Climbing Narcissist » Access Fund

Access Victories In California & Tennessee

Narc — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:38:09 +0000

Congrats to everyone that helped to “unlock” California’s Jailhouse Rock raising over $49,000 to aid in the acquisition of that property. Congrats also go out to everyone that helped raise over $25,000 to pay off the acquisition of Deep Creek, Tennesee in just six weeks!

Access Victories In California & Tennessee from Climbing Narcissist

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Contest: Win A 2010 Access Fund Holiday Pack

Narc — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:08:42 +0000

It was so much fun the first two years that I’m doing it again. It’s time to give away an Access Fund Holiday Pack! But first a word about the Access Fund:

If you’re not a member of this organization what are you waiting for??? They are working each and every day to help keep YOUR crags open for business! Join or renew your membership TODAY.

Ok, with that out of the way let’s talk about how you win stuff. The rules for entry are, as always, quite simple. This time there are 2 ways to enter:

Become a fan of ClimbingNarc.com on Facebook and post a message on the wall post announcing this contest
Leave a comment on this post

That’s it. Pretty simple, right? You can enter either way you’d like or do both to double your chances of winning. Entries will be accepted through at least Friday, December 3rd see below. I’ll promise at least one prize pack although my generosity is likely to increase if you can help get ClimbingNarc.com over the 2,000 fan mark on Facebook. Don’t be afraid to hit the “Suggest to Friends” button and let your friends know they too could be winning free stuff.

Here’s the SUPER prize pack (valued at over $180) you could win:

1-year Access Fund Membership to help keep your crags open
J-Tree design of Access Fund’s organic cotton T-shirt from prAna
Metolius Climber’s Hand Repair Balm
Osprey Pack Repair Kit to make emergency fixes to your favorite pack
The North Face logo beanie, co-branded with AF logo
Omega Pacific biner engraved with “Access Fund”
Petzl mug, co-branded with AF logo
Half-pound of your favorite Higher Ground Roasters’ Access Fund Brew
Favorite seasonal flavored CLIF Bars (think gingerbread and pumpkin spice)
Newly released Falcon Guides title Maximum Climbing: Mental Training for Peak Performance and Optimal Experience
Black Diamond Shot Pack, a classically simple, compact climbing backpack
Omega Pacific locking biner engraved with “Access Fund”

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to visit this site and best of luck in the contest!

Update 11/29/2010: Due to supply constraints it looks like the Super Prize packs have already sold out for the year. If that is indeed the case then I will have to substitute for the regular prize pack and offer my apologies. With this in mind I’m going to close this contest a bit earlier than planned. The new deadline for entry is the end of the day tomorrow, 11/30.

Contest: Win A 2010 Access Fund Holiday Pack from Climbing Narcissist

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Access Fund, RRGCC Team Up To Refi Land At Red River Gorge

Narc — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:41:32 +0000

Fairly big access news concerning the Red River Gorge today as the Access Fund is helping the RRGCC restructure their loan on the increasingly popular Pendergrass-Murray Recreational Preserve (PMRP). The largest piece of land owned by climbers when it was purchased back in 2004, the 750 acre PMRP is home to a growing number of the Red’s best and most popular routes.

The move is expected to help save the RRGCC (and by extension the climbers donating money to them) nearly $10,000, and it eliminates any risk that the property could be lost due to a missed payment. Full details at the RRGCC blog.

Access Fund, RRGCC Team Up To Refi Land At Red River Gorge from Climbing Narcissist

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News & Notes – 02/10/2010

Narc — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 14:33:55 +0000

It’s been a bit of a slow news year month week so there’s not much to report of late. ABS Nationals, probably the biggest and most important indoor bouldering comp of the year, will be taking place this weekend in Alexandria, VA. Results of the comp are used to determine the U.S. National team for World Cup events like the one being held this June at the Teva Mountain Games in Vail, CO. The running orders listed on the ABS website show that it should be a pretty stacked field as usual. Hopefully the recent snowpocalypse won’t have a negative impact on people’s ability to make it to the comp.

On the subject of comps like ABS Nationals, I’m still continually amazed at the number of people that compete given the cost. Even though Nationals is often in Boulder, many of the competitors have to fly across the country, find lodging and pay over $100 to USA Climbing to compete in the event. All of this to most likely climb for 20 minutes. It’s not something I would ever do, but then again I pretty much blew out my shoulder just thinking about trying some of the problems from last year’s comp so what do I know.

With that rant over, here are a few news/links worth noting:

Best of luck to Kelly Cordes as he recovers from a rather horrendous sounding injury to his leg.
On her first trip to Hueco Tanks Alex Johnson made quick work of Diaphanous Sea (V12ish) and Power Of Silence (V10).
Also in Hueco, Kensuke Hamada repeated Fred Nicole’s Martini Roof testpiece Esperanza (V14). By my very unofficial count this is the problem’s 12th ascent.
Blake Rutherford recently established a new V12 called The Godzilla Indirect Sit Start at Arthur’s Rock near Fort Collins, CO. Check out Firetherig.com for pictures.
Dave MacLeod’s new book 9 out of 10 make the same mistakes sounds like a pretty interesting read based on these reviews from Mountains & Water and TheLowDown.
TheLowDown interviews Iker Pou after his 2nd ascent of Demencia Senil (5.15a) in Margalef, Spain
Five Ten has a nicely redesigned website
The Access Fund announces their 2009 Sharp End Award recipients
Pretty excellent (and long) documentary about famed climber Reinhold Messner
Whiskey!

News & Notes – 02/10/2010 from Climbing Narcissist

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Climbing Video: Erik Weihenmayer Climbing Blind In Eldorado Canyon

Narc — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:11:05 +0000

Erik Weihenmayer is well-known around the world for being the first blind person to reach the summit of Mount Everest, complete the 7 summits and many other amazing accomplishments. Weihenmayer’s actions obviously inspire a lot of people, so with that in mind he teamed up with the Access Fund last month to hopefully inspire more climbers to become members.

Never one to back down from a challenge, Weihenmayer roped up with Charley Mace and Access Fund executive director Brady Robinson to tackle the famous multi-pitch trad route The Naked Edge (5.11b) in Eldorado Canyon, CO:

“Climbing The Naked Edge with Erik and Charley was one of the highlights of my entire climbing career,” says Robinson. “He didn’t just get up it, he climbed it. Every single move. It was an honor to share that experience with him.”

If you’re not already a member of the Access Fund, be sure to check out their website to see how you can help. Of particular note is the newly introduced Access Fund Visa® Platinum Rewards Card that automatically contributes to the Access Fund as you use it.

Climbing Video: Erik Weihenmayer Climbing Blind In Eldorado Canyon from Climbing Narcissist

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Contest: Win An Access Fund Holiday Pack

Narc — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:43:06 +0000

Last year I ran a contest giving away Access Fund Holiday Prize Packs, and I enjoyed it so much we’re doing it again this year.

Like last year the rules will remain simple. To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post about whatever you have on your mind these days. The number of prize packs given out will be determined by the level of participation, the more people that comment the more prize packs I will give out. I’d like to aim for 1 prize pack per 50 entries, but that is subject to change. You have until Wednesday, November 18th to enter.

The prize will be the Basic Holiday Package, here is what you can win:

A 1-year Access Fund Membership to help keep your crags open
A 1-year subscription to Rock & Ice magazine (a $30 value)!
Access Fund organic cotton tee T-shirt from prAna
Omega Pacific keylock biner engraved with “Access Fund”
prAna Signature Hemp Cap to keep your noggin cool
RESTOP bag system: just because a bear goes in the woods doesn’t mean you should
Higher Ground Roasters’ Access Fund Brew
Seasonal flavored Clif Bars (think gingerbread and pumpkin spice)

This is open to U.S. and international readers alike, so spread the word. If you don’t happen to win, you are strongly encouraged to support the Access Fund, or your local access organization, on your own in any way that you are able to.

Keep in mind that all the ad revenue generated by this site goes to access causes like this. Every time you click an ad AND buy something, you are helping keep your crags open and functioning.

Contest: Win An Access Fund Holiday Pack from Climbing Narcissist

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New Multimillion Dollar Loan Program From The Access Fund

Narc — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:30:00 +0000

The Access Fund recently announced a new multimillion dollar revolving loan program called the Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign. Click here to read more about it. New Multimillion Dollar Loan Program From The Access Fund from Climbing Narcissist Become a fan of ClimbingNarc.com on Facebook Related posts: Access Secured At California’s Jailhouse, Access Fund Needs [...]

New Multimillion Dollar Loan Program From The Access Fund from Climbing Narcissist

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Upcoming Access Events In Colorado

Narc — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:36:41 +0000

For those reading from Colorado here are a couple of upcoming access related events you may be interested in.

The first event is a trash cleanup at Clear Creek Canyon hosted by the Denver Climber’s Coalition. This event will be held June 13th at 9 a.m. Click here for more information.

The 2nd event is Wednesday June 10th in Boulder and it’s hosted by the Access Fund:

You’re Invited!
Access Fund to host Telluride Mountainfilm Zero Emissions Tour

Since 2000, Mountainfilm in Telluride has traveled the globe educating and inspiring audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving and conversations worth sustaining. In June of 2009, Telluride Mountainfilm will embark on a new project: the Zero Emissions Tour, which is a 2,300 mile unsupported bike tour throughout Colorado, Wyoming & Utah.

Join the Access Fund and be a part of this landmark tour at The Boulder Theater on June 10^th at 8pm. The crew will stop in Boulder to share content from the film festival and recruit others to join in the ride, getting more people out of their vehicles.

Come see the films, be inspired, and support your climbing future. All proceeds benefit the Access Fund. Enter the raffle before the show for a chance to win a Limited Edition New Belgium 3-Speed Cruiser Bike, graciously donated by New Belgium Brewery. Or an all-around outdoor Arc’Teryx Arrakis 40 backpack, as well as other outdoor gear.

Where: Boulder Theater
2034 14^th St., Boulder CO

Date: Wednesday June 10^th, 2009

Time: 8:00 pm (doors open at 7pm)

Tickets: Boulder Rock Club, $13 general admission
2829 Mapleton Ave. Boulder, CO (cash or check only)
Boulder Theater, $15 general admission
Boulder Theater box office and www.bouldertheater.com

Upcoming Access Events In Colorado from Climbing Narcissist

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Kentucky’s Bridge To Nowhere

Narc — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:12:32 +0000

Anyone that has been to Muir Valley in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge knows that it is an incredible area. The amount of climbing offered there almost makes it feel like its own separate area when compared with the rest of the RRG. However, proposed road improvements to a nearby highway could negatively impact future access to Muir Valley.

The State of Kentucky is currently considering several options to improve Highway 715 that runs along the northwestern edge of Muir Valley. It unfortunately looks like many of the options under consideration would have a negative impact on future climbing in the area. Here is a summary of the potential impact from an email that will be going out via Friends Of Muir Valley and the Access Fund:

Nine Alternatives – A through H, and X – are under consideration. Most of these Alternatives would have a negative impact on Muir Valley, as they would require the acquisition of a portion of Muir Valley land by eminent domain, possibly closing the emergency and maintenance road entrance to the Valley. Alternatives A, C, or X (do nothing) would have the least detrimental impact on Muir. Alternate H (spot improvements) is dependent on where improvements are made.

Selection of either Alternatives E or F would have a disastrous impact on Muir Valley! The very heart of the Preserve would be lost to eminent domain, and the Muir Valley owners would be compelled to permanently close Muir Valley to all recreational activities (including climbing) that are now freely provided to the general public. Attached is a map of Muir Valley with the study area shown overlaid in pink. The map shows over half of the climbs in Muir Valley lie in this area, which could be taken by eminent domain.

Below are the two most detrimental options that are under consideration. The yellow area would be a new road, apparently directly over the top of Muir Valley.

Alternative E

Alternative F

More details on why this project is being considered as well as how to contact the State in regard to this plan are available on the plan’s website.

Update 11/14/2008: The owners of Muir Valley posted a thread at RedRiverClimbing.com with some more background on what is being done from their end of things. I apologize to them if I jumped the gun with this news, however I felt as though it was important to get the word out on this issue before it was too late. Despite the small number of whiners and complainers on message boards, there is a large community of people across the country who appreciate what they are doing.

Kentucky’s Bridge To Nowhere from Climbing Narcissist

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Adventure Rock 10 Year Anniversary

Narc — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 22:33:00 +0000

Next week, my home gym Adventure Rock is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with a 7 day extravaganza. Click the below flier for a schedule of events. The event of most interest to me, Everest Day, will be taking place while we are in Boulder which is a bummer until I realize that we will be in Boulder. Unfortunately for me, most of the other events involve being able to climb so I’m not sure how much I will be participating. The one event that I can at least tangentially take part in will be the Climb-a-thon to raise money for the Access Fund. Mrs. Narc and I are sponsoring several teams and the next $100 donation from Climbingnarc.com will also be going to the Access Fund. If you are in the area, be sure to check some of these events out:

Adventure Rock 10 Year Anniversary from Climbing Narcissist

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