Day 2 in pictures

RCI Day 2 Video

Ropes Course Instructor Training Day 1

Today marks the first day of Ropes Course Instructor training for the new RCI's.  These guys will spend the next couple of days learning how to belay, tie knots, facilitate, coach, coil ropes, set-up the alpine and climbing tower and much more.  These guys are the ones that make it possible for the entire III and IV Forms to come experience the course during the year.

Tonight we ate BBQ, shared stories from the summer and had the head and safety instructors teach knots, belaying and harnesses.  

More to come tomorrow....

Justin Mitchell earns 3rd at MTB Nationals!!!

Here is a recap and some pics in Justin's own words

The Cross-Country MTB National Championships took place between July 18 and 21, 2013 at Bear Creek Resort in Pennsylvania.  I raced on July 18th in the Category 3 Mens 15-18 year old class. A person in front of me crashed at the start and caused a pileup - which I crashed into. I was one of the last riders to enter the woods where I began to aggressively pass other racers - often passing more than one racer at a time. On a final steep, long fireroad climb I let one rider pass me. I knew, however, that I would pass him on the downhill, and I did. On one of the final rock gardens with a massive spectator section, a man told me, "The leader can't ride this stuff like you." I reached the leader along with the second place individual in the final switchback climb. When I came out of the woods into the final stretch, I realized I had dropped the 4th place rider; and I tried to reach the 2nd place rider, only loosing to him by a second. 

Professional Mountain Bike Instructor

I got the chance to head to Whistler BC to try and earn by PMBI Level 1 Certification.  After three days of learning and testing I am happy to say that I passed!  The PMBI is becoming the gold standard in Canada and around the world for mountain bike guiding and instructing.  I earned the level one cert which is built around cross country styles of riding.  It was great to experience a west coast style of riding again and to learn the latest and greatest in technique, teaching, equipment and risk management for mtn biking!  Who knows maybe next year Ill try for my level 2!

Training on the Rappahanok

Mr. Vickers and I headed down to Fredericksburg to do some paddling training on the Rappahanok earlier this summer.  We had a great time and got to do the run twice!

Training

I got the chance to stop in Leavenworth for a couple of days this summer to do some training with North Cascades Mountain Guides, more specifically Jeff Ward, who is a AMGA Certified Rock Guide - and UIAGM/IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guide.  Essentially some of the highest qualifications you can hold for rock climbing guiding in the world.  We spent the two days freshening up on the newest tips and techniques for leading and coaching climbing in the most efficient, fun and safest way possible.  It was an amazing two days that make me super excited about getting back out with the Rapidan program and competitive climbing team this school year!