July 17, 2007
RRG: 3rd Annual Johnny and Alex Trail Day
Slade, KY.- From Matt at Red River Outdoors:
Come one, come all to the 3rd annual Johnny and Alex Trail Day. Like in years past we will be depending on the community to come out and take care of the land you own and honor two great men of the Red. We will be building trails, bolting routes and having a kick ass party. Mark August 4th and 5th on your calender and be part of something special. This years event will be held at Coal Bank. We will have about 5 routes to bolt and many trails to build/secure. If you want to bolt a route please pm me so we can put you down, first
come first serve.When: August 4 and 5, 2007
Where: Coal Bank
More infoThere will be free keg beer, live music, t-shirts and free schwag for all that attend. We will also have the slip and slid and volley ball, we just may have to get in a game or two of the infamous bourbon ball. This year's event will help us with the GOLD grant we got last year. So bring your tools and bring some friends we go a lot of dirt to move and payments to make!
Posted by WiredNut at 11:29 PM | Comments (0)
May 03, 2007
Red River Outdoor Burns Down
Slade, KY.- Red River Outdoors is a restaurant, gear shop, guiding service and cabin rental service in Slade, Kentucky. Matt and Amy Tackett are the owners and proprietors of Red River Outdoors — their business has been a hub for the large and close knit Red River Gorge climbing community for the past three years. "It was our home away from home," said Morgain Sprague, a member of the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition Board of Directors, of the business.
On April 24th, 2007, sometime around 5:00pm, while in her home above Red River Outdoors, Amy Tackett looked out of the window and noticed smoke coming from the side of the building.
As Amy walked outside to find the source of the smoke, she heard an explosion. The building was quickly engulfed in flames. A second explosion followed, fueling the fire further. Amy escaped and was left standing outside, barefoot, in boxer shorts and a t-shirt, watching her home and livelihood burn to the ground.
Ms. Tackett was able to reach friends by phone and by 7:00pm more than 25 members of the local climbing community had arrived to offer help and support.
After the flames were extinguished, the fire marshal suggested an old pickup that had been parked next to the building, and that had two gas tanks, may have been the source of the blaze.
Matt Tackett was out guiding at the time of the fire. Amy wasn't injured and there were no other people in the building at the time. Sadly, the Tacketts' dog, River, was unable to make it out.
The Tacketts had insurance on both their business and their home and are planning to rebuild as soon as possible.
A PayPal account has been set up for those who would like to make a donation. To help, or for more information, please visit www.redriverclimbing.com.
If you have reservations at one of the Red River Outdoors cabins, visit redriveroutdoors.com for updates.
Posted by WiredNut at 11:07 PM | Comments (0)
January 21, 2007
Red River Gorge Community Mourns the Loss of Mason Allen
Slade, KY.- The Red River Gorge climbing community mourns the loss of Mason Allen. Mason was an avid outdoorsman known for his
Mason Allen impetuousness, quick wit, kind heart, and infectious smile. He loved climbing, hiking, hot-tubbing, and good fun as epitomized in oft-spoken quotes “climb you monkey” and “you need an Irish Carbomb!”
If you ran into Mason at the cliff or the pub, you were sure to be treated with warmth and kindness. If you had never met him it is difficult to illustrate the brilliant energy he brought to this world and the huge sense of loss felt at his passing. Mason is survived by his parents Morgan and Frances Allen, twin brother Lee Allen, sister Kristy Allen Slagle, uncle John Richardson, uncle Reece Richardson, niece s Brooke and Hailey Slagle. In honor of Mason’s dedication to rock climbing, his family graciously requested that memorial contributions be given to the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition in his name. The RRGCC wishes to thank Mason's family and friends for their thoughtfulness and acknowledge the generosity of the donors who have made donations to the RRGCC in his memory.
For stories from Mason's friends, check this thread on Redriverclimbing.com.
Posted by WiredNut at 03:59 PM | Comments (0)
January 01, 2007
Torrent Falls, Red River Gorge
Photo by Wes Allan © 2006
Posted by WiredNut at 12:30 PM | Comments (0)
November 30, 2006
Red River Gorge: Torrent Falls Closed!
The amazing Wall of Twelves at Torrent Falls Resort
Photo by The WiredNut © 2006Slade, KY.- Owners Mark and Kathy Meyers have closed Torrent Falls, there will be no more public climbing. Climbers continued to bring dogs, leave human waste (despite the presence of a porta-john), and disrespect the reasonable rules that the Meyer's posted months ago. Climbing will still be allowed for those staying in the cabins at the resort. A previous WiredNut entry on the issue can be read here.
Posted by WiredNut at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)
November 22, 2006
RRG Climbers Coalition 2007 Strategic Planning Meeting
Slade, KY.- Help make 2007 the most successful year ever for the RRGCC. The planning meeting will be at the Lexington Public Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington, KY from 1pm to 4 pm on Saturday, December 9, 2006 in Conference Room A. Free parking is available in the library garage (directions here). The RRGCC has a strong history of strategic planning and has a well developed vision, mission, and strategy for securing climbing access. On the agenda for the December 9th meeting: Review what was accomplished in 2006, current issues, and goals and strategies for 2007. Membership feedback and participation in developing the RRGCC's future strategy is a crucial component in carrying this momentum into 2007. Please RSVP to the RRGCC’s Executive Director, Bill Strachan, bill(at)rrgcc.org, if you plan on attending the December 9th meeting. Even if you cannot attend, please e-mail Bill your comments and information if you are interested in being involved in the strategic planning process.
Posted by WiredNut at 05:31 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2006
Red River Gorge: Climbers That Care
Matt and Amy, owners of Red River Outdoors, are hosting a benefit to collect donations for those in need, on November 18. For the next few weekends, drop off your extra canned goods, gloves, hats, coats, and other warm clothing at their shop. They'll be serving world famous chili and hosting a climbing gear swap also.
Posted by WiredNut at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)
September 09, 2006
RRGCC Names Michelle Ellington Volunteer of the Year
From the Board of Directors:
The RRGCC recently made the third annual payment out of ten for the 700 acre Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve in Lee County, Kentucky. As it stands, we have almost a third of the 2007 payment on hand.
A significant portion of fundraising for the 2006 PMRP payment is due to the efforts of the RedRiverClimbing.com website community as spearheaded by Michelle Ellington. For her efforts, Michelle was presented with the RRGCC Volunteer of the Year Award.
In addition to internet fundraising efforts, a $2,500 Climbing Preservation Grant from the Access Fund helped us secure the PMRP this year. The RRGCC would like to congratulate Michelle, and offer its deepest gratitude to her and the Access Fund, as well as all the volunteers who contributed time and money to our ongoing efforts in securing climbing on the PMRP.
Thank you for your support! Keep checking www.rrgcc.org for upcoming events and other RRGCC information.
Posted by WiredNut at 01:26 AM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2006
Will Climb for Jeremy Event
Columbus, OH.- On July 19, 2005 Jeremy Petrovitch, one of the Red's climbing community’s kindest and most gifted climbers, was on his way to work at the climbing gym when another car T-boned him. Jeremy was in a coma for three months and remains in a wheel chair recovering from T.B.I. (Traumatic Brain Injury). He has lost the use of the right side of his body and is in various types of therapy to help him regain a normal life. This bouldering competition has been created to help raise money for Jeremy’s additional therapy. This is a chance for the climbing community to reach out and help a fellow climber in need. So let’s all pitch in and do our part! It is going to be an amazing and fun-filled day of climbing and celebration.
When: August 19, 2006
Where: Vertical Adventures Climbing Gym in Columbus, Ohio. Click here for directions.
Registration: 9:00am Climbing begins at: 10:30am
Release waiver: If you are under the age of 18, you must fill out a release waiver for Vertical Adventures if you have never been there before. Click here to download the waiver. Please bring the waiver with you when you come to the event. You can not compete if the waiver is not filled out and signed.
Cost: Bouldering: $40.00 Spectator: $10.00
Prizes and raffles: Tons of stuff from over 40 sponsors and supporters. The prize raffle is huge so please bring along extra money. Raffle tickets are 1.00 each and drawings will be held after the climbing competition before the superfinal.
Questions, comments, suggestions: Check Vertical Adventures for full details. Feel free to write to: reynaldo.1@osu.edu or call Tony Reynaldo at: 614-551-8030
Posted by WiredNut at 12:22 PM | Comments (0)
July 19, 2006
Red River Gorge: 2nd Annual Johnny and Alex Trail Day
Summersville Lake. Photo by Derek Good © 2005Slade, KY.- Mark your calendars and plan on attending the event that honors two of the Red River Gorge's finest contributors, the late John Bronaugh and his son, the late Alex Yeakley.
To help carry on John's vision of the area, there will be route development and trail maintenance to the new areas. This is a great way to give back to an area that we all use and enjoy.
When: August 5th and 6th, 2006
Where: All around Sore Heel Hollow Areas
What: Trail Day, Bolting Clinic, Mountain Bike Trail Development, and Mtn Bike/Climbing Switch.
Camping and After Party: Lago Linda’s
As most of you know mountain bike trail development has been started in the area and the RRGCC has received funding from the mountain bike community. This will hopefully be a beneficial partnership for both user groups. We have a couple miles of trails tagged and started and will be working these trails as well. These trails will be open for trail running and general hiking too.
The after party will be held at Lago Lindas and will have plenty of entertainment. Events include slip and slide drag races, slack line demos, water gun wars, live music, drinks and food.
On Sunday, finish up with a few trail chores, send the routes that were bolted, and enjoy the bikes available for climbers and climbs ready for bikers!
Posted by WiredNut at 07:37 AM | Comments (0)
June 15, 2006
Red River Gorge: Bachar to be at Rocktoberfest 2006
Stay tuned...
Posted by WiredNut at 11:32 PM | Comments (0)
June 13, 2006
Red River Gorge: Dr. Bob Matches Dollar for Dollar--Donate Now!
Slade, KY.- To kick-off the fundraising efforts for the 2007 PMRP mortgage payment, RRGCC President, Dr. Bob Matheny, has offered a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge up to $5,000 for any PMRP contributions received by the RRGCC until June 15, 2006. This match will include money raised at the upcoming RRGCC 2006 Red River Rendezvous except for the event registration fees. That means any raffle ticket sales in addition to the registration, money raised from clinics, and money raised from gear sales @ Miguel's will be included in this matching challenge. The goal in this challenge is to have at least $10,000, including the challenge money, set aside by June 15, 2006 for the 2007 PMRP mortgage payment!
Posted by WiredNut at 07:53 AM | Comments (0)
May 30, 2006
Red River Gorge Climber Terry Kindred Dies
Terry Kindred. Photo Wes AllenSlade, KY.- Well known Red River Gorge first ascentionist Terry Kindred took his own life on Sunday, May 29, and the entire community mourns this loss. Services will be held at Cox Funeral Home in Mount Vernon at 10 am Wednesday. His ashes will be scattered in the gorge afterwards at Sky Bridge. More details can be found on this thread at Red River Climbing.
I've only been to the Red about 4 times. I think I saw him there every single time. He made me feel like I'd been an old friend from 20 years ago, and that I was visiting for the 400th time.
When I think of planning trips to the Red, one of the first things I think: "Sweet! We'll get to chat with Terry!" And oh what conversations they were. From physics to philosophy to aging to economics.
It won't be the same without him.
Posted by WiredNut at 05:08 PM | Comments (0)
April 28, 2006
Red River Gorge Rawkus Rendezvous: Video Preview
Shady Grove Steeps! Red River Gorge, KY
Slade, KY.- Wes Powell will preview his yet-unreleased climbing video "Homestyle"at the 2006 Rawkus Rendezvous on Memorial Day Weekend. The video will be shown at Miguel's Pizza Saturday evening, May 27, 2006. Try to win the trash scavenging contest-the top prize is a gift certificate for a pair of LaSportiva climbing shoes. Saturday evening brings music with techno DJ and climber, DJ Mike. On Sunday there will be an outdoor climbing competition held at the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve. The comp will have beginner/intermediate, advanced, elite/open, and master's categories. In the evening on Sunday the entertainment at Miguel's will include a pizza eating contest, the original acoustic music of Miguel's neighbor Neville Pohl, and the acoustic rock music of Matt Martini.
Posted by WiredNut at 08:05 AM | Comments (0)
April 03, 2006
Red River Gorge: Muir Valley Opens Partially
Steve hangs on at the Meadow.
Photo by The WiredNut © 2006Slade, KY.- The Webers have reopened sectors in Muir Valley to climbing. This is from Rick Weber:
We're Back!... well partially, anyway.
With the efforts of a big group of volunteers working with our developers, these areas of Muir Valley are now re-opened: All of Rebel Camp Branch, including Bruise Brothers Wall and Sunnyside; Johnnies Wall, Tectonics Wall, and the Indy Wall (all of these in the Tantroft Hollow). Part of the Great Wall has been inspected and we hope to open it and the Great Arch area tomorrow -- depending on the amount of help we receive.
Here's the rule: Please climb ONLY those routes that are marked with either a yellow or green ribbon attached to the first bolt. Please do NOT move ribbons or climb routes that have not been inspected.
We are entering the data collected during the inspection into our route database at this time. And, we are very pleased with the condition we found the hardware in on these very heavily used routes. Dozens of bolted hangers and only one loose hanger found. No finger-loose bolts, and most of the bolts were found to be at or beyond 40 foot-pounds of torque. We Loctited EVERY quicklink to eliminate the problem of quicklinks being snitched off the climbs. When it becomes time to replace them, we will simply bolt-cutter them off. We also removed all the bolts on Methane Rising on the Bruise Brothers Wall.
Posted by WiredNut at 06:44 PM | Comments (0)
March 29, 2006
Red River Gorge: Muir Valley Closed
Early spring at Whippoorwill Wall. Note climber.
Photo by The WiredNut © 2006Slade, KY.- After reports of possibly weak bolts at Muir Valley, owner Rick Weber posted on Red River Climbing:
Effective immediately, Muir Valley is closed to climbing. This was a very difficult and painful decision that was made by Liz and me during the last few hours. In light of recent posts in the “Loose bolt on the Rising at Muir Valley” thread, we had no choice. This is very much akin to a product recall when a problem, real or bogus, that could result in injury or death is brought to the attention of the responsible party. Although Muir Valley is a private, non-commercial climbing area/nature preserve, we feel a moral obligation to protect our guests as much as reasonably possible. Therefore we are temporarily restricting access and investigating these issues.Mr. Weber has also detailed interesting bolt strength experiments in several threads at Red River Climbing.
Posted by WiredNut at 11:01 PM | Comments (0)
March 23, 2006
Updated: Red River Gorge: Torrent Falls: Follow the Rules or It's Closed!
The amazing Wall of Twelves at Torrent Falls Resort
Photo by The WiredNut © 2006Slade, KY.- Torrent Falls owners Mark and Kathy Meyer have grown understandably frustrated with the disrespect that climbers have shown on their beautiful land. Mr. Meyer has posted some simple, easy to follow rules. If they aren't followed, climbing will be closed.
Frankly, the WiredNut is stunned at how inconsiderate climbers have been. Put yourself in Mr. Meyer's position. He comments on RedRiverClimbing.com
"I have seen on more than one occasion, climbers pissing in my front parking lot. I do not go to your home and piss in your front yard. How would you like it if all my friends and myself came to your back yard and defecated? Over time, it adds up. Treat people as you want to be treated. Do you want 20 to 30 dogs crapping in your yard on every Saturday? Then 5 to 10 dogs every other day of the week?"
Torrent Falls is a complete resort, offering guided climbing, bed and breakfest, a via ferrata, and complete vacation packages. Call for reservations and information at 606-668-6441. The website seems to be down, but can been found in Google's cache.
You can read the full thread at redriverclimbing.com
The Rules:
1. No dogs are allowed on the property. Period.
2. No foul language. My family and guests are sick and tired of the foul language being used on this property. It reminds me of why I closed rappelling. Rappelling has remained permanently closed. This is truly insulting public behavior. Buy your own crag and cuss all you want to. Do not trespass your potty mouth onto my family that lives here. You could consider continuing this behavior (or lack of self control) and disclose to the world how you want people to think of the climbing community. I will close the crag on this issue alone or the dog issue alone.
The crowds ascend on Wall of Elevens at Torrent Falls
Photo by The LeatherNun © 2006
3. Do not release bodily fluids or defecate on Torrent grounds except in public bathrooms located at the BBQ. If donations pick up, a portable toilet will be supplied at Torrent Falls. I have seen on more than one occasion, climbers pissing in my front parking lot. I do not go to your home and piss in your front yard. How would you like it if all my friends and myself came to your back yard and defecated? Over time, it adds up.
On a side note, realize that the public restrooms are not free. It cost material and labor to build it. There are permit costs. Then there is the expense in maintaining, cleaning, and supplies. City water is not free. Sewage treatment is not free (installation was over $55,000). All we ask is to donate $2.00 per climber.
4. Do not ask to use the rest room at the B&B or main house. Think of it as if it were your home. Total strangers coming up to your home, muddy, sweaty, and asking “Can I use your rest room?”
5. Do not move the chairs from around the fire pit. These are for paying B&B guests.
6. No fires.
7. Do not use ropes or routes designated for Torrent Falls use. These are clearly marked and are for guided climbing and rappelling.
8. Park at the bottom parking lot and do not block parking designated for cabin use only. These parking spots are for paying customers.
9. Do not park in the paved parking lot at the Torrent Church.
10. A donation of $2.00 per person is strongly recommended.
11. Do not litter. This has become a real problem with climbers lately and it never used to be.
12. Be considerate to the owners of the property and it’s guests. Treat people, as you want to be treated. Do you want a friendly greeting or do you want to be ignored, abused, pissed on, and trespassed on? Remember, it is a privilege to climb on someone’s private property.
13. No rappelling with the exception of finishing a climbing route.
14. No night climbing.
15. Climbing ends at dusk. Climbers should be off the crag by dark.
16. No parking your car here and leaving the crag. You park here, you climb here. The parking lot is too small for a depository.
17. Use existing trails. It costs a great deal to put these trails in.
From the thread at redriverclimbing.com:
Mark Meyer, owner of Torrent Falls, comments at length:
It seems as though people are getting hung up on the $2.00 donation request more than anything. The $2.00 standard donation was passed down from my father-in-law Fred Martin. Some of you may remember him. It is was created by him to help offset labor costs. I had, and maintain the tone of financials simply due to the aggravation level my family has to endure every day. We enjoy the climbing community as a whole and believe in your sport. If I was really concerned about the $2.00 and wanted to make a profit center, I would turn it into a member's only crag. If these simple but explicite rules are not followed I can shut it down.The main big deal with me is the lack of respect from people who enter onto my property. I live here and see it everyday. We have had dog fights even today. This interrupts my daughter's home schooling.
I am trying to work with the climbing community in still allowing dogs, because I like them also. A great deal of time, it sounds like a dog kennel here. My family and guests have chose to live and visit here to commune with nature. I simply do not have to tolerate foul language belting off the walls of this natural amphitheater. Listen to my real aggravations. They are controllable. If the climbing community can not control it, I can.
Signs to me do not hold much water. I have had them up for years. People just ignore them. The community has been warned enough.
I hope everyone understands. We do enjoy the good things in people. I feel climbing is a good thing.
Posted by WiredNut at 08:11 PM | Comments (0)
February 23, 2006
Red River Gorge: Online Auction, Torrent Trail Day
Adam Whisthoff on the first crux of Apollo Reed, 13a,
Summersville Lake, WV. Photo ©Dan BrayackSlade, KY.- Check out the online auction at redriverclimbing.com. All sale proceeds go directly to this years $27,000 mortgage payment for the purchase of the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve in the Southern Region. If you enjoy climbing in this sweet area, please consider making a donation today here, or by bidding on an item at the auction. Of particular interest is a day of climbing photography by the accomplished Wes Allen. Check out his gallery on rockclimbing.com. Also auctioning are massages, a will (!) and climbing gear.
Torrent Falls Trail Work Day
The RRGCC is organizing a trail day at Torrent Falls for March 11, 2006 from 10am to 4pm. Show your appreciation to Mark Meyers and his wife Kathy, owners of Torrent Falls, for being very friendly to climbers and allowing the climbing public open access to their property. The plan is to focus on improving the shortcut trail to the 5.10 wall but there is more work to do with enough volunteers. If you plan on volunteering please PM Bob at RRGCC organizers can get an idea of how many people will be there. This event is an official Adopt-a-Crag event and some Access Fund schwag will be available for everyone who participates.
Posted by WiredNut at 12:48 PM | Comments (0)
January 09, 2006
Red River Gorge: Donations Needed! $21,000 More Needed by June!
Ana on G-String, Bubba City, NRG
Photo by Eric Hörst © 2004Slade, KY.- I've climbed in some premier climbing areas, including the south of France, Thailand, Mexico, and all over the US. But it wasn't until the summer of last year that I found myself at the Red. And I'm here to tell you, it ranks as one of the top areas in the world. If you have ever climbed at the Red, you know what an incredible place it is. And you may have noticed how friendly and active the area's climbing community is. Well, its time now for you to show your commitment to being a good member of the community, by helping keeping a major area at the Red open for climbing.
The amazing commitment put forth so far by the locals in arranging the purchase and financing of new areas is an inspirational example of what a motivated, generous climbing community can do. So far more than $9,000 dollars has been raised. Still, the Red River Climbing Coalition needs your help to service a loan that financed the purchase of the amazing Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve.
This is from the RRGCC Board of Directors:
We would like to extend our thanks to the climbing community for their recent outpouring of support in raising money for the PMRP. The Pendergrass Murray Recreational Preserve is ~700 acres of privately owned climbing property in the southern region of the Red River Gorge. A recent posting on Ray and Michelle Ellington's site raised over $1000 in the first 24 hours! You can send money via PayPal to rrgcc@rrgcc.org (PayPal members only) or use the donation link on the front page of RedRiverClimbing.com You can also send a donation by filling out a membership form and mailing it to:RRGCC
PO Box 22156
Lexington, KY 40522-2156The RRGCC's purchase of the PMRP property has been accomplished by way of a land contract financed by the Murray family. The terms of the contract are quite favorable to the Coalition and the Murray's have been very supportive of our efforts to purchase the property. Our obligation specifically to the Murray family is approximately $30,000.00 yearly for the next 8 years. This figure does not include property taxes or other RRGCC expenses above and beyond the simple resolution of our debt to the Murray family, it is simply the cost of the PMRP and does not include yearly RRGCC operational services. If we are not able to raise this amount from the community as well as from sponsors, we will default on the loan and forfeit the property. Help us preserve climbing access in the PMRP for generations to come! The RRGCC BOD is currently outlining strategic initiatives for 2006 so more info about upcoming fundraising events and volunteer opportunities will be coming soon.
Thank you for your support,
RRGCC Board of Directors
Posted by WiredNut at 06:33 PM | Comments (1)
January 02, 2006
Red River Gorge Climbing Coalition: Board Changes
Jean on Rebar, Red River Gorge, KY
Photo by Pete Mcdermott © 2005Slade, KY. - Dr. Bob Matheny is new RRGCC President and Bill Strachan will assume the position of Executive Director. “Dr. Bob,” as many know him, is a long-time supporter and major RRGCC donor whose generous contributions have helped keep the PMRP going. Strachan will move over and fill the vacant position of Executive Director, becoming only the second ED in RRGCC history. Newest board member Charlie Rittenberry will become Vice President.
Dr. Bob is a Lexington emergency room physician, avid climber, first ascentionist, and a member of the RRGCC since 2001. He has been a board member since 2003, and board secretary for the last two years. Quiet and unassuming, with a dry sense of humor, Dr. Bob is also a member of a local group of climbing friends that affectionately refer to themselves as “Team Suck.” Besides contributing his time and money to the RRGCC Dr. Bob is also the RRGCC master sign maker, responsible for all the hand-routed directional signs that guide climbers on the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve. For a taste of Dr. Bob’s humor and talent, visitors of the PMRP can look for his directional sign to Sore Heel Hollow with a posted speed limit of 7½ mph.
Bill “Capt. Static” Strachan brings a considerable amount of nonprofit experience to the Executive Directorship, having been the past president of the both the RRGCC and Ohio Climbers Association. He has also served on the board of several other nonprofits including the University of Cincinnati Mountaineering Club. Bill is also an avid climber, a RRG first ascentionist, and a Cincinnati environmental engineer. He will head up a small volunteer staff and work closely with Dr. Bob and the rest of the Board to make 2006 a stand out year for the RRGCC. In addition to finding ways to meet the challenge of raising the $30,000 yearly payment needed to keep the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve solvent, he will also make maintain the RRGCC Education and Outreach, Advocacy, and Conversation programs. Specific focus in this regard is monitoring the Forest Service’s on-going LAC process though out 2006.
Charlie Rittenberry, the newest member of Team RRGCC, was welcomed as a new board member earlier this year. He was unanimously elected VP and has also accepted the position as Volunteer Coordinator. As a Project Manager with a professional focus in Knowledge Management, he brings a special interest in “helping improve communication” for the RRGCC. Charlie has signed up for double duty by becoming Volunteer Coordinator, a key volunteer staff position dedicated to working closely with the life-blood of the RRGCC, which is our volunteers.
Ryan Adams will continue to donate his time and much appreciated accounting skills as corporate Treasurer. Shannon Stuart-Smith, will assume Bob’s old position as board Secretary, assisting the new president and ED as board scribe, and continue to act as board legal adviser. Mark Jackson, long-time RRG climber, Certified Arborist, and fellow member of Team Suck, rounds out the current RRGCC board.
Gretchen Finniff, RRGCC past president and board member since 2003, has retired from the Board of Directors to focus on her new toddler, Bryan Berlier and her second child due in late December. The board of directors wishes to thank Gretchen for her many years of service and dedication to the RRGCC. We look forward to meeting the newest addition to the Finniff-Berlier growing clan!
Current Board of Directors and contact info:
Dr. Robert (Bob) Matheny, Jr.
President
859-276-2581
mathenybob@aol.com
Charlie Rittenberry
Vice President
crittenberry@gmail.com
Ryan Adams
Treasurer
Adams.rharris@gmail.com
Shannon Stuart-Smith
Secretary
rawkjock@qx.net
Mark Jackson
Board Member
snakejackson@gmail.com
Current Staff contact info:
Bill Strachan
Executive Director
859-344-9807
cpstatyk@pipeline.com
Charlie Rittenberry
Volunteer Coordinator
crittenberry@gmail.com
Matt Tackett
Local Rep Network Director
redriveroutdoors@gmail.com
Posted by WiredNut at 01:23 PM | Comments (0)
December 04, 2005
Red River Gorge Climbing Coalition: 2006 Planning Input Sought
Sonia on American Dream, 12b, Red River Gorge
Photo by Wes Allen© 2005Slade, KY.- The Red River Gorge Climbing Coalition is seeking input for the 2006 Strategic Plan. In a post at RRGCC.com, President Bill Strachen notes, "The input we are seeking is focused on the five general areas stated below. Please feel free to post your input in this forum or if you would prefer, feel free to PM or contact either myself or any other Board member."
1.) What are the RRGCC’s strengths? What should we keep doing? Do more of? Do best?You can submit comments or contact RRGCC board members through the Coalition website.2.) What are the RRGCC’s weaknesses? What could we do better? Should not do at all? Need to improve?
3.) Name the biggest threats to continued open public access to quality, climbing opportunities on public and private land?
4.) Name some opportunities that could help the RRGCC achieve its mission but is not taking advantage of? Opportunities are thought of as, easily available with little effort, generally inexpensive, things that would yield big returns, often called “heavy fruit, hanging low on the tree.” Examples could be, a highly committed, well-connected constituency (climbers) that could be rapidly mobilized, if asked; or, climbing is a growth industry, with huge economic potential, making it a natural ally with state and local eco-tourism.
5.) Given the RRGCC’s mission and the threats to climbing opportunities, what direction or strategies should the RRGCC pursue?
Posted by WiredNut at 11:54 PM | Comments (0)
November 11, 2005
RRG: Forge the Gorge! Roadside Trail Day, Nov. 19
Slade, KY.- A trail repair day has been scheduled for November 19, 2005 at Roadside Crag. This will be a joint effort with the Access Fund and is registered as an Adopt-A-Crag event. The objective of this trail day is to harden the bases of several popular climbs such as Roadside Attraction, Jump For Joy, Motha, Crazyfingers and many others. Projects include erosion control and possible rerouting of existing trails. As noted on WiredNut previously, Roadside Crag was recently purchased by climbers.
Posted by WiredNut at 12:00 PM | Comments (0)
October 25, 2005
Red River Gorge: Roadside Trail Day Nov. 19
Slade, KY.- In cooperation with Graining Fork Nature Preserve, LLC (landowner, previous news), an Access Fund Adopt-A-Crag event will be held at Roadside Crag on November 19, 2005. See the announcement at Red River Climbing. Help repair this overused area!
Posted by WiredNut at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)
September 26, 2005
RRG - Hostel, Cafe Get Good Reviews
Pine Ridge, KY.- If you find yourself at the Red River Gorge for the Rocktoberfest in a few weeks, True North Outfitters offers a hostel and breakfest cafe. By all accounts it is a fantastic place, with a great lodge atmosphere, library, internet access, and fantastic food. Prices for lodging around $15-20 per night. Check their hostel and cafe pages for details and directions.
Another great breakfest can be had down the road from Miguel's Pizza at Red River Outdoors.
Posted by WiredNut at 06:38 PM | Comments (0)
September 17, 2005
RRG - Roadside Crag Purchased by Climbers
Steve gets ready to commit at the Meadow
Photo by Will Niccolls © 2005Slade, KY. - Graining Fork Nature Preserve, LLC, a company owned by Grant Stephens and John Haight, has purchased land that includes the famous Roadside Crag. This was a complex undertaking, requiring more than a year of legal, genealogical, and survey work to complete the purchase from over fifty heirs spread around the country.
Mr. Stephens' announcement on RedRiverClimbing says:
"We welcome input from the climbing community. Feel free to email me at gstephens@kyattorney.com if you have any questions or concerns. We acquired this property for the sole purpose of preserving it for climbing. If we had not done this then it would have been developed for cabins. I have personally spoken with individuals who were trying to get their hands on Roadside at the same time I was working on the project."
Posted by WiredNut at 10:37 AM | Comments (0)
September 13, 2005
RRG - Rocktoberfest October 8 and 9
Randy on Discombobulated, Endless Wall, NRG
Photo by Derek Good© 2005Slade, KY.-The RRGCC is planning to hold an outdoor climbing competition @ Torrent Falls on Saturday, October 8th, 2005. The evening party after the comp will feature traditional Octoberfest fare, beer, the first ever climbers chicken dance, and the return of the band from last year: "Badly Bent"; plus fireworks.
Clinics on Sunday, October 9th, 2005 will include a Warrior's Way short course with Arno Ilgner and a Climbing Medical Emergency Clinic with Dr. Bob Matheny.
Posted by WiredNut at 11:21 PM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2005
RRG - Car Break-ins Common
Slade, KY.- Theft from automobiles is commonly reported. Areas such as Sore Heel Hollow, the Motherlode, and others are not safe. The suggested practice is to leave your car windows open and take all valuable items with you.
Posted by WiredNut at 09:52 PM | Comments (0)
September 06, 2005
RRG Guidebooks Available at Miguel's and Red River Outdoors
Slade, KY. Reporting from Red River Outdoors, the WiredNut has been informed that the new guidebook for the Red is available!
Posted by WiredNut at 11:26 AM | Comments (0)
September 03, 2005
RRG: 2nd Annual Gathering at Muir Valley
Will on a North Carolina Project.Slade, KY.- Rick and Liz Weber are hosting a trail and landscape restoration event at Muir Valley on September 24 and 25. Arrive around 9am and bring shovels, mattocks, and weed cutters. The Webers will be providing water, soft drinks, and snacks during the day. Enjoy bar-b-que, blugrass, and door prizes on Saturday night. Contact Karla Carandang, Event Coordinator to sign up and get more information. Also check RedRiverClimbing.com.
Posted by WiredNut at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2005
Rumor: RRG Guide Available Sep. 7 at Miguel's
Posted by WiredNut at 10:32 AM | Comments (0)
RRG - WiFi Available at Red River Outdoors
Slade, KY.- Red River Outdoors has free WiFi available. Excellent food and coffee also. Thanks to Wes for the tip.
Posted by WiredNut at 09:30 AM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2005
Red River Gorge Online Museum
Slade, KY.- A visit to the online museum at Redriverclimbing.com is a must for any RRG climber. Of particular interest: a 1981 Climbing Magazine article by Frank Becker, as well as the 1981 guide by Ed Pearsall.
Posted by WiredNut at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)
August 12, 2005
Red River Gorge Guidebook Due in September
Slade, KY.- Ray Ellington's new guidebook is available for pre-ordering at wolverinepublishing.com. A sample PDF chapter for Eastern Sky Bridge Ridge is available at redriverclimbing.com.
Posted by WiredNut at 11:13 AM | Comments (0)
Free WiFi Available at Cathedral Cafe in Fayetteville
Tantrikclimber on a Bubba City 5.9 Fayeteville, WV.- If you are visiting the New River Gorge, the Cathedral Cafe offers free Wifi for laptop users to access the internet. Stop in for coffee, breakfast, and to check the weather. Two public computers are available. The social scene isn't bad either.
Feel free to post your WiFi and internet hotspots that are convenient for the travelling climber. Earlier this summer the WiredNut and entourage visited the Red River Gorge. Forget about the climbing--good breakfast and internet access are available at Red River Outdoors. Does anyone know if they have wifi? Miguel's Pizza might be another good hotspot.
For other free WiFi locations, visit MetroFreeFi. Don't pay Starbucks! Plenty of free hotspots are available, so patronize those businesses that offer this convenience.
Posted by WiredNut at 01:00 AM | Comments (1)