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.

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.

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.

RRGCC Treasurer Stephanie Meadows listens to Emergency Management Director Eugene Barrett

In late August, two RRGCC Board of Directors (BOD) members, Rick Bost, BOD President, and Stephanie Meadows, BOD Treasurer met with the Judge Executive of Lee County, Stephen M Hays, and Lee County Emergency Service personnel to exchange vital evacuation information for their jurisdiction. The RRGCC provided the EMS personnel with detailed laminated maps that included valuable information such as complete driving directions, trail head location, terrain difficulty, and detailed maps to crags and meeting locations. New editions of the Red River Gorge guidebook will soon be provided to each county, courtesy of Dave Pegg at Wolverine Publishing.

Rick Bost gives the thumbs up to improved communication

“Emergency” tubes are also being provided by the RRGCC and placed at the cliffs on the PMRP that provide climbers with instructions in case emergency assistance is need. Already, climbers are seeing such tubes in Muir Valley, an idea shared between the coalition and Rick and Liz Weber, the owners of Muir Valley. The tubes contain pertinent information for climbers to use when calling for help in an emergency. “Our goal is to cut down on time and streamline communication between climbers and the EMS in order to expedite response time to the location of the accident” says BOD member Stephanie Meadows. The information provided helps translating crags names such as “The Gallery”, into usable locations for the EMS. The officials of Lee County expressed their sympathies to the community for the fatality and were very receptive to this information.

By opening the lines of communication between Lee County officials and climbers, the RRGCC hopes to reduce the response time and decrease disorientation of all parties when accidents occur. The ultimate goal is to build a solid relationship for both parties, and to set the course for involving all four of the counties that cover climbing in the Red River Gorge.

Lee County Judge Executive Steve Mays and RRGCC President Rick Bost

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  . . . “

Fundamentally all those concerns are related to education.  Education is something the RRGCC can help improve.

As climbers we name cliffs for things that make sense to us.  The solar collector is sunny, roadside is next to the road etc the darkside is shaded from the sun.  However these cliff and hollows had names years before climbers showed up.  When climbers call for rescue it is unreasonable to expect search and rescue personnel to know locations in our terms.  We have to explain our locations in term that are known to the locals that are coming to save our ass.  The RRGCC can provide this information as well as phone numbers to climbers.  The most effective place to provide this information is at the scene, at the cliff.

The biggest problem with instructions at the cliff is keeping the instructions dry yet accessible in the event of emergency.  The RRGCC developed an idea for keeping emergency instructions at the cliff, using PVC tubes as storage (poop tubes).  We shared this idea with Rick Weber.  He implemented the idea soon several EMERGENCY INSTRUCTION tubes are installed at the Muir Valley.  Rick has graciously provided labels for tubes that have been installed at the PMRP.

Now that we had a storage idea we needed to develop those instructions.  For this we had to decide what information we needed to provide.  Our decision was that the RRGCC should not provide medical instructions but should provide instructions to facilitate speedy arrival of medical rescue personnel to the parking lot.  From the parking lot climbers must help the rescue personnel to the cliff. Here is the information that will be in the tubes.

Emergency Map
Emergency Instructions

The above should help address the first 3 concerns mentioned that night.  For the fourth concern, we decided to ask Lee County what information they needed to provide the best response to climber accidents.  Based on those discussions, the RRGCC developed and have provided the following information the search and rescue squad of Lee County:

1. Written directions to all the parking lots in the PMRP
2. A map with all the major crags and parking lots of the PMRP labeled and arrows showing the most reasonable approach to the parking lots and meeting place for the ambulance.
3. GPS coordinates of all the major crags at the PMRP
4. The copies of the guide book to provide additional information about the area.

Emergency Maps
Lee County Driving Directions

During Rocktoberfest weekend the RRGCC installed 7 tubes in the southern region.

We ask just a few things of all the climbers of the Red River Gorge:

• Please do not steal these tubes.  The RRGCC will probably not make replacements in the event that these are stolen.
• Please keep the cap closed.  Water is the enemy.
• Please do not take the instructions out of the tube unless there is an emergency. Click on the links to see what is inside.
• Please do not put other stuff in the tubes.
• Please let other climbers know what those tubes are all about.

Making this all happen takes a ton of effort.  Several people have worked on or provided input to this project.

Thank you to all:

We are still looking for the why, something to make ourselves feel less exposed.  We will probably never know exactly what happened. However consider being a little more reserved, check each other and be more attentive at the belay.
Try Hard.  Have Fun.  Take Care.

Smile

Rick Bost
RRGCC

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.

Access Fund – RRGCC Press Release (pdf)

Access Fund to Refinance Pendergrass-Murray Loan, Saving Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition Thousands

Boulder, CO, June 7, 2010 — The Access Fund, the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment, announced today that it will provide Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition with short-term financing to pay off the current seller-financed loan on the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge.

The Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve is a classic Red River Gorge destination, hosting more than 500 climbs, ranging from 5.4 to 5.14c, and new climbs constantly being discovered and developed. The steep, beautiful sandstone walls are overhanging and pocketed and offer technical, dynamic, and endurance climbing. The property hosts several hundred climbers each weekend, with the three parking lots often reaching capacity by noon.

A $65,000 loan will be supplied by the new Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign, arevolving loan program that provides local climbing organizations with the funds and expertise needed to act quickly to save threatened climbing areas. The Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition purchased the property in January of 2004, making it the largest direct land acquisition to date by rock climbers.

Through aggressive fundraising and two grants from the Access Fund, the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition has paid down a significant portion of the original loan. By refinancing the remainder of the loan under the Access Fund’s new program, the Coalition will save approximately $10,000 in interest and fees that can be invested in other projects that benefit the Red River Gorge climbing community. The refinance will also eliminate the risk of losing the property to a private third-party, since a missed annual payment under the previous seller-financed loan would have returned the property to the seller and the funds raised by climbers would have been lost.

The refinance deal will set aside approximately $15,000 for land management costs of the Pendergrass-Murray property, as well as funds to allow RRGCC to pursue more climbing areas in the region.

This is the fifth Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign project, with active loans totaling over $200,000. Of these funds, $17,000 has been paid back, returning funds to the revolving loan program to be invested into other climbing conservation efforts by local climbing organizations and the Access Fund.

About the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition

The Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition works to ensure open, public access to quality outdoor rock climbing opportunities in and around Red River Gorge, Kentucky. The Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition works to encourage the conservation of the natural environment on publicly managed and privately owned land by protecting, promoting, and ensuring responsible climbing.

About the Access Fund

Founded in 1991, the Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. The Access Fund supports and represents over 2.3 million climbers nationwide in all forms of climbing: rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering. Five core programs support the mission on national and local levels: climbing management policy, stewardship and conservation, local support and mobilization, land acquisition and protection, and education.

For more information, visit www.accessfund.org.

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..

The meeting started with introductions to the Moore’s, the very welcoming owners of the white house on Bald Rock Fork Road. With some recent events, they’ve come to own most of the land near the top of the hill to the Southern Region. Having noticed the number of climbers that come by (and the number that need a hand getting up the difficult hill to the Southern Region), they came to the RRGCC to discuss options regarding parking near the top of the hill. The RRGCC and the Moore’s will be coordinating the best solutions for both parties and look forward to working together in the future.

The RRGCC is doing a partnership with Leave No Trace (LNT) again this year.  The USFS is working with the LNT organization to work on a new program LNT is running, the Leave No Trace Hot Spots. The RRGCC will also be looking into the possibility of bringing a trainer course or scheduling a visit from the Traveling Trainers sometime this year.

Bill Strachan, the Executive Director who has committed a lot of time and energy to working with the USFS, informed the group that the Limits of Acceptable Change (LAC) was approved. It’s been a long process and this helps bring the RRGCC and the USFS closer to working together on using and maintaining crags on Forest Service land. However, more work still needs to be done and Bill and the RRGCC still needs to draft a climbing management plan (CMP).  This plan must be approved both by the RRGCC and the USFS.  Bill explained that to improve “system trails”, which are official, published trails, such as the trails that start to Military and Left Flank, the climbing community needs to contact the USFS for permission to address the trails.  ”User trails”, such as those to Phantasia, cannot be improved or maintained until the climbing management plan is approved and published.  The CMP will likely be drafted by the end of summer and approved by the RRGCC BOD at the September meeting.   At that point, it will be submitted to the USFS.

Josephine gave a brief recap of the Red River Reunion, which was put on by Miguel’s Pizza.  By the end of the night, Miguel’s had helped the RRGCC pull in over $2,900!  Rick Bost helped to organize and run the climbing competition at Torrent Falls.  In the future, we’ll be working harder to get the word out about the climbing competitions. As it was, more than twenty people competed and most of them walked away with some pretty handy prizes. It was also proposed that we have a raffle and silent auction at Rocktoberfest.

The Managers, Mike Driskell and JR Goodwin

Mike Driskell gave a brief recap of the Roadside trail day.  In addition to the improvements, he and JR Goodwin expressed concern about the dilapidated state of the slab wall base. One option he presented involved building a retaining wall and a fence similar to what is currently in place at Animal Crackers Wall in Muir Valley. He also discussed building a split rail fence to keep the general population from spreading down the hill.  Since any actions would need to be coordinated with the land owners, no action was taken at this time.  Mike is planning another trail day for Roadside in the spring of 2011. Later, Mike showed off some signs that he’d made for around the area. Keep an eye out for some nice looking signs and remember to thank Mike for the efforts.

Matt Tackett of Red River Outdoors discussed the mountain bike trail building on the PMRP.  Thanks to several weeks of hard work, Matt mentioned that the trails are really coming along nicely. Every third Saturday he and a small crew are doing a small trail day to work on the trails and hey’re currently working 70 to 80 hours per month. Matt Tackett has written a grant to fund the trail building and that grant is currently pending approval. Should the grant by approved, Matt will be more strongly promoting the trail days and the trail building effort.

JR Goodwin, racked with the guilt of having yet another birthday, volunteered his big day to host a trail day on May 15, likely at Dark Side.  Also, JR and Mike Driskell are asking that the RRGCC website have a place for people to “report bad trails” and Yasmeen Fowler and Paul Vidal were volunteered to implement this feature. Matt Tackett also suggested doing a trail building clinic for people that are interested in building trails.  IMBA has a great program and Tackett suggested imitating it. Eastern Kentucky University has environmental impact programming and the RRGCC may try to reach out to this group to see how we can work together.

Earlier in the meeting, the community was informed of a climbing accident that occurred at the Dark Side. Details were fuzzy but, having been on the scene, JR was able to give a slightly more complete picture. One thing that JR explained was that Lee County could use assistance with regard to preparation for climbing accident rescues. For example, they are in need of  wheeled rescue litter and directions and descriptions of the crag locations. Rick Bost promised to research the cost of the litter and the RRGCC will strongly consider purchasing it for them. Another effort that would go a long way to improving the situation would be to establish better communication with the Lee County Search and Rescue (SAR) with possibly an appointed RRGCC liaison.

The RRGCC Credit Card. Sign up and help the RRGCC earn $50!

With the mortgage still the top priority, the topic of fundraising spurred plenty of ideas. Rick Bost further explained the new RRGCC credit card.  After the first purchase, the RRGCC gets $50 and 0.3% of all purchases after that. Josephine Neff asked that the RRGCC purchase logo items for sale. Specifically, she suggested a coffee mug, flask, and beer koozie and the Board agreed to get back to Josephine with a vote with two weeks. Bill also suggested leveraging large donations to use as incentives for matching donation drives.

For Rocktoberfest, the RRGCC is working to host the event at the same location as last year. As for managing the waste, Mike Driskell asked that we promote aluminum can usage so that we can recycle them for income at Rocktoberfest. Mike Driskell volunteered to talk with the Beer Trailer about putting up signs encouraging aluminum can use. Also, Joe Haynes suggested outreach programs at the school systems, something the RRGCC has tried to incorporate with past Rocktoberfests. JR proposed giving a day of guided climbing for students who get a certain GPA. Tackett suggested we do a scholarship for local residents for U-Climb. In support of Rocktoberfest and other events, Josephine will be working to get a few vinyl signs that says “RRGCC” of some sort.

Thanks for reading over things.. If you’d like to get more involved, we’d love the support. Just let us know and we’ll get you plugged in. If cash or credit card is your prefered donation currency, we’re happy to accept that as well.

We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting.