Hans Florine Slideshow @ Mission Cliffs
Talk about an event you really shouldn't even consider missing out on! Clear your schedules for this Saturday, May 16th at 7:00 pm as our Mission Cliffs gym is hosting a slideshow presentation from none other than Hans Florine. As tickets are only $10 for members and $15 for non-members, you shouldn't even dream of missing out on this.

Here's a bit more from our Mission Cliffs gym:

Hans was on the cover of the SF Chronicle FOUR TIMES last year for breaking the speed record on The Nose route on El Capitan in Yosemite. Hans will share with you the story of his relationship with The Nose route over the past 21 years. And will show you a peek at the new Masters Of Stone VI DVD that features Yuji and Hans' record ascent. See more at speedclimb.com and mastersofstone.com $10 members $15 non members. Tickets available now at the front desk. Light refreshments served. --- www.HansFlorine.com Speed Expert

We hope to see you there, trust me, this is something you won't want to miss out on.

Labels: Events, Hans Florine, mission cliffs, Slideshow, Tickets

  ¶ Wednesday, May 13, 2009 0 Comments

  Mission Cliffs Yoga Workshop This Sunday!
One more little note about a great event taking place this Sunday, May 3rd, at our Mission Cliffs location. We're hosting a Yin Yoga Workshop, Sunday, from 5:00 - 6:30 pm. Here is a bit more on what's going on, and why you shouldn't miss it:

"Yin Yoga workshop at Mission Cliffs

...this Sunday Start this month feeling relaxed. Join Kate Schox for a Yin Yoga workshop on Sunday, May 3rd from 5pm - 6:30pm. Enjoy a practice of opening up dense connective tissue using long-held relaxed floor postures. This is an all levels class, beginners welcomed. FREE member event and offered on a first-come/first-served basis."

Hopefully we'll see you there!

Labels: Events, mission cliffs, Sunday, Yoga Classes, Yoga Workshop

  ¶ Friday, May 01, 2009 0 Comments

  Life Project at Berkeley Ironworks
At the end of February, our Berkeley Ironworks gym hosted an amazing event known as Life Project. From 4-6pm the Life Project took place with 12 participants. Life Project, is a mentoring organization that provides mentors for children of incarcerated parents. The project helps deal with issues that surround parental incarceration and helps provide the children with group events that focus on leadership, as well as issues of incarceration.

Bottom line, the Berkeley Ironworks staff was amazing, and here was a testimonial from the day:

"The Ironworks staff once again came though! Out kids loved climbing on all the different walls and learning how to put on the harness. They already can't wait to come back. Each of your staff members worked to make each kid feel comfortable and reach their goals. We appreciate you providing this opportunity to out kids. Without your generous support they may have missed this experience. Thank you to each of you, for all that you do."

Thank YOU, it was a great day, and a great experience for everyone.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Charity, Community Group, Events, Life Project

  ¶ Tuesday, April 28, 2009 0 Comments

  Alliance Academy Stops By Great Western Power Co.
For the last 3 years our Great Western Power Co. gym has been lucky enough to host an awesome group that brings great students and a great attitude. The group recently stopped by and we were lucky enough to hear back from one of their teachers on this year's version of their annual trip. Alliance Academy stopped by for some climbing and we just heard back.

Nevertheless, a great time was had and according to Rachel Hellesto, a teacher at Alliance, they will be coming back in the future for even more climbing and learning experiences. Here's what she had to say in her testimonial to us:

"I teach 8th grade at Alliance Academy on 98th Ave in East Oakland. Students at are school love to be active, but they live in an unsafe neighborhood and often have nowhere to go after school besides home. For the past 3 years students at our school have been climbing at Great Western Power Company and Ironworks. Taking our students climbing is a chance for our students to be exposed to something outside East Oakland. When I took my students on the bus to the gym, it was the first time one of them had been to downtown Oakland, even though he's grown up about 8 miles away. Climbing gives students self-confidence, teaches them about teamwork (I love to hear them cheer for each other as they reach the top), and it gives them a safe and positive place to be after school. Thanks for giving our students this great opportunity!"

-Rachel Hellesto, teacher.

Thanks Rachel and thanks to everyone at Alliance for the day. Can't wait to see you back again soon!

Labels: Alliance Academy, Community Group, Events, Great Western Power Co., Touchstone Climbing

  ¶ Friday, April 24, 2009 0 Comments

  Touchstone Supporting AIDS/Lifecycle Ride
Here is a bit of good news on the Touchstone Cycling front: Looks like once again we will be supporting the AIDS/Lifecycle Ride this year. Word just came down the pipe and it's looking like this will be another great event and a great ride.

Here's the official info on the AIDS/Lifecycle ride, straight from the top:

Touchstone will once again be supporting members who are taking part in the 7-day ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles, May 31 – June 6, 2009. Last year we gave over $5000 to 10 different members who participated in the ride. This year, in an effort to support a larger group of participants, we will give $100 donations to all Touchstone members who are participating in the ride. We will also donate a Touchstone cycling jersey to any member that wants to wear the jersey during the ride.

(Jersey limited to sizes we currently have in stock.)

To request a donation or for more info, email:
aidsride@touchstoneclimbing.com

You still have time, you can still take part. Lets make this one of the best ever. Hopefully we'll see you there!

Labels: AIDS/Lifecycle, Charity, Events, Ride, Touchstone Cycling

  ¶ Thursday, April 23, 2009 0 Comments

  Mission Cliffs Hosts Bridgemont High
At the end of February, Mission Cliffs was lucky enough to play host to a great community group, and as you probably can guess by now, doing this is one of our favorite things. At any rate, our Mission Cliffs gym became the site of a surprise mystery event for Bridgemont High School and everyone had an amazing time.

They were kind enough to send us over a testimonial for our site, and even some student quotes from the day they spent climbing all over the walls at MC. Here's what they all had to say:

Bridgemont High School –Mystery Day @ Mission Cliffs

Rock climbing at Mission Cliffs became their surprise mystery event. The honor students were awarded with a day of adventure, but didn’t know what they were going to do.

We brought our students here both as a reward and as a challenge. A reward because these are our honor roll students from the fall semester. A challenge because city kids don’t often have the opportunity to climb up rocks, work their muscles, and overcome mental barriers. As they participated in this, they became increasingly aware that reaching the top is between them and themselves. It was neat to see these students encouraging and challenging each other. Today our kids overcame.

Tyler Smith & Robin Umos
Bridgemont


Student quotes:
“It was amazing to make the top. It made me feel good.” -Hamine Y.
“It’s something I haven’t done in awhile; don’t do normally. It tests me mentally and physically.” –Jose J.
“It made me face my fear of heights.” –Azar A.
“I learned to keep my arms straight and stay concentrated.” –Chia S.
“It’s a challenge between you and yourself to see if you can actually go further”. –Briana J.

Thanks again everyone involved, looks like it went great and we hope you include us in your mystery events in the future!

Labels: Bridgemont High School, community, Community Group, Events, mission cliffs

  ¶ Wednesday, April 15, 2009 0 Comments

  Mission Cliffs Hosts Guadalupe Elementary School
At our Mission Cliffs gym recently, we were lucky enough to play host to a great community group that actually has close ties to Touchstone Climbing. Kent Schmitz, a part-time course setter for us in the summer and employee of Touchstone Climbing for over a decade brought by his 5th Grade class from Guadalupe Elementary School to do some climbing and enjoy a day in the gym.

Everything went great and it looks like a good time was had by all. Here's a bit of what Kent had to say about their day in Mission Cliffs:

"Indoor Climbing is such a unique experience for the students of Guadalupe Elementary. Most of my students would have had difficult time experiencing climbing at Mission cliffs without your donation. Almost all of the students that Guadalupe Elementary serves qualify for the state’s free lunch program. Without your help, I think that indoor rock climbing would not be affordable for the families of my students.

I was able to share my love for climbing with 31 of my students and 2 parents. Every one of my students tried their best and even the parents got to attempt climbing. Indoor rock climbing is valuable experiential learning for any child. It is lots of fun and helps to teach self-confidence, goal acquisition, and helps the students to conquer their fears.

I have been climbing for many years and this trip is a way for my students to experience what their teacher makes references to throughout the year. I find that success in climbing is analogous to success in many aspects of life. Therefore, when I teach, I often refer to climbing in my daily lessons. I believe that my students’ climbing experience at Mission Cliffs helps them to understand that with self-confidence and hard work, they will succeed at what ever they try.

In addition, and the part I believe is the most valuable, is that these students face their fear of heights. Facing one’s fears is an extremely important lesson for success in school and in life. When a student successfully faces their fear and succeeds, the life lesson is extremely valuable. They realize that with effort, hard work, and trust anything is possible.

On a personal level, I enjoy being remembered by my students as the 5th grade teacher who took them rock climbing. I have heard more then once from my students that the Mission Cliffs field trip was the “best field trip” they had ever been on. This is a field trip that my students will remember the rest of their life.

My students and I had a wonderful time. Thanks!"

Head over and check out the photo gallery from their day. Thanks again everyone involved, we're looking forward to your next visit!

Labels: Community Group, Events, Guadalupe Elementary School, kids, mission cliffs

  ¶ Wednesday, April 08, 2009 0 Comments

  Featured Artist @ Berkeley Ironworks
Here's a heads up about an art installation at our Berkeley Ironworks gym that will be up for the entire month of April. If you're anywhere in or around the area, do stop in and check out our Featured Artist for the month of April, Luke Keegan.

Luke takes brilliant photographs and recently was kind enough to give us his own artist's statement that accompanies his April showing. Here's what he had to say:

The many possible approaches to photography allow one to capture or create, to represent or reflect, to tell a story or omit the unwanted details. I make it my goal to record the feeling of a moment, to find the image that will evoke a universal sense of appreciation that exists within the individual uniqueness of each viewer. Famous photographers have referred to 'the decisive moment', when the light, perspective, composition, and subject come together to create an extra dimension within the frame. This synergy, though elusive, is ever present in even the most ordinary moments, and is hunted by photographers across the globe. Perhaps the most hackneyed of all genres of photography, landscapes are often devoid of this momentary spirit. It is a difficult genre to approach with not much room for novelty in this digital age. I believe the images that I've chosen to hang for you portray an extra dimension, and hope that they also evoke some spirit within you.

See my photos at: Vá ver as minhas fótos lá no site: www.pbase.com/locolukas

So, stop in, check out the great art, and enjoy a day of climbing and fitness at Berkeley Ironworks. Hope to see you in soon.

Labels: Artist of the Month, Arts, Berkeley Ironworks, Events, Featured Artist

  ¶ Tuesday, March 31, 2009 0 Comments

  TBS Series Returning in July!
Good news for any of you that missed it, any of you that loved it, or any of you that were hoping that there would be more of it...The TBS Series WILL be returning in July. That's right, it was so fun, and so successful the last time around, some changes have been made.

Here is some more information that just came down the grapevine into my ear. Check it out:

Due to the unbelievable success of both the Touchstone Bouldering Series and the Touchstone Roped Series, Touchstone has decided to shift the schedule of these two series. The TBS series will now run during the fall and the TRS will run during the spring. By shifting the TRS to the spring, this will allow Touchstone to use these comp routes to host USA Climbing event for local kids.

Thus the TBS will return in July and run through November and the TRS will start up in January and run through May. We look forward to another exciting comp season and we hope to see all of you in July.

So, start getting ready, training and practicing...we'll see you all in a few months!

Labels: Competition, Events, How To Fall, p, TBS, Touchstone Bouldering, Touchstone Climbing, Touchstone Roped Series

  ¶ Monday, March 23, 2009 0 Comments

  Sacramento Pipeworks Book Drive Ends Friday!
Heads up and a quick reminder to all you in and around our Sacramento Pipeworks gym, our Book Drive we've been holding for the past few weeks comes to an official end this Friday, March 20th! In the event you've already been donating, thank you again, and if you've not heard of the event, here's a bit of information, and remember, there is still time to contribute!

Here's a little bit about the Book Drive:

"Sacramento Pipeworks is hosting a book drive put on by one of the community groups we regularly sponsor called Options For Youth. OFY is collecting books for a non-profit agency called "Teach The Children, Uganda" whose mission is to increase literacy in Uganda. OFY's goal is to send 1000 pounds of books to Uganda by the beginning of April, where they will be distributed to a variety of schools. Please help by cleaning out your bookshelves of literature appropriate for kids in Kindergarten through 12th grade and donating them as soon as possible."

So, head over and start donating, help us reach our goal and send as many books as possible to this great cause!

Labels: Book Drive, Charity, Events, Sacramento Pipeworks

  ¶ Monday, March 16, 2009 0 Comments

  Mission Cliffs Hosts Bay Area Community Resources
This is a great week for testimonials about all of our gyms, first we heard back from the Seneca Center about our Great Western Power Co. gym, and now today, we get a testimonial back from the Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) program that came to our Mission Cliffs gym with students from both the 4th and 5th grades.

BACR is an organization that "promotes the healthy development of individuals, families and communities through direct services, volunteerism, and partnerships in the San Francisco Bay Area." They brought their kids and here is what they had to say:

Mission Cliffs is fantastic for school groups. I was fortunate enough to bring 4th and 5th grade students here as a reward for homework completion and the students could not stop talking about the trip. I am always pleased to expose my students to activities which they may normally not encounter outside of school. The staff were very diligent in ensuring that the students understood the rules and also had fun in the process. I would definitely recommend this as a field trip for other school groups. Carlos Almendarez Project Director

Thanks Carlos, and we hope to see you and your students back again in the near future.

(image via BACRsf on Flickr)

Labels: BACR, Charity, Children, Events, mission cliffs, Students, Testimonial, Youth Group

  ¶ Wednesday, March 04, 2009 0 Comments

  Great Western Power Co. Gets Great Testimonial
At the beginning of February at our Great Western Power Co. location, we were lucky enough to play host to yet another great youth organization. We hosted some kids from the Seneca Center for a day of climbing, challenges and problem solving opportunities that helped them build trust, courage and climbing skills.

Recently, we heard back from one of the leaders at the Seneca Center, Emily McMane and she sent us a great testimonial to how the experience affected each of the children chosen to come and climb. Check out their words:

"Mouths gaped, eyes widened, and the room became a fluttering sound of "Whoaaaas!" and "Cooooools!", as they entered the room. Six children from Seneca Center's San Leandro After School Program visited GWPC's climbing gym in Oakland for the first time on February 6th. The expectation for staff and kids alike had been simply to climb, but the experience lived up to so much more. For two hours we supported kids, ranging in age from 8 to 13, in climbing, laughing, learning, and challenging themselves through new experiences. The GWPC staff was so helpful and accommodating to our group's needs, and the gym itself had a perfect array of climbing routes to suit children of varying ages and abilities. Thanks to GWPC for this great opportunity to help us build trust and courage within our kids, and offering not only the chance to climb, but the chance to cheer each other on as well. This was invaluable experience for our program. Our kids are still talking about it. Thanks again!"

Thank you, and we hope to see you back again sometime!

Labels: Charity, Children, Events, Great Western Power Co., kids, Seneca Center

  ¶ Tuesday, March 03, 2009 0 Comments

  Ethan Pringle Clinic at Mission Cliffs THIS Sunday
Empty your calendars for this Sunday everyone, because there is an event upcoming that you will not want to miss. We are lucky enough to announce that starting this Sunday, March 8 we are going to be hosting a workshop by one of the top climbers in the entire world, Ethan Pringle.

That's right, exclusively at Mission Cliffs, we'll be having an "Advanced Lead Clinic" with Ethan Pringle. The Clinic will spread over 2 Sundays, March 8 and March 15 and will cover a great deal of information. Here's what you can expect:

"Been leading 5.11s for awhile? Want to make the jump to the next level? In a small, group setting, learn how to push yourself to climb smart from one of the world's best, ETHAN PRINGLE. Gain the mental skill set and confidence necessary to break into 5.12.

Day 1
Learn how to climb, clip and fall with confidence. Pushing your limit ABOVE the bolt.

Day 2
Route reading, improvisation and decision making. Knowing when to rest, and when to punch it. Most importantly, how to concentrate and relax.

Skill Level
Solid 5.11 Lead Climber."

If you're interested, sign up now because space is limited to only 10 participants! It's going to cost $75 for all you Members out there, and $100 if you're not a member. Don't miss out!

Labels: Advanced Lead, Clinic, Ethan Pringle, Events, mission cliffs

  ¶ Monday, March 02, 2009 0 Comments

  John Bachar Presentation At Great Western Power Co.
Quick heads up for an event that is coming up on March 7th here at Great Western Power Co., a week from this Friday. We're lucky enough to have a live presentation from John Bachar, one of the world's greatest free soloists that will take place after hours at GWPC.

The presentation will be a combination of slideshow images and some storytelling from John; if you're a fan of climbing at all, this will be an event you really don't want to miss out on. Tickets are only $10 if you purchase them in advance and only $12 at the door.

So mark your calendars for March 7th at 6:30 pm and come listen to what is sure to be an exciting night of photos and stories.

Hopefully we'll see you there!

Labels: Events, Great Western Power Co., John Bachar, Presentation, Slideshow, Storytelling

  ¶ Wednesday, February 25, 2009 0 Comments

  Mission Cliffs Hosts Mission Graduates Program
Two weeks ago our Mission Cliffs gym was lucky enough to play host to a non-profit organization that has an important goal: increase the number of K-12 students in San Francisco's Mission District that are prepared for and complete a college education.

A few weeks ago we hosted the Mission Graduates and just received back a letter of testimonial from their very own Kara Sigler. Check out some of the things they had to say after spending a day at Mission Cliffs learning the ropes, then testing them out:

"Students set goals for themselves, accomplished them & chose if they wanted to take “one more step”. Highlights for students were reaching their goals, challenging themselves, and trying things that scared them. Many students said their favorite part of the day was also the most challenging. Students expressed enthusiasm and interest in more opportunities to climb. They were introduced to Girl Ventures."

Thanks for the kind words, and thanks for using Mission Cliffs to be a part of your program. Keep up the great work and you're welcome back any time!

Labels: Events, mission cliffs, Mission Graduates, Non-Profit

  ¶ Tuesday, February 24, 2009 0 Comments

  Bring A Friend: Members Guest Night Friday!
This week's Friday, in case you haven't noticed, is the fourth Friday of this month. That means, for all you Touchstone Climbing members out there, Friday at ALL of our gyms is Members Guest Night.

Members Guest night is a way for all you Touchstone Climbing members to get your wife/husband, best friend, parents, co-workers or anyone else you know involved with the sport of climbing. On the Fourth Friday of each month, Members can bring one guest to any of our gyms for free to climb with them. Rental equipment is not included, but what a great way to introduce someone in your life to climbing and fitness here at Touchstone?

Keep in mind, this Members Guest Night on the 4th Friday is in addition to the one free guest pass that each member can use each month on any day. So, you now have 2 days a month to bring someone outside of climbing, Inside to climb.

Hopefully we'll see you, and some new faces.

Labels: Events, Friday, Guest Pass, members, Members Guest Night

  ¶ Monday, February 23, 2009 0 Comments

  TBS4 This Friday at the Diablo Rock Gym!!
All you bouldering fans we have some good news. We're having a huge bouldering competition this Friday night from 6-10pm at the Diablo Rock Gym. That's right, TBS4 is coming to Diablo Rock Gym and this is one you're not going to want to miss.

Registration for this TBS4 starts at 5:30pm. Here's a bit more about what to expect at this competition:

"Registration starts at 5:30 pm. This is a friendly non-competitive competition. Beginners are welcome, if not encouraged to come have fun and climb some great problems. The event is free for members or $10 for non-members. We will be serving free pizza. Also we will have beer from Pyramid Brewery, in Walnut Creek, we will have a keg of their seasonal amber, Rollick. Also we will be having one of our members spin some beats on a speaker system compliments of the Guitar Center in Concord. "

All Diablo Rock Gym members, please take note that ALL bouldering will be closed from Wednesday til Friday at 6:00pm when the competition starts. Be aware that some route climbing areas will also be closed on Thursday but will reopen Saturday morning. Finally, most of our route climbing will also be closed Friday night for the competition.

Get registered and we hope to see you there, should be a great time for all.

Labels: Bouldering, Diablo Rock Gym, DRG, Events, TBS4, Touchstone Climbing

  ¶ Tuesday, February 17, 2009 0 Comments

  New Women's Clinic @ Berkely Ironworks
Here's a heads up for an event that is sure to fill up fast, so the sooner you sign up, the better. Katie Brown, author of the instructional book Girl on the Rocks and also one of our very own Berkeley Ironworks desk staff, is going to be teaching a women's clinic on Sunday, February 22 from 6-8pm.

You can sign up at the front desk at Berkeley Ironworks and we really do encourage you to do it soon as space is pretty limited. The two hour clinic will cost $35.

Here is a little bit about her book, we hope to see you all at the Clinic:

"For women intrigued by the sport of climbing but intimidated by its male dominance and stereotype as “extreme,” Girl on the Rocks is a monumental and essential resource, providing instructions on technique, strength, and mental agility—from a woman’s perspective.

Through the sage advice of one of the world’s foremost female climbers and the lens of an internationally acclaimed photographer, women learn that climbing is more fun than dangerous, that overcoming fear can boost self-esteem, and that the fitness benefits are tremendous. Most women learn climbing from men, but the sport is different for a woman—both physically and psychologically—and it is empowering for women to learn about climbing from “girls” who’ve been on the rocks themselves. Bringing the sport to life alongside the book’s numerous color photos, Katie Brown’s interviews w ith female climbers—from a young girl to a sixty-something professional climber—reveal, on a more intimate level, what the sport has done for them."

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Climbing News, Clinic, Events, fitness, Katie Brown, Physical exercise, Women's Clinic

  ¶ Wednesday, February 11, 2009 0 Comments

  February Featured Artist at Berkeley Ironworks
It's officially February, Groundhog Day today in fact, so while we wait to hear whether or not the Groundhog saw his shadow, we just wanted to let you know about this month's Featured Artist at our Berkeley Ironworks gym. This February, we're proud to feature the art of Michael P. Reynolds, an extremely talented photographer.

Here's a bit about Michael Reynolds, make sure you don't miss out, it's stunning work:

Rocks & Trees

As a photographer, I’m often asked what my favorite subject matter is. For me, that landscape photography. I find rocks and trees and the way light strikes them to be compelling and some times even magical. The images on display were taken at a number of different locations including the eastern Sierra, Yosemite and the desert southwest. Some re digital images created using a Nikon D2Xs and some were created using a Large Format 4x5 view camera, using Velvia 50 film. Images are processed in Photoshop CS4 or Adobe Lightroom, using techniques similar to those used in a traditional darkroom. I do not alter the content of the image. For archival results I output on Hahnemuhle fine art Photorag Bright White paper, using Epson K3 Ultrachrome inks. All of my prints are faithful to the original subject matter. Both framed and unmatted prints are available for purchase. Print sizes vary slightly, depending on the image. Framed prints on display are $160 to $175, depending on size. Unframed 12 inch prints are $55, 14 inch prints are $75, 16 inch prints are $95, 18 inch prints are $115 and 20 inch prints are $135 (measurements are the long dimension of the image). Framing is available for all print sizes. Other print sizes are available on request. To see more of my work, please visit www.michaelrreynolds.com

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Events, Featured Artist, Photographer, Photography

  ¶ Monday, February 02, 2009 0 Comments

  Berkeley Ironworks Movie Night
Anyone in and around the Berkeley Ironworks area that wants something a little different to do next week, look no further. Looks like they're hosting what is sure to be an awesome movie night, showing an absolute classic for any and all of you that are interested.

That's right, it's a free film night and the movie will be shown in the lead cave after closing. Prepare yourselves, for the movie this time around is going to be the classic, the original, the best of them all: Die Hard.

Showtime is right around 8:30 pm on January 31st. It's going to be free, so don't worry about bringing any money. Hopefully they'll see you there!

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Die Hard, Events, Movie Night

  ¶ Monday, January 19, 2009 0 Comments