Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Fall 2010 Wrap-up

Fall 2010 has been busy!
Here is some info on what the climbers of the Mid Atlantic region were doing!

Great Falls, VA Adopt-a-Crag 9/25/10

Thanks to everyone who came out! We had over 100 volunteers work to complete many different projects throughout the park. Including:
  • Building an historic fence
  • Invasive species removal
  • Trimming of trails
  • Building a turnpike and erosion control measures on a popular trail
  • Hauling out lots of trash from the gorge
Some people have asked, "Why are climbers trimming a horse-trail?" The answer is simple. By being good stewards of the land, it shows the park service that climbers are committed protecting these precious resources, not just climbing. Maintaining a good relationship between climbers and land managers is ultimately what keeps climbing areas open.

UPDATE: Check out our friend Jeremy Bradford's Flikr album from the event!

Earth Treks Gear Swap 9/25/10
Earth Treks Columbia, once again showed their commitment to the climbing community by hosting a Gear Swap. Climbers we invited to bring in their used gear and sell it consignment style; donating 10% of the gear swap sales to Mid Atlantic Climbers and the Access Fund. Their efforts raised over $100 which will be split between the two organizations for the purpose of preserving climbing access; locally and across the country.

A big thanks to Earth Treks for continuing to be so supportive of the local climbing community and caring about preserving the climbing resources!

Access Fund Summit, Fayetteville, WV 10/2/10 and 10/3/10
Representatives from Mid Atlantic Climbers attended this two-day conference with other Local Climbing Organizations (LCOs) from across the country. The goal of this conference was for LCO's to share information on how to preserve climbing resources. The topics of presentations, panels and workshops ranged from Conservation Easements and Land Acquisition, to liability and recreational use statutes, to membership and fundraising for LCOs.

There was also time for a little climbing, and networking with other LCOs:
Here is a comprehensive list of Local Climbing Organizations from the Access Fund.

The Summit was sponsored by the Access Fund and the New River Alliance of Climbers with the help of the National Parks Service and local businesses.

UPDATE: Check out this very detailed trip-report written by our friend Renee Ross from CRAGS - also has a couple good pics!

Northwest Branch Adopt-a-Crag 11/13/10

Our last Adopt-a-Crag of the season was another HUGE success. On a perfect fall day and under a beautiful blue sky, 79 volunteers from all over came together to show a local bouldering spot some love.

In the end, we hauled more than 30 big bags of trash and over a dozen bags of recyclables out of the woods. Not to mention: four tires, a big pipe and a couple of chairs. After the cleanup, we had an interesting presentation on the geology and flora/fauna in the park from Montgomery County Park Commission biologist Doug Redmond. And of course, the obligatory bouldering sesh.

Thanks to all our great volunteers who gave up their Saturday morning to work hard and give something back to the community.

Thanks also to our sponsors- we couldn’t have done it without you!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

The SCC's $250k Grant proposal on Pepsi Refresh Project

Do you ever wish you had more money to donate to a good cause?
Of course we do! Now you can help the Southeastern Climbers Coalition win $250,000 to open up two climbing areas in the Southeast!



As many of you know, the Southeastern Climbers Coalition has been doing some amazing things to preserve climbing in the South. They've had some huge success with Boat Rock and Yellow Bluff and now they have their eyes on 2 other climbing areas. But they need your help.

The SCC is competing to win $250,000
in grant money from the Pepsi Refresh Project. Help spread the word and get people to vote! You can vote every day!

Not convinced? Check out this awesome video the SCC put together:

Monday, October 25, 2010

Northwest Branch Adopt-a-Crag

Northwest Branch has some great boulders with sharp crimps, quartz crystals and unfortunately some graffiti.

If you haven't been, it’s a beautiful wooded and boulder-strewn ravine, nestled between suburban neighborhoods in Silver Spring, MD.

Come out and help to preserve and protect this local climbing resource as we clean up trash and debris, and do trail maintenance.


NORTHWEST BRANCH
ADOPT-A-CRAG:

Saturday November 13th, 2010
8am to 12:00pm


After a morning of hard work, we’ll give away some door prizes, and have a presentation on the geology of the area. Bring your shoe's and chalk (pad's if you have them) and sample some of the local stone.

What to Bring:
Sturdy Shoes, Work Gloves, Water Bottle, Climbing Shoes for bouldering after Clean-Up

Sponsors:
Mid-Atlantic Climbers, Earth Treks, Patagonia, REI, Starbucks, Alice Ferguson Foundation and of course the Access Fund the people who created Adopt-a-Crags.

Event held in conjunction with the Maryland-National Capital Park Planning Commission

To preregister, please email: adoptacrag@midatlanticclimbers.org

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Free Film screening at PATAGONIA store in Georgetown Sun 9/12

Mid Atlantic Climbers would like to invite you to a free screening Magnolia Pictures's "180 South" at PATAGONIA store in Georgetown.




The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.

Mid Atlantic Climbers will be hosting an Information Table to provide you with info
about:
- upcoming Adopt-a-Crag projects
- local access issues and,
-opportunities to volunteer
- buy a t-shirt or AF/MAC membership to support the cause.

So stop by, say hello and enjoy the film!

"180 South" by Chris Malloy and Magnolia Pictures
Sunday, September 12th, 2010
6pm


PATAGONIA Store
1048 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20007

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Great Falls Adopt-a-Crag 2010

Welcome to the Fall!

Fall brings crisp temperatures and good friction, the Triple Crown, and of course...


The 8th Annual Mid Atlantic Climbers Great Falls Adop-a-Crag!

This year, the Adopt-a-Crag coincides with National Public Lands day. Our efforts to preserve our local climbing resource will be mirrored by thousand of projects and volunteers all across the country.

At Great Falls National Park, VA we will be focusing our efforts on trash-removal at the climbing sites and along the riverbank, as well as re-blazing (marking) trails.

After a morning of hardwork, we'll get together for a bar-be-que and local climbing legend John Greggory will present a discussion on the history of climbing along the Potomac River. We'll also have some door prizes and a gift for every volunteer (Hint: its not a t-shirt this year).

Make sure you bring work clothes, gloves and water for the morning, an appetite for the BBQ, and climbing gear for the afternoon!


The 8th Annual Mid Atlantic Climbers Adop-a-Crag!
Location: Great Falls Nat'l Park, VA

Saturday, September 25th 2010

Check-in 8am
9-12noon

please RSVP with the number of volunteers in your party to adoptacrag@midatlanticclimbers.org


Friday, June 25, 2010

Free Training Clinic with Paul Robinson

You may have heard that Paul Robinson has been in town throwin down at Earth Treks Timonium...

We just got word that Paul will be hosting a Free System Board Training Clinic, next week! Its free to ET members, but its going to fill up VERY FAST! This will be a great opportunity for some local climbers to see what it takes to bring their climbing to the next level.

The best part is that Earthtreks is actively encouraging Donations and all proceeds will go to the Access Fund!

More Details:
Tuesday 6-29-10
Wednesday 6-30-10
At Earthtreks Timonium.
Earthtreks blog
These clinics are free, but only open to Earthtreks members.
It will fill VERY FAST, call to register.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Conrad Anker: The Wildest Dream: The Conquest of Everest



Date: 8/7/2010
Event Location: Bailey's Crossroads REI
Event Fee: Free
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Join American mountaineer Conrad Anker for a rare behind-the-scenes look at the story behind The Wildest Dream: Conquest of Everest, the new National Geographic film in which he stars. Conrad will share his experiences on Everest, ranging from his discovery of the body of legendary climber George Mallory in 1999, to making the new film - a compelling account of adventure and courage on his recent climb to the top. With spectacular film footage, stunning photos, and thrilling stories, Conrad will show you how he retraced George Mallory's steps to the summit of Everest in an attempt to provide new clues to the enduring mystery of his disappearance.



Conrad will be here at REI Bailey's for a presentation at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 7th.

Address:
Bailey's Crossroads REI
3509 Carlin Springs Rd
Bailey's Crossroads, VA 22041
(703) 379-9400

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Roc Comp Pancake Breakfast!

Thanks for coming out to our Climbers Happy Hour! We raised money that will go right back to your local climbing areas.

If you're headed out to Earth Treks Roc Comp this weekend, look for us.

Friday 4/23 we'll be in the Vendors Village at Earth Treks Columbia. Come visit us and and all of the other reps from your favorite organizations.

Saturday 4/24 we'll be hosting a Pancake Breakfast!
$10
10-Noon at ET, Timonium.
Proceeds will benefit Mid Atlantic Climbers and the Access Fund. Then stick around for the awards of the citizen comp, semi-finals and of course finals!
Oh yeah, after-party too!

See you there!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

CLIMBERS HAPPY HOUR Fundraiser






Happy Hour Fundraiser and ROC COMP Kick-off!
How do you kick-off the biggest climbing comp of the year? With a big party!

Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 5pm - 9pm
At the
Madam's Organ Bar in the Adam's Morgan neighborhood of Washington, DC Get Directions.

Spend some quality time with your fellow climbers and raise money to support local climbing. A percentage of the nights food and alcohol purchases will go to Mid Atlantic Climbers. But there are a few other reasons to come out too!

Mid Atlantic Climbers will be announcing the winner of our T-shirt Design Contest, and awarding the artist a brand spankin' new Metolius Bouldering Pad!

We'll also be raffling off sweet gear!


This event will also kick-off an awesome weekend of local climbing!

Be sure to check out the Earth Treks ROC COMP Fri 4/23 and Sat 4/24 if you haven't yet heard, this is shaping up to be the event of the year! You just might bump into a celebrity!

ROC COMP info from Earth Treks

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Action Alert - NY State Parks

Access Alert - NY State Budget Shortfall puts Peter's Kill on the chopping block!
Due to an historic $8 billion budget gap, NY State Governor Paterson recently proposed closing 55 parks and historic sites (Full List), including the Peter's Kill climbing area in Minnewaska State Park.
Take Actions!
We're asking climbers to speak up and let the NY State Parks Dept know that closing parks is not the solution.
The Access Fund has a quick and easy way to voice your opinion and keep these parks open.
Other Resources:Full article from NY Times
Press Release from NY State Parks Department

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

HERA/MAC Chili Cook-off

Howdy Ya'll !

The HERA Climb4Life event is starting this weekend and we're proud to be hosting the first-ever Climb4Life climber picnic and chili cook-off!

Where: Carderock Recreation Area, MD
When: Sunday, March 14, 2010
12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

This informal gathering at Carderock Recreation Area , MD is a great opportunity to swap stories and belays and to show off your culinary expertise. We'll be sampling chili and giving away some prizes, raffles too.

Bring your climbing gear and check out what Carderock has to offer (top roping and bouldering).

CHILI COOK OFF GUIDELINES:
• Anything goes may the best chili win!
• Participants must bring a closed container to be rested above a catering candle sterno candles
provided) Bring enough for judging and sharing.
• Participants and spectators must bring their own bowls & eating utencils.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Mid Atlantic Climbers is participating in the 5th Annual HERA - Climb4Life Event and you should too!


Last year, the Greater Washington DC community brought together over 450 climbers who helped raise over $60,000 to support Ovarian Cancer Research.


This year HERA Women's Cancer Foundation is bringing the Climb4Life Event to DC - March 13th -19th. With a goal to promote awareness and raise money.


How can I get involved?
Join our team Eyes In The Sky and come out to the HERA events .



From the HERA website:



"Registration Fees:
Your $30 registration fee is a donation to HERA and includes:



    • Admission to Kick-Off and Climbers' Festival

    • A goodie bag filled with coupons and gifts

    • Four days of free climbing at Sportrock: 2 at Sterling, 2
      at Alexandria (valid 3/14 - 3/21)

    • Discounts on classes and memberships at Sportrock

    • Expert unlimited Power Yoga at Dancing Mind Yoga, (valid 3/13 – 3/21)

    • Clinics with pro-climbers,

    • Discounts with REI Outdoor School

    • A special slideshow presentation by a guest pro-climber

    • Global Mala Event – 108 Sun Salutations - celebrate life!"


Challenge yourself and help the HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation fight ovarian cancer!


By participating in HERA Climb4Life, you can help save lives.

Friday, February 12, 2010

Who Wants a Free Bouldering Pad?


Mid-Atlantic Climbers (MAC) is looking to you for our next great
T-shirt.

Do you have computer/art skills? Do you have a clever pun, or an idea for a hip design? Imagine seeing folks at the crag wearing your design!


What should the design be about?
Thats entirely up to you, all we ask is that our name and logo are featured.

Why should I enter?
We're giving away a Metoliuos Bouldering pad to the winning design! We will be unvailing the amazing shirt and awarding the winner at our Happy-Hour Fundraiser in Adams Morgan, DC -- more news to come on this event soon!

So how do I get started?
In 3 easy steps:
  1. Download our Contest Zip File (which contains our logo & a handy t-shirt templates)
  2. Create your design(s)
  3. Send in your entry(s) at contest@midatlanticclimbers.org before Midnight on March 25th 2010
We have provided documents for you to work with and guidelines for your entry so please check out the FULL CONTEST RULES on our webpage.

DEADLINE: Complete submissions must be received by Midnight March 25th 2010