September, 2003
Mountain Adventure Seminars (MAS) has created a monthly newsletter for the greater MAS community. Our mission is to provide information that is both informative and enjoyable. Please note that your email address will never be sold or shared. If you would prefer not to receive this publication then please go to the bottom of this email to unsubscribe. Otherwise sit back and let yourself dream and inspire.
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MAS News:
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Bear Valley is preparing for the Bear Valley Bike Festival coming up this September 20-21. Located at 7,000 feet in the California Alps Region along Highway 4, Bear Valley offers incredible road and mountain biking opportunities for the novice to expert die-hards. The Bear Valley Bike Fest is a great event to meet other riders and sample some of the best and fun-filled cycling in the Sierra!
MAS Special:
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1st Annual MAS Alumni Rock Climbing Weekend is happening October 25-26 in Bear Valley, CA. This special program is for anyone who has participated in an MAS course and is priced at only $30/day or $50/weekend. This is a great opportunity to enjoy Bear Valley rock climbing with new and old friends. All ages and abilities welcome, as a number of MAS guides will be present to set top-ropes and conduct educational clinics throughout the weekend. Space is limited so reserve your space soon.
MAS Guide Tip:
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Does the prospect of putting your hands and feet into a crack and moving upward dampen your climbing spirits? Don't fret, out of all rock climbing skills, crack climbing is the most difficult to master. Below are several resources to help you learn more about crack climbing. With a little effort and practice you should be cruising the crack with smile in no time.
Crack Climbing Resources:
• "Jamming up the Cracks" - an article on basic hand and foot jams (PDF - 147k)
• "Climb Those Nasty Cracks" - good overview from basic through advanced
• Cool .mpg video clips of "Karate Crack" @ Smith Rocks #1 - 645k or 2.7mb
    #2 - 705k or 2.95mb
    #3 - 650k or 2.72mb
    #4 - 570k or 2.37mb
• "Coconut Tree Climbing Technique" - who knows, this might be useful some day
MAS Photo Album:
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Bouldering in Bear Valley is a great way to improve your technique, build strength and have a great time with friends. It is not uncommon for MAS staff members and friends to spend the afternoon's hanging-out at one of the many bouldering sites in the Bear Valley area. If your in the area feel free to stop by BaseCamp to "rally the troops" for some bouldering.

• Bear Valley Bouldering Photos (give this page a few minutes to download)
• Bear Valley Bouldering/Climbing Map