Party on the Porch Makes a Difference

Those of you who know me, know that I believe every thing each of us does can make a difference in the lives of others. If you don’t know me I just told you, so now you have a little insight into how and why I do what I do at Alabama Outdoors.

This Friday, Alabama Outdoors is hosting the first of three summer “Party on the Porch” events. The party starts at 5:30 pm with a 5K fun run heading out at 5:45.

The Party on the Porch features:

• live music by The Hollows
• Good People beer included with your donation
• 5K fun run
• Cantina food truck to purchase dinner from
• great specials on trail running gear – shoes, apparel, socks and accessories
• store-wide Father’s Day specials

Party on the Porch to benefit Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve

This is an opportunity to help an amazing organization/venue right here in Birmingham, Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve. As you may know, in his proposed FY 2014 City budget Mayor Bell eliminated all funding for Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve, even though approximately half the land managed by the facility is owned by the City of Birmingham.

According to figures in an editorial in Weld, in 2012 the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve served approximately 50,000 men, women and children from the Birmingham metro area and beyond. The recent Associated Press article, “Once Dying, Birmingham is Suddenly Hot” shows a city in renaissance. While it doesn’t point out the beauty of our natural green spaces, they can only be a crowning jewel on what is being done here.

At the party you’ll have the chance to participate in a 5K fun run, buy dinner from the Cantina food truck, enjoy some Good People beer, listen to some great music from The Hollows and get some great deals on trail running gear – shoes, socks, apparel and accessories as well as Father’s Day specials throughout the store. All of this for a $5 donation (an extra $5 for the 5K) which all goes to Ruffner Mountain.

Just as importantly, we’ll have folks from Ruffner here to give you information, allow you to sign letters and petitions, and generally help you learn more about this very cool piece of nature that’s helping make Birmingham so HOT!

Come out and join us at the Party on the Porch for a cool time on a hot day!

Thanks,

greg

Alabama Outdoors Presents “Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Race Series”
Sponsored in conjunction with Birmingham Track Club and Resolute running

Alabama Outdoors is pleased and proud to announce our partnership with both the BTC and Resolute Running to put on the “Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Race Series” offering three great races this summer. The first is an old favorite run by hundreds every year, the other two are brand new and will offer fun and challenges to both seasoned veteran trail runners and newcomers alike.

The races are designed to highlight some of the great trails and natural resources available to Birmingham residents and are priced so that they won’t break your summer budget.

Peavine Falls Fourth of July 8.2 Mile Race

This race is a Birmingham Fourth of July tradition and is done by hundreds of intrepid runners. The course is mostly downhill from the turnaround at the Falls back to the finish, with the final 1.2 miles on beautiful single track trail through Oak Mountain State Park. Start time is 7:00 am at the South Trail head.

The top 3 Overall Male & Female runners, Top Overall Masters Male & Female will receive a special collector’s edition medal.

Turkey Creek “Float Your Boat” Festival 5K/8K Trail Race, July 20th

Turkey Creek Nature Preserve was established through a partnership between Alabama’s Forever Wild Program and the Freshwater Land Trust and is co-managed by the Southern Environmental Center (SEC). This amazing nature preserve is home to several endangered species and a beautiful, natural waterfall and swimming area.

The 5K/8K route will highlight the natural beauty of the Preserve and will take runners along the creek then up into the hills on a fun, yet challenging, set of new trails. The finish line is directly at the Falls, allowing runners to finish and then head directly into the refreshing, cool spring-fed waters of Turkey Creek. Start time will be 8:00 am and the race will be followed by the 4th Annual Float Your Boat balsa wood boat race with food, entertainment and prizes.

Ruffner Mountain Adios Summer 5K/10K/15K Trail Race, August 10

Amazingly this is the next to last weekend before school starts up again (and more importantly only four weeks before opening kick off) and to celebrate Alabama Outdoors is presenting the final race of the Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Race Series. This one has something for everyone so plan on being there.

Start time is yet to be determined (morning or evening?), but either way following the races we will have an awards ceremony/cookout/party on the Pavilion at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve.

Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Race Series Registration

Check the Alabama Outdoors, Resolute Running or Birmingham Track Club website for more information about registration. The cost will be $15 or you can register for Peavine Falls/Turkey Creek/Ruffner Mountain together for $40.

Everyone who completes all three races will receive a special, limited edition Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Race Series tee shirt.

Need to get some gear before you go? Check out the running gear section of our online store, or stop by a store near you!

See everyone on the trails!

greg

After 20 years of closure, Yellow Bluff was re-opened in 2009. In the past four years, this Huntsville crag has come a long way. With nearly 60 established routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.13, Yellow Bluff has become a go-to crag for North Alabama climbers.

On Saturday, June 15th the Southeastern Climbers Coalition (SCC) will be hosting a trail day to further the upkeep of Yellow Bluff. This event will serve to improve the trail conditions, clean up any trash (if you can find it!) and, most importantly, bring the community together. In a tight-knit climbing community like the one found in Huntsville, it is not uncommon to see everyone joining together for a greater cause. For this trail day, we’d like to extend the invitation to not just local climbers, but all Alabama climbers and outdoors enthusiasts!

So what is it about Yellow Bluff that is so awesome?

If you’re a beginner, it’s the easy, but tall sport routes like Outstanding (5.8) and Butterchubs (5.7). If you’re an experienced climber, it might be the several steep 5.12+ routes, like Sampson & Delilah or Vulgar & Rude. Maybe you’re a real charger and it’s the unfinished projects that are attractive to you. And if you’re somewhere in between beginner and advanced (and let’s face it, most of us are!) there are plenty of excellent moderate climbs, both trad and sport. Lucifer’s Revenge (5.9) and Orange Crush (5.11) are a couple of classics not to be missed.

Yellow Bluff is conveniently located in Somerville, AL which is only 20 minutes from Huntsville and 1.5 hours from Birmingham.

Trail day will begin at 8am sharp and last until noon. It will be followed by a free self-rescue clinic with Peregrine Climbing Guides, Tim Maddox and Sam England. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers who RSVP on the Facebook event page. And of course, there is plenty of climbing to do in the afternoon! So, bring your tools, gloves, boots, plenty of water, and get ready for a day of hard work and fun climbing!

https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/363571527077559/?fref=ts

For questions about Yellow Bluff or the trail day, email Maggieb@aloutdoors.com

If you need to get any climbing gear before you go, be sure to check out our online store or stop by an AO store near you!

Alabama Outdoors Sets Sights on Becoming Your New Running Gear HQ!

Alabama Outdoors has opened a full technical Running Gear section in our Homewood location.

We have everything you need to optimize your running experience – whether it’s on the trails (our favorite!) or on the roads. Check out our running gear section online, or come in and see what we have that can help make your run easier and more enjoyable.

Feet are Kings (or Queens)!

OK, so we don’t sell feet, but we do have everything that will make them feel royally wonderful. Starting from the skin out, AO has a variety of great technical socks including FITS merino wool-based and Swiftwick technical socks. We also carry a full line of Superfeet trim-to-fit inserts.

Shoes are the Crown

Trail shoes make your runs far more efficient and pleasant. They provide better traction, protection against roots and rocks, and better drainage for people running through creeks and streams than road shoes.

Whether it’s Salomon, Pearl Izumi, Saucony, La Sportiva, Inov-8, New Balance or another great brand, AO carries a wide range of shoes to meet the specific needs of trail runners, as well as those needing door-to-trail shoes.

Since the best shoe is the one that fits, we will take everyone through our fit process to make sure that shoe you run out with is the best one for your foot.

Apparel Fit for Royalty

What you wear on your body can be almost as important as what’s on your feet. Try some of the amazing technical apparel from The North Face or Patagonia. They may not seem like your “traditional” running gear brands, but they have been making technical apparel for far longer than most “traditional” brands.

The key to their products is that they have taken everything they have learned from making technical apparel to keep people warm while climbing mountains and keep them cool in jungles and deserts, and applied it to running.

Accessories – Royals have to have stuff, right?

Garmin GPS watches, Triggerpoint rollers, The Stick, GU nutrition, Buffs, Nathan hydration belts and hand helds, and Body Glide are all available here at our Homewood store in the Running Gear section and in our online store.

Upcoming events:

• Thursday, May 23: Big Benefit Run at Good People Brewing Co. benefiting Friends of Red Mountain. A $10 donation (100% goes to the charity) gets you a 5K fun run, your first Good People beer free, live music, lots of great giveaways including two Zip Line tours for 2 and two Beanstalk Forest tours for 2
• Saturday, June 1: Choccolocco 50K/21K
• Friday, June 14th: Party on the Porch at Alabama Outdoors Homewood, 5:30 to 7:30 pm with live music, food truck, trail running specials, a 5K fun run, and a benefit for Ruffner Mountain
• Saturday, June 15: Sizzlin’ Summer Trail Series Inaugural Run 5K/21K at Oak Mountain State Park.presented by Alabama Outdoors and sponsored by Resolute Running and Birmingham Track Club

We look forward to seeing you soon here at AO!

Thanks,

greg

Alabama Outdoors is proud to support the Big Benefit Run series of charity 5K fun runs hosted at Good People Brewing Co. in downtown Birmingham. Since it’s inception in 2012, Big Benefit Runs have raised almost $20,000 for small, local, grassroots charities in the Birmingham Metro area.

What’s Involved?

Big Benefit Run is a 5K fun run that is not timed. It is purely for your enjoyment and to raise money for, and awareness of, small, local charitable organizations that make Birmingham a better place to live.

• Date: Thursday, May 23rd
• When: Registration starts at 5:30 pm, the run is at 6:00 pm
• Where: Good People Brewing Co., 114 14th Street South, Birmingham
• Route: Through UAB, Southside, and Railroad Park, finishing back at Good People Brewing across from Regions Park
• Donation: $10, all of which goes to the charity
• Cool Stuff:
  • First Good People beer free
  • Free Sports Massage from Sherrie Hafley of The Muscle Joint
  • Live music
  • Lots of giveaways including 2 FREE Zip Line tours for 2
  • Cantina Taco Truck available for dinner
• Who Benefits? Thanks for asking, it’s Friends of Red Mountain Park

Friends of Red Mountain Park

This month we will be benefiting Friends of Red Mountain Park.  Their mission is to promote, enhance, and enjoy Red Mountain Park. Our goals are to spread the word about this project, volunteer our time and talent to enhance the park’s development, and champion the use and enjoyment of the park for the broadest range of citizens.

Red Mountain Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country – larger than even Central Park in New York City. It offers trails for walking, hiking, running, and bicycling. You can schedule Zip Line tours, or set some time to play in the Beanstalk Forest ropes/challenge course.

Come on out and join us Thursday, May 23rd, for a great time supporting an amazing organization and help make Birmingham a better place to live!

Need some gear for the Big Benefit Run?

Be sure to check out the latest in running gear at AlabamaOutdoors.com!

Alabama Outdoors gift cards are here!

Preloaded gift cards are now available for purchase on the Alabama Outdoors eCommerce website! They are a great option if you are having trouble selecting the perfect gift for a friend or loved one. Giving them a gift card ensures they get exactly what they want!

A gift card can be used to make purchases on our website, or in any of our retail stores. This gives the recipient maximum flexibility when using their card to make a purchase.

$100, $50, and $25 options are available.

We are currently offering three different preloaded amounts. The $25 Alabama Outdoors Gift Card, $50 Alabama Outdoors Gift Card, and $100 Alabama Outdoors Gift Card give plenty of options to choose from.

Free Pair of FITS Socks

Friday April 26th through Sunday May 5th, Receive a Free Pair of FITS Socks with the purchase of any pair of shoes priced $100 or more!*

Why FITS?

FITS socks feature unique construction that gives your foot the perfect fit. Wool blends are selected to ensure comfort and durability for running, hiking and other outdoor activities. Your feet connect your body to the rest of the world – take care of them!

Full Contact Fit

Have you ever wondered how a flat pair of socks can fit your foot? They can’t! When you take a pair of FITS socks out of the packaging, they look just like feet. This sculpted design ensures that the sock is comfortable and stays put. No movement or slipping reduces blisters. It’s called the “Full Contact Fit!”

The Full Contact Cuff gently hugs your leg. This prevents the sock from sliding down your leg, creating slack in the ankle area. When you’re out on the trail, you won’t be constantly tugging at the tops of your socks to keep them in position.

The Dynamic Toe Cup allows for a close, comfortable fit with no bunching or extra material. Top stitching is soft and positioned so that there are no hot spots. The toe cup allows the toes to perform their job and keeps the sock out of their way. No unlacing shoes mid-run for an adjustment.

The Heel Lock is constructed with Y-shaped stitching. This creates a deep heel pocket that anchors the entire sock – no slipping! This ensures that the sock maintains its shape and stays put.

The Perfect Fit

Finding your perfect fit is important and easy with the FIT Finder. The sculpted design of the sock perfectly conforms to your foot, even if you’re between sizes. Color coded top stitching on the toe box and inside the cuff make storing your socks a breeze, and the fit is guaranteed by FITS!

SHOP FITS SOCKS NOW

*Excludes Chaco Sandals. In store only, not available online. Not valid with any other offer or discount, including Buy 3 Get 1 Free socks. Certain exclusions apply. See store for details.

Join Alabama Outdoors at the 2013 Cahaba River Ramble

The Cahaba River Society and Alabama Outdoors invite you to the 2013 Cahaba River Ramble! Runners travel from around the Southeast every year to participate in these spectacular 5k and 10 mile races. The Ramble will be held on Sunday, May 5th, and the Cahaba lilies will be in full bloom!

The Races

The 10 mile course will challenge experienced runners. Those looking for a more relaxed course can opt for the 5k. The rolling topography of the region allow for an outstanding course layout. Interesting educational programs will occur during and after the races. There is lots for the whole family to enjoy!

The Refuge

The Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge is home to five federally listed listed species including the Cahaba shiner, goldline darter, round rocksnail, and cylindrical lioplax snail. Enjoy running alongside the river through stands of loblolly and mountain longleaf pines. The beautiful surroundings help to make the Ramble one of the most unique running experiences in the South.

CLEAN

The Cahaba River Ramble is the annual fundraiser for the Shane Hulsey CLEAN program. The environmental education opportunities created by CLEAN have served over 26,000 students and teachers in Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Bibb, Perry and Dallas County.

Location

The 2013 Cahaba River Ramble takes place at the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge near West Blockton, Alabama. From Interstate 20/59, take exit 97 to Bibb County Road 24. Print directions here.

Registration

Registration is now open! You can register online here. Race day registration and check in begins at 6:30 a.m.. Registration for the 10 mile race is $40, the 5k is $30.

Need some gear?

Shop in our online store for women’s trail running shoes or men’s trail running shoes.

Join Alabama Outdoors on Saturday, April 27th for the 2013 Ruffner Mountain Trail Running Festival!

Starting at 8:00 am, a variety of distances to chose from including a 5K, 10K, and 15K.  And starting at 7:00 am, an 8 hour option for those wishing to enjoy the entire day on the trails of Ruffner.

The course is entirely on 1,036 acre Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve in Birmingham, AL.  All races begin on the service road adjacent to the parking lot and Nature Center.  All races will start at the Pavilion/parking lot and will head up the service road with the different distances splitting off.  The 5K will head straight on the Quarry Trail going around Possum Loop, back on Quarry to the finish.  The 10 and 15K will start with a bit more service road spurring off to the right onto the trails headed down the Buckeye to Lizard Loop.  It will double back to the Ridge and Valley, then around Possum Loop and back on the Quarry to the finish.  The 15K will split off from the 10K to add the additional distance.

The trails of Ruffner include diverse terrain with rocks, roots, and ample elevation change.  The 10 and 15K distances include the most challenging trails.

Starting at 7:00 am, the 8 hour option will take advantage of all three courses to keep it interesting.  For those wishing to set up their own aid station, the course will loop back to the parking lot several times and there’s ample space for a chair, cooler, gear, and etc.

Fun Facts about Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve:

• There is 5,000 feet of elevation change in our Crusher Ridge 21K! It triples in the 63K.
• Ruffner’s Preserve was once a major mining site with 9 iron ore mines, 3 limestone, 2 chert and 2 brownstone quarries. Today it hosts a globally rare plant species and the only East off the Mississippi population of the Spring Water Dancer.
• 12 miles of trails cross the site with copious un-trailed area, our Urban Back Country.
• Our trees remove $471,000 worth of air pollution each year!

For more information, click here

Need some gear for the Ruffner Mountain Trail Running Festival?

Be sure to check out our great selection of trail running shoes  for men and women in our online store!

The region has 50 miles of singletrack, and loads more are on the way.

By Leslie Kehmeier

Three times in the last four years, I’ve traveled to Alabama in the spring. Over the course of those trips, I’ve been surprised by the quality of trails here, and how fast the singletrack continues to expand. It’s a riding destination that has few rivals—I’m sure that someday soon it will be as well known among mountain bikers as Whistler or Moab.

One of the best places to ride is just outside Birmingham—Oak Mountain State Park. It is in the Appalachian foothills, and the trails there weave through the ridges and valleys. The park’s quantity and quality of trails is surprising. More than 30 miles of trails offer something for everyone, from flowy singletrack to technical challenges.

Just down the road, the nearby city of Anniston is also developing close to 50 miles of singletrack. It’s a wonderful place to ride. Coldwater Mountain currently has 14 miles of trails, all of which were built using IMBA’s latest trail-construction techniques. That’s a lot of reasons to keep returning to Alabama each year.

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