Results – July 15, 2010 Alpine Short Track Dirt Crit

“A” Race
Place Name Team Bib
1 Eric Pirtle Hub 519
2 Daniel Miller Team Seagal 555
3 John Mattews DRJ 527
4 Chris Ploch DRJ 528
5 Jeremy Bock Ghisallo 553
6 Tom Albert DRJ 562
7 Jeff Yielding Revolution 565
8 Bob Arnold DRJ 571
9 Dan McCarthy 599
10 Rock Wamsley Hub 592
11 Zak Hafner Lindenwood 512
12 Stewart Munsen Maplewood 552
13 Stu Robinson Ghisallo 588
14 Anthony Dust Dogfish 533
15 Greg Sandknop Team Seagal 513
16 Brian Busken Momentum 507
17 Dave Neis Bike Surgeon 570
18 John Rines Big Shark/Pfoodman 595
19 Peat Henry Free Awesome 576
20 James Nelson Big Shark/Pfoodman 591
21 Eric Seaver Hub 520
22 Matt Struckman Big Shark/Pfoodman 561
23 John Pfeiffer Ghisallo 579
24 Jeremie Meitz Big Shark/Pfoodman 564
25 Bryan Adams Dogfish 531
26 Craig Hoeflinger 573
27 Todd Holtmann OTF Racing 568
28 Brian Roggeveen Momentum 526
29 Jim Krewet DRJ 518
30 Barry Blumenkemper 557
31 Scott Melies ICCC 511
32 Craig Thrasher Big Shark/Pfoodman 505
33 Matt Grothoff Team Seagal 567
34 Mike Bobelak Sr. 515
35 Carl Hoffman Trek 530
36 Patrick Gribbon Ghisallo 593
37 Todd Dohogwe Momentum 532
38 Ryan Lemmon Mesa 589
39 Brian Beyer Hub 523
40 Derlin McDonough Ghisallo 525
40+ Mark Hasler Big Shark/Pfoodman 582
40+ Scott Bertelsman Big Shark/Pfoodman 517
40+ Craig Basler Big Shark/Pfoodman 524
40+ Palecek Zdenek 522
DNF Tom Lauria VeloForce 516
DNF Kevin Bonney Mesa 514
DNF Justin Bowen Ghisallo 559
DNF Rich Pierce ICCC 556
DNF Scott Mortimer DRJ 572
Ralph Pfremmer Big Shark/Pfoodman 598
Josh Piley 521
Joseph Clark 529
“B” Race
1 Darin Marlow Big Shark/Pfoodman 607
2 Randell Statelas Bike Surgeon 677
3 Adam Rybar 681
4 Christian Chellus 682
5 Duff Yocum Sho-Air 675
6 Brian Beyer Hub 693
7 Douglas Grimm 220
8 222
9 Lee VanNorman 618
10 Will Grumke 619
11 Steve Friedman Wheelsports Bike 216
12 BJ Keane Momentum 634
13 Jeff Sona 606
14 Panis 509
15 223
16 617
17 Craig Seibet BORC 645
18 Mike Bufka 669
19 Mike Bobelak Sr. 615
20 Cody Jones Grand Slam 629
21 Loresa Mattson Mesa 658
22 Tom Volvo Big Shark/Pfoodman 678
23 294
24 Neil Wessling Eric & Neil Racing 697
25 Brian Kuble 671
26 David Krajovic Hub 610
27 655
28 Dennis Harryman 714
29 James Klages Big Shark/Pfoodman 643
30 736
31 Dale Hager 217
32 Karl King 295
33 Joe Perry Momentum 699
34 Alex Petkus Big Shark/Pfoodman 626
35 Carrie Sona 609
36 Joe Hunsicker 221
37 Stephanie McCreary Big Shark/Pfoodman 600
38 Rob Ballou 604
39 Daniel Tirado Metro East Cycling 660
40 Ben Erschim 647
40+ Sam Broadhauer FDS 224
40+ Gabrielle Renner 616
40+ Walt Steiner Gateway 654
40+ Lars Valin 686
40+ Phil Hussey 659
40+ Mary Piper 293
40+ Jeff Brueggeman Team Munchkin 605
40+ Curtis Denham 644
40+ David Conley Lone Wolf 680
40+ Eric Audiford Eric & Neil Racing 698
40+ Wendy Davis Team Seagal 212
40+ Jeff Ryan 215
40+ Jo Wottowa Dogfish 211
40+ Mike Hoover Momentum 218
40+ Traci Berry Team Revolution 623
Jim Davis Team Seagal 672
Jared Rosson 219
Shaun Turnbull 611
Blake Christo 612
Jim Bellen 639
Richard McCarthy 777
James McMillen 213
Tonya McMiller 214
Joel Maisenhelder 624
Matt Kelsey 642
Eric Illies 692
693
Craig Basler Big Shark/Pfoodman 694
Joseph Clark 696
Joel 624
Joseph Clark 696
Devlin McDonough Ghisallo 695
225
685
656
“C” Race
1 Jason Zoll 779
2 Jim Davis 370
3 Kyle Fuller 744
4 Jim Burtelow 799
5 Clinton Rice IL 4000 for Cancer 750
6 Anatoly Zlotnik 365
7 Nate Davidson 743
8 Ryan Ghisallo 715
9 Grant Lanham 379
10 Mike Kuehnel Grand Slam 755
11 777
12 Tom Hill 798
13 Daniel Gleason 758
13 Rick Chrestman 773
14 Emily Korsch 757
15 Joseph Clark 794
16 Dan Elarsky 368
17 Greg Schwarz 363
18 629
19 Sally Struckman Big Shark/Pfoodman 700
20 Rich Perand 774
21 Tony Viliocco 364
22 Mike Wise 780
23 Bobby French 372
24 Evan Hrerrs 796
25 Jane Parr 366
26 Rick Fessler 741
27 Kerri Schewe 369
28 Aaron Wundrack 724
29 Alec Spielman 746
30 Bryan Niehaus 760
31 Cory Dedmayl Mesa 632
32 Bryan Ter Maat 745
33 Jonathan Vollner 782
34 Lisa White 734
35 Jeff Schroeder 723
36 213
37 Dan Bresler 726
38 Bart Berger Lone Wolf 747
39 Jason Coldwater 373
40 Shane Cameler 375
40+ Alice Bayer Hub 725
40+ Holli Khondaker MICDS 728
40+ Nathaniel Cotton 729
40+ Suzanne Renner 791
40+ Nate Matzenbacker 378
40+ Jason Conley 377
40+ Denny Tridrian 376
40+ Tom Stenby 374
40+ Luke Chellis 362
40+ Casey Carter Mesa Cycles 737
40+ Britt Whisenand Team Revolution 793
40+ Mike Bubelak Jr. 702
40+ Rose Bubelak 790
40+ Joe Stryjewski Alpine Shop 733
40+ Kelly mcGuire 703
40+ James Volllner Eureka LaCrosse 795
40+ Kevin Kronun 775
40+ Jason Roberts 720
40+ Garrett Roberts 721
40+ Walker Busken 769
40+ John mcCraken 722
40+ JD Pfieffer 763
40+ 756
40+ 773
40+ 362
40+ Joe Burke 380
40+ Craig Hafner 367
Keith Baker Cowtown Cycling 727
Dan Maners 736
Brad wenchester 713
Lisa White 734
Peter Miquelon 735
Dennis Harrman 714
Sus Renner Team Revolution 791
Zachary Evans 792
Beeler
Zach Kroupa 718
Tom Stenby 374
Beeler
Zach Kroupa 718
Tom Stenby 374

Eric Pirtle Takes “A” Race; Knocks Ploch Off Perch

For the first time in July of 2010, a Thursday night has passed without Chris Ploch taking home the A Race championship. Plagued by two mechanical problems, Ploch finished off the podium this evening. Eric Pirtle took first place in a sprint finish around the tight turns heading to the line.

Full Results will be posted by 5 pm on Friday, July 16.

Results- July 8, 2010 Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit

“A” Race
Place Name Team Bib
1 Chris Ploch DRJ 574
2 John Mattews DRJ 508
3 Bob Arnold DRJ 571
4 Eric Pirtle The Hub Giant 504
5 Tom Albert DRJ 562
6 Jeremy Brock 553
7 Dan McCarthy 599
8 Stu Robinson Ghisallo 588
9 Scott Ogilrie Dogfish 578
10 Greg Sandknop Team Seagal 513
11 Stewart Munsen 552
12 Paul Krewet DRJ 585
13 Brian Busvien Momentum 507
14 Ralph Pfremmer Big Shark/Pfoodman 598
15 Jeff Yielding Revolution 565
16 Todd Holtmann Ghisallo 568
17 Ron Bridal Bloomington Cycle 551
18 Zak Hafner Lindenwood 512
19 Matt Grothoff Team Seagal 567
20 Jeremie Meitz Big Shark/Pfoodman 564
21 Henry Peat Total Fee Awesome 576
22 John Pfeiffer Ghisallo 579
23 Craig Thrasher Big Shark/Pfoodman 505
24 Craig Hoeflinger 573
25 Matt Struckman Big Shark/Pfoodman 561
26 Andy Prunty Mesa 506
27 Scott Melies ICCC 511
28 Doug Plumer Big Shark/Pfoodman 510
29 Matt LaBerta 550
30 Scott Mortimer DRJ 572
31 Rich Pierce ICCC 556
32 Mike Bobelak Sr. 515
33 Barry Blumenkemper 557
34 Jeff Kloha Ghisallo 554
35 Marc Pauly Trek STL 509
36 Dan Miller Team Seagal 555
37 Patrick Gribbon Ghisallo 593
38 514
39 Ryan Lemmon Mesa 589
40 Bob Crow Dogfish 563
? Pat Collier Giant 558 1 lap down
DNF Justin Bowen Ghisallo 559

“B” Race
1 Rick George Mesa 670
2 Cody Jones Grand Slam 629
3 Adam Rybar 681
4 Jeff Sona Alpine Shop 606
5 B.J. Keane 634
6 Randall Stateler Bike Surgeon 577
7 Anatoly Zlotnik 689
8 Steve Friedman Wheelsports Bikeshop 628
9 Duff Yocum Sho – Air 675
10 Lee VanNorman 618
11 Christian Chellus 682
12 Loreen Mattson Mesa 658 1st Women
13 Darin Marlow Big Shark/Pfoodman 607
14 David Krajcovic HUB 610
15 Rob Ballou 604
16 Will Grumke 619
17 615
18 Mike Bufka 669
19 Douglas Grimm 683
20 Ben Tiefenbrun Dogfish 630
21 Craig Seibert BORC 645
22 Lars Valin 686
23 Joe Burke 668
24 Gregory Cuddihee Dogfish 688
25 656
26 Jim Davis Team Seagal 672
27 Brad Jones Grand Slam 691
28 Alex Boekholt 690
29 Patrick Gribbon Ghisallo 673
30 608
31 Shaun Turnbull 611
32 Nick Milla Momentum 674
33 Tom Valvo Big Shark/Pfoodman 678
34 Stephanie McCreary Big Shark/Pfoodman 600 2nd Women
35 Barry Gaines Big Shark/Pfoodman 679
36 Walt Steiner Gateway 654
37 609
38 Alex Petkus 626
39 Brian Kuhla 671
40 Carrie Sona Alpine Shop 607
? Roberto Barrios Heckawee 676
40+ Jim Bellm 639
40+ Laura Scherff 685
40+ Garielle Renner 616 3rd Women
40+ Joel Maisenhelder Ghisallo 624
40+ Christian Hon Trek 667
40+ Matt Kelsey 642
40+ Daniel Tiravo Metro East 660
40+ Phillip Husseg 659
40+ Tim Conway 684
40+Ben Erschen 647
40+ Lou Rohan 687
40+ 647
40+ Susan Kloha Ghisallo 665 4th Women
Garielle Renner 616 3rd Women
40+ Jim Bellen 639
40+ Curtis Denham 644
40+ David Conley Lone Wolf 680
DNF Christine Ford Mesa 652
DNF Stu Robinson Ghisallo 666
DNF Cory Hoots Grand Slam 640
DNF Mary Piper Momentum 646
DNF Blake Christo 612
DNF Jeff Brueggeman Team Munchkin 605
657

“C” Race
1 Denis Hawyman 714
2 Patrick Pigeon Revolution 706
3 Keith Baker Cowtown Cycling 776
4 Mike White 740
5 Clinton Rice IL 4000 for Cancer 750
6 Nate Davidson Slomotion 743
7 Jason Bridwell 754
8 Jarel Parr 786
9 Danny Gleason 758
10 Michael Kuehnel Team Grand Slam 755
11 Traci Berry Revolution 704
12 Bart Berger Lone Wolf 747
13 Kyle Hankinson 719
14 Sam Broadhacker 731
15 Kyle Crongle 784
16 Sally Struckman Big Shark/Pfoodman 700
17 Zach Kroupa 718
18 Emily Korsch 757
19 Kyle Fuller Slomotion 744
20 Mike Wise 780
21 Rich Peraud 774
22 Brodeur Medro 781
23 Matt Braun 772
24 Joe Stryjewski Alpine Shop 733
25 Luke Lamb Team Virtus 788
26 Paul Hyde 766
27 Tim Lawson 738
28 Bryan Niehaus 760
29 Jay Evans 778
30 Chip Westalk 789
31 Kyle Denno 768
32 Lisa White 734
33 Rick Christmann 773
34 Kevin Kroupa 775
35 Britt Whisenand Team Revolution 748
36 Amanda Leiah 785
37 Joll Vollmer 782
38 Brad Winchester 713
39 JD Pfeiffer Ghisallo 763
40+ Peter Carleton 767
40+ Casey Carter Mesa Cycles 737
40+ Mike Bubelak Jr. 702
40+ Walker Busken 769
40+ Zack Hafner Tandem Lindenwood 771
40+ Craig Hafner 783
DNF Peter Miquelon 735
DNF Erik Illies 787
DNF Rich McCarthy 777
DNF Jason Zoll 779

Posted by Ralph Pfremmer at 8:49 AM

Ploch Takes Home Second Win in as Many Tries

The second session of the Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit Series became a slippery affair after intermittent rain showers throughout the day threatened to wash the night of racing out of Castlewood State Park. However, the rain held off just long enough to get another night of mountain bike races in the books.

Chris Ploch, last year’s Short Track Champion and last week’s first place racer, took the lead in the first lap and built his lead to nearly 30 seconds on the field during the race. Fellow Alpine Shop employee and DRJ Team racer John Matthews came in second place after a third place finish the week before.

Preliminary results for the rest of the fields will be up as soon as they are available.

Race Will Go On… For Now

With storms in the forecast for much of the St. Louis area today and tonight, many of you are wondering about tonight’s session of the Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit Series. At this time, the races are still on, says race director Ralph Pfremmer.

Posting on his blog, “The Ralph Account,” Pfremmer describes the process as follows:

The rule is this. First, Castlewood is a flood plane, kay? It tends to recover from the multitude of floods each year. Also, the winter and spring bring out those riders so motivated to cross the line on a daily basis, putting ruts in the trails and then freezing over. This is not that. This is a little moisture that will, unless torrential, make the surface tacky. The silt is the dust that you see. There will be no rutting. I am worried about the grassy areas, that which will leave an imprint on the park for several days if there is significant rain. I am not wanting to do that. So we will likely shorten the staging area today.
We will also visit with the Ranger in order to determine the conditions. This will take place a couple times during the day, and towards race time. If it appears that damaging conditions exist, it will be a no go. Let’s not forget a couple times last year when we got caught in the middle. Yes, it was messy for the bikes and kits. No, it did not do significant damage to the park. (however, my group went back the next day and seeded and put hay down to fix the field).

So it is game on for now. Stay tuned. Will post periodically.

We’ll pass along any new information as it comes up during the day.

Preliminary Results – July 1, 2010 Alpine Short Track Dirt Crit

Photo gallery from July 1 races is available here.

1-Jul-10
“A” Race
Place Name Team Bib
1 Chris Ploch DRJ 574
2 Daniel Miller Team Seagal 575
3 John Matthews DRJ 584
4 John Rines Big Shark/Pfoodman 595
5 Bob Arnold DRJ 571
6 Tom Albert DRJ 562
7 Dan McCarthy 599
8 Scott Ogilvie Dogfish 578
9 Drew Black Mesa Cycles 583
10 Greg Santknop Team Seagal 597
11 Jeff Yielding Revolution 565
12 Stu Robson Ghisallo 588
13 Douglas Davis Gateway 587
14 John Peiffer Ghisallo 579
15 Dan Young Big Shark/Pfoodman 566
16 Dave Neis Bike Surgeon 570
17 Todd Holtmann Ghisallo 568
18 Paul Krewet DRJ 585
19 Kevin Koch DRJ 569
20 Jeremie Meitz Big Shark/Pfoodman 564
21 Peat Henry Team Free Awesome 576
22 Scott Mortimer DRJ 572
23 Pete Goode Red Wheel 577
24 Craig Thrasher Big Shark/Pfoodman 596
25 Bob Crow Dogfish 563
26 Craig Hoeflinger 573
27 Matt Grothoff Team Seagal 567
28 James Nelson Big Shark/Pfoodman 591
29 Ryan Lemmon Mesa Cycles 589
30 Mark Hasler 582
31 Mark Bauer DRJ 586
32 Patrick Gribbon Ghisallo 593
33 Dave Smith Hub 594
DNF Ralph Pfremmer Big Shark/Pfoodman 598
DNF Rock Wamsley Hub 592
DNF Matt Struckman Big Shark/Pfoodman 561
“B” Race
1 Stewart Munsen 641
2 Cody Jones Grand Slam 629
3 Mike Bubelak Sr. 615
4 Lee VanNorman 618
5 Adam Rybar 638
6 Darin Marlow Mich Ultra/Big Shark 607
7 Kevin Bonney Mesa 648
8 Steve Friedman Wheelsports Bike 628
9 Will Grumke 619
10 Scott Bertelsmeyer Big Shark/Pfoodman 613
11 Rich Pierce ICCC 627
12 Ethan Johnson HUB 649
13 Scott Melies ICCC 637
14 Christian Chellus 663
15 Ben Tierenbran Dogfish 630
16 Loreen Mattson 658
17 Zach Tangeman 655
18 B.J. Keane Momentum 634
19 David Krajcovic HUB 610
20 lars Valin 650
21 Craig Seibert BORC 645
22 625
23 Stephanie McCreary Big Shark/Pfoodman 600
24 Roberto Barrios Heckawee 602
25 Marc Pauly Trek STL 636
26 Mike Bufka 617
27 Jay Marvin 608
28 Walt Steines Gateway 654
29 Brian Roggeveen Momentum 635
30 Ben Erschen 647
31 Blake Christo 612
32 John Reimbold Heckawee 603
33 Rob Ballou 604
34 Alex Petkus Big Shark/Pfoodman 626
35 Michael Humphries Heckawee 601
36 Daniel Tirado 660
37 Christine Ford Mesa 652
37 652
38 759
39 Carrie Sona Alpine Shop 609
40 Jim Klages Mich Ultra/Big Shark 643
44 Phillip Hussey 659
47 Karen Holtman 653
40+ Ben Menasne 662
40+ Sammi Powell 651
40+ Shaun Turnbull 611
40+ Paul Miller 614
40+ Gabrielle Renner 616
40+ Jeff Brueggeman Munchkin 605
40+ Jim Bellen 639
40+ Cory Hoots Maplewood Bicycle 640
40+ Matt Kelsey 642
40+ Curtis Denham 644
40+ Mary Piper Momentum 646
40+ Joel Maisenheldei Ghisallo 624
40+ Justin Neely Specialized 631
40+ Cory Redmond Mesa 632
40+ Susan Kiona Ghisallo 633
40+ Jeff Sona Alpine Shop 606
DNF Drew Kramer 656
DNF Andy Prunty 657
DNF Jim Davis 661
DNF Keith Weinkein 664
DNF Patrick Gribbon Ghisallo 593
DNF Dave Smith HUB 594
“C” Race
1 Alex Boekholt 753
2 Peter Miquelon 735
3 Dan Maners 756
4 Suzanne Renner Team Revolution 701
5 Drew Kramer HUB 765
6 JD Pfeiffer Ghisallo 763
7 Mike White 740
8 Tim Conway 752
9 Kipp Seifert Slomotion 742
10 Ben Bamet Mesa 762
11 Denis Hawyman 714
12 Erik Illies 707
13 Claire albert Rockwood Swim 712
14 Ryan Gibbs 761
15 Clinton Rice IL 4000 for Cancer 750
16 Matt Behrens 736
17 Jason Bridwell 754
18 David Conley Lone Wolf 711
19 Kyle Fuller Slomotion 744
20 Tyler Redmond Mesa 730
21 Danny Gleason 758
23 Greg Schwarz 764
24 Nate Davidson Slomotion 743
25 Kyle Mawkirson 719
26 Evan Hrevus PRJ 717
27 Bryan Niehas 760
28 Jon Rinehart 716
29 Zach Kroupa 718
30 Traci Berry Team Revolution 704
31 Alex Ferguson Team Revolution 705
32 Ryan Beeler Ghisallo 715
33 Matthew Bathon 739
34 Wendy Davis Team Seagal 751
35 Bart Berger Lone Wolf 747
36 Kelly McGuire Bike Surgeon 703
37 Kevin Kroupa 732
38 Amy Strayhan Big Shark/Pfoodman 749
39 Casey Carter Mesa 737
40+ Alec Spielman Ballwin Schwinn 746
40+ Britt Whisenand Team Rev 748
40+ Michael Kuehnel 755
40+ Emily Korsch 757
40+ Bert Berla Big Shark/Pfoodman 759
40+ Sam Broalhueler 731
40+ Joe Stryjewski Alpine Shop 733
40+ Lisa White 734
40+ Tim Lawson 738
40+ Rick Fessler 741
40+ Sally Struckman Big Shark/Pfoodman 700
40+ Mike Bubelak Jr. 702
40+ Patrick Pigeon Team Revolution 706
40+ Mike Wise 708
40+ Tim Schweiss 709
40+ Brad Winchester 713
40+ Paul Hyde 766
40+ Brian Haas 745

Chris Ploch Notches First Win of 2010 Short Track Dirt Crit

Following the same script he used to dominate last year’s Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit Series, Chris Ploch took the lead during Thursday’s opening Elite level race in the second lap and never trailed again. Cheered on by a large crowd at Castlewood State Park in Ballwin, Mo., Ploch easily took the first win of the Series as well as the new 2010 Off-Road Racing League.

Ploch, a state champion mountain biker, took advantage of his competitors’ slow speeds through a creek crossing on the course to open up his lead.

“I saw how slow everyone went through the creek,” Ploch said. “And second lap, I got in front and tried to get a gap on them and stick it.”

The Alpine Short Track Dirt Crit Series includes five nights of racing on each Thursday night during the month of July. There are three races each night featuring the elite-level racers, the sport-level racers and the beginners. The course is a short mile-long combination of single-track, a creek crossing and a maze of corridors in a park meadow. All racers, regardless of skill level, are welcome and embraced.

Full results will be posted as soon as possible.

Get Ready to Get Dirty

09 Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit Series
Chris Ploch hits Kiefer Creek Crossing at the '09 Alpine Shop Short Track Dirt Crit Series Races

Designed by the same people that brought you Alpine Shop’s Short Track Dirt Crit Series, the Off-Road Racing League is an entirely different way to race. Beginner, expert, somewhere in-between, it doesn’t matter. All skill-levels are encouraged – even kids! Join the league in our inaugural year and find out what it’s like to get a little dirty with us.

The Short Track Dirt Crit Series of mountain bike races are still here, only with more people, more prizes and more cash for the winners. This year, we’ll also introduce you to Trail Running the short track way. Different courses each week throughout the series. And you’ll also get the chance to show off your paddling skills with a marathon on the Meramec River.

Follow the links above to find the information you need.

3 Worst-Case Outdoor Scenarios Solved!

There’s nothing more embarrassing during a St. Louis summer than finding you can’t paddle a kayak in a straight line. Well, there’s that and getting smoked by your eight-year-old while bike riding. Or maybe having to cut short your three-day camping trip due to an unfortunate tent-pitching accident that leaves you with a bad puncture wound.

Alpine Shop is here to help. “Be prepared,” we always say. (Okay, the Boy Scouts always say that, but we’re hoping they don’t have a patent on it.) Let’s handle the kayak scenario first:

Kayak Paddling:
Similar to the less known “I’m from Missouri, paddling a canoe is ingrained in my genes so I never have to take a lesson” Syndrome, many Missourians mistakenly believe that paddling a kayak is akin to falling in the water – you know, it’s easy, not something you need to learn. Well, if you want to look like an idiot, feel free to flail around in the water. However, kayaking (like canoeing) is a skill best learned from a competent teacher – not by attempting to make yourself seasick. Solution: Take Alpine Shop’s Summer Kayaking Program. Our Intro to Kayaking: Dry Land Basics and our on-the-water Basic Kayaking class can get you straightened out in no time.

Biking:
Next, protect your pride from little Timmy. You can’t let an eight-year-old do that to you. Never fear, you just need to get back in the saddle again. Solution: We have cycling programs running all summer long. Whether it be maintenance clinics to make sure your bike is in shape, weekly Tuesday night rides out of our Kirkwood store’s parking lot or even the now-famous Short Track Dirt Crit Series of mountain bike races every July. You and your bike will be BFF’s in no time. Visit Alpine Shops Calendar for more tips and trips.

Get Prepared for Camping:
Finally, let’s handle that unfortunate tent-pitching incident. To start with, you need to get some first aid training so that wound doesn’t get infected. We’ll cover that in our Wilderness First Aid certification program. It would also help to learn how to pitch the tent. Solution: Buy a tent from Alpine Shop and we’ll go over the process step by step so you know how to do it like a pro.

Join us next time for more worst-case scenarios and solutions with Alpine Shop!

So What Does Earth Day Really Mean?

Let’s get this out right from the start: we’re an outdoor recreation company. We love to be outside. Nothing is more relaxing, more exhilarating or more life-affirming for us than to take part in the activities that the great outdoors make possible. So, yeah, we have something at stake when it comes to the state of our planet.

Today, April 22nd, 2010, we recognize Earth Day and we will participate in a number of events this weekend to show our support. We’ll be at the Farmer’s Market in Kirkwood, on Saturday, April 24 and we’ll be in Forest Park on Sunday, April 25 for St. Louis’s city-wide celebration. If you’re out and about, we hope you’ll join us.

But what is Earth Day really about? The first true Earth Day in 1970 was organized by groups fighting against oil spills, polluting factories and power plants, raw sewage, toxic dumps, pesticides, loss of wilderness and extinction of wildlife. Unfortunately, the whole concept of “Earth Day” has turned in many places from a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment into a political landmine. Environment issues have become conservative and liberal issues.

Loving political landmines like we do, let me just put it this way – No matter what you’ve heard about our environment today, research your own facts. Find out whether or not the “truths” you believe in are really the facts. This goes for global warming, water quality, air quality, and much more. So much of the vitriol that is thrown from both sides over the internet is simply half truths at best. We all have our beliefs – and our reasons for them. There’s nothing wrong with that. So maybe, if we can all understand why each side believes what they do, then, maybe we can all sit down rationally and find a way to move forward.

And no matter which side of the argument you land on, hopefully we can all agree that this is the only planet we’ve got.

Hopefully, we can agree to make this the best place for our kids, and our kids’ kids, and so on, and so on, to grow.

Hopefully, we can agree to make sure we all appreciate what we’ve got.

And hopefully, we can agree – for one day – to celebrate this magnificent place we call home.