Trip Initiator’s Clinic___
Wednesday and Friday, January 14 and 16
Become an OP trip initiator: it's easy. The first night covers OP philosophy, liability,
trip planning, and procedures. Thursday we'll go over the use of the equipment
facility (The Barn), the gear, vehicles, safety procedures, and more. Attendance at
both sessions is required to become a trip initiator. Free!
Wednesday, 5:30 pm: Outdoor Program
Friday, 5:30 pm: OP Barn
Introduction to Telemark Skiing
Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17
The OP and the City of Eugene Riverhouse are excited to be working together to
offer you a unique opportunity to learn the art of freeheel skiing. The evening
session will cover the equipment and techniques of the sport, with film footage of
local telemarkers to inspire you. The Saturday Level l class (levels II and III are also
offered) is designed for those new to telemark, but with some skiing experience
(backcountry, basic tele or basic alpine). Pre-register and pay at the OP Office or the
City of Eugene Riverhouse. Telemark gear required; telemark rentals are available
at Berg's Ski Shop. Discount lift tickets available with pre-registration. Lesson
$20. Lesson w/lift ticket $44.
Friday, 5:30 pm, Outdoor Program
Saturday, 10:00 am-12:30 pm, Local Ski Area TBA
The Broom of Allah:____
Big Wall Climbing in the Sahara Desert
Tuesday, January 20
Big wall climber and photographer, Paul Piana, returns to UO to host his latest
inspiring presentation. Paul Piana is a product of the most technically difficult
climbs in the world. He has discovered that the most forbidding and untrodden
places on our planet are the soaring rock walls of the world greatest mountain
ranges. This time Paul takes us to the vast Sahara Desert and The Hand of Fatima.
For thousands of years, camels have tracked across lonesome Saharan sands to an
oasis with the magic name of Timbuktu. Timbuktu is in Mali, and today the country
is plagued by drought, political turmoil and social unrest. Less than a hundred
miles south of Timbuktu, along the Bandiagara escarpment, old ways survive. Here,
bare hands and feet of Dogon tribesman climb cliffs to bury their dead in funerary
caves perched hundreds of feet above their villages. Here, Paul and his climbing
partners meet the Dogon people and explore a 1400-foot new route up the severely
overhanging outside corner of the little finger on Fatima's Hand. Don’t miss this
stunning and dramatic multimedia show by one of the sport's most inspiring
climbers. $2 students and OP Co-op members, $4 general admission.
Tuesday, 7:30 pm, 100 Willamette Hall
OP Kayak Pool Sessions__
Wednesdays, January 21, 28, and February 4,11,18
Get ready to roll! Practice your skills in a warm, supportive environment. The
Outdoor Program has reserved pool space at Gerlinger Pool on the UO Campus
for five skill builder sessions. An OP staff person will be on hand to offer informal
tips but instruction is not provided. A small pool means that space will fill quickly.
Reserve your spot by prepaying at the OP Office. Pool Session: $3 UO students and
OP Co-op members, $5 general admission, OP Kayak Rental $5 (first-come basis).
Wednesdays, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Gerlinger Pool
Introduction to Cross-Country Skiing
Saturday, January 24
Discover why cross-country skiing is such a timeless and satisfying way to glide into
the snowy backcountry. OP staff will share what they know about travelling up and
down hills, and have you kicking and gliding like a pro in no time! Follow-up trips
will be planned at the completion of the clinic. Bring your own skis or rent from
local ski shops. Pre-register and pay $5 transportation fee at the OP Office.
Saturday, 9:00 am: OP Barn
Pre-Trip Thursday, Jan 22, 5:30 pm: Outdoor Program
introduction to Snowshoeing
Sunday, January 23
Snowshoeing really is as easy and fun as you've heard. Come get out on the snow
and see for yourself what a great way to travel this is. Backcountry snow boarders,
snow hikers, and anyone who is curious about this ancient method of winter travel
are welcome. Rent the OP's shoes for $3 or bring your own. Pre-register and pay $5
transportation fee at the OP Office.
Sunday, 9:00 am: OP Barn
Avalanche Awareness Clinic
Wednesday, January 28 and Sunday, February 1
The OP is joining forces with the City of Eugene River House to offer an informative
two-part avalanche awareness clinic designed to introduce basic principles
of avalanche awareness and backcountry travel in suspect areas. The evening
presentation is free; you'll learn about snow characteristics, route finding, and
rescue techniques. The optional field trip cost is $40, and provides the opportunity
to practice beacon searches, probe lines and snow assessment. Preregister and pay
for the field trip at the OP; no preregistration required for the evening presentation
which is free and open to all.
Wednesday, Jan 28, 6:00-8:00pm: Outdoor Program
Sunday, Feb 1, 8:00 am » 6:00 pm: Hilyard Center at 2580 Hilyard Street
Indoor Rock Climbing Session
Saturdays, Jan 31, and Feb 7,14, and 28
Want to discover, or improve, your rock climbing skills while meeting other capable
climbers? The OP has reserved time on the Student Recreation Center (SRC)
Rock Wall on the UO campus for four skill builder sessions. Instruction is not
provided but belayers are. This is a great opportunity to build an OP rock climbing
community and practice, practice, practice. When warm weather arrives we'll be
ready to climb Smith Rocks, Flagstone, Joshua Tree and more! Reserve your spot
by prepaying at the OP Office. You must get belay checked at the SRC Rock Wall
before the sessions begin. Rock Climbing cost is $4 per session if you have your
own gear (harness/shoes/belay device) or $6 if you need gear. It's time to climb and
all skill levels are welcome!
Saturdays, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm: UO-SRC Rockwall
Oregon's Best Wildland Destinations
Thursday, February 5
Sometimes small is better; that's our thinking with this presentation by an old and
dear friend of the OP, Bruce Johnson, Bruce was a participant and photographer
on many of the OP's very first outings, way back in the 1960's! Since that time he
has become an amazing photographer. The OP has invited Bruce to come show
us some of his greatest photos and talk about some of Oregon's best destinations,
right in the heart of where it all started- the Outdoor Program Resource Room. It'll
be a family-style presentation with a bit of OP history too. Join us for this intimate
presentation by an OP friend. Free.
Thursday, 7:30 pm: Outdoor Program
Kayaking off the Edge of the Tibetan Plateau
Wednesday, February 18
Last summer, OP staff member Travis Winn helped organize two exploratory
white-water kayaking expeditions in Western China, where the rivers drop off
the edge of Tibetan Plateau. During his adventures he and the rest of his team
found themselves with the rare opportunity to contribute to the introduction
of whitewater kayaking in China. Within 48 hours of their arrival, they found
themselves "first descenting" miles of Class 5 rapids, with hundreds of eyes
watching their every move, wondering about this strange and exciting sport. Soon
they found themselves signing autographs, teaching people the Eskimo roll, and
eating fish heads with famous Chinese rafters. All this in the stunning, remote
geography on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, amongst the gracious,
inquisitive and increasingly adventure-oriented people of China. Come re-live
Travis's adventures and learn about the future of whitewater in China through this
fascinating, multi-media presentation. Free.
Wednesday, 7:30 pm: 100 Willamette Hall
Biking Outside the Lines:
International Incidents and Other Misadventures with the Metal Cowboy
Wednesday, February 25
The LA Times calls him "A Modem Day Mark Twain". Portland-based satirist,
misadventure cyclist, and author Joe Kurmaskie, first grabbed our attention with
his book entitled: "Metal Cowboy: Tales from the Road Less Pedalled" which
was a tremendous success. Many of you may have had the chance to enjoy Joe’s
performance last year with Willie Weir. Now, Joe has a new book about the tales
and tribulations of biking where others fear to tread and he'll bring his stories and
slides to the UO for an entertaining evening of mayhem, suspect advice and a lots
of laughs. The OP is proud to be co-sponsoring this event with the UO Bookstore,
Burley Design Coop, Bike Friday, and Collins Bicycle Shop. Free!
Wednesday, 7:00 pm: 100 Willamette Hall
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