Saturday morning started off as a typical summer day in Kentucky. Hot enough to scorch the devil, humid enough for altitude training, bugs thick enough to float a truck and more snakes laying around than fibers on a plush carpet.

No one in their right mind would be outside on a day like that. Especially not out bushwhacking to see what the next holler holds, hauling a drill kit through rhodo thickets so dense you can’t see the other side, or worse yet be out working for free for others enjoyment…

Luckily for all of us, Johnny did those things every chance he could get.

I’m not sure if it’s a spreadable disease from touching too much Corbin sandstone, or maybe it’s a side effect from too many Ale-8′s, but Johnny and Alex sure would have been proud to see a 120 people sharing the same affliction showing up with tools and water in hand and ready to suffer for something bigger than they are.

As volunteers received their trail assignments and raced out all over the PMRP it reminded me of ants rebuilding their hill after being disturbed. When everyone picks up a stone it makes the wall easier to build. So as I swat another horse fly to the ground and wash the stinging nettle sting off my arms, I’m laughing out loud and thinking to myself that this is what Johnny wanted the PMRP and the RRGCC to be.

Volunteers braved the elements and didn’t stop until projects were completed. Chica Bonita, Curbside, Bob Marley, Shire, Gallery, Left Field, Play Ground, Volunteer Wall, Courtesy, Rival, Sore Heel short cut trail and the new mountain bike trails all saw significant improvements. Work was made easier by the amazing wraps provided my Miguel’s and crew as well as drinks from GFS and Red River Outdoors.

You would think that once the work whistle was blown that folks would be lining up to leave the property, to be the first to make the slip and slide run, be the hero that tapped the kegs or at least be first in line for dinner provided by True North Outfitters. But this strange affliction that we share drove a few crews insane and they literally had to be pushed down the hill with tools in hand and blindfolded to prevent further work.

As everyone gathered back to Lago Linda’s to wash, feed and drink the sore muscles away a storm like no other rolled in, only adding fuel to the party that was to come. By the time the 23 String Band took the stage the crowd had shaken the sore muscles away and gotten warmed up for a full night of dancing by an impromptu one-arm pull-up adult beverage chugging contest… that in all reality should become an Olympic event. The 23 String Band tore it up as always and played well into the night keeping everyone on their feet and truly enjoying this thing we call life.

Completely exhausted and soaked in rain and sweat I look around at all the smiling faces of friends and family and an overwhelming sense of belonging and calm takes over… and we all dance again.

Thanks to everyone that made this years Johnny and Alex Trail Day the best one yet. Looking forward to suffering in the woods, dancing till I can’t move and making Johnny and Alex proud again this time next year.

Matt Tackett

Thanks for your interest in JATD! We’ve already placed our orders for lunch and dinner and such.. meaning that if you’re planning on coming, we probably weren’t. And that’s fine.. just make sure to bring some lunch, dinner, snacks, beverages.. anything that will keep you in good spirits and working hard on the land you own

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.

[Show as slideshow]

March 5, 6, 2010 – Adventure Summit, Wright State University ~ Dayton, Ohio

March 26, 27, 28, 2010 – Access Fund LCO Activist Conference

March 27, 2010 – Red River Reunion

April 3, 2010 – Roadside Trail Day

April 17, 2010 – BOD Meeting

July 24, 2010 – BOD Meeting

August 14, 2010 – 6^th Annual John Bronaugh & Alex Yeakley Adopt-A-Crag Day

September 11, 12, 2010 – UCLIMB

September 25, 2010 – BOD Meeting

October 8, 9, 10, 2010 – 10^th Annual Rocktoberfest

December 6, 2010 – BOD Meeting

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.

On Saturday, April 3, 2010 Mike Driskell of Driskell Home Repair in Louisville organized a second trail day at Roadside Crag to try to address those problems. Thirteen people came to put the sweat of their brow into helping remove litter, trim tree branches, widen the trail-head, and improve drainage along the beginning of the trail.  They refueled with some Miguel’s for lunch, provided by Driskell Home Repair, and stuffed their packs with some RRGCC schwag.  After working on the trail-head, Driskell and company moved to the area near Roadside Attraction, a classic and popular trad climb, where the trail went straight up a series of rock steps.  The poor drainage and steep incline led to severe erosion in this area.  Now, after plenty of volunteer effort, the trail now accesses this area via a switchback that should mitigate the impacts near Roadside Attraction.

Mike hopes to return complete the new section of the trail on the next Roadside Trail Day, possibly in the spring of 2011.  Additional projects also include working to stabilize the erosion around the base of the slab routes to the far-right of the cliff line.

Thank you to the volunteers that helped: John Grider, Malcolm Akindana, Randy Tebbs, Carrie Kirkpatrick, Dave Jasperson, JR Goodwin, Mark Rohr, Robert Keith Todd, Bryan Spencer, Josephine Neff, Derrick Powell, and Mike Driskell.

If you were not able to participate in this event, please mark your calendar for Johnny & Alex Trail Day (check out last year’s JATD), which will be held on August 14th, and stay tuned for more! Or, if you want to throw yourself at a project all your own, tell us about it and we’ll support you!

This past year had a lot of exciting happenings for the RRGCC.

The year began with a large ice storm.  Bill Strachan worked with 5 climber volunteers and three US Forrest Service personnel.   On February 21, 2009 they cleared storm damage in Martin’s Fork area, which includes the approaches to Military and Left Flank.

Todd McCormick and the University of Pittsburgh hosted a climbing competition to raise funds for the RRGCC.  Their event raised $1,125!

On April 11, 2009, Miguel’s hosted Red River Reunion to benefit the RRGCC.  The event included a shoe demo by 5.10, climbing competition at Torrent Falls, Rodeo Clip contest, as well as booths by 5.10, Petzl, & Black Diamond. The evening ended with the Stone Alliance Film Tour, music and, of course, a giant bonfire.  The event raised over $500 for the RRGCC.

This year, we kicked off our grassroots, community-led trail program. Rather than rely on one large trail day to accomplish much needed work, the climbing community broke the work up into smaller chunks, maintaining their crags with smaller, more focused trail days.

Jack Dickey got us started with the Spring Trail Day on April 18, 2009.  He headed up a crew of 16 volunteers and tackled projects in Sore Heel Hollow.   The trail crew repaired trails damaged by the winter ice storm.  They began stabilizing and reclaiming the denuded hillside leading down to the parking lot and made a specific path for trail that traverses top of said hillside.  They built stairs for the beginning of that trail.  In addition, they improved the bridge to the Gallery and built a new bridge on the trail to What About Bob Wall.

Phillip Gall’s partnered with Patagonia’s 1% program. They raised more than $1200  for the Coalition in 2009 in addition to several generous gear donations!

On June 13, 2009, Mike Driskell and Driskell Home Repair continued the trail day initiative by conducting a trail day at Roadside.  He and his crew were able to remove downed trees that had fallen across the trail, relocate and widen the start of the trail.  They then added stairs to the beginning of the trail and added water breaks to the new trail and portions of the existing trail.

We made our $30,000 mortgage payment on July 15,  2009.

On August 1, 2009, the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition hosted their most successful trail day event in their 13-year history. Over 90 people came together to lend their skills and talent to developing new trails, and rehabbing existing pathways on the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve. Additionally, the trail day most certainly ranks as one of the largest Access Fund sponsored Adopt-A-Crag events in 2009!  Work was accomplished in Sore Heel as well as at Darkside, Drive-By, Bob Marley, and Crossroads.  Afterwards, the volunteers enjoyed live music, food, beer, and the 100-foot-long slip-n-slide!  Special thanks goes to Sandy Davies for organizing this event.

In other exciting news, for the first time ever the Johnny and Alex Trail Day raised money for the coalition, both in private donations and sales at the event.  The event raised $800!  These funds and donations of goods and services from our generous sponsors financed that great party.

Red River Outdoors partnered with Mountain Gear’s to host their U-Climb clinic.  It was held on September 12 & 13, 2009, and both Mountain Gear and Red River Outdoors donated proceeds to the RRGCC.

Then, on September 26, 2009 RockQuest Climbing Center & Benchmark Outfitter put together a climbing competition to benefit the RRGCC. Climbers competed for excellent prizes from vendors like The Benchmark Outfitter, Sterling Ropes, Arc’Teryx, and La Sportiva.  The event raised $500 for the RRGCC!

Finally, the RRGCC wrapped up the year with their 9^th annual Rocktoberfest on October 9-11, 2009.  The event kicked off on a rainy Friday with vendors, a dyno comp, movies, milk crate stacking, funnel cakes, games, and a great DJ.  On Saturday, the rain held off for the climbing comp in Sore Heel.  This was followed by water balloon launching contest, dyno comp, dunk tank, a milk crate stacking challenge, movies, live entertainment, and vendor giveaways and raffles.  The event raised $12,500 for the RRGCC.

As of right now, we have only four annual payments, approximately $118,000, left before we’ve fully paid off the mortgage.  We’re all counting down to our last payment on July 2013. Thank you for your help and we look forward to owning the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve!

Celebrating one of the largest Adopt-A-Crags this year. Photo by Elodie Saracco

Last Saturday the Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition hosted their most successful trail day event in their 13 year history. Over 90 people came together to lend their skills and talent to developing new trails, and rehabbing existing pathways on the Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve. Additionaly, last Saturday’s trail day most certainly ranks as one of the largest Access Fund sponsored Adopt-A-Crag events in 2009!

Here is a synopsis of what was accomplished:

At Sore Heel:

• New steps built going to Curbside
• New trails installed on the left side of Curbside
• Completed the exit trail going towards curbside
• New steps built going to Optical Rectitus
• Bike trail maintenance and small addition added
• Foot bridge on the far right of the Gallery
• Gallery side and base maintenance
• Rerouting of trail and steps added in the large drainage ditch
• Trail maintenance in a variety of other locations at Sore Heel

At Crossroads:

• Sign installed
• Wooden steps installed on the side-trail at the Crossroads
• Crossroads side-trail improved

At Darkside:

• Fallen trees were removed
• Steps cut into the trail

At Drive-By/Bob Marley:

• Steps installed at the start of the Bob Marley trail
• New trail completed between Drive By and Bob Marley Crags

Gather supplies in Coal Bank Hollow. Photo by Elodie Saracco

In other exciting news, for the first time ever the Johnny and Alex Trail Day raised money for the coalition, both in private donations and sales at the event. These funds and donations of goods and services from our generous sponsors financed that great party.

To those that volunteered Saturday and those that give in so many other ways, thank you!

View Johnny and Alex Trail Day 2009 in a larger map

For details and RSVP information, visit the JATD details post.