|
Post by Charlie S on Jun 17, 2015 18:29:14 GMT -7
Well...I've attempted to go for it! Safely...though.
Mark, your blog posts about a training area have been really beneficial. My vision is to do something similar...although with more space. It'd be a combo 24/7 access and co-op model where the users feel like it's their gym. It's also in a "hole" along the Wasatch Front with no climbing facilities within 30 minutes both directions.
You can read about the concept here: www.stoketraining.com
And if you're really psyched on the idea: www.gofundme.com/stoketraining
Input? Ideas? Comments? Experience? Let me know! I'm attempting to drum up the local support first before going full-bore on a facility lease and building walls. I plan on still maintaining my aeronautical engineering job for quite some time and view this as a side project/hobby, but a way to be a little more active in the climbing community.
|
|
|
Post by joev9 on Jun 18, 2015 10:35:05 GMT -7
Very nice, been thinking of doing something similar here in Massachusetts. There are lots of good gyms, but none of them have everything you need to properly train. Plus, they mostly cater to beginners and birthday parties. Hope this goes well for you!
|
|
|
Post by MarkAnderson on Jun 18, 2015 13:01:48 GMT -7
Wow man! Good for you. I've wanted to do something like that for a long time, but now with two new MegaGyms opening in Denver in the last 18 months I feel like I missed my window.
I know the Layton area well, Mike lived there for about 4 years or so. Do you work at Hill? That's a great place for this type of facility. Lots of climbers, lots of rock, but not many facilities.
|
|
|
Post by Charlie S on Jun 18, 2015 17:40:05 GMT -7
I've seen Mike's FAs are all over the place here! I do work at Hill. There are 3 gyms down in SLC (two are the "MegaGym" you refer to, and one will be within a year). There's one standard gym in Ogden. As far as this locale, you're 20 minutes away from the closest gym and currently at least 45 minutes away from a place where you could hardcore train.
I wish I knew precisely how many climbers were in the Layton area (as opposed to Ogden or SLC, where the centers of mass are), so if you have any connections or info, that'd be invaluable.
If the crowdfunding efforts fail, I'm still toying with the idea of a much smaller facility and build up from there. My gut tells me it could work. Though I'm not a financial risk-taker, and typically more of a realist than an optimist. We shall see...
The rumor mill has produced that one of the gyms is looking to expand at some point, so my goal would be to break even within a year, just in case. Though I'm secretly hoping they hire me on as a consultant and manager.
|
|
|
Post by tedwelser on Jun 19, 2015 6:37:24 GMT -7
Hey Charlie- two old friends of mine have owned a bouldering coop, first in Dayton Ohio, and now in Richmond KY. They are very nice and might have insights into the process for you. Currently they are the camp hosts at Maple Canyon and will be there for the summer season. I believe they run theirs with 10-12 member positions who pay a monthly fee and have keys and 24 hour access. These fees cover the operating costs (rent, utilities) Rene and Margarita fronted most/all? of the construction costs and holds etc. I would be happy to introduce you to them. If so, we could connect via Facebook- I have the same name and profile picture there. Here is a photo of part of the Shop3. They have a bit more wall to the right, plus a high quality campus board, several hangboards, stretching space, etc.
|
|
|
Post by Charlie S on Jun 19, 2015 10:56:22 GMT -7
Thanks, Ted! I'll find you on FB.
P.S. Check your "other" folder on your FB inbox.
|
|
|
Post by tedwelser on Jun 19, 2015 21:10:43 GMT -7
fb message sent
|
|