What if..

Rockman's son always asks "What If....". These scenarios usually involve a multitude bizarre circumstances about tornadoes, floods, flying bicycles, monsters or radio active alligators. These scenarios don't really have any application to the sport of climbing, however, when you stop and think of all the "what if's" in the sport of climbing it can make you head spin. Black Diamond does a great job of testing their equipment watch this video and see if you makes you wonder or answers your "what if's" about carabiners.

Black Diamond Carabiner Testing Video from Black Diamond Equipment on Vimeo.

The times are a changing

Rockman started climbing in 1990.  A lot has changed in the sport in the past 20 years.  Back in the day people wore spandex pants and you were something if you could climb 5.12.  Climbing gyms and manufactured climbing holds were just making their way into climbers hands and people were having ethical debates about "sport climbing".  These were good times.  One constant in these last twenty years, in Rockman's mind, was a employee own climbing gear company called Black Diamond.

Black Diamond was purchased from it's founder (and founderer?) and climbing pioneer Yvon Chouinard.   Chouinard (a blacksmith by trade) made and sold some of the best pitons in the country starting in 1957.  Always a being on the front of a trend, he revolutionized the sport by introducing "clean climbing", using removable protection from climbs instead crack-damaging pitons.  He did this in 1974 the same year he patented the Hexentrics. In 1989, after facing several lawsuits for manufacturing climbing that wasn't defective but lacked sufficient warnings about the dangers of climbing, Chouinard sold the company.   

Black Diamond Equipment has gone on to set the standard in climbing equipment.  They manufacture some of the best carabiners, climbing protection and harnesses.  Their Camalot (C4) is the camming protection of choice for most traditional climbers.  They have helped climbers around the world make bigger, bolder ascents, as well as, allowed regular joes, like Rockman to get some high quality climbing gear at a reasonable price.

On May 10th, Black Diamond announced they were purchased by Clarus Corporation.  This news rocked Rockman's world.  This great employee owned company is going to be merged with Gregory Mountain Products into some sort of conglomerate company.  What does this mean for us the end user?  Only time will tell.  Better products?  More innovation?  Quick emphasis on profits and a quick resale?  This is what Peter Metcalf, the Ceo of Bd, has to say about the change,

What is not changing? Our commitment to our mission vision and values, and our efforts to help write the stories of the sports and the communities which inspire us.  This shared passion is the universal Esperanto that connects us with fellow climbers & skiers no matter where we are. We view this new route in front of us as not only a method to growth, but as a collaborative effort through which we will strengthen and expand the way we do business and our community of fellow users.

The thing Rockman knows for a fact is the times they are a changing. Good luck Black Diamond we have our fingers crossed.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman

Big Up Productions: The Insiders

Big Up Productions has been setting the standard for high quality climbing videos.  One of their most recent films is The Insiders.   This films will help any climber that has been lacking a little motivation get off the ground.  Enjoy.



In The Spirit Of Adventure,

You may be a climber from Wisconsin if......

You have seen You may be a ________ if you .... lists about rednecks, dog lovers and lots of other groups but here is our chance.  Feel free to add a comment if you have your own additions.

You may be a climber from Wisconsin if........

.....you own more than 100ft of tubular webbing.

......you think 8 hours is a quick drive to go climbing.

......you yell "Rope" regardless of if their is any one around you.

..... you walk (or drive) twenty minutes between Boulder problems

.....you have ever said a hold is "out" on climb outside.

....you think guide books should show you an aerial view of a crag.

...you think is chalk is controversial.

....you care what DFLA stands for.

.... your hexes are your most frequently used climbing gear.

....you have ever seen a man in a pinstripe suit at the crags.

....you have ever traded a bush for a camp site.

...you have a hard time trusting your feet where ever you climb.

Lets keep the list going.

In The Spirit Of Advenutre,

Rockman

Name That Derriere V2

If you have every taking any pictures of people climbing, it has inevitably happened to you. The "Butt Shot".  If you don't remember what color your friend's pants were that day,  you may not remember who the climber was. Mostly those pictures are useless. That is why Rockman came up with his new segment/contest Name That Derriere.  Here is how it works.  Look at the three photos;  try to identify  the Adventure Rock members pictured.  E-mail your answers to rockman@adventurerock.com.  The winner will receive a Kreig Chalk Bag, one of these bad boys will fancy up your derriere for sure.  All submissions will need to be in by May 22nd, 2010.  Winner will be chosen at random from the most accurate submissions.  Here are the photos:

 All photos taken by Lauren Goodspeed

Now, for the moment you all have been waiting for........

And the winners chosen at random from the hundreds of correct answers are Sarah Brengosz, Lauren Goodspeed and JJ Czaplewski.  They will each receive a Kreig chalk bag.  Please keep the submissions of Name That Derriere photos coming.

In The Spirit Of Adventure

Rockman

Breaking the Dirtbag Cycle

When it comes to the world of climbing, the term "dirtbag" gets thrown around a lot.  It used to refer to a climber, that sans job, does everything within his power to get by without tapping into his meager savings and continue climbing.  The stories of dirtbags sound kinda like a hobo's existence; dumpster diving for food, collecting bottles for deposits, waking up early to move before rangers find you sleeping illegally. The stories go on and on.  They are kinda fun and have a sort of romantic, spirit of adventure quality to them.  The problem is that idea of being a dirtbag has permeated into the climbing culture.  Folks that are weekend warriors with good jobs seem to have "bought" into the idea of  being a dirtbag.  It has moved away from the idea of scrimping by on meager finances to continue climbing to just flat out being cheap.  One example of this was during the open years of Torrent Falls in the Red, Rockman watched many gainfully employed climbers walk pass the $2 donation can and never drop in a dime.  This becomes the problem with the dirtbag mentality.   Torrent Falls is no longer open to the public.  Is it because folks didn't fork over a couple of bucks on each  visit? Not entirely, but pulling a wad of cash out each weekend would have payed for the port-o-potty.  The examples like this are too many and too frequent to list, but if you don't believe Rockman, just hang out at the front counter of your local climbing gym and listen as people try to talk their way in without paying, or go local gear shop where climbers ask to price match a Spanish website. Listen to enough of these conversations and you will start to understand.

It occurs to Rockman that the climbing industry is really to blame for perpetuating the Dirtbag Cycle.  Over the years climbing equipment has become safer, more functional and less expensive.  Let Rockman illustrate.  In 1990 the average cost of rock shoes was $150. The average cost of rock shoes today is $110.  In twenty years have shoes gotten better or worse?  What helps bring this price down?  Cheap shoes have made all companies cut costs to stay competitive.  A Black Diamond Bod harness was one of the least expensive harnesses when Rockman started climbing. It was $50. Now the same harness is still $50 and a host of other harnesses are more comfortable and less than $50.  All of this gear safe, useful, light, comfortable and inexpensive.  This is good right?  Inexpensive gear allows everyone to have shoes and harnesses and ropes and biners, but unfortunately the profit margins are smaller making it harder on the industry.  As the costs of these items go down further, climbers begin to expect better and better deals, fueling their cheapness.   

 

What is the big deal with being cheap?  The big deal is this cheapness affects Red River Gorge Climbing Coalition, land owners, other climbing advocacy groups, local climbing shops, climbing gyms and other buisnesses that support the climbing community. Rockman can't tell you how many times he has heard a dirtbag climber justify not paying his 2 bucks for camping at Miguel's because he bought a pizza.  Now Miguel's has a tag system for tents to make sure you pay $2.  Really, 2 bucks. You can't pay 2 bucks? Where in the world can you camp ,that has plumbing, for $2.  That is just sad and if you can't pay for camping are you going to give $20 a month to your local climbers coalition, probably not.

So how do we break this cycle? Easy.  The same way Rockman changes his children's behavior.  No, not by yelling-Consequences.  What if the consequence of buying the cheapest gear meant you might get hurt?  Would you buy the more expensive draw set if it was stronger?  Cheap gear isn't really that cheaply made, but what if it was?   What if cheap gear wasn't as strong or reliable?  Would you spend more?  If  faced with the choice of decking out or spending more money, more money would win out, wouldn't it?   Of course this won't happen.  It is hard to build a business around substandard gear.  Having these consequences might be the cure for dirtbagedness but for now the only consequence of being a dirtbag is more subtle: closed climbing areas and tags for your tent.  There still are consequences even if it takes 15 years to realize them.  Help Rockman break the dirtbag cycle by supporting your local climbing coalition, paying for camping, buying from your local climbing shop (and not asking for a deal) and buying quality-made climbing gear instead of the cheapest thing that may do the trick.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman

Not Forgoten

It may seem like a while since Rockman has posted anything but he has a lot of stuff in the works.  First off, he went climbing, crazy hey. More info and a trip update will coming in the next couple of days.  Second, Rockman Sezs is in the process of moving.  Where to? Adventure Rock's new website which will be going live in the next couple of weeks.  Keep checking back to see the progress.  If you have become a subscriber or follower, we don't quite know how that is going to work, but with a little patience you should be able to follow the blog.  Lastly, there is a bunch of really fun things coming down the line for Adventure Rock.

1. Gear Swap and MBEC comp on Monday April 19th from 6-9pm.  Come sell your unwanted gear and buy someone elses for a great deal.
2. Adventure Rock's very own Matt Kuehl's Senior Thesis Boreal Exposure will be opening on Friday April 16th at MIAD. 
3. Adventure Rock's Tread-Wall update-The wall is operating again.  Thanks to the hard work of Matt Brunell the wall is back in operation.  It will take a couple of days to get everything put back together and it will be back in operation.  Give us a couple of days and you be able climb for miles.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

     Rockman

You Go Joe

Rockman, for the most part, usually has a pretty low opinion of professional climbers.  Because of the small amount of money that exists within the sport, pro climbers have to almost be omnipresent.  They are constantly touting their lasts projects and numbers in climbing mags, blogs and to any person that will listen, in order to  eek out a living and continue to climb.  After years of being in the sport  and hearing about another twenty-something pro climber sending 5.12, 5.13, 5.14 or 5.15, it just isn't that interesting.  As a result, most of the climbing blogs, magazines and videos, just don't give Rockman anything to mentally chew on.  Every once and awhile Rockman does come across something (Thanks to the NARC) that is compelling to read on a pro climber's blog.

Joe Kinder recently posted an article on his blog Joe Kind Kid that Rockman was psyched to read.  The article was about him doing  his first bit of bolting routes in the Red River Gorge.  Not real big news,but as the article continues he talks about how badly he messes it up.  So what?  Right.  The best part of the whole deal is he fesses up. He does the one thing politicians, professional athletes and other public figures can never seem to do.  Admit they were wrong.  Joe admits his mistakes and eats some crow and gets the routes fixed (thanks to some RRG locals).  In the world of pro climbing where self promotion is almost as important as climbing, that's huge. Check out his post here.  Rockman has to say, You go Joe.  Everyone makes mistakes and its refreshing hear someone own  up to them.  (The caveat to all of this is no one decked on his bad equipment.  If someone did, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation.)

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman

Name that Derriere

If you have every taking any pictures of people climbing, it has inevitably happened to you. The "Butt Shot".  If you don't remember what color your friend's pants were that day,  you may not remember who the climber was. Mostly those pictures are useless. That is why Rockman came up with his new segment/contest Name That Derriere.  Here is how it works.  Look at the three photos;  try to identify  the Adventure Rock members pictured.  E-mail your Answers to rockman@adventurerock.com.  The winner will receive a Kreig Chalk Bag, one of these bad boys will fancy up your derriere for sure.  All submissions will need to be in by April 2nd, 2010.  Winner will be chosen at random from the most accurate submissions.  Here are the photos:

Photo #1 by Chris Hannes

Photo #2 by Unknown

Photo #3 by Daniel Clifford

Good luck.  If you can't get enough of Butt Shots you may want to join the Facebook group Nothing Butt Climbing Pics.  Feel free to e-mail Rockman your Butt Shots, he will try to use them in future Name The Derriere posts.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman

The Humble 9/16th Wrench

When was the last time you were out climbing and clipped a bolt that the hanger spun?  Or maybe you got to an anchor and one of the quick links was opened just a little bit.  You may have thought to yourself,"Self, that can't be good".  Maybe you tried to tighten it by hand and thought, like Rockman did, "Someone should do something about this bolt".  Rockman can honestly say he was missing something about how things get  in the climbing world, to think someone else should do something.  The person that needs to do something is the person who sees the problem.

Rockman's epiphany came when he met a climber named Terry Kindred, an outspoken southern climber and member of Team Suck, a group of folks that climbed, played and rebolted routes together.  Terry wasn't full of a lot tact, but he called them like he saw them.  He was not afraid to come up to a climber and tell them what they were doing wrong.  He had a sense of responsibility to the climbing world and he did not want anyone to mess it up (he used other words).  Terry and the rest of Team Suck spent a lot of time and money replacing bolts in the Red River Gorge, and still do (without Terry).    Replacing bolts is pretty unglamorous, it doesn't get your name in the guide book like bolting new lines does, but when that new line's bolts aren't so new any more most RRG climbers should be grateful for Team Suck.  Terry would proselytize almost as much as he climbed or screwed around.  The thing Rockman remembers most about his rants was: We are responsible for the world of climbing, not someone else.  He would go on about reading kiosks at the trail head, parking in the right area, packing out your climbing tape, obeying closures, following land owners rules and host of other really simple things.  Most climbers can't, won't or shouldn't be replacing bolts, but we should do what we can when we can.  Thankfully Team Suck does a great job with bolt replacement in the Red River Gorge.

Terry died in 2006, and while Rockman didn't know Terry well, he still felt his loss.  Rockman feels as though the climbing community needed some like Terry to give us  a wake up.  To tell us what should obvious.  So as spring draws near and you start putting you climbing gear together, throw a simple 9/16" (or adjustable) wrench in your pack.  When you come across a loose bolt tighten it down.   Not because Rockman said so, not because Terry would have told to do so, because it is the least you can do for the sport.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman




P.S.   Terry and the rest of Team Suck have a "How to Climb" section on their website.  If you go to their website you can read a lot of fascinating Terryoids (quotes from Terry), report bad bolts, and, of course, donate to the rebolting fund.  Rockman just did his part a made a donation to both Team Suck and RRGCC.

Classic Climbing Cinema

Back in the day Cliffhanger was the best Hollywood Climbing  ever made.  Rockman loved it.  The best part of the film is the opening scene.  Rockman and lots of other climbers used the Ol' Black Diamond Bod harness pictured in the scene.  As cheesy as it is, this scene is what climbing nightmares are made of (the free falling to death, not hanging out with Sly Stallone).  Give the opening a look  then check out the parody.



In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman

Hints to an effective gym work-out

Climbing at the gym is fun, for a lot of reasons.  Great people, wide variety of changing routes and grades, climate controlled, comfy floor and a host of other amenities.  It is easy to see why climbers, while they love the outdoors, still flock to climbing gyms all over the world.  Adventure Rock is no exception.  Climbing gyms are kinda like bars for active people, lots of camaraderie, laughter, pick up lines and good times.  Rockman will often walk through the gym and comment that Adrock is a sitting gym more than it is a climbing gym.  This atmosphere, unfortunately, can lead to less working out and more hanging out.  If you have been coming to the gym and you don't seem to be getting better or your performance has plateaued, here a couple of hints to a more effective gym work-out.

• Decide why you come to the gym-If you come to the gym to hang out , Great.  If you come to get strong for a trip to the Red, fine.  If you come to for fitness, totally cool.  What ever the reason you come to the gym it is important for you identify those reasons. It will help you.....
  
• Set some goals-Once you have idea of why come to the gym, you will need to set some goals.  I want to climb X grade.  I would like to be able to get to the top of the CCC trail without passing out.  I would like to be able to do this route or that  route.  What ever you decide your goal is it will help determine your workout in the gym.
• Warm up-Try to warm up slow and on moderate grades.  This will help reduce injury and help lengthen you work outs.
  
• Work out-We do call it a gym.  Based on your goals you should have some idea of what you need to do.  If you are working towards a bouldering trip you shouldn't be doing routes.  If you are working to increasing your endurance, stay out of the bouldering cave.
• Use your time-Get into the gym an appropriate amount to meat your goals.  No more, no less.  Coming into the gym to often will cause either ineffective workout or injuries.
  
• Get some help-For whatever the reason once climbers learn to belay they think they don't need any help.  There are many places to get help; Adrock offers personal training,there are lots of book out about training, online resources, other climbers, lots of options just don't be afraid to utilize help.  Often time a partner who pushes you can make the difference. Your partner doesn't help.....
• Lose the dead weight-This could be literally and figuratively.  It is easier to climb when you are lighter, however climbers carry around a lot of figurative dead-weight.   This weight could be a under-motivated partner, climbing with new climbers that chew into your work-out, trying to mac at the gym, people that want to tell you how to run your business.  Lose it all.  Tell people you are at the gym to work-out, not talk and try to say no to the doughnut, too.  
• Know your body-What do you need to do to get a good work out?  Back in the day Rockman would have to ~20 route for a good work out, these days its more like 7 or 8.  Keep a log if you need to.  Once you have a base of what is a good work-out you can keep better track of what you are doing and how you are progressing.  Knowing your body pertains to getting a climbing injury, as well, know when your body is telling you to take a couple days off.
• Failure is good-When you can't get up your warm-ups at the end of the night, you've done good.  Think about it, when was the last time you were so tired that you failed getting up a warm-up?  Maybe you should be doing a little more each time your in the gym.  Try doing laps on your last route or down climbing your last route or killer hangboard session.

If your goal is just to hang out, ignore most of this.  If you want to improve try a couple of these hints, while firing you partner is kinda harsh, most of these things are easy to implement.  Give them a try, the nice thing is you can always go back to hanging out  on the floor and telling people how to run their business.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman


P.S.  For all of you faithful readers, sorry for that lack of posts this past week.  Rockman's brain stopped working altogether.  Hopefully were up to normal functioning now and will posting on a more regular basis.  

Parental Guidance Suggested

Not everyone sees things like Rockman. He understands this.  Rockman is no angel. He has said his fair share of inappropriate things and dropped his fair share of less than gentlemanly language.  That being said, Rockman thinks climbing should be a family  sport.  Folks should be able to take their family to the gym or to the crag without a bunch of earmuffs and oxygen masks.  For the most part, Rockman has been pretty psyched on how well the climbing community has toned it down when his family rolls up to the crag.  It may be a slight buzz kill, but 70% of the climbers get it. The others, well, they may never get it and that's really sad.

Recently, Rockman has been viewing trailers of new climbing videos that are about to be released.  It has been amazing to see not only how climbers have improved but how the production value of climbing films has improved. Climbers are making videos that are pretty interesting to watch.  Lots of camera angles, great graphics, and editing make for easy viewing.  It seems like a great way to make some money in the sport. Unfortunately, it seem as though many of the guys making the videos are part of the 30% that may never get.  This video is a great example of how clueless some folks are(Warning:This video has a lot of pointless swearing and other dumb behavior.  Rockman has posted it to illustrate a point.  You don't need to watch it to understand the point): 

Classy.

This particular video is not super high quality, but illustrates the point.  The language, the music and the behavior are all inappropriate.  Was this movie made for a family audience?  One would hope not. Rockman is not suggesting that we sanitize the climbing world to make it family friendly, but the editing process makes it wee bit easier.  "Artistic" decisions were made to make these videos what they are and  these videos are on the cutting edge of rock climbing.  All of the professional climbers in the industry are in them.  All of the sport's leading gear manufacturers sponsor and advertise in these movies.  Is this what the sport is?  Is this what you want the sport to be?  Rockman doesn't.  Adventure Rock doesn't.  This is one of the reasons Adrock doesn't do many climbing movie premieres, because we feel strongly about the family nature of sport.  Now watch this video:

If you actually got to the section of the first video with Daniel Woods, you realize how different these two videos are.  Why?  $$$$$$$. Daniel Woods likes his sponsorship with The North Face.  Even though Rockman isn't a huge fan of The North Face, they get it.  They want to be associated with the best things this sport offers.  They want what Adventure Rock wants.  The difficulty of the moves, the conquering of something that was thought to be to hard, "the triumph of victory and the agony of defeat", all of the things that attracted many of us to the sport initially.  And, Rockman would add, stuff he would like his kids to be a part of.  Climbing: Parental Guidance Suggested-But does it need to be?

In the Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman

Summit Shots

The Summit Shot, that all important proof of success.  These, often out of focus, poorly composed, photos are some of a climbers most treasured possessions.  Rockman totally spaced these from Everest Day.  They are great, take a look.



These hold up to any of the Summit Shots, Rockman has seen.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman

Everest Day

Anniversary Week is over and it seems as thought the crew at AR is looking forward to a little down time between events. We hope that every one had a great time.  Everest Day seems to get the most attention of any of the events we do.  Here are are the photos, maybe you can see why.


Thanks to everyone who participated or helped out with all of the events. 

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Attention Trekies: Captain Kirk climbs the Mountain

Rockman knows everyone wants to see some photos of Everest Day.  Unfortunately, Ice Dancing and Curling are occupying an in-exorbitant amount of time.  Here are a couple of videos for your enjoyment:

Hope everyone is enjoying the Olympics.  Go USA!  Hopefully in 2020, Rockman will be posting some video of Olympic climbing.  It's not to early to start training.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman

DIY: Liquid Chalk

Besides the sports bra, chalk is probably one of the most beloved pieces of climbing equipment.  These days every climber has a bag full of chalk.  Not much has really changed since those hot, humid days at Devil's Lake when John Gill rubbed some gymnastic chalk on his hands and changed the sport of climbing.  Gymnastic chalk is pretty much unchanged; put it in a sock or don't, grind it real fine or leave it chunky.  It's still just Gymnastic chalk.  Until a few years ago when someone came up with the idea of liquid chalk.  In Rockmans opinion, it's a pretty good idea for two sets of climbers, the super sweaty and boulderers.  This stuff will not replace your chalk bag. All its users will tell you this stuff makes for a great base layer of chalk.  It really packs a one, two punch on your hands; removing oil and moisture and replacing it with an even coat of chalk.  Kinda cool, hey.  The problem is a 4 oz. bottle can cost you up to $11.95.  Just on the wrong side of a sawbuck to give it a try.  Rockman is here to help.   Here is a recipe to make  ~8 oz. for $4.00.

Ingredient list:

1-8 oz block of gymnastics chalk ($1.50)

1-16 oz bottle of rubbing alcohol ($2.50)

1-Empty bottle

1-mixing dish

1-mixing stick

1-measuring cup

Instructions

1. Break up your block of chalk.  Rockman uses a fine screen to grate the chalk through; it creates a very fine dust which makes creating a smooth mixture much easier.  Depending on how much liquid chalk you want to make, grind about 2-4 cups of chalk.  Put it into your mixing bowl.  Make sure you measure how many cups you put into your bowl.
2.  Add your rubbing alcohol to your mixing dish at a ratio of 1:2 (1 part alcohol to 2 parts ground chalk).  Rockman likes to work in smaller batches of 1 cup alcohol to 2 cups chalk.
3. Use your mixing stick to mix your mixture until it is really smooth.   If your mixture is slightly dry add in small splashes of alcohol until it is suitable consistency.
4. Add your mixture to its suitable container.
5. Clean up and head out to do some climbing.

Directions for use

Shake bottle before each application.  Squirt a nickel sized glob into your hand.  Don't use more, because unlike hand lotion you can't just rub this on your elbows to absorb the extra; it will give you really chalky elbows.

Rub your hands together,vigorously.  When you first apply this stuff you you will think to yourself," ugh, this is totally disgusting."  Don't fret, it gets better. Keep rubbing your hands together.   One thing Rockman should tell you is this is rubbing alcohol, the stuff you freaked out about your mom putting on your scraped knee; it will burn (while disinfecting) any cuts on your hands.

You will notice your hands will start to get cold.  This is the alcohol evaporating off your skin, taking with it moisture and oil.  Your hands will start to look chalky.

Voila, liquid chalk.  Go send some boulder problems, Sweaty.

If you don't want to make your own LC or if you just want to see what it is like, next time you are in the gym ask one of the friendly desk staff to try a squirt of Rockman Sezs Liquid Chalk.  Give it a try and let the staff know if you like it.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

 Rockman

13 Questions With An Adventure Rock Local-Ray Janowski

1. What is your Name? Ray Janowski
2. Do you have any Nicknames? If so, what are they? Poppa Bear
3. How long have you been climbing? 1 1/2 Years
4. How long have you been climbing at Adventure Rock? 1 1/2 Years
5. What is your favorite part of Adventure Rock? The friendly staff and members.
6. What were you thoughts when you first came to Adventure Rock? It seemed like an intimidating place, but quickly realized it is a cool gym with relaxed people.
7. What is you favorite climbing area? EVERYWHERE!
8. What is your favorite route and why? Any crimpy technical route. They are the best because they require more than brute strength to get up.
9. What is your favorite piece of climbing gear? My hands, they take me where I want to go.
10. What do you like about climbing? Achieving goals you set out for yourself.
11. Tell us about your best day climbing? I dominated a crimpy 5.11 that was on the overhang.  I was so pumped.
12. If you could change one thing about the sport what would it be? I would make it an Olympic sport.
13. If you could name a route what would you name it? Higher Ascent

Thanks, Poppa Bear, for letting us get to know you.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman 

Hard Times

The other day in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Rockman read an article about a indoor play area called Just4Fun.  Rockman has always felt that these places are a great idea.  An indoor playground.  The equipment is easy to find and readily available.  The cost for space is relatively inexpensive because they are in warehouse spaces.  They are great for adults because they are climate controlled, there is nothing for the kiddies to get into, and they usually have amenities like wifi and comfortable chairs.  Usually they charge a very fare price for coming in to play.  Seems like win/win all the way around. The gist of the article is that due to the downturn in the economy this place has not done as many b-day parties and, as a result, has fallen behind on rent ($180,000) and is facing eviction, as well as end of their business.  This made Rockman think about Adventure Rock and how we are doing in these "hard-times".

The quick answer is Adventure Rock is doing fairly well.  Given the state of the economy, we are still doing lots of b-day parties, our classes are filling up, we have more members than ever.  So as Adventure Rock is celebrating it's 12th anniversary,  why? Why them and not us?  There are probably a hundred reasons why Just4Fun is going out of business and Adventure Rock is not.  Rockman would like to believe it is his marketing prowess and cut-throat business tactics.  Most likely it is not either of those.  Maybe it is our stellar business plan. However, we have spoken to plenty of bankers who don't seem to think it is that stellar.  So what is it?

It's you.  You have a lot to do with it.  You and the rest of Adventure Rock's  fans, followers and members.  You buy memberships, come to our events, let us host your kid's b-day party, let us teach you to belay, let us coach you. You work for us, volunteer for us, recommend us and you trust us with your hard earned money.   You make up a community of people that support Adventure Rock, just another small business like Just4Fun.
12 years ago no one thought that we could stay in business for 1 year, let alone 12.  They have not been easy years, but we are still here.  So if we haven't told you in a while, Thank you.  Thank you for your years of support, good wishes and help.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman

Anniversary Week Line Up

Come on into Adventure Rock rock for our Anniversary Week (February 15th-22nd) celebration. Each day we have an event that will try to amuse you. Retro Night MBEC-Monday, February 15th, 6:00pm-9pm How could we make our MBEC (Monday Bouldering Extravaganza Competition) any better?  Add in some retro outfits, of course.  We don't care if it is spandex, tie dyed, polyester bell bottoms or woolen lederhosen, bust 'em out and come boulder.  $5 to enter.  Retro Themed prizes. Poker Night-Tuesday, February 16th, 6:00pm-9pm Deal 'em up.  Come on in and climb our 7 poker night routes to make your best Five card hand.   If you are a card shark, you could win a pair of Five Ten Shoes.  No cost for members, everybody else needs a day-pass to play. Movie Night-Vertical Limit-Wednesday, February 17th, 7:00pm-????? This nail biting , edge of your seat thrill ride of a movie will give you insight into how hard it is to climb a mountain like K2.  Join us for this true to life story of sibling rivalries, redemption and nitroglycerin.  This movie will not disappoint.  Rated PG-13.  No Charge for this event. Dyno Comp-Thursday, February 18th, 7:00pm-????? Let's see how big your ups are.  Come join us for this leap-fest.  Whether you can Dyno or not it will be a good time.  A $5 donation to the Red River Gorge Climbing Coalition will get you in the door, it's up to you to stay off the floor. Free Friday-Friday, February 19th, 10am-10pm There is no catch, it's just free.  Free day passes, free Clip'n Go, free rental.  Why?  It is our little way to say "thank you " to the community that has supported us and kept us in business for 12 years.  Come on in and climb, bring a friend-it's free. Prearranged programs,sleep-overs,b-day parties or group classes are not free. Everest Day-Saturday, February 20th, 10am-2pm Do you have what it takes to climb the worlds tallest mountain?  Come find out.  Adventure Rock has put together a 10 stage Everest-style obstacle course.  Come wield ice axes into our "Khumbu Ice Fall", attempt to ascend the Hillary Step, or set up camp in a wind storm.  Curious?  We will not disappoint.  Any age can come try out this mental and physical challenge.  No Cost to participate.  Cake will be served after the event.  Dress warm because you will be inside and outside.

Anniversary Membership Sale February 21st-22nd Individual Annual $240 Individual  Clip'N Go Annual $340 This sale has become an annual tradition for Adventure Rock (that's why we call it the Anniversary Sale).  We are selling our annual membership at a significantly reduced rate.  Come in either of those days to get this great deal.  If you already have a membership, current members can come in any time during Anniversary Week to renew.  Tack your new membership on the back end of your current membership to take full advantage of this sale. $120 for the first additional family member $60 each additional family member In The Spirit Of Adventure, Rockman