Great Outdoor Blog

This just in from our Eastgate Shop Manager, Travis:

“We unloaded 50 UPS boxes this morning. They wouldn’t even fit in our back room. I’m not even sure we’re going to be able to fit all of this out on the sidewalk! My current triage plan is to get through any clothing we can today and know we’ll probably be still unpacking clothing on the sidewalk tomorrow. Shoes…we may just pop the top on the UPS boxes and let customers rummage!”

Stop by our Chapel Hill Shop this Saturday & Sunday where you can save up to 75% on outdoor clothing, footwear & gear

Eastgate Shopping Center
1800 East Franklin Street
Chapel Hill, NC 27514 MAP IT
(919) 933-6148

This all started about three months ago when I was trying two find a way to ride my bike to work in order to save myself some gas money and reduce my carbon footprint. Try as I might I could not find a safe route from Garner to Cameron Village. It seems there was no way to get from my house to downtown with out riding on a 45mph road that had no shoulder for a bike.Well, gas motorcycle came to mind as I had owned one as a kid and really loved the whole experience. With 60+mpg it was tempting but gas was what I was trying to avoid. I liked the idea of the 50cc scooters but those things can’t keep up with traffic and all the ones I’ve seen are either holding up traffic or getting passed by angry drivers. I did not want to be “that guy”.

At some point I had the hair brained idea that I could build an electric motorcycle. Why not? People build homemade electric cars and a motorcycle is just a smaller version and more fun to ride. As some one told me once, “it’s cheap therapy”.

I digress. So I watched Craigs list for weeks until I saw just what I wanted. A sport bike with a seized engine for less than $600. Bought it for $500 and hauled it home. Pulled the motor out and got to work cleaning and painting the frame. Two months of nights and a few weekends, a lot of research and $2500 later and I have what I had hoped for, a way to get around that uses zero fuel and does not emit greenhouse gases.

Here are the specs:

• Stock weight before: 450lbs, Now: 495lbs
• 5 deep cycle batteries for 60 volts of power
• 18 hp electric DC motor and controller
• Custom made dash with electronic battery monitoring system
• 6 onboard chargers
• Tires: big fatty in the back, little skinny in the front.
• Custom made hard anodized aluminum rear sprocket 72 tooth, front is 15 tooth
• Top speed at 80% power limited at 45mph 0-45mph at 4.5sec according to GPS
• Fully programmable computer controlled motor controller
• All components MADE IN THE USA!
• 8-10 hr. recharge time
• 30 mile range
• Bike was originally a 150hp Honda CBR600f2 crotch rocket

This thing exceeded all my expectations when I was done.

- Chris Murphy, GOPC Staff

SPARKcon is a conference and showcase dedicated to connecting the local creative community in the Triangle area of North Carolina. In short it’s a platform for local talent to show their stuff and have a say in our community.

By talent, we mean scientific as well as artistic, geeky and musical. It takes a “creative ecosystem” to have a vibrant scene. SPARKcon’s aim is to recognize and support all the people who work to make local talent shine.

A 100% volunteer effort organized with an “Open Source” approach, each SPARK is created by individuals who are deeply embedded in specific local scenes. Using a combination of networking and open call-for-participants, these organizers have aimed to create the most diverse and representative events to show off local talent. In so doing, many have found success at creating new and lasting connections across disparate creative scenes.

September 19-21, 2008 - Downtown Raleigh

» Learn More at sparkcon.com

The NC Division of Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance is working with the NC Department of Agriculture to coordinate recycling stations for the collection of plastic bottles and aluminum cans throughout the fairgrounds during the 2008 NC State Fair. We are seeking volunteers to help staff these stations to prevent contamination of the recyclables. The fair will be held in Raleigh off Blue Ridge Road Thursday, Oct 16, 2008-Sunday, Oct 26, 2008.

There will be 4 recycling stations throughout the fairgrounds that need 2 volunteers per station per shift. The stations will be located by Dorton Arena, the Midway, the Green NC booth and by the Village of Yesteryear. The shifts will be 3 hours each starting at 10AM and ending at 10PM. Volunteers will NOT need to haul or sort recyclables but will be asked to communicate with the public about sorting their recyclables from regular trash. Volunteers will be given:

1. A worker day pass to get into the fair for free to work their shift
2. A parking pass (if you sign up to work 2, 3 hour shifts - they do not need to be consecutive shifts)
3. Fair t-shirt
4. Gloves

Keep in mind, parking is very limited and using the Park and Ride may still be your best option to get to the fairgrounds. Bus passes may be available.

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete this FORM with the preferred days and times you can work, along with the location you would like to be stationed at. NC DPPEA will contact you closer to the event to confirm your date, time and station.

Get great, up-to-date, recycling and social marketing information at RE3.org’s blog.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 15, 2008
Contact: Jon Pishney, 919-733-7450 x304, jonathan.pishney@ncmail.net

RALEIGH — The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, an agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is proud to spearhead a national initiative called Take A Child Outside week. Now in its second year, this program was inspired by Richard Louv’s book “Last Child in the Woods,” which identifies the benefits of outdoor experiences for children and addresses some of the problems of what he terms ‘nature deficit disorder,’ such as increased feelings of stress, trouble paying attention and feelings of being disconnected from the world.

The Museum’s experience with, and commitment to, getting children outdoors led to the development of Take A Child Outside week, scheduled for Sept. 24-30. According to the event’s creator Liz Baird, “the Museum hopes to inspire even more parents, teachers and caregivers to take children outdoors and help reacquaint them with nature.” This summer, Gov. Easley officially proclaimed Sept. 24-30 as Take A Child Outside week, noting that “in an era when many children believe that computers are more important than nature, it is vital for parents to introduce their children to the outdoors as an essential part of their education.”

On the Take A Child Outside web site , adults can make a promise to take a child outside during the week. After their outing, they can return and post a description of where they went and what they did, or read about other people’s adventures. There is a list of possible activities to do outdoors if the adults need inspiration. Additionally, they can search the nation (and beyond) for partners in the Take A Child Outside effort. Teachers who make a pledge and take their classes outside will receive a discount coupon from Great Outdoor Provision Co.

Baird, who is also the director of school programs for the Museum, says the event’s reach and popularity has been pleasantly surprising. Last year, more than 160 organizations signed on as partners representing 38 states and two foreign countries (Canada and Belize). This year the reach will be even greater, with more than 250 partners, including ones in Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. Additionally, Louv is scheduled to speak and attend a book signing at the Greensboro Montessori School Thursday, September 25.

You can also venture outside with Museum educators to explore a variety of habitats — including a piedmont prairie, woodlands, a lowland forest and a pond — on Tuesday, September 30 from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at the Museum’s Prairie Ridge Ecostation in west Raleigh. Guided walks will begin every 30 minutes, with the last walk at 6 p.m. The Great Outdoor Provision Company has donated $500 worth of outdoor equipment to be given away at this event! For directions and more information on Prairie Ridge, visit naturalsciences.org/prairieridge. Dover Foundation of Shelby is also a sponsor of Take A Child Outside week.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh documents and interprets the natural history of the state through exhibits, research, collections, publications and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sun., noon-5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Museum online at naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.

Sept. 27, 2008
10 am – 12 pm
Sponsored by: North Carolina Sea Grant

CMAST (Center for Marine Sciences and Technology)
303 College Circle - Morehead City, NC

Come and learn the latest tackle and techniques for kayak angling from professional fishing guides. Participants also will learn about current research in recreational fisheries, including speckled trout and red drum tagging projects.

This event is FREE and open to the public.

For directions to CMAST, visit cmast.ncsu.edu/directions.php

Equipment provided by:

• Great Outdoor Provision Co.
• Heritage Kayaks
• Hurricane Kayaks
• Wilderness Systems

For more information about the event contact Brian Efland at 252/222-6314 or brian_efland@ncsu.edu

It’s not news that Great Outdoor Provision Co. gives back to the environment. Nor is it news that we attempt to participate as much as possible with local community groups who have similar goals as us. (check out our 4th Annual Coat Swap) But did you know that in addition to what we do, most of the companies whose brands you find in our shops also give back?

It’s been said before of course, but take a look at some specifics and become enlightened and inspired! We did!

Burt’s Bees donated a record $2 million for a land purchase in Maine to help conserve 185,000 acres of land – and by the way, if you’ve not tried Burt’s Beeswax Lip Balm, it’s a must-have for the upcoming cool weather. Made of over 95% all natural ingredients and at three bucks a tube, it’s a steal!

Patagonia was the first company to use post consumer recycled materials (PCR) back in 1993. Today, they use some of the same materials plus some new ones – who’d have thought that Capilene baselayer would be made partly using recycled soda bottles?! In addition, Patagonia begs for your worn out gear – be sure to check out the Common Threads Recycling bin in our shop. Patagonia spins it down and reuses the materials for fresh stuff! Check out some of the work Patagonia has been part of: http://www.patagonia.com/pdf/en_US/Environmental_Grants_2008.pdf (There are 10 organizations right here in North Carolina that received grants last year!)

We all love their soft t-shirts and cozy pjs, but did you know that Life is good has a Life is good Kids Foundation? That’s right… Life is good indeed for boys and girls who need a little extra help. One hundred percent of all fundraising at Life is good company festivals is donated directly to the foundation. There were festivals in Nags Head and Wilmington over this past summer.

The North Face recently contributed $1 million to the Conservation Alliance to initiate a Legacy Fund. In addition, they are committed to reducing their carbon footprint by offsetting energy use with wind energy through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation’s Green-e Climate Certified Renewable Energy Credits.

Chaco periodically collects old but usable sandals from customers and donates them to people in poverty stricken areas around the world. Next time you’re on the road traveling, don’t be surprised if you see your old kicks down that beaten path!

Whether its giving back to the environment, to our communities, or both – we hope you’re as proud as we are of the brands we carry. We pick only the best… in every way.

And for the record, Kermit the frog was originally constructed of an old ladies’ coat that had been tossed into a refuse bin… his eyes were ping pong balls. I’d like to think in 1969 when he sang “It’s not easy bein’ green” on Sesame Street, it was because he’d been stripped of his original 1955 recycled construction.

Ginger Dail is a sales associate at our Greenville Shop

NC Wildlife Photo Competition - Going on now!

3rd Place - Outdoor Recreation
Scott Hubener, Asheville
Climbing Shiprock, Blue Ridge Parkway

Check out more of last year’s winners!

Beautiful images of the natural wonders of North Carolina have inspired generations of people to be better stewards of our precious natural resources. The Wildlife in North Carolina Photo Competition aims to encourage people to participate in nature photography, thereby fostering greater appreciation of North Carolina’s wildlife and wild places.

Great Outdoor Provision Co. is proud to sponsor this great competition.

» Enter Online thru Sept 15

Saturday, October 18

View pictures of the trash:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tpcolson/sets/72157604414321472/

Volunteers are needed for a “clean sweep” removal of trash near Robeson Creek Boat Ramp on Jordan Lake on Saturday, Oct. 18, starting at 8 am. Several groups are collaborating with the project to help remove a large area of trash floating on the water that could impair wildlife in the area, including a nesting pair of bald eagles, ospreys and egrets.

“There is no land access to this part of the land, so we especially need volunteers with boats,” said Tom Colson..

“The main purpose of the event is to perform a preliminary trash pick-up effort to assess how much trash is present and to identify what we need to do to remove all the trash,” Colson said.

The clean sweep day was planned when local officials identified a large amount of trash in Jordan Lake that had collected immediately downstream of where the Haw River drains into the lake.

A site inspection revealed several dozen tons of trash, including thousands of recyclable bottles, hundreds of tires, coolers, orange highway barrels, styrofoam, and balls covering dozens of acres of shoreline. In some places, the mat of trash floating on the water is so wide and thick that it could be
detrimental to the habitat of Jordan Lake wildlife.

The trash site is about a 45-minute paddle from the Robeson Creek Boat Ramp. Chatham County’s Waste Management Department will provide dumpsters at boat ramp. The group will be concentrating on an area near the boat ramp that appears to have the worst concentration of trash and is also home to several ospreys, egrets, and a nesting pair of bald eagles, Colson said.

“We need boat owner volunteers the most. Anything that floats will do, but some motor boats are needed to move the trash,” Colson said. Boats that hold at least six passengers would also be ideal, but boat owners must make sure that they have enough life vests for all passengers.

The group also needs at least one “hanger queen” boat as a place to dump muddy tires, without having to worry about scrubbing the decks. “A 27-foot Grady White wouldn’t fit in here, but an 18-foot Carolina Skiff is perfect for this purpose,” Colson said.

Other volunteers needed include:

At least 30 trash sweepers, who will ride in boats (their own or someone else’s) to the trash site, where they will collect trash and move it to loading points.

At least six boat loaders, who will pick up collected trash at the loading points and put it in boats. Colson noted that this could be the most uncomfortable task, because it will involve being wet much of the time and possibly wearing chest waders. “Comfort level depends on how close we can get the boats to the shore, which depends on the types of boats that show up to help out.”

Four to six dock workers to remove trash from boats and put it on the dock, sort and catalog the trash and make sure the trash goes into the right waste container.

Colson reminds potential volunteers that there are no bathrooms or running water in the work area. “It may be hot and sweaty and you can count on being muddy and dirty. We need people who can work in the woods or water for six to eight hours in these conditions.”

All volunteers need to bring boots, long pants, bug repellent (ticks and chiggers), water to drink and their own lunch. “We are seeking small donations beverages and lunch, but are not sure if this will happen. We would also like to get donations to cover the cost of gas for the boats, trash bags and gloves for volunteers, so please contact me at 919-630-2569 if you can help out,” Colson said.

All boats and volunteers need to be at the Robeson Creek Boat Ramp by 8 am. The ramp is located off of Hanks Chapel Road, which is on the east side of Pittsboro, just off of US 64.

“All of these groups and the citizens of the state that depend on Jordan Lake for recreation and water supply greatly appreciate any help that volunteers can provide. We are hoping that the volunteers’ efforts will identify the need for a comprehensive trash removal effort, followed by an educational program aimed at reducing trash. This will benefit the entire Cape Fear Watershed,” Colson added.

Time: Saturday, October 18th, 2008
8AM until 5PM(ish)

Place. Robeson Boat Ramp, Jordan Lake
Boat volunteers: Please coordinate with Tom Colson. We are asking that boats be launched and docked by 0800.

All other volunteers. Please indicate to Tom Colson your willingness to participate in this exciting event!

Raleigh Wide Open III (aka Convention Center Grand Opening) has already begun & is going up against Hanna. Pack up the rain jacket and get out to be local! Some of the music has been moved up an hour…Read More.

Official Raleigh Wide Open Schedule (PDF)

Stop by the shop for new rain jackets from Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, & Mountain Hardwear.