spreadthewool_east

Little Bit of This, Little Bit of That

After the mountain biking festival in Georgia, I ventured up to Asheville, NC to spend two days spreading the wool.  From there, I had to make my way back up North to Lake Placid, NY for the BG US Challenge.  It was quite a drive, so I planned to stop in Fayetteville, WV on the way.  For those not familiar with Fayetteville, it is home to the New River Gorge.  This small town has the feel of a mountain town, nightlife like a city and host of athletes that can paddle class V then lead climbing 5.11, in the same day! 

I camped out at "Rogers" which is no more than a great, kind spirit that lets climbers camp out in his yard for a small fee.  There I met a whole host of climbers that had been there for a month or so climbing.  Needless to say, they were super amped to get a free pair of Point6 socks.  Below is a photo of the 'lodge' at Rogers Campground.  As you may gather, the lactic acid bath is the shower! 
After the morning of some quick climbing, I ventured up to New York state for the BG US Challenge.  The Challenge is an adventure race of sorts for the corporate world to promote teamwork, critical thinking skills, fundraising for St. Judes and a great endurance test.  There was 35 teams of 4-5 people that had to kayak, run, mountain bike and complete brain tests.  It was a great event put on by IMG Action Sports and had a competitive, though supportive atmosphere.  Each team cheered each other on and made sure that there was enough smiles to go around.  If your company is looking for a challenge, sign up for the US Challenge next year or simply head up to Lake Placid for a weekend getaway.  The mountains, lakes and vibe of the town will surely not disappoint you. 

Dirty Spokes 12/6 Hour Mountain Bike Race

In between cruising along the Eastern Seaboard for the past two weeks, I had the pleasure of attending the Dirty Spokes 12/6 hour mountain bike race in Conyers, GA.  I had no idea what to expect at a mountain bike race in Georgia, but I was very pleasantly surprised at what I found.  The course was a beautiful single track around a steeplechase section of an equestrian venue.  From speaking with competitors, it was a tough loop and kept everyone, including the professionals on their toes at all times.  The Dirty Spokes crew put on an excellent race and folks in Georgia were super stoked to be wearing our Ultra Light Cycling mini crew throughout the 6 and 12 hour race. 

US National Whitewater Center - Subaru River Jam

Last night I had the pleasure of 'spreading the wool' at the Truckstop Preachers concert at the US National Whitewater Center (http://www.usnwc.org/).  The venue is an unreal playground for outdoor enthusiast including a manmade river with class IV rapids, climbing wall, retail store, 11 miles of single track and a great restaurant.  If you are ever in the area or need a vacation, head to Charlotte for an unreal outdoor adventure.

Inner Peaks Climbing Gym - Charlotte, NC

After rolling into Charlotte, I decided that I needed to find a climbing gym and go pull some plastic.  I stumbled upon Inner Peaks (www.innerpeaks.com) and was really impressed.  After about 30 minutes or so, a gentleman from behind the desk called over the intercom looking for the Point6 rep whose van was outside.  I went up and introduced myself to Chip and we chatted.  He was getting ready to do a yoga class, but I told him that after his class was over I'd give everyone in the gym a pair of socks. He took me up on the offer and once again made an announcement and I spread the wool to all that were there.  If you are ever in Charlotte, be sure to swing by and do climbing. 

Point6 Migration to Southeast

Today was a great day for driving.  I ventured from Western Massachusetts to Charlottesville, VA.  As I migrated South the weather just kept getting warm and the clouds disappeared.  I'm at the KOA (Kampground of America) in Charlottesville, VA where I will spend the next two days hitting up trailheads and various grassroots 'appearances.  I'll be in Charlotte, NC on Thursday night for the Truckstop Preachers show at the US National Whitewater Center, so if you dont catch me in VA be sure to look for me in NC! 

Delta 7 Sports

I have to admit, I'm a total gearhead.  When I saw the following bike posted on The Piton I couldnt help but do a little more homework on it.  The manufacturer is a company called Delta 7 Sports and they are building bikes using a lattice structure of kevlar and carbon fiber.  The bikes are handcrafted in the US and have limited production.  Here's a little eye candy for you: 

Western Mass Athletic Club - Weds. 'Fun' Run

Last week at the Josh Billings Triathlon I spoke to a couple of runners that I know and they mentioned to me that when I'm in the Berkshires I should meet them for their Wednesday night 'fun' run.  Now I know that this group are serious runners, but I had no idea what I was really getting myself into.  We met at 5:30 pm and everyone talks about their workout for the night.  I was feeling tough (or so I thought) so I went with a small group up to the track for a speed workout. 
By the end of the work out, my legs were shaking, lungs burning and heart pounding.  It was certainly an accomplishment to have completed it and I'm glad that I got a chance to run with the group.  After our run, one of the members brought fresh vegetables from his garden and passed them out and we all enjoyed a beverage of our choice.  This group hosts races and group runs throughout the year and its a great group of folks.  You can check them out at www.runwmac.com. 

Camp TaKumTa Golf Tournament

With an early golf tournament the next morning, I spent last Thursday night on top of Mad River Glen Ski Area in Fayston, VT to be close to the Annual Camp TaKumTa Golf Tournament in Barre, VT.  It was a nice and frosty night with temperatures hovering around 20, but I was rewarded in the morning by seeing 3 moose along my drive.  Of course by the time that I got my camera out they were out of sight. 

The drive to the Barre Country Club where the tournament was being held uses many dirt roads and small, discretely placed hand made signs. Upon my arrival, there was an unreal fog sitting over the course with sneak peaks of sunlight which was sure to provide an unreal day for golf.  The Annual Tournament draws about 150 golfers and raises money for Camp TaKumTa (www.takumta.org).  The Camp is a week long 'camp' that is for children with or that have had cancer.  It is put on my a special group of volunteers and is truly something special to witness everyone's enthusiasm about the camp and supporting it.

point6 Appalachian Trail Magic

As I was driving back from a recent triathlon, the van crossed the Appalachian Trail in Cheshire, MA.  As I crossed it, I noticed a familiar face.  I swung the van around and drove back to greet the familiar face.  Come to find out, it was a Southbound Appalachian Trail hiker that goes by the name "Yogi".  I had met him about a month or so earlier in Gorham, NH while staying at Hikers Paradise.  He was still wearing his point6 hiking socks and I threw him another pair for good measure. 

Triathlon in Pure Berkshires Style

What started off as a gloomy, rainy morning blossomed into a beautiful day with fierce competition, a kid's race, live music and of course, free merino wool socks.   The point6 East Coast crew was at the 32nd Annual Josh Billings Runaground in Lenox, MA 'spreading the wool' yesterday.  Boasted as the oldest and largest bike, canoe/kayak, run triathlon east of Eppie's Great Race in Sacramento, Ca, the event consists of a 27 mile bike, 5 mile canoe/kayak and a 6.2 mile run. 

Congratulations to all of the competitors and we hope that you enjoy your new point6 socks!  See you next year.