During my early mountaineering pursuits, I had it burned into my psyche that breaks are not a time to just collapse, sit on your pack and rest. Instead, breaks are the perfect opportunity to do all the things you can't do when moving, especially eat and drink. I am to the point now where I anticipate exactly what I need to do on the next break, accomplishing everything efficiently as possibly.
We can easily forget that REI is not just a place you buy all that cool gear for your outdoor adventures, but one of the main company goals is education. Each local REI store hosts a variety of events and courses that are relevant to both the novice who wants to learn a new activity, as well as to the seasoned outdoor adventurer who simply wants to brush up on some skills.
For those of you, like me, who don't live in a climbing mecca such as Boulder, don't have the space to build your own climbing wall at home, and don't live near a climbing gym or some form of training center, there is still a great way for you to get your climbing training in at home. Hangboards are a popular option, but Blank Slate Climbing has taken it one step further.
Over the next couple of weeks, thousands of people will set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, with hundreds heading to Southern California to start the Pacific Crest Trail. In accordance with the yearly averages, 7 out of 10 of these hikers will ultimately fall short of their goal.
I am ashamed to admit that up until now, I have not known how to change a flat on my bike. I would head off on rides hoping that either I did not flat, could call someone to come get me if I did, or rely on the other people I am riding with to know how to change it for me. Fortunately, I have yet to experience a flat when riding (knock on wood), but I know it's inevitable. Therefore, I should know how to change a flat tire by myself.