Touchstone Blog Archive
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
One Last Comp at Class 5
Class 5 will be hosting the next TBS3 comp on Friday, February 29th. Prepare for amazing bouldering, a DJ, food, drink, twister and a limbo contest!
This will be the last comp at this location for Class 5.
On February 12, our landlord for Class 5 notified us that we have 60 days to vacate the premises. This is devastating news to all of us at Touchstone Climbing. We have been committed to providing San Rafael and all of Marin County with a high quality rock climbing facility. While we have been actively looking and will continue to look for a replacement facility in Marin, we have not at this time found a suitable building for our unique needs.
We are sad to announce that we will be closing Class 5 on March 31st, 2008. So come on down and enjoying at climbing at Class 5, have some fun and pull down hard!
Class 5 will be hosting the next TBS3 comp on Friday, February 29th. Prepare for amazing bouldering, a DJ, food, drink, twister and a limbo contest!
Friday Februray 29th, 6-10pm
Free for Members
Free for Members
This will be the last comp at this location for Class 5.
On February 12, our landlord for Class 5 notified us that we have 60 days to vacate the premises. This is devastating news to all of us at Touchstone Climbing. We have been committed to providing San Rafael and all of Marin County with a high quality rock climbing facility. While we have been actively looking and will continue to look for a replacement facility in Marin, we have not at this time found a suitable building for our unique needs.
We are sad to announce that we will be closing Class 5 on March 31st, 2008. So come on down and enjoying at climbing at Class 5, have some fun and pull down hard!
Labels: class 5, climbing, comps, event
¶ Wednesday, February 27, 2008 0 Comments
Monday, December 24, 2007
Spare Change
Giving to the American Safe Climbing Association
Members at Class 5 have donated over $210 this year in spare change to replace old and dangerous bolts and anchors. Dropping spare change into the plastic bucket near the register really adds up!
The American Safe Climbing Association works to return classic climbing routes to their original danger level by replacing deteriorating old fixed anchors, usually bolts, with modern camouflaged gear.
They have replaced over 4000 old bolts to date in Yosemite and many other areas throughout the U.S., mostly in the western states.
Class 5’s donations will replace from 20 – 40 bolts and anchors. That little bit of extra change will help make climbing a little bit safer. Thanks Class 5 members who have been so generous since every little bit helps.
Members at Class 5 have donated over $210 this year in spare change to replace old and dangerous bolts and anchors. Dropping spare change into the plastic bucket near the register really adds up!
The American Safe Climbing Association works to return classic climbing routes to their original danger level by replacing deteriorating old fixed anchors, usually bolts, with modern camouflaged gear.They have replaced over 4000 old bolts to date in Yosemite and many other areas throughout the U.S., mostly in the western states.
Class 5’s donations will replace from 20 – 40 bolts and anchors. That little bit of extra change will help make climbing a little bit safer. Thanks Class 5 members who have been so generous since every little bit helps.
Labels: class 5, climbing, community, Yosemite
¶ Monday, December 24, 2007 0 Comments
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Leo & Hilary
Class 5 manager Ken James and his wife Cynthia recently completed the adoption processes for their first child. In November, Ken and Cynthia traveled to Guatemala to bring home Leo, who was born 9 months ago. All of us at Touchstone wish Ken, Cynthia and Leo all the best as they start their new family.
While Leo has only been in the country for a few weeks, he is already being schmoozed by major presidential candidates. While Ken and Cynthia were visiting family in Iowa, Hillary Clinton happened by the café they were eating breakfast in. Leo seems to be leaning toward Hillary in this photo, though his political leanings won’t matter much for another 17 years. ¶ Tuesday, December 18, 2007 0 Comments
Class 5 manager Ken James and his wife Cynthia recently completed the adoption processes for their first child. In November, Ken and Cynthia traveled to Guatemala to bring home Leo, who was born 9 months ago. All of us at Touchstone wish Ken, Cynthia and Leo all the best as they start their new family.
While Leo has only been in the country for a few weeks, he is already being schmoozed by major presidential candidates. While Ken and Cynthia were visiting family in Iowa, Hillary Clinton happened by the café they were eating breakfast in. Leo seems to be leaning toward Hillary in this photo, though his political leanings won’t matter much for another 17 years. ¶ Tuesday, December 18, 2007 0 Comments
Monday, November 26, 2007
Best of the North Bay
Class 5 was voted the Best Gym of the North Bay!
The Bohemian is a weekly magazine of news, food, wine and culture in Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties. In their recently released Best of the North Bay 2007 issue, readers of the weekly voted for Class 5 as the Best Gym.
We couldn’t agree more! Thanks to everyone who voted for us!
Class 5 was voted the Best Gym of the North Bay!
The Bohemian is a weekly magazine of news, food, wine and culture in Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties. In their recently released Best of the North Bay 2007 issue, readers of the weekly voted for Class 5 as the Best Gym.
We couldn’t agree more! Thanks to everyone who voted for us!
Labels: class 5
¶ Monday, November 26, 2007 0 Comments
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
TBS3 Starts This Month!!!
Touchstone Climbing will once again host the Touchstone Bouldering Series, now in its third season. With the opening of the Great Western Power Co. in Oakland, the series will expand to seven comps this year, that will be held on Friday evenings, one at each of the Touchstone locations. All events will include a red point Bouldering comp as well as refreshments, games and prizes. Points will be award for each comp with overall winners being announced after the final comp. The first event will be held in October in Concord and will conclude this year at Berkeley Ironworks.
These comps are FREE for Touchstone Members
Concord
October 26th, 2007
in Concord
San Jose
November 16th, 2007
in San Jose
Pipeworks
December 14th, 2007
in Sacramento
G.W.P.C.
January 11th, 2008
in Oakland
Mission Cliffs
February 8th, 2008
in San Francisco
Class 5
February 29th, 2008
in San Rafael
Ironworks
April 4th, 2008
in Berkeley
Touchstone Climbing will once again host the Touchstone Bouldering Series, now in its third season. With the opening of the Great Western Power Co. in Oakland, the series will expand to seven comps this year, that will be held on Friday evenings, one at each of the Touchstone locations. All events will include a red point Bouldering comp as well as refreshments, games and prizes. Points will be award for each comp with overall winners being announced after the final comp. The first event will be held in October in Concord and will conclude this year at Berkeley Ironworks.
These comps are FREE for Touchstone Members
Concord
October 26th, 2007
in Concord
San Jose
November 16th, 2007
in San Jose
Pipeworks
December 14th, 2007
in Sacramento
G.W.P.C.
January 11th, 2008
in Oakland
Mission Cliffs
February 8th, 2008
in San Francisco
Class 5
February 29th, 2008
in San Rafael
Ironworks
April 4th, 2008
in Berkeley
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, class 5, climbing, comps, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, Great Western Power Co., mission cliffs, oakland, Sacramento Pipeworks, san jose, touchstone
¶ Tuesday, October 09, 2007 0 Comments
Friday, October 5, 2007
No initiation Fee in October
In celebration of our newest gym opening later this fall, all Touchstone gyms will be offering a zero initiation fee deal. Take advantage of this great opportunity to save from $50 to $150 off the regular sign-up fee by becoming a member in October.
Those folks wanting to become members at the new Great Western Power Company should contact manager, Lyn Verinsky, to get their names on the pre-opening list. Everyone on the list will be eligible for the zero initiation deal immediately after the gym opens. Or better yet, sign up now at Berkeley Ironworks and start enjoying Touchstone today. Once G.W.P.C. opens, you can transfer you membership to the Power Company for no charge. Remember, the days are just getting shorter and wetter, so sign up soon
In celebration of our newest gym opening later this fall, all Touchstone gyms will be offering a zero initiation fee deal. Take advantage of this great opportunity to save from $50 to $150 off the regular sign-up fee by becoming a member in October.
Those folks wanting to become members at the new Great Western Power Company should contact manager, Lyn Verinsky, to get their names on the pre-opening list. Everyone on the list will be eligible for the zero initiation deal immediately after the gym opens. Or better yet, sign up now at Berkeley Ironworks and start enjoying Touchstone today. Once G.W.P.C. opens, you can transfer you membership to the Power Company for no charge. Remember, the days are just getting shorter and wetter, so sign up soon
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, class 5, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, Great Western Power Co., mission cliffs, oakland, Sacramento Pipeworks, san jose, touchstone
¶ Friday, October 05, 2007 0 Comments
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Birthday Climb
Ken James and Travis Nichols of Class 5 climbed Sun Ribbon Arete for a joint birthday climb. The weather was perfect – about 75 degrees and sunny with no wind – and the snow field at the base was small enough to skirt easily.
After about 9 hours of climbing later, having completed a tyrolean traverse (awesome!), done a wee bit of incorrect route finding and about 18-20 pitches of spectacular climbing, they sat on the summit and enjoyed the spectacular view of the Pallisades, Mt.Sill and a whole lot more.
By the time they got back to their camp at third lake, they were tired hungry and thirsty and already trying to figure out the next big climb.
Sun Ribbon Arete is on Temple Crag and can is reached by driving up to Glacier Lodge from Big Pine (south of Bishop), hiking 7 miles and climbing 1800 feet or so. This is one of the longest and most classic High Sierra arêtes. The route ascends a striking arête for 18 pitches and involves mostly 3rd and 4th class climbing with a number of short harder sections in the 5.6-5.10a range.
Temple Crag, The Sun Ribbon Arete (Grade IV, 5.10a, 18+ pitches)
Ken James and Travis Nichols of Class 5 climbed Sun Ribbon Arete for a joint birthday climb. The weather was perfect – about 75 degrees and sunny with no wind – and the snow field at the base was small enough to skirt easily.
After about 9 hours of climbing later, having completed a tyrolean traverse (awesome!), done a wee bit of incorrect route finding and about 18-20 pitches of spectacular climbing, they sat on the summit and enjoyed the spectacular view of the Pallisades, Mt.Sill and a whole lot more.
By the time they got back to their camp at third lake, they were tired hungry and thirsty and already trying to figure out the next big climb.
Sun Ribbon Arete is on Temple Crag and can is reached by driving up to Glacier Lodge from Big Pine (south of Bishop), hiking 7 miles and climbing 1800 feet or so. This is one of the longest and most classic High Sierra arêtes. The route ascends a striking arête for 18 pitches and involves mostly 3rd and 4th class climbing with a number of short harder sections in the 5.6-5.10a range.
Temple Crag, The Sun Ribbon Arete (Grade IV, 5.10a, 18+ pitches)
Labels: class 5, climbing, staff
¶ Thursday, October 04, 2007 0 Comments
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Labor Day Hours
This Monday, all Touchstone gyms will be open and operating on weekend hours. Standard weekend rates will apply for all gyms. Please contact your local gym to find out the exact hours of operation and pricing.
REMINDER: The Bay Bridge will be closed all weekend. For more info, check here.
This Monday, all Touchstone gyms will be open and operating on weekend hours. Standard weekend rates will apply for all gyms. Please contact your local gym to find out the exact hours of operation and pricing. REMINDER: The Bay Bridge will be closed all weekend. For more info, check here.
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, class 5, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, mission cliffs, Sacramento Pipeworks, san jose
¶ Thursday, August 30, 2007 0 Comments
Friday, August 10, 2007
The Lost Coast
Class 5 desk staffers Julia MacKenzie and Jamie Phillips and some friends hiked the Lost Coast and climbed at Lost Rocks (different but suspiciously similar sounding).
Three days of hiking and a million miles later—OK, with some sightseeing and hanging out, they made it out alive and went climbing.
Lost Rocks is beach bouldering at the mouth of the Klamath River. Tons of tall boulders with small pebbly landings – Great problems. I believe “Awesome” was the verdict. A few days at Lost Rocks and we made them come home and show us pictures.
Class 5 desk staffers Julia MacKenzie and Jamie Phillips and some friends hiked the Lost Coast and climbed at Lost Rocks (different but suspiciously similar sounding).Three days of hiking and a million miles later—OK, with some sightseeing and hanging out, they made it out alive and went climbing.
Lost Rocks is beach bouldering at the mouth of the Klamath River. Tons of tall boulders with small pebbly landings – Great problems. I believe “Awesome” was the verdict. A few days at Lost Rocks and we made them come home and show us pictures.
Labels: class 5, climbing, staff
¶ Friday, August 10, 2007 0 Comments
Monday, July 23, 2007
Celebrating Galen's Life
Galen Burgett, a Class 5 member since 1999, passed away at the beginning of July from Cancer. From all of us who knew him, climbed with him or were the lucky recipients of his Christmas goodies, we wish his family well and much love.
There is a celebration of Galens’ life August 12:
Galen Burgett 5/10/58 – 7/2/07 Galen passionately embraced the gift of every new day and lived each one to the fullest. There is no better way to honor his memory than to follow his example and celebrate with all of those who loved him.
August 12, 2007 12-4pm at
Cline Cellars 24737 Arnold Drive (highway 121) Sonoma
No black please. ¶ Monday, July 23, 2007 0 Comments
Galen Burgett, a Class 5 member since 1999, passed away at the beginning of July from Cancer. From all of us who knew him, climbed with him or were the lucky recipients of his Christmas goodies, we wish his family well and much love.
There is a celebration of Galens’ life August 12:
Galen Burgett 5/10/58 – 7/2/07 Galen passionately embraced the gift of every new day and lived each one to the fullest. There is no better way to honor his memory than to follow his example and celebrate with all of those who loved him.
August 12, 2007 12-4pm at
Cline Cellars 24737 Arnold Drive (highway 121) Sonoma
No black please. ¶ Monday, July 23, 2007 0 Comments
Thursday, June 21, 2007
TRS in Marin on Friday
Class 5 is gearing up to host the Touchstone Roped Series Competition this Friday, June 22nd. Routes are going up Wednesday and Thursday, beer from Broken Drum and food are being ordered along with lemonade, soda and other snacks.
Come out and have a great time climbing! Get a free T-shirt, have some food and have fun! These member competitions are for fun, but if you are serious and go to them all, you can win big.
A note to Teen Teamers from the other gyms – Class 5 just wants to say our team is going to CRUSH! (just a friendly challenge)
• Free to members
• $10 for non-members
• The competition runs from 6- 10pm
• Raffle at the end of the evening
• Food! Drink!
Class 5 is gearing up to host the Touchstone Roped Series Competition this Friday, June 22nd. Routes are going up Wednesday and Thursday, beer from Broken Drum and food are being ordered along with lemonade, soda and other snacks.Come out and have a great time climbing! Get a free T-shirt, have some food and have fun! These member competitions are for fun, but if you are serious and go to them all, you can win big.
A note to Teen Teamers from the other gyms – Class 5 just wants to say our team is going to CRUSH! (just a friendly challenge)
• Free to members
• $10 for non-members
• The competition runs from 6- 10pm
• Raffle at the end of the evening
• Food! Drink!
Labels: class 5, climbing, comps, Touchstone Roped Series
¶ Thursday, June 21, 2007 0 Comments
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Ted & Dan's Big Adventure
Ted and Dan are belay staff and avid Class 5 climbers out on a road trip. From Indian Creek to New River Gorge to running around naked at the Super Bowl camp, they have been having adventures and climbing hard. Ted is now on-sighting 5.11 trad climbs.
A story from the road:
Ted and his friends went into Mount Pleasant, Utah to take a break from climbing one day and decided they wanted something different to eat. Drew said, "Hey Ted, didn't you used to throw pizzas in your former life? Go ask the guy in that shop if you can work for our lunch". Well, sure enough Ted went and asked if he could help prepare the food for the lunch rush.
Imagine how Ted looked coming out of the rocks; a bit scraggly and what not. The owner said no to the pizza throwing, but that she would give him a small pizza if he swept the side walk and gutter to make the place a bit cleaner. Ted agreed and enlisted Drew to help in the cleaning. He then told the other two, Ben and Jen, to try the same thing at the Shake and Burger joint down the street for some shakes. After they were done the Pizza owner gave them a medium pizza and cheese sticks for the great job they did. The hake and Burger joint owner gave shakes and cheeseburgers and felt so sorry because of how thin and scratched up everyone was that she threw in $40.00 as well. They were able to finish the work and gather their food just as the store opened and enjoyed some superb boxed wine with their meal.
Lesson learned, it never hurts to work for your meal, be polite and good things might happen. They did eat well in town the next day as well!
Ted and Dan are belay staff and avid Class 5 climbers out on a road trip. From Indian Creek to New River Gorge to running around naked at the Super Bowl camp, they have been having adventures and climbing hard. Ted is now on-sighting 5.11 trad climbs.A story from the road:
Ted and his friends went into Mount Pleasant, Utah to take a break from climbing one day and decided they wanted something different to eat. Drew said, "Hey Ted, didn't you used to throw pizzas in your former life? Go ask the guy in that shop if you can work for our lunch". Well, sure enough Ted went and asked if he could help prepare the food for the lunch rush.
Imagine how Ted looked coming out of the rocks; a bit scraggly and what not. The owner said no to the pizza throwing, but that she would give him a small pizza if he swept the side walk and gutter to make the place a bit cleaner. Ted agreed and enlisted Drew to help in the cleaning. He then told the other two, Ben and Jen, to try the same thing at the Shake and Burger joint down the street for some shakes. After they were done the Pizza owner gave them a medium pizza and cheese sticks for the great job they did. The hake and Burger joint owner gave shakes and cheeseburgers and felt so sorry because of how thin and scratched up everyone was that she threw in $40.00 as well. They were able to finish the work and gather their food just as the store opened and enjoyed some superb boxed wine with their meal.
Lesson learned, it never hurts to work for your meal, be polite and good things might happen. They did eat well in town the next day as well!
Labels: class 5, climbing, staff
¶ Wednesday, June 06, 2007 0 Comments
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Coolest 24 Hours
Class 5 staff member Jamie Phillips just rode The Coolest 24 Hour Race, a 24 hour mountain bike race in Cool, California. You heard it. 24 hours on fireroads and singletrack.
Jamie did the race as a two person relay, logging about 143 miles in 12 hours and 45 minutes. He and his partner completed 273 miles between the two of them, placing third.
During the race, he ate about 16,000 calories including 16 clif bars, 35 gels, and 50 bottles of cytomax plus whatever ‘real’ food he could get his hands on between laps.
He is so excited he is doing another one in a month and is planning a solo 24 hour race for next year.
Class 5 staff member Jamie Phillips just rode The Coolest 24 Hour Race, a 24 hour mountain bike race in Cool, California. You heard it. 24 hours on fireroads and singletrack.Jamie did the race as a two person relay, logging about 143 miles in 12 hours and 45 minutes. He and his partner completed 273 miles between the two of them, placing third.
During the race, he ate about 16,000 calories including 16 clif bars, 35 gels, and 50 bottles of cytomax plus whatever ‘real’ food he could get his hands on between laps.
He is so excited he is doing another one in a month and is planning a solo 24 hour race for next year.
Labels: class 5, fitness, staff
¶ Tuesday, May 15, 2007 0 Comments
Thursday, April 26, 2007
New Treadmills at Class 5
Now you can run in style at Class 5 on our new Precor treadmill. You can check your heart rate while you run, and this machine has a greater range in angle for running uphill. The Impact Control System is made to be easier on the knees, legs, and back. This machine has a newer suspension system to cushion impact and control lateral motions while remaining responsive (their words). Now you can adjust the speed and incline on buttons which are “confirming user input with a satisfying click”. No more pushing a flat spot and hoping for the best.
Now you have no reason not to get running again ¶ Thursday, April 26, 2007 0 Comments
Now you can run in style at Class 5 on our new Precor treadmill. You can check your heart rate while you run, and this machine has a greater range in angle for running uphill. The Impact Control System is made to be easier on the knees, legs, and back. This machine has a newer suspension system to cushion impact and control lateral motions while remaining responsive (their words). Now you can adjust the speed and incline on buttons which are “confirming user input with a satisfying click”. No more pushing a flat spot and hoping for the best.Now you have no reason not to get running again ¶ Thursday, April 26, 2007 0 Comments
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Manager Wins Big
Ken James, the manager of Class 5 in San Rafael, was awarded a Izzie award for Choreography for a show he created with Chris Black, The Adventures of Cunning and Guile.
Basically, the local dance scene Oscars, the Isadora Duncan Dance Awards seek to honor local dance artists and promote their visibility, primarily by acknowledging outstanding achievements within a twelve-month period of performances. Held in front of a capacity crowd at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco awards are handed out for performances, sound scores, sets and, of course, choreography.
The show which won the honors was a site specific work performed throughout the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco in 2005 and 2006. To give an idea of who was considered for this award, the Izzies cover ballet, modern dance, ethnic dance and street dance- everyone from the SF Ballet to Soul Force Hip Hop (from 2-300 dance companies).
In case you didn’t know, Ken has been choreographing and performing for over 20 years. Check out www.ftpg.org for more information.
Ken James, the manager of Class 5 in San Rafael, was awarded a Izzie award for Choreography for a show he created with Chris Black, The Adventures of Cunning and Guile.
Basically, the local dance scene Oscars, the Isadora Duncan Dance Awards seek to honor local dance artists and promote their visibility, primarily by acknowledging outstanding achievements within a twelve-month period of performances. Held in front of a capacity crowd at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco awards are handed out for performances, sound scores, sets and, of course, choreography.
The show which won the honors was a site specific work performed throughout the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco in 2005 and 2006. To give an idea of who was considered for this award, the Izzies cover ballet, modern dance, ethnic dance and street dance- everyone from the SF Ballet to Soul Force Hip Hop (from 2-300 dance companies).
In case you didn’t know, Ken has been choreographing and performing for over 20 years. Check out www.ftpg.org for more information.
Labels: class 5
¶ Wednesday, April 25, 2007 0 Comments
Monday, March 26, 2007
Class 5 Cuts the Cord
Now you can multitask like a champ at your favorite place. Class 5 has added wireless internet allowing you to access the internet from your laptop while you are at Class 5.
We aren’t suggesting that you have to bring your work with you, but it may make it easier to sneak out of the office for a quick workout. Now you can keep in touch or do your homework between bouldering sends.
Wireless is a big plus when planning climbing trips with your partners to find out which passes are open or the beta on that big wall. Now you can do it all at Class 5.
With the addition of wireless at Class 5, this means that all Touchstone gyms are now wireless. Just another service that Touchstone provides to create a unique fitness experience. ¶ Monday, March 26, 2007 0 Comments
Now you can multitask like a champ at your favorite place. Class 5 has added wireless internet allowing you to access the internet from your laptop while you are at Class 5. We aren’t suggesting that you have to bring your work with you, but it may make it easier to sneak out of the office for a quick workout. Now you can keep in touch or do your homework between bouldering sends.
Wireless is a big plus when planning climbing trips with your partners to find out which passes are open or the beta on that big wall. Now you can do it all at Class 5.
With the addition of wireless at Class 5, this means that all Touchstone gyms are now wireless. Just another service that Touchstone provides to create a unique fitness experience. ¶ Monday, March 26, 2007 0 Comments
Monday, January 29, 2007
Class 5 Under the Sea
Class 5 is proud to have Ethan Daniels/Travelin’ Light Images showing his photography in the hall gallery. Ethan specializes in underwater, nature, and travel stock photography and is presenting his award winning underwater photos. He has photographed thousands of marine species from Antarctic krill, and Humpback Whales, to coral spawning, and zebra sharks mating.
Ethan's interest in marine biology and conservation began during the summers of his youth in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After graduating from Bucknell University in 1994 he spent a year working for the School for Field Studies in the Republic of Palau. After that eye-opening experience, nowhere else would do except the University of Guam Marine Lab for graduate school.
Once finished with school, Ethan made the permanent move to Palau continuing to work as a guide and naturalist for kayakers, divers, photographers and film crews. He led several productions including Discovery Channel's Shark Week "Predators in Paradise," Disney Channel, National Geographic Channel, and others.
After several years of reef observations and exploration throughout the archipelago he took a position as the National Science Coordinator with the Office of Environmental Response and Coordination. Ethan has coauthored and contributed photos to "Palau: Dive Sites, History, and Culture," "The Republic of Palau First National Communication to the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change," and, "The Republic of Palau National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan," currently in press.
Ethans work will be up through February at Class 5 ¶ Monday, January 29, 2007 0 Comments
Class 5 is proud to have Ethan Daniels/Travelin’ Light Images showing his photography in the hall gallery. Ethan specializes in underwater, nature, and travel stock photography and is presenting his award winning underwater photos. He has photographed thousands of marine species from Antarctic krill, and Humpback Whales, to coral spawning, and zebra sharks mating.Ethan's interest in marine biology and conservation began during the summers of his youth in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After graduating from Bucknell University in 1994 he spent a year working for the School for Field Studies in the Republic of Palau. After that eye-opening experience, nowhere else would do except the University of Guam Marine Lab for graduate school.
Once finished with school, Ethan made the permanent move to Palau continuing to work as a guide and naturalist for kayakers, divers, photographers and film crews. He led several productions including Discovery Channel's Shark Week "Predators in Paradise," Disney Channel, National Geographic Channel, and others.
After several years of reef observations and exploration throughout the archipelago he took a position as the National Science Coordinator with the Office of Environmental Response and Coordination. Ethan has coauthored and contributed photos to "Palau: Dive Sites, History, and Culture," "The Republic of Palau First National Communication to the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change," and, "The Republic of Palau National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan," currently in press.
Ethans work will be up through February at Class 5 ¶ Monday, January 29, 2007 0 Comments
Friday, January 26, 2007
TBS2 at Class 5
Class 5 was the center of the bouldering universe for a Friday evening. The TBS2 stop at Class 5 on Jan. 19th saw over 160 competitors climbing problems all over the gym. The course setting was great, and competitors and spectators partaking in free massage, pizza, beer, lemonade and soda. The two (washable) tattoo machines were in constant use all night as people inked up for good luck.
The winners of each division are:
Advanced: Gabe Masse Matt Bingham
Intermediate: Halley Tollner Brendan O’Dea
Beginning: Elizabeth Howe Dan Goldberg
For complete comp results go to the comps page. You can also see pictures from the Class 5 comp in our online gallery. ¶ Friday, January 26, 2007 0 Comments
Class 5 was the center of the bouldering universe for a Friday evening. The TBS2 stop at Class 5 on Jan. 19th saw over 160 competitors climbing problems all over the gym. The course setting was great, and competitors and spectators partaking in free massage, pizza, beer, lemonade and soda. The two (washable) tattoo machines were in constant use all night as people inked up for good luck.The winners of each division are:
Advanced: Gabe Masse Matt Bingham
Intermediate: Halley Tollner Brendan O’Dea
Beginning: Elizabeth Howe Dan Goldberg
For complete comp results go to the comps page. You can also see pictures from the Class 5 comp in our online gallery. ¶ Friday, January 26, 2007 0 Comments
Friday, January 12, 2007
TBS 2 at Class 5
Class 5 is hosting the Touchstone Bouldering Series on Friday January 19th from 6-10 pm. Whether you are doing them all or are checking it out for the first time you should be running down to Class 5. All levels of climbers are welcome. You can see the current TBS standings here or check out pictures from some of the other TBS comps.
Added bonuses: Free pizza! Free Beer, lemonade and soda! Awesome t-shirts!
Class 5 is hosting the Touchstone Bouldering Series on Friday January 19th from 6-10 pm. Whether you are doing them all or are checking it out for the first time you should be running down to Class 5. All levels of climbers are welcome. You can see the current TBS standings here or check out pictures from some of the other TBS comps.
Added bonuses: Free pizza! Free Beer, lemonade and soda! Awesome t-shirts!
When: January 19th from 6pm to 10pm
Where: Class 5 Climbing in San Rafael
Who: All Touchstone Members & non-members
What: TBS2: The best bouldering comp around
Cost: FREE to members! $10 for non-members
Where: Class 5 Climbing in San Rafael
Who: All Touchstone Members & non-members
What: TBS2: The best bouldering comp around
Cost: FREE to members! $10 for non-members
Labels: class 5, climbing, comps
¶ Friday, January 12, 2007 0 Comments
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving
We would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. All gyms will be closing Wednesday at 6pm, will be closed on Thanksgiving but will reopen on Friday with normal hours.
(Please note that weekend rates will apply and there will not be any fitness class on Friday.)
We would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. All gyms will be closing Wednesday at 6pm, will be closed on Thanksgiving but will reopen on Friday with normal hours. (Please note that weekend rates will apply and there will not be any fitness class on Friday.)
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, class 5, concord, Diablo Rock Gym, mission cliffs, Sacramento Pipeworks, san jose
¶ Tuesday, November 21, 2006 0 Comments
