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

Flip Flops In February

Lots of folks that attended this past Fridays, Midnight Climb have been asking about Flip Flops in February.  Almost all of this motley crew at some point have been  staff members at Adventure Rock.  This band was first affectionately call the Adventure Rock Band (Adventure Rock+Rock Band=Adventure Rock Band, clever hey).  The band has grown a lot since those days, both professionally and personally.  When AR was approached by the band to put on an event, we jumped at the chance. Flip Flops in February in February, does it get any better?  They always put on a fun show and this past Friday they put on a great show.  After a long hiatus these guys had their groove on.  The band put in a ton of work to make the night run and sound smoothly and it showed. They put on a killer show.  The only down side, Rockman didn't see enough flip flops.

Here is the the bands line up:Flip Flops in February – Nick Davis - Bass, Kevin Schwartz -,Strings and things, Andy Miers - Drums, Dillon Mansour – Aux Percussion, and The Josh – Guitar, and Harmonica. 

Check out the band's Flog (Yes, Flog).  You can read more about the band, set lists and info on upcoming events.  Check it out, become a follower and if you see the band give them a high five for great show.

In the Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman

Friday Night's Freak Out

One thing that Rockman has come to understand about the staff at Adventure Rock, is if you set the bar high they will bound over it like it was nothing. Friday Night's Freak Out was no exception. It was one of the coolest events that Adventure Rock has ever done.  Arock was completely transformed into....well, Rockman can't really describe it, but it was really cool.  Check out the slide show.

The night was filled with good vibes and good tunes provided by Flip Flops in February.  The lighting design was provided by our resident lighting,sound and painting expert Dustin Donohoe with help from his minion Danny Clifford who spent three days setting up the light s for the freak fest(lights provided by the folks at Proline Entertainment).  The Treadwall was a huge hit with climbers.  Alex Nimmer, not quite crushing Devon Wilson in the final round, consisting staying on the Treadwall while it was completely horizontal.  The top time just over 30 seconds with the wall running at full speed.  Crazy.  Rockman had issues with staying on for the required 8 seconds when the wall was vertical.  All this while being serenaded by dueling guitars on Rockband for the xbox.  The gym was packed, people were having fun and for the most part freaking out.  It was a great event.  Hope you can make next time we host a Friday Night Freak-Out.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

 

Rockman

13 Questions With An Adventure Rock Local-Jim Guamaccio

1. What is your Name?Jim Guamaccio

2. Do you have any Nicknames? If so, what are they?Jim

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? All of the colors

6. What were you thoughts when you first came to Adventure Rock?  This is Isn't going to be Hard.....Arg....I was wrong.

7. What is you favorite climbing area? Belay Bar 5

8. What is your favorite route and why? Usually the blue ones.

9. What is your favorite piece of climbing gear? My broken chalk bag

10. What do you like about climbing? Challenges

11. Tell us about your best day climbing? .....Most of them.

12. If you could change one thing about the sport what would it be? I am too new to complain.

13. If you could name a route what would you name it?Ninjas Only

Totally enlightening.  Thanks Jim.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

 Rockman

Quick on the Draw-Wrap-Up

Quick on the Draw has been over for a little more than a week and so begins the sad, dark days of winter.  Until Adventure Rock came up with the whole Anniversary Week thing, there was nothing to look forward to until the temps warmed up enough to chip ice out of Rockman's alley.  It has taken the crew at Arock the better part of the week to recover both physically and mentally from the comp.  The gym is starting to fill up with lots of fun routes and there is little evidence the competition even happened.  It is totally bittersweet.  Rockman is glad it is over and can't wait until next year.  What will we change?  What will the shirts look like?  What can we do to shake things up for finals? Should we make the routes harder?  Were the routes too hard?  Rockman will let you in on a little secret. He usually has a plan for next year before this year's comp is over.  Here are a couple of the highlight from this year's comp:

1. Melissa Nimmer continued a fine family tradition of doing well at Q on the D and secured herself a place in finals and a strong 5th place finish.
2. Three of Adventure Rock's moms earned themselves a place on the podium-Robin Paquette (4th place Women's Recreational), Julie Reuss (2nd place Woman's Intermediate) and Cory Busch (4th place Women's Intermediate)
3. Gina Suckow volunteering to bump herself out of her division.
4. Rockman's old climbing buddy Josh Knapp climbing in his first ever Q on the D and making final's for Men's Advanced.
5. The Local-Joe Miller breaking the habit of fourth place to stand on the top of the podium this year.
6. The Stalag-tight. Rockman's dream was finally realized. The problem now is that the sky is the limit for what Arock can build.  Scary.
7. The Volumes.  How cool are those things?  The route that goes onto the brick wall is so much fun.
8. Adventure Rock's Route Setters. The routes this year were great.  Rockman has spent all the previous Q on the D's setting until his arms throbbed.  This year, Rockman was given a couple courtesy routes to set, but  all of the Arock setters got it done.  Hats off to you guys (and girl).
9. The Volunteers.  Adventure Rock almost had more volunteers than competitors.  Rockman does not quite get why all of these people come out to help him and Arock out each year, but he is grateful.  Everything goes like clockwork. It is amazing.  All day belaying and not climbing n does not sound like fun, but people keep helping. Thank You, Thank you, Thank you.
10. Rockman know this is super lame, but here it is: The Sponsers-LaSportiva, Five Ten, Mad Rock, Evolv, Sterling Rope, Marty's Pizza, REI Brookfield, Laacke & Joys, Skram Media, Metolius, Panera Bread, Clifbar, and The North Face.  Seriously, these guys help keep the price of the comp low, provide goodies for registration bags, pay for the awards, pizza and shirts and give some schwag for the volunteers.  Rockman really needs to give them props.

This year really was a great year for the comp.  There were a few lowlights, like lower attendance. Also some of the hard-men that usually make it had bigger, but probably not better, things to do.  These were not really buzz killers though because everyone who was here seemed to have a great time.  Here are a few photos:

Melissa Nimmer in finals!

Gina Suckow making this route look so easy.

Josh Knapp styling Men's Advanced Final.

The Local-Joe Miller, good stuff.

 

 Colin Kennedy on the Stalag-Tight!

The Volumes on the slab!  Go get it, Papa Bloedel!

 

Rockman would put up a picture of the routesetters, but no one wants to see that.

One of Rockman's favorite volunteers, Steph Dybul

All in all one of the best Q on the D's in our short history putting on comps.  If you competed this year, Thank you.  If you helped this year, Thank you.  If you didn't do either- What's up with that?  Next year don't make it any harder than we have to.  Just sign up, cause its fun, cause it's a good deal, cause you don't have anything better to do.  Now Rockman can take a little rest until Anniversary Week.  

 

 

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

 Rockman

Check Adventure Rock's website for pictures and results

Most pictures courtesy of the Climbing Narc

Adventure Rock Local Ice Climbing Guri (plural of guru?)

We all know how local news reporting is fair and factual, especially when it comes to anything in the climbing world. Here is a little piece a Green Bay news crew made about The Ice Pit.

For those who don't recognize these folks they are Danny Clifford, Dan Kopperud, Mr Fields. Big props needs to go out to Danny and Dan for putting together the First Annual Ice Pit Ice Fest a couple of weeks ago. They had an awesome turn out and it sounded to Rockman like everyone had lots of fun.

In The Spirit Of Adventure,

Rockman