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March 29, 2007
Seriously, that's a lot of Patagonia
We currently have 566 Patagonia products up online. Yes, 566. That's about a million different size and color combinations, so you're sure to find something you like. Come check it out.
If Patagonia makes it, there's an overwhelming chance we have it at RockCreek.com. We just rolled several hundred new styles online, so come check it out if you haven't seen the extent of the new Spring line. I'll be featuring a few products over the coming weeks, but here's a quick rundown of one of my favorites:
R1 Flash Pullover - I have owned several of these over the years and wear one almost every day, as outerwear in the Spring and Fall, and as insulation during the cooler months. Soft and stretchy, the R1 fleece is great next to skin or just over a thin wool or Capilene shirt if you want to be able to shed it as the temperature rises. Last year Patagonia reworked the bottom and cuffs, making them thinner and easier to use with gloves and harnesses. The new waist also keeps the Flash from riding up. The zipper runs to the right of your chin so you only have soft fleece against your neck instead of a zipper. This is a great example of Patagonia's commitment to making versatile clothing that can fulfill more than one function so you can buy less and have a lower overall environmental impact.
Patagonia continues its commitment to environmental causes with a range of t-shirts like the Steelhead Trout T-Shirt, where $5 from each purchase goes to direct action environmental causes. Of course, Patagonia only uses organic cotton throughout the product line.
If you haven't already seen it, check out the video on Patagonia's Common Threads Recyling program. We can now take your polyester and organic cotton clothing once you've worn them out and they will be made into new Patagonia garments. Just save your packaging materials when you order from us, and return your old clothes to us. Oh, and include a note that they're destined for the Common Threads program so our warehouse folks won't be too confused when they get your old underwear in the mail.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 5:00 PM | TrackBack
March 28, 2007
River Gorge Registration Update
Just to give an update on the Rock Creek River Gorge Race: We have closed online registration, and we have about 200 runners signed up. We WILL have day-of-race registration. Try to be there as early as possible; I would recommend 7:15 AM EST. We can't guarantee a race tee unless you're pre-registered.
The race director and some volunteers from the Wilderness Trail Running Association just marked the trail last night, the weather looks good (hot, cloudy, 10% chance of rain), and it looks like this is going to be another great race. I can't wait to see you all out there.
The tees just came in from the printers by the way, and they're Mountain Hardwear Wicked Tees just like last year, but this time they are a nice dark forest green for men and a lighter green for women. As always, we will have a pair of trail running socks as well, this year provided by Wigwam. Man, you just can't beat the swag we throw out at these races. Well worth your entry fee!
Also be sure to sign up now for the StumpJump 50K- this is a popular race and will sell out again this year. ALL registration will be online at Active.com.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:29 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
March 22, 2007
Staff Pick: Patagonia Spraymaster Jacket
We had a staff meeting last night where everyone had five minutes to meet someone he or she didn't know and then to pick our favorite product in the store. Then we introduced the stranger to the rest of the group and told about our product. So, I picked SmartWool Socks because I just won't wear anything else on my feet (unless I'm wearing Chacos, of course). But the guy I didn't know picked the Patagonia Spraymaster Jacket, and while I don't own one, he definitely sold me on it. So I checked it out and it turns out this has been recognized quite a few times as a great jacket.
"Patagonia has virtually erased the line between soft shell and storm shell," Outside Magazine's gear testers wrote. With words like "incredibly stretchy, astoundingly waterproof, and impressively breathable," they lauded the Patagonia Spraymaster Jacket as a shell that creates it's own category. "Call it a firm shell. And rest assured, it's the one jacket that will prompt you to seek out bad weather." From our experience here in Tennessee, this is the perfect rain shell for warmer climates, allowing an unprecedented level of breathability from a waterproof shell.
The Spraymaster Jacket is also perfect for alpine climbers and backcountry skiers looking for a compressible, lightweight hard shell with impressive features and an athletic fit. This jacket has a knit nylon face fabric that provides protection from the elements and, as Outside made perfectly clear, impressive stretch performance and breathability. The surface of the inside fabric wicks moisture away so you don't feel like you're exercising inside a plastic bag.
The seams are taped and completely sealed. There's a great chin flap over the front zipper, and that zipper is also waterproof. There are two deep side pockets that also serve as the ventilation should you need it. There's one interior pocket that you can also stuff the jacket into, and there's a carabiner clip-in loop on that pocket as well. The hood has a drawstring, as does the hem, so you can customize the fit and seal out the elements. The hood moves with your head, which is always a plus. Oh, and this thing is surprisingly light. Check it out today, because we not only have the brand new 2007 colors, but also the 2006 models which are on sale, so if you hurry you can get a deal.
Shop for the Patagonia Spraymaster Jacket today >>
Make it a full Rain Suit with the Patagonia Spraymaster Pants >>
See all Hardshell Rain Jackets >>
Shop all Patagonia Clothing and Gear >>
Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:31 PM | TrackBack
March 16, 2007
Time for Spring Training! Hundreds of New Styles Now Online
Sale |
Sandals |
Hardshells |
Fleece Jackets |
Softshell Jackets |
Trail Running Shoes
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The North Face | Patagonia | Montrail | Marmot | Chaco | Mountain Hardwear | Prana
*Lower 48 States, Orders over $49. Some restrictions may apply for shipping on oversized or heavy items; see site for full details. Photo courtesy Patagonia. "Jeff loading up boards. Hawai'i," c. Amy Kumler | ||
Posted by Mark McKnight at 4:47 PM | TrackBack
March 15, 2007
StumpJump 50K Registration Open (11 Mile Option Available)
Registration is officially open for the RockCreek.com StumpJump 50K & 11 Mile Trail Race. Sign up for the StumpJump today!
Even though we're only a couple weeks away from the River Gorge Trail Race*, now's the time to start planning your fall race calendar. Come join us for this great race. Racers get a free synthetic race tee, a pair of wool socks, and lots of other goodies. There's also a free carbo supper and vendor fair the night before. Remember there's an 11 Mile option if you're not quite ready to go whole hog, or if you have a friend or spouse who wants to come with you and run a shorter distance.
Much of the popularity of this race has to be attributed to the beautiful scenery. Overall there's about 2200 feet of elevation gain, and you're running through the beautiful Suck Creek Canyon and into the Prentice Cooper Wildlife Management Area. The race begins at Nolan Elementary School, goes through Shackleford Ridge Park to Mushroom Rock, across a swinging bridge over North Suck Creek into Prentice Cooper. Snooper's Rock offers a great view of the Tennessee River Gorge, the "Grand Canyon of Tennessee," but you won't want to spend too much time gawking, because at this point the race course goes onto the popular Mullen's Cove Loop, which includes the aptly-named Rock Garden, site of many a sprained ankle. This area will slow down even the most nimble runners with its mossy boulders. When you hit the Indian Rock House for the second time, you know you've hit mile 20. All that's left is the trek back across Prentice Cooper to Suck Creek again, and then back up Signal Mountain to the finish at Nolan.
There's a reason we're opening registration so early: This has become one of the most anticipated ultramarathons in the Southeast, and we had to turn down a lot of runners last year.
This year all registration will be handled online, and when the race fills up, we can't help you! So register TODAY.
We had a great race last year with 350 runners, and we expect this to be the best year yet. Race proceeds go to benefit the organization charged with building and maintaining the trails we use for the race. We raised $3000 for the Cumberland Trail Conference last year, and we hope to raise even more this year.
Want to try the StumpJump as your first 50K? Check out our article on training for your first 50K.
Read Jim Farmer's 2006 Race Report.
Check out the StumpJump 50K Race Map.
*You can still sign up for the River Gorge Race. We're about halfway full for that race, so sign up for that one too! It's a great way to get in shape and ramp up your training for the StumpJump.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 10:18 AM | TrackBack
March 14, 2007
Vasque Blur Wins "Gear of the Year"
Vasque, long known for traditional leather hiking boots like the Sundowner, made their first foray into the trail running shoe market a few years back and made quite a splash with the Blur and Velocity. Their hard work has paid off with a "Gear of the Year" Award from Outside Magazine. This is one of the most coveted awards in the outdoor industry every year, and quite an honor. Congratulations Vasque!
The Blur Trail Running shoes from Vasque are supple, well-cushioned shoes with an exceptional feel for the trail. Designed with a lightweight bottom, the Blur is great for short distances and fast-paced runners, or those making the switch from road to trail.
The Blur has a deep contoured heel pocket that holds your foot stable with no sloppy fit, and created with a sticky rubber sole that gives great traction on rocky footing.
As Outside Magazine Editors wrote, the Vasque Blur
"gave us quick toe-offs whether we were running up Colorado’s Longs Peak or racing across hardpack flats, and its stability smoothed out the rockiest descents."
Check out a 3-D View of the Blur >>
Shop for the Vasque Blur Trail Running Shoe at RockCreek.com >>
Also be sure to check out the Axis GTX from Vasque, a Gore-Tex hiking boot built on the popular Blur last.
*A last is the foot-shaped mold used to manufacture the shoes. These are unique to each shoe company, and most companies have several different lasts, offering different fit for different types of feet or activities. If the Blur fits you well, chances are the Axis will as well because they share a last.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 5:09 PM | TrackBack
March 12, 2007
Arc'Teryx Naos 55 Pack: Gear of the Year
Arc'Teryx, long known for revolutionary innovations like welded seams, waterproof zippers & zipper garages, has created another winner with the Naos 55 Backpacking Pack.
Their innovation has been recognized by two major magazines, winning the "Gear of the Year" Award from both Outside and Backpacker Magazines. Either one of these awards are coveted in the outdoor industry every year, and quite an honor. Congratulations Arc'Teryx for winning BOTH of these awards!
This newly designed pack is made with revolutionary 420ACT VaporTight material. The Naos 55 internal frame pack by Arcteryx keeps your gear dry, and also carries comfortably with the frictionless Load Transfer Disc. The Naos 55 backpack features a side access Kangaroo pocket for easy access, and includes extra side straps to hold skis, tools or equipment.
As Backpacker's editors wrote, "forget everything you thought you knew about packs. This top-loading internal frame may be the most pioneering design we've seen in a decade."
It sounds like Outside's testers just about had a fistfight over the pack. They talked about how innovation usually comes through incremental improvements, but in the case of the Naos 55, "the sum is much, much greater than the parts, setting a new standard for blending comfort, durability, and waterproofness. On a trip in the Grand Canyon, with ten testers and ten different packs, every morning started with near mutiny over one simple question: Who gets to carry the Naos today?"
Shop for the Naos 55 Pack at RockCreek.com >>
Also be sure to check out the Acrux 40 Pack, another revolutionary pack designed more as a crag pack.
Posted by Mark McKnight at 3:59 PM | TrackBack
March 7, 2007
Kayak for Conservation: Sign up Now!
The popular Kayak for Conservation event is coming up on Saturday, May 5, 2007. Be sure to sign up now, because this event always fills up quickly and is great fun for a great cause. The Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Outdoor Chattanooga and Rock Creek Down Under have partnered to bring back the much anticipated Kayak for Conservation. Come and enjoy an eight-mile paddle showcasing “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.”
The Gorge has great ecological and historical value. Kayakers will likely get to witness wildlife such as osprey, great blue heron and red-tailed hawks.
When: Saturday, May 5, 2007
Where: Rock Creek Down Under
Cost: $40 Per Person (must be or become a TRGT member)
Included: Equipment (if needed), lunch thanks to Greenlife Grocery and the
"Post Paddle Party" (includes snacks, drinks and a silent auction).
ALL proceeds from this event go to support the mission of the Tennessee River Gorge Trust… to enrich our community by conservation of the Tennessee River Gorge through land protection, education and the promotion of good land stewardship.
This event is limited and will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Please call the Trust today to reserve your spot!
Julie F. Beach
Business & Development Director
Tennessee River Gorge Trust
(423) 266-0314
26 Years of Protecting "Tennessee's Grand Canyon"
Related Links:
Posted by Mark McKnight at 2:24 PM | TrackBack
March 6, 2007
LRC Trail Day & Mini-Comp
Stone Fort
Bouldering Competition and Clean-Up
Saturday, 9:00am
April 7, 2007
The Plan: Roadside clean-up along the Brow Road and the Clubhouse Road for Montlake. Trail maintenance in the boulder field and update the kiosk.
There will be a small half day mini-competition for those who attend the trail day.
Winners will be the ones who collect the most stars. As in 3 Star Classics!
We’ll have food and refreshments after the clean-up/comp inside the clubhouse.
We’ll also hand out some awards to few hardworking climbers and grunts.
Contact Chad Wykle for more information.
chadwykle@yahoo.com 423.618.4466
Related Pages:
- RockCreek.com's Bouldering Gear Guide
- Preserving Rock Creek Watershed
- RockCreek.com and Chaco Team up to Raise Funds for Climbing Access
- Chaco Recycling Initiative: Recycle Your Old Chacos
- Our Environmental Statement
Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:35 AM | TrackBack
March 2, 2007
Saul Raisin Charity Ride
While RockCreek doesn't sell cycling equipment, we have many avid cyclists in our midst, so when Saul Raisin stopped by the office Wednesday, a couple of us were a bit starstruck.
Raisin is a bit of a local hero here in the Chattanooga area. If you're not familiar with his rise to the top of professional cycling, or the heinous crash that left him in a coma, you might not understand why.
But if you have been following Raisin's story, the fact that he made it up the spiral staircase into the office is in itself a minor miracle. (I mean some days I have trouble with that d** staircase, and I haven't been in a coma.)
I have to say he looked great, and he's fired up about giving back to the people who have helped during his recovery, and serving as an example for others who have been injured or are suffering from physical handicaps.
So, he dropped off some promotional materials for his upcoming "Raisin' Hope" Charity Bike Ride, and we said we'd help spread the word. Here are the details:
Ride Options:
15-Mile
35-Mile
50-mile (Will include a climb up Fort Mountain)
All registered riders will recieve sag stops, a post ride meal, and a Raisin Hope T-Shirt
Directions to start location, Heritage Point Park: From north or south 1-75, exit #336 Dalton/Rocky Face. Turn right on Highway 41/76. Go 4.1 miles, Heritage Point Park will be on the right.
To register: Go to www.saulraisin.com and follow the links to the Raisin Hope Ride.
To donate: If you cannot ride please consider a donation. Go to www.saulraisin.com and follow the same links to the donation page.
There will also be an online silent auction during the month of March. To see a list of items and place a bid go to: www.saulraisin.com and follow the links. All winning bids will be donated to the ride charities.
Please join me in riding at my first annual benefit ride. This benefit ride is my way of giving back to some wonderful organizations that helped me throughout my injury and recovery as well as others that are close to my heart.-Saul Raisin
Anything you can do to help would be appreciated! Let's support this hometown hero. In the midst of all the negativity surrounding cycling lately, it's nice to see Saul Raisin doing something positive for the community.
Update: Check out this entry over on the Motionbased blog- good stuff:
http://blog.motionbased.com/2007/02/raisin_hope_wit.html
Posted by Mark McKnight at 12:11 PM | TrackBack
March 1, 2007
Suunto Watch Package Giveaway
Come by and sign up for this month's contest- a chance to win a $330 Suunto Watch Package Giveaway from RockCreek.com. We're giving away a T4 Watch and the Foot Pod.
Remember that you can sign up for the contest every month, even if you're already signed up for the newsletter. Just put your email address in and click "Subscribe", then review your preferences and click "Update Subscription." Good Luck! Sign up for the Suunto Training Package giveaway now >>
Continue reading "Suunto Watch Package Giveaway"
Posted by Mark McKnight at 11:41 AM | TrackBack
