Touchstone Blog Archive
Thursday, December 15, 2011
TBS 7 At Mission Cliffs
Mission Cliffs just had an awesome turnout for the latest TBS 7 comp. 409 climbers stopped by to turn in scorecards. The comp series has been greatly successful this season with over 1300 different climbers stopping by to compete.
The Touchstone setters spent a solid amount of time establishing new problems for the comp. The great boulder problems had everyone pysched.
There was a photo booth were climbers stopped by to get some classic candid pictures.
There was a chair bouldering competition during the evening. Climbers rallied around a small chair and tried to climb around the piece of furniture without touching the ground or knocking the chair over.
There's more great pictures of the event at the Touchstone Flickr Page.
The fun at the TBS 7 comps is coming close to an end.
On Saturday January 28, Touchstone's newest gym, The Studio will have it's grand opening. The TBS 7 Finale will be held at the new gym.
Not only will the new gym have free food, t-shirts, beer, and tons of new problems but there will also be an onsight final with cash prizes. The men and women's winners will receive $400 for first, $200 for second, and $100 for third.
Get pysched for The Studio's opening and the TBS 7 Finale!
Mission Cliffs just had an awesome turnout for the latest TBS 7 comp. 409 climbers stopped by to turn in scorecards. The comp series has been greatly successful this season with over 1300 different climbers stopping by to compete.
The Touchstone setters spent a solid amount of time establishing new problems for the comp. The great boulder problems had everyone pysched.
There was a photo booth were climbers stopped by to get some classic candid pictures.
There was a chair bouldering competition during the evening. Climbers rallied around a small chair and tried to climb around the piece of furniture without touching the ground or knocking the chair over.
There's more great pictures of the event at the Touchstone Flickr Page.
The fun at the TBS 7 comps is coming close to an end.
On Saturday January 28, Touchstone's newest gym, The Studio will have it's grand opening. The TBS 7 Finale will be held at the new gym.
Not only will the new gym have free food, t-shirts, beer, and tons of new problems but there will also be an onsight final with cash prizes. The men and women's winners will receive $400 for first, $200 for second, and $100 for third.
Get pysched for The Studio's opening and the TBS 7 Finale!
Labels: mission cliffs, TBS 7, The Studio
¶ Thursday, December 15, 2011 0 Comments
Monday, December 5, 2011
Mission Cliffs Comp and Holiday Food Drive
On December 9, the Touchstone Bouldering Series will be hitting Mission Cliffs. The friday night San Francisco comp promises to be one of the best one yet. TBS7 comp shirts will be given to competitors, there will be delicious pizza, tons of free beer, and a host of new boulder problems.
Additionally, Mission Cliffs will be holding a raffle for a North Face gift card for people that bring in food for the holiday food drive at Mission Cliffs. Each person that brings in a can, box, or package of food will recieve a raffle ticket. There's no limit so help out the SF Food Bank.
The holiday food drive will be continuing for the rest of the month. If you bring in half a bag of food, a route will be named after you. If you bring in a whole bag, you get one of 15 overnight use lockers for the month of January. Every can of food gets your name on the thank you wall.
The Food Bank provides food to over 22,000 households every week, and serves 78,000 meals per day, through 400+ nonprofit partners. That night, volunteers helped package over 2,300 lbs of rice.
An astonishing 49 million Americans face food insecurity this year. Visit www.sffoodbank.org to learn more about how you can stop hunger. Stop by Mission Cliffs for the comp and help the SF Food Bank.
Additionally, Mission Cliffs will be holding a raffle for a North Face gift card for people that bring in food for the holiday food drive at Mission Cliffs. Each person that brings in a can, box, or package of food will recieve a raffle ticket. There's no limit so help out the SF Food Bank.
The holiday food drive will be continuing for the rest of the month. If you bring in half a bag of food, a route will be named after you. If you bring in a whole bag, you get one of 15 overnight use lockers for the month of January. Every can of food gets your name on the thank you wall.
The Food Bank provides food to over 22,000 households every week, and serves 78,000 meals per day, through 400+ nonprofit partners. That night, volunteers helped package over 2,300 lbs of rice.
An astonishing 49 million Americans face food insecurity this year. Visit www.sffoodbank.org to learn more about how you can stop hunger. Stop by Mission Cliffs for the comp and help the SF Food Bank.
Labels: mission cliffs, SF Food Bank, TBS 7
¶ Monday, December 05, 2011 0 Comments
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Mission Cliffs New Bouldering Pads
Touchstone's pooh-bah, Russel Olsen just upgraded the bouldering area at Mission Cliffs. Utilizing a new flooring system, Olsen removed the old padding and placed in an entirely new set of padding. The new system utilizes 9 inch foam to make for a more cushy landing when jumping or falling off of the great boulder problems at Mission Cliffs. The system is also entirely seamless, which helps prevents rolled ankles and other falling injuries.
Touchstone has employed the system at Metal Mark, the new gym in Fresno and is working out the finite details of the crash pad system for future bouldering areas. Touchstone hopes to expand the Mission Cliffs bouldering area soon. As we posted last summer, we have acquired the space adjacent to Mission Cliffs to do a remodel that will include a completely new and expanded bouldering area. Unfortunately this project has been delayed in the building department. The nature of the delay has to do with the type of building that Mission Cliffs is classified as, and because of this our landlord has to be the one to work through these issues with the city. We continue to work with him to try and get this project moving forward, but at this point it is still stalled. This is an extremely exciting project for us and we remain strongly committed to make this happen despite this lengthy setback.
In the mean time, stop by Mission Cliffs and check out the new foam!
Touchstone has employed the system at Metal Mark, the new gym in Fresno and is working out the finite details of the crash pad system for future bouldering areas. Touchstone hopes to expand the Mission Cliffs bouldering area soon. As we posted last summer, we have acquired the space adjacent to Mission Cliffs to do a remodel that will include a completely new and expanded bouldering area. Unfortunately this project has been delayed in the building department. The nature of the delay has to do with the type of building that Mission Cliffs is classified as, and because of this our landlord has to be the one to work through these issues with the city. We continue to work with him to try and get this project moving forward, but at this point it is still stalled. This is an extremely exciting project for us and we remain strongly committed to make this happen despite this lengthy setback.
In the mean time, stop by Mission Cliffs and check out the new foam!
Labels: bouldering pads, mission cliffs
¶ Thursday, August 25, 2011 0 Comments
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Mission Cliff Closed for Carnaval
The San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions, (SFCAT), will be hosting the 33rd annual SF Carnaval Festival & Grand Parade. The festival, which starts Saturday May 28th and continues until Sunday, will be in the Mission district of San Francisco. Both the parade and the festival are free. MC is located in the heart of the festivities. Parking will be
EXTREMELY limited as Harrison St. will be closed (between 16th -22nd). MISSION CLIFFS WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY.
Both the parade and the Festival are FREE! Stop by the festivities on your way back from the gym!
EXTREMELY limited as Harrison St. will be closed (between 16th -22nd). MISSION CLIFFS WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY.
Both the parade and the Festival are FREE! Stop by the festivities on your way back from the gym!
Labels: Carnaval, mission cliffs, SFCATS
¶ Sunday, May 22, 2011 0 Comments
Friday, March 18, 2011
TRS 5 at Mission Cliffs
This evening the Touchstone Rope Series 5 will continue at Mission Cliffs with a great competition, free food and pizza.
The Touchstone Route Setters were busy at work putting up a series of great new routes. Stop by Mission cliffs for an evening of fun!
The Touchstone Route Setters were busy at work putting up a series of great new routes. Stop by Mission cliffs for an evening of fun!
Labels: mission cliffs, TRS 5
¶ Friday, March 18, 2011 0 Comments
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Interview with Mission Cliffs Climber Karl Aguilar
Karl Aguilar, a 37 year old hardware store manager in San Francisco, has been climbing for 13 years at Mission Cliffs. Aguilar has traveled across the world climbing, sport climbing in Austria, making an ascent of El Capitan’s Zodiac, and clipping bolts on the sandstone of the south east with his wife, Audrey Bodisco. Aguilar took some time off his busy days at the Papenhausen Hardware to talk with the Touchstone blog about how to be a better rock climber and about his trips.
How has Mission Cliffs changed?
When I joined, there we so few active members that it was rare to see people that you didn't see regularly. Now, I am often shocked when I look around a very full gym and realize that I don't recognize most of the people there. Back then, most people climbed routes and bouldered to improve their route climbing. Now, it seems like most members primarily boulder. Mission Cliffs used to be a place to climb and possibly lift a weight or two, but it is slowly growing into a full service gym.
Karl stepping high in Austria
What's the best way to get better at climbing?
Don't get injured. But seriously, DON'T GET INJURED. You progress much faster when you are not nursing an injury. But, if you do get hurt, be smart about it. Take some time off, your body is probably begging for some rest. Take that time to do the things that you put off. Try to enjoy it. Then, do your rehab and take the time to work back up to full strength (it takes less time than you think). You have a lifetime of climbing to do, so treat your body right.
Karl high on El Cap's Zodiac
Now that you are injury free, you can use the following tips to get better quicker:
• Climb with someone better than you (not stronger, but with better technique).
• Watch how other people climb the climbs/problems you are having trouble with.
• Work on climbs that work your weaknesses (basically ones that make you say, "I hate climbs with...").
• Rest.
• Lastly, remember to enjoy the process. Even when the numbers are not going up, you are building a base for your next big breakthrough.
What's your favorite place to climb? Why?
Europe. The limestone, the food, and the distance between the two.
Karl pulling down on the sandstone of the Red River Gorge's Mother Lode
But, over here it is The Red River Gorge, because it is as good as everyone says! Wait... scratch that... it has really really terrible rock and they have copperhead snakes and everyone who climbed there smells really bad, so no one should ever go there.
What else are you passionate about?
My wife.
Karl and Audrey at the Red River Gorge
How has Mission Cliffs changed?
When I joined, there we so few active members that it was rare to see people that you didn't see regularly. Now, I am often shocked when I look around a very full gym and realize that I don't recognize most of the people there. Back then, most people climbed routes and bouldered to improve their route climbing. Now, it seems like most members primarily boulder. Mission Cliffs used to be a place to climb and possibly lift a weight or two, but it is slowly growing into a full service gym.
Karl stepping high in Austria
What's the best way to get better at climbing?
Don't get injured. But seriously, DON'T GET INJURED. You progress much faster when you are not nursing an injury. But, if you do get hurt, be smart about it. Take some time off, your body is probably begging for some rest. Take that time to do the things that you put off. Try to enjoy it. Then, do your rehab and take the time to work back up to full strength (it takes less time than you think). You have a lifetime of climbing to do, so treat your body right.
Karl high on El Cap's Zodiac
Now that you are injury free, you can use the following tips to get better quicker:
• Climb with someone better than you (not stronger, but with better technique).
• Watch how other people climb the climbs/problems you are having trouble with.
• Work on climbs that work your weaknesses (basically ones that make you say, "I hate climbs with...").
• Rest.
• Lastly, remember to enjoy the process. Even when the numbers are not going up, you are building a base for your next big breakthrough.
What's your favorite place to climb? Why?
Europe. The limestone, the food, and the distance between the two.
Karl pulling down on the sandstone of the Red River Gorge's Mother Lode
But, over here it is The Red River Gorge, because it is as good as everyone says! Wait... scratch that... it has really really terrible rock and they have copperhead snakes and everyone who climbed there smells really bad, so no one should ever go there.
What else are you passionate about?
My wife.
Karl and Audrey at the Red River Gorge
Labels: improving your climbing, Karl Aguilar, mission cliffs
¶ Sunday, January 16, 2011 0 Comments
Friday, January 14, 2011
Mission Cliffs Featured in SF Gate
The San Francisco Chronicle featured Mission Cliffs in a feature in the Health & Fitness Section of their paper. Chris Holt wrote Bustling Mission Cliffs Attracts Sociable Climbers. Check out the article online at the SF Gate Website or read below:
Like many rock climbers, Christine Ambrose, a project manager at the San Francisco-based Save the Redwoods Foundation, learned the "ropes" later in life. First drawn to climbing through canopy research - the process of collecting scientific data in treetops - Ambrose, 43, was formally introduced to the sport when a friend took her climbing in June. It was then, she said, "a passion was born." On a recent weekday night she was hanging out at Mission Cliffs Climbing & Fitness on 19th and Harrison streets, enjoying the social aspect of the sport. "I've met so many nice people climbing," she said.
Mission Cliffs is one of six climbing gyms in the Bay Area (see box), and one of three managed by Touchstone Climbing. The first of its kind in San Francisco, it opened in 1995 but didn't gain a following until around 2000 when the sport surged in popularity. Today, there are an estimated 10 million climbers in the United States, with a sizable percentage in the Bay Area.
Despite superior climbing features and fitness facilities at some other gyms, Mission Cliffs remains one of the most popular, with a cult following. That's due only in part to its convenient location in the heart of the Mission. After trying out other gyms, Ambrose settled on Mission Cliffs because of its "down-to-earth quality." Other members regularly cite the open, welcoming vibe and the "friendly, quirky" staff as reasons for their patronage.
Rows of bicycles hang over the railing at the entrance of Mission Cliffs' converted
warehouse. The front desk stereo blasts everything from the Clash to Bob Marley, and inside the gym the conversation is almost deafening. While working out in a conventional gym is a mostly solitary activity in a hushed setting, climbing is collaborative and social. "MC is always bustling. During peak hours you can't even hear the music over the conversation, falling climbers and the nearly constant call for climbing partners," said Nick Lane-Smith, 30, a local technology entrepreneur and a climber of six years.
Venturing up the 50-foot walls at Mission Cliffs requires a partner. Most people bring one, but the gym encourages members to meet others. Announcements over the loudspeakers regularly call for "top-roping" for unpaired climbers. In top-roping, a rope is anchored to the top of the wall through a pulley system, and attached to the climber and "belay partner" on the ground. The belay partner provides weight at the other end of the rope, acting as a brake that keeps climbers from hitting the ground in the event they fall.
In "lead climbing," an advanced technique that allows the climber to "lead" the rope up the wall, there is no top anchor. Climbers, attached to belay partners on the ground, clip into carabiners (heavy metal loops) placed in the wall. Falling while lead climbing can create a spectacle. Not only are the drops longer, but also the belay partners providing the opposing weight are often lifted off the ground by the force of the drop. Climbers become part of the audience, standing around and cheering on others as they reach for a particularly challenging handhold.
On the second floor of Mission Cliffs is the 2,000-square-foot bouldering cave, where people sit around and tell stories, trade advice and problem-solve. Bouldering is done on small walls and doesn't require ropes or partners. Climbers jump on and off the walls, sometimes focusing on singular climbing moves for hours. "There's more of a social scene up here," said a climbing-chalk-covered Michal Kubicki, an attorney who lives in the Lower Haight.
The popularity of the sport isn't surprising, considering the hiking trails, well-formed rocks, and parks like Joshua Tree, Indian Rock, Castle Rock and Desolation Wilderness within driving distance of the Bay Area. Climbers can practice indoors year-round and plan outdoor trips based on weather and optimal climbing conditions.
While many people train to summit landmarks in the great outdoors, others enjoy indoor climbing as its own sport. It strengthens the core, leg and arm muscles, while improving flexibility. It's also a complement to yoga, because of its emphasis on focus, flexibility and balance. Whether bouldering or top-roping, there's problem solving involved. Rarely is a climb as straightforward as moving up a ladder. Knowing how to shift your weight, where to place your feet, how to reach the next hold is an intensely challenging and cerebral exercise.
The walls at Mission Cliffs may be filled with a fair share of the local 20-40 age group, but Adam Barczak, a staffer at Mission Cliffs, says membership encompasses a wide age range - from toddlers to retirees. Franco Faraganu, 61, an instructor, has been climbing for more than 30 years. There are kids' birthday parties and regular juvenile climbers as well. One member often brings his 4-year-old niece to climb the walls.
Gym a comfortable fit
Some Bay Area climbers might take one look at the crowded rock faces, small bouldering area and outdated, tiny weight-lifting area of Mission Cliffs and think, "What's the big deal?" The gym's one fitness area is shared by spinning, yoga, and abs and core classes while other gyms have multiple rooms dedicated to different activities. But for devotees, the gym is as comfortable as a favorite pair of old climbing shoes.
Mission Cliffs is seeking approval to double in size, but the process has been slow. According to Donna Dunlap, the gym's manager, the expansion was approved after initial plans were submitted in April to the Department of Building Inspection. A hearing in front of the City Planning Department was held in June, but the final go-ahead has yet to be granted.
Plans for the new Mission Cliffs call for an additional 1,000 square feet of bouldering terrain, updated fitness facilities, and an undisclosed number of new top and lead climbing routes (paths up the wall). When completed, it will be one of the biggest climbing gyms in the country. But once it's all spiffed up, will Mission Cliffs lose its identity and the loyalty of members who appreciate its well-worn charm?
Six places to get belayed in the Bay Area
TOUCHSTONE CLIMBING: MISSION CLIFFS SAN FRANCISCO
Fitness classes: yoga, spinning, cardio boxing, abs and core
Bouldering: 2,000 square feet
Top roping: 125 routes
Lead: 50 routes
Exercise equipment and weights
Membership: $67 per month
touchstoneclimbing.com/mc.html
Like many rock climbers, Christine Ambrose, a project manager at the San Francisco-based Save the Redwoods Foundation, learned the "ropes" later in life. First drawn to climbing through canopy research - the process of collecting scientific data in treetops - Ambrose, 43, was formally introduced to the sport when a friend took her climbing in June. It was then, she said, "a passion was born." On a recent weekday night she was hanging out at Mission Cliffs Climbing & Fitness on 19th and Harrison streets, enjoying the social aspect of the sport. "I've met so many nice people climbing," she said.
Mission Cliffs is one of six climbing gyms in the Bay Area (see box), and one of three managed by Touchstone Climbing. The first of its kind in San Francisco, it opened in 1995 but didn't gain a following until around 2000 when the sport surged in popularity. Today, there are an estimated 10 million climbers in the United States, with a sizable percentage in the Bay Area.
Despite superior climbing features and fitness facilities at some other gyms, Mission Cliffs remains one of the most popular, with a cult following. That's due only in part to its convenient location in the heart of the Mission. After trying out other gyms, Ambrose settled on Mission Cliffs because of its "down-to-earth quality." Other members regularly cite the open, welcoming vibe and the "friendly, quirky" staff as reasons for their patronage.
Rows of bicycles hang over the railing at the entrance of Mission Cliffs' converted
warehouse. The front desk stereo blasts everything from the Clash to Bob Marley, and inside the gym the conversation is almost deafening. While working out in a conventional gym is a mostly solitary activity in a hushed setting, climbing is collaborative and social. "MC is always bustling. During peak hours you can't even hear the music over the conversation, falling climbers and the nearly constant call for climbing partners," said Nick Lane-Smith, 30, a local technology entrepreneur and a climber of six years.
Venturing up the 50-foot walls at Mission Cliffs requires a partner. Most people bring one, but the gym encourages members to meet others. Announcements over the loudspeakers regularly call for "top-roping" for unpaired climbers. In top-roping, a rope is anchored to the top of the wall through a pulley system, and attached to the climber and "belay partner" on the ground. The belay partner provides weight at the other end of the rope, acting as a brake that keeps climbers from hitting the ground in the event they fall.
In "lead climbing," an advanced technique that allows the climber to "lead" the rope up the wall, there is no top anchor. Climbers, attached to belay partners on the ground, clip into carabiners (heavy metal loops) placed in the wall. Falling while lead climbing can create a spectacle. Not only are the drops longer, but also the belay partners providing the opposing weight are often lifted off the ground by the force of the drop. Climbers become part of the audience, standing around and cheering on others as they reach for a particularly challenging handhold.
On the second floor of Mission Cliffs is the 2,000-square-foot bouldering cave, where people sit around and tell stories, trade advice and problem-solve. Bouldering is done on small walls and doesn't require ropes or partners. Climbers jump on and off the walls, sometimes focusing on singular climbing moves for hours. "There's more of a social scene up here," said a climbing-chalk-covered Michal Kubicki, an attorney who lives in the Lower Haight.
The popularity of the sport isn't surprising, considering the hiking trails, well-formed rocks, and parks like Joshua Tree, Indian Rock, Castle Rock and Desolation Wilderness within driving distance of the Bay Area. Climbers can practice indoors year-round and plan outdoor trips based on weather and optimal climbing conditions.
While many people train to summit landmarks in the great outdoors, others enjoy indoor climbing as its own sport. It strengthens the core, leg and arm muscles, while improving flexibility. It's also a complement to yoga, because of its emphasis on focus, flexibility and balance. Whether bouldering or top-roping, there's problem solving involved. Rarely is a climb as straightforward as moving up a ladder. Knowing how to shift your weight, where to place your feet, how to reach the next hold is an intensely challenging and cerebral exercise.
The walls at Mission Cliffs may be filled with a fair share of the local 20-40 age group, but Adam Barczak, a staffer at Mission Cliffs, says membership encompasses a wide age range - from toddlers to retirees. Franco Faraganu, 61, an instructor, has been climbing for more than 30 years. There are kids' birthday parties and regular juvenile climbers as well. One member often brings his 4-year-old niece to climb the walls.
Gym a comfortable fit
Some Bay Area climbers might take one look at the crowded rock faces, small bouldering area and outdated, tiny weight-lifting area of Mission Cliffs and think, "What's the big deal?" The gym's one fitness area is shared by spinning, yoga, and abs and core classes while other gyms have multiple rooms dedicated to different activities. But for devotees, the gym is as comfortable as a favorite pair of old climbing shoes.
Mission Cliffs is seeking approval to double in size, but the process has been slow. According to Donna Dunlap, the gym's manager, the expansion was approved after initial plans were submitted in April to the Department of Building Inspection. A hearing in front of the City Planning Department was held in June, but the final go-ahead has yet to be granted.
Plans for the new Mission Cliffs call for an additional 1,000 square feet of bouldering terrain, updated fitness facilities, and an undisclosed number of new top and lead climbing routes (paths up the wall). When completed, it will be one of the biggest climbing gyms in the country. But once it's all spiffed up, will Mission Cliffs lose its identity and the loyalty of members who appreciate its well-worn charm?
Six places to get belayed in the Bay Area
TOUCHSTONE CLIMBING: MISSION CLIFFS SAN FRANCISCO
Fitness classes: yoga, spinning, cardio boxing, abs and core
Bouldering: 2,000 square feet
Top roping: 125 routes
Lead: 50 routes
Exercise equipment and weights
Membership: $67 per month
touchstoneclimbing.com/mc.html
Labels: Chris Holt, mission cliffs, SF Gate
¶ Friday, January 14, 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
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
TBS 6 Final Comp at Mission Cliffs
Mission Cliffs held the final of the Touchstone Bouldering Series comps for the year. The sixth season brought on a ton of great competition from an onsight final at Berkeley Ironworks to a dyno contest to a Spider-man pinata at Mission Cliffs.
Every comp had free food and beer. The Pyramid Brewing Company provided the great libations,Chrome Bags, Timbuk2, ALite Designs, Dime Bags, Lombardi Sports, Sports Basement, KIND Healthy Snacks, Adina Drinks, and Hint Water provided great refreshments and prizes for the raffle at the recent Mission Cliffs comp.
Over 1400 climbers joined in the festivities this season. Eric Sanchez, Matthew Bingham, and Hitesh Lala came in first, second, and third respectively for Mens Advanced. Halley Tollner, Camille Kerr, and Mary Kate Meyerhoffer came in first, second, and third respectively for Womens Advanced. The rest of the comp results can be found at the TBS6 Standings page.
Congratulations to all the climbers that came out and competed in best climbing comp series in the US! Hope to see you all at the upcoming rope series competitions!
Every comp had free food and beer. The Pyramid Brewing Company provided the great libations,Chrome Bags, Timbuk2, ALite Designs, Dime Bags, Lombardi Sports, Sports Basement, KIND Healthy Snacks, Adina Drinks, and Hint Water provided great refreshments and prizes for the raffle at the recent Mission Cliffs comp.
Over 1400 climbers joined in the festivities this season. Eric Sanchez, Matthew Bingham, and Hitesh Lala came in first, second, and third respectively for Mens Advanced. Halley Tollner, Camille Kerr, and Mary Kate Meyerhoffer came in first, second, and third respectively for Womens Advanced. The rest of the comp results can be found at the TBS6 Standings page.
Congratulations to all the climbers that came out and competed in best climbing comp series in the US! Hope to see you all at the upcoming rope series competitions!
Labels: mission cliffs, TBS 6
¶ Tuesday, December 07, 2010 5 Comments
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Final TBS 6 Comp at Mission Cliffs
On Friday evening, December 3, Touchstone will have the last of its bouldering series comps at Mission Cliffs. The final comp is from 5-10pm, free for all Touchstone members and only $10 for non members. There will be a TON of new boulder problems, beer, food, and an excess of fun.
The Touchstone Bouldering Series Comps are some of the best around. They have been growing every year. The last comp was at Diablo Rock Gym in Concord and attracted the gym's largest crowd yet, with 250 people turning in scorecards! Skipolini's provided great pizza, Pyramid Brewery supplied a ton of beer, and Paul Hara took awesome pictures.
Stop by the final Touchstone Bouldering series comp Friday night at Mission Cliffs!
In preparation for the event the bouldering at Mission Cliffs will be closed off.
The Touchstone Bouldering Series Comps are some of the best around. They have been growing every year. The last comp was at Diablo Rock Gym in Concord and attracted the gym's largest crowd yet, with 250 people turning in scorecards! Skipolini's provided great pizza, Pyramid Brewery supplied a ton of beer, and Paul Hara took awesome pictures.
Stop by the final Touchstone Bouldering series comp Friday night at Mission Cliffs!
In preparation for the event the bouldering at Mission Cliffs will be closed off.
Labels: Diablo Rock Gym, mission cliffs, TBS 6
¶ Wednesday, December 01, 2010 0 Comments
Monday, November 22, 2010
Thanksgiving Hours
Touchstone climbing gyms will be observing Thanksgiving this year and many of the gyms will have different hours. Below is a list of the changes. Hope everyone gets out and has a great long weekend! Remember to eat ham!
Mission Cliffs
Wednesday, November 24th 6:30am-7pm No classes
Thursday, November 25th - Closed for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 26th - 6:30am-10pm No Classes
Classes resume on Monday, Nov. 29th.
Great Western Power Company
Thursday, November 25th - Closed for Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 26th - 10am-6pm, No Classes.
Pipeworks
Wednesday, November 24th - 9am-6pm, No Classes
Thursday, November 25th - Closed for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 26th - 9am-6pm No Classes
Diablo Rock Gym
Wednesday, November 24th - 5:30 - 8pm, No evening classes except Yoga at 6:30 pm
Thursday, November 25th, Closed for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 25th 5:30am-10pm, no 6am class
Berkeley Ironworks
Wednesday, November 24th - 6am-6pm, No classes except for spinning
Thursday, November 25th - Closed for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 26th - 9am-6pm, No Classes except for belay classes and spinning
Mission Cliffs
Wednesday, November 24th 6:30am-7pm No classes
Thursday, November 25th - Closed for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 26th - 6:30am-10pm No Classes
Classes resume on Monday, Nov. 29th.
Great Western Power Company
Thursday, November 25th - Closed for Thanksgiving.
Friday, November 26th - 10am-6pm, No Classes.
Pipeworks
Wednesday, November 24th - 9am-6pm, No Classes
Thursday, November 25th - Closed for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 26th - 9am-6pm No Classes
Diablo Rock Gym
Wednesday, November 24th - 5:30 - 8pm, No evening classes except Yoga at 6:30 pm
Thursday, November 25th, Closed for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 25th 5:30am-10pm, no 6am class
Berkeley Ironworks
Wednesday, November 24th - 6am-6pm, No classes except for spinning
Thursday, November 25th - Closed for Thanksgiving
Friday, November 26th - 9am-6pm, No Classes except for belay classes and spinning
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, mission cliffs, Thanksgiving
¶ Monday, November 22, 2010 0 Comments
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Mission Cliffs Expansion Delayed
It's looking more and more like the San Francisco Building Department will come up with every possible hurdle to our expansion. After incredible support in Planning and the Planning Commission, we must anticipate that this improvement will be a long uphill battle. Track us on-line, using the address 2295 Harrison, but don't hold your breath. Initially submitted and reviewed over the counter on March 23, the building department had not even re-familiarized themselves with the plans until two months after the June 24 approval by the Planning Commission. It would appear that even the 'building type' that's been used for decades of permits has to be reviewed by this building department. Don't plan for improvements at Mission Cliffs this season.
We are still very excited about the upcoming improvements, just a little disappointed at the delay by the SF Building Department.
Want all the latest news on the upcoming expansion? Follow us on Twitter @ tsclimbing
We are still very excited about the upcoming improvements, just a little disappointed at the delay by the SF Building Department.
Want all the latest news on the upcoming expansion? Follow us on Twitter @ tsclimbing
Labels: mission cliffs, San Francisco Building Department, Touchstone Expansion
¶ Tuesday, September 21, 2010 0 Comments
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ethan Pringle's Beginnings
Long time San Francisco climber, Ethan Pringle will be adding some of his experiences to the blog. Check out his write up about finding his beginnings as a Touchstone climber.
The Beginnings:
I am often asked by people at the gym, at climbing areas, "How long have you been doing this?" I usually ballpark it. I knew that I started sometime around '95-96, but I didn't know exactly when. I wanted to know when I first walked into Mission Cliffs; it changed my life.
I became increasingly obsessed with discovering when I started climbing. One day, I asked at the front desk at Mission Cliffs . "Does it say on that computer screen when I became a member?"
"Sure, hold on a sec...” They responded. “It says you became a member on September 9th, 1997."
"But that can't be right!" I shouted in their face, cutting them off. Actually, I said, "Thanks for looking that up." I was just thinking the former. There was a time when I stopped climbing for several months near the beginning, and my parents must have canceled my membership and restarted it then but I knew I became a member of MC before then.
Either way, I had given up hope of ever finding out exactly when I started climbing until one day when I was cleaning out my brother's apartment. I was sorting through a random pile of things on a bookshelf that he left behind and came across my brothers old card!
Yay! I was elated to find this little piece of ancient plastic. I knew that my brother and I both got our memberships at the same time, so there it was, finally. October 18th, 1995. The search was over! I was so happy to be in touch with my roots that I ran to the gym for a good ole' plastic session
Check out the footage I took with my head cam!
The Beginnings:
I am often asked by people at the gym, at climbing areas, "How long have you been doing this?" I usually ballpark it. I knew that I started sometime around '95-96, but I didn't know exactly when. I wanted to know when I first walked into Mission Cliffs; it changed my life.
I became increasingly obsessed with discovering when I started climbing. One day, I asked at the front desk at Mission Cliffs . "Does it say on that computer screen when I became a member?"
"Sure, hold on a sec...” They responded. “It says you became a member on September 9th, 1997."
"But that can't be right!" I shouted in their face, cutting them off. Actually, I said, "Thanks for looking that up." I was just thinking the former. There was a time when I stopped climbing for several months near the beginning, and my parents must have canceled my membership and restarted it then but I knew I became a member of MC before then.
Either way, I had given up hope of ever finding out exactly when I started climbing until one day when I was cleaning out my brother's apartment. I was sorting through a random pile of things on a bookshelf that he left behind and came across my brothers old card!
Yay! I was elated to find this little piece of ancient plastic. I knew that my brother and I both got our memberships at the same time, so there it was, finally. October 18th, 1995. The search was over! I was so happy to be in touch with my roots that I ran to the gym for a good ole' plastic session
Check out the footage I took with my head cam!
Some GoPro footage from a sesh at Mission Cliffs from Ethan Pringle on Vimeo.
Labels: Ethan Pringle, mission cliffs
¶ Monday, September 13, 2010 1 Comments
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Best of The Bay: Mission Cliffs and Berkeley Ironworks
It is well known that the Touchstone Gyms are some of the nicest places around California to climb, work out, and socialize at. Recently, the San Francisco Bay Guardian rated Mission Cliffs the best gym in the bay area. With it's easy location on Harrison, the 50 foot lead wall, 14,000 sq. ft. of climbing Terrain, 2,000 sq. ft. of bouldering, the free weight section, the extensive aerobic machines, and the awesome classes, Mission Cliffs is easily the best San Francisco Gym and also one of Touchstone's most popular ones.
Also, Berkeley Ironworks was noted in the East Bay Express's annual online magazine. Ironworks' social scene was recognized as an ideal place to find a climbing partner, hang out with friends, and have a good time in an awesome climbing environment with a lot of rad people. Check it out on page 102 of the online magazine.
Congratulations to both gyms for being the best of the bay.
Also, Berkeley Ironworks was noted in the East Bay Express's annual online magazine. Ironworks' social scene was recognized as an ideal place to find a climbing partner, hang out with friends, and have a good time in an awesome climbing environment with a lot of rad people. Check it out on page 102 of the online magazine.
Congratulations to both gyms for being the best of the bay.
Labels: Bay Guardian, East Bay Express, mission cliffs
¶ Tuesday, August 03, 2010 0 Comments
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Facebook Pages
All of the Touchstone Climbing Gyms have Facebook pages. If you want to stay up on important events like Julee Lee giving free massages on Saturdays from 3-6PM at Great Western Power Company, meet new people at Mission Cliffs, get a great deal on the $25 initiation at Berkeley Ironworks, learn about how Sacramento Pipeworks is fast becoming one of the number 1 gyms in Sacramento, or learn about new classes at Diablo Rock Gym.
Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Facebook Pages, Great Western Power Company, mission cliffs
¶ Thursday, June 03, 2010 1 Comments
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Help Mission Cliffs Expansion
Mission Cliffs will be making a two-tier expanded bouldering area. The Touchstone gym will be gaining the lease for the building next door allowing for some major changes in the gym. There will be more cardio equipment, weights, and a dedicated cycling room.
To make the expansion, Touchstone needs approval from the SF planning commission. Part of their decision will be made based on input from the community. You can add your input by picking up a postcard at Mission Cliffs and sending in your input about the gyms.
We are on the June 24th agenda of the planning committee. Please voice your support by signing a postcard at the front desk and you can also send an email to edgar.oropeza@sfgov.org
Unsure what to say? Here is a start:
Dear Planning Commissioners,
I whole heartedly express my support for the expansion plans of Mission Cliffs. I believe the improved facilities will further benefit its user base and the community at large.
Sincerely,
Please feel free to add additional comments that you have about Mission Cliffs and the expansion.
Plus, if you’re active with one of the many community groups we support, a letter to the Planning Commission would support our cause. And of course we’d certainly appreciate anyone showing up on the 24th.
To make the expansion, Touchstone needs approval from the SF planning commission. Part of their decision will be made based on input from the community. You can add your input by picking up a postcard at Mission Cliffs and sending in your input about the gyms.
We are on the June 24th agenda of the planning committee. Please voice your support by signing a postcard at the front desk and you can also send an email to edgar.oropeza@sfgov.org
Unsure what to say? Here is a start:
Dear Planning Commissioners,
I whole heartedly express my support for the expansion plans of Mission Cliffs. I believe the improved facilities will further benefit its user base and the community at large.
Sincerely,
Please feel free to add additional comments that you have about Mission Cliffs and the expansion.
Plus, if you’re active with one of the many community groups we support, a letter to the Planning Commission would support our cause. And of course we’d certainly appreciate anyone showing up on the 24th.
Labels: mission cliffs, San Francisco planning board, Touchstone Expansion
¶ Tuesday, June 01, 2010 0 Comments
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Carnaval Returns to San Francisco: Mission Cliffs Closed for Festivites
It's that time of year again to enjoy SF Carnaval. Please note that Mission Cliffs is located in the heart of the festivities and we will be affected by the street closures for this Memorial Day weekend event.
Harrison Street and surrounding cross streets will be closed between 16th and 22nd commencing on Friday, May 28th at 10pm. Parking will be extremely limited.
Mission Cliffs will be closed on Sunday, May 30th and will reopen on Monday, May 31st at 9am - 7pm. Holiday rates and climbing class schedule will apply.
For more information check out the Carnaval web page.
Harrison Street and surrounding cross streets will be closed between 16th and 22nd commencing on Friday, May 28th at 10pm. Parking will be extremely limited.
Mission Cliffs will be closed on Sunday, May 30th and will reopen on Monday, May 31st at 9am - 7pm. Holiday rates and climbing class schedule will apply.
For more information check out the Carnaval web page.
Labels: Carnaval, Harrison Street closure, mission cliffs
¶ Wednesday, May 26, 2010 0 Comments
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Retired Ropes Put to Great Use By Lincoln High's Green Academy
Mission Cliffs recently donated a number of retired ropes to Abraham Lincoln High School. The ropes were used by the Green Academy during a number of trust and community building activities, as well as, a knot tying demonstration.
Abraham Lincol High School's Green Academy is a small learning community that expands students’ ecoliteracy, prepares them to be empowered agents of change, and cultivates environmental stewardship through service learning, community involvement, professional mentorship, internships, and post secondary education.
The academy is a small learning community that 12 members of the academy participated in Camping at the Presidio’s program of spending the night in our local National Park. This overnight trip was an introduction to sleeping outside for most of the teenagers and will be the first of many camping trips, including multi-day backpacking excursions. The ropes will be used on a number of occasions in the future as our community continues to embark on adventures in nature.
Mission Cliffs recently donated a number of retired ropes to Abraham Lincoln High School. The ropes were used by the Green Academy during a number of trust and community building activities, as well as, a knot tying demonstration.
Abraham Lincol High School's Green Academy is a small learning community that expands students’ ecoliteracy, prepares them to be empowered agents of change, and cultivates environmental stewardship through service learning, community involvement, professional mentorship, internships, and post secondary education.
The academy is a small learning community that 12 members of the academy participated in Camping at the Presidio’s program of spending the night in our local National Park. This overnight trip was an introduction to sleeping outside for most of the teenagers and will be the first of many camping trips, including multi-day backpacking excursions. The ropes will be used on a number of occasions in the future as our community continues to embark on adventures in nature.
Labels: Abraham Linoln High's Green Academy, Donated ropes, mission cliffs
¶ Saturday, May 01, 2010 0 Comments
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Mission High School Climbs at Mission Cliffs
For the third consecutive year, Mission High School visited Mission Cliffs. A diverse group of teenagers put their skills to the challenge, and climbed the difficult routes at San Francisco's Mission Cliffs. Some students set goals of climbing anything at all, while others wanted to climb to the top of the main wall.
Overcoming their fear of heights, the students tied their knots, checked their harnesses, and started pulling down on some plastic. Claudia, a 16 year old Mission High student stated, "I would recommend others to do it because it builds your confidence." With the help of MC member based volunteers and staff, all the students enjoyed themselves and want to come back sometime soon.
The Mission High students had an awesome time and will undoubtedly come back for a fourth year.
Overcoming their fear of heights, the students tied their knots, checked their harnesses, and started pulling down on some plastic. Claudia, a 16 year old Mission High student stated, "I would recommend others to do it because it builds your confidence." With the help of MC member based volunteers and staff, all the students enjoyed themselves and want to come back sometime soon.
The Mission High students had an awesome time and will undoubtedly come back for a fourth year.
Labels: Indoor climbing, mission cliffs, Mission High School
¶ Wednesday, April 21, 2010 0 Comments
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Alison's Abs & Core Class
Mission Cliffs has just added another Abs + Core class on Wednesday mornings beginning Feb. 3rd from 7:30am - 8:30am.
Alison is a lifelong athlete and avid climber who first discovered Pilates in 2006 when a series of back injuries left her in pain and unable to participate fully in the activities she loved. Lo and behold, the practice of Pilates helped her to strengthen and stabilize her core, which led to a happier life and, as an added benefit, a much improved climbing ability. Desiring to spread this discovery to her peers, Alison completed her teacher training in 2008 at the EHS Pilates Institute where she trained with several outstanding instructors, including Ellie Herman. Alison believes strongly in the benefits of Pilates and loves to challenge students of all levels to increase their overall strength and level of fitness. Her classes draw on Pilates concepts, and emphasize core strength, balance and flexibility.
Core the Pilates Way is a challenging and fast-paced core conditioning class. This hour of exercise draws inspiration from the Pilates Method and will not only strengthen the core muscle groups of your body, but will also improve your balance and flexibility on the climbing wall and in your other athletic pursuits. The class combines high numbers of reps with very little rest between exercises to ensure that you will sweat and work every minute! Many exercises include modifications for those who are struggling, or those who want an increased challenge, so everyone is welcome, no matter what your level of fitness. You will notice a positive difference in your core strength if you attend consistently for a couple of months!
Alison is a lifelong athlete and avid climber who first discovered Pilates in 2006 when a series of back injuries left her in pain and unable to participate fully in the activities she loved. Lo and behold, the practice of Pilates helped her to strengthen and stabilize her core, which led to a happier life and, as an added benefit, a much improved climbing ability. Desiring to spread this discovery to her peers, Alison completed her teacher training in 2008 at the EHS Pilates Institute where she trained with several outstanding instructors, including Ellie Herman. Alison believes strongly in the benefits of Pilates and loves to challenge students of all levels to increase their overall strength and level of fitness. Her classes draw on Pilates concepts, and emphasize core strength, balance and flexibility.
Core the Pilates Way is a challenging and fast-paced core conditioning class. This hour of exercise draws inspiration from the Pilates Method and will not only strengthen the core muscle groups of your body, but will also improve your balance and flexibility on the climbing wall and in your other athletic pursuits. The class combines high numbers of reps with very little rest between exercises to ensure that you will sweat and work every minute! Many exercises include modifications for those who are struggling, or those who want an increased challenge, so everyone is welcome, no matter what your level of fitness. You will notice a positive difference in your core strength if you attend consistently for a couple of months!
Labels: Ellie Herman, mission cliffs, Pilates
¶ Tuesday, February 02, 2010 0 Comments
