Press Release

September 1, 2000
Patrick Campion, [email protected]

 

September Events

Welcome to REI Events Update. The events program picks up the pace again in September with a mix of interesting presenters and destinations. September is Travel month at REI and we have series of events specifically targeted at the adventure traveler planning Winter and Spring getaways.

September 23rd is REI Member Appreciation Day. We will be holding a Gear Swap and Scratch & Dent Sale at both the Roseville and Bloomington stores. The day also includes a members sweepstakes and a low member number contest. Arctic Explorer and Minnesota resident, Lonnie Dupre will be at the Bloomington store on the 23rd to talk about his recent attempts to circumnavigate Greenland.

Each event includes a description, a date, a time and a location. If you have any questions, feel free to send an e-mail with your inquiry.

REI Bloomington 
494 & Lyndale       952/884-4315


REI Roseville
Cty B2 & Prior      651/635-0211
Shop on-line and sign up for REI's Gear Mail e-mail newsletter at http://www.rei.com

GENERAL PRESENTATIONS, CLINICS & EVENTS

GREENLAND EXPEDITION: Lonnie Dupre
Saturday, September 23rd at 2 PM
REI Bloomington

Minnesota resident and Arctic explorer Lonnie Dupre will share slides and tales from his epic attempt to circumnavigate Greenland by kayak and dog sledge. The International Greenland Expedition set off to travel 4,800 miles around this landmass, while using only traditional Inuit modes of travel. A presentation not to be missed.

HIKING THE BORDER ROUTE
Tuesday, September 19th at 7 PM
REI Bloomington

The Border Route Trail is a rugged wilderness trail that parallels the US/Canadian border in northern Minnesota. The trail, which bridges the gap between the Superior Hiking Trail and the Kekekabic Trail, provides a remote wilderness experience for avid hikers and backpackers. Chuck Hoffman of the Minnesota Rovers Outing Club will share what to expect on this trail, status of the trail clearing, and various options for day hiking and backpacking.

COLD WEATHER PADDLING
Wednesday, September 20th at 7 PM
REI Bloomington

Summer may have drawn to a close, but that certainly is not an excuse to put up your canoe or kayak for the year. Join Dale Eggert and Dennis Davidson from the Minnesota Canoe Association as they provide tips and insight on how to extend your paddling season.

INTRODUCTION TO GPS
Thursday, September 21st at 7 PM
REI Roseville

Our introductory clinic on Global Positioning Systems is back by popular demand. An experienced REI employee will give this informative clinic on the basics of using the GPS technology to aid you in your outdoors adventures. The clinic will also cover the differences between several of the models on the market today.

INTRO TO SEA KAYAKING
Mondays, September 11th & 18th at 7 PM
REI Bloomington

Join us for an insightful look at the exciting sport of sea kayaking. The presenter will speak in-depth about the sport of sea kayaking and the equipment associated with the activity. They will also discuss basic paddling techniques, safety and emergency procedures

TRAVEL CLINICS AND PRESENTATIONS

TREKKING IN NEPAL
Wednesday, September 13th at 7 PM
REI Bloomington

REI employee Jack Collis takes you on a tour of the land of mountains and monasteries. Join him for slides and information on Trekking in the Everest Region of Nepal. Experience the spectacular scenery and colorful people of the Khumbu region, as well as, Katamandu and Everest Base Camp.

HIMALAYA with JIM KLOBUCHAR
Thursday, September 14th at 7 PM
REI Roseville

Author-Adventurer Jim Klobuchar will take you to the highest and mightiest, the Himalaya Mountains. Klobuchar has climbed and led treks in the Himalaya for nearly 20 years and will be leading what he expects will be his valedictory hike to Everest base camp next spring. Jim calls trekking in the Himalaya "a love feast for all who have idealized the mountain world."

CLIMBING & EXPLORING IN SOUTH AMERICA
Thursday, September 28th at 7 PM
REI Roseville

REI employee Carrie Peterson recently returned from a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. She spent three weeks climbing in Ecuador, summiting Cotopaxi (19,800 ft) and Chimborazo (21,750 ft.). Carrie also spent 5 days exploring the Galapagos Islands, taking in the many unique animals the island is home to.

TIPS FOR ADVENTUROUS WOMEN
Tuesday, September 26th at 7 PM
REI Bloomington

Whether you are traveling in the wilderness or journeying abroad, alone or in a group, women uniquely share certain issues and concerns. Marian Marbury of Adventures in Good Company will start this clinic with an overview of some common myths about women and adventure, consider the merits of both solo and group travel, and discuss useful tips & resources.

WORLD TRAVEL 101- HOSTELLING IN EUROPE
Wednesday, September 27th at 7 PM
REI Bloomington

A representative of Hosetelling International will present this seminar on budget travel. The talk will highlight the great network of hostels, tailored for budget travelers, throughout Europe. Topics covered will include: planning an itinerary, travel documents, saving & carrying money, packing for travel, transportation, and health & safety concerns.

REI MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY

REI GEAR SWAP
Saturday, September 23rd from 9 AM - 2 PM
REI Bloomington & REI Roseville

The Gear Swap is an opportunity for REI members and customers to buy and sell their used outdoor equipment directly to each other. A flea market of used gear, if you will. Call REI at 952/884-4315 x205 to reserve a table to sell your goods at either store (a $15 fee, proceeds benefit the Minnesota Youth Ski League). Stop by the day of the swap if you are hunting for a deal.

SCRATCH & DENT SALE
Saturday, September 23rd
REI Bloomington & REI Roseville

REI will offer great deals on returned, dented, and bruised merchandise at both our Bloomington ad Roseville stores. So if it is bargains and a good garage sale atmosphere that you are after, this is the event for you.

CLASSES

SEA KAYAKING CLASSES with SUPERIOR VISIONS

This is will be the third season REI is offering sea kayaking lessons through Don Dimond and the instructors at Superior Visions. From first timers to paddlers looking for more advanced skills, there is a class to meet your skill level. Best of all, REI members receive a discount on all courses.

For registration fees, dates and other information, pick-up a course brochure at REI or call Superior Visions.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLIMBING CLASSES

The class is an introductory course taught by a certified Vertical Endeavors instructor. The lesson will cover equipment selection, knot tying, belay technique, rope work, climbing commands, and safety issues. The course fee is $20 for REI members, $25 for non-members, and includes the use of climbing shoes and a harness. Classes are offered from 6PM - 9PM, every Wednesday night on the REI Pinnacle at the Bloomington store. All students must be at least 14 years of age. Advanced registration and payment is required.

Call (612) 884-4315 x219 to register REI Bloomington