A Kick in the Seat and a New Bike Shop Resource

As 2011 came to a close, OutsidePR President Gordon Wright sent out the ever elusive “OutsidePR Corporate Memo”, plainly stating that it was time to step up our game.

No, this wasn’t a chastisement in the traditional sense of the work place, rather a reminder about the challenge he had proposed at the beginning of 2011.

The idea was that we are all decent athletes in our own right (you might remember our success at the Oakland Marathon relay, the OR Volley Ball Tournament, and my own podium finish at the Warrior Dash), yet we were all too pigeon-holed in the sports  that we feel most connect to, and it was time to branch out.

The bottom line was- we had failed.  I hadn’t pursued a trail race of either the bike or run variety, and I sure as hell hadn’t signed up for a 24 hour epic or triathlon in 2011.  My fellow co-workers hadn’t jettisoned their own comforts much either, and it was apparent that we needed a wake up call.

But hey, as any good leader would do, Gordon took the reigns and has slated himself to pursue his first Ironman.  I’m not sure about the whole leg shaving thing, but it should be fun to watch him struggle and sweat along the way.

As for me, I’m calling 2012 the year of the bike.  Not just any bike– a sweet, full-suspension, lightweight, trail romping mountain bike.

Yep, you guessed it, my MTB knowledge is pretty limited.  Beyond the Specialized Stumpjumper I don’t think I could name three frames that are worthy of taking to the trail.  My last new mountain bike was a teal Diamondback, probably made circa 1992.  Any bike after that was a hack job that I picked up at a yard sale or borrowed from a friends garage.

So lucky for me, there are professionals.

When it comes to buying a bike, your local bike shop is an invaluable resource for making an informed decision.  Not only can the seasoned mechanic/bike fanatic give you a clear understanding of the various options and functions of each bike and component, but the access to riding a bike before you purchase it so you can find a match that truly “feels” right, will ensure that you don’t buy wheels that leave you less than satisfied.

GreatBikeShops.com, a free online directory of over 6,000 bicycle shops across North America, has launched in December to help you navigate to these bike experts regardless of where you are.

“Local shops are at the heart of the bicycle riding community,” said Chris Greenwood, the creator of the web site. “Whether you’re looking to make a purchase, in need of a repair, or in search of a recommendation for some great trails, we connect you to someone who can help.”

So if you’re like me, and have been putting off getting the bike of your dreams, use the resources around you and get pedaling.  In this unusually mild winter it might be just the right investment to keep your body in shape and spirits up as we wait… and wait… and wait… for snow.

Our New Home

According to the Merriam-Weber Dictionary, one of the accepted definitions of the word jackpot reads as follows, “an impressive often unexpected success or reward.”  Which is exactly how I felt when I pulled up to Outside PR’s new digs last week to report for my first day of work.

Nestled in the beautiful Sausalito hillside and facing the bay with a sweet view of San Francisco, the new office location is a total “jackpot” on many levels.  And in the spirit of being an Italian and loving to make a long story longer, let’s go back to the beginning.

My first visit to the Outside PR team was when they were located in San Francisco and at that time when I pulled up to the old office in the Presidio I thought, “you gotta be kidding me – this location is killer.”  I had the pleasure of meeting most of the staff and quickly decided that not only was the location awesome, so were the people and so were their clients.  I wanted in…bad.

Fast forward three months and I’m standing, mouth agape in front of the new location…a place I actually get to go to everyday to report for work and one word came to my mind.  That’s right, jackpot.  This new office was the cherry topper on an already delectable treat I was anxious to bite into.  My mind was churning with visions of riding my bike to work along the bath path that runs through Mill Valley into Sausalito and coincidentally RIGHT past the office.  Or lacing up my running shoes and taking off up one of the numerous hills surrounding us for a much needed after work jaunt.  Heck, I could literally roll on my side from the office front door, down to the edge of the water and gaze at the city if my heart so desired, in less than ten minutes.  This location is that good.

View from the OutsidePR office

Again, say it with me, jackpot.

At this point it’d be easy to assume that once inside the building, the dreamy fun would end but alas, the good times continued to roll.  I was given the grand tour and found that this multi-level unit Outside PR calls home is both quaint and incredibly comfortable.  I had an urge to kick my boots off, lounge in a chair with my feet up on the desk but knew that being my first time in the place as an actual employee that probably wasn’t my best call.  Although I think with this particular group they may have not actually batted an eye but regardless, my feet stayed in my boots but my insides continued to soar and scream “JACKPOT!”

I was excited to see dogs get to come to work and that the office is littered with gear and magazine paraphernalia.  It’s clear that the company truly works as hard as they play and the new space certainly supports both.  More visions float through my head of strapping on some Pearl Izumi shoes and taking them for a spin in the neighborhood to test them out…in the name of research of course.

But seriously, this location is a dream come true for any outdoor enthusiast who likes an urban twist.  It seems to combine so many of the incredible elements the bay area offers for the active gal or man, with an office to come back to, likely covered in sweat and ready to work.  Stoke factor is high.

Now I realize this blog may be slightly nauseating to the reader as I’ve done nothing but brag about this killer office location.  I’d roll my eyes too.  But as a wide-eyed newbie to Outside PR, who is already pumped on the opportunity to simply work with such a great team and dork out on technical gear and such, this little office detail is truly the definition of jackpot – an impressive often unexpected success or reward.

-  Jenny Radloff, Outside PR Newbie

Doggelganger- Finding Your Perfect Adventure Companion

No matter how you look at it, there is no better pet to take along on an adventure than a dog.  Well, a trained hawk or rhino would be pretty sweet, but I think the logistics are a little more complicated.

If you’ve ever wondered what your perfect K9 mate would be, ponder no longer.  The Pedigree Adoption Drive down in New Zeland has teamed up with NEC Technology to develop a futuristic “human to canine pairing software” called Doggelganger.  This awesome application analyzes your face, piece by piece, and pairs you with your soul-mate pup.  If only we had endless acres and treats here at the OPR headquarters…

Team Good for Kids Brings Philanthropic Spirit to GoreTex Trans-Rockies Run

Running is often viewed by outsiders as a solitary pursuit; a simplistic mode of exercise, escape, or stress-release. For many athletes at the GoreTex Trans-Rockies Run, however, their passion for trail racing serves as a means to augment other facets of their lives, as well as the lives of those in the greater community around them.

This August at the 2011 GTTRR we had a chance to sit down and chat with Nicholas Wickes and Stephen Major of Team Good for Kids.  The team seemed relaxed and up-beat as they explained their mission following the grueling Stage 3 climb up and over Hope Pass .

“The Good for Kids Foundation works to empower underprivileged youth through summer camp programs, one-to-one coaching, and advisory services, we strive to help them discover, develop, and achieve their unique artistic and athletic abilities,” said Wickes from the dining table in the Leadville gym, “It is amazing how these kids, when given the opportunity to explore their physical and creatively capabilities, begin to realize their limitless potential.”

The Good for Kids Foundation, established in January 2006, was launched in an effort to remedy the impact of California’s ongoing budget cuts to sports and arts programs statewide. These programs, many believe, are fundamental to fostering self-confidence, creativity and problem solving skills that will help youths as they transform into productive adults.

Based in San Francisco, Good for Kids has worked with over 300 low-income youths, granting them an opportunity to pursue interests that would otherwise go undeveloped or unrealized.

Working primarily with 6th, 7th and 8th graders, Good for Kids seeks to make an impact during this highly impressionable time in a child’s life, when they are just beginning to understand their own abilities- but are highly susceptible to being drawn into dangerous lifestyles and situations if not presented more promising opportunities.

“If we are able to show them that they do have a choice at this crossroads, we can potentially help them focus their energy in the right direction,” explains Major.

Furthermore, by getting kids off the couch, the foundation seeks to nurture active, healthy and productive members of the community.  Healthy living is an especially important theme when you consider that the Center for Disease Control estimates that individuals who are obese spend an average of $1300 per year for the rest of their life in extra health care costs.

Beginning their outreach by working alongside other local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, Good for Kids offers children the opportunity to attend 7-10 day summer camps.  During this experience they are exposed to a range of sports, arts, and outdoor activities in a safe, professional, remote natural environment.

Next, the Good for Kids program works with those candidates who will benefit the most from further involvement, to provide individualized coaching and instruction. Those who qualify are awarded 1-to-1 coaching scholarships that include three hours of instruction per week, for 12 to 15 weeks. With the support of art and sports professionals in the local community, Good for Kids provides $1200 in tuition for a coach and access to the facility necessary for the scholarship recipients to further explore and develop their talents.

Graduates of the 1-to-1 coaching program are then afforded ongoing advisory services through high-school. The idea is that, by staying involved with the graduates activities and developing internships, apprenticeships, life-skills workshops, and other levels of commitment, Good for Kids will enable these youths to achieve their goals through their own ability and commitment, and empower them to use what they have learned, to enhance their own communities.

Success stories from the Good for Kids program include Ramahd, an aspiring artist, who won the Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco Ernest Ingold Art Exhibition in 2010 and continues to take classes in digital art; Lachlan, an archer, who in 2009 joined the Junior Olympic Archery Development Team; and Lexus, a dancer and actress who won the 30th Annual Oratorical/Musical Contest presented by the SF Alliance of Black School Educators and starred in her school’s production of Beauty and the Beast.

Currently, all seven graduates from the Good for Kids program who are eligible to apply for college, have submitted applications.  Another pertinent focus of the foundation as Department of Education studies show that college grads earn $23,000 more on average than those who do not receive higher education.

Team Good for Kids, competing in their second fundraising event together, is proud to be raising awareness for the cause, while challenging themselves and enjoying the camaraderie of the GoreTex Trans-Rockies Run community.

“Every day is different at this race,” said Wilkes, “Greeting those unknowns makes for a truly gratifying experience.  By demonstrating our ability to follow our passion and overcome obstacles, we seek to inspire those kids who are confronting challenges in their own lives.”

“The TransRockies is such a well produced and supported event- and what an incomparable landscape,” stated Major, “In the future we hope to bring some of the Good for Kids graduates here to participate in the event as well.”

Weekly Adventure Guide: Arroyo Seco “A Place Where the Beer Flows Like Wine”

The Gorge at Arroyo Seco

Location:  Arroyo Seco is a campground located in Carmel Valley just out of Greenfield, CA, at an elevation of 900 feet.  Coming from the North on Highway 101 just through the town of Soledad, turn right onto Arroyo Seco Road. Go west on Arroyo Seco Road and fork left when the road splits; the campground is at the end of Arroyo Seco Road.

Must Do:  Get gorgeous.  Getting gorgeous is a term commonly used by the youth of this country to describe the active pursuit of jumping off cliffs into fresh, spring-fed river water. 

Must Eat/Drink: On this camping trip I pushed the boundaries of ethnic cuisine to produce the Senior Twister.  The Senior Twister is simply an open-flame char-grilled quesadilla featuring sharp cheddar, smothered in hot sauce, topped with a chicken and jalapeno sausage- all wrapped in a tortilla for your eating pleasure.

Nightlife: Campfire, cold beers and the ramblings of Ron the Campground Attendant.

Where to stay: On the softest piece of earth at the Arroyo Seco Campgrounds; I suggest a pine-needle, loose dirt blend for the best result.

Misc: This weekend we enjoyed the ease of staying within the campgrounds, but backcountry camping sites are available.  Next time I will surely head further up the gorge and enjoy the solitude.

Trip Budget:  

 - 1 1/2 tanks of gas = $75.00 (coming from San Francisco)

- Senior Twister supplies accompanied by regular human food = $60.00

- Campsite = $15.00/night at the “Primitive Camp”

- The finest Rebel Yell Whiskey from Trader Joes = $15.00

- Watching Scott’s dog Dodger rescue all the poor helpless sticks from the mild river rapids = priceless

TOTAL: $165

~Jeff  Howard

this has been circling the web like mad…

…and who are we to stop that?

DPS Visit

A few weeks ago Jeff (only on the job for a month or so) and I traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah for the day, to visit the world headquarters of DPS. We had multiple phone, skype and e mail conversations with the guys Tyson, Stephan and Philip prior to our visit. All of us at OutsidePR were thoroughly impressed with their passion for skiing, their business savvy and most of all, pure intelligence. They clearly are innovators in technology and have a clear vision of the DPS brand.

DPS Worldheadquarters Tyson and Kelly

This was an exciting client and visit for OutsidePR, especially for x ski bums like Jeff and myself. Jeff is new to the real world and I am going on over 15 years of re entry. We were not disappointed by the hospitality. And checking out the product in person brought chills to our ski bum (new and old) bones.

Is it winter yet?

                    

Noll Surfboards- First Peek

Surf history often treads a fine line between fact, fiction, and fable.   None of the stories may be more monumental, or well documented, than the early days on the North Shore of Oahu.  Greg Noll and a small group of other surfing pioneers spent a few fleeting years basking in this remote paradise, living simply and experimenting with the art of big wave riding.

Visiting Noll Surfboards in San Clemente presents an unusual opportunity to touch history first hand, while catching a glimpse into the future of surfboard design that is being shaped by the next wave of the Noll Ohana (Hawaiian for “family”).

Boards used by Greg while living on the North Shore hang lazily from the rafters- as if patiently awaiting the next session of pumping winter surf- while the diverse mix of classic foam shapes, super-rare fine-wood recreations,  and high-performance long and short boards that are currently being perfected by Greg Noll’s son Jed, himself a renowned shaper, line the walls of the shaping bays, gallery and shop.

The Noll Surboards sign is a welcoming sight in sunny Orange County.

Upon arrival we were met by Jed Noll (left) and Steve Thomas, as well as the rest of the Noll Surfboards team.

Note: Miki Dora’s trunks, stolen by Greg on the North Shore, hang on the wall behind the guys… history is everywhere in this shop.

This is where the magic happens.  Shaping Bay #1.

“It takes 600 nails to piece this classic wooden paddle board together.”  –Jed Noll

An unfinished balsa/redwood/koa masterpiece in the making.

Each of these one-of-a-kind Noll longboards is modeled after a different print from a series of board colors sketched by Laura Noll during the ’60s.

Jed explaining the evolution of the surfboard.

Steve tells tales as Gordon ponders the beauties at hand.  Miki Dora– Da Cat, prowls overhead.

Greg Noll was the first shop-owner in the world to sell skateboards.  Element’s line of throwback decks and trucks pay homage.

The Pipeline Board.  Da Bull meets third reef.

Our day with Jed and his team was thoroughly fascinating.  The team’s humble and passionate approach to every aspect of their craft made even the most minuscule detail a thing of awe.  We look forward to watching the Noll Ohana continue to grow and inspire, and hope to work alongside them in the near future.

There’s Gold in Them There Mountains

California has always attracted people from all over the world due to its endless supply of awesomeness.  From the early gold miners who traveled from the farthest reaches of the planet in search of a golden mineral, to the hippy in search of a liberal haven.  I have traveled here from the jagged mountains of Wyoming in search of crisp waves, frothy beers and snow-capped mountains.

Central California has it all.  In one day you can ski in the morning, then cruise west to finish your day off with a sunset surf, while still having time to refuel on some proper Asian cuisine midway through your epic venture.

Being a fresh transplant to this legendary state I decided to begin exploring immediately.  I first headed due north to the uninhabited Lost Coast for a little camping and some ice-cold Pacific surf.  In Wyoming to get away from people all you have to do is walk out-of-town about 10 to 20 feet, and suddenly you’re in the middle of nowhere.  California is a little different.

After a six-mile hike along  the coast we reached the first camp-able area which was filled with tents and jolly ole campers.  We hiked in a little farther and found a great spot nestled between a few pines and massive  bushes of poison oak, fully equipped with our very own fire-pit and animal remains.  We agreed it  looked like a suitable spot to rest our heads for the night, though we didn’t ponder the poisonous leaves.

The next day started with a cross cultural breakfast of bagels and humus.  We left the tents erect and set off for the waves only packing the boards and some grub.  The interesting thing about this stretch of coast is it was only passable during low tide.  A little frogger was necessary to make it to the break, but being children of interactive gaming era we passed this level with little problem.

After a weekend on the beach I felt it was a good idea to check out the still snow-covered mountains inland.  Instead of treading  the small pebble beaches of the Lost Coast, I soon found myself sliding across densely packed snow to reach this weekends hideaway.  A four mile skin through massive pine and spruce tree brought us to base camp, a Sierra Club Cabin at the base of Castle Peak.

After dropping off our heavy packs we set out for a quick lap before the sun set behind the Sierras.  Trucking up the thousand foot vertical last pitch, we had just enough time for a quick GU Energy Gel break.  After several hours of going up, we had reached the top of Castle peak and it was finally time to go down.

The feeling of the highly anticipated first turn is ultimate freedom.  It’s what the whole mission is about, the only problem: it’s over before you realize it, every time.

Back at the cabin we set up shop.  Cooking up some gourmet quality pasta, we played UNO to the wee hours of the night.  The beauty of skiing is you go to bed, wake-up and do it all over again and every time its different.  That is exactly what we did.  I’m going to like it here in California.

– Newest OPR Team Member: Jeff Howard

Hard Core Car Camping

BK, before kids, we use to spend our weekends camping in the backcountry. We loaded up our big packs with all our gear, top of the line lightweight gear, that was just enough for a weekend in the middle of nowhere.  The 30+ lb pack was tough to carry but it is all part of the backcountry experience, the beauty of camping with no one else, just you vs. nature.

We have covered that I am a gear snob (scroll down for article on the Family that Skis Together) so a few years ago we started camping as a family, car camping. We turned in our whisper light stove for the big Coleman heavy duty multi burner stove. And when we bought our five person tent that my 6’3 husband can comfortably stand up in, I knew I had reached a new low in gear.

This last weekend we packed up the car, and I mean packed. The rocket box was stuffed and every inch of the car had some sort of gear oozing out of it. The 95 lb dog found herself nestled on top of a pile of fire wood. And we headed to Yosemite. As we inched our way through the long line to enter the park, we learned that they were turning people away without reservations (of course we had one) because the park had reached its maximum capacity. I thought, so much for the peaceful outdoors. We pulled up to our camp site, nestled in with hundreds of other people and started to unload.  The rain started pouring down. Would our Costco tent hold up and keep everyone dry?  We pride ourselves on being able to set up the toughest of “hard core” tents so we always challenge ourselves with a little timed contest. This time we even had to put up the fly. We were soaking wet but the tent was holding up and for the most part dry internally. Now time to “blow up” the air mattresses. Long gone are the days of thin Therma Rests and achy backs. I remember trying to blow them up, and blowing and blowing and blowing. And then taking forever to squeeze out every last bit of air and roll it up again. Bring out the Aero bed and plug it in. This particular luxury on my old back is when my gear snobbery started to slightly disappear. Slightly.

It was cold. It was wet. And it rained on and off for two nights. Everything was wet and muddy. I got a bad cold from being so wet and had very little Kleenex to help the situation. I wanted to go home. But we went for a great hike; saw a family of deer, a bear and the kids got to see the amazing Yosemite waterfalls for the first time. The eight year old rode a horse for the first time and the five year old thinks he went “climbing” in Yosemite.

I thought I was the hard core backcountry backpacking gear snob outdoor person. In the end I wanted to go home and the rest of them insisted on staying, sucking it up through the weather, roasting s’mores and enjoying the outdoors.