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FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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RICHMOND VA EDITION • Blue Ridge Outdoors
Trailblazers The Mountain Inn At Wintergreen Wintergreen, Virginia 22958
CONTENTS
February 2015 PAGE
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way t a e r g a t Wha r. Our a e y e h t to start isits. v y n a m first of time. t x e n s u Join Love, Virginia
features
20-YEAR-OLD ASHEVILLE PADDLER DYLAN MCKINNEY PULUNGES DOWN 90-FOOT METLAKO FALLS.
15 DIRTY SECRETS Six top trail runners share their favorite footpaths, training tips, and most memorable moments.
35 THE FUTURE OF ADVENTURE These fab five teenagers are pushing the outer limits of boarding and paddling.
21 ELEVATE YOUR GAME
departments 8 EDITOR’S NOTE
14 THE GOODS
Dare ya to hike the Dirty Dozen in 2015.
Six of the best energy bars to stoke the fire within.
9 FLASHPOINT The GW Forest Plan is not all bad. But that doesn’t make it good.
10 QUICK HITS New Tennessee trail closed to runners / Laird’s new obstacle race series / Walk in the Woods’ film debut
13 THE DIRT
40 THEN + NOW Guidebooks were big in the 90s. Are they still useful today?
Photo courtesy of Bill Crabtree Jr., Virginia Tourism Corp.
Take your training to the next level with expert insights from the Southeast’s best coaches and athletes.
42 TRAIL MIX The best Medicine: Drew Holcombe’s musical remedy.
800-933-PARK (7275) | www.virginiastateparks.gov
Two top teleskiers tell all. BRO_Jan_2014.indd 1
FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com 11/26/2013
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Best outdoor advice ever given to you?
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WADE MICKLEY “Do NOT stop paddling.” That advice was given to me during my first whitewater paddling trip in an inflatable duckie on Colorado’s Green River.
SAL RUIBAL “Look where you want to go, not where you don’t want to go.” I got that advice from world champion mountain biker Ned Overend. Good advice in outdoors—and in love and life as well.
KY DELANEY “If your Nerve deny you, go above your Nerve,” said Emily Dickinson, who I'm pretty sure never climbed, paddled, or ran, but still managed to nail it.
CHRIS GRAGTMANS "The key to racing is not how fast you come into a rapid, turn, or gate. It's how fast you go out of it. Come in in control, and go out FAST."
JENNIFER PHARR DAVIS "Flow with the trail. Don't fight it." —Warren Doyle. I figured I'd listen since he's hiked the A.T. sixteen times.
CHARLI KERNS "Get out and do it." Those were the words my dad said every time I had it in my mind to try something new as a kid.
JOHN BRYANT BAKER
MADISON, NJ Downtown on Main Street 973.377.3301
www.BRMS.com
"You think too much," my friend Randy Ashley told me once before a big race. "Run like an animal. Shut off your brain and turn your animal body loose."
"Nobody gets to the top of Katahdin and wishes they had gotten there a day sooner,” Gary told me while staying at his Blueberry Patch hostel on an Appalachian Trail thru-hike.
2015 SPEAKERS Lefty Kreh • Bob Clouser • Beau Beasley • Bob Popovics Ed Jaworowski • Blane Chocklett • Walt Cary • Captain Gary Dubiel Jon Hooper • Pat Cohen • Cory Routh • Tom Gilmore • Don Kirk
*NEW for 2015
Free Boy Scouts of America Fly Fishing Merit Badge Classes & Family Fly Fishing Classes, Ladies Only Fly Casting Classes
Advance tickets, fly fishing class registrations & program information: vaflyfishingfestival.org
E D I TO R ’ S L E T T E R
NOTES
Get Dirty Looking for an outdoorsy New Year’s Resolution? Dare ya to do the Dirty Dozen! Already, hundreds have signed up to complete the challenge of hiking 10+ miles in 12 Southern wilderness areas (for a total of 120+ miles). At the end of the year, winners in several categories will be selected for prize packages and highlighted in the magazine. If you haven’t registered for the challenge, it’s not too late. Registration remains open and there’s still plenty of time to complete the challenge. Visit southeastwilderness50.org/dirty-dozen
“I did battle with the Linville Gorge Wilderness, and at the end of the day, battered and bruised, it was very clear which one of us had won round one.” —TIMO HOLQUIST, LINVILLE GORGE WILDERNESS, NC
“Fantastic day for a trail run with my 12-year-old son. It was his first big trail run, and he ran several hours across super-technical singletrack with challenging nav and big vert (over 3,500 feet)!” —JAY AND CHILTON CURWEN, MIDDLE PRONG WILDERNESS, NC
ill Harlan is the author of Untamed: The Wildest W Woman in America, which was recently named one of Amazon's Best 100 Books of 2014
“Wilderness has a way of lifting my spirits and providing me with what I need when I need it, whether it is reassurance, inspiration, or a new
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THE ERNESS WILD IETY SOC & RIDGES E U L B OOR E OUTDG MA AZIN
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friendship forged on the trail.” —KAYLA STRONG, KILMER-SLICKROCK WILDERNESS, NC
“As we set up camp I soon discovered that my borrowed tent was just a rain fly. Backpacking 101: No matter how late you get in after celebrating your birthday, always check your equipment prior to departure, especially if it is borrowed.” —KRIS HENSLEY, SHENANDOAH WILDERNESS, VA
“I’ve found a new meaning to the phrase "trail magic" on this hike. When you are lost and panicked, out of the blue the trail just finds you and guides you in the right direction.” —JENNIE MCELROY, CHEAHA WILDERNESS, AL •
READER FORUM
FLASHPOINT
George Gets Fracked YES, THE MANAGEMENT PLAN COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE. BUT THAT DOESN'T MAKE IT GOOD. by JEFF KINNEY t first blush, you could call it a victory. Recently the U.S. Forest Service released a long-term management plan banning oil and gas drilling on all but 177,000 acres of the George Washington National Forest. That portion is currently under gas lease or subject to private mineral rights, and it represents a fraction of the GW’s 1.1 million acres, the vast majority of which will remain closed to drilling. A cause for celebration? Perhaps. “This decision protects the existing uses and values of the special George Washington National Forest,” said Sarah Francisco, senior attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center. “As a native Virginian who grew up in the Shenandoah Valley, I’m pleased that the U.S. Forest Service has done the right thing and recognized that the [GW]—a beloved place for our entire region—deserves protection.” In one sense, Francisco is right; drilling in part of the largest national forest in the East—enjoyed by more than one million people annually—is better than turning the whole thing into an industrial zone for resource extraction. But it’s painfully obvious that the Forest Service caved in to the oil and gas industry just enough to have its cake and eat it too. By threading this particular needle the way it did, the government fended off costly industry lawsuits that would have been filed in the wake of a total drilling ban, left the door open for drilling in other national forests, and mollified some of those pesky environmentalists who care about trivialities like clean water. Quite the hat trick. Robert Bonnie, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s undersecretary for natural resources and environment, seemed quite pleased with himself in preserving the status quo. “We think we've ended up in a much better place, which is we are allowing oil and gas drilling,” he told The Associated Press concerning the final GW management plan. “From a policy perspective, the Forest Service allows fracking on forest lands throughout the country. We didn't want to make a policy decision or change policy related to fracking.” The Forest Service didn’t want to make a policy decision? Isn’t that its job? Not to mention that issuing drilling permits for nearly a fifth of the GW is a policy decision—one that ignores what fracking will do to vital wildlife habitat, priceless outdoor recreational opportunities, and drinking water (directly or indirectly) for some 4.5 million people. It also leaves the option of drilling in other national forests in the region like the Cherokee and PisgahNantahala, where management plans are now being revised. (The Pisgah-Nantahala plan already contemplates expanding logging into 70-90 percent of that national forest’s acreage.) Some environmentalists have spoken out against opening the Pandora’s box of fracking,
even a little bit. ”Unfortunately, allowing the use of fracking within a part of the George Washington National Forest is part of the Obama Administration’s embrace of oil and gas drilling, despite the water, air and climate pollution that is proven to come along with it,” said Earthworks energy program director Bruce Baizel. “In the face of dire warnings from the world’s foremost climate scientists about the need to phase out fossil fuels by 2100 and an authoritative body of science demonstrating the health impacts faced by communities living near oil and gas development, this administration continues to promote an 'all of the above' energy policy rather than a swift transition to renewable energy.” Baizel also pointed out that nearby communities, local governments, Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe, and every major water utility in the Washington D.C. area opposed drilling in the GW. As a matter of fact, so did the Forest Service itself at one point. Its draft management plan released three years ago would have banned all horizontal drilling, including fracking. But naturally Big Oil was having none of that, so the agency, duly cowed, reversed itself. And everyone who’s not an industry executive in a $3000 suit is worse off as a result. Pumping huge quantities of chemicalladen water into the ground to break up shale formations threatens critical groundwater supplies
and produces piles of hazardous waste, much of which is temporarily stored in open-air pits. According to Appalachian Voices, an environmental group, both wells and waste-containment ponds can release toxic chemicals into the air and water. In Pennsylvania, for example, state officials have confirmed 243 known cases of private drinking water well contamination by the natural gas industry since drilling expanded there in 2008. Beyond all this, drilling in the GW further entrenches our short-sighted reliance on fossil fuels. President Obama’s “all of the above” energy policy, which Bonnie cited in justifying drilling in the GW and seems to think the world of, is really a cop-out; it props up Big Oil at the expense of the environment while pretending to be green. (Pay no attention to those giant holes in the earth spewing black sludge! Check out these shiny solar panels!) The smarter play would be to follow New York’s example, which recently banned fracking state-wide. Governor Andrew Cuomo apparently understands something that our national leaders do not: the longer we allow ourselves to depend on oil and gas, the longer it will take to move to the sustainable-energy economy that most politicians say they want—unless it costs them votes or campaign contributions. Cuomo stood up to Big Oil, and we should hold all of our elected representatives to the same standard. • FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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OUTDOOR NEWS
THE DIRT
Quick Hits NO RUNNING ON NEW TENNESSEE TRAILS BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE Runners in Brentwood are miffed that they are prohibited from lacing up and hitting the trails at a newly developed park. When Marcella Vivrette Smith Park opened last fall, the city decided its new trail network would be reserved for hiking, citing safety concerns and potential user conflicts. Quoted in a story on Runner’s World’s website, Brentwood city manager Kirk Bednar said, “While experienced trail runners might laugh at the issue of safety, the fact is not everyone who would run on the trails, if it were allowed, would be experienced trail runners, and inexperienced trail runners could injure themselves.” Some local runners, who were excited about the prospect of no longer having to drive 12 miles to the closest off-road running option, think this is ridiculous. And one, Richard Kenmuir, even started a Facebook group in support of running on the trails. “They are nice trails for running," Kenmuir told RW. "They are twice as wide regular trails, so it would be easy to coexist with hikers or any other trail users, without creating a burden for anyone.”
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA Surfing legend Laird Hamilton recently announced that he is launching a new obstacle race series in the spring. Called Force of Nature, the series will feature events that challenge racers through obstacles that are made to resemble extreme elements of nature. A release stated obstacles like Arctic Crawl, Water Wall, The Furnace, and Polar Plunge would “embody nature's most intimidating elements” and “test the mind and body with staggering heights, extreme temperatures and skilled agility.” The series starts on April 26 in Southern California, but the second race moves to the MidAtlantic, taking place in Philadelphia on June 6. Other cities visited during the inaugural year will include Detroit and Chicago. Forceofnature.com.
BIKE-SHARE IN RICHMOND RICHMOND, VIRGINIA It looks like Richmond will be the next big city to roll out a bike-share program. The Richmond TimesDispatch reported that the Commonwealth’s capital is looking to initially disperse a fleet of 300 bikes at 30 docking stations throughout the city with a goal of having the program debut in time for the widely anticipated UCI Road World Championships, which Richmond will host in September.
A WALK IN THE WOODS FILM DEBUTS AT SUNDANCE APPALACHIAN TRAIL Hollywood’s take on the A.T. has finally been unveiled. Back in April of 2008, BRO reported that Robert Redford would be playing Bill Bryson in a film adaptation of the author’s famous, best-selling
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WADE MICKLEY
LAIRD HAMILTON’S OBSTACLE RACE SERIES
memoir A Walk in the Woods. Nearly seven years later the film finally surfaced when it debuted at the recent Sundance Film festival in Utah. In the film Redford portrays Bryson in his attempt to hike the entirety of the 2,200-mile Appalachian Trail, much of it with his fellow middle-aged out-of-shape friend, Katz, who is played by Nick Nolte. Additional notable cast members include Emma Thompson and Mary Steenburgen. While rumors initially attached either Redford or Seinfeld writer Larry Charles to direct, the job was ultimately done by comedy director Ken Kwapis.
Beyond the Blue Ridge GET PAID TO JOG CHINA The popularity of running is on the rise in China, and as a result, Want China Times is reporting that the country has seen an increasing demand from casual runners looking for jogging buddies. Right now, being a jogging companion fetches a meager wage, approximately 15-20 yuan or $2.40-$3.25 an hour, problematic due to the physical limitations of attempting to run for a living. But running coaches in China are predicting if the demand increases, the wages for helping a runner keep pace could increase.
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COOL KEG TREE ROCHESTER, NEW YORK Beer doesn’t grow on trees. So people in western New York may have been confused when they drove by the Genessee Brew House in downtown Rochester at the end of last year. During the holiday season, the old school brewery built a 23-foot Christmas tree out of 300 kegs. It took 20 employees to erect the creative keg tree, and after being risen it was also decorated with 600 feet of lights. In case you were wondering, the Associated Press reported that all of the kegs were indeed empty.
DEER BREAK-IN GALLOWAY, NEW JERSEY Back in December, a New Jersey woman was sticking some sweet potatoes in the oven when she suddenly heard a crash through her front door. According to the Associated Press, the woman saw a deer dart through her house, so she followed the animal towards her bedroom and locked it in the master bathroom. After the woman called 911, police responded and removed deer from the bathroom, eventually releasing it into the wild. While no one was hurt, the woman had plenty of house damage to deal with, including a trashed bathroom and a shattered glass storm door. • —Jedd Ferris
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OUTDOOR NEWS
THE DIRT
Teleskiers Tell All
FREE THE HEEL—FREE THE MIND, SAY TWO TOP TELEMARKERS by JESS DADDIO elemark skiing is one of the oldests form of skiing, dating back to Norwegian soldiers who traveled by ski during the Middle Ages. Fluid and seemingly effortless when executed properly, telemark skiing is trademarked by the flexibility both to climb mountains and rip downhill, all thanks to an unrestricted heel. Though not nearly as commonplace in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic as it is farther north, a community of telemark skiers is still dropping knees in our region one turn at a time. BRO talked with two freewheelin’ free-heelers from the Deep Creek Lake area in Maryland— Matt Fithian and Ben Scoville—who have been ripping up the trifecta of Pennsylvania-West VirginiaMaryland backcountry for over a decade. BRO: Let’s start off by telling our readers a little bit about your personal background in teleskiing. Matt Fithian: My parents got me into skiing and riding. We did it on the weekend and after school. It was a great way to recreate in Maine. All of my grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles—everyone skied. Even now we have family reunion ski trips. I started on alpine and then traded them for a decade in the early ‘90s to snowboard. Terri Peterson taught me to teleski at the Adventure Sports Institute of Garrett College about seven years ago. But I guess in all, I’ve been sliding down mountains for over 18 years. Ben Scoville: I started skiing for real back in 2002. I was in my mid-20s and realized sliding downhill on frozen water was as fun as sliding downhill on liquid water (aka kayaking). What’s one of your earliest memories of skiing? MF: Definitely a firelight torch ski with my dad at May Mountain in Island Falls, Maine. It was awesome to ski with a torch. I loved looking back up the hill and watching the torch skiers—looked
like a fire snake sliding down the mountain. BS: First memory: I was flying down the bunny hill at Ski Roundtop. Any bad wipeouts? MF: The worst wipeout I ever had was when I was 10 or so. The tip of my snowblade stuck into the lip of a jump, which then propelled me forward. I did half a front flip and landed on my face. Broke my ski goggles, blood was everywhere. It was pretty bad. BS: Hit a head wall from Giant Boulder on to Giant Steps at Seven Springs. Had a pretty good head of steam. Blew up when I landed and tomahawked down the hill. Because I had teles, I stayed right on my feet. Ended up having a ski tip shred open my paddling pants (yes, paddling pants, they kept the snow out). from just above my boots up to my upper thigh. Almost ended up singing in the boys’ choir. What about signature moves? I’m sure you guys have some. MF: 360s and nose grabs. BS: Hunting down a stash of pow in some esoteric corner of a ski mountain. What’s the hardest part about learning tele? BS: For me, it has been learning the transfer of edges. The flow from one edge to another is not an easy thing to master. There are so many things to put together. To link turns perfectly is a beautiful thing. Describe teleskiers in one sentence, granola stereotypes aside. MF: Gear nerds, go-getters, and stewards of the land who love dark beer.
True or false: once you go tele, you never go back. MF: True—I’ll tele and I’ll board but I won’t go back to alpine. BS: I’d say false. There are some out there who went back to the fixed heel. Sometimes there are just circumstances that dictate you have to get real and fix the heel. However, I haven't found those circumstances yet. Not that teleskiing is any reflection of a man’s manliness, but does length really matter? BS: There is such a thing as the perfect fit. Boxers or briefs? With that much movement in your turns, I’m sure this has to be an important decision. BS: Boxer briefs? MF: Boxers. But really tele guys wear polypro. Who’s your telehero? BS: Chipper and his boys. When you watch those guys ski, it is watching the embodiment of the purity of skiing. Uphill and downhill! Teleskiers are pretty smooth. Have any good pickup lines? BS: You dropped that knee right into my heart. You free that heel and I’ll free your heart. Teleskiers believe in free heels, free love, and earning turns. That takes commitment. Isn’t commitment sexy? Surely with pickup lines like that, you work up quite an appetite earning turns and batting away the ladies. What’s your post-turn fuel look like? MF: Steak, salad, mashed potatoes, and a glass of water. BS: Cheeseburgers. Or Hellbenders’ burritos. • FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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GEAR
THE GOODS
Stoke the Fire Within THE LOWDOWN ON FOOD FOR OUTDOOR ATHLETES by AARON H. BIBLE 4
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What’s the one thing we all have in common when it comes to our outdoor pursuits? We all have to fuel our bodies. So let’s dive in to some of the best current options for food and energy for active outdoors folks now available.
BOONE Barr (not pictured) A regional favorite utilizing locally sourced ingredients, Happy Mountain Foods out of Boone, N.C., is famous for its Barrs—ideal for outdoors folks as a meal replacement or energy bar—also han d-makes wonderful trail mix, bites, and candied nuts. Happy Mountain Foods are without preservatives or artificial ingredients and features as few ingredients as possible to maximize taste and nutrition. They are all about sustainability in business practices and in the foods they use to make their products. Flavors span the classics from Walnut Dark Chocolate Cranberry and Coconut Almond to Dark Chocolate Banana and Mocha White Chocolate Cherry. $1.99/bar; happymountainfoods.com; Taste: 4; Texture: 4
1. PATAGONIA Provisions Even the most seasoned “bar” makers will tell you that real food will always rule over bars. That’s where Patagonia comes in, with their affiliate brand, Patagonia Provisions, producing transportable foods that are good for the body, the taste buds, the environment, and the active lifestyle. “The tradition and culture of food have always been important to us at Patagonia,” said founder Yvon Chouinard. “What we eat does more than just fill our stomachs and nourish our bodies; good food lifts our spirits and helps us understand the world a little better.” Patagonia Provisions currently sells two food products: smoked salmon and Tsampa soup. The salmon is wild Sockeye, fully
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cooked and ready to eat in 6 oz. portions. Tsampa is roasted whole grains, organic vegetables and spices that cook up into a hearty soup, something Yvon initially found as a “high-altitude power food” while climbing in Nepal 35 years ago. And yes, the two go great together. $12 and $6.50 for single packs, respectively; patagoniaprovisions.com; Taste: 5; Texture: 5
2. PISTACHIO Chewy Bites Another interesting option for adrenaline junkies, Pistachio Bites are basically composed of pistachios and cranberries, resulting in a low-sodium, highprotein, gluten-free, on-the-go snack. They’ve got healthy fat with no cholesterol, and are free of GMOs and animal products. $1.99/two pack; pistachiochewybites.com; Taste: 5; Texture: 4 (a little on the sticky side)
3. SKRATCH LABS Cookie Mix From the mind of Boulder’s Dr. Allen Lim, inventor of the game-changing, TDF-winning, Skratch Labs Hydration mix, comes a simpler yet equally gamechanging product: cookies. Lim has always been an advocate of eating real foods while training and competing, and his cookie concept follows that train of thought. I’ve personally cooked with Lim and made some of the edibles from his cookbooks, and this is truly an innovative and exciting product for endurance athletes of all kinds. $1.99; skratchlabs.com; Taste: 5 (if you make them right) Texture: again, depends on your skills in the kitchen, but the recipe is solid.
4. GU ENERGY LABS Electrolyte Brew Gu brand drink mixes, gels and chews have always (since 1993) been a top choice for endurance athletes. And now Gu is dialing it back a tiny bit
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to offer something for everyone else—its new Electrolyte Brew mix featuring less sodium, a balance of complex and simple carbs, and a lighter taste profile than its previous energy drinks. The new Brew is available in 19-gram stick-packs and canisters (24 servings). Each serving contains 10 grams of sugars, no proteins or fat, and no artificial food dyes. $1.50 per stick and $20 per canister; guenergy.com; Taste: 4 Texture: 4 (just have to get over the newness of this technology)
5. PROBAR BITES ProBar ProBar Bites ProBar, from Salt Lake City, Utah, is another “energy food” family that truly believes in the power of whole foods. ProBar has become my top choice for protein, energy and mealreplacement in recent years. Made from mostly raw ingredients, ProBars are USDA Organic Certified, gluten free, dairy free, soy free, Kosher and NonGMO Project Verified. I bet you can’t say that about everything in your pantry. The new ProBar Bites each contain 190 calories, 6 grams of protein and 10-11 grams of sugar. $1.99; theprobar.com; Taste: 5 Texture: 4 (I actually think this is a 5 but it’s still a “bar”)
6. HONEY STINGER The favorite of many a cyclist, Honey Stinger is introducing a new waffle to their line of honey-based energy bars, gels, chews and food products—the new Caramel Waffle. Inspired by the Belgian pastries that fueled riders at the turn of the century in Europe, the new Honey Stinger waffle flavor has a layer of caramel-infused honey sandwiched between two thin waffles. $15/box of 16; honeystinger.com; Taste: 5 Texture: 3 (some people find them a little crumbly) •
Dirty Secrets
SIX TRAIL RUNNERS SHARE THEIR FAVORITE FOOTPATHS, TRAINING TIPS, AND INSPIRING MOMENTS. by ADAM HILL try to stay smooth on my run this morning. I skip rhythmically across the rocks and attempt a controlled slide across the cascades that have frozen into a sheet of ice along the trail. My body is protesting, still feeling the effects of the previous day’s track workout. But a smile comes to my face as I enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of winter in the mountains. Soon, my mind wanders, and I recall the words of some of the most inspiring runners with whom I’ve had the pleasure to share the trails. Their thoughts on running have seeped into my own, and they’re with me on this and every run.
Doug Blackford
BOONE, NORTH C A ROLIN A At 67 years young, Doug Blackford from Boone, N.C. has been running for 17 years. He starting running in order to help his son, Henry, keep up with his summer cross country miles; Doug would cover a couple of miles which he recalled “would about kill me”. After running a 5K with coaches and parents of competing cross country teams, in which his goal was to not walk, Doug got a taste of the competitive bug. He realized that with a little bit of extra training he might be able to beat some of the regular runners. He's now completed 60 ultramarathons (including three 100-milers), and numerous marathons. What inspires you? The spirit of adventure! In an ultra, I don’t know what demons I am going to face out there, and I try to prepare for unknown troubles. What gets you out the door? It really feels good to be in good shape, maybe the best shape of my life, at my age. So to stay in shape, I have to keep getting out there. It’s just a lot of fun to get out with a good group on a long run. I always like beautiful scenery, but I also like it when the weather turns nasty. What do you think about when you run? I think about where I am going to put my next foot. I think about whatever conversation I am having at the time, the beauty of the trail, and what it’s going to take to survive whatever conditions I am encountering.
DOUG BLACKFORD
it seems to have everything an ultra can offer: technical trails, forest roads, steep climbs, beautiful views, and river crossings. Greatest accomplishment or moment? I have finished three 100-milers, and I had to really dig deep, so they have felt like my greatest accomplishments. My greatest running moment might be the double crossing of the Grand Canyon (R2R2R). It was a great group and gorgeous scenery and it felt special to get out of the bus and see that Canyon for the first time and just start running. Three of us stayed together the whole time and took pictures and had fun. It was a truly memorable experience. Running advice? Keep it fun and find some adventures. Favorite running workout? A good long run on a beautiful trail. I don’t do speed work or workouts except if I am trying to keep up with someone faster than me.
Favorite trail or running spot? Probably Roan Highlands, or it could be Dupont State Forest.
Cross-train? What methods? I bike some and swim some.
Favorite race and/or fun run? Mount Mitchell Challenge—it was my first ultra run, and I have done it every year since (Doug will be competing in his 13th this month). My favorite course is the Terrapin 50K in Virginia because
Running hero or mentor? Gary Knipling, because he is three years older than me, and he still does three 100-milers per year. So when I start feeling like I am too old for this crap, I look at him and figure I better have at least three
more years. Do you give back to the running community in any way? I volunteer at races when I can. Something quirky, weird, or unusual about you that most folks don't know? I play duplicate bridge. I am usually about the oldest one in a group of runners and the youngest in a group of bridge players.
Denise Davis
FR A NK LIN, NORTH C A ROLIN A Denise Davis fell in love with running through the woods as a young girl, and fondly remembers running alongside her local river during high school cross country practices. After a hiatus from running in her twenties, she came back with a vengeance in an attempt to get back in shape for a South Beyond 6,000 adventure in 2001. She skipped from 5Ks to 50Ks and never looked back; she's completed most of the Southeast’s best races and toughest adventure runs. What inspires you? That feeling you get now and then when the run is perfect. When everything feels right, the running is smooth and fast, I breathe easily and it is beautiful all around me. I am inspired to try to recapture that feeling every day. FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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the love for the trails in our little corner of the world. Something quirky, weird, or unusual about you that most folks don't know? I have a Massanutten dimple. In my first 100, the Massanutten, I took a really hard spill, face down, on the infamous Massanutten rocks and ended up with a chipped cheekbone and a black eye. So now, a decade later, when I smile, I have a prominent dimple on my left cheekbone.
Beth Minnick
A BINGDON, VIRINIG A Due to the persistence of a running neighbor, Beth Minnick decided to finally give running a try. Realizing that she struggled to even run one mile in high school, she shocked herself in October of 2005 by running 6 miles on the Virginia Creeper Trail on her first outing. A month later, during a 16-mile trail run in Kentucky, she was hooked. After dabbling in road marathons, including Knoxville and Boston, she started running trails and has been turning in inspiring performances ever since.
DENISE DAVIS
What gets you out the door? If I feel good and am in a good mood, I don't need motivation to head outside. If not, I know running will help fix most anything. What do you think about when you run? I think about pretty much anything and everything, but I always spend time just being thankful. I am so lucky to live in this part of the world and have the ability to go run on all these great trails, just minutes from my front door. Favorite trail or running spot? That's like trying to pick your favorite child. I love the northern half of the Appalachian Trail through the Smokies. The North Carolina section of Bartram Trail is a special place for me. I have been drawn to the Shining Rock area since I was a teenager. It was the last place I went before I had ACL surgery and knew running and hiking would be out of the picture for a while, and it was the first place I went when I got off crutches. Favorite race and/or fun run? Old Dominion 100. Greatest accomplishment or moment? The best moment of my running career was being late to get on the shuttle van to the start of the inaugural Hellgate 100K. There wasn't much room left, but a nice guy gave me the front seat and squeezed into the back. When we got out at the start line, I handed him his pack that he had left on the floorboard, which started a conversation that has lasted for over a decade. We married the next year! My biggest accomplishment was being the first to thru-run the 110 miles of the Bartram trail. Not because I was the first, but because of what I learned I was able to endure to do it. I had been sick for two weeks and almost quit time and time again. Also, running 94 miles one year to the
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day of my ACL surgery was a physical, mental and emotional victory. Running advice? Have fun. Don't ever take for granted your ability to get out there and do it. I was playing Ultimate Frisbee with my cross country team, took a hit and a fall, and completely tore my ACL. Nine months of no running and three years later, still trying to get back to where I was, makes me so very grateful every time I step out the door. Favorite running workout? My favorite is a workout I do with my cross country team. We strap tires of varying sizes to us and run up the mountain as far as we can go. It's a great physical and mental workout. Cross-train? What methods? I should. But I love to run, so that's what I do. Running hero or mentor? Anyone who does something that they "shouldn't" be able to do. People who finish last but don't quit. Bill Irwin, the blind hiker, who fell repeatedly, but kept getting back up to finish thru-hiking the Appalachian Trial. Bill Keane is 70 and still kicking ass in the ultra world. Amy Palmiero-Winters, who I passed at Vermont 100 only because she had stopped to shake rocks out of her prosthetic blade. She caught back up. Do you give back to the running community in any way? I have been coaching our girls cross country team for twelve years and also coached our first full indoor track team. I have mentored students in directing races and I continue to direct a memorial scholarship race one of my runners started ten years ago. I have volunteered at different races and runs, organized small fun runs, and tried to spread
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What inspires you? The regional running community. They're like family to me. We've spent a lot of time together over the years, we’ve traveled together, laughed and cried together, shared our triumphs and defeats. I see them putting in the miles, the desire, the joy, the struggles, and I want be a part of that. What gets you out the door? Nature! I want to be out there exploring, hearing my feet hit the ground, feeling the wind, rain, snow, and sun hit my face. I want to see the sunrise, find a waterfall, take a dip in a creek, run by the light of the moon, see a bear! I love the way the different seasons completely transform the trail, the newness of spring, the long days of summer, forest ablaze with fall colors, and the magic found in snow-covered woods. I want to be out there experiencing that constant change. What do you think about when you run? A lot of the time I’m chatting it up about whatever comes to mind: books, movies, races, current events. When I’m racing it’s more of a flow state of mind, being present and letting the constant stream of thoughts just quickly come and go. It’s a delicate balance, managing the effort and fuel, staying focused, and pushing out any negative thoughts that might get in the way. Favorite trail or running spot? Grayson Highlands/Appalachian Trail: From Elk Garden to the Summit of Mount Rogers, especially in the snow. Visiting the wild ponies, soaking in some amazing views, and being enveloped by the spruce-fir forest (their scent is heavenly) at the top. Favorite race and/or fun run? Terrapin Mountain 50K will always be a favorite race of mine, and the Sultan 50K will always be a favorite fun run—I love wearing crowns and eating cake. Greatest accomplishment or moment? Completing and competing in the Lynchburg Ultra
With over 100 ultras under his belt, his knowledge of all things running is book worthy! You won’t go to a race in this region where someone won’t come up to Tammy and thank her for that time she yelled at them to get out of an aid station, gave them just the right pep talk, thawed their frozen shoelaces, and took care of their extra gear so they wouldn't have to carry it for the next 30 miles. Do you give back to the running community in any way? I love volunteering for local races. I feel it’s the perfect way to give back and support others, plus it’s a ton of fun. For years now I’ve volunteered at the Virginia Creeper Marathon (I can walk to my aid station from my house), and the Iron Mountain Trail Run. I also love organizing group runs on the Iron Mountain Trail Runners' Facebook page. Something quirky, weird, or unusual about you that most folks don't know? I have crazy feet. When I’m seated, my foot measures a women’s size 9, when I stand up it jumps to an 11 ¼. I just have to find middle ground and wear a 10.5 running shoe.
Emily Chaney Bell BETH MINNICK
Series with one of my best friends and running buddies, Beth Frye. The moment we realized we had both finished in the top 10 at Mountain Masochist 50 Miler (the last race in the series) and had also finished 1st overall and 1st masters female in the series with only 2:02 separating our overall times. In a sport where there is so much emphasis on "I", it was refreshing to feel like part of a team and feel proud of what "we" had accomplished together. Running advice? Sometimes less is more. Listen to your body, not everyone can log 80-100 miles a week. If you're tired, rest. You may have logged a billion miles, but if your body is broken and you're exhausted it's not going to matter. Favorite running workout? DAM8—it’s a figure 8 route linking the Appalachian Trail and Iron Mountain Trail out of Damascus, Virginia. It’s got a good long climb to warm you up, 4 miles of sweet downhill, a nice view, enough rocks to sharpen your technical skills, and a half mile sprint finish on the creeper. Cross-train? What methods? Yes! I enjoy a lot of different activities and think it’s important to mix things up, use different muscle groups, and avoid risking burnout. Do something active during lunch break: walk on the creeper, attend yoga classes, play tennis, or play a round of Frisbee golf. I live on the Virginia Creeper trail so some days I bike commute to and from work. Running hero or mentor? Rick and Tammy Gray of Johnson City, Tenn. Rick and Tammy took me under their wing in my early trail running days, and their guidance and support has been invaluable. Rick has inspired and brought more people to ultrarunning than anyone I know.
CH AT TA NOOG A , TENNESSEE Emily Chaney Bell started running at the age of 17 with her high school cross country team. Not only was she hooked from the start, but a running phenom was born, clocking personal bests ranging from 17:38 in the 5K up to 2:47:16 in the marathon. Moving around a bit allowed her to test her range throughout the region’s many great trail races, notching course records and racking up wins at some of the region's classic trail and road races. After a break to give birth to her daughter, Leela, she is back at it. What inspires you? Being outside, beautiful mountains, great friends and family. What gets you out the door? I feel best when I'm outside. Too much time indoors makes me feel sluggish. What do you think about when you run? Everything...frustrations of the day, inspirations of the day, pretending I'm doing something great, planning all sorts of things. When Dancing with the Stars first came out, I would daydream I was a participant in the show and would choreograph all the dances in my head. Favorite trail or running spot? West Virginia has my heart, especially the New River Gorge and Tea Creek area of the Monongahela Forest, but anywhere road or mountain in the state is pretty phenomenal. I actually enjoyed and found inspiration in the running around Huntington, W.Va., while I was in grad school. In North Carolina, I love Dupont and Pisgah, but I also really enjoyed the roads around East Fork between Brevard and Rosman. I grew up in Maryville, Tenn., so Cades Cove and the trails of the Smokies are a favorite when I'm visiting family. Favorite race and/or fun run?
EMILY CHANEY BELL
Charleston Distance Run, Grandma's Marathon, Frozen Sasquatch 25K, and Shut-In. I love the Richmond Off-Road Xterra Triathlon. Greatest accomplishment or moment? Sharing an emotional Chicago Marathon with a dear friend, and running the Blue Ridge Relay while pregnant. Running advice? Slow down, have fun, smile and wave back at people, and listen to your body: it will tell you everything you need to know. Favorite running workout? Jus’ Running’s Maggot track workout when I'm in Asheville. Cross-train? What methods? Cycling, both road and mountain. Swimming, although I'm horrible. My husband just bought me a kayak and I've been eager to learn. Running hero or mentor? I have found inspiration in my closest running friends and mentors. Norm Blair, Chad Newton, Rob Smith, Howard Nippert, Larry Taylor, Kim Sweetland, Doris Windsand-Dausman, and Anne and Mark Lundblad have always been heroes, and I have always admired Devon Yanko Crosby-Helms. Do you give back to the running community in any way? I built and maintained trail and helped with races at ACE Adventure Center back in the day. I have worked at many races in lots of places and volunteered. I have also been involved in the running communities of Huntington and Charleston while working for Robert's Running & Walking Shop, and I get to Asheville as often as I can since moving to help out at Jus' Running where I have FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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ADAM CASSEDAY
MARK ROSTAN
worked since 2010. Something quirky, weird, or unusual about you that most folks don't know? I have an earring that I haven't taken out since I got it in middle school. I was shot in the eye during a drive-by shooting with a shotgun. And I send thank you cards or emails to race directors after events I have run.
Mark Rostan
VA LDESE, NORTH C A ROLIN A After starting to run in order to impress a girl some ten years ago, Mark Rostan has compiled an impressive list of marathon and ultramarathon finishes. Having completed 43 marathons and 26 ultras, including the 2014 Western States 100, Mark has developed an insatiable desire to run the high mountain ridges surrounding him in Western North Carolina. He enjoys feeling like a kid again while bounding over technical singletrack, seeking out scenic overlooks and rhododendron tunnels in lieu of chasing times on a clock. What inspires you? The big and the small of our world. Thinking about the enormous cosmic and geological forces that are at work in the world and then thinking about how on the opposite end of the scale are bosons, quarks, and photons operating at a subatomic scale.
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What gets you out the door? My feet. Oh, the places they will take me! What do you think about when you run? When I'm with a friend, the discussion could be anything from Gilligan's Island, to Bitcoins, to American history. When I'm alone, I'm typically thinking about what's around me, trying to take it all in. As fatigue sets in, I might find myself thinking about a shower and the sofa. Favorite trail or running spot? The Mountains-to-Sea Trail, given that it has 1,000 miles of varied terrain. Favorite race and/or fun run? I've got to go off the grid here and say Pitchell. It's a fun run, not a real race, though there is a time element in that you need to get to Mount Mitchell before the gates close. The reason I pick this one is because of how ridiculous it sounds on paper. Start at midnight on Mount Pisgah and run 67 miles with nearly 3.5 miles of climb, mostly along the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, to Mount Mitchell. To a large degree, the farther along the trail you get, the more technical it becomes. When you finally emerge onto the cobblestone path up to the Mount Mitchell summit, these tourists are looking at you and simply have no idea what you've done. It's very much back to the basics. There are no shirts
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or medallions. There are no cheering crowds. Your reward is the feeling of accomplishment. Greatest accomplishment or moment? My wife, Leslie, has, by her choice, not accompanied me to any of my longer races or fun runs. But she and another friend of ours crewed for me at Western States, meeting me at several spots along the way. She ran the last quarter-mile around the track at the finish with me. That would be my favorite moment. Running advice? Just enjoy what you're doing. Racing for time is fine, but if you can't enjoy the experience, what have you gained? Favorite running workout? I really don't train in the traditional sense. I will build up mileage to prepare for a race of a certain distance. Cross-train? What methods? Nothing structured. I try to go to the gym for weight training. Running hero or mentor? I am blessed with a lot of great people who share the same passion as me. I have a ton of respect for our Western North Carolina legends like Mark Lundblad, Will Harlan, Adam Hill, Jason Bryant,
Anne Riddle Lundblad, and Annette Bednosky. I know I'm leaving people out, but there are so many. Also, you just have to admire Matt Kirk setting the self-supported A.T. thru-hike record. Do you give back to the running community in any way? I co-direct Table Rock Ultras, help the local Mountains-to-Sea Trail volunteers on their workdays when I can, and volunteer at some area races. Having done the directing thing for four years now, I have an appreciation for what RDs do and make sure that they know I appreciated their efforts in organizing their event. Same with the volunteers; I try to thank them at every aid station.
Running is simply a big part of who I am. I’m inspired by training and the daily push to become better. I’m inspired by nature; I’m inspired by the fact that running makes me a better person; I’m inspired to share running with my son. What gets you out the door? The need to clear my head.
immensely satisfying to me for various intrinsic reasons. Running advice? Think long term—don’t focus too much on what others are doing (you are an experiment of one), learn to listen to your body, and try to keep running and life balanced.
What do you think about when you run? Many times, nothing at all, yet at times everything imaginable. Regardless of the subject, my thoughts and ideas always seem to have a dream-like flow where everything just makes sense – when the run ends, similar to dreams, many times my ideations have eluded permanence.
Favorite running workout? Long, slow runs in the mountains alone.
Something quirky, weird, or unusual about you that most folks don't know? I take piano lessons is about the most unusual thing that comes to mind, since I am 45.
Favorite trail or running spot? North Fork Mountain Trail, Monongahela National Forest near Seneca Rocks, W.Va.
Running hero or mentor? Dan Lehmann. I don’t know if I would have ever gravitated to trail running or ultras if it were not for him.
Adam Casseday
Favorite race and/or fun run? Three Days of Syllamo in Arkansas.
Adam Casseday started running in 2002 as a way to relieve stress from a busy schedule while in optometry school. Clocking a sub-3 in his first marathon in Philadelphia (2:55) a year later, he then spent another year getting faster on the roads before his first ultramarathon in 2004 at the Capon Valley 50K. He quickly grew passionate about the trail and ultra scene and has been instrumental in the growth and protection of the trails ever since.
Greatest accomplishment or moment? My most satisfying moment in running was completing a thru-run of the Appalachian Trail over 71 days in 2011. My wife crewed me along the way and we had a tremendous adventure and journey together. Although I have won a few races over the years, my most memorable racing moments oddly come from a pair of third place finishes – 2008 Massanutten Mountain Trails 100 (my first hundred) and 2012 Highlands Sky. Both of these races were
ELKINS, W EST VIRGINIA
What inspires you?
Cross-train? What methods? Some weights in the winter, but mostly I subscribe to the notion that if you want to become a better runner, run.
Do you give back to the running community in any way? I am the co-race director of both Highlands Sky and the West Virginia Trilogy – alongside my friend Dan Lehmann. I do trail work each year on the trails those races use. This year I have spearheaded an effort to build some trails in a wildlife management area in my hometown of Elkins, WV. Something quirky, weird, or unusual about you that most folks don't know? I play the banjo and would like to be a professional fly fisherman. •
FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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Elevate TAKE YOUR PERFORMANCE HIGHER WITH TRAINING INSIGHTS FROM TOP REGIONAL ATHLETES. by JESS DADDIO We’re all guilty of sneaking in a little YouTube session during a lunch break to check out the latest adventure porn. But what you don’t see in those sick skiing videos of Ingrid Backstrom or the unbelievable biking stunts from Danny MacAskill are the countless times they crashed and burned. The road to success for four of our top regional athletes was also chock full of bumps and detours. Here are their hard lessons learned and their advice for taking your training to the next level.
FREESTYLE KAYAKING
STEPHEN WRIGHT Vienna, Virginia
Imagine showing up to the Oregon Cup, one of the premier freestyle kayaking events in the country, with little more than a Prijon kayak, some gear, one friend, and a silly amount of stoke to simply be kayaking. That’s precisely how Virginia's Stephen Wright made his entry into the competitive freestyle kayaking scene. The year was 2004, and no one had ever heard of Wright. But that all changed after one of his impressive rides bumped Wright into the top three, second only to Eric Jackson himself. “I learned a lot at that event,” Wright remembers. "Even though I was competing against the top athletes in the sport, I was just blown away by how nice and supportive they were.” Wright left a lasting impression on Eric Jackson, who had just launched his Jackson Kayaks. Later that summer, Wright would join the Jackson Team and train with EJ himself at his home in Rock
Island, Tenn. “That was really the beginning for me,” Wright says. “He let me work at the Jackson factory to make a little bit of money, but mostly I just kayaked every day.” Wright grew up on the banks of the Potomac in the Great Falls area. He always loved the outdoors, but as a kid, his interests were more in backpacking, caving, and rock climbing. It wasn’t until he was 19 years old that Wright decided to take the leap and try his hand at kayaking. “A friend of mine knew how to kayak and worked at an outdoor shop,” Wright remembers. “He told me they were going to have a sale and that there was a boat at the shop for $300. He told me if I bought the boat and all the gear, he’d teach me how to kayak.” Wright purchased the boat and all of the gear without ever having sat in a kayak before. His first day on the water, though, Wright knew he’d made a smart decision. “It was the most fun thing I’d ever done in my life,” Wright says. “I learned how to roll in half an hour and since that day, I’ve only swam maybe five times in the last 17 years [of kayaking]. I took like a duck to water.” Wright has since gone on to be a four-time U.S. National Freestyle Champion, a two-time World bronze medalist, and a two-time Teva Mountain Games Freestyle Champion. Wright’s also quite the squirt boater, regularly staking podium finishes at the annual Mystery Championships. He’s paddled around the world, from Canada’s Ottawa River to the Nile in Uganda. It’s obvious—Wright’s happy place is on the water.
So how did he take his hobby and make it not only his career but also his way of life? Lucky for you, Wright has a few tips for prospective paddlers. HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE BETTER THAN YOU. Now this may seem like a bite to your self-esteem levels, but according to Wright, paddling with people who are astronomically better than you will only help you learn more quickly, especially if you’re taking the self-taught approach. EMBRACE THE UNKNOWN. If you want to throw loops in the hole, stop flat spinning. Spend your time practicing the tricks that you’re not good at instead of continuing to do what you already know how to do. This seems like a pretty basic concept, but you’d be surprised how many kayakers cartwheel until they’re too dizzy to roll instead of flailing at their Phonics Monkeys. Failing is good—it means you’re trying hard. GO BACK TO THE BASICS. Each time you get on the water, spend a little time practicing fundamental kayaking and freestyle skills like front strokes, backstrokes, sweeps, and braces. If you do this every time you paddle, you’ll target good habits and develop new skills much faster. GET COMPETITIVE. And not just in competitions. Play competitive games with your friends when you’re paddling. The game HORSE can be applied to most every sport; freestyle kayaking is no exception. You can also set challenges for the group—who can do the most FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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tricks in 30 seconds or who can get the most air. HAVE FUN. While kayaking is Wright’s career, he’s made an effort to separate his self-imposed expectations from his genuine love for paddling. “One pitfall of aspiring competitive kayakers is thinking that they’re going to make a lot of money kayaking, which just doesn’t happen to anybody, even the few of us who get paid by sponsors,” Wright says. “We live very inexpensive lives and we do it because we love it.” “Feeling as though your competitive results are a measure of your self-worth as a kayaker is dangerous," he adds. "The people who last in this sport are people who are able to enjoy learning and accomplishing personal goals rather than worrying about where they place in competition.” REGIONAL RODEOS Maryland Chute Out Washington, D.C., Aug. 2015 For the past 17 years, the MD Chute Out has attracted some of the most talented up-and-coming playboaters in the region, a number of whom have gone on to compete on the U.S. Freestyle Kayak Team. Tri-Cities Nolichucky Hometown Throwdown Erwin, Tenn., Summer 2015 Pending water levels, the Tri-Cities HTTD is held at either the Jaws rapid or at Big Rock and goes throughout the summer. This is where Pyranha paddler Mike Patterson cut his teeth, so don’t be surprised if there’s someone in a Jed showing everyone up—it’s probably Patterson. World Kayak Hometown Throwdown Pigeon River, Tenn.—June 2015 Fun and free and open to everyone, this HTTD event is aimed at getting more people on the water trying their hand at playboating and boater cross.
ROAD CYCLING
ALLY STACHER
Horse Shoe, North Carolina There are few people in this world who would stick with a sport that, upon the first time trying it, ended their day with a trip to the hospital and
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a broken ankle. Ally Stacher, though, is one of those few people. A competitive wrestler throughout high school and most of college, Stacher is used to a little struggle, a little pain. Perhaps it’s those fundamental characteristics that have earned her a reputation for being one of the best domestiques in the women’s professional cycling circuit today. “Cycling has taught me to work hard,” Stacher says of her rather short career in professional cycling. “That and how to be a part of a team. When one person wins, we all win.” In the spring of 2009, Stacher joined the U.S. National Team. Though she’d spent the majority of her college career wrestling, she had started cycling regularly on her trainer after breaking her elbow at a match. She eventually made the switch to cycling full-time midway through college and was offered a scholarship to Lees McRae to be part of their up-and-coming cycling team, an opportunity she jumped at. Despite a couple years’ experience of racing, when she joined the National Team, she was still a rookie at best. Stacher didn’t let that stop her, but she will be the first to admit the learning curve was, and continues to be, a steep one. “During my first trip to Europe on the National Team, one of the girls told me, ‘if you quit a race, you get sent home,’” Stacher says. “I was so scared of dropping out or quitting a race that I decided I’d never do that. But, then I got dropped in the first 10K of the race.” Once she got dropped, Stacher says she tried in vain to find the finish line and spent the entire day and evening riding the labyrinth of streets, desperately riding to make it to the finish before the race was over. Finally, well after the race was over, two-time world champion and the winner of the day’s race Kristen Armstrong drove around and found Stacher aimlessly wandering on her bike. Though no doubt a humiliating first experience, Stacher didn’t retreat from the challenge. She trained harder, rode faster, and interpreted everything as a learning opportunity, even when she made a wrong turn once during a criterium race and clotheslined herself off the bike. Her grit and dedication didn’t go unnoticed, though. In 2010, she joined the Webbcor Professional Cycling Team, her first official contract, and just a year later, Stacher signed with the elite HTC-Highroad team. “You either sink or swim in competitive cycling,” Stacher says, “so I put on some floaties and learned how to swim in deep water.” Though HTC-Highroad eventually dissolved as the largest men and women’s cycling team in the world, Stacher stayed with the same crew of 10 women. Together, these ladies now form Team Specialized-Lululemon, the fastest women’s team in the industry today. In the team’s first year on the road in 2012 they won over 60 races and finished
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the season as World Team Time Trial Champions. Stacher’s well on her way to becoming a reputable domestique like the famous George Hincappie, Lance Armstrong’s right-hand-man and the only rider to assist Armstrong in his seven nownull Tour de France victories. Stacher has helped her team take the gold at La Flèche Wallonne, a prestige classic in Belgium, as well as other races around the world like the China World Cup and La Route de France Internationale Féminine. Stacher’s competed in over 14 different countries, from Slovakia to Canada, and has even held her own as a competitive mountain biker. Just this past year, Stacher joined the Queen of Pain herself, six-time World Champion and four-time Leadville 100 Champion Rebecca Rusch, to win two of the seven stages in the 2014 Brasil Ride. “You learn to suffer even more when you get that fire in your belly,” Stacher says. Here are five ways to stoke the fire. DO GROUP RIDES. Whether it’s mountain biking or road riding, learning to ride around people is going to introduce you to people who can help get you where you need to be. From learning how to train efficiently or how to fuel properly or even what to wear, riding your bike around other people is, according to Stacher, “super valuable.” EAT ALLY’S BARS. Stacher’s a little biased on this one – not only is she a professional cyclist but she also happens to be an entrepreneur. Her company, Ally’s Bars, produces energy bars based from sweet potatoes and other wholesome, natural ingredients. She says fueling right is key for putting in long miles. “If you don’t eat while you race, you might as well consider your race over,” Stacher says. MOTIVATION IS KEY. Athletes require a notable amount of internal motivation and dedication to turn their passions into a lifestyle and a career. It’s not easy, and requires a lot of dedication, but wherever you find motivation, use it, harness it, and you’ll only be successful. DON’T QUIT. Don’t quit a race. Don’t quit a training session. Don’t quit eating well. Just don’t quit. Ever. According to Stacher, “if you drop out for health issues or an injury, that’s one thing, but if you quit because it’s too hard, I don’t feel bad for you. Once you learn how to quit, it’s easy to keep quitting.” GET A COACH. Stacher works with Colin Izzard of Carmichael Training Systems (CTS) in Brevard, N.C. She says it’s important for athletes to have someone they can bounce ideas off of when it comes to their training load, work load, even daily life stress load. “Every top rider has a coach and their coach is their everything,” Stacher says. “If you want to excel in a sport, find a coach that’s going to train you to meet your goals.” STACHER’S FAVORITE CYCLING EVENTS Parx Casino Philly Cycling Classic Philadelphia, Penn., June 2015 A one-day, USA Cycling professional race, this might not necessarily be for everyone but it’s sure
to draw the world’s most elite riders to the eastern corner of Pennsylvania. Volkswagen USA Cycling Professional Road and Time Trial National Championships Chattanooga, Tenn., May 23-25, 2015 For the third straight year, the National Championships return to the Scenic City to test the top athletes in the country. The course winds through downtown and over Lookout Mountain, an icon of the city. North Carolina Grand Prix Hendersonville, NC, December 2015 As the first Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) sanctioned cyclocross race ever held south of the nation’s capitol, the Grand Prix is just one example of North Carolina’s rapidly growing cyclocross community.
CLIMBING
ERIC HÖRST
Lancaster, Pennsylvania The Hörst family name is legendary among rock climbers in the Mid-Atlantic. If aspiring 5.12 climbers aren’t sleeping with Eric Hörst’s training bible, “How to Climb 5.12,” they’re staring up in awe at his two sons, Cameron and Jonathan, both of whom have already made a name for themselves in the climbing world. Just last year, Jonathan became the youngest climber in the world to redpoint (free-climb a route sans falls, after any amount of rehearsal) a 5.14a. He was just 10 years old at the time. “Seeing Cam and Jon do what they do has been a little bit of a reawakening for me,” Hörst said in an interview with EPIC-TV last year. “I feel like I’m chasing them now.” But Hörst, now almost 50 years old, has certainly not shown any signs of slowing down. He still regularly climbs 5.13 routes, and has been climbing at that level for over two decades. Where the climbing community today now has access to Hörst’s seven books on training and climbing in the Mid-Atlantic, Hörst grew up during a time when climbing beta came by word-of-mouth or hardly existed at all. “Back in those days it was trad climbing,” Hörst says. “There were no sport routes yet, so leading 5.11 trad on marginal gear at Seneca, the Gunks, and in Colorado was pretty rad for a 16 year old.” By the time Hörst was in his early 20s, he was regularly putting up first ascents of 5.12 and 5.13 sport routes (some of which were the first sport routes ever) throughout the Mid-Atlantic. During his time at Pennsylvania State University, Hörst became obsessed with not just climbing but also the exploration of climbing. He started visiting Bellefonte Quarry near campus and putting up new routes like Power Windows, a 5.12d sport route, and SDI Crack, a 5.12c trad climb. Hörst is regionally known for being one of the early pioneers of climbing in the New River Gorge. With his friend and equally renown climbing partner Rick Thompson, Hörst helped to establish the Bubba City crags which now rank among the most popular in the gorge. In total, Hörst established close to 200 routes at the New, among those Diamond Life (5.13a), West Virginia’s first 5.13
climb, and Just Send It (5.13b) at Endless Wall. “I think most athletes want to train and progress in their sport—as a youngster that was my MO as a baseball player, gymnast, and cross country runner,” Hörst says, “so as I got into climbing during my high school years, it was natural for me to train and push myself to climb as hard as I could.” As Hörst got older, he wanted to harness that passion for improvement and share his knowledge with other climbers. His books include Training for Climbing: The Definitive Guide to Improving Your Performance and Maximum Climbing: Mental Training for Peak Performance and Optimal Experience. From footwork technique to fingerboard exercises and mental approach, Hörst has formulaically broken down the sport of climbing in hopes that his nearly four decades of climbing experience can help others step up their game. Though oftentimes a season that sees more couch time than crag time, winter can be a great excuse to get back to the gym and focus on strength and technique. Hörst gets physical with his tips for peak performance—practice these six tips three days a week and Hörst says, “I guarantee you will be climbing harder in the spring.”
types in rapid succession. A commercial gym with many different angles, a few cracks, and a roof or two is ideal. Team with a partner and toprope ten to fifteen routes of different character over the course of an hour. The first route might be a vertical face, the next a slab, the third a fingercrack, the fourth an overhanging pumpfest, the fifth a handcrack, the sixth a roof route, etc. This rapid recall of a wide range of techniques is skill training at its best.
DOWNCLIMB. Try to downclimb as much of the route as possible rather than simply lowering off. Why? Initially, you’ll find downclimbing to be difficult, awkward, and very pumpy. As your hold recognition improves, you’ll find downclimbing a route often feels easier than ascending it in the first place. This is because your eccentric (lowering) strength is greater than your concentric (pulling) strength, and due to the fact that by leading with the feet (while downclimbing), you learn to maximally weight them and conserve energy.
LEVER-UP. Climb up (or jump or get boosted) to a large jug hold on the roof of a bouldering cave. Beginning from a straight-armed hang, pull up half way (elbows at 90 degrees) then forcefully drop your head and shoulders back and lift your feet upward to latch one foot onto a roof hold as far as possible. Match feet on the hold and then relax your core as much as you can without losing the foothold. Now release your feet and return to the straight-armed starting position. Do 6 to 10 repetitions.
MAKE IT RANDOM. Set out to climb a series of widely varying route
GO FAST. Climbing quickly is primarily a function of skill, not strength or power. It’s best to engage in speed training on a moderate route or some climb that you’ve got wired. Send the route several times with each ascent slightly faster than the previous. As an estimate, strive to climb about 10 percent faster on each successive ascent, but back off at the first sign your technique is suffering. WEIGHT YOUR PULL-UPS. Hypergravity training is a powerful strategy for boosting pull-muscle strength. Wear a weight belt (or hang weights from the belay loop of your harness, enough to limit you to just 5 to 8 reps) while doing two to four sets of pull-ups.
BEEF YOUR CRIMP STRENGTH. Using a fingerboard edge, do three 7- to 10-second hangs each followed by just 50 to 53 seconds of FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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TAKE A BREAK. Every runner needs rest. Let the body recuperate. The rule of thumb? Whatever distance your race is, give yourself a day per mile. So, for example, if you do a marathon, take approximately three weeks of rest. That doesn’t mean you can’t run but don’t do things that require exertive effort, unless you’re trying to put your body out of commission, which is exactly what Saft did after winning the national trail championship at DuPont State Forest. “I ran at the infamous Shut-In Ridge Run three weeks after that marathon,” Saft says. “I actually felt great for Shut-In, had a great race, had the third fastest time in Shut-In history, but after that my body was just shot. I couldn’t recover because I had two major efforts within two weeks and it was simply too much. Let that body recover.”
rest (each hang-rest rep is exactly one minute). Do three sets of three hangs with a three-minute rest between each set. TEST YOUR STRENGTH AT THESE TOP CLIMBING EVENTS IN THE SOUTHEAST: Triple Crown Bouldering Series Horse Pens 40, Ala., Stone Fort, Tenn., Hound Ears, N.C., and Rumbling Bald, N.C., Oct. thru Dec. 2015 With the added Rumbling Bald location, this bouldering competition series really hits the best spots in the Southeast. Climb hard, meet cool cats, and support the Carolina Climbers’ Coalition! Dyno Competition New River Gorge, W.Va., Sept. 2015 As part of the Craggin’ Classic, this dyno comp is held at night on the American Alpine Club’s (AAC) new campground outside of Fayetteville. Fuel up beforehand with some community-made grub and meet New River Gorge climbing legends Gene and Maura Kistler and Kenny Parker. The Chatt Town Throw Down – Redpoint Bouldering Competition Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. and Sept. 2015 Rock/Creek and Element Climbing partner to host this redpoint bouldering competition, a two-part series held at the end of summer.
TRAIL RUNNING
AARON SAFT
Asheville, North Carolina Longtime runner and owner of the Asheville-based running store Foot Rx, Aaron Saft originally began his foot-hoofing career as a 14-year-old kid playing soccer in Middletown, N.Y. “I realized in soccer I was actually a better runner than I was a soccer player,” Saft says, laughing. The kid had a knack for running—there was no question about that. Saft topped out his high school running career with a 2nd in the two-mile as part of the All-American Indoors track and field division. Saft continued to run throughout college for North Carolina State University, joining the
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Wolfpack team for six track and field Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) titles and five cross country ACC titles. He’s known regionally for setting a course record at the DuPont Forest Trail Marathon in 2007, the site for the men’s U.S. Track & Field national trail championship. He’s also represented the United States at the North American Central American Caribbean (NACAC) mountain running championships in Mexico, the world long-distance mountain running championships in England, and in various races all over the country from Oregon to New Hampshire. “Running has taught me that there’s always more potential out there,” Saft says. “There’s potential for growth, potential for improvement, and what’s awesome is that you can pursue a career out of your passion and make a life out of something you enjoy.” Saft has certainly carved out a lifestyle for himself that centers around all things running. Around 2006, Saft opened up his running shop Foot Rx in Asheville to serve the growing population of runners in town. From “$5 5Ks” to longer races like the Daniel Boone Be Prepared 15K and the DuPont 25K, Saft organizes a wide variety of races every year with the goal of raising money for local charities and giving back both to the region and to the sport that has so positively shaped his life. He also runs a youth running program in an effort to get kids introduced to running earlier in life. “I spent seven years of my life as a coach working with youth specifically,” Saft says. “I love engaging with young people and working with them and seeing them try to reach their potentials.” For up-and-coming runners, reaching that potential isn’t necessarily an easy task. Often, despite feeling at the peak of their physical fitness, runners can actually reverse their progress if they’re not careful. Saft offers the following five tips for runners who are looking not only to up their game but to also sustain a healthy running career. BE FLEXIBLE. Have a well-rounded program and incorporate not only running but also strength and flexibility in order to truly progress in your running. Make it part of your weekly training program and stick to it.
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FUEL PROPERLY. Make sure you’re getting good calories back in your body. Everything in moderation, especially junk food. Try to avoid artificial or processed foods. The night before a race, try not to overdo the carbs—it can make you feel bloated. Even more important? Don’t try anything new the day before or the day of your race—Saft says he learned this one the hard way. “Two weeks before I ran the Mount Washington road race, I had throat surgery and my diet was restricted to liquids, which, obviously, I’m not used to,” Saft remembers. “Race day came and I needed to get calories into my system, so I had a smoothie that morning, which I never do. The first four miles of the race my stomach was absolutely killing me but I finally let out a burp that allowed me to feel good enough to keep running.” RESPECT THE THRESHOLD. Once you start to gain fitness, there’s a delicate balance between just enough and too much. Keep a log of how you’re feeling, how much you’re running, and how you’re recovering from major efforts to help mitigate crossing into the red zone. GO MOUNTAIN BIKING. For Saft, who lives just three miles from Pisgah National Forest, mountain biking provides the perfect way to cross train. "As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that cross training gives your body a break from the repetitive motions of running.” SAFT’S FAV RACES Tsali Frosty Foot Robbinsville, N.C., Jan. 17, 2015 Part of the Yeti or Not Winter Trail Series, this no-frills race takes place the Tsali Recreation Area trail system with 30K and 50K options. Springmaid Splash 5K/10K Spruce Pine, N.C., Aug. 22, 2015 Located on the scenic grounds of the Springmaid Mountain Resort, this course is challenging, wet (you cross the river four times), and a heck of a lot of fun and a great way to end the summer. Eastern Divide 50K Pembroke, Va., June 20, 2015 Beginning at the Cascades and ending at Mountain Lake, this 50K is burly. •
2015RACE&EVENTGUIDE BattleFrog
Founded by former U.S. Navy SEALs, BattleFrog is an obstacle course race series that helps people push beyond their own limits. Racers choose the BattleFrog 15K, BullFrog 5K, BullFrog Mile, or TadPole Dash courses, each inspired by BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) Training, the six-month long qualification course that all SEALs experience. Headquartered in Miami, Florida 770-658-9586 | info@battlefrogseries.com BATTLEFROGSERIES.COM
Freestyle Double Cross Series February 8 and February 22, 2015
The FREESTYLE Double Cross is happening again this year! Open to skiers and snowboarders! 8:30 - 10:00 a.m. Double Cross Registration @ Freestyle Mountain Inn, 10:30 a.m. Double Cross Practice Runs Terrain Park, 11:00 a.m. Double Cross Riders Meeting Top of Course/ Park, 11:30 a.m. Double Cross Event Start Terrain Park Wintergreen Resort 434-978-4091 | info@freestyleonline.com FREESTYLEONLINE.COM
Hunting Island Adventure Biathlon March 7, 2015
Rock ’n’ Roll Raleigh Marathon & Half Marathon presented by WRAL benefiting The V Foundation for Cancer Research April 12, 2015
Enjoy a rocking’ scenic circuit through the City of Oaks. Run by lakes and golf course, through downtown and across university campuses whilst your feet pound to the tune of the bands lining the course. Rockin’ and running has never been so much fun in Raleigh! Raleigh, NC RUNROCKNROLL.COM/RALEIGH
Smoky Mountain Relay April 17-18, 2015
214 miles of the toughest overnight running relay miles in the world. Over 26,700’ of gain over roads and trails through the Great Smoky Mountains, from Pink Beds State Park to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. 36 Rocky Ridge Rd, Asheville, NC 828.280.5184 | jim@smokymountainrelay.com SMOKYMOUNTAINRELAY.COM
East Coast Paddlesports & Outdoor Festival April 17-19, 2015
The race includes a 6-mile out-and-back paddle (SUP or kayak) followed by a 4.5-mile trail run through the maritime forest of Hunting Island. Athletes can compete individually or as part of a two-person team (relay or tandem). 2555 Sea Island Parkway Hunting Island, SC 29920 Hunting Island State Park 843-384-5266 | Biathlon@seaislandrotary.org HUNTINGISLANDBIATHLON.COM
This action-packed weekend immerses guests in the paddlesports experience. Tour exhibitors and learn technique, history, and hands-on skills from leading instructors in canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding. Demo the latest products before you buy and much more. 871 Riverland Drive, Charleston, South Carolina James Island County Park 843-795-4FUN (4386) | customerservice@ccprc.com CHARLESTONCOUNTYPARKS.COM/OUTDOORFEST
Rock ’n’ Roll DC Marathon & Half Marathon presented by CareFirst
Foot Levelers Blue Ridge Marathon, Half & Anthem Star 10k
The only race entirely within Washington, D.C., you can run the Nation’s Capital while rocking your very own monuments and landmarks tour. Earn your very own postage stamp-inspired medal, a Brooks technical tee and for marathoners-only, an exclusive Brooks finisher’s jacket! Washington, D.C. RUNROCKNROLL.COM/USA
This marathon has earned its title as “America’s Toughest Road Marathon” by challenging runners with 7,430’ in elevation change. All three distances are challenging on this mountainous course, but runners are rewarded with socks, live music, and craft beer at the festival-like finish. Elmwood Park, Roanoke VA 24011 540-343-1550 x 110 | julia@roanokeoutside.com BLUERIDGEMARATHON.COM
March 14, 2015
Martinsville Half Marathon 5K & Relay March 21, 2015
The 5th Annual Martinsville Half Marathon, 5K, and Relay offers great swag, rolling hills, and great race support. Our theme for this is year is be inspired be inspiring. New for 2015 we will offer a kids fun run, a 5K walking division, and 95210 Kids Zone. 276-632-6427 | brad@martinsvilleymca.com MILESINMARTINSVILLE.COM
Cooper River Bridge Run March 28, 2015
The Cooper River Bridge Run is the best organized and the best conducted 10-K race in the world. It includes world-class competition in a unique setting with unparalleled participant satisfaction. The Cooper River Bridge Run serves as a model of health motivation for other communities throughout the world. 716 S Shelmore Suite 105, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 843-856-1949 | crbridgerun@att.net BRIDGERUN.COM
April 18, 2015
Goodwill Mud Run
St. Jude Countr y Music Marathon & Half Marathon April 25, 2015
Tour Nashville, New York Times’ top destination in the world! Your Music City run starts outside the honky tonk bars, passes the Country Music Hall of Fame and down Music Row before finishing along the riverfront. Cap off race day with a free night-time concert! Nashville, TN RUNROCKNROLL.COM/NASHVILLE
Trailblaze Challenge May 2015
Join our 3rd annual Trailblaze Challenge in May 2015 and hike 28.3 miles. This is an opportunity for adventure, fun, and fitness while making a direct impact on the lives of children in our community battling lifethreatening medical conditions. Appalachian Foothills Trail, outside of Lavonia, GA 704-339-0334 | cwebber@nc.wish.org TRAILBLAZECHALLENGE.ORG
Frederick Running Festival May 2 and 3, 2015
The Frederick Running Festival is the hidden gem of the running community which features four races that all finish at the Frederick Fairgrounds. Runners will experience a big time race with small town charm and enjoy off-site packet pick-up in the surrounding suburbs. Join in one of our Multi-Race events for extra medals and gear. Frederick Fairgounds, Frederick, MD 410-605-9381 | customerservice@corrigansports.com FREDERICKRUNFEST.COM
The Alleghany Highlands Triathlon May 16, 2015
5K run, 3-mile paddle and 13-mile bike through the Alleghany Highlands. Enjoy our beautiful mountain scenery and blueways as you run, paddle, and bike. The paddling component makes this a unique triathlon. Clifton Forge Main Street, 501 E. Ridgeway Street, Suite A, Clifton Forge, VA 24422 540-862-2000 | cfmainstreet@ntelos.net VISITALLEGHANYHIGHLANDS.COM/ FEATURED-EVENTS
Virginia Wine Countr y Half Marathon May 30, 2015
The Goodwill Mud Run presented by St. Francis Sports Medicine is 3.5 miles, teams of two or four, and 35 obstacles. And officially timed. The race is open to all ages and fitness levels. Proceeds benefit the Goodwill Foundation to help put people back to work. 5 Chapel Road, Greenville, SC 29605 864-351-0123 | goodwillmudrun@goodwillsc.org GOODWILLMUDRUN.ORG
Run the ultimate destination race! Produced by Destination Races, this popular race features a scenic course passing farms, vineyards, ranches, and rolling estates along tree-lined historic byways in Loudoun County. Wine and culinary-themed events include the post-race Wine & Music Festival at Doukenie Winery. Register now! Doukenie Winery 707-933-1769 | raceinfo@destinationraces.com DESTINATIONRACES.COM/RUNVIRGINIA
Great Greenbrier River Race
Asheville Half Marathon & 10k
Great Greenbrier River Race is a triathlon event held annually the last Saturday in April. With great prizes, live music, and good food, the event attracts a loyal following of racers. Proceeds from entry fees and generous sponsors go to improve and promote the trail. P. O. Box 203, Marlinton, WV 24954 304-799-4636 | ladams@pocahontascountywv.com WORDPRESS.GREENBRIERRIVERTRAIL.COM
Our Half Marathon and 10K starts and ends in Pack Square, runs through the streets and hills of Asheville, and along the French Broad River. Entertainment will be provided by the Music Initiative throughout the entire race course; a local artist at every mile marker! 33 Patton Ave, Suite 201, Asheville, NC 28801 828-972-2994 | ashevillehalfmarathon@gmail.com ASHEVILLEHALFMARATHON.COM
April 18, 2015
April 25, 2015
S P E C I A L A D V ER T I S I N G S E C T I O N
June 6, 2015
S P E C I A L A D V ER T I S I N G S E C T I O N
Baltimore 10-Miler
TRIROCK.COMPETITOR.COM/PHILADELPHIA
June 6, 2015
The Alleghany Gran Fondo
This race has become an annual rite of summer for the running community. The scenic trek starts and ends at the Maryland Zoo and run-through visits of Druid Hill Park and Lake Montebello. Finish with the best postrace parties—live music, watermelons, cold towels and complimentary beer. Plus the coolest race premium in the industry. Leg #2 of the King Crab Challenge. Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 410-605-9381 | customerservice@corrigansports.com BALTIMORETENMILER.COM
July 11, 2015
No need to cross the Atlantic for an Old World cycling experience—the Alleghany Highlands’ has it all. With electronic chip timing and King of the Mountain competitions, this event has all the elements of the classic European Gran Fondo. Three routes: Piccolo—25 miles; Medio—60 miles and Gran—100 miles. Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, 110 Mall Road, Covington, VA 24426 540-962-2178, 888-430-5786 | info@ahchamber.com VISITALLEGHANYHIGHLANDS.COM/ FEATURED-EVENTS
The Jackson River Scenic Trail Half Marathon, 10k 5k, & 1 Mile Fun Run
Lake Moomaw One-Mile Open Water Swim
June 27, 2015
The Jackson River Scenic Trail follows its namesake river and old railroad bed. The course is a smooth crushed gravel surface; mostly flat with some light hills. Coincides with the Covington Cork and Pork celebration so great food, wine, beer, and entertainment await all finishers! Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, 110 Mall Road, Covington, VA 24426 540-962-2178, 888-430-5786 | info@ahchamber.com VISITALLEGHANYHIGHLANDS.COM/ FEATURED-EVENTS
August 1, 2015
The Lake Moomaw One-Mile Open Water Swim will take place on Saturday, August 1st, 2015 amid the beautiful mountain landscape and breathtaking scenery of the Alleghany Highlands. Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, 110 Mall Road, Covington, VA 24426 540-962-2178, 888-430-5786 | info@ahchamber.com VISITALLEGHANYHIGHLANDS.COM/ FEATURED-EVENTS
Johnson & Johnson TriRock Philadelphia Triathlon
Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon
The 11th annual Johnson & Johnson TriRock Philadelphia Triathlon presented by Philadelphia Insurance Companies, is coming up on June 27-28, 2015. This premier triathlon festival weekend takes place in scenic Fairmount Park and features a Sprint distance and showcase Olympic distance race featuring some of the best elite triathletes in the country. Philadelphia, PA
Get some Smoky Mountains smoke in your eyes as you run our half marathon through the woods just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park on September 12th, 2015! End your run in Townsend, Tennessee with beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains and enjoy one of the most visited parks in the US! #GSMHalf 619-567-9191 | cherie@vacationraces.com GREATSMOKYMOUNTAINSHALFMARATHON.COM
September 12, 2015
June 27-28, 2015
FACEBOOK.COM/GREATSMOKYMOUNTAINS HALFMARATHON
Events DC Nation’s Triathlon September 13, 2015
The 10th Anniversary Nation’s Triathlon to Benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will take place Sunday, September 13, 2015 in the nation’s capital. Featuring a course that winds through Washington, D.C.’s monument corridor, participants can choose to race the International or Sprint distance as an individual or relay team. Washington, DC NATIONSTRI.COM
The New River Trail Challenge Triathlon September 19th, 2015
The New River Trail Challenge Triathlon consists of a 20mile bike ride, a 12-mile kayak leg, and a half marathon run, in beautiful New River Trail State Park. Participants can compete solo or in teams, all age and skill levels are welcome. 176 Orphanage Dr., Foster Falls, VA 24360 276-699-6778 | steven.boyd@dcr.virginia.gov DCR.VIRGINIA.GOV/STATE-PARKS/ NRT-CHALLENGE.SHTML
Baltimore Running Festival October 17, 2015
Join us at the event that many are calling the best races on the East Coast. With five distances to choose from, and all runners snagging a great Under Armour shirt, this event is for you! Sign up fast! Sells out every year. You won’t want to miss the 15th Annual Baltimore Running Festival. M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore MD 410-605-9381 | customerservice@corrigansports.com THEBALTIMOREMMARATHON.COM
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Wouldn’t you rather be here?
NEW FOR SPRING 2015
Blue Ridge Running Series FEATURING M’s Asheville 1/4 Crew
FRICTION FREE TECHNOLOGY
Maximizing abrasion control and reducing heat caused by friction.
SEAMLESS TOE CLOSURE
Perfectly flat toe closure eliminates bulk and helps reduce friction blisters. W’s Roanoke Low
LOW AND 1/4 CREW STYLES
Available in both Men’s & Women’s. www.farmtofeet.com
A world-class city celebrating 25 years of paddlesports excellence. What are you waiting for?
East Coast Paddlesports & Outdoor Festival APRIL 17-19, 2015 • CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA CharlestonCountyParks.com/paddlefest • (843) 795-4386
S P E C I A L A D V ER T I S I N G S E C T I O N
29TH ANNUAL
GREAT GREENBRIER RIVER RACE APRIL 25, 2015
RUN, ROW, AND BIKE THIS 17-MILE TRIATHLON IN AND AROUND BEAUTIFUL MARLINTON WV Register online at TriStateRacer.com or call 800.336.7009 for more information Find us online at GreenbrierRiverTrail.com After the race, enjoy a great lunch and some rockin’ music!
Get early coordinates here for Discover the Birthplace of Rivers Geocache at the CVB’s booth.
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Athletes and spectators alike love these annual competitions in the Alleghany Highlands. Pristine lakes and rivers and courses that offer stunning mountains views make these scenic races uniquely Alleghany.
Don’t let the peaceful mountain views fool you. This summer, it’s Game On!
May 16, 2015 The Alleghany Highlands Triathlon
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June 27, 2015 The Jackson River Scenic Trail Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and 1 Mile Fun Run
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RICHMOND VA EDITION • Blue Ridge Outdoors
EL E VAT I O N O U T D O O R S .C O M
The Future of Adventure by JESS DADDIO
When you were young, where did your priorities lie? Finding prom dates? Thursday pep rallies? Homework? How about stomping class-V rapids and landing backflips on your snowboard? For these five up-and-coming adventurers, that’s precisely what they spend their free time doing.
Evan Swett CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
Face it—wintertime in these parts isn’t the most conducive to giving diehard powder hounds a sixmonth season, but that’s not to say the next Shaun White isn’t ripping up the East as we speak. Virginiaborn and raised Evan Swett is the next generation of freestyle snowboarding. With Wintergreen Resort in his backyard, Swett offsets the short and mild winters by heading an hour south to train on the faux-snow features at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Center. To Swett, every day is a training day. “My favorite trick is a backflip with a tail grab,” Swett says. “I have a signature grab—I call it the suitcase method.” It’s like a regular grab but you reach around completely to the opposite side of the board so it looks like you’re holding a suitcase.” Execution of the suitcase method looks much like its name might suggest, as if Swett were casually sailing through the air carrying his board at his side like a suitcase. In just five years of riding, this innovative young ripper regularly stakes his rightful spot at the podium in the local rail jams. He’s quickly on his way to becoming one of the best riders on Wintergreen’s Freeride Team, but for Swett, competition comes second. “I learned that it's not all about competition and winning,” Swett says. “It’s about being around your friends and having a fun time you can remember.” Swett has been invited twice to Copper Mountain to compete in Nationals, beating out nearly half of the other competitors both years in a row. He’s a reserve snowboard athlete in the Monster Energy Army and, when he’s not hitting the books, you can bet he’s on the slopes or in the park practicing his moves. “I just want to keep on snowboarding,” Swett says. “My parents are pretty supportive. They let me do whatever I want.” That is, within reason. School is still a priority, and academics can prove particularly demanding at times. Swett’s a hard worker, though, and even the short winters, unrelenting schoolwork, and sprained ankle he sustained two years ago can’t stand up to the passion he has for improving his riding. “You’re spending the entire season getting ready for these two runs that you’re going to take,” Swett says in reference to his time at Nationals. “There’s a lot on your shoulders when you’re sitting at the top looking down and planning your run. My coaches taught me just to close my eyes and imagine my entire run, going through all of the features and
EVAN SWETT
FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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being in the air, and imagine my face at the bottom, smiling, knowing I did well.” So far, it seems, that technique has worked. Let’s see where his imagination will take him next.
Dylan McKinney ASHEVILLE, NC
A day in the life of most high schoolers typically involves a lot of classroom time, maybe some afterschool team practice, and hours upon hours of homework. For the most part, that’s exactly what 20-year-old Dylan McKinney’s high school years were like, except for one key difference: he started his day off with a lap down the Green River Narrows. “I was pretty much always late,” McKinney says. “The Green was 30 minutes from my high school, so I found that if I dawn patrolled the Narrows, I’d be on time.” McKinney started kayaking when he was 15 years old, a decision he made after a number of snowboarding, skateboarding, and skiing injuries led to an arthroscopic knee surgery. “The recovery time was six to 12 months,” McKinney remembers. “The snow that year in the Southeast was really incredible and it just sucked sitting around.” At the suggestion of his friend, McKinney decided to do something about that boredom and attended a local roll clinic. Little did he know that that decision would change the course of his life. Within the first year of his paddling career, McKinney was already firing up class IV-V runs, from the Watauga River to the Green River Narrows. He
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ROWAN STUART
progressed quickly, perhaps too quickly (as he’ll be the first to admit), but he found something in kayaking he had yet to find in any other sport. “The way I feel when I’m paddling doesn’t really compare to anything else,” he says. “It kinda relieves all this stress.” To McKinney, “stress” isn’t what he feels when he’s about to plunge over the lip of a 90-foot waterfall like Metlako Falls in Oregon. It’s not even what he feels when he’s getting pummeled at the bottom of Boxcar on the North Fork of the French Broad and on the verge of drowning. Stress for this 20-year-old looks much like the stress of any college junior. Between studying for tests, writing papers, and figuring out life (aka girls), kayaking is where McKinney finds peace, challenge, and thrill all wrapped up into one adrenaline-packed enchilada. “For me, I want to see myself getting competitive and really pushing myself, whether it’s in races or running big drops,” he says, “but I also just want to have fun and not let being competitive ruin it. The whole reason I started kayaking was to have fun and I want to stay true to those roots.” McKinney is a paddler for Pyranha Kayaks and is also sponsored by Werner Paddles and Astral Designs. He is currently in his third year of nursing school at Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C., and plans to “somehow fund a year of traveling around the world” after college. And yes, those travels will likely involve hucking waterfalls and running stouts.
Rowan Stuart ROBBINSVILLE, NC
Though dominated by males, the adventure world has its fair share of powerful ladies who can easily out-shred the guys in their sport. Rowan Stuart is one of those gals. A freestyle kayaker from western North Carolina, she’s been on the water giving the guys a run for their money (her father and brother included) since she was ten years old. “We’re pretty lucky if we get enough junior girls to make a prelim and finals round,” Stuart says of her category. “More than five is a lot.” Stuart just turned 18 this past year, though, so the slim number of junior competitors won’t be such an issue in 2015—in fact, she’ll have plenty of professional women kayakers to go up against, like her own hero, Adriene Levknecht. Stuart’s racked up quite an impressive paddling résumé in less than a decade of kayaking – from winning the Junior Women’s K1 division in the 2013 ICF World Freestyle Championships in Bryson City, N.C., to taking the gold again in her category at the 2014 World Cup in Spain (and a host of other podium titles at world-renowned events like the Payette River Games and GoPro Mountain Games). She’s paddled most of the classics in the Southeast and a number of reputable runs out West like the Green Truss in Washington and Homestake Creek in Colorado. She’s fearless and funny, the perfect
combination of sweet and strong, and when she’s not adjusting to a new life of dorm rooms and meal swipes (ah, the life of a college freshman), she’s hitching a ride to a kayaking event, even if that means driving 13 hours to the Moose River in New York. “I’m not one of those people who want to scare themselves out of their minds,” Stuart says. “Somehow, I still do it but I keep kayaking anyway. I don’t know why I kayak really, but that’s not it.” Though Stuart’s forte is playboating, she is quickly proving her might on some of the toughest creeks in the Southeast like the Russell Fork Gorge and Green River Narrows. Stuart paddles for Pyranha Kayaks and is also sponsored by Werner Paddles, Astral Designs, Shred Ready, Immersion Research, and Rapid Straps. She is currently studying psychology at the University of North Carolina in Asheville, N.C., and says her life comprises, mainly, of four actions. “Read, sleep, eat, and kayak.” Of course, not in that order.
Isaac Hull RICHMOND, VA
At an age when most kids are lucky just to survive the trials and tribulations of preteen-dom, 12-year-old Isaac Hull is occupied with anxieties of a different sort. To boof or not to boof? Phonix Monkey or FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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McNasty? Paddle before or after school? Or both? If you couldn’t guess, kayaking is Isaac Hull’s bread and butter. With the class II-III James River just a short 10-minute drive from his parents’ home in Richmond, Hull has spent the past 4½ years of his life dedicated to his passion for whitewater. “A lot of people want to get into kayaking, but their parents can’t take them or they can’t find a ride,” Hull says of his own age group. “I’m really lucky to have my dad.” Hull’s father, Chris, has paddled for over 30 years and was Hull’s biggest advocate for going big with kayaking. Together, the two of them knocked off all of the local runs like the class III-IV Maury River and the class V North Fork of the Tye. Hull has since racked up some personal first descents down a few
of the more reputable runs in the Southeast like the Upper Gauley and the Green River Narrows. Hull’s a well-rounded paddler, though, firing up more than just steep creeks and big volume rivers. Last year, he placed 4th in the Upper Yough downriver race and claimed 5th place at Dominion Riverrock’s freestyle competition on his home river. He’s a sponsored kayaker for Dagger Kayaks, Adventure Technology Paddles, and Sweet Production helmets and regularly paddles on the weekends with some of the region’s top whitewater paddlers. Yet despite this apparently natural and rapid progression, Hull says he’s in no rush. “My dad always said, ‘don’t push your limits.’ You can’t have people telling you all the time, ‘I think you can do this,’” he says. “You have to know that line
and be confident that you can do it.” The confidence Hull has gained from the cockpit of his boat provides him with a levelheaded coolness that most of his peers likely won’t achieve for another decade. He’s ahead of the game no doubt, but despite paddling more days a week after school than going to lacrosse practice, Hull takes a very mature and realistic approach to making a living as a kayaker. “I definitely want to go to college,” he says. “Kayaking is a short term thing. You can’t do pro kayaking all your life. Chris Gragtmans is a good example of someone who has a steady job, who’s not just a pro kayaker, but is also going out and living the life.” From playboating to creek boating and river
ISAAC HULL
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running, Hull does it all. When school’s out for summer, he cross-trains by swimming on the local swim team with his friends. He’s naturally athletic and down-to-earth, but at heart, he’s still a kid with big ideas about the future. “There’s not really a limit to what you can do,” Hull says. “You can always explore new things and do new tricks. That’s what I love about kayaking.”
Adam Homberg OAKLAND, MD
Adam Homberg’s life is adventure. Sure, maybe he’s only 15 and can’t drive himself to the put-in, but it doesn’t matter when you’re the type of person who feels more at home in the woods than between four walls, you’ll find a way. “My family’s always been around the outdoors,” Homberg says. “My Dad used to be on the U.S. slalom kayaking team,” which would explain why kayaking is one of Homberg’s passions. With the Adventure Sports Center International (ASCI) and quality runs like the top and upper sections of the Youghiogheny River out his backdoor, if Homberg’s not in school, he’s on the water. “My dad is one of my favorite people to go kayaking with,” Homberg says. “He told me to never
give up. I used to get really mad when I couldn’t do something, but he helped me progress.” And progress he did. Homberg is now a sponsored paddler for Pyranha Kayaks, Astral Designs, Immersion Research, Adventure Technology Paddles, and Demshitz. It’s safe to say that a day in the life of this kid usually involves more hours in the cockpit of his kayak than anywhere else. Unless, that is, the rivers aren’t running. So what’s a guy to do when the water dries up? For Homberg, he’ll take anything on a board. Wakeboarding, longboarding, snowboarding—really it’s just a matter of the weather. “I like longboarding,” Homberg says, “just to go out and cruise. It feels like snowboarding.” Though he is sponsored by Palo Mesa Longboards, his real love of riding shines through in his pursuit of freestyle snowboarding. He’s a regular at the local competitions, from the annual Motown Throwdown to the rail jams at Seven Springs and Wisp Resort. When you see Homberg’s name on the list of competitors, you can bet he’ll be bringing the heat. Homberg’s a natural athlete, an all-around outdoorsman, but he’s also a straight-A-student and a key member of the high school soccer team. “You have to be a good team player and be there for people,” Homberg says. “I like how both
kayaking and freestyle snowboarding are individual sports. I like team sports too, but I like pushing myself on my own schedule and doing my own things to progress.” From the notoriously dangerous Upper Blackwater River to the Upper Gauley, Homberg has stepped up his kayaking game in recent years. Between kayaking, snowboarding, and longboarding, Homberg is comfortably walking around the halls of high school with 10 sponsors backing him already. Despite this, he says that brand endorsement was never what did it for him. “I don’t care if I go mega-pro,” he says. “I just want to go out and have a good time with my friends. I definitely want to keep snowboarding and kayaking, but I’m thinking about going into business and marketing in college.” Homberg’s snowboarding sponsors include Rome Snowboard Design Syndicate, 686, Thirtytwo, and Shred Soles. If you’re wondering how Homberg gets enough fuel to keep up with maintaining straight As, kayaking the gnar, and throwing down front blunts at the park, you’ll find the answer between two pieces of bread. Egg sandwich. Hold the cheese. •
FEBRUARY 2015 • BlueRidgeOutdoors.com
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20 YEARS OF BRO
THEN + NOW
Labors of Love
GUIDEBOOKS WERE BIG IN THE 90S. ARE THEY STILL USEFUL TODAY? by JESS DADDIO humb through the pages of any guidebook today and you’ll see bright, high-resolution photographs, topo maps, and even GPS coordinates. But have you ever wondered what it was like before the dawn of the Internet, back when guidebook know-how came by word of mouth from local legends, often scribbled down with pen and paper and shoved into back pockets? Climber Eric Hörst and paddler Kirk Eddlemon know that world well. Hailing from Lancaster, Penn., Hörst has been climbing since the early 70s and has put up a number of first ascents in places like the New River Gorge and Old Rag. He’s the author of Rock Climbing Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland, the definitive guide to climbing in the Mid-Atlantic, and has recently written an updated edition to the original guide, which he first published in 2001. Knoxville born and raised, Eddlemon picked up paddling in the early 90s, and in 2009, he wrote his first-ever guidebook, a comprehensive, twovolume series titled Whitewater of the Southern Appalachians. Hörst and Eddlemon took BRO behind the scenes of a guidebook-in-the-making, a process, I discovered, that is long, slow, and tedious. JD: What were the guidebooks like when you first started out? EH: The earliest guidebook I can think of was Bill Webster’s guide to Seneca Rocks that came out in the early 1970s—it was small enough you could stick in your pants pocket with grainy black and white photos and one or two vague sentences. That was how we rolled back in the day. Why write a guidebook? EH: You don’t get rich writing climbing guidebooks, but I’d spent most of the weekends of my young life adventuring around these cliffs and mountains. I know them as good as anybody. KE: I’ve always had a categorical mind. Ever since I started paddling in the Southeast, I had this unsaid goal of seeing everything that I could, all the rivers and streams, with the notion that that gives me a large-scale understanding of the world around me, which, for me, is grounding. In the wake of the Internet, what is the future for guidebooks? Do they still have a purpose? EH: The next frontier is taking guidebooks and making them electronic and accessible by iPhone. I think that’s cool, but what if you dropped your phone? What if your battery goes dead? I don’t think they’ll fully replace a physical paper guide, but it’s going to be fun in the coming years to see how that changes the guidebook industry. KE: Much like the resurgence in popularity of vinyl in the music industry, the full-color print industry
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MARY ANN GRELL
LEFT: KIRK EDDLEMON DESCENDS COURTHOUSE FALLS. RIGHT: ERIC HORST ON THE FIRST ASCENT OF SWEETEST TABOO (5.13B) IN 1990.
has some security in the fact that despite how highres your new hipster-approved iTablet is, there's something indescribable and satisfying about seeing a beautiful image in print or to feel the weight of a volume in your hand.
able to teach climbers Leave No Trace ethics, proper use of anchors, bolts, and pitons. With the big numbers of climbers and the big impacts as a result, it’s important we be good users and stewards of these areas.
Some argue that guidebooks exploit local secrets. How do you respond to that critique? EH: Every guidebook author runs into that kind of thing from time to time. Here's my policy: if the area is on public land and open to climbing, then it's fair game to include in the book. And the fact is, with the Internet, there are no secret areas anymore—so why leave an area out of a book when there's info on the net?
I’m sure making a guidebook is no easy task. How long did it take? EH: A long time.
KE: The most valuable reason of all to share our river experiences and information is to establish a record of use, so that in the times when these special places are most threatened, paddling and conservation groups can make empirically legitimized claims, without question. If you hide something precious away so well that the world doesn't know it exists, are you in danger of losing the very thing you seek to protect? Mankind measures the value of a place based on those who speak the loudest, regardless of true worth, so it is that game that we must play as a small but passionate community of paddlers. How are your guidebooks different from the earliest ones? EH: Back in the 70s, you could pretty much bolt just about anything. With guidebooks now, we’ve been
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KE: Almost five years. Any memorable moments during the guidebook making process? EH: I was bushwhacking near Old Rag once for research and ended up totally off the beaten path. I didn’t have GPS or anything. Not a soul was out there, and I kept thinking, one slip and I could hit my head on a rock and be screwed. If I got knocked out, no one would have ever found me. It’s not like I left a breadcrumb trail. I didn’t have a phone. Nothing. KE: The day I took a ride off Courthouse Falls for a picture. It’s the best picture of Courthouse ever. There’s lush forest, the water’s high, and I’m in a yellow kayak just firing off this thing. In the picture, it looks like I’m going to tuck into the most beautiful landing you’ve ever seen. What you don’t see is me going over the handlebars and landing on my head and my full, 32-ounce Nalgene smashing me in the balls so hard I can’t breathe. That quote “it’s all worth it if you get the shot” was percolating through my mind right then and I just had to laugh through the pain because it was totally worth it. •
From Swamp to Shore A JOURNEY ON THE ST. MARYS RIVER by ELLEN VESSELS merging from Okefenokee Swamp, Georgia’s largest designated wilderness, and emptying into the Atlantic, the St. Marys River comprises the easternmost part of the Georgia-Florida border. With its twists and turns, we anticipated a 130-mile journey from the headwaters to the seaside town of St. Marys. While most of the crew would disembark here, one of us would continue across the intracoastal waterway to Cumberland Island, traversing a path between Georgia’s most prized wilderness areas, from swamp to shore. I, along with five canoes and eight vagabond adventurers, rendezvoused at a drop-in point where the mucky trickle becomes a navigable passage. Pushing off from the dock, we found ourselves amid the plump-bottomed trunks of tupelo and cypress, their knees poking up from the swamp water like prehistoric, knobby fingers. Tangled along the shoreline were saw palmettos, loblolly pines, sparkleberries, and the occasional twisted-limbed live oak. Here and there, the steady view of browns and greens was interrupted by a maple covered in clusters of cherry-red, winged seeds or the white blossoms of a mayhaw. Thickets of willow growing in the middle of the stream gave the landscape an appearance less like a river than a flooded forest. The current flowed quickly around frequent bends through an obstacle course of fallen trees to be sped over when below and limbo-ed under when above. Each canoe danced a combination step of forward paddles, J-strokes, and rudders, some boats slithering gracefully around each obstruction, others crashing through branchy snags, collecting piles of kindling. The treeline reflected its mirror image upon the river, which is inky black, though not from sediment or pollution. Vegetation colors its waters, as tea leaves do when steeped in a kettle. Though dark,
the water is translucent and icy cold. Nonetheless, some of us swam—involuntarily. Schizandra went overboard while making an overenthusiastic grab at a passing fat pine log. Vanessa was displaced by a low-hanging tree branch, somersaulting backwards into the chilly water. Shocked, and weighed down by her drenched clothes, she clung to the stern while I guided our boat to shore. Once Vanessa had warmed up by a fire and changed into a dry camo jumpsuit, we took to the river once more, with newfound respect for her potential perils. The most frightening was the thunderstorm. The moment we saw the first flash in the sky, we dashed towards the bank, crouching among the sawgrass in mud so soft and sticky it sucked at our boots like quicksand. Just when we thought we were in the clear and were boarding our boat once more, a deafening clap of lightning cracked just around the riverbend and we scrambled ashore. There were other dangers. Twice, disgruntled river dwellers fired shots (once from an automatic weapon that continued to rat-tat-tat well into the night), forcing us to paddle frantically upstream. Though scared, we couldn’t help but respect these residents for protecting their home and ecosystem. Unless or until the St. Marys becomes a legally protected scenic river, these vigilant watchdogs are perhaps her best defense against intrusion. Most days, though, were peaceful. Otters swam alongside our boats, long-necked herons displayed their impressive wingspans, hawks screeched, turtles sunbathed, fish jumped, and vultures swirled in a cyclone of black silhouettes. Whether alertly avoiding the next fallen log, or leaning back and lazily drifting downstream, my brain tended to clear itself of trivial worries and focus on the present. With a meditative mindset and no need to look at a clock, we quickly forgot the
hours and days and took to naming our campsites to keep track of the sequence of events. Camp Getaway. Camp Rope Swing. Machine Gun Ridge. Frog Squash Bend for the spotted, copper-eyed leopard frog, which would have been trampled underfoot had I not shrieked just in the nick of time. Camp Beaver Slam, for our mammalian friends who signaled their territory with chewed tree trunks and loud tail slaps. A few days out from the coast, timing became unexpectedly vital. Our canoes, docked the night before alongside a mossy shore, were found the next morning high and dry, as the tide had pulled the river out from under them. We discovered that the current was quite literally reversing direction twice a day, slowing us down significantly. Based on our observations of the moon and the waterline, we set alarms for the wee hours, rising well before dawn to ride the tide towards the sea. On the tenth and last day of our voyage, we greeted the sunrise on the water, then stopped for a midday nap on the last patch of low-lying terra firma. Using a fiddler crab for bait, Lily caught our first and only fish, a red drum, which we fried for lunch before entering the saltmarsh. The river widened. A strong breeze, choppy waves, and the wake from passing motorboats rocked our canoes unsettlingly in the most dangerous stretch of river yet. Rounding the final bend, we were rewarded with a postcard-perfect view of the St. Marys marina. Gulls perched upon the masts of the many sailboats, basking in the golden light of a glorious sunset. As we triumphantly disembarked at the dock, a stranger gazed at the horizon and said, “Isn’t this just the perfect ending to a wonderful day?” I nodded, watching my friend Grayson paddle in the fading light towards Cumberland Island. •
Blue Ridge Outdoors • RICHMOND VA EDITION
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C U LT U R E B I N
TRAIL MIX
The Best Medicine DREW HOLCOMB'S MUSICAL REMEDY by JEDD FERRIS t took Drew Holcomb some time to find his voice. On his new album, Medicine, which comes out January 27, the Americana tunesmith sounds quite comfortable in his own skin. He says that’s come from more than a decade on the road, playing by his estimate 1,700 shows, but during a recent phone interview the Tennessee troubadour recalled a time when he learned a valuable lesson about being true to himself. At 22, when Holcomb was a green upstart playing for small crowds, he was covering a Ryan Adams’ tune during a short set at a coffeehouse in New York City, when Adams suddenly walked in the door. Holcomb felt an understandable rush of nerves but managed to finish the song. Adams, who was there to see a friend play at the venue later in the night, ended up chatting with Holcomb at the bar after his set and even complimented his sound. But Adams said he noticed Holcomb was taking some obvious cues from his heroes like Steve Earle, and he encouraged the burgeoning songwriter to embrace his own identity. “At the time I was singing with this alt-county drawl, and I even had a bandana wrapped around my wrist like Steve Earle,” admits Holcomb. “He (Adams) offered me a lot of kindness and grace in that moment. He said, ‘you’ve got a great voice, don’t try to imitate other people.’” As the night progressed, Adams was coaxed on stage by the crowd, and he invited Holcomb to sing with him on his “Oh My Sweet Carolina.” It was a big confidence booster, but since then Holcomb has seen his own star rise. Backed by his versatile band the Neighbors, he’s toured with the likes of John Hiatt and the Avett Brothers and sold over 100,000 albums. On his upcoming tour to support his new effort, he’ll be headlining big theaters, including Nashville’s venerable Ryman Auditorium. He also has Southern dates in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia. A native of the Volunteer State, Holcomb grew up in Memphis but now calls Nashville home. During college at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, he started writing songs and playing small bar gigs. At school he also met his wife Ellie, a singer who became an integral part of the Neighbors (though as a new mother she no longer tours with the band). Holcomb and the group have released seven albums, but a breakthrough came with 2013’s Good Light, a critically lauded effort that hit number 5 on Billboard’s Folk Album chart. Holcomb says Medicine is an extension of the progress he’s made comfortably incorporating his smooth vocal delivery within a range of musical styles. He fills the new album—recorded in a fast eight days in East Nashville with producer Joe Pisapia (Ben Folds, KD Lang)—with optimistic ruminations as he moves from poignant ballads like the opening “American Beauty” and “You’ll Always Be My Girl” to the soulful rockers “Shine Like Lightning” and “Sisters Brothers.”
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“I spent most of my 20s trying to figure out who I was as an artist and what kind of records I wanted to make,” Holcomb says. “With Medicine we really took that to a whole new level. Something about stepping into my 30s and settling domestically with my wife and a kid gave me more freedom to make music that I wanted to make without listening to other voices. There was a purity to the approach, and that brought me back to what made me love making music in the first place.” More everyman than outlaw, Holcomb never lets his lyrics revel in darkness. That’s kept his independent-minded country-rock catalog extremely accessible, landing Holcomb songs on over 40 TV shows, including How I Met Your Mother, Parenthood, and Nashville. Even though he’s experienced plenty of tragedy, including losing his brother to a debilitating illness at age 14, he says his songs have always kept him looking to the bright side. “Music has always been a balm for sadness,” he says. “For me to sing a bunch of songs about really intense painful things would be a little bit dishonest, because that hasn’t been my personal experience. That’s a lot of what this record is about—finding my voice and becoming comfortable enough with it and not try to be someone I’m not.” •
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WINTER BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL No need to wait for the warmer months to hit your first bluegrass festival of the year. Bluegrass First Class is an annual three-day picking bash that’s taking place February 20-22 at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville, N.C. Held for the past two decades, the fest brings a swarm of traditional bluegrass fans to the hotel for sets from a lengthy list of high lonesome heroes, this year including Rhonda Vincent and the Rage, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, the Lonesome River Band, Seldom Scene, Dailey & Vincent, and Flatt Lonesome. Also, certain rooms at the hotel are reserved for picking circles, so bring your instruments. BluegrassFirstClass.com
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