Ground UP Adventures

The Ground UP climbing team travelled from the pond to the ocean this past weekend as they headed to Minneapolis to participate in one of the largest climbing competitions in the midwest, Vertical Endeavors "Jug or Not" event.  All 11 team members, 4 of the coaches, and one team parent ended up challenging themselves against the massive 60+ foot walls and extraordinarily deep field of competitors.  The kids all did fabulously well and exemplified our team rules - they had fun, climbed hard enough to fall, and were supportive of each other.

The Extreme North Dakota Future of Adventure Sports Team, END-FAST, has had a busy February.  Elizabeth Carr, aged 15, competed in the Grand Forks winter series.  She placed second in the 5K frozen feat and second in the beginners category at Bikecicle, both held on February 16th.  She went on to place third overall in the Yetiess (solo) category at ENDracing's Iceman Triathlon on Saturday, Feb. 23rd.  Her efforts led her to the top spot in the series overall.

Jim Grijalva, Ground UP adventures Vice Chairman, wears many hats.  In addition to his roles as a law professor, non-profit board member, husband, and hockey dad, he also plays the role of farmer.  An ice farmer.  Grijalva's dedication to this strange craft has paid off this year as he's successfully created the regions only ice climbing wall!  The Grand Forks Herald sent a few reporters out to capture the story, so we'll let their words do the talking.  Click HERE for the story.