Berkeley Ironworks is searching for a new graphic to put on the back of their t-shirts and hoodies. To add some incentive, Touchstone is offering a free 2 month membership to the artist that submits the best design. So bust out your stencils, sharpen your creative mind, and have your image grace the back of a large series of climbing clothing apparel.

The contest ends on March 15. Please submit all design entires to biwnewsletter@gmail.com

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, climbing graphic, t-shirt design

The Berkeley Ironworks artist of the month for March is Sam Miller. Check out her piece and a little about her.



Sam Miller has spent her entire life creating art. For the past 15 years, she has been honored by local communities and private institutions for her murals, painting, sculpture, and photography. She has taught thousands of elementary school students how to unleash the artist in themselves while teaching teachers how to make art a powerful tool for change. Sam fervently believes that everything is “artable.” Much to her mother’s chagrin, Sam even turned her car into a mobile canvas.

Currently, she devotes her time working closely with clients who commission personalized wall hangings. Each piece is tailored to the heart and aesthetic of each client. Clients choose from a variety of techniques and media such as realistic portraiture, layered fabric, abstract painting, digital photography, linoleum block printing, etching, embroidery, hand-beading, and/or quilting. Clients also decide their level of involvement in their piece. Some wish to take part in each step of the process; others want to know the broad strokes, and there are those who seek to be surprised at the unveiling of their piece.

It is Sam’s gift to make art which honors what people deeply love; it is her passion to make art that also heals. Each commissioned piece centers around what one loves – family, pets, memories, experiences, nature. This love creates a connection between one’s heart and the art. Simply looking at the wall hanging can open and soften one’s heart. Globally, the connection transmits loving energy that has the power to restore the balance of our planet.

Love lives in our hearts and is the fabric that holds us together. Sam Miller‘s gift is give this love a visual home.

Labels: Artist of the Month, Berkeley Ironworks, Sam Miller

Over the holiday week, Team Mt. Lagmore, a crew of Ironworks/Bay Area climbers, headed out to Bishop on the east side of the Sierras. They had an awesome time on the volcanic tuff boulders of the Happy's, and Sads. And they tested their technique on the technical granite of the Buttermilks. Kim Groebner, the coach of the teen team at Ironworks and a graphic designer in Berkeley, described the trip saying, "It was my best climbing trip ever and all six of us on the trip unanimously agreed about that. Good weather, good projects, some sending, lots of awesome friends and a blue moon."

Team Pyramid!

Jeremy Ho, a member of the front desk staff at Ironworks, had a banner trip, sending a number of his projects, including Soul Slinger (V9), Pow Pow (V8) and the Rave (V7). Check out this video of him crushing Soul Slinger.




Santaigo Portilla busting the moves across the Ironman Traverse (V4) Santiago managed the heel and toe hooks of the Hulk v6 at the Happies. He flashed the difficult Solarium (V3) and walked his way up Robinson's Rubber Tester (V0).


Kim crushed a number of problems at the Volcanic tablelands. Here she's getting pysched to try Strength in Numbers (V6). Like just about every climbing trip to Bishop, someone got sick from food poisoning. Unfortunately it was Kim and she was unable to send her last two days. Still she was "sick strong!" Kim fired through the crimpy match on Serengeti (V5), escaped the ice caves on the Mothership Connection (V4) and did the Happy's Monkey Hang (V3).


The price of bouldering- a bit of a flapper.


Caydie McCumber on Solarium at the Happy Boulders. Caydie McCumber stemmed through the difficulties on the Buttermilk Stem- a classic v2/7c+ at the Buttermilks.


Though the crew got mostly sunshine, it did get a little cold. Caydie's bundled up.

The majority of the pictures were taken by Alex Witte, the top member of the team pyramid, and an active Ironworks climber.

Nights hanging at the hot tubs in Bishop, happy hour at Whiskey Creek, an awesome New Year's and tons of fun. Good job to all the members of Mt. Lagmore for their awesome sends, and great time in Bishop.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Bishop, Soul Slinger

Sunday, January 10th from 6-8 pm, long time Ironworks staff member and climber, Jeffery will be giving a lead climbing clinic. Learn the nuances of lead belaying, rope management, and proper clipping technique from an excellent climber.



Jeffrey's class costs $40. Sign up at the front desk of Ironworks. Space is Limited so register soon.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Lead Clinic

The Berkeley Ironworks SpinnerBlast Crew recently made a video capping all the cool events of the season.

2009, The year that was... from SpinnerBlast on Vimeo.

For more information about SpinnerBlast check out their blog site

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, SpinnerBlast, spinning classes

In the spirit of the Holidays, the gyms will be having different hours. A lot of employees will be visiting family- more of them will be climbing!

Mission Cliffs
Dec 24- 6:30 Am - 7Pm
Dec 25- Closed for Christmas
Dec 31- 6:30 Am - 7 Pm
Jan 1- Closed for New Year's

Sacramento Pipeworks
Dec 24- 9 Am - 6 Pm
Dec 25- Closed for Christmas
Dec 31- 9 Am - 6 Pm
Jan 1- Closed for New Year's

Berkeley Ironworks
Dec 24 - 6am-6pm No Classes
Dec 25 - Closed for Christmas
Dec 26 - 6 am-6pm No Classes
Dec 31 - 6 am-6pm No Classes
January 1 - Closed For New Year's

Great Western Power Company
Dec 24- 6:30 Am - 6 Pm
Dec 25- Closed for Christmas
Dec 31- 6:30 Am - 6 Pm
Jan 1- Closed for New Year's

Diablo Rock Gym
Dec 24th 5:30 am - 6:00 pm
Dec 25th Closed for Christmas
Dec 26th 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Dec 31st 5:30 am - 6:00 pm
Jan 1st Closed for New Year's
Jan 2nd 9:00 am - 6:00 pm


The East Side in the Winter.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Diablo Rock Gym, Great Western Power Co., mission cliffs, Sacramento Pipeworks

Brian Hedrick, aka Cuz, has been setting routes and problems at the Touchstone gyms for a number since August of 2006. The boulderer's pysched hasn't dissipated since he began setting. After long hours establishing new problems, Cuz can be found cranking out hard eliminates in the Wave at Berkeley Ironworks. When he's not busy crushing double digit V-sickness, Cuz can be found enjoying great California activities like the Gilroy Garlic Festival! Check out the video Rebecca Taggart made of him hiking the Checkerboard boulder in Bishop's Buttermilks. Keep cranking Cuz!

Untitled from rebecca taggart on Vimeo.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Brian Hedrick, Checkerboard

Last Friday, Berkeley Ironworks held the last of the Touchstone Bouldering Series Comps. Over 350 people attended the event and had a great time.
Over a thousand climbers joined Touchstone for TBS5!

In the Overall Results:

Halley Tollner, Maria Ly, and Kim Groebner came in first, second, and third respectively for the Women's Advanced.

Gregor Peirce, Mark Liu, and Matt Bingham came in first, second, and third respectively for the Men's Advanced.

Check out the video of the Berkeley Comp:

TBS 5 Berkely Iron Works from Princess on Vimeo.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, bouldering comp, TBS5

The final competition of the Touchstone Bouldering Series will be held November 13 at Berkeley Ironworks. The event, which starts at 6, will give competitors a chance to crank on a ton of new boulder problems, eat lots of free pizza, drink way too much beer, and have an excellent time. Come to Ironworks Friday night for a free comp t-shirt and a lot of fun!

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, bouldering comp, TBS5

Access Fund Brings Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival to Berkeley, California


Boulder, Colorado, October 14th, 2009 — The Access Fund, the national advocacy organization that keeps U.S. climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment, is set to host the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival in Berkeley, California, on Thursday, November 12th, 2009. The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is a night of inspiring environmental films and a celebration of the environment, complete with a lively pre-party, live music, beer and an auction. The party and film festival will be held at the Clif Bar and Company Headquarters located at 1610 Fifth Street in Berkeley (entrance is through the parking lot on Fourth Street). Festivities kick off at 5 p.m., with film screenings beginning at 7 p.m.

Drinks, live music, and the films themselves will drive the celebration of a festival for activists, by activists, created with the aim of sharing new ideas. In hosting the Wild & Scenic Environmental Film Festival, the Access Fund intends to inspire fellow activists to learn, experience, explore, and celebrate the natural and wild worlds through the power of film and thought.

Participants will learn from inspiring environmental films surrounding hard-hitting topics including bioengineering, water issues, wilderness preservation, citizen activism, and more. With added excitement highlighting the adrenalin of kayaking the world’s wildest rivers, climbing the highest peaks, and trekking across the globe, these films will explore the critical issues facing our environment today. Leading environmental activists, outdoor professionals, filmmakers, and celebrities will be in attendance, joining conversations and celebrating alongside the audience.

Tickets are available now for $10.To purchase, and for a sneak peek of the evening’s activities and more information, visit: www.accessfund.org/wseff. The Wild &Scenic Film Festival is supported by Clif Bar, Osprey, Patagonia, Tom’s of Maine, and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

About the Access Fund
Founded in 1991, the Access Fund is the national advocacy organization that keeps climbing areas open and conserves the climbing environment. The Access Fund supports and represents over 1.6 million climbers nationwide in all forms of climbing: rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and bouldering. Five core programs support the mission on national and local levels: climbing management policy, stewardship and conservation, local support and mobilization, land acquisition and protection, and education. For more information, visit www.accessfund.org.

Labels: Access Fund, Berkeley Ironworks, Clif Bar, Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival

Here's a bit more about all this:

"CrossFit East Bay will be fielding a team for the "Affiliate Cup" comp at the Games in July.

CrossFit East Bay will be having tryouts and/or competitions within our affiliate to determine the make-up of our team.

Training for the Affiliate Cup Tryouts will begin on Sunday May 9th. There will be a MANDATORY meeting on that day, 1PM, for those interested in tryouts: if for some reason, you truly cannot make it, schedule a separate meeting with me please.

While Gita and I are working out the details, it is likely that we will mirror the affiliate cup format by having two WODs per day, one at 1PM and one at 6PM (programming by Gita), with at least some of these held at off-site locations. There will be 14 WODs followed by a qualifier one week before the games (July 5th, date subject to change). You must attend 10 of 14 WODs to participate in the qualifier."

If you're into it, and feeling fit enough, check it out and look into getting involved. You will be pushed to your limits!

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, CrossFit, CrossFit Championships

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

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

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

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

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

The end of March brought a great event into our Berkeley Ironworks location. We're still waiting on an official testimonial from the group, but nevertheless, by the looks of the photo and hearing from those that were at the event, it was both educational and extremely fun.

At any rate, on March 29th, 18 teenagers from a group called "Next Generation Scholars," stopped by for a day out. During their visit to Berkeley Ironworks they learned to both climb, and belay for the very first time. "Next Generation Scholars" is an organization that serves underprivileged college-bound Marin-based high school students. Megan, the Program Coordinator, was quick to describe the event and the day they spent with us as "rewarding" and that she looks "forward to working with you again in the future."

Thanks for hosting your event with us, we can't wait to have you back and look forward to hearing

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, community, Community Group, kids, Next Generation Scholars

In case any of you were unfortunate enough to actually miss the TBS4 Finale at Berkeley Ironworks, I have some great news this Monday morning: I have an official write-up, a photo gallery you can check out, AND a video of the contest that you missed out on.

Here we go, straight from Paul, the General Manager at Berkeley Ironworks:

On March 20th, Berkeley Ironworks hosted the TBS4 series finale. A record turnout of 343 competitors came out to test their mettle against 67 brand new boulder problems ranging from v0 to v11! It wasn't just the climbing challenges that drew climbers from all over the Bay Area, we had free pizza, beer and a prize raffle.

Brett Ashton won the Men's Advanced and Gabbi Masse won the Women's advanced. For the intermediate category we had Morgan Laney (women's) and Ethan Goldblatt (men's). The beginning category champions were Chris Hutchins (men's) and Grace Fernandez (women's).

The series titles were also up for grabs that Friday night and the competitor who had the best 3 scores out of the 5 competitions would take home the crown. Even though Brett Ashton beat Troy Gibb at Ironworks, Troy's previous comp results let him squeak out the victory in the Men's Advanced category. Halley Tollner's consistent performances enabled her to edge out Gabby Masse for the Women's Advanced title.

In the Intermediate category, Karen Benitez won the Women's over Julie Spiker by the smallest of margins (260 points) and John Ricco dominated Men's, winning by 2920 points. For the beginner division, Grace Fernandez's hard work paid off, she attended all 5 comps and won the Women's division handily while Joseph Markette one the Men's.

The next Touchstone Bouldering Series (season 5) will start this July so keep checking the website for when the dates will be announced.

Bottom line, when TBS5 rolls around, this is NOT something you're going to want to miss. Thanks Paul.


TBS4 finale @ Ironworks from Berkeley Ironworks on Vimeo.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Climbing Video, Contest, Paul, TBS4, TBS5

They are going to be doing great things at our Berkeley Ironworks gym in a few weeks and we wanted to make sure to give you all ample time to mark it down on your calendar. That's right, our Berkeley Ironworks gym, on Saturday, April 25, will be having a Cancer Awareness Climb-a-Thon. Here is a bit more, courtesy of Paul, our General Manager at BI.

CANCER AWARENESS DAY CLIMBATHON~~~APRIL 25th

Berkeley Ironworks invites all for a feel good day. On Saturday, April 25th, BIW will be hosting a climbathon with the primary goal to raise funds for cancer research and to educate the community about cancer, and of course to have fun. There will be raffle drawings throughout the day and prizes to the top fundraisers.

Calling out to all climbers. How many climbs do you have in you to raise the minimum of $50? Challenge yourself! This is a great way to start the season, get a workout, and be part of a cause. You can participate individually, or organize a group with your friends or co-workers. You can do routes or boulder problems.

Parents learn how to belay your kids. Newcomers get in on all the fun & find out what's all the buzz about climbing. Suggested donation of $30 for classes.

GET ON ROUTE FOR A CURE ~ ONE PROBLEM AT A TIME!

REGISTIER AT: BERKELEY IRONWORKS GYM (or go to)

http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=cGR3MXRfaHFaOG9SM2JSRUF4Q2FqR0E6MA..

Thanks and we hope to see you all there, it's a great cause, so please, donate if you can.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Cancer, Charity, Climb-A-Thon, Donate

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's a quick heads up that one of our popular classes at Berkeley Ironworks has changed in both name, and style. That's right, starting in April, every Friday at 5:00 pm will be our new "Fit Fridays Happy Hour" class that will be a blend of cardio, strength and stretching.

Check out our flyer for the new information, but bottom line, if you're looking for a great way to get happy on endorphins while doing strength training that ranges from lunches to pull-ups, cardio drills that bring in kickboxing to plyometrics, and great ab and stretching activities, this is the class for you. It's led by Cathyn Fan, who started out with a 200-hour YogaFit certification and then went on to add Pilates, Abs, Kickboxing and personal training to her resume. If you want functional strength, this is your new best friend. The best news, they even do exercises that will improve your climbing skills.

We hope to see you there!

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Classes, Fit Fridays Happy Hour, Friday, New Class

Mark your calendars for this one, as it's something you really shouldn't miss. Looks like for all of you who missed out in the past, BodyFatTest is coming back, and will be at our Berkeley Ironworks gym on Monday, April 27th.

For those who have been tested in the past, don’t miss out on the chance to see the changes to your fat and lean mass. For those who have missed out on testing before, take this opportunity to start tracking your fitness progress now using the most accurate body composition analysis available with BodyFatTest!

BodyFatTest is a mobile, hydrostatic, body composition testing clinic that will provide you with a four-page printout including your body fat percentage, lean mass percentage, resting metabolic rate, and caloric expenditure activity chart tailored specifically for you. Body composition testing is exciting and motivating because you will track your gains in muscle mass while decreasing your body fat – this is not recognized on a bathroom scale and can frustrate fitness enthusiasts and those trying to improve their health through diet and exercise. The test takes only a few moments during which you will totally submerge yourself in comfortably warm water, heated to between 89 and 94 degrees. The water is cycling through a pump and filtration system throughout the day. Mark your calendar now.

BodyFatTest will be here on Monday, April 27th from 3pm – 8pm. The initial test costs $49, with retests at $39. Advanced registration at the front desk is strongly encouraged. Bring your bathing suit on the day of testing – changing rooms are available in the clinic. For more information, check out their website at www.bodyfattest.com. See you there!

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Body fat percentage, BodyFatTest, fitness, Testing, Weight loss

This week for our Climbing Clip of the Week we decided to instead, show off some clips of one of our popular classes, Cardio Boxing with Victor Damian. If you're looking for a ridiculously workout, a fun time, and something completely different than your average run on the treadmill, this class is most likely exactly right for you.

Here's what Victor had to say when asked to describe his own class:

Cardio Boxing with Victor

Listen to good music, jump rope, punch the heavy bags, work mitts, do some push-ups and sit-ups, have fun and don't forget to sign up for Tuesday and Thursday classes. Class size is limited. All experience levels welcome!

Just a reminder, the Cardio Boxing class is Tuesday & Thursday from 6:30 - 7:30 pm and Friday from 7:45 to 8:45 pm. You can sign up at the front desk at Berkeley Ironworks. For now, check out some of the video footage of our members sweating it out to Cardio Boxing.


Cardio Boxing with Victor Damian from Berkeley Ironworks on Vimeo.


Cardio Boxing with Victor Damian, part 2 from Berkeley Ironworks on Vimeo.


Cardio Boxing with Victor Damian, part 3 from Berkeley Ironworks on Vimeo.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Cardio, Cardio Boxing, Climbing Clip of the Week, Victor Damian, Videos

In just a few weeks Berkeley Ironworks is going to have their hands on some great new climbing shoes from the company that is arguably the best in the business. That's right, Five Ten has a new shoe, dubbed "Project" and it's HERE at Berkeley Ironworks to be sold to you.

As always, members will receive 10% off on this awesome new shoe. Here is a bit more about the new Five Ten "Project" shoe, straight from the company:

"Five Ten™ Project

The most sensitive climbing shoe ever built. Designed exclusively for overhanging rock, the Project™ features Five Ten’s ground-breaking Prehensile ™ technology that lets you use your feet like hands. Prehensile Technology allows climbers to grab like never before. Due to the unprecedented durability of new Stealth ™ Mystique™ rubber, the Project’s downturned soles are only 2mm thick (other climbing shoes have at least 4mm thick soles). If you’re climbing hard overhanging routes outdoors or at the gym, the Project is the best choice."

Stop in and check out our selection of climbing shoes, with 10% off I'm sure you can find something great.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Climbing shoe, Discount, Equipment, Five Ten, members

This Sunday at Berkeley Ironworks we are lucky to play host to a small but important class. The Oakland Fire Department, as part of their Random Acts charity is going to be teaching a First Aid/CPR class to the public here at our gym. The Class will be this Sunday, February 15th, from 2-8pm. The class size must remain small and so will be limited to 10 people.

The suggested donation for the class and certification is $50 to their charity.

Interested? Here's what you can expect to encounter and learn on Sunday:

"The class provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective basic life support in an emergency. Basic First Aid program participants learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of injuries and sudden illness. Crucial information about how to deal with emergencies like bleeding, shock, burns, strains, fractures, allergic reaction, diabetic and seizures is shared.

Sign up and donate at the front desk today!"

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, First aid, Health, New Class, Oakland Fire Department, Public Health and Safety

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rocks & Trees

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

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

This past December, Berkeley Ironworks was happy to host a group of four students from King Middle School and it just recently came to our attention that they put up a great testimonial to the outing on the Hayward Unified School District website.

The four students that were selected for the day trip were chosen "by making commitments towards positive change as students and citizens of their school and community." They all got the full lay of the land once inside Berkeley Ironworks and all showed some great promise on the climbing walls.

At any rate, head over and check out the testimonial on their site. I'm sure we'll be playing host to other events like this in the future, so stay tuned.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, climbing, Education, Hayward California, Testimonial, Unified school district

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

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

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

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

In case you haven't stopped into our Berkeley Ironworks gym for a little while, I want to fill you in on some awesome news you just might have overlooked! As you know, all of our gyms here at Touchstone Climbing are dedicated to not only helping our communities get into amazing shape, and providing them with the Best climbing walls and exercise facilities possible, we're also here to help promote and publicize some of our local artists that show exceptional talent.

This month, at Berkeley Ironworks, we're proud and pleased to feature the art of Vanda Rotkovska, an amazingly talented photographer. Here is a little bit about Vanda, so you'll know where she is coming from when you stop in to check out her art:

My artistic training in the very early years was mostly born out of absolute boredom. My parents would drop me off at someone’s house on many a weekend, TV was a rarity, books were often left at home or already read and re-read, but a pencil and paper could always be scrounged up. Since my mid teens I have often used photography as a reference point for the imagery incessantly floating around my head waiting to be transferred to canvas or paper. This particular collection of photographs is my reflection on going home. As a child raised during the communist regime in the former Czechoslovakia, my memories of those years and places were tinged with certain grayness. Although my childhood was not a terribly unhappy one, there was always a sense of hopelessness and deterioration in the places we lived, and the people we knew. After leaving the city for the countryside I also soon had to put away my B&W film camera in order to try and capture some of the colour that had obviously faded from my recollections. Though I still very much gravitate to the quiet places that remind me of a different time, they now seem a little brighter even with all their imperfections. To contact Vanda, email her at: orchidmedusa@yahoo.com

Stop in, say hello, check out the amazing art work and do some climbing while you're at it!

Labels: Artist of the Month, Berkeley Ironworks, Featured Artist, Photography

Now, my loyal friends, something a little bit different, but a lot bit awesome for all you that live anywhere near our Berkeley Ironworks Gym...how about trying this on for size: We're hosting a Foosball Tournament, TONIGHT at 8:00pm at our gym! Tonight!

That's right, come play the game of Kings and Queens! For centuries lives, lands and laurels have been won and lost on the spin of the ball and the fooser's wrist, and according to Paul at BI, "We at Ironworks like to encourage cultural appreciation, and in this vein we would like to draw attention to this ancient rite and see who among us is the best; who stands tiny, plastic head and shoulders above the rest."

Basically, how in the world can you possibly even imagine missing an event like this?! Tonight at 8:00, the Berkeley Ironworks Foosball Tournament begins...be early, you will NOT want to miss this event! Once there, a full dosing of the rules, rights, and rewards will be given.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Events, Foosball Tournament, Touchstone Climbing

Today I have some great, non-climbing news to report to all of you. Looks like the Touchstone Climbing Staff just grew by 1! That's right, we welcomed into our ranks the newest mini-member exactly one week ago today!

One of our spinning instructors at Berkeley Ironworks, Becky Ackerman and her husband Fred welcomed in a healthy, happy baby boy, David Richard Kohne Ackerman on December 30. He weighed in at 6lbs 15oz and was 20 inches long.

Here is a brief recap courtesy of Fred:

Becky's water broke at 11:15 pm last night and at 4:21 am today David joined our family. Becky did an incredible job and amazed everybody in the triage, delivery and recovery rooms with her strength. She was handling the early contractions so well they all thought she wasn't very far along and would take way longer than the 5 hrs it did. Since both Becky and David are so healthy they let us leave at 6:30 pm. All three of us are glad to be home now and about to catch up on some sleep. For those Bay Area locals who've so generously expressed interest in helping with meals in the coming days and weeks, please contact our good friend Molly Nakahara who's organizing a meal calendar. Please email her at: maryemelda@gmail.com.

In short, congratulations from all of us here at Touchstone Climbing! We're so glad everyone is safe, healthy, happy and doing great! Now get him a harness and lets get him climbing!

Labels: Becky Ackerman, Berkeley Ironworks, New Baby, staff, Touchstone Climbing

While prowling around the ol' WWW, I just so happened to find something extremely cool and extremely relevant for this weeks Climbing Clip of the Week! That's right, I found a video on YouTube that is none other than our very own Berkeley Ironworks!

The video shows a whole lot of climbing all over the gym, shows some of the routes you can take, and just generally makes me happy seeing ol' Berkeley Ironworks!

Check out the awesome climbing at the awesome gym, then head over there yourself if you're in the area! We'd love to have you!

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, climbing, Climbing Clip of the Week, YouTube

Bob Dylan said it best when he mentioned that the times, they are a changin'. For Berkeley Ironworks and the Yoga Room floor, that is a very, very good thing. Those at Berkeley Ironworks were quick to say that the old floor had a lot of character. They were also quick to say that that was a very, very nice way of saying that it was extremely old.

Old is out, new is in. That's right folks, if you're not already signed up for Yoga classes at Berkeley Ironworks, you should be, and SOON, if for no other reason than to see the brand new, amazingly beautiful bamboo floor!

The new floor should not only look amazing, but it should FEEL amazing, and bamboo is such a great product to use as it's a much more renewable resource than conventional wood. So, if you haven't already, at least come in and check out the gorgeous new flooring, and at the most, sign up for some Yoga classes! Your body will thank you!

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Floor, Yoga, Yoga Classes

This little note goes out to any and all of you that are subscribers to the amazingly helpful and cool newsletter, SpinnerBlast. If you're not, you should be. At any rate, December 2008 officially started yesterday, and as such, all riders, cyclists, climbers and members that want to be highlighted in the Holiday Edition of SpinnerBlast this year, better get a move on!

As you know, around this time of year almost all major magazines and newsletters do a "year end" recap special edition before the final transformation into the next year begins. SpinnerBlast is no exception and this year, they want to do something pretty awesome: Draw attention to the 2008 accomplishments of people in the program and in and around the entire Berkeley Ironworks community. How cool is that? So, you officially have until December 7th, this coming Sunday, to get your information and photos into Wendy. Seriously, tell us what you did this year, running, cycling, climbing or any other area, and feel free to tell us your goals for 2009. Here's what they're looking for, from you guys:

"Please send Wendy the details of something you did this past year, of which you're especially proud, accompanied by a photo. It can be a race you trained for, on your bike or legs, in which you met or exceeded a goal. Or, a series of events that gave structure to your year. Or, a "first:" a first century or double century, first time on the Black Sheep Adventures trip, a PR (personal record), in a race or event. In 2008, we launched a running club in addition to our cycling club. And our TC racing teams witnessed their own growth and successes, both collective and individual. We have plenty to crow about! Don't be shy. Send in the info even if you're reticent to brag about yourself. Wendy will contact you if additional information is needed, then construct an end of the year issue that highlights what we've done in 2008."

There you have it! Get on it and see yourself in the Year End Issue!

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Special Issue, SpinnerBlast, Wendy Georges

Only one more day until Friday! We've made it this far my friends, we're almost to the much deserved weekend! That said, I just wanted to offer up a quick reminder to all of you that one of the best, and most popular classes at Berkeley Ironworks has undergone a bit of a makeover when it comes to its name.

What used to be called "Sports Conditioning" is now renamed, much more appropriately I might add, "Full Body." It's the same great class, just a new name. For all of you veterans to it, no worries, for all of you that have yet to join and get into the groove, now is the time. Just to prove to you how much you need to be a part of this great class, here's some of what you can expect:

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Classes, fitness, Health, Muscle, Muscle Building, Personal Trainer, Physical exercise, Physical fitness, Wellness

When one of our own goes down, we must all rise up to help. This is something I think we all know, we all preach, and now we will all practice. This is a reminder of a benefit coming up, November 1st, from 6-10pm at Berkeley Ironworks. Rowan Jimenez needs our help for a lung transplant...our help, is the least we can do.

Here is the official info on the event, which is absolutely not one to be missed!

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, Bouldering, Lung transplantation, Rock Climb, Rowan Jimenez, Scleroderma

The REEL ROCK tour will be swinging by the bay area for four days in October. Walnut Creek is the first to be visited by the tour on October 1st, the show will be at the Pyramid Brewery. On October 9th the tour will stop by the Victoria Theater in San Francisco and on October 15th & 16th, the tour will stop in Berkeley at the Pyramid Brewery. All shows times are 8pm.

The third annual REEL ROCK Film Tour, launching September 10th in Boulder, CO delivers the year's most exciting climbing and adventure films to audiences in over 80 cities around the world. More than just film screenings, REEL ROCK shows are festive events where climbers and outdoors lovers gather to celebrate their shared passion for adventure.

Presented by Windstopper and The North Face, REEL ROCK events feature the latest releases from the award-winning filmmakers at Sender Films and Big Up Productions, plus new thrilling short films, gear giveaways, appearances by top climbers, and fundraising for local and national non-profit organizations.

For the first time in 2008, aspiring producers are encouraged to submit their best three-minute films to The REEL ROCK Filmmaking Competition. Entries will be posted online for public voting, and two winner will rake in thousands of dollars worth of prizes, plus see their films on the big screen as part of the REEL ROCK tour.

For more information check out: http://www.reelrocktour.com/

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, climbing, mission cliffs, REEL ROCK TOUR

Berkeley Ironworks member, local kitchen wizard and climber, Tianna, will be stopping by Tuesday night, Sept 16th from 7-10pm. She’ll be selling baked treats, with a portion of the proceeds going to a breast cancer research fund. Eat your way to a brighter, cancer-free future, or just fuel up for a night of climbing with some good grub.

Interested in joining the delicious effort on a producer front? Talk to Casey at the front desk.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, community, members

On Friday September 5th, Berkeley Ironworks hosted an informal 'Mystery Comp'. But just what exactly is a mystery comp? Well, there were 49 new boulder problems in the wave, but no grades - hence the mystery. To make things even more interesting, the points were distributed randomly! So the strategy was to find the easiest climb for the points and ask other people how hard things were.

Justin Ghan solved the mystery in the men's division and Emily Engie won the women's division. Stay tuned for other random and fun events at Berkeley Ironworks in the future.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, climbing, comps

Oakland fire fighter Sean Gillis will be teaching his third CPR / First Aid class @ Berkeley Ironworks on September 21st from 2-8pm. This class is open to all in the community for only the suggested donation of $50 (or what ever you can afford). All the proceeds from the classes go to the Oakland Firefighters Random Acts Charity. So far, some of the money raised by Sean has gone to help a family in Nicaragua. Sadly her husband went crazy, cut off her hands and fled. Leaving her to care for her family of four with no way to get a job. The random acts charity has stepped in to help with short-term food relief and enabling her to get prosthesis.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, community

Berkeley Ironworks was recently featured on KTVU channel 2. You can check out both a slide show featuring Ironworks as well as a full video segment on the gym. If you are an Ironworks member, you may even be able to see yourself climbing in the background.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, news

The Oakland Fire Department, as part of their Random Acts charity will be teaching First Aid / CPR classes to the public on July 20th from 2-8 pm at Berkeley Ironworks. Class is limited to 10 people. The suggested donation for the class and certification is only $50.

The class provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective basic life support in an emergency. Basic First Aid program participants learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of injuries and sudden illness. Crucial information about how to deal with emergencies like bleeding, shock, burns, strains, fractures, allergic reaction, diabetic and seizures is shared.

If you would like to sign up, please stop by the front desk or call Berkeley Ironworks.

Labels: Berkeley Ironworks, event