red river gorge climbers' coalition

February 24 @ 6:30pm

Some folks are simply pretty amazing.. and those at the Benchmark Outfitters , RockQuest, and University of Cincinnati: Campus Recreation Center are no different. Together, they’re putting on a Reel Rock Tour event for the benefit of the RRGCC. Check out what they’re putting on next month! We’ll see you there!

Help support the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition and have a great time watching some great climbing films at the University of Cincinnati: Campus Recreation Center, 472 Main Street, Cincinnati, OH.  All proceeds benefit the Red River Gorge Climber’s Coalition Sponsored locally by: Benchmark Outfitters , RockQuest, and University of Cincinnati: Campus Recreation Center .   Door prizes provided by Benchmark and Rockquest.  Find it on Facebook. Show will start at 6:30 pm.   Check back for more details about the post event party.

About / History

The REEL ROCK Film Tour brings the best in climbing and adventure films to local audiences across the globe. REEL ROCK shows are exciting events where climbers and outdoors lovers come together to celebrate and the ultimate in adventure filmmaking. Prize giveaways, appearances by top climbers, and fundraising for non-profit organizations always add to the fun and community of REEL ROCK events. For the sixth annual film tour, co-founders Sender Films and Big UP Productions are taking audiences to the edge of what’s possible. From climbing the world’s most difficult frozen falls, to the hardest big wall free climb and crazed highline antics, these heart pounding tales of superhuman skills will leave audiences wanting more.

History

REEL ROCK founders Josh Lowell and Peter Mortimer have been producing and directing climbing and adventure films for over a decade, with devoted audiences around the world. Their work has been featured on NBC, NPR, and The New York Times, and has won a Sports Emmy Award, plus dozens of awards at international film festivals. After organizing small tours for their individual film releases, Lowell and Mortimer realized the huge demand for exciting live events in the outdoors community and combined forces to create The REEL ROCK Film Tour in 2006. In 2010, REEL ROCK screened in over 200 locations world-wide, drew over 55,000 audience members, raised over $15,000 for non-profits, partnered with more than 150 retailers, university outing clubs and climbing gyms, and won copious media coverage and critical praise.

As mountain bikers in Kentucky when we really crave to escape into the wilderness and to truly be able to pedal epic mileage we pretty much are stuck with having to travel out of state to get our fix. As much as we all enjoy road tripping we are really quite tired of having to pack up the rig and having to travel every time we need a visit to Dr. Feelgood….luckily we are not the only ones chasing the fat tired dragon. The great Commonwealth of Kentucky is too. They have been extremely helpful in developing the means for small communities and non-profits to develop trails by administering the Recreational Trails Program grant system. By doing so they are not only addressing the needs of local bikers but are pumping air into economies that are on the verge of collapsing.

We are extremely pleased and beyond amped to announce that the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition was awarded the 2010 RTP grant and has just recently been given the official OK to proceed in full scale building of the PMRP Adventure Trails System.

Paul Vidal and Matt Tackett were invited to Frankfort by the First Lady and her committee to accept a check on behalf of the RRGCC on August 26, 2010. Beyond this amazing news we would also like to point out that this is the first time Matt has worn anything other than Carharts and Paul has been without his hat in 10 years. Remember where you were when you heard this ground breaking news….

This year’s grant will allow the RRGCC to build a minimum of 5 new miles of single track IMBA standard trails and repair up to 2 miles of trails that were destroyed in 2006 and others around the region that need repair. The RRGCC is very dedicated to the development of human powered recreation on the property and look forward to the increase in members and volunteers as the trails get developed. As a group we are also proud to be part of something that is extremely beneficial to the health and economic growth of the local regions residents and business.

The PMRP is world renowned for its rock climbing scattered over the 700acres owned by its members and open to the general public. But in all reality the amount of land that we use is very little compared to what is actually owned .The prospect of having 30, 50 or more miles of trails across the PMRP is not out of the question and is welcomed news by climbers, bikers, hikers and trail runners alike. Variety is the spice of life and the land is prime for all types of trails and abilities. Responsible, planned development is the most important factor and all new trails will follow these set rules ensuring sustainable trails are done right the first time.

Imagine rolling out on your fat tire for a 20 miler and being able to stop and get pitches in along the way. You don’t have to imagine much longer, all you have to do is help.

Grants like the RTP and others that are in process are generally 50/50 matching grants. Meaning we have to donate time, material or money in order to receive the money from the grant as a organization and be able to apply for more in the future.

The RRGCC will be hosting regular trail days on every third Saturday of the month and special trail days throughout the year. Please stay tuned to www.rrgcc.org, www.redriverclimbing.com, the RRGCC fan page on Facebook and www.pedalthered.com to learn more and to see pictures of the trails as they develop. We will also be hosting trail building clinics for groups such as school groups, gym and individuals. Tools and materials are available as needed.

We’d also like to give special thanks to KYMBA for all of their support and for promoting adventure in Kentucky.

If you are interested in helping or have any questions please feel free to contact Matt Tackett of Red River Outdoors.

2010 was a hugely successful a year for climbing and climbers at the Red River Gorge. As a community, we made a bunch of progress. Before the next great year begins, I would like to thank some of the people that helped make 2010 the most successful ever.

Paul Vidal (RRGCC Vice President)
Your thoroughness and web skilz are unmatched. Thank you for coordinating the Access Fund loan refinance of the PMRP purchase. I have enjoyed our conversations and appreciate that together develop better solutions than we could come up with individually.

Stephanie Meadows (RRGCC Board member and 2010 Treasurer)
Your enthusiasm and dedication are great. Thank you for coordinating the assembly of the emergency instructions. Without you to kick start the activities, the concept would have never gotten off the ground. Also, thank you for stepping up to take the role of Treasurer. Installation of the poo signs was fun, too – those with your trash bag dispenser are making a positive impact. I have enjoyed working and climbing with you.

Josephine Neff (RRGCC newly elected Board member and RRGCC Secretary)
Welcome to the BOD. You, more than anyone, have proven your dedication and enthusiasm for making the RRGCC a better, more open organization. Thank you for organizing the volunteers for Rocktoberfest and taking on the role of Secretary.

Charlie Rittenberry (RRGCC Board member and 2010 President)
As the previous President you laid the groundwork for this year. Thank you for coordinating the site activities at Rocktoberfest. Every year including 2010, it’s you and Morgan Burton that keep the event train-wreck on course.

Morgain Sprague (RRGCC Board member and 2010 Vice President)
Your guidance has continued to shape the direction of the RRGCC. Thank you for keeping us legal and straight.
Mike Driskell (RRGCC newly elected Board member and current Treasurer)
Welcome to the BOD. Thank you for your continued support of the trail day at Roadside and JR’s Darkside Trail Day. The installation of the gates provided fuel for discussion. However, I think the community understands the purpose of our installation.

Bentley Bracket (RRGCC Board member)
Thank you for your coordination of sponsors for Rocktoberfest. Without the industry support that you have nurtured, we could not have achieved such a financial success. $30,000 in a weekend!!! Thank you.

Katy Gully (RRGCC newly elected Board member)
Welcome to the BOD. Thank you for writing articles about the meeting with the Lee County people, helping be the face of the RRGCC at Miguel’s, and helping develop the marketing strategy and getting the word out about Rocktoberfest. Thank you.

Bill Strachan (RRGCC Executive Director)
As always you are the first bolt of our organization. You have been here from the beginning, seen it all come and go. I really appreciate your viewpoint and perspective. Your work on the LAC process is often done behind the scenes, and is under appreciated. However, it is no
less important. Your negotiations and steady effort will result in maintaining access to areas that might have been lost without you.
Thank you.

Matt Tackett (RRGCC newly appointed PMRP land manager)
Johnny and Alex Trail Day job creator, KYMBA negotiator, Climbers that Care, UClimb, Rocktoberfest Clinics, and now Land Manger for the PMRP. Not to mention orchestrating the huge RTP grant. WOW ! ! ! Thank you.
http://redriveroutdoors.com/

Dawn Driskell (newly appointed volunteer staff assistant to the Treasurer)
Welcome to the club ! ! ! You are exactly what we needed. I am sure
that you will kick all forms of ass. Thank you in advance.

Sandra Davies (RRGCC staff)
Johnny and Alex Trail Day keeps getting better and better due to your excellent organization skilz. Also, Facebook is now the driving force of information about the RRGCC. Thank you for maintaining our Facebook site and getting the word out.
http://www.facebook.com/rrgcc

Ray and Michelle Ellington (guidebook authoring couple of the year)
Thanks for the instruction book. By maintaining and continued development of the instruction book, you and Wolverine have supported the RRGCC not only with dollars but also with the most powerful thing ever – information. Thanks for redriverclimbing.com too, which provides hours of entertainment and a completely free and up-to-date version of the guidebook. Thank you.
http://www.redriverclimbing.com

The Venturas (Miguel, Susan, Dario, Sarah, and Mark)
Thank you. Your unwavering support of the climbing community continues to make your place the center of climbing at the Red. This year’s Red River Reunion brought in over $5000 for the Coalition. Thank you for your support of everything.

Linda Black (Lago Linda’s) and Gloria Navarro (True North Inn)
Thanks for creating great options for the hungry and camping climbers. Thank you for supporting the Johnny and Alex Trail Day.
http://lagolinda.com/ & http://www.truenorthredrivergorge.com/

Phil Moore (Philz Snack Shack & more!)
Phil and Bev Moore and Jeff and Lisa Dickerson, welcome to the community! Ale 8 and chalk at the top of the hill at Bald Rock. Thanks for assisting those 2WD vehicles who fail the ascent up the hill. And thank you, for donating your land for use as a helipad for the community.
http://www.philzcamping.com/

Steve Mays (Lee County Judge Executive)
Bald Rock Road is better than it has ever been and the helipad is great. Thanks for supporting rock climbing and thank you for meeting with us to discuss the emergency instructions. Also, we cannot thank you enough for promising to keep the “Motherlode Hill” fixed for us.

http://rrgcc.org/community-news/rrgcc-acts-as-translators-between-cli…

Team Suck (friends of all Red climbers, not affiliated with the RRGCC)
Thank you for looking at and maintaining the anchors.
http://teamsuckclimbing.com/

Jeff Neal
Hand drilling at Funk Rock, to replace old anchors w/ glue-ins, need I say more?!?!?!? Thank you.

Land Owners (Rick and Liz Weber, Bob Matheny, Grant Stephens, who do not receive financial support from the RRGCC)
Thank you for allowing climbers to access your property.  You have given us a venue for fun, projects, sends, our almost sends, and make it possible to pursue our passions.  Thank you.

Route Developers and Equippers (again not affiliated with the RRGCC or Team Suck)
Thank you for the routes, the bolts, and the crags. Your time, effort, and vision make the Red River Gorge climbing what is and what it will become.

Gyms and local shops
Thank you Phillip Galls, Hoosier Heights, RockQuest, Philadelphia Rock Gym, J&H Lanmark, The Benchmark Outfitters among others for their tremendous support.
http://www.phillipgalls.com/
http://www.hoosierheights.com/index.php
http://www.rockquest.com/
http://www.philarockgym.com/
http://www.jhoutdoors.com/
http://www.benchmarkoutfitter.com/home

If I forgot anyone, I am sorry.

Every year presents new opportunities and obstacles. The RRGCC has some great stuff on the horizon. Jump in and do something to help. The community needs action. 2011 will be the best year ever to be a climber at the Red River Gorge.

smile
Rick Bost
RRGCC President

Help us make this year's Climbers That Care event even better by bringing in canned goods, hats, jackets, presents.. whatever fits your fancy

Another season coming to an end in the Red, at least thats what we tell all the people from other parts of the country. Time to decide whether to fatten up at the family Thanksgiving feast or eat tuna from a can with friends in the dirty South. It’s the perfect time to start planning the deep Winter trip and finally hit Hueco. Or maybe its time to hit the plastic and get freaky strong for next Springs routes. Or maybe its time to drop climbing for the season and hit the powder…

When you list it out like that most of our lifes choices seem pretty tame compared to a lot of those in the local areas around the Red. Instead of choosing how to waste their day away wrestling rocks or skiing slopes, they are trying to figure out how to put a hot meal on the table and clothes on their children backs.

This is your chance to give back to the families of the areas that you play in. Please bring your canned goods, hats, jackets, boots or whatever could make someones winter a little more comfortable. Last year we had a full truckload of supplies donated and hope to repeat that this year. All the food and clothing is donated to the food bank ran by the Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd in Campton. If cash is your only option be assured that 100% will be used to buy food/clothing for the drive.

This year we are going on a gym tour and plan to hit as many gyms as possible. Right now we have Eastern Kentucky University and Bluegrass Bouldering committed. If you have a gym or would like to suggest one to host please get in touch with us.

Festivities will include free admittance to the gym, a one of a kind slide show featuring many of the areas talented photographers, including some old school favorites, music at some of the events as well as pot luck dinners (depending on location we will have adult refreshments available). And of course, there will be plenty of good folks and warm smiles to go around.

So find a gym near you to pull down and put up some good deeds:

• Bluegrass Bouldering (Lexington, KY)- November 19th
• Rockquest (Cincinnati, OH) – November 22nd
• Rocksport (Louisville, KY) –  December 8th
• Hoosier Heights (Bloomington, IN) - December 10th
• Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, KY) - December 11th

Many thanks, Climbers That Care

climbersthatcare.com

Lee County Judge Executive Studies the Red River Gorge guidebook

In April 2010, the Red River Gorge climbing community experienced a fatal tragedy at the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve (PMRP). When the accident happened, climbers had a difficult time contacting and communicating their location to the rescue personnel. While the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition (RRGCC) cannot take the danger out of our beloved sport, we are making efforts to assist in communication between climbers and the emergency personnel who are tasked with saving us in unfortunate situations.

Climbing in the Red River Gorge spans over four different counties in eastern Kentucky: Lee, Powell, Wolfe and Menifee.  In Lee County resides the PMRP, owned by the RRGCC and the nearby privately owned Mother Lode, both of which are popular destinations for climbers. Both areas boast over 20 different crags and hundreds of routes, including Red River classics such as Whip-Stocking (11a), Mosaic (12c) and B.O.H.I.C.A. (13b). Unfortunately most climbers are not aware of their whereabouts when they go climbing. They merely follow guidebook directions.

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Drive By Emergency Tube

As climbers we put ourselves in a dangerous position.  We rely on ourselves, our equipment, and our climbing partner each and every time we climb. We don’t expect bad things to happen, however sometime accidents happen.  A few months ago our community experienced a tragedy at the Darkside.

The night of the accident I had a chance to talk with climbers that were at the cliff that day.  Through our discussions, I felt pain of my friends, as we searched for the why.

That night everyone was shaken, but I asked questions looking for ways that the RRGCC could help. There is little that the RRGCC can do to prevent accidents. When I asked what could have been better, here is what they said:

1. “We did not know who to call or what the phone number was
2. We did not know what county we were in
3. Even though we sent a runner out to meet the ambulance, they missed each other
4. We did not know how to explain to the Rescue Squad where we were in terms that they understood
5. The Rescue Squad did not know where the Darkside was  . . . “

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Wow.. we have some exciting new. And it’s not about our latest proj.. well, not exactly.

The Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign is helping the RRGCC save $10,000

Today we’re happy to announce that the Access Fund is providing the RRGCC short-term financing to restructure the current seller-financed loan on the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve. That’s a long way of saying the Access Fund is helping the RRGCC save nearly $10,000 dollars in interest payments by loaning us, via the Access Fund’s Land Conservation Campaign, $65,000 at 2.5%.

Needless to say, we’re excited on a number of levels, not the least of which is that we’re again working with the Access Fund, which has been there for the RRGCC from the start.

There’s still a lot of work to be done.. but today is a good day to dig in again and get going.

Read on past the break for the full PR announcement.

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Wolverine Publishing and Ray Ellington’s iPhone Guidebook App to the Red River Gorge guidebook is on iTunes. As if you need any more reason to pick it up, fifty cents from each full version of the app will be donated to the RRGCC. The app works on the iPhone and iPod touch and helps improve your image and karma at the same time! Ok, maybe not really, but you’ll have to admit it’s pretty slick and with some of the cash going to help save the climbs it documents, can you really pass it up? It’s also available in a free Lite version showcasing Roadside and Drive-By Crags. Check out the video below for a full run-through for a preview of some of the things the app can do.

The RRGCC April 17 meeting. We didn't get quite this close..

Another meeting down, another docket of business together, another set of cookies, stickie buns, and brownies put away.. Yep, the April 17th meeting of the RRGCC is all but history with one of our larger crowds in hand, likely due to some of the spring’s best weather to date.

If you missed this one, have no fear – there’s one tentatively scheduled for July 24. Check back again (or subscribe to our feed) to find out the details. In the meantime, read over the proceedings from this last meeting to stay up with the current happenings and updates.

Read more after the break..

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A big thank you to Red River Outdoors and all who participated in 2009′s Climbers that Care event this past Saturday. During the day, much trail work was completed at Torrent Falls, where (thanks to Dr. Bob), we all had a place to gather around a fire in the evening.