Tell your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers: if they sign up in October at any Touchstone gym, they will receive 50% off their initiation fee. Remember, members have full use of the gym, all the climbing, fitness classes, yoga and more. The beginner climbing class is included with membership, so there are no excuses not to join. Rumor has it, this is an El Nino year . . . get ahead of the bad winter weather and join Touchstone!

Labels: El Nino, Great Western Power Co., Touchstone Climbing

A few months ago, Touchstone began putting route updates on a Twitter page. Easily find out what new routes and boulder problems are being put up by subscribing to Touchstone'e Twitter site. Also, check out the news feed with updates on the web site or check out the Facebook pages of the gyms.

Ironworks, Great Western Power Company, Diablo Rock Gym, Mission Cliffs, and Pipeworks

Labels: Facebook, Touchstone Climbing, Twitter

Due to recent safety issues, we are now asking all top rope climbers to use a double fisherman back up knot when tying into the rope. We believe that this will make it harder for a climber to mistakenly start a climb before completing their figure 8 knot.

We thank you for your cooperation on this issue.

Labels: Back Up Knot, Double Fisherman, Safety, Touchstone Climbing

If you're a fan of El Capitan, and Yosemite National Park in general, this little bit of news will most likely interest you. As you know, some of the best climbing in the entire country can be had in Yosemite Park and the one jewel of it's crown is El Capitan. Some of the most impressive climbing feats in the last 30 years have been completed right here, and so a chance to get an up-close and personal look at the place is great.

Word is that the ElCap Report now has it's very own blog filled with information, reports, and yes, pictures of this great place. This is a one-stop shop to read up about climbers and their amazing El Cap exploits, as well as take in some photographic proof at just how impressive this place really is.

So, feel free to go check it out and read up about one of climbings most impressive locations. Great way to get inspired to climb at your peak potential, great way to get inspired to just get better. Who knows, we might see you on the site next!

Labels: El Capitan, Touchstone Climbing, Yosemite, Yosemite National Park

Just a quick note today to wish you and yours a very Happy Memorial Day from all of us here at Touchstone Climbing. Hopefully today finds you with a day off of work or school and able to get things done in your life. Take a moment to just remember all of the brave men and women that helped keep our country safe and make it what it is today.

A quick reminder that all of our Touchstone Climbing gyms will have different hours today, and there will be no classes being held. Please check with your local gym to figure out when they are open, and what time they'll be shutting down for the day.

Have a great Memorial Day and we'll see you tomorrow!

Labels: Holiday, Hours, Memorial Day, Touchstone Climbing

We've talked about the importance of a good climbing helmet, and even how much a great pair of climbing shoes can help elevate your climbing, but the one piece of equipment that is vital to our sport, no matter where you're doing it, is the most basic and the first one you'll need when you jump into climbing. The harness.

Without a climbing harness you can't safely tie into any lines, you can't fall without serious injury and you can't climb with confidence. A proper, well-fitted harness is the very first piece of equipment you should be looking into, and with all of the choices it can get a bit confusing. I know we're talking basics here, but who knows, maybe someone out there doesn't know what to look for. My first advice: Go into a Touchstone Climbing gym and talk to the professionals, they can get you sized and fitted with the perfect harness for you in no time. Other than that, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• "Decide what type of climbing you'll be doing most. Will you be mixing your climbing? If so, don't make the mistake of purchasing a specialized type of harness such as a full body harness for Mountaineering with limited racking or a beefy big-wall felt-fast that will jab your love handles on free-climbing high steps. There are many fine all-around harnesses out there and you need not fret over safety - no manufacturer is foolish enough to use a dangerous design.
• Try it first. Consider the fit and how it feels when you wear it. A harness forms a chair when you tie-in. A good fit in the waist and leg loops is critical. Male climbers should make sure the loops don't cut off circulation to the groin if they want to preserve their family line. Heavier climbers should choose a harness with wider leg loops and a thick padded waist to support their lower back. Wider straps may cut into your flesh less, while narrower straps are lighter and allow ease of movement. A woman's harness has a smaller waist with proportionately larger leg loops. Moreover, the rise (the distance between the leg loops and tie-in loop) is longer and adjustable to the pelvic shape."

There are different harnesses for different types of climbing and deciding which kind of climbing you're going to be doing is key. Rock climbing harnesses usually have padded leg loops and even gear racking loops, while sports climbing harnesses are usually very slim profiled and come with little or no "extras." Stop in to Touchstone Climbing and talk to our experts about which harness will best suit you.

Labels: Climbing Equipment, Climbing Gear, Harness, How To, Touchstone Climbing

Looks like our Touchstone Climbing running teams performed amazingly at The Relay recently. Here's a bit more about the race, and just how they all did!

The Relay (http://therelay.com) is a benefit run to raise awareness for organ donation. The Relay covers 199 miles between Calistoga and Santa Cruz and is run by teams of 12, with each person responsible for 3 approximately 10K legs. The running team: Clarence Mamuyac, Dan Weintraub, Diane Ortega, Mason Moore, Harlan Reymont, Ryan Rougeux, Scott Clark, Tina Moore, Vaughn Medford, Veronica Carrasco, Sean Wilkenfeld, Will Harris; Drivers were Kristen Venditelli and Rhonda Hurst.

Sponsored wholly by Touchstone Climbing, "Touchstone 12" ran for 29 hours, 46 minutes and 59 seconds, mostly in the rain, coming in 36th out of 78 in Mens Open Category and 99th out of 228 overall teams - 18 SECONDS behind the Bay Area Touchstone runners "We're Keepin' R's" who placed 98th. Said Dan Weintraub: "What are the odds of us finishing 18 seconds apart (and behind) the other Touchstone team after 199 miles and nearly 30 hours of racing? Obviously a million little things here or there (and one big thing, my quads), could have swung that balance, but the real heartbreaker is that Mason was directed down the wrong street on his final leg, which cost him over a minute by the time he climbed a very steep hill and then descended to get back on course. We wuz robbed."

Mason Moore shared this story about one of his legs: "After crawling up the huge hill on my first leg and passing people and wishing them well along the way, I was feeling like a champion. I then started down the crazy decent, dodging cows, slipping and getting covered in mud and loving it. After one final little ascent, the valley and lights of the city were visible in front of me and I couldn’t help but shout as loud as I could: “WHOOO HOOOO” It was then 2 miles more of the most blazing downhill I have ever done. Something about going as fast as I could in the pitch black jumping cattle guards and never wanting it to end just filled me with tons of joy. Thank you for this, it was such a great experience; I will never forget it!"

Said Tina Moore: "I found the experience to be very inspiring. Whether we were running at full speed down the final straight-away or slowly working our way up some horrendous climb, everyone ran their hearts out. There was pain and suffering and much laughter. I'm already looking forward to our next adventure together."

The following are some one word descriptions of The Relay:

Will - punchy
Veronica - awesome
Sean - epic
Harlan - potatoes
Dan - exhilaration
Scott - incomparable
Kristen - signage (as in lack thereof)
Tina - shot wad
Rhonda - inspirational
Vaughn - teamwork
Diane - consummate
Mason - woohoo

Congratulations everyone, what an impressive and amazing feat.

Labels: Team Sport, The Relay, Touchstone Climbing, Touchstone Running

When it comes to outfitting yourself with the appropriate gear to really start getting into rock climbing, whether it's indoor or outdoor, there are a few pieces of equipment you need. On Monday, we covered the need for a great pair of climbing shoes. Many people over look the need for good climbing shoes, but hopefully after the post, you've reconsidered the need. Today, we're going to cover the need for a different piece of equipment that is less performance based, and more centered around safety. That's right, the Helmet.

While not the coolest, most stylish or most technologically advanced of all climbing gear, the Helmet might be one of the most important. A high quality, properly fitted helmet can protect you from not only falling debris from above, but also from impact injuries if and when you do fall. Here's some advice on what to look for for a good helmet:

"a helmet should be able to protect the head while allowing freedom of movement, vision, and not be uncomfortable when climbing. It should fit snugly and securely on the head. The helmet should not be tilted back, exposing the forehead. Helmets sometimes have special features, such as ventilation holes or clips for securing a headlamp."

Keep those things in mind, or better yet, stop into one of our Touchstone Climbing locations and let the experts fit you properly and get you all suited up. Protect that melon of yours, it's the only one you've got!

Labels: Climbing Equipment, Climbing Gear, How To, Touchstone Climbing

We've all been there, the rough and sore hands after a long day climbing. We've all gotten the climbing calluses and major skin irritations for using too much chalk for too long. Now, if you stop into one of our Touchstone Gyms, you can buy something that will help all of that, immediately.

Check out the new product we have in stock, Joshua Tree Climbing Salve:

Help your skin heal after a hard day of climbing!

Joshua Tree Salve contains a carefully designed combination of natural ingredients blended into an effective salve and packaged in convenient to carry and use containers. Designed to heal any skin irritation without softening the skin!

Why no softeners??? Because a healthy callus is your body’s own natural protection, and it hurts when they get soft and peel!

No Scents - No Softeners - Saves Calluses - Lush Moisturizers - Powerful Healing

Pick up a container of Joshua Tree Climbing Salve at your Touchstone Climbing gym today and let the healing begin!

*Joshua Tree Climbers Salve is made with 100% Organic ingredients. Click here for a description of them and their functionality.*

Labels: Climbing Equipment, Climbing Salve, Medicine, Store, Touchstone Climbing

When it comes to rock climbing, indoor or outdoor, one piece of equipment that is worth its weight in gold, is a good pair of rock climbing shoes. If you've never climbed in proper shoes, you'll be shocked how much better you are, feel and how much higher your confidence will be once you get into them. They are vital, but many people aren't aware just how important they are.

We just found a good post that offers up a brief primer on what to look for, and why you should be looking, when it comes to rock climbing shoes. Basically, rock climbing shoes are specially made and designed "with a special kind of rubber that provides friction when climbing on rock. They also are formed so that a climber can jam their foot into a crack, or smear on a flat slab. Thus, they have a significant advantage over sneakers or boots."

When doing the actual shopping around, here are a few things you should look for:

"...consider doing so at a specialty climbing shop. It’s easier to make an informed purchase after trying the shoe on for fit and comfort, and the sales staff can help finding a particular shoe for different kinds of climbing (for instance, sport climbing on short routes versus trad climbing on long routes). The shoes should fit snugly, but not so tight as to cut off circulation. The store might have a simulated climbing surface to try out the shoes on."

Our advice, come into one of our Touchstone Climbing gym locations. Our staff can help you make the best decision possible, and you can even try them out right there on our walls. Remember, don't neglect the shoes, they'll take your climbing to new levels.

Labels: Climbing Equipment, Climbing Shoes, How To, Touchstone Climbing

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

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

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

-Rachel Hellesto, teacher.

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

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

Just got this one from Vaughn, our GM at our Sacramento Pipeworks gym and it shows a lot about just how impressive our Touchstone Bike Club members and riders really are. One of our riders, Peter Harney recently took part and competed in the Prairie City Race Series in Sacramento and did amazingly well.

Peter races in the Sport 34-39 Division and just took 8th place in the very first race of the series, and then 7th this week. What's more impressive is that he actually plans on racing in all 12 events that constitute the Prairie City Race Series and also just signed up to do the Downieville XC. We feel lazy just writing that.

To top it all off, and what I'm sure Peter would say is even more important than these races, is the fact that he is the proud Dad of a brand new two-and-a-half week old baby girl. Bottom line: Congratulations Peter, and keep up the great work...you're making Touchstone look very, very good.

Labels: Congratulations, Featured Members, Touchstone Bike Club, Touchstone Climbing

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

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

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

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

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

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

At our Sacramento Pipeworks gym, for the last 7 years we've been doing a "featured member" series. Every so often, our staff members will pick someone who they feel exemplifies the Pipeworks dedication to health, diversity, fun and sense of community.

When this person is chosen, their photo will be displayed for a time along with their answers to some very silly questions we asked them. Vaughn over at Pipeworks sent us this about some of their recent Featured Members, and what struck him, was how diverse our membership is here at Touchstone Climbing. Here's what he had to say:

"While compiling this collage, I was struck by how truly diverse our membership is: young and old, men and women, boys and girls, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, people of all shapes, sizes, colors and dispositions. We have featured individuals, as well as brothers/sisters, fathers/sons and couples. The common thread seems to be that they are all happy and healthy, and have all played a part in shaping what a great place this gym has become!"

Thanks everyone who has become a member!

Labels: Featured Members, members, Membership, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Climbing

Here's a quick note to let you all know that we did a complete redesign and overhaul of our message board and forums. It's always been a great place for everyone to get together and discuss just about anything you could possibly imagine when it comes to climbing, gear, routes and locations. Now, it's gotten even better and easier to use.

So, head over and check out our new Touchstone Climbing Forums & Message Board; you can do everything from buy and sell used and new gear, find road trip partners, climbing partners, talk about Yoga and Training as well as check up on both the Cycling news and our Running Club.

Check it out, sign up, and start joining the conversations!

Labels: Climbing News, Forums, Message Board, Touchstone Climbing, Upgrade

Here's a quick update about the TBS4 event we held at Diablo Rock Gym at the end of February. First and foremost, it was a HUGE success! We want to take a moment to thank everyone for competing, for showing up, for taking part in what was a great day.

This event at DRG was part 4 of the TBS4, and our grand finale will be March 20th, at Berkeley Ironworks. We were lucky enough to have Ben Molale, one of our members as the DJ for the event and saw a record breaking number of competitors for DRG as 196 of you showed up to compete.

So, while you're waiting for the Finale event, here are some things to keep you busy in the meantime. First off, why don't you check out the results and individual competition scores from this TBS4 at Diablo Rock Gym. Congratulations to all the winners and to everyone that showed up to compete.

One of our members, Paul Hara took a bunch of photos that you can browse in case you were unlucky enough to miss the event, or if you want to try to spot yourself in action. Finally, check out the video below to get a full flavor of what went on.

Thanks again to everyone that made TBS4 such an amazing success!

Labels: Competition, Diablo Rock Gym, DRG, event, TBS4, Touchstone Climbing

Our very own kids climbing team, Zero Gravity just recently got back from the USAC ABS 10 National Championships, and to say the very least, they did AMAZING. I was just sent this article about just how amazing they all did at the Championships, and thought I'd let it speak for itself. Congratulations to all of the climbers and coaches involved with our Zero Gravity Climbing Team!

"Touchstone Zero Gravity places Second for Teams at the USAC ABS 10 National Championships!

Touchstone's Zero Gravity Climbing Team traveled to Boulder Colorado over Presidents day weekend to compete in the ABS 10 National Championships. They Crushed, both as a team and individually.

Gabi Masse took 4th place in the Women's Open division in a very strong field.

In the youth division the Zero Gravity team took 2nd place with 4 podium finishes. Greggor Pierce and Joshua Levin were both National Champions. Cicada Jenerik and Sera Busse were third. Scott Cory was 7th, Silas Burger 26th, Jordan Vogel 28th and Kevin Ott 31st.

Zero Gravity were also the ABS Northern California Regional Champions.

The SCS (Sport Climbing Series) will start in mid march with the Division 1 Championships being held at Touchstone's Sacramento Pipeworks. The Nationals Championships will be in SLC, UT and the Youth World Championships are in France."

Congratulations and keep up the great work!

Labels: Kids Team, Team Sport, Touchstone Climbing, Zero Gravity

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

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

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

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

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

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

In case you missed the comp last Friday in Sacramento, here is a brief recap of all the in's and out's of what occurred at this year's TBS4 held at Sacramento Pipeworks. By all accounts it was a very successful competition and it makes us even more excited for our next event, to be held at Diablo Rock Gym on Friday, February 20th, so start planning now!

Here's a bit of what you missed:

Held Friday January 23rd from 6-10pm. The 64 climbing problems ranged in difficulty from V0 to V11. 165 competitors from Sacramento, Davis and all over the bay area turned in score cards and were treated to pizza and beer. Prizes raffled at the end included t-shirts, climbing chalk, bouldering brushes, magazines, bouldering guides, chalk bags, coffee mugs and Touchstone water bottles. While scores were being tallied, the crowd was entertained by a slackline competition and a ro-sham-bo (rock, paper and scissors) championship.

Thanks for everyone who participated, competed and enjoyed. It's always a great time.

Labels: climbing, Competition, Sacramento Pipeworks, TBS4, Touchstone Climbing

Mission Cliff was just featured on a popular San Francisco television show "The View from the Bay" that airs on the local ABC channel. Looks like they got some great footage, some great interviews and it's nice to see Mission Cliffs getting the recognition it deserves.

Those on the show sent over Leigh Glaser to Mission Cliffs and let her do a little bit of climbing and filming. The segment highlighted not only our climbing and fitness programs, but also our kids programs, birthday parties and after-school camps.

The video is entertaining, so head over and check it out. Thanks again all of you on "The View from the Bay," it was great to see this. They also had a bit of information I thought I'd relay for any and all of you interested in the after-school climbing we offer:

After School Climbing

Ten week sessions are offered from 4pm to 6pm. Call your local gym for dates & prices.

Suggested ages: 6 to 14
Days: Check with your local gym
Time: 4pm - 6pm
Price: $250 for non-members; $200 for members
Curriculum: Belaying, knotcraft, basic movement technique, rappelling, anchors, mock leading, bouldering, spotting, training, route-reading

Labels: climbing, mission cliffs, Television, The View from the Bay, Touchstone Climbing

It's a new year for all you Touchstone Cycling fans and as such, I thought it'd be a good idea to let all of you in on what's going on and what WILL be going on in the Touchstone Bike Club for 2009. You can also check out the Touchstone Cycling Blog to stay up to date with everything happening with the Cycling club.

Happy New Year, Happy Cyclists!

We don't know about you, but our resolution is to get back on the bike, whether it be road, mountain or cyclocross – or all of it. Lance is doing it, so why not us? All rides and cycling-related events will be posted on the Blog Calendar for quick and easy reference (http://touchstonebike.blogspot.com/).

With the whole year ahead of us, there are many things to consider.

Ride a 100 miles or two. Here's a smattering of centuries to train for:
1. Wine Country Century – 5/2/09
2. Grizzly Peak Century – 5/3/09
3. Davis Double – 5/16/09
4. Terribly Two – 6/20/09
5. Death Ride: Tour of the California Alps – 7/11/09
6. Marin Century – 8/1/09

Cheer on our team (or even join the team?):
The Touchstone Road Racing Team is primed for the 2009 season. Stay tuned for race results from racers in the following categories: Pro Women Elite, Men's Masters Cat 3, Cat 4, and Cat 5, and Women's Cat 3. If you're interested in joining the team, please contact Markham at markham@touchstoneclimbing.com.

Club rides not limited to road…
Many Touchstoners have been spotted on the vast number of singletrack routes around the Bay Area. Let us know when you'll be riding next and need some company.

And, if you need inspiration, see the pros ride our roads!
Amgen Tour of California – Feb. 14-22
Stage 2, from Sausalito to Santa Cruz, takes the peloton over the Golden Gate Bridge! (And I don't think the route will take them around the towers either…!)

If you have any suggestions for the Touchstone Bike Club or would like access to post rides, please send an email to touchstonebike@gmail.com.

Labels: Biking, cycling, Touchstone Bike Club, Touchstone Climbing

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

For this Friday's "Climbing Clip of the Week" I thought it may be helpful for any and all of you out there that have never been rock climbing, or are just now starting out, to show you a few videos that kind of give you the basics behind indoor rock climbing, and what you can expect to encounter when you find yourself sitting in one of our amazing Touchstone Climbing gym facilities.

For the first clip, I found a pretty awesome, pretty short and extremely helpful little video that starts with the basics...the Holds you'll find on an Indoor Climbing Wall. This video helps by showing you a few of the various types of holds that you'll find scattered across most climbing gym walls. By knowing what each of them are, it could help you to understand how best to hold them, and help you discover which types of holds you are best at, and which you need the most work on.

Check out this helpful little video and then the next time you go into Touchstone Climbing, look up at the wall, get acquainted, and start climbing your way to the top! Have an amazing weekend, and we'll see you bright and early Monday Morning!

Labels: Climbing Clip of the Week, Indoor climbing, Rock climbing, 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

I just read an article that absolutely hits the nail on the head this fine Monday Morning. Lets face it, we're officially back into the swing of things now, the Holiday Season is over, the gifts have all been opened, the fudge has all been eaten, and the turkey is just about through making us extremely tired.

Just like clockwork, this time of year every single year leads to hundreds of thousands of people all collectively sighing, feeling their Holiday stomachs and saying, "I've got to lose weight." I don't know if it is the culmination of all of the Halloween candy, the Turkey and Stuffing, the Christmas Ham, the cinnamon rolls, or the Christmas cookies, but there is something about January 2-6th that should be named a National "I Should Lose Weight" holiday.

That said, this year is most likely no exception, and as such we're here to help. I mentioned it last week and I'll mention it again: If you're looking to get back into shape, stay in shape, or get into a new kind of shape you've never been in, there are few better ways than climbing, and there are few better ways than joining a community of people that are all looking to do the exact same thing. Think of it this way, if you go it alone and skip a workout, who, besides yourself, are you letting down? No one. Now, if you have a group of friends/family/co-workers that all count on you to work out with them each day at the same place, how much more difficult will it be to call in sick for a workout? See my point?

Climbing, as you might now, is an amazing, full body workout that can do wonders for not only your body, but your mind as well. If you've never tried it, now is the time, and again, with no initiation fees this January, do you really have any excuses left for why you're NOT here with us? We have a lot of gyms, one is almost certainly in your immediate area, what do you have to lose (except all that holiday weight)? Stop in, check us out, take us for a test drive, I guarantee you'll come back for more.

Stop in, talk to us, you'll be glad you did!

(image via sunlightsaunas)

Labels: climbing, No Initiation Fee, Touchstone Climbing, Weight loss

It's New Year's Eve, so I'm sure the vast majority of you are going to be spending time with friends, family, or heck, even strangers on this big night. The final hours are counting down and before you know it, 2008 will have come to pass. That's right, the year is over and as of 12:01 tonight, a new one will begin.

I mentioned it yesterday, but I'll mention it again today...what a perfect time to set some concrete, exciting, and important Resolutions aimed directly at your health and fitness. Use 2009 as THE year to get back into shape, Stay in the shape you are already in, or even better, advance yourself further than you ever have before. With the No Initiation Fee January, there is no reason why you can't make this 2009 your healthiest year ever. We want you here, we want you climbing, biking, running, doing Yoga and joining our community. Trust us, you won't find a happier, healthier and just all around more FUN group of people.

So, enjoy the rest of 2008, spend it with those that mean the most to you, and we'll see you again in 2009. Hopefully that means we'll see you in person, in our gyms, not just on this blog. You've got nothing to lose, join up today!

Labels: fitness, Health, Holiday, New Year's Eve, New Years Resolution, Touchstone Climbing

I have great news my friends, we're here to help you reach those fitness resolutions! That's right, all of us here at Touchstone Climbing want to be your very best friends this New Year, and to help you get back on the workout wagon, we're going to offer something that is pretty amazing. For all you non-members, listen up:

This January, we're going to be waiving the Initiation Fee for all new members. That's right NO INITIATION FEE...take that $100, stick it back in your wallet, or even better, start investing in some awesome, proper climbing gear, fitness apparel, or whatever else you need to give yourself the best start at being in great shape this 2009.

More information will be forthcoming, but just know that as of January 1st, show up, sign up and save $100. The No Initiation Fee January is in full effect...you have absolutely no reasons, no excuses and no believable alibi's to avoid us now! See you in January!

Labels: Membership, New Members, New Years Resolution, No Initiation Fee, Touchstone Climbing

Only in California does Santa Clause dig rock climbing. That's right, you heard me correctly, with only 2 days left until Christmas Morning, it looks like Santa took a brief vacation and decided to do some serious rock climbing before the big "Delivery Night."

I just stumbled across this article that shows Santa doing exactly that...climbing, and with the Holidays officially surrounding us, how appropriate. According to the photo, he's climbing at Cerro Cabrillo and while his form is a bit off, the spirit is there, but then again, Spirit is one thing Santa could never be accused of lacking.

Rumor has it, Californians have also seen Santa skateboarding, surfing and even mountain biking in the past few days. Maybe he's feeling the economic pinch too and his sleigh is a little less full this year; maybe his naughty list is so huge this 2008 he feels confident in his ability to take a few days off...whatever the case may be, Santa is living large. Lets see if we can get him to join Touchstone Climbing. I don't see how he has much of a choice!

(image via SanLuisObispo.com)

Labels: California, Rock climbing, Santa Claus, Touchstone Climbing

Just got some awesome news in from Sacramento Pipeworks that I thought I should share with all of you. We're so proud of each and every one of our amazing gyms, so when we get in little tidbits and information that we can share with all of you, it makes me a very happy fella.

That said, thanks to Vaughn over at Sacramento Pipeworks, here's what has been going down in their neck of the woods as of late:

"For the 4th year in a row, members of the Sacramento Pipeworks bike club recently organized a relay team to run in The California International Marathon. Scott Clark, Tina Moore, Nicole Dolney and Pipeworks manager Vaughn Medford each ran a leg of 5.7 to 7.6 miles. The team covered the 26.2 mile marathon distance in 3 hours and 32 minutes, placing 27th out of 223 teams in the coed division, and 111th against all relay teams (over 700). Not bad for people who consider themselves cyclists! Also worth noting is bike club member Kent Gillis’ smoking 2nd place finish in the hand bike division, finally nailing his goal of a sub-2 hour marathon, coming in at a very speedy 1 hour and 56 minutes."

Congratulations guys! So impressive. Feel free to head over and check out Sacramento Pipeworks, if you're in the area, there are few better things you could do for your health, your life, and your mental well-being than joining up. Trust me, they are worth it. At any rate, keep up the amazing work, get your holiday shopping done on time, and have an amazing Holiday Season!

Labels: Climbing News, Marathon, Sacramento Pipeworks, Touchstone Climbing

One of the things I've always loved the most about Touchstone Climbing might surprise you. Yes, we have amazing gyms packed with amazing walls, programs, classes and equipment, but that's not the thing I Love most. What I Love most, is simple: the communities that are developed. The communities are everything and Touchstone Climbing does an amazing job of bringing people together, and giving them great reasons to stay together.

One of the coolest things that goes on inside these aforementioned communities is the SpinnerBlast Newsletter that goes out. It's such an amazing way to not only stay up with all of the different members that are part of the clubs, but stay up with all of the events, future and past, that go on. Basically it's a one-stop-shop, and I love it. Check out this little snippet from this month's special holiday edition:

Hi everyone and Happy Holidays,

2008 has been a great year working with all the Touchstone endurance athletes. We tested nearly 60 people this year, with several of you returning for a second or third time to track your training progress. That progress, which we've seen and measured, has been inspiring: from coveted weight loss goals to personal bests in a variety of events. Oftentimes, we got to see both. What stands out most in my mind has been an increase in health and fitness from all of you who have made the commitment to improve, no matter where you started. It's been a pleasure to be part of it and I look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces in 2009.

On that note, have a safe holiday season and come see us next year as we identify and set new and greater goals for 2009.

If I've said it once, I've said it one hundred times: Subscribe to this, get involved and start making your membership at Touchstone Climbing worth so much more than it already is. Join these communities!

P.S. A Quick reminder that tonight is the rescheduled Evolv Shoe Demo at Great Western Power Co. If you're in the area, from 6-8 PM everyone is invited to come in and try out some awesome Evolv shoes! Remember, any shoe purchases during the Demo will be 15% off! That includes Special Orders as well as the shoes in stock. Don't miss it!

Labels: Christmas, community, Holiday Edition, SpinnerBlast, Touchstone Climbing

The weather outside is delightful, but Holiday Shopping is so frightful! That's right, it's the time of year once again to start buying gifts for your loved ones, piling gifts under the tree and hopefully filling those stockings with amazing little stocking stuffers. Speaking of......

I'm here to help! Hopefully I can throw some pretty simple, pretty impressive and some very "best bang for your buck" gift ideas that you can very easily buy at your Touchstone Climbing gyms to fill the stockings of all your friends, family and climbing cohorts!

Without further ado, here are some very easy, very cool gifts that you can buy to stuff those stockings. The best part of all, everything listed below can be had for under $30. Perfect.

• Head Lamps
• Guide Books
• DVD’s
• Petzl Coffee Mug
• Klean Kanteen Logo Water Bottles
• Touchstone Logo Bouldering Brush
• Touchstone Logo Fleece Hat

There you have it! Consider those stockings stuffed, all courtesy of Touchstone Climbing!

Labels: Christmas, Holiday Shopping, Touchstone Climbing

If you have any interest whatsoever in climbing, there is a pretty good chance that for you, the absolute climbing mecca of this world is in and around Nepal. With the tallest mountains in the entire world, and the greatest challenges required to get on top of them, Nepal is packed with more climbing fantasy than just about anywhere else.

Turns out, one of Touchstone's very own members did more than just visit this climbing mecca, he actually climbed. Tom McMillan recently took a trip to Nepal to climb the famous Manaslu, in October. He, Ang Dawa (Nawang Sherpa's younger brother) and a man named Pete Lardy from Colorado Springs took the expedition on and came back with some stunning photographs to prove it.

So, no matter what you find yourself doing this dreaded Monday-after-the-Holidays, you can at least escape to the mountains of Nepal in your browser for awhile, can't you? Head over and check out their full gallery! To learn more about Nawang Sherpa, and I fully reccommend this as well, head over to Friendship Beyond Borders. At any rate, amazing trip guys, keep trekking and when you do, send the photos back our way!

Labels: Expedition, Manaslu, members, Nepal, Tom McMillan, Touchstone Climbing, Trips

So, from all of us at Touchstone Climbing, thank YOU for, well, You. Without you, without our members and our fans, our exercisers and our team racers, our climbers, bikers, yoga'ers, and fitness guru's, we wouldn't be what we are. So, sincerely, thank You.

Have an amazing and very Happy Thanksgiving! Go eat a little extra pie, a little extra turkey, spend time with your loved ones and give thanks to all that and all those you want to thank this year!

(Image via MumbleyJoe on Flickr)

Labels: Thanksgiving, Touchstone Climbing

Have an amazing Halloween, have fun, be safe and we'll talk to you first thing Monday Morning!

Labels: Happy Halloween, Holiday, Touchstone Climbing