spreadthewool_east

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. 

point6 Conquers America's Most Hiked Mountain

Yesterday point6 had the delight of visiting Mount Monadnock State Park in Jaffrey, NH.  Those of you not familiar with Mt. Monadnock, it is the most frequently hiked mountain in the United States and third most in the World.  At 3,165 ft (965 meters) the mountain is unusually above treeline. 
When we had the chance to speak with a ranger, she gracefully provided us with the low down on the mountain and its history.  After the Revolutionary War, New England was a hotbed for raising merino sheep.  As the sheep population continued to rise, farmers required more land.  So, to create more 'open' space they would set fires.  One of these fires got a little out of control and burned on Mount Monadnock for over 2 weeks.  This is why the mountain is now above treeline and has exposed rock at just over 3,000 ft!  No one ever wrote about the incident in papers or such because it was very common to see fires burning in the distance.  Next time your in New England, be sure to cruise up to Mount Monadnock for a hike or to take in the views. 

Labor Day Weekend Memorial Golf Tournament

Over Labor Day weekend I had the joy of attending and sponsoring a private memorial golf tournament in Harwichport, MA.  A close-knit group of about 50 or so golfers gathered to play a 9-hole best ball tournament.  The weather certainly played a factor as the later parties were playing in an all out downpour and didn't get the roll that they dreamed about on the greens...but after the 9 holes, 4 under proved to be the winner.  I know that everyone was glad to have and receive their point6 socks with less than ideal weather and 9 holes of carrying their clubs!  Below are a hers and his views of our point6 active micros in some wet golf shoes: