AU G U S T 2 0 2 0
BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY ISSUE
FREE!
25
years
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING F O R WA R D
TO P TRAILS + OUR FAV O R I T E R AC E S
GEAR
THROUGH THE YEARS
BIKES + AMAZING ATHLETES + BOURBON EPIC JOURNEYS
Faces and Places: 25 Years of Adventure
Going
ŠCliford Mervil
to protect our public lands for future generations
SouthernEnvironment.org
Check out our podcast!
Broken Ground is a podcast that’s digging up environmental stories in the South. Available wherever you get podcasts or at BrokenGroundPodcast.org
Subscribe Now: Text BrokenGround to 52886
E D I TO R I N C H I E F J E D D F E R R I S jedd@blueridgeoutdoors.com P U B L I S H E R L E A H WO O DY leah@blueridgeoutdoors.com C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R L AU R E N WO R T H lauren@blueridgeoutdoors.com A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R K AT I E H A R T W E L L katie@blueridgeoutdoors.com
E D I TO R I A L & P R O D U C T I O N S E N I O R E D I TO R W I L L H A R L A N will@blueridgeoutdoors.com T R AV E L E D I TO R E L L E N K A N Z I N G E R ellen@blueridgeoutdoors.com O U T D O O R N E W S E D I TO R
KIM DINAN
C O N T R I B U TO R S D O U G S C H N I T Z S PA H N E R I C J. WA L L AC E MIKE BEZEMEK
H A R T F OW L E R BETTINA FREESE J E S S DA D D I O
C O P Y E D I TO R S JULIA GREEN, ROBERT MCGEE
ADVERTISING & BUSINESS
CONTENTS D E PA R T M E N T S
07 | QUICK HITS
How Blue Ridge Outdoors began: A Q&A with the founders of the magazine.
45 | PERSPECTIVE
A longtime BRO editor pays tribute to the contributors who’ve filled our pages with inspiring words.
47 | THE GOODS
Gear through the years: Classics that have stood the test of time, and the equipment that will carry adventurers into the future. Flat-picking ace and quintessential Blue Ridge musician Larry Keel reflects on a long career. F E AT U R E S
M A R T H A E VA N S
martha@blueridgeoutdoors.com AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E H A N N A H C O O P E R hcooper@blueridgeoutdoors.com
8 | OUR 25TH ANNIVERSARY
AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E TAY LO R L E A L taylor@blueridgeoutdoors.com
In 1995 we published the inaugural issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors as an insert in a local alt-weekly. Since then we’ve gone monthly and glossy, and published hundreds of issues covering the best of the mountains in the Southeast and MidAtlantic. Look back on a quarter-century of adventure highlights.
B U S I N E S S M A N AG E R M E L I S S A G E S S L E R melissa@blueridgeoutdoors.com
D I G I TA L M E D I A O N L I N E D I R E C TO R C R A I G S N O D G R A S S webdir@blueridgeoutdoors.com D I G I TA L C O N T E N T S P E C I A L I S T
S H A N N O N M C G OWA N
shannon@blueridgeoutdoors.com
C I R C U L AT I O N I N Q U I R I E S circulation@blueridgeoutdoors.com
23 | FACES AND PLACES: 25 YEARS OF ADVENTURE
PUBLISHING
Staff members and contributors from the past and present share a favorite memory from their time with Blue Ridge Outdoors.
116 WEST JEFFERSON STREET C H A R LOT T E S V I L L E , V I R G I N I A 2 2 9 0 2 200 DISTRICT DRIVE, UNIT 8 ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA 28803
B LU E R I D G E O U T D O O R S . C O M
©2020 Summit Publishing, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
GOT A STORY IDEA OR COMMENT? submit@blueridgeoutdoors.com B LU E R I D G E O U T D O O R S . C O M
47
50 | TRAIL MIX
S E N I O R AC C O U N T E X E C U T I V E
SUMMIT
AUGUST 2020
25TH ANNIVERSARY C O V E R I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y RHIANNA WURMAN I N S TA G R A M : @ E L L O L O V E Y E T S Y: E L L O L O V E Y. E T S Y. C O M
P H O T O C O U R T E S Y T H E N O R T H FA C E
PRESIDENT BLAKE DEMASO b l a ke @ b l u e r i d g e o u t d o o r s . c o m
ON THE COVER
37 | OUTDOOR OUTLOOKS
23
Experts in running, hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, and fly fishing look back at the past and predict the directions of trends and evolutions in their respective sports. AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
5
T H U R M O N T, M A R Y L A N D
Gateway to the Mountains! Relax. Retreat. Recreate.
o
no
nprofit pa
CONSIGNMENT SHOP IN ASHEVILLE, NC
ESTABLISHED 2004 USED & NEW OUTDOOR ADVENTURE GEAR, CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ACCESSORIES
ThurmontMainStreet.com THURMONT MAIN STREET
NOW AN AUTHORIZED NRS RETAILER 444 Haywood Road | Asheville, NC 28806 visit secondgearwnc.com
Go Gaston. Get Outside. Whether you hike, bike, paddle or climb, our area offers abundant natural spaces to explore. Conveniently located on I-85 just west of Charlotte, Gaston County is an outdoor enthusiast’s perfect getaway weekend destination.
704-825-4044 | GoGastonNC.org | @GoGastonNC 6
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
rs
ur
%
of sales
to
SECOND GEAR
donate
1 we
ne
The Perfect Way to Social Distance
rt
QUICK HITS
THE START
B L A C K B U R N : I still can’t get over
how funny it is that I was so wowed by a website that offered up 15 links! And those long, clunky URLs. It’s also funny that it didn’t occur to us for long time that the magazine itself could be online.
B R O : What have you all been up to
since founding Blue Ridge Outdoors?
B L A C K B U R N : My career path has been
BACK TO THE BEGINNING A Q&A WITH THE FOUNDERS OF BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS BY ELLEN KANZINGER
ach of us seeks out the mountains and the waters of the Blue Ridge for a different reason. Whether we’re searching for solitude or community, a challenge or peace of mind, the outdoors offers a place to individually and collectively connect with something larger than ourselves. For 25 years, it has been Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s mission to provide inspiring stories from the outdoors for free. What started out as a guide to locally exploring the area surrounding Charlottesville, Va., grew to cover the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. For our anniversary issue, we talked with BRO founders John Blackburn and Greg Easley about the early days of the magazine and the evolution of outdoor recreation over the last quarter century.
E
B R O : In the editor’s note in the premier issue, you described Blue Ridge Outdoors as a “nudge” for people to get outside in the Charlottesville, Va., area. Can you talk about the original inspiration for starting the publication and what you saw as its role in the community?
B L A C K B U R N : At that time there just wasn't much good information out there. At least, it wasn't easy to find for the generalist. There were some
fairly stale guidebooks around, and insiders within certain sports shared information—climbers shared beta with other climbers, fly fishers shared good spots with others inside their cliques. We saw a need for a multisport guide. As editor, once we launched it as an adsupported free magazine, I tried to make it somewhat educational. I was a NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) instructor at the time and made sure to advance Leave No Trace principles whenever I could. I also used to rail against freezedried food—which people seemed to think was okay, even though it was/is gross and expensive—so I made creative backcountry cooking a part of those early issues, including a Name-O-Matic thing (ripped off from Spy magazine, I think) to come up with funny names for dishes.
E A S L E Y : I was very surprised that
the area, which is very rich in outdoor recreational options, had almost no information that we could find on what you could do back then. This was just before the internet emerged as a tool everyone used, and there were no publications beyond some hiking guides. There was nothing covering mountain bike trails, swimming holes, bouldering, etc. So, we wanted to fill that void. Plus, we needed something to do that summer!
B R O : Blue Ridge Outdoors started as a collaboration between you two in 1995. Can you talk about those early days, how you two were connected, and how you went about sharing your idea?
E A S L E Y : We were grad-school
roommates in an epic A-frame house in the woods in Ivy, but we also knew each other as undergrads. I had written some articles for Hawes Spencer, an old friend from Richmond who was the founder and publisher of C-VILLE Weekly. So, we went to him with a pitch—we would write
J O H N B L A C K B U R N , L E F T, A N D G R E G E A S L E Y S TA R T E D B L U E R I D G E O U T D O O R S A S G R A D U AT E STUDENTS IN 1995.
the guide, and he would publish it. I think we may have grossly undercharged him, as he instantly said yes.
B L A C K B U R N : Maybe at one point we
thought we'd self-publish a stand-alone guidebook and sell it through outdoors shops and bookstores, but that looked like too much work.
B R O : Blue Ridge Outdoors is
celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Is that something you pictured happening when you first started the publication?
E A S L E Y : I’m blown away that the
publication is still going! Not that this is shocking given the setting and need for it, but I moved north in 1995 and hadn’t spent much time back in the area.
B L A C K B U R N : 25 years ago, I couldn't imagine any of this. I’m just happy that it’s going strong and better than ever.
B R O : In the first issue, you all
discussed “surfing the internet” as a new technology that could help connect people with outdoor resources. With the internet now a major part of our everyday life, in what other ways have you seen the outdoor industry change or evolve over the last 25 years?
E A S L E Y : To me it’s clear that the
internet has helped ignite interest in outdoor activities across the spectrum. More information translates into more accessibility. And in general, this is a great thing, as it leads to more people caring about the environment and about enjoying and preserving the natural resources that are around us.
pretty crooked, winding through several different fields, including the restaurant business and higher ed fundraising. I recently found my way to the Nature Conservancy at the Virginia Chapter, based in Charlottesville, and I couldn’t be happier to advance the great work of this organization, helping to protect the Virginia landscapes I love so much.
E A S L E Y : I left publishing and got
pulled into the internet vortex in the mid-90s (dotcom 1.0). I founded several companies in NYC that developed video games and apps and more recently have shifted to developing products that marry hardware with software, including specialized cameras and smart home products. On the recreational side I am an avid snowboarder, surfer, and biker. My biggest commitment these days is to gravel riding, which is world class where I live in the northeast. I previously climbed a good amount all over the U.S. but transitioned out of that 20 years ago when I became a surfing addict.
B R O : What’s your go-to outdoor
recreation spot and activity in the Blue Ridge, and do you have any favorite memories from recreating in the region?
B L A C K B U R N : Fly fishing the Jackson
River and Buffalo Creek, paddling the James and Maury Rivers, hiking The Priest. My current obsession is the Clinch River in southwest Virginia, which has a mind-blowing biodiversity of rare fish and mussels. My favorite memories are probably cooking and trading stories around a campfire with friends after a long day of fly fishing and the many times I would get my kids to play hooky from school. We’d go out to Snowshoe for a day of skiing, and we’d have the place to ourselves.
E A S L E Y : I have fond memories
climbing at Seneca Rocks and also swimming at various watering holes and quarries around C’ville, including some that were off the grid, so to speak.
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
7
25 YEARS 25
years
OF BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS A TIMELINE OF HIGHLIGHTS FROM A QUARTER-CENTURY OF COVERING ADVENTURE. BY JEDD FERRIS
1995
THE FIRST ISSUE
The first issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors is published as an insert in C-Ville Weekly in the fall of 1995. Highlights included coverage of hiking destinations in Virginia and “New Gizmos” like the Magellan Trailblazer, a handheld GPS device that retailed for $600. In his editor’s note, John Blackburn declared: “Ecosports are here to stay.” He went on to say that the quarterly magazine’s mission would be to motivate readers to explore the outdoors: “And starting with this issue we will nudge you every three months or so. So look for Blue Ridge Outdoors, your source for what’s happening—and for what you can do—out there.”
8
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
1996 SILVER IN ATLANTA
U.S. paddler Dana Chladek wins a silver medal in the women’s K-1 slalom competition in canoeing at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta. She’s now a coach at the Potomac Whitewater Racing Center in Maryland.
FORGOTTEN BOAT
In BRO’s summer issue, which focused on paddling in the Virginias, writer Mackenzie Brown reviews the New Wave Mongoose, calling it “a remarkably stable boat that handles great virtually the minute you dip your paddle in the water.” The cult classic among creek boaters, which is no longer produced, was partially designed by Appalachian squirt boat pioneer and kayak visionary Jim Snyder.
1997 PHAT BOARDS
In the winter issue Duane Brown writes the cover story “White Hills, Phat Boards: Snowboarding the Virginias.” The intro to the piece on the emerging sport and best local slopes states: “So you’ve finally made the move to the modern way of thinking. After seeing it on your ski trips out West for the last 10 years and maybe catching a flash of it on MTV sports, you’ve finally gone and bought your first snowboard.”
RACE GOODIES
“I had an arsenal of food prepared: Luigi’s pizza, a 24 pack of Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Snickers bars, Oatmeal Cream Pies, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, and of course Power Bars, Cliff Bars, and Cytomax. It was hard keeping other riders out of my pile of goodies.” —Trek-sponsored cyclist Chris Scott of Harrisonburg, Va., after being asked by former BRO editor Jeb Tilly what he consumed during the 24 Hours of Canaan endurance mountain biking race.
1998
FOREST WHINERS
Blue Ridge Outdoors becomes a monthly magazine. In the March issue editors get a hold of some actual comments left on Forest Service registration sheets and comments cards left by backpackers and publishes a story called “Whiners of the Forest.” Some gems include: “Please avoid building trails that go uphill”; “Too many rocks in the mountains”; and “A small deer came into my camp and stole my bag of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call.”
1999 CYCLING’S DIRTY LITTLE SECRET
“There is a dirty little secret that the cycling community doesn’t like to talk about— chafing! The cure? Get a good diaper rash medicine and slather generously. And another secret insider tip: Dare to wear no underwear.” —Nancy Sorrells, in the May cover story called “Grease, Tattoos, & Diaper Rash,” which documents her 370-mile ride on the Virginia portion of the TransAmerica Trail.
STATE SPONSORED
The West Virginia Division of Tourism sponsors pro mountain biker Sue Haywood, a champion racer who hails from the fat tire mecca of Davis. In the April issue, BRO declares: “It’s a good move by the state, and a good move for Haywood, as long as she doesn’t have to belt out ‘Country Roads’ every time she crosses the finish line.”
2000
ROCKING THE NEW
In the August issue, author and photographer Carl Samples writes an in-depth cover story documenting the history of rock climbing at West Virginia’s New River Gorge. Before the New became a famous destination, known for its variety of challenging sandstone routes, Samples started visiting the Gorge in the early 80s and recounted the experience: “The New offered delicious obscurity; to be a climber here was to enjoy the thrill of the unknown, to share accomplishments with only a small circle of fellow climbers. The Gorge itself sheltered us within the dense forest, its cliffs tucked mysteriously away from the rest of the world.”
BAREFOOT ON THE A.T.
Susan and Lucy Letcher, known as the Barefoot Sisters, complete a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia, sans shoes. The next year they turn around and complete a northbound hike of the entire A.T. Both experiences are recounted in two books, Southbound and Walking Home.
2001
2002
BRIDGE DAY BUMMER
WHEELIE FUNNY
In the January issue BRO runs a dramatic full-page photo of rappelers coming down from the 876-foot New River Gorge Bridge, taken during the annual Bridge Day festival in October of the previous year. Ten months later the event is cancelled for the first time due to post-9/11 security concerns.
Cycling columnist Timothy Richard Sherman made us laugh for many years with his goofball takes on bike culture. In the July issue he pens an ode to the joys of riding on one wheel called “How to be wheelie cool.” In the column he declares: “If you were to travel the globe in search of one bike maneuver recognized by all cultures, you would undoubtedly find the wheelie is still king. You might ask why someone would so desperately want to ride on the rear wheel alone, and all I can say is that wheelies make the soul smile.”
2003 WHERE THERE’S A WILL
BRO editor Will Harlan completes a 72-mile run of the Appalachian Trail through the Smokies to raise awareness for the region’s chronic air pollution. After suffering what was determined by doctors to be a pollution-induced asthma attack during the run, Harlan testified as a witness for the state of North Carolina in a lawsuit against the TVA, which ultimately resulted in the authority being forced to spend more than $1 billion upgrading emissions controls on 14 coalfired power plants.
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
9
2004
SKIRTING THE TRAIL
In the June issue, Leanna Joyner writes an empowering essay, “Skirting the Trail,” based on her choice to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail in a skirt. Of her experience: “I got a lot of odd looks from people and was asked to explain myself through that squinted eyeball of scrutiny as someone looked from my mud covered boots, up my sinewy legs, to the skirt. “I wasn’t the only woman on the trail, but what I found was that I became a spokesperson for women on the trail, perhaps because of my chosen attire. I answered all kinds of questions: ‘Yes, I’m hiking alone.’ ‘No, I’ve never felt threatened by anyone on the trail.’ “As my journey evolved, so did I. Initially I may have been a woman hiking the trail, but for the last 1,000 miles, I was a hiker hiking the trail. I knew that for every challenge I faced, others faced it, too. I set out to prove that women could hike the trail in a skirt, and so they can, but not all women will. Not all men will either. It is fortitude of mind and soul. It is the individual journey that takes us places. What we choose to wear is insubstantial.”
BEFORE THE FALL
Newly hired staff writer Jedd Ferris (BRO’s current editor-in-chief) interviews professional cyclist George Hincapie, a Greenville, S.C., resident, following Lance Armstrong’s fifth Tour de France win. “During the Tour we all ride for Lance to win the overall,” said Hincapie, a supportive teammate of Armstrong on the US Postal Service cycling team. “We all commit to one thing and that’s really the only way to do it. People were questioning our team, but this year we showed that we were the strongest team in the race by far.” Hincapie admitted to using performanceenhancing drugs in 2012, and Armstrong, who was stripped of all seven of his Tour de France titles, did the same in a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2013.
BEST OF THE BLUE RIDGE
The first annual Best of the Blue Ridge Readers’ Choice Awards are published in December. Notable winners include West Virginia’s Cranberry Wilderness as the Most Likely Spot to Get Lost, North Carolina’s Max Patch Bald as the Best Place to Sleep Under the Stars, mountain unicycling as the Best New Extreme Sport, and a Walkman as the Most Unnecessary Piece of Gear.
10
BON JOVI TO THE RESCUE
When elite mountain biking squad Team West Virginia finds itself without a sponsor, the squad is rescued by an unlikely benefactor, rock singer Jon Bon Jovi. The connection comes via team director Steve Thaxton, who is also Bon Jovi’s chiropractor and personal trainer. The crew of world-class riders officially becomes Team West Virginia Bon Jovi.
2005
FROM THE BLUE RIDGE TO BONNAROO Celebrating
Ten Years
LACK OF DIVERSITY
Longtime staff editor Graham Averill writes a story called “Minority Report” in the July issue, asking the question, “Where is the multiculturalism in mountain sports?” In the piece, Greg Masterson, then president of the Metro Atlanta Cycling Club, starkly puts the lack of diversity in the outdoors in perspective: "When I go out to a race, there are 60 guys lining up, and I’m the only black guy there.”
FREE!
MAY 2005
FESTIVAL GUIDE ’05 BEST BLUE RIDGE BASHES
+
FLOAT YOUR BOAT
SOUTHERN FRIED GEAR GUIDE
Backcountry Canoeing in the Blue Ridge
Wild Sex
Knockin’ Boots in the Backcountry
Mountain Makeovers Four Journeys from Fat to Fit
BRO debuts its first annual Festival Guide, including what would become beloved mainstay region events like FloydFest, and featuring a cover image of Yonder Mountain String Band on stage at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. With the explosion of outdoor music festivals in subsequent years, the guide continued to expand and was published every year until 2020, when the live music industry was thwarted by the coronavirus pandemic. We’re hopeful it will return in 2021.
Day in the Life Whitewater Raft Guide
BRO puts a greasy title on this expansive look at “gear best suited for the Southern Appalachian terrain” that covers equipment for a range of sports from climbing and paddling to trail running and hiking. Included are many long-gone favorites like a Montrail Blue Ridge GTX, a rugged trail boot made by a company eventually acquired by much bigger brand Columbia.
2006
2007
Just three days after his 29th birthday, whitewater boater and adventure documentarian Daniel DeLaVergne is killed after being hit by a train while camping in the High Ridge Tunnel near Ridgecrest, N.C. He had been scouting a location for an upcoming video shoot. The previous year DeLaVergne, a fearless kayaker, had been named an adventurer of the year by National Geographic for paddling the 50-mile run of the Grand Canyon of the Stikine River in British Columbia. Daniel was much more than your ordinary kayaker,” Woody Callaway of Liquidlogic said in the May issue. “He was a visionary, expedition leader, and entrepreneur.”
BRO enlists reader feedback and in the November issue publishes a ranked list of the Southeast’s top 100 trails. Winners include Virginia’s Three Ridges Loop as the region’s Hardest Day Hike, the Art Loeb Trail in North Carolina as the Best Long Trail, and the Greenbrier River Trail in West Virginia as the Best Rail Trail.
TRAGEDY
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
THAT’S A LOT OF TRAILS
MARATHON BEFORE BREAKFAST
“When I’m home I get up around 4:00 a.m. and run a marathon before fixing breakfast and taking the kids to school.” —Ultramarathon Man Dean Karnazes in an interview in the August issue, discussing how he balances family life and training. The previous year Karnazes ran 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 consecutive days.
Adventure is the destination. WanderLove is about reconnecting with what you love: the crisp mountain air, the breathtaking views, and the winding roads in between. Plan your next road trip at virginia.org/wanderlove
#OutdoorAdventure
Enjoy #UniquelyAlleghany beauty on Lake Moomaw & the Jackson River.
#VaMountains
Plan your Uniquely Alleghany getaway at VisitAlleghanyHighlands.com
540-962-2178 · 888-430-5786 · #UniquelyAlleghany
DEPARTMENT OF
WILDLIFE RESOURCES
Our name might be different, but we are still working for wildlife. www.virginiawildlife.gov
12
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
2008
START 'EM YOUNG
BRO starts the year by publishing its first Outdoor Family Guide in the January issue. In an effort to help parents get their kids into the wild, the guide features expert tips in hiking, paddling, and climbing, as well as family-friendly destinations and gear that’s right for little ones.
2009
BACK TO THE LAND
Will Harlan travels deep into the North Carolina mountains to interview Eustace Conway at his remote Turtle Island Preserve near Boone. In an extensive profile in the April issue, Conway—who appeared on the reality TV series Mountain Men and was also the subject of Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling biography The Last American Man—candidly laments American overconsumption and shares advice on connecting with the natural world: “The best way to understand nature is to be involved with it—touch it, smell it, be moved by it physically, emotionally, spiritually.” A few months later, Jedd Ferris and photographer Tom Daly visit Joel Salatin’s Virginia-based Polyface Farm for an interview and cover shoot. Salatin, who became well known after appearing in Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma and the documentary Food, Inc., offers a transparent look at his sustainable farming practices and decries the country’s industrial food system. In the July issue cover story, Salatin rails against the government regulations that make it difficult for small family farmers to thrive. “The market is there, but the only reason we don’t have a more viable local food system is because of malicious, capricious regulations that put undue burdens on small producers and give big producers a free pass.”
DOC’S WISE WORDS
In the April issue, Doc Watson, who passed away in 2012, gives BRO an interview to preview his annual Merlefest, the roots music festival that draws 80,000 people to Wilkesboro, N.C. The flat-picking legend and longtime resident of nearby Deep Gap states, “I like the quietness of being out in the country. It’s peaceful and the air is cleaner. The only shame is the spray they use at the Christmas tree farms. It seeps down into the earth and gets in the water table. You need to have a well that goes below the water table.”
WIN FOR WILDERNESS
President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Land Management Act, creating more than 1.6 million acres of Wilderness throughout the United States, including 43,000 acres in Virginia and 37,000 acres in West Virginia.
2010 FIRST DESCENT
In August, Whitewater ace Pat Keller makes a first descent of North Carolina’s Linville Falls, a triple-tiered waterfall that was long viewed as not runnable by some of the region’s most experienced kayakers. Describing the landing of the epic, 90-foot plunge, Keller, 24 at the time of the feat, said, “Although the hit was large, and my ribs were a bit bruised from the water’s impact, I was stoked.”
PATAGONIA’S RELUCTANT BUSINESSMAN
Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard grants BRO an interview, and in the May issue shares why he’s more concerned about the planet than his own bottom line: “There’s no such thing as sustainability in anything humans do. We have to close the circle on products so they get recycled into like products. That’s what we’re trying to do, but it’s not easy. Oil is so cheap, it doesn’t make sense to recycle. If I were a dictator in this country I would impose huge taxes on nonrenewable resources. Every time people go buy something, there would be a 20 percent tax on it, so they would think twice about consuming.”
THAT’S SO SOFT-CORE
In a heartfelt essay in the April issue called “Proud to Be Soft-Core: Outdoor Adventure Doesn’t Have to Hurt,” contributor Lauren Ellermen reminds readers that while it’s understandable to be in awe of hard-core athletes, less intense exploration of the outdoors is rewarding, too. She writes: “And while they are busy training hard and pushing themselves to extremes, I’ll be leisurely strolling down the trail with my dogs, enjoying the sights, scents, and sounds of the larger world around us.”
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
13
2011 SPEED RECORD TRIBUTE
Jennifer Pharr Davis sets a speed record for a supported thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail in 46 days, 11 hours, and 20 minutes. In the December issue she pens a moving essay recounting the effort, giving much of the credit to her husband, Brew, for his support on the trail, and dedicating the accomplishment to the memory of Meredith Emerson, a 24-year-old woman abducted on Georgia’s Blood Mountain and murdered by serial killer Gary Michael Hilton. Writes Davis: “I wanted to honor her memory by living fully—and by hiking.”
2012 TRAIL TOUR OF VIRGINIA
Ultrarunners Anne Lundblad, Troy Shellhammer, and Eric Grossman complete the Tour of Virginia—a 550-mile, 14-day trek across the state on the Appalachian Trail. In the October issue, Grossman writes, “The tour was ultimately a test of survival. The A.T. is about as wild as we can readily get: each of us spent most of our days readily immersed in the lushness of blossoming azaleas and the musk of large mammals.”
PHUNHOGS AT FESTS
In the May Festival Guide, Peter Kray, longtime columnist for BRO’s sister publication Elevation Outdoors, writes a hilarious piece called “Fans, Freaks, & Funhogs” about people-watching at concerts. Among the many types of music fans he observes is the Privately Funded Phunhog: “AKA the Trustfunder is as common a sight at summer concerts as white guys with dreadlocks wearing skirts. Which, of course, is how to tell you’re in the presence of a PFPer—that and the fact that he’s selling handmade jewelry out of his mom’s Land Rover, with a Save Tibet sticker next to the country club parking permit on the back.”
2013 THE NEXT A.T.
TURNING 95 ON THE NEW
Meyer Melman celebrates his 95th birthday with a whitewater rafting trip on West Virginia’s New River. Industry veteran Dave Arnold of Adventures on the Gorge believes he’s the oldest rafter his guides have ever taken down the class II-IV lower stretch of the New.
14
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
Joanna Swanson and Bart Houck, AKA Someday and Hillbilly Bart, become the first thru-hikers of the 1,600-mile long Great Eastern Trail, which stretches from Flag Mountain, Alabama, to the Finger Lakes of New York. Unlike the social scene that develops among Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, Swanson and Houck were alone during their five-month hike. “It’s a lot to handle, being with one person for five months,” Swanson told BRO in the October issue.
2014 LIVE OUTSIDE AND PLAY
Travel Editor Jess Daddio launches the Live Outside and Play program, becoming the magazine’s first staff editor to live on the road and file stories from remote locations around the region. To mark the 50th anniversary of Wilderness, Daddio spends a humbling 24 hours in West Virginia’s isolated Cranberry Wilderness, bushwhacking, hiking unmarked trails, and running into bears. In the October issue she writes: “After a moment the magic of the wilderness opened up. The outlines of shoulder-high ferns and dense stands of spruce came into focus. Wildflowers and blooming rhododendron popped against lush shades of green. The forest smelled sweetly of pinesap. Birds of unknown origin chirped and twitted above. This is what they write in fairytales.”
Have a Big Vacation in a Small Town
BigSpills The challenge is to stay on your tube when floating down the upper section of Deep Creek
BigFun
with family and friends on the Nantahala River
GreatSmokies.com
828-488-3781 AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
BRO-June-2020.indd 1
6/3/20 4:54 PM
15
2015 20 YEARS OF BRO WITH OLD CROW
BRO celebrates its 20th anniversary with a big concert at the Sprint Pavilion in the magazine’s hometown of Charlottesville, headlined by roots music heroes Old Crow Medicine Show and the Devil Makes Three. Of his upbringing in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Old Crow’s Ketch Secor tells us: “It’s one of the places in the South where a musical heritage really exists, and that musical heritage can best be exemplified by a fiddle or banjo. For me the Shenandoah Valley is the land of the fiddle tune.”
HOW TO: DATE A KAYAKER
One of the magazine’s most popular stories of all time is written by Ashley Woodring, who humorously shares the quirks and sacrifices of dating pro paddler Chris Gragtmans—a longtime BRO contributor. In addition to subsisting on burritos and PBR and inadvertently becoming an expert on the rocker profiles of Dagger boats, Woodring also says the key to dating a kayaker is setting communications expectations, sometimes out of literal necessity. “It’s often difficult to get in touch with the boys when they are kayaking. Whether in deep river gorges with no cell service, or getting lost on gravel roads, they always manage to take longer than expected to call or show up.”
2016
HERE KITTY KITTY
In a widely shared story, Laura Ingles reports on a recent mountain lion sighting in Tennessee and the possibility of more big cats migrating from the West. She writes: “Biologists and wildlife specialists speculate that cougars will reestablish themselves in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia within the next 25 to 50 years."
16
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
BIKES AND BOURBON
As the magazine continues to expand coverage of the outdoor opportunities in Kentucky, Graham Averill and digital publisher Dusty Allison travel to the Bluegrass State to “Ride Bikes, Drink Bourbon,” as the title of a resulting story in the August issue declares. The adventure includes an 80-mile ride that connects pastoral country roads between Lexington and Louisville and along the way stopping at notable distilleries like Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve. “On paper it sounds awesome,” Averill writes. “In reality, it’s even better.”
INSTA OVERKILL
In her takedown of “Outdoor D-Bags” in the December issue, author Rachel Walker has a message for those who overshare outdoor experiences on social media: “Who cares how #blessed you are when you #exploremore and #getoutside? Doing #SUPyoga at sunrise doesn’t make you more #blissed than me. Especially when I see it on your Insta/Twitter/ Facebook/Snapchat feed within minutes of said #accomplishment. Instead it’s like #OMFG.”
THE 10TH ANNUAL
B
Top Adventure Towns Contest LU
E
RI
DG E
O U T DO
OR
S
2020
TOp
E R U T N E V D A TOWN
Visit BlueRidgeOutdoors.com/TopTowns this August to VOTE on your favorites!
This is Lynchburg. In the City of Lynchburg, we know life is more valuable than the hours clocked. We look forward to time outside, enjoying a picnic on the Downtown Bluffwalk overlooking the James River and a long trek on our urban trails. We invite you to come see for yourself the beauty and vitality of our urban oasis in the heart of Central Virginia.
lynchburgvirginia.org
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
17
The Great Appalachian Road trip call for a free Trip guide heartofappalachia.com
•
276-762-0011
•
info@heartofappalachia.com
CAMPING. IT’S IN TENTS.
Learning, Innovating, Thriving
2nd Nature TREC partners with existing programs in the outdoor industry to help them become better at what they do. We drive positive change for organizations through training, research, education, and consulting. Contact us today to see how we can help you!
use code itsintents for 25% the bear collection
the
CLIENT SUCCESS STORIES: Wilderness Education Association (WEA), Waypoint Adventure (located outside Boston), Cypress Adventures (located in SC), and the Park Ranger Institute (Chimney Rock State Park)
BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC | 2NDNATURETREC.COM 18
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
Summit store
2017 SOLAR BOOM
Eric J. Wallace—a current BRO contributor—covers the rise of solar energy in the South in the April issue. Among the encouraging revelations in the piece is a report that “solar puts more Americans to work generating electricity than oil, natural gas, and coal combined.”
YOU CAN DO IT
“I wanted to show people that if you want to run in whatever body you have, you can do it. It might be slow, it might be painful, but you can do it. And you are entitled to exercise out in public as you are.” —Mirna Valerio, ultrarunner, advocate for inclusion in the running community, and author of A Beautiful Work in Progress, in the July issue.
LEADING LADIES
2018 THE HUNT FOR ERIC RUDOLPH
Current BRO daily news editor Kim Dinan writes an expansive piece detailing the backstory and manhunt of Olympic bomber Eric Rudolph in the mountains of western North Carolina. The chase started in 1998 and didn’t end until Rudolph was apprehended and arrested behind a Save-A-Lot store in Murphy, N.C., in 2003. Writes Dinan, “In the end, the manhunt cost millions and set off a culture clash that reverberated throughout the mountains and beyond.”
For the February cover story, titled “Forces of Nature,” Jess Daddio profiles seven women leading outdoor industry efforts in adventure and conservation. In the piece, Kathy Zerkle, a National Park Service river ranger and former raft guide says of the latter profession, “It’s a difficult place to be as a woman. I always had to do twice as much twice as well to get the respect for what I was doing.”
2019 DOYLE’S FINAL THRU-HIKE
Appalachian Trail legend Warren Doyle talks to BRO about his 18th and final thru-hike in the May issue. He tells correspondent Mason Adams that the trail’s final 100 miles leading to Maine’s Mount Katahdin were the toughest. “I’ve never been so nervous about a hike. I’ve hiked over 38,000 miles of trail. All I had was 100 miles left, and I didn’t know whether I could do it or not." Doyle is now focused on helping other hikers at his Appalachian Trail Institute, a folk school in eastern Tennessee.
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
19
RACE TO THE TOP F E B R UA R Y 2 0 1 9
In the February issue a round-up of the toughest ultramarathons in the South includes coverage of the iconic Mount Mitchell Challenge. The 40-mile race takes runners to the top of the highest peak on the East Coast. Jay Curwen, current race director and a former BRO contributor, explains the race’s popularity: “We’ve sold it out every year for 21 years. We’ll have anywhere from 1,500 to as many as 2,500 trying to get in for only 200 spots."
FREE!
BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
Big Bad Beasts 8 TOUGHEST ULTRAS IN THE SOUTH
SUMMER CAMPS FOR EVERYONE S O U T H E R N E R S LOV E WILDERNESS
OVEREXPOSED? SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE OUTDOORS
BRO_Cover_0219.indd 1
2020 ADVENTURES IN ISOLATION
As the coronavirus pandemic worsens in March, state governors in the Blue Ridge start issuing stay-athome orders and suddenly access is restricted to beloved destinations like Shenandoah National Park and the Appalachian Trail. In the June issue, travel editor Ellen Kanzinger’s feature story “Adventures in Isolation” covers how the region’s athletes and adventurers find creative ways to stay active outside, including yard campouts and virtual marathons.
1/17/19 3:20 PM
“WATERPROOF BOOT BUILT TO HANDLE THE HEAT” – BACKPACKER
Say goodbye to sweaty and smelly feet with the Jampui boot featuring ultra breathable eVent membrane. Light as a trail runner, supportive as a boot— Jampui is perfect for work as well as ultra light backpacking and through hiking.
WWW.MISHMITAKIN.COM
20
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
pies & pints founded 2003 | fayetteville, wv TH E STORY Co-owners Kimberly Shingledecker and David Bailey met in Utah managing restaurants at a ski resort. When they were done working the winter ski season, they decided to return to the East Coast and settle in Fayetteville, West Virginia to open a pizza place together. In the summer of 2003, Pies & Pints opened as a single location in Fayetteville. W HY TH E BLU E RIDG E? You can play all day in Fayetteville, West Virginia. Whether you prefer hiking, biking, paddling, climbing, or all the above, the New River Gorge National River offers something for everyone. After a day outside, there’s nothing better than a local spot where you can cool off and refuel. “I just knew that craft pizza and craft beer was a winning combination for outdoor enthusiasts,” Shingledecker said. B E ST OF TH E M ENU With so many beer and pizza pairings on the menu, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Through the end of August, try the roasted eggplant and red pepper pizza with fresh mozzarella and pesto. You can also try this mouthwatering option as a sandwich. At the end of August, look out for the perennial favorite heirloom tomato pie. Other top fan picks include Pies & Pints’ char grilled wings and spinach salad with red grapes and gorgonzola cheese. Most of the available craft beers are local West Virginia brews, and you can always find Bridge Brew Works lager on tap at the Fayetteville location! V IS I T U S ! Today, you can visit one of Pies and Pints’ 15 locations across West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Indiana, and Ohio. Each restaurant currently offers online ordering for easy takeout options.
PIESANDPINTS.NET @PIESANDPINTS @PIESANDPINTS
“I just knew that craft pizza and craft beer was a winning combination for outdoor enthusiasts.”
Making Memories T H E FAC E S A N D P L AC E S O F 25 YEARS OF A DV E N T U R E
A
bout a decade ago, we adopted the motto “Go Outside and Play,” but really, inspiring adventures in the wild has been the magazine’s mission all along. And while putting together hundreds of issues about exploring the mountains for the past 25 years has certainly been fun, it’s also taken a lot of hard work from a long list of dedicated folks. To spotlight some of the people that’ve made it happen, we asked 25 staff members and contributors from the past and present to share a favorite memory from their time with Blue Ridge Outdoors.
B L A K E D E M AS O President
Just months after purchasing the magazine, I went with Jedd [Ferris], Travis [Searcy], our art director at the time, and Charles [Leonard], an account executive, to Trail Days in Damascus for the first time. We didn't know what to expect, and we also didn't know each other that well, but we had an incredible weekend that I will never forget. We met so many great people coming off the trail and got to hear their stories as well as participate in some of the traditions such as the parade, B L A K E D E M A S O , R I G H T, A N D H I S D A U G H T E R E M M A AT T H E A N N U A L B L U E R I D G E B U R N . PHOTO BY ELLEN KANZINGER
ENTER TO WIN: BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
23
Find solitude... By the Blue Wall
LakeHartwellCountry.com (864) 646-3782
@LakeHartwellCountry
O P TA D O L O R U P TAT E V O L U P TA Q U AT I O L A U R E N W O R T H , L E F T, A N D TEMPELIS VERUM HANNAH COOPER ON A S TA F F O U T I N G W I T H R E S C U E DOGS.
M A R T H A E VA N S A N D GRACE DEMASO
water balloon fight, and BBQ at the firehouse. We continued to go back each year, and as time went on, we involved our families and kids and brought more staff down to experience Trail Days.
JEDD FERRIS Editor-in-Chief
When I was hired as a staff writer in 2003, one of my first big assignments was a cover story called “Ferris’ Week Off.” I spent seven full days getting fully acquainted with the Blue Ridge—backpacking in Shenandoah, riding Canaan, climbing Great Falls, and even hang gliding down near Lynchburg. Altogether it was an unforgettable experience that gave me an enduring appreciation for these mountains and this magazine.
L E A H WO O DY Publisher
Back when we were all a bit younger and had a few less kids, almost the whole staff would attend festivals across the region like FloydFest, Festy, and Trail Days. You learn the most about your co-workers when you are all camped out in the woods living the festival life for a few days. Every year the Festival Guide is one of my favorites to dive into. It was such a heartbreaking moment when we realized that the Festival Guide wouldn't be happening this year, but not nearly as heartbreaking as realizing all of the amazing festivals would be silent for summer 2020.
L AU R E N WO RT H Creative Director
BRO covers so much about the outdoors, from the wins to the losses, and everything in between. It’s taught me a lot about how to have an appreciation for the outdoors, but also for the people who love the outdoors and how we can come together.
MELISSA GESSLER AT T H E B L U E R I D G E BURN. PHOTO BY ELLEN KANZINGER
M E L I S SA G E S S L E R Business Manager
During my 11 years with BRO, we have experienced everything there is to experience: births, deaths, marriages, graduations, booms and busts, excitement in new faces, and tears at goodbyes. This is a small, tight-knit group that works their collective ass off, puts their whole heart in, and truly defines what it is to be a family. I couldn't find a better one out there.
K AT I E H A RT W E L L Associate Publisher
Working with a group of people states apart, the times that we get together as a team are my favorite memories. From flying in a tiny airplane together, hiking a mountain, singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” in a party bus, or racing to pitch a tent, this is the best group ever. I have always loved the outdoors, but I have learned a lot more about how to preserve the trails that I explore during my time with Blue Ridge Outdoors. AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
25
CONTRIBUTING WRITER MALEE OTT
SENIOR EDITOR WILL HARLAN
S H A N N O N M C G O WA N , L E F T, A N D ELLEN KANZINGER WORKING WITH THE AT C ' S K O N N A R O C K C R E W . P H O T O B Y PA U L S E A L Y
I took a wilderness survival class with former editor Will Harlan. We spent 36 hours one January weekend freezing our butts off in the cold rain while learning how to build fires and shelters in any condition. For the final exercise, we had to fully submerge ourselves in a frigid creek and then build a fire before hypothermia set in. I have never been so cold in my life. But when I finally got my fire going, I felt like I could take on anything.
huggers, and outdoor enthusiasts we have, the more advocates and protectors we will have for our outdoor spaces. Sure, there are plenty of economic benefits to outdoor recreation, but the greatest treasure of all is that they exist. I’d sure love to keep them around for future generations to enjoy. I’m thankful for our authentic voice in highlighting the many treasures we have here in the Blue Ridge, and I’m happy to work with a group of folks who make it our mission to showcase and protect those places we love.
a beautiful sense of community and support. The bonds formed after a few days were so clear and had me wiping tears from my eyes all day.
M A RT H A E VA N S
HANNAH COOPER
M AS O N A DA M S
My very first experience with Blue Ridge Outdoors was 17 years ago. I found the magazine on a stand somewhere and it was the annual swimming holes issue. After reading it cover to cover, I set out to discover some of the best swimming holes I've ever seen. The magazine has been such an amazing part of my life ever since, inspiring interest and appreciation for the outdoor lifestyle and recreation, which constantly leads me to so many wonderful new adventures and so many new people all over the world.
My favorite memory was doing the Ragnar—a 24hour running relay race in Richmond—with people from the office. It was type two fun (miserable while you're doing it, but fun to remember).
As a reporter who's covered mountain communities in the Blue Ridge for nearly 20 years, I'm most struck by how transformative Blue Ridge Outdoors' "Adventure Towns" concept has proven for local economies. Many towns that once relied on coal, the railroad, or another historically dominant industry are trying to find new paths forward. Their solutions vary, but outdoor recreation has become a common denominator. The places that have identified their outdoor assets and then marketed them have attracted entrepreneurs from a surprisingly wide range of businesses—everything from outfitters to restaurants and breweries. Even companies in unrelated sectors, such as tech and manufacturing, are investing in these places because they want access to outdoor adventure for their employees. That's not just beneficial. It's transformative.
ELLEN KANZINGER Travel Editor
Senior Account Executive
TAY LO R L E A L Account Executive
I’m a firm believer in what we execute each month at BRO. I feel like the more nature lovers, tree 26
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
Former account executive
S H A N N O N M C G OWA N Digital Content Coordinator
Working on a story called Reeling and Healing, I went to Syria, Va., and was able to meet the incredible men from Reel Recovery, a program that gets men living with cancer out for a fly fishing retreat. Each participant is teamed up with a fly fishing guide and is given the chance to connect with each other through empowering conversations where they share their stories and experiences with cancer. I was incredibly moved by how openly each man explained to me how Reel Recovery has provided them with
C R A I G S N O D G R AS S Web Director
Shannon tried to teach me how to roll a kayak. She probably should have taught me how to swim first. If I hadn’t been at BRO for so long, I probably never would have had the opportunity or inclination to try such a thing.
Contributing Reporter
JEDD FERRIS (RIGHT) AND FORMER PUBLISHER CHARLES LEONARD
DAILY NEWS WRITER AND REPORTER KIM DINAN
KIM DINAN
Contributing Reporter and Daily News Writer
What stands out to me are some of the conversations I had with park staff when reporting on the 1996 deaths of Julie Williams and Lollie Winans in Shenandoah National Park. Speaking with them really drove home how much has changed about being outdoors over the years, since this tragedy—and the park's response to it—happened before cell phones and social media.
WILL HARLAN
Senior Editor and former Editor-in-Chief
I thought I was a tough, rugged outdoorsy dude—until I spent a few days homeless on the streets for a feature story. Going homeless taught me some cold, hard truths about the outdoors. Homeless folks are the ultimate outdoor athletes. Without any fancy gear, they hike for miles, forage for food, and camp out every night in even the harshest conditions. Over a half-million Americans sleep on the streets or in shelters each night. The least I could do was step inside their worn shoes for a few days. But my homeless journey was artificial. Afterward, I could go home to a stocked fridge and comfy bed. For the homeless folks I met, there was no finish line.
ST E V E N M C B R I D E Contributing Photographer
Although every shoot I've done for BRO has been memorable and adventurous, but I do have one that sails above the others. For a biking cover story (September 2012), we traveled up to Beech Mountain, N.C., and after some time personally "scouting" every trail, (yes, on my bike), we got down to shooting images on several singletrack trails, as well as downhill runs. Toward the end of the shoot, we headed over to the big obstacle section, where I was immediately schooled on the finer points of aerial acrobatics. It was at this point that I retired my Cannondale for the day. I knew my biking
HYDRATION DAY HIKING
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
27
TRAILSETTER: Don’t follow trends. Create them.
LIVE YOUR METRO MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE.
Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Famil y BE A #TRAILSETTER
VisitVBR.com | 800.635.5535
F I N D W H AT YO U L O V E I N M E C K l E N B U R G
Adventure is the destination. WanderLove is about reconnecting with what you love. Explore beyond your own backyard this Fall on a Road Trip to Mecklenburg. You’ll find More of What Matters here. Plan your Road Trip at VisitMeckVa.com. 28
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
More of what matters. More Mecklenburg. visitmeckva.com | #moremeck
limits, and this was way, way beyond them. Nonetheless, shooting these guys sailing directly over my head as I photographed them was a thrill enough.
M A L E E O OT Contributing Writer
PHOTOGRAPHER STEVEN MCBRIDE
F O R M E R S TA F F EDITOR GRAHAM AV E R I L L
The last time I covered Virginia’s Grayson Highlands State Park it was the dead of winter. Besides my hound dog, curled up in the backseat of my Subaru, I didn’t see a soul as I drove the ice-glazed park road. Suddenly, I came around a lazy bend and there was Fabio, grazing beside the road. Arguably the park’s most iconic resident, Fabio is just one of the wild ponies roaming the park, named for his luxuriant flaxen mane. I couldn’t believe my luck—and Fabio seemed to sense that I was admiring him. Preening, he strutted into the middle of the road and posed grandly as the winter wind tousled his golden hair. Then, he sauntered right up to my car, and began licking my salt-streaked Subaru. Out of nowhere, another pony appeared and joined Fabio, both of them savoring the hood of my mineralfortified vehicle. Before I knew it, I was stuck, and for the next few minutes, I was pinned along the roadside by salt-crazed wild ponies.
C H R I S G R AGT M A N S Contributing Writer and Pro Paddler CONTRIBUTING WRITER MASON ADAMS
Writing for BRO was a watershed experience for me both personally and professionally. It afforded me the income and freedom to travel and compete full-time as a professional whitewater kayaker and paddleboarder for five years. What an incredible phase of life, paddling on every continent except Antarctica, falling asleep under the stars 100+ nights a year, competing with the best in the world, and immersing myself in the most inspiring natural settings. There are too many unforgettable moments to list when it comes to assignments, but a really special opportunity was time spent with the cancer survivor nonprofit First Descents. The organization enables young survivors to overcome their diagnosis by fostering fellowship, confidence, and healing through
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
29
We’re waiting for you... Isn’t it time for a getaway?
Tales To Tell
All Your BATH
Friends.
You’ll enjoy the fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery. Reel in a few big trout and suddenly, you’ve got a fishing trip for the record books. DiscoverBath.com 540-839-7202 #MadeInBathVA
That’s a Made in Bath County experience.
1-877-347-8307 VisitWytheville.com
Comfort. Dependability. Guaranteed Quality. Completely redesigned sleeping pads from The Mother of Comfort.
Camping at 10,083’on the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. Grand Mesa, CO Photo: Devon Balet
bigagnes.com 30
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
Free upcycled Pad Inflation Sack included with all pads
D O U G S C H N I T Z S PA H N GEAR EDITOR AND EDITORIN-CHIEF OF BRO’S SISTER P U B L I C AT I O N E L E VAT I O N OUTDOORS
outdoor sport. It seems there's no greater therapist than Mother Nature, and I'll never forget the times that we shared on the river and around the campfire.
G R A H A M AV E R I L L Former Staff Writer and Editor
I’ll never forget sitting in the dark on the edge of Quantico in Virginia looking into the edge of a dense forest with night vision goggles. I was with a group of guys convinced Bigfoot was alive and well in the Southern Appalachians. Now that was a fun story.
M A R C U S WO H L S E N Former Staff Writer
A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H S E R K AT I E HARTWELL AND WEB DIRECTOR CRAIG SNODGRASS ON A FIDO FIELD TRIP WITH THE LOCAL SPCA
I was just getting my start as a writer in the early 2000s. I knew I wanted to write, and I knew I wanted to be outside. I pitched some stories, and suddenly I was doing both every day. Too quickly, the next step in my life came along, and the time was approaching for me to leave western North Carolina. But I still had so much to do! One thing you learn covering the outdoors in the Southern Appalachians is that you will never exhaust the possibilities. So I took on one last mega-assignment: I would try to do everything. I climbed Looking Glass Rock. I paddled the French Broad. I rode Pisgah singletrack. But the one thing above all—literally—I will never forget was the moment my guide unclipped the carabiner connecting our hang glider to the ultra-light, and we were flying free over Lookout Mountain in Tennessee. Everything was silent, and the landscape I loved rolled out to the horizon.
J E S S DA D D I O Former Travel Editor
In the spring of 2017, I pitched a bikepacking-packrafting story in tandem with my friend Andy at New River Bikes in Fayetteville, W.Va. Together with my friend Annie, the three of us pedaled over 100 miles of rugged West Virginia terrain on 70-pound rigid frame bikes. It was hard and it rained almost the entire time (because, West Virginia). There were questionable "roads," flooded rivers, punishing hike-abikes, mismatched paddle parts, new-to-me chafing, and stiff lake headwinds, but we did it and still even like each other and are riding bikes to this day. AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
31
VIRGINIA WELLNESS RETREAT y a w a e v i G WIN A WEEKEND
GETAWAY TO EUPEPSIA WELLNESS RESORT (Voted #2 Best Wellness Resort in the U.S. in 2019!)
3-NIGHT WEEKEND AT THE EUPEPSIA WELLNESS RESORT FOR 2 PEOPLE. Package Includes: • Accommodation in contemporar y ensuite rooms with private access • Farm-to-table meals prepared with fresh produce from our organic greenhouses and served alfresco • Outdoor wellness programs featuring yoga, fitness, hiking, nature walks, mountain biking or water-based activities on our pond • One therapy session per person in our outdoor Cabana by the creek • Unlimited access to our outdoor hydrotherapy pool and power jet pool
+ WIN A PELICAN COOLER! Designed to be portable and versatile, the Dayventure Sling features an over-the -shoulder strap with a comfortable pad and is big enough for a 12-pack of beer or soda cans or even 4 bottles of wine. MSRP $149.95
Sign up for a chance to win at
BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM/CONTESTS
DAV E STA L L A R D
T O M D A L Y, F O R M E R ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AND LONGTIME CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Contributor and Curator of monthly online music feature Trail Mix
Fifteen years ago, I grabbed my phone and dialed up Darrell Scott, one of my songwriting heroes, for my first profile in the magazine. I was a nervous wreck. I taught middle school and didn't figure myself a music writer! Since then, I have gone on to chat with scores of incredible musicians and feature a few thousand songs over more than ten years of curating Trail Mix. For a music junkie like me, this is an incredible gig, and I count myself lucky to have been a part of the BRO crew for as long as I have.
TO M DA LY
Former Account executive and longtime contributing photographer
One of my favorite BRO memories was photographing the inaugural "Green Guide" cover story back in Spring of 2008. Not only was it exciting to be on the forefront of the "Green" movement, but the story on mountaintop removal and how the coal industry has ravaged West Virginia was very eye opening to me.
BETTINA FREESE
Contributor and Biking Columnist
Every time I pedal into the woods, increase my heart rate, and start navigating a new trail, or even an old trail, the stories start rolling. I love that I have BRO as a megaphone for my excitement! I have shared stories of naked rides where we thought we were in
the backwoods only to learn...no. I have shared my heartbreaks, my wounds, my learning curve, and the joy of teaching kids and newbies. Then I added the trials and triumphs from the trails to the river, where my new learning curves began. Thank you all for enjoying my rides with me!
D O U G S C H N I T Z S PA H N
Gear Editor and Editor-in-Chief of BRO’s sister publication Elevation Outdoors
We took a hike with the whole Blue Ridge Outdoors
and Elevation Outdoors staff near the BRO home office in Charlottesville, at Mint Springs Park and came to a tree simply marked "The Old Red Oak." I hugged it, a big embrace that only reached halfway around the trunk. It was both a sign of respect for this rare, recognized giant that I would not see here in high, dry Colorado, but also a hope that us treehuggers can continue to learn from the forests, from an intelligence deeper and older than our own, and convince others just how important trees and the natural world are to our own continued existence and happiness.
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
33
36
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
Fun in the Sun Casual Cafe Event Venue Garden Shop Hiking Trails PYO Fruit
#sangriasundays #peachy
Set on Grelen's 1000-acre tree nursery
www.themarketatgrelen.com
25
years
THIRSTY NEIGHBORS. Don’t miss another issue this year!
celebrate our 25 th anniversary with a subscription! the
shop.blueridgeoutdoors.com
subscription.indd 1
Summit store AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
37
4/23/20 12:38 PM
become a blue ridge outdoors trailhead
TrailHeads are our core group of loyal readers who love the outdoors, stay on top of current issues facing the Blue Ridge, truly appreciate our FREE monthly content, and want to help us grow by becoming patrons of Blue Ridge Outdoors.
Join today, starting at just $1 a month! blueridgeoutdoors.com/trailheads
THANK YOU TO OUR NEWEST TRAILHEADS
Let your LOVE for the open road and adventure lead you to Clarksville on the Lake! You will love it here! The lake offers some of the best fishing on the East Coast and is a haven for outdoor recreation including boating, sailing, skiing, golfing, and swimming.
Colin B. - Asheville, NC Rebecca, A. - Stuart, VA Christopher A. - Danville, VA Jennafer M. - Burke, VA | Nancy H. - Waynesboro, VA | Becky J. - Knoxville, TN Debbie L. - Weaverville, NC | Jody D. - Ocala, FL | Ian M. - Charlottesville, VA John H. - Hillsborough, NC | Sally S. - Yorktown, VA | Michael P. - Charlottesville, VA Susan S. + Rachel S.
CLARKSVILLEONTHELAKE.COM • CLARKSVILLEVA.COM
38
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
RISE OF AN INDUSTRY BLUE RIDGE ATHLETES AND EXPERTS DISCUSS THE EVOLUTION OF OUTDOOR RECREATION BY ELLEN KANZINGER
“ECOSPORTS ARE HERE TO STAY,” then editor John Blackburn declared in the inaugural issue of Blue Ridge Outdoors. When the magazine first went to press 25 years ago, a year before I was born, the publication was focused on outdoor recreation spots around Charlottesville, Va. Since then, we’ve seen Blackburn’s statement ring true as the magazine expanded to cover the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Today, outdoor recreation is a multibillion-dollar industry, accounting for 2.2 percent of the U.S. GDP, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Races have come and gone. New fastest known time records have been set. Important wilderness areas have been protected while others have been lost to development. Virginia and North Carolina created offices of outdoor recreation. And, no matter where you look in the outdoor industry, it is undeniable the impact technology and social media have had on recreation. We caught up with athletes and adventurers to find out how outdoor recreation has evolved over the last 25 years.
BEN WU CLIMBS INDECENT EXPOSURE ON TA B L E R O C K I N L I N V I L L E GORGE, N.C. PHOTO BY N ATA L I E S H E F F I E L D
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
39
join the #gobybike movement!
Blue ridge North Blue ridge downtown 257-B connor ave | Charlottesville, VA 722 preston ave | Charlottesville, VA (434) 995-2453 (434) 529-6514
T OF
B LU
E RID G
WINNER 2019
BES
E
E
TH
Blueridgecyclery.com
40
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
step 1.
step 2.
step 3.
Choose your bike over your car for at least one trip each week.
Share the message by posting a photo of your ride and using the #GoByBike hashtag.
Invite others to ride and take action by tagging them in your photo.
GROWTH OF TRAILS: THE A.T. AND BEYOND
..............................
Warren Doyle thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail for the first time in 1969. Since then, he has hiked the entirety of the famous trail 18 times while watching the rise of the outdoor adventure industry. “There used to not be much commerciality out there,” Doyle said. “It wasn’t much of an industry, and there weren’t that many jobs in the outdoors. There weren’t any hostels or shuttles. It was all about the mountain you slept on top of.” Since Doyle’s first thru-hike, lightweight has been the name of the game as gear companies compete to produce the lightest gear for outdoor enthusiasts to help keep their pack weight down. But despite the push to have the latest and greatest, Doyle, founder of the Appalachian Trail Institute, says your gear won’t ultimately get you to the end of the 2,190-mile trail. “Your mental fortitude is the thing that’s going to get you to Katahdin, not your things,” he said. “The trail has not changed. It may be a hundred miles longer than it used to be, but it hasn’t changed. What you need to go from Georgia to Maine, if that’s what you do and that’s what you want, it becomes a task. And there are universal truths to accomplishing that task. And it’s not tied into equipment.” Although it is a beloved trail for a reason, East Coast hiking is more than the A.T. Long-distance trails like the Mountains-to-Sea Trail and Pinhoti Trail have been built up and seen an influx of visitors. Rail trails have exploded in popularity, from the C&O Canal and Virginia Creeper Trail to local multi-use greenways accessible for the whole family. There’s been a renewed interest in trails connecting communities, from 20-mile trails between towns to the East Coast Greenway connecting Florida to Maine. With the growth in local trails that you no longer need to drive hours to reach came an increased interest in trail running. Ultrarunner and running coach Olivia Affuso experienced that infrastructure development in her local trail running community as Birmingham, Ala., built up trails close to the city. “We’ve seen a lot of growth in the trail running community in the past 10 years,” she said. “Just so many more people coming into it and the variety of races. There are lots of race series that start with a three-mile run. That opens up more opportunities for people who are maybe a little less crazy than the ultra-endurance athletes.” In addition to a growing number of trails, Affuso said social media has helped pave the way for more people to call themselves trail runners. “I think social media has given women and girls more opportunities to have their voices heard and their stories told,” she said. “I see it as shifting the social norms of what women, girls, and people of color are actually doing in the real world versus what may be represented in other types of media.” As more state and local leaders see the value in building trails close to home, Affuso said communities need to think of access beyond the open space available and number of trails built. “I don’t think there’s been as much attention paid to people’s perception of safety in those spaces,” she said.
"We’ve seen a lot of growth in the trail running community in the past 10 years."
TOP: OLIVIA AFFUSO COMPETES IN THE YETI 100 IN VIRGINIA. PHOTO B Y H A L L E Y B U R L E S O N R I G H T: A . T. T H R U H I K E R WA R R E N D O Y L E . P H O T O COURTESY OF DOYLE.
“Safety isn’t always about crime. Safety is, am I going to be okay if I go into this space by myself. That might mean one thing for a woman but something different for a person of color. Do I belong in this space and will people perceive that I belong in this space, or will they come after me because I represent a certain stereotype in their mind?” As for where trail running is headed in the next few years, Affuso said a lot will depend on how the pandemic unfolds in the "What you need to coming months. “I think some people are more go from Georgia leery to engage in large to Maine, if that’s group activities,” she what you do and said. “Many of the trail that’s what you runs that we customarily want, it becomes do have been canceled. We’re still in that wait and a task. And there are universal truths see pattern. Hopefully this pandemic will pass to accomplishing us by next year and 2021 that task. And will be the big year of it’s not tied into trail running. I think even equipment." more people will come out, especially after the popularity of the virtual races.” With trails seeing an increase in visitors during this time, local trails will be key in keeping people engaged with the outdoors and accessible for all.
A SPECIALIZED SPORT
..............................
Coming from a paddling family, whitewater kayaker Emily Jackson got her start at a young age. The two-time World Freestyle Champion and member of the U.S. Freestyle Team said paddlers today really associate with what they are doing more than ever before. “Even just saying ‘I’m a whitewater kayaker,’ when you ask most people, it’s kind of blanketing a few different things,” Jackson said. “What do you like to do in your kayak, oh freestyle kayak, oh I’m a creeker, oh I’m a river runner. With that, the people marketing and building the gear have recognized AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM 41
"A lot of respect for the paddlers of the 90s that dealt with a lot of things that we simply don’t have to deal with anymore."
K AYA K E R E M I L Y J A C K S O N I N A J A C K S O N K AYA K , A C O M P A N Y S TA R T E D B Y H E R F AT H E R , E R I C . P H O T O B Y N I C K T R O U T M A N
that people really like to associate themselves with a certain niche of paddlers.” In addition to more specialized equipment, including PFDs and helmets, the comfort of the boats has changed dramatically due to new designs. As a kid, Jackson remembers paddlers putting beer koozies on their feet because they couldn’t fit into their kayak with shoes on. “A lot of respect for the paddlers of the 90s that dealt with a lot of things that we simply don’t have to deal with anymore,” Jackson said. “Being uncomfortable was a big part of it. Some people quit kayaking just due to having back pain and trouble with their feet or their legs. And that isn’t a factor anymore.” As with other outdoor recreation activities, the internet has changed how paddlers are able to get information and get out on the water. “There are databases now just filled with all that information, particularly American Whitewater,” Jackson said. “They have the put-ins and take-outs and rapid descriptions for just about every run in the U.S. and everyone can access it. So, you don’t have to buy a guidebook per region that was written in whatever year that changes constantly.” While it might be easier to get out on the water with all of the information online, Jackson said the damming of rivers has changed many wild whitewater 42
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
runs. “Some of my favorite runs are nonexistent now,” she said. “Whole entire sections of rivers are just disappearing. I’ve noticed that more so now in the last few years than before. It could have been happening before just as much and I wasn’t aware. I would say that that has been the biggest eye opener for me as far as access to waterways. They’re all underwater.” Looking to the future, Jackson said she wants to see the paddling community focus more on the mental and physical benefits that come from being on the water rather than just the extreme side of the sport. “We don’t promote the bunny slope,” she said. “So, when people think about whitewater kayaking, they’re often thinking about what they saw on the Today Show of someone running a 200-foot waterfall, versus just people getting outside and having a really good time on the water.” From coastal marshes to serene mountain lakes, paddling the Blue Ridge doesn’t have to be all about Class V whitewater.
BUILDING BETTER BIKES
..............................
Sue George has been involved with just about every aspect of mountain biking since the early 80s. She competed nationally and internationally as a member of the U.S. National Cycling Team,
wrote articles as an editor at Cyclingnews.com, and now serves as vice president at BikeFlights.com. “If you ride a bike from 25 years ago and try to take it out on the trail now, you’re like, how did I do this?” George said. “It’s such a different experience. The suspension has changed, the shocks have changed, the geometry has changed, wheel size has changed. You can confidently go down something and know your brakes are going to work well and stop you. It’s really changed what you can ride and what you can enjoy riding over time. Things that you would have previously had to walk or hike a bike become rideable and become fun challenges.” As mountain biking has emerged from a fringe sport, organizations across the region have worked to open up access to mountain bikers. “I think people overall, including government and landowners, have realized the value of having trails near where people live so they can get outside,” George said. “You see a lot of people now will look to purchase a house near public land that offers access. That’s a selling point now.” In tandem, we’ve seen the rise of professional trail builders who are making the trails more sustainable and better for riding. The way that mountain bikers race has also evolved as bikes are built to handle different terrain. “Over time, we’ve seen styles of racing come and go,” George said. “For a period of time, 24-hour races were the thing to do. Everybody did at least one or two a year. There are not many 24-hour races
left. More recently, Enduro racing has become more popular. It seems like every so many years, we get a new discipline, it becomes popular, people love it, and then it wanes. I think throughout that whole period you still have people that just go out and ride their bike in the woods. You don’t have to race to be a mountain biker.” For the future of mountain biking, George said she sees great hope in organizations like NICA and the availability of clinics to support the next generation of riders. “You’re developing this entire new crop of people that are finding camaraderie and friendship through the experience of mountain biking at a young age,” she said. “Not all of them will stick with it indefinitely, but I feel like we have this opportunity to create more people that love riding for the rest of their life. We need fresh blood in the sport. I’m excited to see where those kids take the sport.”
SEE YOU AT THE CRAG
..............................
In the last five years alone, Ben Wu, a guide for Fox Mountain Guides, said climbing has gone almost mainstream. “I’ve noticed a tremendous increase in the crowds at the crag and in the number of gyms nationwide, worldwide,” he said. “People are flooding the climbing industry.” Part of that interest can be attributed to the 2020 Olympics, now rescheduled for 2021, as the first year climbing would be included as a sport. “That alone started an international increase in demand for climbing facilities,” Wu said. “Gym competitions specifically are going to be an even bigger part of the funding as far as the amount of money a country puts in their athletic system.” Organizations like the Southeastern Climbers Coalition, Red River Gorge Climbers’ Coalition, and Carolina Climber’s Coalition are working to "I’ve noticed a expand access to rock tremendous increase climbing and bouldering in the crowds at spots in the region the crag and in by purchasing land or facilitating climbing the number of agreements with other gyms nationwide, land managers to keep worldwide. People crags open as more are flooding the climbers are wanting climbing industry." to get outside. Wu said the transition from gym to crag does call for some training to minimize risk. “We’ve already seen more accidents because of newcomers trying to get outside too early without the proper guidance,” he said. “I’m hoping that this boom in the climbing industry is also going to transfer to a more widespread acceptance of guiding culture. In the U.S., there’s this mentality that as an individual you can figure all of this stuff out on your own. That mentality leads to a lot of accidents." The future of rock climbing and bouldering will depend on climbers maintaining access to climbing areas. Wu said he is watching areas where climbers might be shut out, especially the U.S. Forest Service’s plan for Pisgah and Nantahala national forests.
CAST AWAY
.............................. When Starr Nolan first got into fly fishing, it wasn’t unusual for her to be the only woman at her local Trout Unlimited meetings. “It was kind of what I was used to,” she said. Now there are a few more women in the room, and gear companies are slowly introducing clothing for women. “When I first started, you had to make do with men’s sizes,” Nolan said. “Now almost every company has a line of woman’s gear. It’s not nearly as extensive as the men’s gear. Strangely enough, it’s in these weird colors. As if women don’t seriously go fly fishing, the women’s gear has bright pink or blue on it and the men’s gear is all camo. There are these strange little suggestions within the fashion world.” Still, gear companies are getting there. As the owner of Brookside Guides and executive director of Casting Carolinas, Nolan specializes in teaching new anglers the ways of the water. “To really be adequate at fly fishing means you’re a learner,” she said. “You want to learn a little bit more about the stream insects, how you pick a different fly, the water, the currents, and how to think like a trout. For people who are really into that learning process and knowing that every single time that you step in that water, it’s
L E F T: S U E G E O R G E G O E S F O R A R I D E I N T H E M O U N TA I N S . P H O T O B Y T O M I M C M I L L A R . R I G H T: S TA R R N O L A N S H O W S O F F H E R C AT C H . PHOTO COURTESY OF NOLAN
going to be different.” In the years since she started her business, Nolan said the guiding side of the industry has taken off. “For a good number of years, there were maybe a handful of us that were in the mix,” she said. “More people got interested in fly fishing, more people "How can decided to try to make a living we make this guiding, and that part really wonderful blossomed. The competition is opportunity and now pretty steep out there.” Nolan sees the future of sport available, fly fishing as a much more open, and diverse and welcoming welcoming to activity. “Fly fishing has everybody?" historically been a white, male sport,” she said. “I would like the fly fishing world to be open to diversity, whatever that might have to look like. As with being the single female in the room full of men, it’s been one person of color or no people of color for an equally long time. I would really like for the fly fishing world to take a look at that. How can we make this wonderful opportunity and sport available, open, and welcoming to everybody?” AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM 43
THE GATEWAY TO YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE! SERVING TH E VIRG IN IA OUTDOORS COM M UN IT Y AN D APPAL ACH IAN TR AIL H IKERS SINCE 1987.
CHECK OUT OUR CANOE & KAYAK RENTALS! 1461 E. MAIN ST WAYNESBORO, VA
(800) 851-6027 (540) 943-1461
ROCKFISHGAPOUTFITTERS.COM
This is Lynchburg. In the City of Lynchburg, we know life is more valuable than the hours clocked. We look forward to time outside, enjoying a picnic on the Downtown Bluffwalk overlooking the James River and a long trek on our urban trails. We invite you to come see for yourself the beauty and vitality of our urban oasis in the heart of Central Virginia.
lynchburgvirginia.org
44
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
advertise
REACH THOUSANDS OF OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PRINT OR DIGITAL ADVERTISING CONTACT: LEAH WOODY | LEAH@BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM KATIE HARTWELL | KATIE@BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM OR VISIT BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM/ADVERTISE
Design it. Build it. Love it. CONTACT US AT WWW.SHEEFLEE.COM
Sheeflee Construction provides exceptional design and affordability in new homes and renovations. We make your life simpler by handling every aspect of your construction project. See the all-solar community we are building near Charlottesville: www.emersoncommons.org Homes Available!
FAST & AFFORDABLE CUSTOM HOMES Single-Family Homes | Multi-Unit Homes | Ecovillages | Solar Panelized | Modular | Modular Sets Renovations | Foundation Repair
We’ll build your design or adapt a model on our website: www.sheeflee.com AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
45
THE 20202021 RACE & EVENT GUIDE
2020 is the year we reimagined what it meant to come together. Mark your calendars for these in-person and virtual races, events, and festivals from across the region. Please check the event websites for any health and safety updates prior to the date of the event.
2020 Virginia Horse Racing Schedule July 27 - September 2: Thoroughbred Racing at Colonial Downs Sept. 18 - Oct. 17: Harness Racing at Shenandoah Downs Oct. 4 - Foxfield Fall Races Oct. 10 - Middleburg Fall Races Oct. 24 - International Gold Cup Races Nov. 7 - Montpelier Hunt Races
Paddle to Table
WHEN: August & September WHERE: U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte, N.C. Enjoy a guided flatwater paddle on the Catawba River followed by a unique dining experience in the outdoors. usnwc.org
Fit Farmer 12K Trail Run
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 8 WHERE: Flag Rock Area Trails System, Norton, Va. Get Outside in Norton, Virginia for the third annual Fit Farmer 12K Trail Run in Flag Rock Recreation Area! Explore Flag Rock Area Trails, located on the lower slopes of Southwest Virginia’s High Knob, the highest point in the Cumberland Mountains. fitfarmertrailrun.wordpress.com ultrasignup.com/register. aspx?did=72031
Downhill southeast series
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 8 - Sunday, Aug. 9 WHERE: Sugar Mountain, N.C. Race #4 and NC Downhill MTB State Championships — The Downhill Southeast is the regions premier downhill mountain bike race series. Join inon the action as racers from around the US do battle on Sugar’s classic downhill track. skisugar.com
River Jam Run: Virtual Edition
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 13 - Saturday, Aug. 14 WHERE: U.S. National Whitewater Center, Charlotte, N.C. Grab your sneakers and hit the trails to compete in the River Jam Run: Virtual Edition. Starting at midnight on the second Thursday of each month, runners will have the remainder of the month to compete for the top spot in either the 5K or 10K division. usnwc.org
Mountain Fork Half Marathon
WWW.VIRGINIAHORSERACING.COM
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 20 WHERE: High Knob, Norton, Va. The inaugural Mountain Fork Half Marathon is a 13.6-mile race that starts and finishes at the High Knob
Observation Tower in Wise County. The race loops through the scenic Mountain Fork watershed, primarily on gravel Forest Service roads, before finishing back at the High Knob Observation Tower, which stands atop the highest poin (4,200 feet) t in the Cumberland Mountains and is located on the Jefferson National Forest’s Clinch Ranger District. Five states can be seen from the tower’s platform, including a 360-degree view of peaks as far away as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and West Virginia. All race proceeds benefit ongoing trail development and maintenance on the Flag Rock Area Trails system in the City of Norton’s Flag Rock Recreation Area and on High Knob. mountainforkhalf.wix.com/mtnforkhalf facebook.com/mtnforkhalf
High Knob Hellbender 10K
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 3 WHERE: Norton Event Center, Norton, Va. Climb to the highest point in the Cumberland Mountains. This challenging 6.2-mile road race boasts more than a 2,000-foot elevation gain as it climbs from downtown Norton in far Southwest Virginia to the 4,200-foot High Knob summit in the Jefferson National Forest. The seventh annual climb will be held October 3, 2020. ultrasignup.com/register. aspx?did=71686 highknobhellbender.wordpress.com facebook.com/highknobhellbender
The Red Bud Ride
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 10 WHERE: London, Ky. London, the cycling capital of Kentucky® is home to The Redbud Ride where you will experience and boast about the most scenic and challenging routes you’ll find anywhere in the country. Offering four different routes, this ride is a must-do for all cycling enthusiasts! visitlondonky.com
The deep hollow half marathon & 5k
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 10 WHERE: Lynchburg, Va. The Deep Hollow Half Marathon &
2020-2021 RACE & EVENT GUIDE SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
5K is the premier trail race in the Liberty Mountain Trail Series. The Half Marathon is a beautiful wooded course comprised of primarily single track trail intermixed with some forest roads. liberty.edu/races
Oktoberfest
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 10 - Sunday, Oct. 11 WHERE: Sugar Mountain, N.C. Enjoy the two-day Oktoberfest from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the North Carolina Mountains. The festival features live Bavarian music by the Harbour Towne Fest band and Avery Co. Cloggers. The Bike Park will be open as well. skisugar.com
Tour de dirt D E E P H O L L O W | H A L F M A R AT H O N A N D 5 K
O C T O B E R 1 0 | LY N C H B U R G , VA 20% OFF COUPON CODE: BRO2020
R E G I S T E R AT L I B E R T Y. E D U / R A C E S
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 25 WHERE: Chantilly Farm & Campground, Floyd, Va. A challenging ride on rugged hills and scenic woodland paths. There are four different route lengths, from mild to wild, in Floyd and Patrick County! Choose one to test your strength and skill. Benefits Plenty! Food Bank and Farm. plentylocal.org/tour-de-dirt/
Highlands Food & Wine Festival
WHEN: Friday-Saturday, Nov. 13-14 WHERE: Kelsey-Hutchison Park, Highlands N.C. The 5th annual Highlands Food & Wine Festival is a special two-day, open-air event at Kelsey Hutchinson Park on Nov. 13-14. Enjoy live music combined with world-class food from local and visiting chefs, fine wine and spirits seminars and specialty dinners. highlandsfoodandwine.com
The alleghany gran fondo
WHEN: Saturday May 22, 2021 WHERE: Alleghany County, Va. The Alleghany Gran Fondo will be on May 22, 2021 Visit the beautiful Alleghany Highlands of Virginia to ride in one of the most scenic Gran Fondo’s on the east coast! The event rightfully exemplifies it’s name “Agony in the Alleghanies” with our Gran Fondo course reaching nearly 10,000 feet of climbing! granfondoalleghany.com
Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon
WHEN: Saturday June 5, 2021 WHERE: Alleghany County, Va. The Jackson River Scenic Trail Marathon is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying race that also includes a Half Marathon, 10K & 5K. The event takes place on the Jackson River Scenic Trail, a beautiful, predominately flat trail composed of smooth crushed gravel that runs adjacent to the scenic Jackson River! jacksonrivermarathon.com
PERSPECTIVE
GRATITUDE
25 WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS THAT HAVE INSPIRED US ACROSS THE DECADES EDITING A MAGAZINE IS EASY. THE REAL WORK IS DONE BY THE WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS. OVER THE PAST 19 YEARS, I HAVE BEEN LUCKY TO WORK WITH THE VERY BEST. BY WILL HARLAN
B
ettina Freese is a lifelong mountain biking badass and adventure mom who has been with the magazine since its earliest days. She wrote our biking column for years and penned our most inspiring pedal-powered pieces. She highlighted women warriors and tackled controversial topics like e-bikes, Strava, and road rage, but many of her stories were hilarious misadventures involving poison ivy, naked biking, and biking in a purple tutu. She is the one of the most inspiring outdoor adventurers I know. Marcus Wohlsen was our very first staff writer. He set an incredibly high bar and is still one of the very best writers ever to grace our pages. He threw himself into every assignment—whether biking from Asheville to Brevard or hang gliding off Lookout Mountain. But one of his best stories was a colossal failure. He had planned a rugged hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in winter. After post-holing through knee deep snow, he ended up in a hotel room in Gatlinburg watching movies and eating chocolate. Today he is a senior editor at WIRED Magazine, but he got his start writing for us. Since then, five phenomenal staff writers have each elevated the quality of our magazine: Jedd Ferris, Graham Averill, Jack Murray, Jess Daddio, and Ellen Kanzinger (and digital editor Shannon McGowan). Each has brought
their own unique voice and style, and their stories have inspired me and countless readers over the years. Jeb Tilly and Laura Parsons wrote the magazine’s first features, and they were instrumental in mentoring me. Anne Riddle is the best writer-athlete I have ever encountered. She is one of the country’s top ultrarunners of all time, with dozens of victories, several trail records, and a secondplace finish at the World 100K. She also writes as powerfully, passionately, and gracefully as she runs. For years, she shared candid insights about what the trail has taught her, inspiring the next generation of athletes and adventurers. Steven McBride shot several of our all-time favorite cover photos, including cover shots of mountain biking daredevils, conservation heroes, and A.T. speed record holder Jennifer Pharr Davis, whom he captured atop Big Bald on the Appalachian Trail. His photos have appeared on the cover and interior of the magazine for two decades. Most recently, his powerful photos of Douglas Falls, Craggy Gardens, Staire Creek, and Corner Rock have been instrumental in leading the campaign to create Craggy Wilderness and National Scenic Area, which could be North Carolina’s firstever National Scenic Area and only the country’s eleventh. The only photographer with more cover photos is Harrison Shull, a top climber and pro photographer. Skip Brown and Derek DiLuzio also contributed some of the best images in our 25-year history. All of these photographers discounted their work dramatically so we could afford them. Wade Mickley was the best illustrator BRO has ever hired. For over a decade, Wade provided clever, colorful, and creative illos for feature stories and monthly departments. One of his most memorable was a portrait of coal baron and convicted felon Don Blankenship. Wade’s illustrations provided humor and insight to every story. Whitewater paddler Chris Gragtmans wrote a story about his first descents down the region’s biggest waterfalls that is still one of the most popular and powerful stories we’ve published. He also wrote several pieces about paddlers giving back to the outdoor community.
Sam Evans is one of the most humble and underappreciated outdoor athletes of the Blue Ridge—and also a helluva writer. There is simply no other athlete who can compete at an elite level in so many different sports. Evans has won some of the biggest bike races in the region, and he is also a topnotch ultrarunner and gonzo paddler. He is also an all-star conservationist; he is senior attorney at Southern Environmental Law Center, and his writing has focused on protecting the places where we play. His essay about mountain biking and wilderness is probably the single best piece of writing I’ve published. Nicole Crane wrote one of the very first stories I assigned about development and access threats to the Wesser Creek Trail. At the time, she was living near the trail and working for the Nantahala Outdoor Center. She quickly distinguished herself as one of our best writers and athletes, and she remains a top regional runner, biker, and paddler. Josh Kelly wrote one of our most memorable features—a powerful story about old-growth forests. Josh has hiked beneath more old-growth forest than anyone in the East. He spent years surveying most of the old-growth in North Carolina and Tennessee, and his story highlighted ancient Appalachian forests that still exist today. Kim Dinan wrote an amazing book, The Yellow Envelope: she and her husband receive an envelope containing a check for a large sum of money and instructions to give it away. It’s an incredible read. I felt really lucky that she was willing to write for us. For the past four years, she has unearthed some of the most important environmental issues facing our region. Jay Curwen is one of the best athletes of the Blue Ridge, and for years AUGUST 2020
he has been a charismatic leader of the regional outdoor community. He has won ultras, adventure races, and triathlons, and he shared those adventures with our readers. His stories and essays always had the insights of an elite athlete, but Curwen always mixed in humor and humility. Mirna Valerio was writing about race and the outdoors long before anyone else. As an African American ultrarunner and cyclist, she has led the effort to redefine traditionally white outdoor spaces, Her candid, humorous, and incredibly insightful essays about running while Black should have awoken us all a lot sooner. Jay Hardwig wrote the absolute funniest and most entertaining story I’ve ever published: he decides to take the Presidential Fitness Test as an adult. He joins a local elementary school P.E. class to take the challenge, and he goes head-to-head with first graders in chinups and the shuttle run. Emily Satterwhite and Mason Adams wrote some of the first stories published about the tree sitters along the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Those protestors—and those stories—have helped turn the tide against pipelines in Appalachia. Daniel DeWitt and Wally Smith were the conservation voice of the magazine for many years. Dan wrote about the Pisgah-Nantahala Forest Plan, the proposed Nolichucky Wild and Scenic River, genetically modified chestnut trees, coal ash, and red wolves—the most endangered animal on the planet. Wally wrote many personal essays about life in coal country, providing powerful insights into the past, present, and future of the coalfields. Doug Schnitzspahn, editor of our partner publication Elevation Outdoors in Colorado, has shared many insights and some of his best stories with BRO. He embodies the spirit of outdoor adventure better than anyone I know, and he inspires everyone with his words and way of life. I did not have space to include dozens of other writers and photographers—thank you all for making my job so easy and our magazine so meaningful. You have poured your hearts into our pages. I am so lucky to have worked with each of you, and I am so grateful for all of the insights and inspiration you have shared. | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM 49
The Fire Mountain Trails are keeping the groups small and encouraging masks, wipes, and as much social distance as your worn out legs can provide. Let’s ride—anxiety-free. For more information: VisitCherokeeNC.com | 800.438.1601
50
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
VisitCherokeeNC.com
VisitCherokeeNC.com
VisitCherokeeNC.com
VisitCherokeeNC.com
THE GOODS
Past, Present, Future THE MORE THINGS CHANGE, THE MORE THEY STAY THE SAME. WE TOOK A LOOK BACK AT THE GEAR THAT WAS HOT 25 YEARS AGO WHEN THE FIRST ISSUE OF BRO HIT THE PRESS—AND A LOT OF IT IS STILL HERE, ALBEIT IN AN UPDATED FORM. THEN WE LOOKED AHEAD 25 YEARS AND REALIZED THE BEST GEAR FOR THE PLANET MAY STILL BE WITH US IN THE FUTURE.
NOW AND THEN
used as a layering system, zippered or buttoned inside another jacket, but as the decade of grunge took off, the fleece jacket became the calling card of every budding and veteran outdoor-minded soul, thanks to its ability to stay warm when wet and its cozy feel. By 1996, The North Face was using sustainable materials in the Denali.
Black Diamond
1995
Hotwire Carabiner Black Diamond changed the carabiner game in 1995 when it introduced wire gates. The new design, which featured a thin, easy-to-clip system, proved stronger, better in cold weather, and simply safer than clunky old carabiners. That forward thinking was not a big surprise from the Salt Lake City-based brand that was innovating everything from cams to telemark ski bindings to Flintlock poles during the decade.
Patagonia
Dana Designs
B Y D O U G S C H N I T Z S PA H N
Storm Jacket There’s a long list of Patagonia apparel that has remained in the beloved brand’s lineup over the past 25 years, from those Synchilla fleece jackets that were ubiquitous at the trailhead in the days when the Internet was considered a fad to moisture wicking Capilene baselayers. But the trusty Storm Jacket, which featured the brand’s H2No barrier, was that one essential you had to stuff in your pack. The 1995 jacket weighed 25.5 oz. and retailed for $275 ($462.65 now adjusted for inflation).
The North Face
Denali Still The North Face’s signature piece, the Denali was first used in 1989, not in Alaska but on Yosemite’s Salathe Wall, when Todd Skinner and Paul Piana made the first free ascent of the legendary El Cap route. The Denali was intended to be
BLACK DIAMOND HOTWIRE CARABINER
Big Sky Bozeman, Montana-based Dana Designs was the poster child for outdoor performance and cool in the ’90s. Founded by pack-design innovators Dana Gleason and Renee Sippel-Baker, the company employed a facility of ski bums who spent their days off at Bridger Bowl—many of whom went on to become players in the industry. The Big Sky pack was proof of that know-how, a panel-loading daypack that hauled skis in an A-frame configuration, ideal for those golden days of backcountry bootpacking.
Camelbak
M.U.L.E. Camelbak began in 1989 when founder Michael Eidson jury-rigged an IV bag and a tube sock to create the first hydration pack. By 1995, the outdoor sports world— especially the rapidly growing mountain-bike community— was beginning to value the
THE NORTH FACE DENALI
CAMELBACK M.U.L.E
PATAGONIA STORM JACKET
DANA DESIGNS FJÄLLRÄVEN BIG SKY GREENLAND JACKET
DANA DESIGNS BIG SKY
ability to drink water in media res and the brand launched the M.U.L.E. (medium-to-ultra long endeavors) pack, able to haul 90+ ounces of water and the gear you would need for a big ride.
Fjällräven
Greenland jacket Swedish brand Fjällräven’s signature apparel piece had already been around for more than 25 years in 1995–it just hadn’t caught on yet in the U.S., since retro hipster culture had not yet found its foothold in craft breweries and ironic facial hair. Indeed, the Greenland came to life for an expedition into the wild island’s peaks and ice caps when entrepreneur Åke Nordin resolved to make
better equipment for harsh conditions. His big idea was to use a polyester-andcotton material that was too heavy for tents and coat it with a blend of beeswax and paraffin. The result was a functional mountaineering jacket that looked hip enough for urban adventures too.
2020
Patagonia’s storm shell not only shucks off precipitation with a 2.5-layer H2No barrier that’s far more effective than its 1995 cousin—it also includes breathable insulation. Best of all, that membrane is made from recycled nylon yarns, some of which were repurposed from old fishing nets. It weighs in at just 20.3 ounces. $399; patagonia.com
Patagonia
The North Face
Stretch Nano Storm Jacket Over the past quarter century, technical membranes have continued to evolve, making hard shells lighter, more protective, and—praise be— more breathable, as well as easier on the environment. This 2020 iteration of
’95 Retro Denali Not only has the Denali remained a highlight in The North Face’s line, the brand is also offering a retro version with the same look as the 1995 classic. The big difference is an update in materials. The fleece still
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
51
NOW AVAILABLE
52
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
P R O T E C T I N G W I L D P L A C E S F O R T H E I R H A B I TAT A N D R E C R E AT I O N VA L U E S.
C O N S E RVAT I O N A L L I A N C E . C O M
P R OU D M E M B E R
LOOK FOR THIS LOGO TO SUPPORT THE BRANDS THAT SUPPORT THE OUTDOORS.
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
53
Upscale Asheville Apartment Homes
YOUR ESCAPE TO URBAN LIVING With top tier amenities, luxury apartments and breathtaking mountain views, The District is a vibrant and fun place to live! Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, Bent Creek biking trails and more, it’s a perfect escape. 100 District Drive | Asheville, NC | 28803 833.666.7579 | TheDistrictAsheville.com
THE GOODS
NOW AND THEN
THE NORTH FACE '95 RETRO DENALI
PATAGONIA STRETCH NANO STORM JACKET
MYSTERY RANCH TERRAFRAME 65
BERGANS COLLECTION OF TOMORROW
BLACK DIAMOND HOTWIRE CARABINER
HOUDINI LANA JACKET
FJÄLLRÄVEN GREENLAND
CAMELBAK M.U.L.E 100OZ HYDRATION PAK
has a comfortable feel that dates back to the Clinton years, but it’s treated with a DWR that will bead off water and it’s made from recycled polyester. It comes with a lifetime warranty, too, so we’ll see you wearing it in 2045. $199; thenorthface.com
Black Diamond
Hotwire Carabiner Black Diamond’s claims about its latest greatest ’biner in 1995 have withstood the test of time. That’s not to say the brand has not improved on the design. The 2020 version features updated geometry that makes it even more intuitive to clip and the metal is cold forged, a less expensive process that makes it stronger and actually lowers the carbon emissions of production. $8; blackdiamondequipment.com
Mystery Ranch
Terraframe 65 Dana Gleason and Renee Sippel-Baker sold Dana
Designs to K2 in 1995, but they couldn't stay out of the pack business for long. In 2000, they launched Mystery Ranch, developing a lumbar wrap design that made for more efficient hauling. So good, in fact, that the Navy SEALS employed Mystery Ranch for equipment. 2020’s Terraframe 65 draws on those years of gear smarts: This expandable beast includes Overload, a feature that the brand has used in military and hunting packs for years. The bag actually can be separated from the frame to haul big, bulky stuff. $400; mysteryranch.com
Camelbak M.U.L.E.
100oz. Hydration Pack In 2020, the trustworthy M.U.L.E. continues to do what it does best: haul water and make it easy to stay hydrated, albeit with some updates perfected by a quarter century of experience. Most notably, the 100-oz. hydration
reservoir delivers a bigger gulp with each sip (and includes an on/off lever) and a back panel provides plenty of ventilation. Plus, it's partially made with recycled materials. $115; camelbak.com
Fjällräven
Greenland Back to the... past? Fjällräven’s retro chic that has been consistent from 1968 to today has found a home in hipster style. And guess what? Åke Nordin’s G-1000 rejected-tent-fabric-and-wax design has withstood the test of time. It stills provides warmth and durability and shedding the elements whether you are in the high peaks or lined up at a food truck. $250; fjallraven.com
The Future Patagonia
Down Sweater Jacket We are predicting it here. This 2020 jacket will still be
in style and quite functional in 2045. Weighing just 13 ounces, it provides incredible warmth for its weight and it adheres to the brand’s commitment to sustainability, featuring 100-percent recycled polyester and traceable down, which ensures the geese are treated humanely. $229; patagonia.com
Houdini
Lana Jacket The jacket you are wearing in the future may be the same jacket you are wearing now, just in a new form. Swedish brand Houdini, which prioritizes sustainability so that the planet will still be here in the future, made this 100% merino wool jacket 100% recyclable. And even if it doesn’t end up getting reused, it’s biodegradable. Look for more circular products that waste no resources moving forward. $700; houdinisportswear.com
Bergans
Collection of Tomorrow Norwegan brand Bergans collaborated with Finnish textile company Spinnova on its future.labs.05.A fabric, made via a process that creates fiber out of plant cellulose from Scandinavian FSC-certified wood. The process uses no chemicals, and all the water it requires is evaporated and reused, making it the most sustainable fabric yet created. It can be crafted into a pack or apparel and then recycled and used in a brand new iteration with no waste. The packs and apparel Begrans makes with this fabric can be returned when worn out and the brand will deduct the material cost from a new product made from the recycled fabric. The only downside is the collection is not yet available in the U.S. and the fabric is still experimental, only used in casual apparel and bags, not technical gear. bergans.com/en/future-labs
AUGUST 2020 | BLUERIDGEOUTDOORS.COM
55
STRING HERO
Reflections of a Bluegrass Icon QUINTESSENTIAL BLUE RIDGE MUSICIAN LARRY KEEL ON HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS GIVEN HIM PERSPECTIVE—AND A STARTLING WELLSPRING OF INSPIRATION. B Y E R I C J . WA L L A C E
LARRY KEEL SITS IN A LAWN CHAIR ATOP A GRASSY hill on the backside of his Lexington, Virginia, farm fingerpicking a banjo. The 51-year-old is barefooted, wearing jeans, a faded polo shirt (purple) and a “Virginia is for Lovers” trucker’s cap over a bushy white beard and black mustache. The tune morphs from a funky take on the bluegrass standard “Nine Pound Hammer” to a lilting and emotive roll. A gentle sadness washes over the mountain landscape. Fields and forests shiver in the early-June breeze; the cloud-filled sky seems to richen in color, to huddle a bit closer to the ground. If one were not aware of Keel as the reigning heavyweight champion of fast-fingered acoustic guitar, they might well mistake him for some backwoods banjo sorcerer. “Whoops,” cries Keel, dropping the tune and flashing a prankster grin. In a gravelly, exaggerated drawl, he says: “I won’t supposed to show you that!” The as-of-yet untitled song is one of 10 original pieces composed by Keel since he started quarantining with his wife, Jenny, in mid-March. He recently began arranging and recording them in his home studio for a solo album due on September 1. Though currently nameless, Keel calls the record “thematic.” For him, the quarantine has been an unexpectedly welcome pause: This is the longest he and Jenny have spent in one place for more than 25 years. Slowing down has brought reflection. “I’ve been looking back on my musical life, my career, thinking about all the different twists and turns, and how far I’ve come,” says Keel. One emotion is overriding: Gratitude. “I just feel so, so grateful to the heroes I looked up to and learned from—they helped me find my path; it’s because of them I’ve gotten to live a life filled with so much beauty and so many amazing experiences,” says Keel. But now that gratitude has expanded to include “getting to see the younger generation come into their own and take up the mantel.” Keel describes the album as a kind of musical summation before entering the next phase of his career. On one hand, it pays tribute to old vanguard stars like Tony Rice, Doc Watson, Norman Blake, David Grisman, Peter Rowan, and Vassar Clements. On the other, it’s a tacit acceptance of his role as the new elder statesman of bluegrass-based progressive acoustic music—Keel is cited as a major influence 56
BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS
by many musicians from Andy Falco of the Infamous Stringdusters, to Yonder Mountain String Band’s Adam Aijala, to 27-year-old guitar phenom Billy Strings. Invoking Jerry Garcia’s solo project, “Garcia,” Keel hopes to create a musical self-portrait centered around the master ideas that established his sonic trajectory and will, eventually, define his artistic legacy. To do it, like Garcia, he’ll essentially play every instrument on every song. Keel says the approach is producing the most vulnerable and intimate recordings of his career. “This is a very special project for me,” he says, likening the album to a being that’s been gestating inside of him for 40-plus years. But he can’t just give birth to it all at once. “In my mind, I hear [all the instruments] together,” says Keel. “I’m having to isolate individual parts and pull them out of that world of imagination into this world of things and stuff.” That makes the process more challenging, more interesting. But for Keel, the territory is familiar: The descriptors have long defined his approach to music. Though reared on traditional bluegrass guitar since age seven by his father and older brother, Gary, teenaged Keel became enamored with electric sixstring icons like Clapton, Hendrix, and Robin Trower. Discovering boundary-shattering bands like New Grass Revival, Old and in the Way, and the Tony Rice Acoustic Unit was life altering. “Those groups introduced me to a whole new realm of possibilities,” says Keel. “They were pioneers, blazing trails to places I’d yet to figure out I wanted to go.” Keel became a fixture of the Southeastern bluegrass scene, attending festivals and winning numerous competitions. By 1990, he’d joined forces
with other young, Virginia-based envelope-pushing prodigies—namely Will Lee, Danny Knicely, and Mark Vann, who went on to help found Leftover Salmon. Three years later, Keel won the infamous guitar competition at Colorado’s Telluride Bluegrass Festival. In 1994, his group, Magraw Gap, took first prize as a band. The success catapulted Keel into the limelight. He was soon being ushered onstage alongside heroes like Rice, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, Bela Fleck and others. His passion for experimentation led to countless collaborations, including the Billboard charttopping album, “Thief,” recorded in 2010 with jam-band mainstay Keller Williams. Keel calls the album-in-progress a tribute to those days of ascendancy. In it, he seeks to capture the awestruck wonder of experiencing his wildest boyhood fantasies come true. But, as with the poet William Wordsworth’s “Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey,” the remembrance issues from the clear-eyed vantage of a mature adult that has, through dogged persistence and decades of effort, attained the pinnacle of artistic achievement. “This has been a very different process from how I normally go about making a record,” says Keel. In the past, songs have been gathered through the years amid relentless touring. Spending months at a time mulling over one project was unthinkable. Hence the novelty of the pandemic-related pause. It’s given Keel the freedom to let compositions develop organically. When an impasse presents itself, he picks weeds in his vegetable garden, takes a hike in the woods, or goes fly-fishing in nearby trout streams. “These Blue Ridge Mountains are what gave birth to this music in the first place,” says Keel. The album— and his sound in general—owes as much to them as its human progenitors. “If I get stuck, I try to clear out my mind and let the spirit of the land work its way into my subconscious and steer things in the right direction.” Describing the process and its results, Keel sometimes uses the word ‘spiritual.’ But while he embraces the supernatural, he does so with a wily down-to-earthness. Take, for example, momentary possessions by the late fiddle guru Vassar Clements. “When you play with somebody like Vassar, you take on some of their energy,” says Keel. When they pass, “it’s like an anchor that lets their ghost visit and pick a few lines with you now and then. For instance, I could be deep in a jam and have a Vassar lick come out of nowhere. Well, that tells me we’re on the right track: We’ve got so hot the old rascal wants to get a piece of the action!” Similarly, Keel says the album is, in part, the byproduct of an eye trained on the future. Looking ahead to the next 25 years, he’s determined to blaze as many paths into the musical unknown as possible. “I play with a guy like Billy Strings and it fills my heart with so much joy to hear him do his thing with one of my ideas,” says Keel. “To me, that’s the greatest compliment. That tells me I’m doing my part to ensure this music that’s filled my life with so much love and happiness will live on for generations to come.”
P H O T O B Y C . TAY L O R C R O T H E R S
TRAIL MIX
LY I N O FAR S ’ IA SA N I G HRU R I V E-T IV DR
THE
SAFARI 3 Miles of Safari Roads Free-Roaming Animals to View and Feed From Your Car Zebra, Bison, Antelope, Elk, Rhino, Deer, Ostrich, Llamas, and Many More! New Babies Born Each Year
THE
VILLAGE Budgie Adventure Aviary Giraffe Feeding Station Tiger Territory Kangaroo Walk-About Animal Encounters Penguins, Monkeys, Reptiles, Cheetahs and More!
OPEN DAILY MID MARCH - NOVEMBER
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
VIRGINIASAFARIPARK.COM 229 SAFARI LANE • NATURAL BRIDGE, VA 24578 • (540) 291-3205
There are also less strenuous trails for the uninitiated. And lots of shops and galleries for people who like to walk around indoors. 800.852.9506 ExploreBoone.com