Touchstone Blog Archive
Monday, November 7, 2011
Pipeworks Portraits by Nicholas Wray
Recently, Sacramento Pipeworks manager, Vaughn Medford scanned the staff pictures and felt a little disappointed. Pipeworks has one of the coolest Touchstone staffs and Vaughn wanted some portraits to reflect how good looking, fun, and exciting the climbers are that work for the Sacramento gym. Vaughn tracked down long time gym member Nicholas Wray and had a photo shoot.
Vaughn
Nicholas Wray grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and found rock climbing when he moved to California six years ago. Wray has always been interested in rocks though. While at Northern Kentucky University, he majored in geology. Then “to do something a little more fun”, Wray minored in photography.
Holding the gear
Three years ago, the 30 year old Pipeworks climber became a full time photographer. The photo shoot was a great success. “I always try to capture someone’s personality when I'm making a portrait,” said Wray. The staff relaxed. “I didn't pose anybody, I just hung out with them and had fun,” said Wray. He took some great pictures.
It was a ton of fun for everyone. “Nothing too crazy happened during our shoot. Maybe if I had them all in the same room at the same time we could've got something crazy,” said Wray. No one has ever said that the Pipeworks crew wasn’t a wild bunch.
“Diane did do a good job of tangling up the rope,” said Wray.
Check out Wray’s photos at his website and see more of the Pipeworks crew in person at the Sacramento gym.
Nick's blog can be found here.
Vaughn
Nicholas Wray grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and found rock climbing when he moved to California six years ago. Wray has always been interested in rocks though. While at Northern Kentucky University, he majored in geology. Then “to do something a little more fun”, Wray minored in photography.
Holding the gear
Three years ago, the 30 year old Pipeworks climber became a full time photographer. The photo shoot was a great success. “I always try to capture someone’s personality when I'm making a portrait,” said Wray. The staff relaxed. “I didn't pose anybody, I just hung out with them and had fun,” said Wray. He took some great pictures.
It was a ton of fun for everyone. “Nothing too crazy happened during our shoot. Maybe if I had them all in the same room at the same time we could've got something crazy,” said Wray. No one has ever said that the Pipeworks crew wasn’t a wild bunch.
“Diane did do a good job of tangling up the rope,” said Wray.
Check out Wray’s photos at his website and see more of the Pipeworks crew in person at the Sacramento gym.
Nick's blog can be found here.
Labels: Nicholas Wray, Sacramento Pipeworks, Vaughn Medford
¶ Monday, November 07, 2011 0 Comments
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Comp Season in Full Swing
The Touchstone Bouldering Series is in it's 7th year and the comps have been getting better and better. The recent Ironworks comp had a record number of competitors with 469 scorecards and at least 500 competitors.
There was a mantel competition won by the youngest competitor, Bella. Nesquik came out to provide all the climbers with chocolate milk. Pyramid Brewery provided the climbers with great beer.
Ironworks had over a hundred pizzas for all the hungry climbers and Akiva sold his amazing ice cream sandwiches.
Needless to say the Ironworks comp was amazing!
Earlier this summer, there was a ton of spray from the Pipeworks comp. The hot August weather didn't detour the 250 competitors and the antics were high.
Pipeworks staff member, Diane Ortega came up with a great end of the comp game. A dozen climbers were given 4 ounces of soda and a tab of Alka Selzer. They had to hold both in their mouth without swallowing. Needless to say there was a lot of spray coming out of people's mouths. Local boy Matt Amicucci took the prize for that section of the comp.
At every comp, the setters work hard to put up new and awesome boulder problems and routes. This year was no different. The setters put up a great selection of climbs at all the gyms.
Diablo Rock Gym will be hosting the next comp on October 21. DRG Manager Hans Florine, a long time competitive rock climber, will definitely make their comp one of the best.
The final comp will be at Touchstone's newest gym The Studio in San Jose on January 7th. Get pysched for another round of great climbing competitions!
To see more comp photos check out the Ironworks Flickr page
There was a mantel competition won by the youngest competitor, Bella. Nesquik came out to provide all the climbers with chocolate milk. Pyramid Brewery provided the climbers with great beer.
Ironworks had over a hundred pizzas for all the hungry climbers and Akiva sold his amazing ice cream sandwiches.
Needless to say the Ironworks comp was amazing!
Earlier this summer, there was a ton of spray from the Pipeworks comp. The hot August weather didn't detour the 250 competitors and the antics were high.
Pipeworks staff member, Diane Ortega came up with a great end of the comp game. A dozen climbers were given 4 ounces of soda and a tab of Alka Selzer. They had to hold both in their mouth without swallowing. Needless to say there was a lot of spray coming out of people's mouths. Local boy Matt Amicucci took the prize for that section of the comp.
At every comp, the setters work hard to put up new and awesome boulder problems and routes. This year was no different. The setters put up a great selection of climbs at all the gyms.
Diablo Rock Gym will be hosting the next comp on October 21. DRG Manager Hans Florine, a long time competitive rock climber, will definitely make their comp one of the best.
The final comp will be at Touchstone's newest gym The Studio in San Jose on January 7th. Get pysched for another round of great climbing competitions!
To see more comp photos check out the Ironworks Flickr page
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Sacramento Pipeworks, TBS 7
¶ Tuesday, September 27, 2011 0 Comments
100 Miles of Racing with Myles Smythe
On mile 80, Smythe watched his second sunrise. Earlier Smythe heard a bear huffling and snarling at him in the dark. A few miles later, he saw a coyote run through the meadow. After another five miles, Smythe came back to life, running quickly and meeting his wife at the end of his first 100 mile race.
Myles Smythe, a 32 casino surveillance system designer and Sacramento resident began running in early 2005 as part of his training for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s academy. The Pipeworks member’s initial 5 mile runs on the American River Bike Trail were far from easy at the time. After taking some time off from running, Smythe returned in December of 2008 and slowly ticked the miles off under his feet.
Smythe running his first 5K race.
Smythe wrote, “In 2008 I thought it would be a good idea to strengthen my core for my rock climbing and thought to add running into my weekly training schedule. I was always hiking and loved being in the mountains. So it did not take long to realize I could be in the mountains more often and see as much as possible in the shortest amount of time while I ran. A strenuous 12 mile hike up in Michigan Bluff once took 6 hours to complete, but now I can run it in less than 3 hours.”
On September 10th, Smythe finished the Rio Del Lago, his 13th ultra marathon and his first 100 mile race in 30 hours and 57 minutes. Out of 84 starters only 38 finished. “I defied all odds against me and pushed through to the end,” said Smythe. “A 100 mile race is a true test piece to find out who you are and what you are made of.” Smythe ran his best ultra race at the Headlands 50 Mile in July. The run includes 20,000 feet of vertical change and he completed it in 10 hours and 45 minutes. “I prefer bigger hills when I race,” Smythe said. “I once thought 31 miles was long. Then adding 19 more seemed like an incredible journey to reach the 50 mile distance,” said Smythe about the long runs. “I can honestly say that 100 miles completed in any speed and over any terrain is always going to be an epic journey.”
Smythe spent significant time training for the race both mentally and physically. Smythe ran 40-65 miles per week and tried to simulate race conditions as much as possible, running the course trails and during the heat of the day since historically the race was expected to be in 90 degree heat. Smythe spent little time resting between long runs to stimulate miles 75-95 during a 20 mile training run. In August, he ran two 50K races at 100 mile pace on back to back weekends to prepare for Rio Del Lago. “Usually when your brain tells you to stop you actually still have a lot left in you and just have to train yourself to push through it,” said Smythe.
On December 3rd, Smythe will be running The North Face Endurance Challenge 50 Mile race. Smythe hopes to run the Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile next February in Texas and the Western States 100 Mile, which runs from Squaw Valley to Auburn next June. About his running, Smythe said, “Ultimately I have a love for the outdoors and when I step off the trail after almost any training run or race I just can’t wait to get back out and run more.”
Follow Smythe's races at www.runmyles.com
Myles Smythe, a 32 casino surveillance system designer and Sacramento resident began running in early 2005 as part of his training for the Sacramento County Sheriff’s academy. The Pipeworks member’s initial 5 mile runs on the American River Bike Trail were far from easy at the time. After taking some time off from running, Smythe returned in December of 2008 and slowly ticked the miles off under his feet.
Smythe running his first 5K race.
Smythe wrote, “In 2008 I thought it would be a good idea to strengthen my core for my rock climbing and thought to add running into my weekly training schedule. I was always hiking and loved being in the mountains. So it did not take long to realize I could be in the mountains more often and see as much as possible in the shortest amount of time while I ran. A strenuous 12 mile hike up in Michigan Bluff once took 6 hours to complete, but now I can run it in less than 3 hours.”
On September 10th, Smythe finished the Rio Del Lago, his 13th ultra marathon and his first 100 mile race in 30 hours and 57 minutes. Out of 84 starters only 38 finished. “I defied all odds against me and pushed through to the end,” said Smythe. “A 100 mile race is a true test piece to find out who you are and what you are made of.” Smythe ran his best ultra race at the Headlands 50 Mile in July. The run includes 20,000 feet of vertical change and he completed it in 10 hours and 45 minutes. “I prefer bigger hills when I race,” Smythe said. “I once thought 31 miles was long. Then adding 19 more seemed like an incredible journey to reach the 50 mile distance,” said Smythe about the long runs. “I can honestly say that 100 miles completed in any speed and over any terrain is always going to be an epic journey.”
Smythe spent significant time training for the race both mentally and physically. Smythe ran 40-65 miles per week and tried to simulate race conditions as much as possible, running the course trails and during the heat of the day since historically the race was expected to be in 90 degree heat. Smythe spent little time resting between long runs to stimulate miles 75-95 during a 20 mile training run. In August, he ran two 50K races at 100 mile pace on back to back weekends to prepare for Rio Del Lago. “Usually when your brain tells you to stop you actually still have a lot left in you and just have to train yourself to push through it,” said Smythe.
On December 3rd, Smythe will be running The North Face Endurance Challenge 50 Mile race. Smythe hopes to run the Rocky Raccoon 100 Mile next February in Texas and the Western States 100 Mile, which runs from Squaw Valley to Auburn next June. About his running, Smythe said, “Ultimately I have a love for the outdoors and when I step off the trail after almost any training run or race I just can’t wait to get back out and run more.”
Follow Smythe's races at www.runmyles.com
Labels: Myles Smythe, Sacramento Pipeworks, ultra running
¶ Tuesday, September 27, 2011 0 Comments
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
6 Chambers at Sacramento Pipeworks
Pipeworks just had a great 6 Chambers, a series of puzzles designed to engage the members in everything Pipeworks has to offer: roped climbing, bouldering, fitness, spin class, yoga and our Facebook page.
From Wednesday July 6th until July 26th, members had a chance to work through the 6 Chambers.The puzzles included word searches, anagrams and other tests of brain and brawn.
The prizes included a $100 gift certificate to the Pipeworks climbing store, a free month membership and other great gear. This year, Drew Dano won the challenge in under 30 hours and won a $100 gift certificate.
Pipeworks plans on having more games like 6 Chambers so keep a look out on their Facebook Page In the mean time, stop by the gym and check out all the great programs, climbing, bouldering and classes that Pipeworks has to offer!
From Wednesday July 6th until July 26th, members had a chance to work through the 6 Chambers.The puzzles included word searches, anagrams and other tests of brain and brawn.
The prizes included a $100 gift certificate to the Pipeworks climbing store, a free month membership and other great gear. This year, Drew Dano won the challenge in under 30 hours and won a $100 gift certificate.
Pipeworks plans on having more games like 6 Chambers so keep a look out on their Facebook Page In the mean time, stop by the gym and check out all the great programs, climbing, bouldering and classes that Pipeworks has to offer!
Labels: 6 Chambers, climbing puzzles, Sacramento Pipeworks
¶ Tuesday, August 09, 2011 0 Comments
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Jiu Juitsu Classes at Pipeworks
Sacramento Pipeworks is introducing a beginner's Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class for people with 0-1 years of experience. The class is a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the art- submissions, defense, positioning, and strategy.
Jiu Jitsu is a great self defense tool and a great cornerstone to your mixed martial arts program, for increasing core strength, flexibility,m agility and balance.
Each session begins with a warm-up and stretch followed by technique instruction and short sparring sessions for participants. Class size is limited due to available mat space- first come first serve.
Stop by Sacramento Pipeworks for more information on class times and dates.
Jiu Jitsu is a great self defense tool and a great cornerstone to your mixed martial arts program, for increasing core strength, flexibility,m agility and balance.
Each session begins with a warm-up and stretch followed by technique instruction and short sparring sessions for participants. Class size is limited due to available mat space- first come first serve.
Stop by Sacramento Pipeworks for more information on class times and dates.
Labels: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Sacramento Pipeworks
¶ Thursday, August 04, 2011 0 Comments
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Denise Miller: The Tenacious Teacher
Denise Miller, a 36 year old school teacher in Forest Hill outside of Auburn, has been climbing for the past 9 years. A long time Sacramento Pipeworks climber, Miller’s tenacity is well known in the climbing community. With a strong work ethic, Miller has successfully climbed many difficult rock climbs in California.
“Friends of mine thought I’d be interested in climbing,” said Miller about her first time climbing at Sacramento Pipeworks. “I was hooked the first day I went. I thought of myself as pretty good at athletics. I got my butt kicked and got a membership.”
Denise on Electric Chair (5.12d) at Jailhouse Photo by Ben Ditto
Miller and her husband, Rick have traveled abroad to Kalymnos in Greece but spend a significant amount of time at Jailhouse, the steep sport climbing crag in Sonora. It’s so athletic and challenging. Some of our best friends are there. It feels like home there.”
Miller has become a permanent fixture at Jailhouse, climbing every weekend from September to June. “The style of climbing is so unique even though it’s beta intensive and hard to read. It’s really cool when you put something together.”
Miller has dispatched a number of difficult 5.12s at the crag as well Cell Block 5.13- and Fugitive 5.13-. Miller has been trying Alcatraz, a classic 13b at Jailhouse involving technical refrigerator wrestling. She’s progressed from hanging on every draw to two hangs on the route and solid redpoint burns. Denise likes projecting because of the mental aspects involved. “I like believing that you can do it- really pushing yourself and not knowing how far you can push yourself. It’s about overcoming all those mental challenges. There’s a few tears shed here and there but it’s great once you can link all the moves.”
Denise working her summer project Warp Factor 5.13a at Star Wall Donner Summit Photo from the Denise Miller collection
“I visual the moves daily. I’m a lil obsessive but it’s pretty fun,” said Miller about projecting. “I don’t climb for two days before going out there to make sure I’m not over training.” Talking about the core strength needed at the steep crag and getting stronger, Miller said, “It’s exciting to find a weakness because if you train it you climb so much better.”
One of Miller’s greatest strengths is her tenacity. Rock climbing is scary for many of us but Miller faces her fears well. She gets over her fears, “Just by taking falls, by facing phantom fears- the things I shouldn’t be afraid of. The more I fall the more comfortable I get out there.”
Miller has appeared in a recent issue of Rock and Ice, climbing Electric Chair a 5.12d at Jailhouse. Keep an eye out for her and her hard climbing husband at Sacramento Pipeworks and your local crag.
“Friends of mine thought I’d be interested in climbing,” said Miller about her first time climbing at Sacramento Pipeworks. “I was hooked the first day I went. I thought of myself as pretty good at athletics. I got my butt kicked and got a membership.”
Denise on Electric Chair (5.12d) at Jailhouse Photo by Ben Ditto
Miller and her husband, Rick have traveled abroad to Kalymnos in Greece but spend a significant amount of time at Jailhouse, the steep sport climbing crag in Sonora. It’s so athletic and challenging. Some of our best friends are there. It feels like home there.”
Miller has become a permanent fixture at Jailhouse, climbing every weekend from September to June. “The style of climbing is so unique even though it’s beta intensive and hard to read. It’s really cool when you put something together.”
Miller has dispatched a number of difficult 5.12s at the crag as well Cell Block 5.13- and Fugitive 5.13-. Miller has been trying Alcatraz, a classic 13b at Jailhouse involving technical refrigerator wrestling. She’s progressed from hanging on every draw to two hangs on the route and solid redpoint burns. Denise likes projecting because of the mental aspects involved. “I like believing that you can do it- really pushing yourself and not knowing how far you can push yourself. It’s about overcoming all those mental challenges. There’s a few tears shed here and there but it’s great once you can link all the moves.”
Denise working her summer project Warp Factor 5.13a at Star Wall Donner Summit Photo from the Denise Miller collection
“I visual the moves daily. I’m a lil obsessive but it’s pretty fun,” said Miller about projecting. “I don’t climb for two days before going out there to make sure I’m not over training.” Talking about the core strength needed at the steep crag and getting stronger, Miller said, “It’s exciting to find a weakness because if you train it you climb so much better.”
One of Miller’s greatest strengths is her tenacity. Rock climbing is scary for many of us but Miller faces her fears well. She gets over her fears, “Just by taking falls, by facing phantom fears- the things I shouldn’t be afraid of. The more I fall the more comfortable I get out there.”
Miller has appeared in a recent issue of Rock and Ice, climbing Electric Chair a 5.12d at Jailhouse. Keep an eye out for her and her hard climbing husband at Sacramento Pipeworks and your local crag.
Labels: Ben Ditto, Denise Miller, Jailhouse, Sacramento Pipeworks
¶ Wednesday, April 13, 2011 0 Comments
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tango at Pipeworks
Argentine Tango - the most sensual and passionate of dances....
This 6-week class will provide you with a solid foundation in the steps, movement, and the connection with your partner that make this beautiful dance possible. Warning - this dance can be very addictive!!
The Tango began in the bordellos and barrios of late-nineteenth century Buenos Aires, Argentina, emanating from several other dance forms. It inspired an entirely new musical genre and grew rapidly in popularity, quickly spreading to Paris, Europe and the rest of the world. From it's origins in the 1890s to the 'Golden Age of Tango' in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, and even to today the Tango has continued to evolve, and is currently enjoying a worldwide explosion in popularity.
Your instructor, Chris Peake, is founder and co-owner of Firehouse 5 Dance in Sacramento. He began dancing Tango 6 years ago, was instantly addicted, and has been dancing and teaching ever since.
Classes are on Mondays at 7pm starting April 4th and running through May 9th. Students are strongly encouraged to commit to the whole series. You can catch up if the first couple classes are missed, but no drop-ins after the 3rd week!
This 6-week class will provide you with a solid foundation in the steps, movement, and the connection with your partner that make this beautiful dance possible. Warning - this dance can be very addictive!!
The Tango began in the bordellos and barrios of late-nineteenth century Buenos Aires, Argentina, emanating from several other dance forms. It inspired an entirely new musical genre and grew rapidly in popularity, quickly spreading to Paris, Europe and the rest of the world. From it's origins in the 1890s to the 'Golden Age of Tango' in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s, and even to today the Tango has continued to evolve, and is currently enjoying a worldwide explosion in popularity.
Your instructor, Chris Peake, is founder and co-owner of Firehouse 5 Dance in Sacramento. He began dancing Tango 6 years ago, was instantly addicted, and has been dancing and teaching ever since.
Classes are on Mondays at 7pm starting April 4th and running through May 9th. Students are strongly encouraged to commit to the whole series. You can catch up if the first couple classes are missed, but no drop-ins after the 3rd week!
Labels: dance classes, Sacramento Pipeworks, tango
¶ Monday, March 21, 2011 0 Comments
Friday, February 4, 2011
Help V10 Joe Head to Nationals
Josef “V10 Joe” Maier, an 18 year old senior at El Camino, is a Pipeworks staple. If you’ve stepped foot in the gym in the last four years, you have probably seen Joe bouldering somewhere in the gym.
The Sacramento high school student began climbing at Pipeworks when he was 13. An older friend brought him to the gym and he just “got more and more into it,” said Maier. Since then, Maier has amassed a solid tick of hard boulder problems in Bishop like Xavier’s Roof (v11) at Dale’s Camp, Beefy Gecko (v11) at the Sad’s, and an onsight of Center Direct (v10) on the Buttermilk’s Gandma Peabody. “My favorite place to climb is in Bishop. I really like Tahoe but there’s snow there right now. I like to climb wherever there’s good rock,” said Maier.
Maier's climbing time at Pipeworks not only helped him send on his favorite granite boulders but has also helped him climb well at indoor comps too. Recently, Maier headed to the USA Climbing’s Regional Championships at Rock Sport Climbing in Reno Nevada, where he placed first in the Junior Male Division, the 18-19 year old men. “It was really fun. It was an all iso comp. You didn’t get to see the routes until you climbed them,” said Maier. “This is my first year competing. It’s fun. I am glad I am doing it.”
Maier plans to represent Pipeworks at Nationals, which take place in Boulder Colorado from February 18th to the 20th. To show support for Maier, there is a donation jar on the front counter to help the climber get to the comp. Maier needs money for airfare and accommodations to get to the comp. On Wednesday, February 9th at Sacramento Pipeworks there will be a bake sale for him and the two other NorCal Climbing members, Matt and Hannah Grossman, heading to the comp.
Support V10 Joe's trip to Nationals by donating to the V10 Joe fund at Pipeworks or by stopping by the bake sale on Wednesday February 9th.
The Sacramento high school student began climbing at Pipeworks when he was 13. An older friend brought him to the gym and he just “got more and more into it,” said Maier. Since then, Maier has amassed a solid tick of hard boulder problems in Bishop like Xavier’s Roof (v11) at Dale’s Camp, Beefy Gecko (v11) at the Sad’s, and an onsight of Center Direct (v10) on the Buttermilk’s Gandma Peabody. “My favorite place to climb is in Bishop. I really like Tahoe but there’s snow there right now. I like to climb wherever there’s good rock,” said Maier.
Maier's climbing time at Pipeworks not only helped him send on his favorite granite boulders but has also helped him climb well at indoor comps too. Recently, Maier headed to the USA Climbing’s Regional Championships at Rock Sport Climbing in Reno Nevada, where he placed first in the Junior Male Division, the 18-19 year old men. “It was really fun. It was an all iso comp. You didn’t get to see the routes until you climbed them,” said Maier. “This is my first year competing. It’s fun. I am glad I am doing it.”
Maier plans to represent Pipeworks at Nationals, which take place in Boulder Colorado from February 18th to the 20th. To show support for Maier, there is a donation jar on the front counter to help the climber get to the comp. Maier needs money for airfare and accommodations to get to the comp. On Wednesday, February 9th at Sacramento Pipeworks there will be a bake sale for him and the two other NorCal Climbing members, Matt and Hannah Grossman, heading to the comp.
Support V10 Joe's trip to Nationals by donating to the V10 Joe fund at Pipeworks or by stopping by the bake sale on Wednesday February 9th.
Labels: Josef Maier, Sacramento Pipeworks, USA Climbing
¶ Friday, February 04, 2011 5 Comments
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Tips For Redpointing at TRS 5: Pipeworks 1/21/11
The Touchstone Rope Series comps is entering its fifth year and the first of the series will be this Friday, January 21 at Sacramento Pipeworks. The rope comp will have beer, pizza, and a ton of fun! It's a great time to meet other climbers, enjoy a competitive setting, and check out a lot of new top rope and lead routes.
Ethan Pringle, an accomplished rope climber who just redpointed Spicy Dumpling 5.14d and one of the hardest routes in China, provided some insight into the best way to perform at a rope climbing comp.
One of the most important things is staying relaxed under pressure. "Don't let the pressure of the crowds and the onlookers get to you. Treat it like any normal day in the gym," said Pringle. Being calm will lower your heart rate and help you perform at a higher level.
Pringle continued with some excellent technique advice, "Breathe and take your time. Don't rush moves and sequences. Deeeeeep breaths. Again, stay relaxed. BUT, at the same time..."
"Don't hang out in any one spot and shake out for too long. I see people (especially people who only boulder) shake out for like a full five minutes at a rest a third of the way up the wall... WRONG. Of course if you get to some good holds and you are pumped you can take a sec to compose yourself, shake each hand a few times, slow your breathing, and set off. A good rule of thumb for me is not to shake for half as long as it took me to get to that spot on the wall. I usually try not to shake out more than three or four times with each hand unless it's a really casual stance. I try to treat routes in the gym like long boulders problems because usually they don't have good rests on them, especially when the setters put some thought into them."
Pringle will be heading to Spain soon to try his redpointing skills on some of the world's hardest sport climbs. For those of you who want a great chance to try out your redpointing skills- check out the Touchstone Rope Series- this Friday at Pipeworks. The next rope comp will be at Great Western Power Company on February 18!
Ethan Pringle, an accomplished rope climber who just redpointed Spicy Dumpling 5.14d and one of the hardest routes in China, provided some insight into the best way to perform at a rope climbing comp.
One of the most important things is staying relaxed under pressure. "Don't let the pressure of the crowds and the onlookers get to you. Treat it like any normal day in the gym," said Pringle. Being calm will lower your heart rate and help you perform at a higher level.
Pringle continued with some excellent technique advice, "Breathe and take your time. Don't rush moves and sequences. Deeeeeep breaths. Again, stay relaxed. BUT, at the same time..."
"Don't hang out in any one spot and shake out for too long. I see people (especially people who only boulder) shake out for like a full five minutes at a rest a third of the way up the wall... WRONG. Of course if you get to some good holds and you are pumped you can take a sec to compose yourself, shake each hand a few times, slow your breathing, and set off. A good rule of thumb for me is not to shake for half as long as it took me to get to that spot on the wall. I usually try not to shake out more than three or four times with each hand unless it's a really casual stance. I try to treat routes in the gym like long boulders problems because usually they don't have good rests on them, especially when the setters put some thought into them."
Pringle will be heading to Spain soon to try his redpointing skills on some of the world's hardest sport climbs. For those of you who want a great chance to try out your redpointing skills- check out the Touchstone Rope Series- this Friday at Pipeworks. The next rope comp will be at Great Western Power Company on February 18!
Labels: Redpointing, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Roped Series
¶ Wednesday, January 19, 2011 0 Comments
Monday, December 20, 2010
Holiday Hours
This week, the Touchstone Gyms will have different hours due to the holidays. Check out the schedule below for a list of class times and gym hours.
Even Santa needs to climb on Christmas! Get out there!
Berkeley Ironworks
Friday, December 24th: 6am to 6pm no classes
Saturday, December 25th: Weekend Hours no classes
Sunday, December 26th: Regular hours/classes
Friday, December 31st: 6am to 6pm No Classes
Saturday, January 1st: Closed
Sunday, January 2nd: 6am to 6pm No classes
Diablo Rock Gym
Friday, December 24th: 5:30 am to 6pm No classes
Saturday, December 25th: closed
Sunday, December 26th: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Friday, December 31st: 5:30 am to 6pm No classes
Saturday, January 1st: Closed
Sunday, January 2nd: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Sacramento Pipeworks
Friday, December 24th: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Saturday, December 25th: Closed
Sunday, December 26th: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Friday, December 31st: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Saturday, January 1st: Closed
Sunday, January 2nd: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Mission Cliffs
Friday, December 24th: 6:30 to 7pm No Classes
Saturday, December 25th: Closed
Sunday, December 26th: 9am to 7pm No Classes
Friday, December 31st: 6:30am to 7 pm No Classes
Saturday, January 1st: Closed
Sunday, January 2nd: 9am to 7pm No Classes
Great Western Power Company
Friday, December 24th: 10 am to 6pm No Classes
Saturday, December 25th: Closed
Sunday, December 26th: 10am to 6pm No Classes
Friday, December 31st: 10am to 6pm Crossfit at 5pm
Saturday, January 1st: Closed
Sunday, January 2nd: 10am to 6pm Crossfit at 10am
Even Santa needs to climb on Christmas! Get out there!
Berkeley Ironworks
Friday, December 24th: 6am to 6pm no classes
Saturday, December 25th: Weekend Hours no classes
Sunday, December 26th: Regular hours/classes
Friday, December 31st: 6am to 6pm No Classes
Saturday, January 1st: Closed
Sunday, January 2nd: 6am to 6pm No classes
Diablo Rock Gym
Friday, December 24th: 5:30 am to 6pm No classes
Saturday, December 25th: closed
Sunday, December 26th: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Friday, December 31st: 5:30 am to 6pm No classes
Saturday, January 1st: Closed
Sunday, January 2nd: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Sacramento Pipeworks
Friday, December 24th: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Saturday, December 25th: Closed
Sunday, December 26th: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Friday, December 31st: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Saturday, January 1st: Closed
Sunday, January 2nd: 9am to 6pm No Classes
Mission Cliffs
Friday, December 24th: 6:30 to 7pm No Classes
Saturday, December 25th: Closed
Sunday, December 26th: 9am to 7pm No Classes
Friday, December 31st: 6:30am to 7 pm No Classes
Saturday, January 1st: Closed
Sunday, January 2nd: 9am to 7pm No Classes
Great Western Power Company
Friday, December 24th: 10 am to 6pm No Classes
Saturday, December 25th: Closed
Sunday, December 26th: 10am to 6pm No Classes
Friday, December 31st: 10am to 6pm Crossfit at 5pm
Saturday, January 1st: Closed
Sunday, January 2nd: 10am to 6pm Crossfit at 10am
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Diablo Rock Gym, Great Western Power Co., Holiday Hours, mission cliffs, Sacramento Pipeworks
¶ Monday, December 20, 2010 0 Comments
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Discount Yoga Classes at Pipeworks
Nothing helps the body more than stretching. Limbering the muscles and activating them in a passive form of movement will help exponentially not only with day to day activities but with climbing, cycling, and other physical activites. Sacramento Pipeworks has a great opportunity. For a very limited time Pipeworks is running a special promotion: 10 consecutive days of yoga for $10! Take as many classes as you want within 10 consecutive days.
Join the gym within 2 weeks of the date on your card, and we will give you HALF OFF the initiation fee! This is a great opportunity to check out Pipeworks yoga classes and then get involved in all the awesome classes with Touchstone.
Join the gym within 2 weeks of the date on your card, and we will give you HALF OFF the initiation fee! This is a great opportunity to check out Pipeworks yoga classes and then get involved in all the awesome classes with Touchstone.
Labels: Sacramento Pipeworks, Yoga
¶ Thursday, September 23, 2010 0 Comments
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Russell Olsen: Touchstone Pooh-Bah
Russel Olsen, has been working for Touchstone for the past ten years, beginning as a sub contractor when they began building Sacramento Pipeworks. After helping to remodel Mission Cliffs, Russel joined Touchstone at the Director of Facility Operations.
Russell, along with his wife of three years Michelle and his nine month old daughter Morgan, spends as much time as he can outside, hiking and sea kayaking. He guides sea kayaking tours once a month.
Russell painting the stencils on the stack at the Oakland Gym.
He's currently finishing up the pool project in Concord. Originally the pool was used for scuba diving lessons and it was 15 feet deep in the middle and four feet on the side. He filled the pool in so it is now a 4 foot deep lap pool. The task involved a lot of research on pools, chemicals, and concrete.
Russell with his daughter
One of reason why he works for Touchstone is, "I get to do a lot of various things, and work with a lot of different people." He's done all the construction from demolishing the old San Jose gym to helping with the upcoming expansion of the Mission Cliffs bouldering area and building the new gym in Fresno.
Russell, along with his wife of three years Michelle and his nine month old daughter Morgan, spends as much time as he can outside, hiking and sea kayaking. He guides sea kayaking tours once a month.
Russell painting the stencils on the stack at the Oakland Gym.
He's currently finishing up the pool project in Concord. Originally the pool was used for scuba diving lessons and it was 15 feet deep in the middle and four feet on the side. He filled the pool in so it is now a 4 foot deep lap pool. The task involved a lot of research on pools, chemicals, and concrete.
Russell with his daughter
One of reason why he works for Touchstone is, "I get to do a lot of various things, and work with a lot of different people." He's done all the construction from demolishing the old San Jose gym to helping with the upcoming expansion of the Mission Cliffs bouldering area and building the new gym in Fresno.
Labels: Facility Operations, Russell Olsen, Sacramento Pipeworks
¶ Wednesday, September 22, 2010 0 Comments
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Touchstone Bouldering Series 6: Iron Works Video
Check out the sweet video that was made during the first Touchstone bouldering comp of the season and get pysched for the next of the Touchstone Bouldering Series comps at Sacramento Pipeworks on September 17th.
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Sacramento Pipeworks, TBS 6
¶ Thursday, September 09, 2010 0 Comments
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Pipeworks Safety Poster Contest
Over the summer, Sacramento Pipeworks team coach and summer camp head counselor Rob Trelford wanted to get his young charges involved in an art project with relevance to climbing, so he hit upon the idea of a safety poster contest.
Rob said, "More than anything, I needed an art project that the kids would be interested in, so I thought why not make it about safety since we spend so much time teaching them how important safety is."
The kids came up with a diverse range of subjects that clearly showed they were paying attention to safety. Among the best were:
"Watch out for route setters"
"Dont run in the gym"
"Dont climb above your head without a crash pad or spotter"
"Always put safety first"
"Dont skip clips"
If all of us adults were to heed this surprisingly sage advice from children so young, the gym would be a much safer place.
Wednesday climbing team member Ryan Porter took first place with his "Always check your knot!" poster. Congratulations Ryan, you win a $20 Pipeworks gift certificate!
Remember to stay safe in the climbing gym!
Rob said, "More than anything, I needed an art project that the kids would be interested in, so I thought why not make it about safety since we spend so much time teaching them how important safety is."
The kids came up with a diverse range of subjects that clearly showed they were paying attention to safety. Among the best were:
"Watch out for route setters"
"Dont run in the gym"
"Dont climb above your head without a crash pad or spotter"
"Always put safety first"
"Dont skip clips"
If all of us adults were to heed this surprisingly sage advice from children so young, the gym would be a much safer place.
Wednesday climbing team member Ryan Porter took first place with his "Always check your knot!" poster. Congratulations Ryan, you win a $20 Pipeworks gift certificate!
Remember to stay safe in the climbing gym!
Labels: climbing safely, Rob Trelford, Sacramento Pipeworks
¶ Thursday, September 02, 2010 0 Comments
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Pipeworks Employees Enjoy Summer Baseball
Though they may seem like the hardest working people on the planet, it's not a constant nose to the grindstone for employees at Sacramento Pipeworks. On Saturday July 10th, Pipeworks desk staff and friends got to blow off some steam after hours by taking in a Rivercats baseball game at Raley field (The Rivercats are a AAA farm team for the Oakland A's). Typical for Sacramento it was a sultry July evening, so after a short bike ride through town, everyone settled into their seats to watch the game with a frosty cold adult beverage at hand. Though the group managed to dodge several foul balls that came dangerously close, they were ultimately disappointed to see their Rivercats get creamed 11 to 0. A booming fireworks show at the end took some of the sting out of what was a very lopsided though enjoyable game.
Though they may seem like the hardest working people on the planet, it's not a constant nose to the grindstone for employees at Sacramento Pipeworks. On Saturday July 10th, Pipeworks desk staff and friends got to blow off some steam after hours by taking in a Rivercats baseball game at Raley field (The Rivercats are a AAA farm team for the Oakland A's). Typical for Sacramento it was a sultry July evening, so after a short bike ride through town, everyone settled into their seats to watch the game with a frosty cold adult beverage at hand. Though the group managed to dodge several foul balls that came dangerously close, they were ultimately disappointed to see their Rivercats get creamed 11 to 0. A booming fireworks show at the end took some of the sting out of what was a very lopsided though enjoyable game.
Labels: baseball, Rivercats, Sacramento Pipeworks
¶ Thursday, July 15, 2010 0 Comments
Monday, May 31, 2010
Lover's Leap Clean-up
On June 5, CRAGS (Climbing Resources Advocates for Greater Sacramento) will be assisting the park services with preparing Lovers Leap for the new climbing season! CRAGS chairman Brian Poulsen said, “Adopt a Crag is the Access Fund’s signature stewardship program. It exists to unite local climbing communities in partnerships with land managers to conserve local climbing areas. Adopt-a-Crag events typically include activities such as litter clean-ups, trail construction and restoration, erosion control, and invasive weed removal.
These events epitomize climber conservation at the local level, showing landowners and land managers that climbers truly care about the places they recreate. This display of stewardship not only gives back to the land, but is paramount to keeping climbing areas open by showing decision makers the passion that climbers have for their climbing areas.
Adopt a Crag’s continued growth and success over the years is testament to the program’s ability to unite climbers around land conservation and stewardship of our climbing areas.” Join us by meeting at 8am at Pipeworks Climbing And Fitness (116 N. 16th St., Sacramento) to carpool. We look forward to seeing you!
For more information check out yourcrags.blogspot.com
These events epitomize climber conservation at the local level, showing landowners and land managers that climbers truly care about the places they recreate. This display of stewardship not only gives back to the land, but is paramount to keeping climbing areas open by showing decision makers the passion that climbers have for their climbing areas.
Adopt a Crag’s continued growth and success over the years is testament to the program’s ability to unite climbers around land conservation and stewardship of our climbing areas.” Join us by meeting at 8am at Pipeworks Climbing And Fitness (116 N. 16th St., Sacramento) to carpool. We look forward to seeing you!
For more information check out yourcrags.blogspot.com
Labels: CRAGS, Lover's Leap, Sacramento Pipeworks
¶ Monday, May 31, 2010 0 Comments
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Robert Hallworth Yoga Workshop
Workshop instructor Robert Hallworth is a longtime Pipeworks yoga teacher and student of several meditation masters from Tibetan and Zen Buddhist traditions. He has years of meditation experience in the yogic tradition and will happily reintroduce you to your own capability to take a breather during these hectic times. In this workshop, we will learn what meditation is as well as how to prepare for it according to yogic techniques. Robert will show beginners, in an uncomplicated friendly environment, how to produce results, reducing stress and its effects on the mind and body. You will learn to center yourself in your everyday life no matter what you do.
At Sacramento Pipeworks Saturday May 8th 2-4pm. $25 members, $35 non-members
At Sacramento Pipeworks Saturday May 8th 2-4pm. $25 members, $35 non-members
Labels: Robert Hallworth, Sacramento Pipeworks, Yoga Classes
¶ Sunday, April 25, 2010 1 Comments
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sacramento Pipeworks Comp
On March 19, 2010, over a hundred and fifty people showed up for the latest Touchstone Rope Series comp. Noted Yosemite Speedster, Hans Florine stopped by to compete as did Touchstone's own, Mark Melvin.
Berkeley Staff member Ellis Au snapped photos of the comp and did a little write up of his experience photographing the comp. Check out his blog, and his photo gallery of the event.
Get ready for the next of the Touchstone Rope Series coming to Berkeley Ironworks!
Berkeley Staff member Ellis Au snapped photos of the comp and did a little write up of his experience photographing the comp. Check out his blog, and his photo gallery of the event.
Get ready for the next of the Touchstone Rope Series coming to Berkeley Ironworks!
Labels: Ellis Au, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Roped Series
¶ Monday, March 29, 2010 0 Comments
Monday, March 22, 2010
Pipeworks Staffer Last Night: Goodbye Winky!
On a recent Monday night, members arriving at Sacramento Pipeworks were greeted by a very unusual sight. Both desk staff, Sean 'Winky' Wilkenfeld and Jason Bove were quite formally attired (at least for the gym) in business suits. Their joking response to queries was 'We just came from court' or 'We're the new owners'. Actually the explanation is a bit more poignant: they had dressed up in honor of nearly 4 years working the Monday shift together; this was to be Seans last day working at Pipeworks. Sean has worked for Touchstone since 2001 when he was hired at Diablo Rock Gym while he was still in high school. In 2005 he chose CSU Sacramento because of their great criminal justice program, and of course at that time he found a home behind the desk at Pipeworks. Sean made himself invaluable as a desk staff, belayer, private instructor, computer guru and handyman. His skills really had no bounds and he will be missed by members and staff alike. Fortunately for him, after years of hard work, and a long waiting period, he has finally been accepted to the academy of the California Highway Patrol.
We will miss you Winky, and wish you nothing but the best!
We will miss you Winky, and wish you nothing but the best!
Labels: CHP, Sacramento Pipeworks, Sean Wilkenfeld
¶ Monday, March 22, 2010 0 Comments
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Touchstone Rope Series Comes to Pipeworks
On March 19, the Touchstone Rope Series will be heading to Sacramento's Pipeworks. This rope series comp will be an awesome opportunity to check out a ton of new routes in the enormous lead cave at Pipeworks, get some free pizza, free beer, and t-shirts from the comp. There will also be a limbo contest!
The last comp at Diablo Rock saw more than 190 score cards turned in, there was an amazing limbo contest at the Concord gym as well, but by far the highlight of the comp was watching hardcore boulderer/mediocre sport climber Brian "Cuz" Hedrick z-clip on one of the lead routes.
Craig McClenahan spoke a little about the setting saying, "We had a 13 man crew and we set 13 routes; we always set from hardest to easiest (5.13b/c - 5.10d), so now we have 9 routes left to set (5.10c - 5.8). There is a set of 5 new jugs and some new crimps and footholds." Craig and the crew will be hard at work establishing rad routes for the comp.
Check out the comp page for information about the results from the past few comps.
For directions see the map page.
The last comp at Diablo Rock saw more than 190 score cards turned in, there was an amazing limbo contest at the Concord gym as well, but by far the highlight of the comp was watching hardcore boulderer/mediocre sport climber Brian "Cuz" Hedrick z-clip on one of the lead routes.
Craig McClenahan spoke a little about the setting saying, "We had a 13 man crew and we set 13 routes; we always set from hardest to easiest (5.13b/c - 5.10d), so now we have 9 routes left to set (5.10c - 5.8). There is a set of 5 new jugs and some new crimps and footholds." Craig and the crew will be hard at work establishing rad routes for the comp.
Check out the comp page for information about the results from the past few comps.
For directions see the map page.
Labels: limbo contests, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Roped Series
¶ Wednesday, March 17, 2010 0 Comments
