411 - #9 > February/March 2006

Rendezvous of the Third Kind: Red Rock Canyon Climbing Event to Benefit The Access Fund
The third annual "Mountain Gear Presents: Red Rock Rendezvous" rock climbing festival will return to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas on March 24-26, 2006, to benefit The Access Fund and other local and national non-profit organizations. Due to the growing popularity of the festival, this year's event has expanded clinic areas to offer more traditional, sport and aid climbing sites and routes than the prior Red Rock festivals.
More than 400 climbers throughout the nation are anticipated to attend the 2006 event. The different crag areas home to the clinics feature a selection of some of the best climbing areas in Red Rock Canyon and will feature bolted sport climbing, multi-pitch traditional routes, big wall techniques and bouldering problems for all climbing levels. "Red Rock Rendezvous has become an event that climbers of all levels have come to love and look forward to every year," said Paul Fish, president of Mountain Gear, one of the nation's leading outdoor gear and clothing online and catalogue retailers. "This event is an opportunity for our climbing community to enjoy world-class climbing in a beautiful location just minutes from Las Vegas, Nevada."
The Access Fund, one of the beneficiaries for The Red Rock Rendezvous, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to keeping climbing areas open and conserving the climbing environment. Other non-profits include the American Safe Climbing Association, the American Alpine Club, Friends of Red Rocks and the Las Vegas Climbers Liaison Council. All of the festival activities outside of the climbing clinics will take place at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park located approximately 10 minutes from the entrance to the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. For more information and to register, call 800.829.2009 or visit www.mgear.com/rrr.

2005 Access Fund Sharp End Award Recipients
Each year the Access Fund recognizes individuals and businesses that volunteer their efforts towards preserving climbing access, as well as the climbing environment. The following recipients have proven to shine above the rest in both their commitment and work on behalf of the American climbing community. Here's a quick look at this year's awards and the names of their recipients:

Sharp End Award
For leadership and activism in preserving climbing access and the climbing environment. Awarded to John Anderson, Bennett Barthelemy, Keith Daellenbach, Mike Lanza, Patagonia, Metolius, Chris Sharma, Josh and Brett Lowell.
Land Manager of the Year
Given to a professional resource manager who has demonstrated a commitment to preserving climbing opportunities and a progressive approach to public lands management.  Awarded to Lincoln Else, Climbing Ranger at Yosemite National Park
Reese Martin Memorial Award - Regional Coordinator of the Year
For leadership and activism in preserving climbing access and the climbing environment, and specifically for their volunteer work as an Access Fund representative. Awarded to Sean Cobourn of the SCC.
The Bebie Leadership award
Presented to America's outstanding activist(s) for the cause of preserving climbing access and the climbing environment. Awarded to Curt Shannon, spokesperson for the Friends of Queen Creek.
Menocal Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented periodically to individuals who have demonstrated remarkable commitment to the cause of preserving climbing access and the climbing environment, and who have contributed substantially to the progress of the Access Fund over many years. Awarded to David Rosenstein.
Above & Beyond Awards
For volunteerism and support in preserving climbing access and the climbing environment. Awarded to Roger Linfield and Dave Gentry.
UCMAG commends these individuals and appreciates the loyal efforts of the Access Fund. Congratulations on another successful year!

UCMAG throwin' it down with the DCL
The Paradise Rock Gym (PRG) Denver Climbing League (DCL) Youth Climbing Series was born twelve years ago to bring young climbers together in a supportive, safe, and fun environment. Six high energy regular season events running from October to March that are held in an "open" format culminate with the exciting DCL/USA Climbing FINALE in April, spotlighting climbers from all over the Country in an all out, all day "on-sight wave" format. Climbers earn "individual scores" that are then tallied along with classmates from the same school to earn a "school score" that will determine individual rankings and school rankings. These widely popular events for male and female student climbers between the ages of 6 and 18 focus on development while providing a comfortable atmosphere in which to thrive and grow.
The DCL train will make a stop at Urban Climber Mag headquarters after each event to report on all of the high-flying, feet-cutting, hand-slapping DCL SEASON XII antics... We are excited to report that the first two events, which went down on Saturday, October 15th and Saturday, November 12th, were a huge success attracting groves of dedicated climbers and coaches proudly sporting school colors and loads of energy. At every level, beginner to National elite, all of the DCL climbers are inspiring as they come full of amp and ready to pull down.  We're proud to support them and report on the events through the season. All aboard for the 2005/2006 Paradise Rock Gym - Urban Climber Magazine - Denver Climbing League Youth Climbing Series - SEASON XII!!  For more info please visit www.paradiserock.com.

FUSE
UCMAG and IndeVisual Productions is home from filming and officially warm and cozy in the editing stage of their first feature length climbing video, FUSE, which is slated to hit the streets and begin touring late winter/early spring. The video will document the familiar and unfamiliar faces of our global climbing community as they connect on the boulders of Hueco Tanks and Fontainebleau. Featuring Jo and Marc Montchausse, a wealth of impassioned climbers from all over the world along with a very special guest appearance. FUSE will explore culture, roots, friendships and two of the finest boulder fields on the planet. The soundtrack is an inspiring collection of original music created by the climbers themselves as well as the hi-fi sounds of Thievery Corporation, Slackstring and others. A Joe Iurato film.