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.

JR Goodwin and his partner in crime, Mike Driskell, at another trail day they organized.

Sitting here to type out the events of the May 15th trail day extravaganza I find myself, for once, speechless. From the initial ideas and layout to the hard work and sweat of those in attendance as well as the lunch, beer, and party spot donated by those who couldn’t attend, a huge THANK YOU!! I have been left smiling about the wonderful community and family that we of the Red River Gorge are so lucky to have. A passion passed onto me by many of those before me was obviously shared by the many, many people that showed up that day and to say that much was accomplished would be an understatement of the sheer force that descended onto coal Bank Hollow that day.

During the week(s) prior, Mike Driskell was a huge help in the idea forming and planning that allowed a defined idea to be visualized. On top of that he secured much of the material that was used in the water bars and steps and Travis from Louisville was awesome enough to transport it down to the Gorge for us. Add to this that the Friday before the trail day Mike, Josephine Neff, and Ken Thompson were great enough to come out and help do some tree cutting and finish off the gate that had been installed earlier in the season. We walked the trails to discuss more ideas, spray the spots where work needed to be done, and move trees that stood in our way to help make the actual trail day run that much smoother.

A motley crew

Saturday morning rolled in and Mike, Ken, Travis, Matt Tackett, and Mark Jackson helped with getting everything we needed out to the trailhead. Well, everything but one of the wagon wheels and I must say, the way that story ended is priceless. As we all got into positions, folks started to trickle in at first and some of the first crews headed off to work on the Solar Collector main trail. As that crew got started I walked back to the parking lot where more folks had started to show up to help. Ken and Mike took crews back to Darkside to begin many of the big jobs that lay ahead. We had so many people show up that by 9 o’clock there was only a rake left in the parking lot. Unfazed, people gladly carried lumber and other materials down the long trail to where work was being done. Once there, everyone worked as one large team, switching out when tired, helping to move trees, and just providing the upbeat vibe that made the whole day a blast.

Walking the trails watching everyone busting their rump was so inspiring and humbling. To be part of this community is like none other. Heading up to Solar to see what was needed, the crews had already blocked off the bushwhack trail near the top as well as installed a few steps, water bars, and even widened the trail in a few spots. All down the trail, water bars were installed and one switchback was shored up and the corner cutter’s path was blocked off. More beautiful work has never been seen outside of an art museum.

Adding some fancy stairs

Leaving there I made my way back to Darkside where more crews were encountered installing water bars and the most amazing drainage and mosaic bridge you will ever see where the Solar trail splits off of the main trail. Heading down the trail the sounds of chainsaws filled the air and one could only imagine what Ken and Mark were up to back there. Once there my jaw dropped at what this mass of dedicated folks had accomplished in such a short time. There, in the marsh that awaits one after crossing the log bridge was a step like trail of cut logs. No more muddy feet – yippee!! While one crew worked on that another crew had rerouted the two drainages that cause the marsh to flow behind a large boulder and into the creek. Time will hopefully dry up the marsh and make it even better than it was by the end of that day.

Moving up the trail, more water bars were added and crews shored up a few areas that had gotten trampled awhile back. The trail, now wider and better, should last for years to come. Continuing upwards to where the large tree had come down, the crews up there had built a few steps and shored up there as well, making that section much easier and nicer to navigate. Also, up top where the huge tree lays across the trail, both Ken and Mark took turns cutting through the behemoth to allow the trail to follow its original path and the trail that had sprouted up in its place was blocked off with brush and small woodland creatures. Also, the trail was widened a little near the very top to allow easier passage and better drainage. All in all the trails that were worked on should last quite a long time with minimal upkeep except the occasional trimming and TLC.

Tasty, tasty lunch - courtesy Rick Bost and Stephanie Meadows

After all their hard work, everyone headed back to the parking lot for a lunch that was sponsored by Rick Bost and Steph Meadows and lovingly prepared by Ms. Meadows herself and delivered thanks to Phil Wilkes. A small raffle was held with prizes donated by Red River Outdoors, Miguel’s, C&S Carryout, and the Access Fund. That evening after everyone had climbed and eaten, the real fun began at Torrent Falls thanks to the awesome hospitality of Dr. Bob who opened his home and backyard to all who helped. With plenty of sore muscles and enough beer to make one forget about the aches, we all gathered round the kitchen first before making our way to the fire pit. As the stars shone down and the rain came down, one could only sit back and smile at the greatest group of people to share a fire with. THANK YOU all, see you next year.

Thank you to: Zach Romero, Tasha Kenrick, Michelle Ellington, Jordan Stein, Konrad Schlenkrich, Gitta Lubke, Brice Markley, Jonathan Stair, Sean Stewart, Yasmeen Fowler, Lindsey Gram, Brent Dupree, Mark Jackson, Norma Froelich, Chris Kunesh, Crystal Norgren, Philip Wilkes, Ryan O’Connor, Carrie Krikpatrick, Jimmy Farrell, Mike LaFontains, Melissa Kelley, Ken Thompson, Kathryn Gamble, Travis Peek, Terri King, Deanna L., Spenser Victory, Roger Bess, Blake Bowling, Alex Hain, Mike Palic, Anna Hayes, Richard Strange, Michael Lamb, Kathryn Gulley, Mike Driskell, Kenton Weir, Matt Tackett, Stephanie Meadows, Michael Cole, and of course JR Goodwin.  If you do not see your name or it’s spelled incorrectly, please let us know.  This information was gathered from signed waivers and is subject to mistakes.

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Natural Bridge Campgrounds. Exit 33 off the Bert Combs Mountain Parkway. Follow signs to Natural Bridge Campgrounds

It’s official – registration for Rocktoberfest 2009 is now open! Visit http://rrgcc.org/register/ to register yourself and others for the weekend.

If you have questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact us or call us (use the “Call Me” button to the right or dial us at 859-955-0774).

Thanks and see you in October

Friday:

• Camping and parking is included and is on site at the Natural Bridge Campgrounds (click for directions).
• First choice of camping spots (limited sites with water and electric hookups)
• First dibs at vendors and all their demo gear, including gear from:
  Black Diamond, Petzl, La Sportiva, Sterling Ropes Five Ten and others..
• Climbing films featured by Dead Point Magazine and music DJ’ed by our man from the south, John “Cletus” Wilcox.
• Fun and games.. and did we mention all the vendors and demo gear!
• Access to the dyno comp to either toss in your hat or heckle from the sidelines.

Saturday:

• The Clip and Go Comp Climbing competition at the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve – Sore Heel Hollar Competition will be based on endurance – number of bolts clipped and the difficulty of the route will both factor into the point system.
• Sign up is from 9-10am at the Registration Desk or at the Sore Heel Parking Lot.
• The competition will last from 10am to 5pm and the winners will be announced at the venue on Saturday night.
• Free YOGA class Saturday morning at 9:30.  Please bring your own mat. 
  

Saturady evening will host plenty of music, food, gear, a dyno comp, and plenty more..

Saturday Night:

• Camping and parking is included and is on site
• Free swag from every angle! T-shirts, posters, stickers, gear and much more.
• Silent auction with a ton of top end gear from our gracious sponsors!
• And we’ll be hosting and featuring the Reel Rock Tour Movie
• Plus we’ll have a dyno comp, DJ, and plenty more to attract your distractable eyes and ears..

Sunday:

• Clinics lead and attended by pros from around the sport
• Breakfast in the morning courtesy of the Solid Rock Climbers for Christ

JATD 09 from Wes Allen on Vimeo.

A group of participant at the Red River Gorge 2007

On Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, Mountain Gear, in cooperation with Red River Outdoors, will be presenting its 3rd annual UCLIMB event, on the RRGCC-owned PMRP. UCLIMB is a fun event dedicated to bringing people from across the country closer to the outdoors by learning to climb in a comfortable small-group setting with other amateur climbers. Professional instructors will guide you through the basics of climbing, safety and conservation. This weekend adventure is an ideal introduction to the world of rock climbing. Mountain Gear is a strong supporter of both the PMRP purchase and the RRGCC’s educational mission of promoting responsible climbing.

It's here..

October is fast approaching.. and in the Red River Gorge, that means two things: sending temps and Rocktoberfest, presented this year by Keen Footwear, Black Diamond and Mountain Gear.

[reg-invite-table]Every year for the past eight years, climbers have come from as far as Australia, Poland, and the backwoods of your hometown just to partake in the fall festivities. With headlining events like Reel Rock Tour, Mountain Gear sponsored clinics, Black Diamond Gear Auctions, and our always stellar music line-up (The 23 Strings, The Slant Kings), it’s easily the best thing happening on the East Coast.

Besides getting lower prices for registering online and guaranteeing a spot for the events, the first 200 registrants get a bag full of schwag.. so don’t wait! And after registering, invite friends using your invite code to get even more schwag.. better hurry, though, you’ve got some catching up to do.

Read more here and Register!

Click here to download a poster (about 1MB in size) that you can print out and post around town to help spread the word!

UClimb and Moutain Gear, both financially and through education, support the RRGCC and the PMRP purchase

Saturday, September 13 and Sunday, September 14, the PMRP will be hosting the 2nd annual U-Climb event, a climbing event meant to educate climbers about climbing safety and ethics. The groups will have top-ropes up on virtually every beginner climb in the PMRP. While we apologize that this might affect your plans, please know that the event goes a long way to securing your climbing now and into the future.

The UClimb groups will be holding clinics at the following walls. Please plan around their presence.

A group of participant at the Red River Gorge 2007

The Shire
Left Field
The Playground
Chica Bonita
Volunteer Wall
The Gallery (the right side)
Gold Coast/Solar Collector (the right side)

UClimb and the event organizers, Mountain Gear, have long been supporters of the RRGCC and the PMRP purchase. In addition to sizable donations that go toward the annual mortgage, the UClimb event emphasizes the importance of responsible climbing ethics. One of the major tenants of these ethics is a commitment to and support of local climbing organizations.

If you were planning on doing some easy sport climbs, please consider visiting Muir Valley, Roadside, and Pistol Ridge all have a good assortment of them. Search the redriverclimbing.com online guidebook for others if these crags don’t sound appealing.

More than 65 people joined the RRGCC to celebrate and work on the fifth annual JATD. Photo: Wes Allen

	It wasn't all hard work. Photo: Wes Allen

All pictures courtesy of Wes Allen.

***Pre-Registration will be open soon so please check back so you can have the chance to win schwag by inviting people.. details to follow.