Rockin' Rockzilla

New team shirts.  Pretty cool!

It was a wet and rainy weekend as the Sloopers descended on Napa, ready to tackle the tough terrain at Rockzilla.  Team spirit was high as we all sported our new team shirts!  The problems were dynamic and powerful and the crowd was very energetic and supportive.

Patrick heel hooking on a tricky V4

As always, our sponsors treated us very kindly and sent us up to Napa with tons of delicious energy!  We got a scrumptious bag of bread, muffins and scones from House of Bread and three bags of Cranberry Crunch Time granola from Ready Set Oats.  Thanks to our sponsors we are able to eat well and have the energy to climb our hardest.

David and Josh eating some Pesto Feta Foccacia from House of Bread

Everyone climbed very well and got the chance to try lots of different boulder problems.  The competition was a great way to kick off spring break for the Sloopers, who just finished up their winter quarter at school. 

We sure are good looking :)

In the end, the Sloopers finished on top yet again!  Alex Biale took home 1^st for the men and Laura Patton took home 1^st for the women (she was however, the only female competing!)  If any one is counting that is five 1^st place ribbons for the Sloopers in only three competitions.  Way to go team!

Alex and Laura showing off their ribbons

Hello Humboldt!

Five dedicated Sloopers made the 500 mile trek up to Humboldt this past weekend to take on the second competition of the season at Far North Climbing Gym.

The Take-Out boulder at Far North
photo: David Hernandez

We fueled up with some natural energy from the delicious bars provided to us by our awesome sponsor, House of Bread.

You've gotta try these bars, they're amazing!
Photo: David Hernandez

Packed full of nutritious energy, we were ready to crush the competition!  We walked away successful again with a men's 1st place finish from Alex Biale and a women's 2nd place finish from Laura Patton.  All the Sloopers climbed very well!

First place finisher, Alex Biale making short work of a hard problem
Photo: David Hernandez

We were very impressed by all the fun and unique problems set at the gym

The climb with your scorecard in your mouth problem
Photo: David Hernandez

The 'do the splits' problem
Photo: David Hernandez

After the competition, we got to enjoy great company, and another huge dinner!

Photo: David Hernandez

All in all, it was another great weekend full of climbing, friends, psyche and excellent food!  We can't wait for our next competition, March 19 in Napa!

Team Shirts

Team shirts have been ordered!  Get excited!  Want to make sure you get one before they're all gone?  

E-mail Laura at patton2189@yahoo.com to reserve your size!

(Click on the picture to make it grow!)