Lots of people had fun at CityROCK at the UpaDowna Demo and Expo organized by UpaDowna. The event benefited the Friends of Cheyenne Cañon.

I saw quite a few people trying out the Evolv rock climbing shoes. The slackline was also very popular. Josh Beaudoin of Slackline Visions was impressive on it. I was far from impressive on it and never made it more than a few steps.

I had a good chat with the guys from Mile High Mountaineering. They’re coming out with some cool packs in the spring with some innovate features including a built in raincover and stuff sack. There’s a zipper that opens the pack like a duffel in addition to the top opening.

The Synergy Manual Physical Therapy table stayed busy the whole time I was there. I’ve heard good things about them so I chatted with Kelly and Kevin. In addition to traditional physical therapy, they do trigger point dry needling. I thought they did acupuncture but dry needling works differently and causes muscles to spasm and then relax.

Kelly did it on my calf, which I guess is about the most uncomfortable muscle to have it done on. It was quite painful for just a second as she triggered different spots. Afterward my calf got quite stiff and sore. Now it feels back to normal. I can’t say it feels much better but I have a 15 year old injury in that leg that causes me pain most of the time. I would expect it to take some work to improve it.

Below are some photos from the event.

[View with PicLens]

The great guys over at UpaDowna are putting on a cool event at the downtown Colorado Springs CityROCK tomorrow from noon until 5. Evolv will be there demoing the rock climbing shoes. There will also be several other outdoor relating companies and organizations there including Friends of Cheyenne Cañon, Pikes Peak Sports, Synergy Manual Physical Therapy, Pikes Peak Leave No Trace, Climb-Axe, Mile High Mountaineering and Alstrin Films.

The Demo and expo are free and it sounds like they’ll be great specials if you want to spend a while climbing. Bristol Brewing is providing free beer although I’d suggest you don’t do too much drinking until you’re finished climbing.

Go on over to UpdaDowna for all the details. I hope to see you there tomorrow.

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Update 3/12/10: Free climbing at City Rock this weekend (March 13th and 14th) for their Grand Opening.

I got into rock climbing when I was in college. I was one of the first couple dozen climbers to sign up before the Sport Climbing Center was officially opened. I quit climbing because it was taking away time from training on the bike. I also bulk up easily and the extra weight was hurting my mountain bike racing.

I may not be climbing any more but I’ve been following the progress of a new rock climbing gym in downtown Colorado Springs, City Rock. I got a sneak peak of it a couple weeks ago.

It will be opening this Saturday, December 26th, and will be open from 10 AM to 8 PM. The bouldering wall isn’t built and not all of the main wall is completed. Their goal is to have everything completed by the beginning of February.

They are having membership specials just on Saturday. See their website for the specials. The membership also includes their Monument location.

The City Rock membership costs more than the Sport Climbing Center. City Rock does have a much higher wall that is 45 feet high and they’ll also have a crack climb. I don’t know if Sport Climbing Center has added one.

In addition to the climbing, there is also a CrossFit center (SoCo CrossFit has moved to a different location) with coaching and group workouts. It is a separate membership but they’ll have a discount for those that want to do both. Group workouts are free through the end of the year. See their website for schedule. LifeQuest Transitions is also in the building.

Yesterday I chatted with the owners, Lara and Joe. They were very friendly and showed me around. Lara said they want to have a cafe area something like Kinfolks at the front where people can hang out and meet for outdoor adventures.

You can see more City Rock Climbing Gym photos on SmugMug.

– UltraRob

Salomon X Alp Mid LTR GTX Hiking Boots Price: $219.95

Salomon X Alp Pro GTX Hiking Boots Regular Price: $280.00 $209.95 on sale

Asolo TPS 520 GV Evo Hiking Boots Price: $268.44