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October 2010
Wild Rock Source for Adventure Newsletter
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Win a $10,000 shopping Spree at Wild Rock
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The easy way to enter is by filling out a ballot at the front counter at Wild Rock or Listen for the "Cue To Call" and be one of the first 5 callers at 1-866-724-1079!! Or Then listen for your name with Jay Sharp and the Big Breakfast...If your name is called you have 10 minutes and 7 seconds to call in and claim your exclusive invitation to the Pick Your $10,000 Dream Prize Party November 13th at Kawartha Downs.
$10,000 shopping spree at Wild Rock by just filling out a winning ballot at Wild Rock!!
For details click HERE
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Ibex $300 Shopping Spree
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Win Yourself an Ibex Shopping Spree!
This month's Wild Rock give away is a $300 IBEX shopping spree. IBEX Outdoor Clothing is the maker of some very fine merino wool apparel. We have written many words in the last few seasons about the merits of merino wool so I will keep the accolades to a minimum. Suffice it to say that merino clothing is the most comfortable and versatile clothing we have ever encountered.
This is your chance to try merino for the first time or feed your existing merino addiction at the best price ...FREE!
Just scroll down to the bottom of the newsletter and enter on-line.
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Events |
Roller Ski Rentals
 Looking to improve your skate ski technique, increase your preseason ski fitness, or just try something new and exciting? Why not try roller skiing? As of October 2010, Wild Rock Outfitters will be renting Roller Skis. For more information, please visit Wild Rock Outfitters, 169 Charlotte St. Peterborough ON or call 705-745-9133.
 Rental Rates:
$19.99 for the first day
$9.99 for additional days
Mad Dog Scramble (October 31, 2010)
The Mad Dog Scramble is back again. Sunday October 31, 2010 is the day to come out and enjoy yourself at this annual fun romp on park trails of the Don River. As always, space will be limited. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to run this challenging urban trail race as anyone can win. Runners are sent out on the course with a head start on the faster runners.
First, second and fourth people back win prizes. As usual, there will also be draw prizes and food after the race.
Location: just north of Sunnybrook Park at Park Lane Public School in the heart of the Bridle Path!
Arf Arf Arf. Who let the dogs out?
For more information, please go to www.xsnrg.org/maddog
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Paved Shoulders on Provincial Highways
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Sign Petition for Bill 100Click below if you are interested in signing a petition for the Ontario government to pass a law that requires a minimum one metre paved shoulder on designated highways. This will help people who cycle, walk and run be safer! If you don't want to bother printing it out and sending it, come down to the store - we have copies for you to sign and will send them. Paved Shoulder pdf |
The Roof of Power
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 We all do it around the same time each month. We pull a P.U.C. envelope out of the mailbox to assess last month's damage. Measuring both a financial and environmental cost our electricity bill is one most of us would rather not have to open. But last month I got two envelopes from Peterborough Utilities Services. One bill ...and one check! About this time two years ago I wrote a number of articles about the process of installing a roof-top grid-tied solar generation system at my home. It was a long story told over many months. The trials, tribulations, frustrations and red tape are all documented in the newsletters that I linked below. If you did not follow the story please have a read as the articles explain the logic, financing and logistics of installing a micro generation system at your home. August 2008 newsletterSeptember 2008 newsletterJanuary 2009 newsletterWe knew at the time that we were guinea pigs. The offer from the government to buy electricity from the public was ground breaking and still evolving. Since I last wrote the Ontario Power Authority has improved the offer to buy power from the public in order to encourage more micro-generating systems. We are now paid 82 cents per Kilowatt Hour for our production. A quick calculation based on the 11-14 cents that we pay for the power we use in our homes explains the checks we now receive from the P.U.C. The investment makes even more sense now than it did when we committed to it two years ago. It is easy to do, relatively inexpensive and environmentally responsible. Our home is now part of Ontario's power solution and no longer as great a part of the problem. And, hey, we now have a guaranteed source of income in our house that does not rely on roommates! If you are interested in more information about any aspect of our installation please get in touch. kieran@wildrock.net |
What Charities should we support?
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Every year we donate over $30,000 in cash, goods and services to various charities and organizations. We were hoping some savy folks in our community would help us steer this budget in a more effective manner than the current shot gun approach.
We are looking for suggestions of charities/organizations that will impact 3 areas.
1. The less fortunate in our community. Our staff and clients at Wild Rock enjoy much that is illusive to thousands in our own community.
2. Increase the participation of young and/or old in non-motorized outdoor pursuits (paddling, hiking, cycling, nordic skiing, running, triathlon etc).
3. Help a group in the world that is most in need.
We hope the organizations suggested are efficient (low admininstration costs) and meet the one of the 3 areas of concern.
Please forward your suggestions to scott@wildrock.net
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Scott's Project One
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How many of us have wanted to design our own bikes? Amongst cycling fans I bet the number is pretty high. I recently did it the easy way using Trek's Project One site. I must say the service and end product was outstanding. You start by choosing the level of frame and then begin adding on the parts. You can specify groupos, crank length, bar type and width etc. You control almost every detail right down to bar tape colour, cable colour and price point of each piece. Not only was it fun but you can spend your budget the way you wish. Want burly cheap wheels? Put them on... want big budget, aero wheels click here! Each step updates the picture of the bike with your choices and updates your budget!
I was hooked after 1 minute. After choosing all my parts and paint scheme and supremely pleased at only blowing my budget by a small margin I saved the build. It said it would take 40 days so I thought....great that gives me time to sell my old bike. Wrong!!! The bike was delivered exactly as specified in 8 days! Amazing!
After riding my new Trek Madonne I was very pleased. It fit well and was the first Trek I have ridden that rode like a finely trained thoroughbred racing machine. Stiff, responsive and nimble.
It's true test was the 178km Centurion race in Collingwood. It was perfect for the 6000+ ft of climbing and helped me complete the ride in less than 5.5 hours.
To explore the site (it is free and fun to play and design your dream bike!) click here on PROJECT ONE
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| New Newton Trail Guidance in soon! |
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Should arrive in October
The Momentum is an off-road trainer designed for all types of terrain, from groomed rail trails and dirt-roads to technical mountain trails. The outsole features a protected stretch membrane and increased traction, while the upper is designed with a closed mesh to keep out debris and medial and lateral webbing to provide increased upper stability. Whether you follow Chi, Pose, Evolution, barefoot running or just want to run better, this low profile, high-durability shoe allows you to run naturally on the trails. Recommended for any distance and terrain, as well walking or hiking.
I think this will be my new winter running shoe!
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Update on Amazing Customer
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Janet Williams Tour for Kids Update
 Loving energy percolated within our hearts. We were all together, 500 dedicated cyclists, and 125 volunteers, passionately committed to helping children with cancer, attend special camps, Camp Oochigeas, Camp Trillium and Camp Quality.
With a new carbon frame bike, a generous gift through my dear friend Beth, purchased at wholesale cost, courtesy of Wild Rock Outfitters in Peterborough, I was ready to embark on the 225 km journey over two days from Peterborough to Haliburton and Cameron Village to Bruce Mills Conservation in Stouffville.
The morning of departure, Saturday August 21st, several people shared their heart-gripping stories about their children's courage, determination, and victories in spite of cancer. Their stories resonated within my heart as I recalled my children, Tanya, and Eric's courageous battles with this hideous disease called cancer. As rain drizzled, I felt that God in heaven was honoring my son's wish to become a rainbow. The sprinkling of rain was a bittersweet reminder that you cannot have a rainbow without the rain.
During the first part of the morning, a series of cycling packs passed me, their pace of 27 km hour too demanding for me to maintain. At the first rest stop, 43 km, I was greeted with applause. To my delight, there were several packs of cyclists still to arrive. I was not the last one.
Cycling alone in the rain had protected me from the assault of sand and mire caused by the bicycle tire in front. However, a Riding Marshall with her small cycling pack encouraged me to synchronize with them. Under her tutelage, she instructed me about the benefits from riding in a pack, single file, the leader breaking the wind and pulling the cyclists along through drafting, saving up to 40% of energy output. She called it "cuddling". I learned a brand new definition to the word "cuddling". This cuddling included the onslaught of dirt and grime from the wet road that the back-tire of cyclists in front would spin off on me, crusting my face and legs with a grimy film. I became accustomed to the gritty taste of gravel and rain dirt on my lips and between my teeth. Was the trade off, the conservation of energy worth it? Absolutely, yes! I became very efficient at "cuddling, cuddling, cuddling" cycling up to 32 km hour on the flat roads.
As we cycled into Haliburton on a steep downgrade, even with my brakes applied, my speedometer registered 63.5 km an hour. Pretty scary!!! I can only imagine how fast I would have flown had I not applied my brakes.
I cheered and thanked God when I arrived at the White Pine Camp site in Haliburton, a total of 125 km and 6 hours of cycling time, seven hours with potty breaks and lunch. I was elated that my entire body was still in tact, my knees, my back, my thighs and my calves were all functioning. However, I must confess my butt was suffering from saddle soreness and I walked with an awkward gait.
After a hearty meal, spokespersons for the camps offered detailed benefits for Kids, followed by a heart felt testimony spoken by a young teenager whom had been confined to Sick Kids Hospital the previous year, awaiting a bone marrow transplant. His heart touching personal story was the essence of Tour For Kids. This incredibly brave lad had cycled with the Tour this day, and was feeling strong and healthy. What a marvelous celebration!
The next day our 100 km. Sunday Ride started from Cameron Village. I was mindful to drink, drink, and drink, to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps. However, it meant frequently using the elegant roadside potty facility in the bushes. I loved the rain and it followed us faithfully to Stouffville. My previous day's instructions to "cuddle" in the pack benefited me. Lots of conversation with other cyclists reinforced the love, and commitment to this wonderful group effort.
As we headed down Warden Avenue on route to Stouffville, intermittent rain blossomed into teeming rain. At 54.3 km racing down a slick wet road, I felt a wave of panic as I visualized applying my brakes and flying through the air. Way beyond my comfort speed on wet road conditions!
We arrived at Bruce Mills Conservation area around 4:30 pm the sky bleak but the ground dry. At the finish line, Jeff Rushton one of the TFK's founding members greeted us with a hug and a TFK medal. Several close friends greeted me with hugs and words of congratulations. I finished the Tour For Kids 225 km cycling event, with no injuries thanks to God's help.
With your help, "We Did It" together! We are the riders, the volunteers, and the countless people who supported this worthy cause with prayers, and pledges that helped to raise over one million dollars. Thanks for your support that helped me to raise over $6,000.00 when all the pledges are in.
I feel joyful that together, we are a part of making a difference in the lives of children struggling with cancer so they can have life changing experiences at camp. Thank you for making it possible to put smiles on the faces of many children.
From my heart to your heart, thank you for supporting me for my third year with Tour For Kids to "Ride Somewhere Meaningful!"
Janet Williamson
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Last Stupid Cheap Deals of the seaason.
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Wilderness Systems Commander 12We only have a couple left! The hybrid crossover kayak gets taken to a whole new level. Combining the agility and superb paddling experience of a kayak with the stability, capacity, and comfort of a canoe. The all-new dual seating system allows the paddler to sit on top or inside the kayak and includes a folding, removable seat. Innovative pontoon-style hull is wide enough to stand on and provides a surprisingly nice paddling experience and dry ride. Great for a wide variety of use, including kayak fishing. Numerous customization options are available using the SlideTrax rail system. Regular price $1099 or $1340 for Angler Version NOW $699 and $899Crazy Blowout Prices up to 50% OFF BIKES. First come first served. No Layaways, no holds etc. Only remaining stock.
Commuters/Street Bikes for people 5'8"-6'Trek Portland 54cm reg.$1869 NOW $999 Great Bike for a tall woman! (5'9"+)
Cannondale W's Adventure 3 XL reg.$799 NOW $399 Cross and Fixies
Cannondale Capo 56cm reg.1049 Now $599
Trek XO-1 Cross Bike 56cm reg.$1799 NOW $999
Road Bikes for men 5'8"-6'2"Kuota Kebel Ultegra SL large reg.$3099 NOW $1999 |
Scott's Rant
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While reading a recent article on finance (strangely one of my other hobbies) I came across one titled "Opportunity Cost and Hedging". It struck me that this applies to a lot more than finance. There are life lessons in here.
Opportunity Cost: The cost of an alternative that must be forgone in order to pursue a certain action. Put another way, the benefits you could have received by taking an alternative action.
Hedging: Making an investment to reduce the risk of adverse price movements in an asset. Normally, a hedge consists of taking an offsetting position in a related security, such as a futures contract.
Most people are pretty good at this when they are 8 years old but somewhere in adulthood it goes askew. Ask an 8 year old what is better; do you want a really nice bedroom suite and Van Gogh in your room or would you rather be able to afford to play outside with your friends for the next 20 years. Most 8 year olds would choose to play. The opportunity cost of owning the Van Gogh is deemed to high.
We adults are suckers for the flipside of this equation. With expensive adult toys (read sports cars/SUVs, entertainment centers, expensive watches, etc) would you rather have a $60,000 sports car or $10,000 a year to spend on vacations and play? The opportunity cost is almost $100,000* over the 10 year life span of the vehicle. (cost of vehicle $60,000, interest on $60,000 when paid off over 10 yrs at 5% is $17,917, 10X$1500 insurance and 10X$1,000 maintenance is $102,917). The opportunity costs financially are about the same.
* For simplicity I neglected present value and residual value of tha car at the end.
In life lessons I think the cost of the car is far higher. How many people reflect on their life and think I should have driven a nicer car? Most pine for more time with friends, family, play and seeing the world.
Now on to hedging....this is not a rant about being short sited and an open license for the immediate gratification crew! You have to hedge your fun so you can have fun for your whole life.
You do this many ways:
1. Eat well and stay active so your body will allow you to have fun
2. Put some money away for a rainy day or 2 and retirement.
3. Invest in hobbies, friends and travel.
4. Research dreams so you have something in the pipeline in the future to save, train and dream about.
If you do this and your present "fun plan" blows up and tanks you won't be too adversely affected.
Scott looking out for your fun plan!
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Ibex merino wool shopping spree!
Click HERE to enter a draw for a $300 shopping spree. |
| Contest Ends: October 15th, 2010. |
Send an e-card! Wild Rock has e-cards that you can send to anyone with an email address. Send a card! They have been recently updated so check out the new ones!
Wild Rock is bullfrogpowered (TM) with 100% green electricity. Find out what this means at www.bullfrogpower.com
Anne Leavens
Wild Rock Source for Adventure
169 Charlotte Street
Peterborough, ON K9J 2T7
ph 705 745 9133 fax 705 745 9133 | | | |
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