August 27, 2008
Rock/Creek Employee Honeymoons on the Appalachian Trail.
Ask any Rock/Creek employee what their top reasons are for working at Rock/Creek and it is likely that they will mention the flexible scheduling that allows us to take extended backcounty and trips abroad. The owners and managers not only permit us to take these trips, they also highly encourage it. How else are we to gather an intimate knowledge and understanding of the gear we sell? This also helps to keep the job exciting and reminds us why we entered this industry in the first place.
Currently Rock/Creek has a valued employee through hiking the Appalachian Trail. But Jessica is not out there alone, rather she is experiencing nature and the people of the Appalachians with her new husband, in celebration of their recent marriage. A week in the Bahamas simply wasn't enough for the adventurous two. The couple has documented their honeymoon on their blog site AndrewandJessicaGage.blogspot.com. On the site they are keeping a comprehensive trip report including pictures and videos from the trip. Don't be mistaken, its not all miles and miles of trees and brush. Jessica and Andrew have come across some interesting people, including a spirited bluegrass band in Monson, ME, staged at the local General Store.
We all would like to wish Mr. and Ms. Gates a safe and adventurous journey, both on the trail and in marriage.
Read more about Rock/Creek's diverse staff and their various adventures on our Staff Profile page >
Posted by bradmcallister at 5:32 PM | Comments (0)
August 12, 2008
Rock/Creek Race Team Member Finishes 2nd in Wasatch Speedgoat 50k
Rock/Creek race team member John Anderson flew out to Utah for the mountainous Wasatch Speedgoat 50K. John gave an outstanding effort and finished in second, just 3 minutes behind the winner. Below is John's story of the race. If you are interested in John's other accomplishment, and the accomplishments of the entire Rock/Creek Race Team, visit their profiles at http://www.rockcreek.com/raceteam.
The Wasatch Speedgoat 50k is based out of Snowbird, Utah and you get the unique experience of being cheered on by people riding up on the tram. You also get the unique experience of feeling your legs go through pain, then numbness, then pain again, and thankfully back to numbness as the course ascends 10,500 ft and descends the same in 50k. The race is directed by Karl Meltzer (several time winner of the Hardrock 100 who will be attempting to break the AT speed record starting on August 9th), and he puts on a great quad smashing race.
We started the day in the cool Wasatch mountains and headed uphill for the initial 4500' climb. By the time we got halfway up there was a lead pack of 4 runners, and Nate McDowell and I chatted about our kids between trying to catch our breath. Luckily for me Nate's daughter has a longer name than my son so he had to talk more. By the time we got to the top, Nate had a couple minute lead on me, and we came crashing down Mt. Baldy, complete with ropes and spotters from Black Diamond and settled in for a long day in the mountains.
The next several hours were spent climbing and descending the newly designed race course, some of it off trail, some singletrack, some on forest service roads, a short stretch through the ski tunnel that connects Snowbird to Alta at around 10,000 ft, and even a little time rolling around on the ground. The La Sportiva Fireblades performed excellently again--perfect for the technical terrain and the steep descents.
When all was said and done, Nate won in 5:43 and I finished up in second in 5:56. Although I did manage to chuck a snowball at Nate as he climbed above me in the final ascent. My ankles are sore and my lips are chapped, but it was a stellar race with outstanding views (and next time I'll remember the lip balm...)
Gear List for race: Patagonia Airius Top, Patagonia Long Haul Runners, La Sportiva Fireblade shoes, Patagonia Ultra Lightweight Socks, Smith Factor polarized sunglasses, Nathan Quickdraw water bottle, and Nathan 10k Hip Pack.
--John
Posted by bradmcallister at 3:57 PM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2008
Staff Profile: Will Cornett, Store Manager
Position: Store Manager
Age: 27
Home town: Pikeville, TN.
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities, and what got you started?
My passion for the outdoors started out with my dad who is a hunting and fishing kind of guy. I went along with him as a kid and found that I was more interested with the hike then the actual activity. One evening, while I was flipping through one of his magazines, I came across a small backpack and I thought to myself that I must have one. For Christmas that year I got my first external frame backpack and have been passionate about trekking through the forest ever since.
I have been working for Rock/Creek for the past 4 years and have enjoyed getting to know some really awesome people. For the most part Rock/Creek got me into climbing, which has since become one of my passions. I enjoy all disciplines of climbing and in the past two years I have begun to get into mountaineering.
Top three moments:
Almost getting hit by lighting and enduring quarter size hail on Gregory Bald in the Smokies.
Oozing across a horrendously steep and very loose scree field on a Colorado fourteen’er.
Making my first run out lead at Joshua tree.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: Because of the scenery, big climbs, and the great wilderness setting, I must say that Cirque of the Towers in the Wind River Range, WY is my favorite place I have ever been.
What drives you to get outside: I get outside because I enjoy the freezing nights and thawing mornings. The easy clips, hard hikes, and the dirt, leaf chalky smell of my climbing gear all give me a sense of freedom.
“I love getting into the “zone” where my body is working and my mind is relaxing.”
Other interests: Biking, music, reading and relaxing.
Best or favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: My Eagles Nest hammock.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 8:35 AM | Comments (0)
June 11, 2008
Staff Profile: Chris Brigman, Boating Manager
We’re starting a new feature on the Chronicle profiling staff members from our various stores and internet operations. Today we begin with Chris Brigman, our Chattanooga boating store manager.
Postion: Rock/Creek Down Under Manager
Age: 33
Home Town: Durham, NC
How Long have you worked at R/C: 4 years
Any Advice for people getting into this activity: “Take it slow, don’t get discouraged and remember that it’s supposed to be fun.” - Chris
What do you consider your favorite outdoor activities: As you can see I am an avid kayaker. I have been doing this for the past five years and love it. A buddy of mine told me to either buy a boat or a bike; I chose the boat. Not long after I bought the boat, I bought a bike as well. Even though I love the water I’m frequently seen hitting the trails on my mountain bike.
“I am active not only because I enjoy the challenge, but it also gives me somewhere to escape.”
If you can’t find me on the river or in the woods, check the local disco, because I sure do like to cut a rug!
Top three most memorable moments outside:
1. Running Bear Creek in Northern Georgia. This is a classic Chattanooga class V run.
2. Running Gorilla, a class V+ rapid on the Green Narrows in Saluda, NC.
3. A close call while trapped in my kayak 2 years ago.
Favorite place you have ever been? Why: It would have to be The Green River Narrows in NC. It’s a clean, low consequence Class V that drops almost 400 ft. in just under 3 miles.
Favorite product you use that Rock/Creek carries: Other than Dagger kayaks, I would have to say Werner Paddles because they are lightweight. I also like Shred Ready and FNA helmets because they protect the noggin. I go to NRS for my various other gear needs.
See all Staff Profiles at Rock/Creek >
Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:26 AM | Comments (0)
