We went inside, sat in front of the fire about 20 minutes, and just felt happy. Randy took care of me like he always does--he handed me a long sleeve shirt and a Recoverite and was generally awesome. Kean gave me a bottle of Champagne and then Randy, Stephen and I went back to the hotel and I got a shower, a beer, and some pizza. I could only handle about 2 bites but it was good. The race "party" was the next day at noon when the race was officially over but by then, we were nearly to Asheville where we had a great lunch of bison burgers, spinach salad and beer.

LS: What motivates you to compete in Ultra Running Races, as opposed to just exercising for the sake of fitness?

KW: I love running and being outside. Races give me the opportunity to explore a new or favorite place, to see old friends, and to get food and water on the way. Some people really get inspired by the competition element but I'm not very good about thinking in terms of beating someone else because I see a race as a challenge to myself and it doesn't make sense to try to have it be about how or what I can do against someone else. Sometimes I go into them with a goal, but usually I just want to enjoy the day. Races also encourage me to stay on track with my training--if I don't put in the miles, it will be harder to get through the event.

LS: What are some of your race plans for the rest of 2009?

KW: We have a fun marathon planned in Louisville at the end of the month (Kentucky Derby), Sweetwater 50K in Georgia in May, and Tahoe 100 in July. We don't have anything on the schedule beyond that, except maybe UpChuck 50k but Randy is planning on Pinhoti and I'll probably crew for him to return the favor for all he's done for me the last 6 months.

About the author:

Lee Simril, USAT Certified Coach, USA Swimming Coach

"Since competing in his first triathlon in 1985, Lee has had a passion for the sport. Lee was the captain of his soccer team at Brevard College and went on to run track at High Point College in N.C. He was a captain and MVP at the conference and district meets. After college, he competed nationally as a Triathlete. Lee thought he would eventually get a "real" job and leave sports behind, until he met his wife Brenda. Brenda was equally passionate about endurance sports, and within a few years, they had formed a four person Adventure Racing team that won the United States Adventure Racing Association's (USARA) National Championship. Lee has coached Soccer, Masters Swimming, Youth Swimming, and Track and field for over twenty years. For the last thirteen years he worked for the American Bicycle Group (ABG), which manufactures Litespeed, Merlin and QR bicycles. During this time he worked with top athletes from around the world in the sales and design of wetsuits and bicycles." Check out the Simril Multisport Coaching website to find out how you can "Reach Your Full Potential" through SMC for quality consultation and training www.simrilmultisportcoaching.com/default.html.

The next races in the Rock/Creek Trail Series have opened registration. Check out these upcoming races:

Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Presented by Vasque
May 23, 2009 - Raccoon Mountain - Chattanooga, TN
http://www.rockcreek.com/trailmarathon/

Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
3 days of mountain trail running: 22 mile / 18 mile / 20 mile
June 19-21, 2009
Lookout, Raccoon, and Signal Mountains
http://www.rockcreek.com/stagerace/

Rock/Creek Stump Jump 50K
50K & 11 Mile Trail Running Race
October 3, 2009
Chattanooga, TN
http://www.rockcreek.com/stumpjump/

Posted by Rachel Tucker at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)

April 10, 2009

10% Off Chacos + We'll Donate $5,000 for Access

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Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)

April 9, 2009

Rock/Creek's Two North Shore Location Now LEED Certified

Chattanooga, TN (April 8, 2009) -- The Two North Shore shopping center has officially been approved to be Chattanooga's first LEED Certified retail development, officials said.

The consultant team from Energy Ace noted that Two North Shore is one of the first developments of its kind in the state of Tennessee.

Meleah Smith of Two North Shore said, "This historic accomplishment basically means that Two North Shore has been created from the ground up with the goal of making our community environment more sustainable, pure and enjoyable. Based on each particular sustainable and renewable element of the development, the United States Green Building Council is now finalizing how high a level Two North Shore's certification will reach."

Rock/Creek's Mark McKnight said, "Rock/Creek wants to look back at a practical history of commitment, a legacy of conservation and community development, and we believe that Two North Shore fits in with those principles. It's built on what used to be an industrial wasteland, and the interventions that have been done actually reduce the property's environmental impact. We're collecting rainwater instead of creating more runoff and we're re-using materials instead of relying on all virgin materials."

In keeping with Two North Shore's commitment to take care of and enjoy the earth's resources, officials are celebrating their Second Annual Earth Day Festival Saturday, April 25. The day will include free blow-up games, artisans displaying and working on art created from recycled materials, awards for a children's art competition about taking care of the earth, outdoor yoga classes, many wonderful green (earth-friendly or sustainable) products, opportunities to learn about green groups improving the community, the chance to learn about Two North Shore's cutting edge environmentally friendly LEED certified building, lots of organic and locally grown food, education on Village Wolkswagen's low emission vehicles, and more.

"I'm very proud of the shopping center we've created, not only because it is the first LEED certified shopping center in Chattanooga, but because it's so unique," noted Two North Shore property manager Krista Steere. "Shopping at Two North Shore is an experience like nothing else you'll find in Chattanooga.

Two North Shore is located on the north side of the river on Manufacturers Road just over the Market Street or highway 27 bridges from downtown.

Rock/Creek has been operating in its Two North Shore location since October 2, 2007. For photos of the move from the old location, visit Rock/Creek's flickr photostream.

About Rock/Creek

Rock/Creek, member of the Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, is an independent specialty outdoor retailer based in Chattanooga, TN. Rock/Creek was named 2009 Online Retailer of the Year by Backpacker Magazine and SNEWS and was listed as a Top 25 Retailer by Outdoor Business for 2008 and 2009. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock/Creek provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock/Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry. Rock/Creek supports worthy nonprofits such as the Southeastern Climbers' Coalition and the Wilderness Trail Running Association. For related articles on Rock/Creek, visit www.rockcreek.com/media/.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 9:26 AM | Comments (0)

April 2, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team Member Andy Anderson Wins Rucky Chucky 50k

Rock/Creek Race Team Member Andy Anderson ran circles around the recent Rucky Chucky Roundabout 50k on March 21, 2009 in Foresthill, CA, resulting in a first place win. Andy won the race with a time of 4:18:04.00, making it the second fastest time in the history of the Rucky Chuchy 50k. He missed the course's fastest record time, 4:15:00.00, by five minutes. As Andy states rather simply, " I ran the second fastest time in race history which was fun, but HARD! It went down for 16 miles, then back up 16 miles."

The Rucky Chucky 50k is the second race in a larger series of races facilitated through Ultrarunner.net. Runners remember the course for its 4500 ft elevation change through the duration of the race. Despite the dramatic climbs, a previous race report by Scott Dunlap provides testimony to the beautiful spring atmosphere along the American River. The course runs from Foresthill, follows the Western States 100 course to Rucky Chucky, then snakes back to Foresthill.

Find full Results for the Rucky Chucky Roundabout 50k and more information about the Race Series at www.Ultrarunner.net/raceseries.

Andy, the newest member of the Rock/Creek Race Team, grew up nearby in Signal Mountain, TN along with his brother, John Anderson, who is a Race Team Member as well.

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:05 AM | Comments (0)

April 1, 2009

Rock/Creek River Gorge Race Report

A Foggy Start Clears to Reveal the Unwavering Spirit of the Trail Runner

The 2009 Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race started with many uncertainties -
Would everyone find the starting line after the drive up Suck Creek Road in the fog? Would the runners face a hailstorm at the finish line? And would the race organizers play retro disco music the entire morning?

Questions like these seemed to hover in the air... much like the threatened extreme weather. This 8th annual race started out with rain and a murky haze, and then continued with a wild wind that stirred up the trees over the runner's heads along the course. Thankfully, though, we dodged the hail and thunderstorms that hit Alabama, and managed to have a muddy but lightning-free time.

Athletes came from ten states, along with parents and friends to cheer them on, from as far away as Wisconsin. The course was a technical one, with wet rocks resulting in some ankle rolls, but steep and slippery downhills caused most of the falls from what we gathered at the Medical Tent. Most of the runners, however, did manage to stay upright and enjoyed the challenge of staying focused on their footwork throughout the race.

Nicholas Selbo of Chattanooga won the 10.2 mile race with a time of 1:15 for the men, keeping the times pretty close to last year's. The women's race was led by Jan Gautier (for the second year in a row) with a time of 1:35. Jack McAfee and Deb Jones, both from Chattanooga, won the 6.5 mile men's and women's divisions, with times of 48:54 and 1:02:26 respectively. Jack actually beat last year's winning time of just over 50 minutes. Congrats to all!

Big thanks to the sponsors: Rock/Creek, The Boonies, SmartWool, Marmot, The North Face, Salomon, Hammer Nutrition, Cleveland Toyota, and Greenlife Grocery.

Seeing the cheerfulness of those who run in these conditions no longer surprises me - trail runners are a gritty bunch as a whole. What has caught me off guard since this particular race was the reactions of some of the runners who were injured. It seems that some equate an injury with failure, even though they had the courage to finish, or the good sense to avoid further injury by choosing to walk back.

As athletes, it is good to set goals - they drive us to train harder and reach higher. Goals serve us well in many areas of life, providing direction and focus. Sometimes, though, hyper-focusing on goals may cause us to lose sight of what we've accomplished, and this narrow vision can undermine what the goals were meant to do in the first place. In other words, it's great to set targets for training and our competitions, yet if we beat ourselves up for being a little short, it can rob us of the joy of being in the race. We can lose the pleasure of moving swiftly through the wild, crossing streams, toughing it out over hills, breathing hard, whipping past the trees and waterfalls...and isn't that at least part of why we've chosen to run, regardless of the weather?

Storms happen, injuries happen - even to the best of athletes, with the best of coaches, nutritionists, and equipment at their disposal. Someone once said, "No wonder experience is the best teacher. It has to teach us things we don't want to learn." Life does come with unexpected speed bumps, and circumstances beyond our control. In those disappointing times we can choose to learn and grow, and get something good out of it all.

H. Weldon once said, "The crime is not to avoid failure, the crime is to not give triumph a chance." I would add that as an athlete, just showing up at the starting line is evidence that you are not interested in avoiding failure. Remember to celebrate your good efforts, even in the face of disappointment. You can allow your goals to serve you as you shape your season, yet there is no need to allow them to rob you of your joy. My congratulations to all who entered and ran.

"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with success unexpected in common hours."
--Henry David Thoreau

About the author:
Debra (Dee) Martin, MSPT, CLT
Owner, Archer Physical Therapy
Specializing in the Endurance Athlete, Lymphedema and Swelling

Debra brings her 15 years of experience as a Physical Therapist and years of running, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, climbing and cycling across the country together to provide top quality care to athletes in the GA and TN area. She also was a mean basketball player in high school - working the position of "benchwarmer" with great style. Her grandmother has accurately described her as someone who "only has a kitchen because it came with the house." For more information on how to turn your injuries into opportunities to become a better athlete than ever, call to make an appointment today at 423-693-5490.

Check out the Archer Physical Therapy website for Race Day Tips and learn more about Preventing Running Injuries at www.archerpt.com.

To see the full results and photography, visit the official race Web site:
http://www.rockcreek.com/rivergorge/

The next races in the Rock/Creek Trail Series have opened registration. Check out these upcoming races:

Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, Presented by Vasque
May 23, 2009 - Raccoon Mountain - Chattanooga, TN
http://www.rockcreek.com/trailmarathon/

Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race
3 days of mountain trail running: 22 mile / 18 mile / 20 mile
June 19-21, 2009
Lookout, Raccoon, and Signal Mountains
http://www.rockcreek.com/stagerace/

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:58 AM | Comments (1)

March 23, 2009

Rock/Creek Race Team Members & Race Included on 2008 Ultra List

The Ultra List, compiled by Ultrarunning Magazine, includes two Rock/Creek Race Team Members this year. The list highlights the fastest 100 times from each distance, from 50k up to 100 milers. John Brower, one of our newest team members, made the list as the 65th fastest 50 mile time at 6:51. He won the Mississippi 50. In fact, he won that race again this year, as we reported earlier, so we anticipate he will show up on the list again next year.

Kris Whorton made the 100 mile list twice, in #40 for her Vermont run at 22:32, and again for Pinhoti at #66 with a time of 23:25. Awesome job Kris & John!

Also, the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k made the list as the 10th biggest 50k in North America, with 198 finishers.

Ultrarunning continues to grow as a sport. Rock/Creek added several new ultra-distance trail runs this year, most notably the Lookout Mountain 100k, which will take place again in 2009. Here are some interesting facts from the 2008 ultrarunning season:

503 North American ultra distance races
30,789 finishes by 17,139 individuals (20% growth over 2007)

The race distances break down as follows:
45% of the finishers were 50K races
26% 50 mile
9% 100 mile
3% 100K
The rest were non-standard distances

2,592 of the finishers last year were 100 mile finishers, up by 50% over 2007 and that is without the largest 100 miler (Western States) which was canceled due to fires.

84% of all finishers were on dirt, the rest were hybrid, road or track.

Also of note, the fastest 100 mile time in the world last year was 13:27 by the Greek legond Yiannis Kouros who is 52 years old and the holder of 134 world distance running records. The second fastest time was an hour back. So if you've been thinking about picking up a new sport, it'll take a couple years, but if you're healthy, you're probably not too old to start! Read our article on making the Rock/Creek StumpJump your first 50k and start training today!

Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:24 AM | Comments (0)

March 18, 2009

Register by 3/19 for Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race!

$25 Registration fee. Synthetic wicking t-shirt from Marmot and socks from SmartWool will be included for free.
NO T-SHIRTS FOR LATE REGISTRANTS.
REGISTER BY MARCH 19TH FOR A T-SHIRT.

2009 Rock/Creek

River Gorge Trail Race

10.2 & 6.5 Mile Options