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!