FALL 2014

BIKE SHOP SKILL CLINICS EQUIPMENT RENTAL PRO SHOPADVENTURE TRIPS

2 Canyoneering in Arches National Park

ADVENTURE WITH ORAC

The Outdoor Recreation Adventure Center (ORAC) is dedicated to providing high-quality customer service, interactive programs, and safe, environmentally friendly outdoor trips for the campus community. If you are looking to diversify your outlook on the outdoors, join us. We love to take beginners outdoors, so even if you have no experience, you can feel confident signing up for a trip.

Trip registration takes place either by phone or in our office in the Peston Center. All enrollment is first come, first serve. Our trips fill fast, so don’t wait.

270-745-6545

SPRING AND FALLMonday - Friday: 12pm - 6pm

SUMMERMonday: 12pm - 6pmTuesday - Thursday: 12pm - 4pmFriday: 12pm - 6pm

REGISTER TODAY

PHONE

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FALL SCHEDULE

CLINICS/EVENTS

*S = Student/University*G = Guest

All pre-trip meetings are held in the Preston Center meeting room. For more information on trips and events, see pages 6-13

Date Event LocationPrice

9/39/1710/1010/1511/19

Movie/S’mores The ValleyMulti-Purpose Room

Intro to Map & Compass WKU Field CampusS’mores South Lawn

Intro to Cold Weather Camping

Multi-Purpose Room

Intro to Trip Planning

1/4 - 1/11 Wilderness First Responder

Diddle Arena $525

S G

Free!Free!

$5Free!Free

$10

$575

TRIPSPriceDate Trip Location

9/59/69/79/12 - 9/14

9/26 - 9/2810/2 - 10/5

10/17 - 10/19

10/1110/12

10/31 - 11/211/21 - 11/301/12 - 1/19

Sunset Paddle Nolin River, KYRock Island State Park, TN

Day Rock Climbing King’s Bluff, TNWhitewater kayak/Raft Hiwassee/Ocoee, TN

Rock Climbing Jackson Falls, ILBackpacking Appalachian Trail, NCMtn Biking Mammoth Cave, KYDay Hiking Nolin Lake, KY

Rock Climbing Red River Gorge, KYBackpacking Sheltowee Trace, KYBackpacking Grand Canyon, AZDog Sledding Northern Minnesota

Swim/Hike

S G

9/15 - 10/13 Mtn Bike/Trail Run Weldon Peete Park

$10 $15$10 $15$10 $15$70 N/A

Free$40 $50$75 $85$10 $15$10 $15$40 $50$40 $50

$350 $400$400 $450

ABOUT TRIPSOur trips are based on the common adventurer philosophy. We value group partitipation, input, and leadership. The ORAC staff oversees these decisions, but we believe participants get the most out of an experience by being actively involved in the outcome of the trip. We believe taking people outdoors and outside their comfort zones helps foster a spirit of togetherness.

Most trips are filled before the pre-trip meeting, so be sure to sign up early to guarantee yourself a spot. All trips are beginner friendly. Even if you have zero experience, you can feel confident signing up.

All your transportation, equipment, guiding services, and lodging are included in the trip cost. Just bring your clothing, food, camera, and an open mind.

Our clinics are designed to teach new skills. We teach in engaging ways with different learning styles in mind. If you’ve ever wanted to get a taste of outdoor skills or simply wanted to try something new, clinics are the way to go.

ABOUT CLINICS

WHEN TO SIGN UP

HERE’S WHAT YOU GETAll trips are counted as WellU® credit. WellU® is a program that is designed to help the student body connect with programs and services that promote healthy habits and success in both the classroom and daily life. In short, WellU® helps incentivize students to engage in healthy activities. Register now online at wku.edu/awellu

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Sunset Paddle Location: Nolin Lake, KYDate: 9/5 3:30pm - 9pmPre-Trip Meeting: N/A Cost: $10 University, $15 Guest

Join us on our kickoff trip! Learn to canoe on one of the best lakes in the area. Paddle until the sun goes down and end the evening with s’mores.

Swimming/HikingLocation: Rock Island State Park, TNDate: 9/6 8:30am - 6:30 pmPre-Trip Meeting: N/A Cost: $15 University, $20 Guest

Like waterfalls? Rock Island State Park is a great place to hike, swim, and relax. You will spend the morning and early afternoon exploring the iconic waterfall pools until your hands get pruny.

Day Rock Climbing Location: King’s Bluff, TNDate: 9/7 8:30am - 5pmPre-Trip Meeting: N/A Cost: $10 University, $15 Guest

Test your body and your mind on the limestone cliffs of King’s Bluff. Located just an hour from Bowling Green, King’s Bluff is a great place to learn the basics of rock climbing. Learn to tie knots, belay, and climb in this action packed day trip.

DAY TRIPS

Mountain BikingLocation: Mammoth CaveDate: 10/11 9am - 3pmPre-Trip Meeting: N/A Cost: $10 University, $15 Guest

Tackle the brand new mountain biking trails in Mammoth Cave National Park. These winding single track trails offer enough to keep the beginner and intermediate rider satisfied.

Ice climbing in Cedar Falls, IA

Mtn Bike/Trail Run MondaysLocation: Weldon Peete ParkDate: Mondays 9/15 - 10/13 @ 5:30pmPre-Trip Meeting: N/A Cost: Free! ($5 for bike rental)

Bowling Green has a mountain biking/hiking trail! Join us Monday evenings in September and October for mountain biking or trail running. You choose. Bring your own bike or rent one of ours for $5. Meet at the ORAC office at 5:30pm and we’ll head over to Weldon Peete.

Day HikingLocation: Nolin Lake, KYDate: 10/12 9am - 5pmPre-Trip Meeting: N/A Cost: $10 University, $15 Guest

Enjoy a relaxing day hike along the shores of beautiful Nolin Lake. Take in the crisp fall air and great views just an hour away from Bowling Green.

Above: Canoeing the Harpeth river, TNBottom Left: A fireside chat on the Appalchian TrailBottom Right: Fall break on the Appalachian Trail

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Prickly pear cactus

Steven Amusan

Photo contest winner

WEEKEND TRIPS

Rock Climbing Location: Red River Gorge, KYDates: 10/17 - 10/19Pre-Trip Meetings: 10/15 @ 7pm Cost: $40 University, $50 Guest

Enjoy a weekend of instruction and skills build-ing in one of the most premiere climbing areas in the world. “The Red” boasts thousands of routes to challenge both novice and expert climbers. This trip will introduce the fundamentals of rock climbing in one of the most beautiful settings in Kentucky.

Rock ClimbingLocation: Jackson Falls, ILDate: 9/26 - 9/28Pre-Trip Meeting: 9/24 @ 7pmCost: $40 University, $50 Guest

Jackson Falls houses the largest number of climbing routes in Illinois. Located in the Shawnee National Forest, these sandstone cliffs are great for beginners to learn to climb.

Whitewater Kayaking/RaftingLocation: Hiwassee & Ocoee rivers, TNDate: 9/12 - 9/14Pre-Trip Meeting: 9/10 @ 7pmCost: $70 University, No Guest

Eastern Tennesse boasts some of the best whitewater in the region. The Hiwassee and Ocoee Rivers are great places to learn to whitewater kayak and raft. Wind your kayak down class I and II+ rapids, warm-ing up for rafting class IIIs and IVs. This weekend will be full of laughs, rapids, and great views.

BackpackingLocation: Appalachian Trail, NC Date: 10/2 - 10/5Pre-Trip Meeting: 9/24 @ 8pmCost: $75 University, $85 Guest

This is the granddad of all hiking trails. Strap on your pack and hike through Great Smoky Mountain National Park during this fall break getaway. October is prime time to visit the Applachians so don’t miss this opportunity for stunning views and good company.

Black-eyed Susan

Ice climbers on belay

Canoeing down the Rio Grande river

BackpackingLocation: Sheltowee Trace, KY Date: 10/31 - 11/2Pre-Trip Meeting: 10/29 @ 7pmCost: $40 University, $50 Guest

The 260 mile Sheltowee Trace brings hikers through the Daniel Boone National Forest. You will spend a weekend learning the basics of backpacking from how to pack a backpack to how to start a fire. Enjoy the cooler, bug free weather over Halloween weekend.

9Riverside campsite in the Grand Canyon

The ORAC Photo Contest is Back!Want your photo to be in an ORAC brochure? Submit your pictures on the ORAC Facebook page or to benjamin.phaneuf333@wku.edu. One photo will be selected from the submissions based on creativity, originality, technical quality, and the degree to which the photo showcases the spirit of an ORAC trip. The winner will have their photo in an ORAC brochure. Visit our office for more details.

Backpacking Location: Grand Canyon, AZDates: 11/21 - 11/30Pre-Trip Meetings: 10/29 @ 8pm 11/19 @ 6pmCost: $350 University, $400 Guest

Take a deep breath...you’re at the Grand Canyon! What better way to spend Thanksgiving dinner than in the most famous canyon on earth? This weeklong expedition will take you down all the way to the Colorado River and back making for great photos and lifelong memories.

DogsleddingLocation: Boundary Waters, MN Date: 1/12/15 - 1/19/15Pre-Trip Meeting: 12/3 @ 7pmCost: $400 University, $450 Guest

Spend winter break in the wonderland of northern Minnesota. Your week will include dogsledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and relaxing by a fire. This lodge-based trip even includes a wood burning sauna by a frozen lake (jump in if you feel brave!). Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

EXTENDED TRIPS

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11Evening rappel off Corona Arch, Moab, UT

CLINICS & EVENTS

Movie/S’moresLocation: The ValleyDate: 9/3 @ 8:30pmCost: Free!

Watch a movie while you stuff your face with s’mores! Join us and have some fun during the first week of school.

Intro to Trip PlanningLocation: Multi-purpose room (Preston)Date: 9/17 @ 7pm - 9pmCost: Free!

Planning a trip can be just as fun as actualizing. This clinic will focus on logistics, group dynamics, food, gear, and much more. Don’t let the ins and outs of trip planning intimidate you any longer!

Intro to Map and CompassLocation: WKU Field CampusDate: 10/10 @ 3pm - 7pmCost: $5 University, $10 Guest

Ever wanted to learn to navigate? Organized like a scavenger hunt, this clinic will teach you to use a map and compass. Your goal will be to locate items in the woods to make a complete meal. Your own dinner will be your reward! We will meet at ORAC and drive to the Field Campus

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Gearing for a rappel in Arches National Park

Making breakfast before rafting the Ocoee

Cold Weather Camping BasicsLocation: Muli-purpose room (Preston)Date: 11/19 @ 7pm - 9pmCost: Free!

Despite what many may think, adventuring in the cold can be just as enjoyable as camping in warmer weather. Learn the basics of layering, the importance of staying hydrated, what gear you need, how to stay warm, and much more.

S’mores NightLocation: Preston Center South LawnDate: 10/15 @ 5pm - 6pmCost: Free!

Make a standard s’more or make something wild! All ingredients and supplies will be provided. Just bring your appetite and a smile.

Wilderness First ResponderLocation: Diddle ArenaDate: 1/4/15 - 1/11/15Cost: $525 University, $575 Guest

This 80 hour course takes a comprehensive, in-depth look at backcountry medicine. Participants can expect hands-on learning with field experience, spanning topics from basic first aid to how to treat anaphylactic shock in the wilderness. Contingent participants pass all exams, they will receive a three year WFR certification.

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Spotted orb weaver

Launching on the Hiwassee

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River crossing, NC

Mtn biking in Fruita, CO

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Water Equipment Day WeekendCanoe PackageCanoe TrailerSit-on-Top Kayak PackageDry Bag

Camping Equipment

Sleeping Bag

2 Person Tent4 Person Tent

Sleeping PadBackpackHeadlamp

$15 $25$40

$15 $25$8 $12

$6 $10$8 $14$6 $8$2 $4$8 $12$3 $6

$20

Week$50$60$50$25

$20$30$15$6

$20$12

Cooking EquipmentCooksetCamp Stove

Bike Equipment

Bike Rack

Mountain BikeHelmet

$2 $4$4

$15 $25$1 $3$4 $8

$2$10$10

$50$5$16

Recreation EquipmentFrisbeeRacquetball Racquet

$1 $2$3$1

$5$5

Climbing EquipmentBouldering PadHelmet

$5 $10$3$1

$20$5

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POLICIES

All equipment must be returned on time and in good order. Any late gear will be charged the daily use fee for the number of days past the return day. Any gear returned dirty or wet will be charged a $25/hour cleaning fee. Damaged equipment will be subject to the appropriate replacement fee at the discretion of the ORAC staff.

NEED GEAR?

Want to go on your own trip? We have gear to make your adventure happen. Our prices rival any major outdoor rental program.

Top: A top belay in the “Red”Right: Hell Hole rapid, Ocoee riverBelow: Black Diamond #4Below Right: Hiwassee launchsiteRight Corner: Spring peeper

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16 Sunrise in Fruita, CO

REPAIRS

Have an issue with your bike? ORAC offers a full service bike shop for all your repair needs. General repairs will be done within a week and routine tire changes will usually be done that day.

PARTS

We stock various bike components from handlebar grips to rear derailleurs. Purchase the parts and install them yourself or let us do the work for you.

FUJI BIKES

ORAC is an authorized FUJI dealer. Whether you’re looking for a mountain bike to hit the trails or a road bike to break records, we can get you outfitted. Stop by or call our office for more details.

PARKTOOL

If you need a tool for your bike, we have it. We stock ParkTool brand tools and equipment at competitive prices. Use these coupled with our do-it-yourself bike stand to work on your own bike.

Individual Service PriceComplete Tune-Up $35

$95Bearing Adjustment $15Repack Bearing $20 / SurfaceBrake Adjustment $5 and upGear Adjustment $5 and upTube Replacement $5Clean and Oil $20Wrap Bars $20True Wheel $10 EachNew Cable $7 EachNew Housing $6 EachBuild-Youth Bike $45

Complete Overhaul

Build-Adult BikeComprehensive Build

$75$125

BIKE SHOP

*Price indicates labor charge only

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PARTICIPANT PROFILE

Steven is a graduate student from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Wisconsin in River Falls. He is finishing his MBA later this year. He has accompanied ORAC on the past two spring break trips: Arkansas canoeing and rock climbing and Utah rock climbing, mountain biking, and canyoneering.

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Steven Amusan

What was your first outdoor experience?

“It was the summer between my junior and senior year of undergrad. I became bored with summer campus life and needed something different on my own. I looked up a website called trails.com and decided to hike a nearby trail in Redwing, Minnesota. It was a hot and humid day, but I had a great time. Before Redwing, I had zero outdoor experience.”

Was it difficult to make the first step to go on that hike?

“It was not difficult at all. I already had that motivation to do something new; to try something different. There were local trails but I chose to go somewhere different and unfamiliar.”

When did your excitement about the outdoors calcify?

“It was cool to be outside alone in nature at Redwing. I was able to reflect and rejuvenate. On the bluff overlooking the nearby town, I wondered how many more views were like this one. I wanted to do more. I began to go to local state parks and continue to seek adventure and time outdoors. “

19Climbing at the “Ice Cream Parlor”, Moab, UT

Desert yoga

Did you know about ORAC when you first enrolled at WKU?

“No I didn’t. I saw a trip list poster outside the ORAC office one day. I saw the Arkansas spring break trip and thought it sounded great. I signed up right away.”

Did signing up alone intimidate you?

“I wanted to try something new with strangers. I look forward to new experiences. Like I said, I had the motivation to do something outside my routine. I look forward to those places and experiences I’m not familiar with.”

Do you plan to sign up for more ORAC trips?

“Most definitely. I like the long trips; trips that offer a break from the normal. I like to get away. I like the opportunity to forget about my daily responsibilities and just be.”

Western Kentucky University is an equal opportunity institution of higher education and upon request provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. www.wku.edu/eoo ©2014 Western Kentucky University. Printing paid from state funds, KRS 57.375

Preston Center1906 College Heights BlvdBowling Green, KY42101

wku.edu/orac

@wkuoracFront Cover: Making the climb to Horseshoe Mesa, Grand Canyon, AZBelow: Steven wrestling with desert sandstone