We will be offering one Breakfast Snowshoe Hike

this Sunday at 9:00 am.

Anyone interested can call the store to make a reservation.

$25.00 per person includes breakfast and snowshoe rental.

Good News!!

We may have found a site to host our snowshoe race.

We will post the results of our search early next week.

The race will be pushed back to mid February  which is not a problem due to the lack of snow.

I hope to have the date, time and new location posted very soon.

We will once again paddle the mighty Nippersink on New Year's Day!

We will meet at Keystone Landing on Keystone Road at 8:30 am. Hopefully we will be in the water at 9 am and finished by noon.

Reminder to bring an extra set of clothing if you do not have a wet suit or dry suit. 

There will be plenty of water after the recent rains and hopefully we will have another warm day.

You have until 2pm on Saturday, 12/31/2011 to reserve a boat or simply bring your own kayak.

We will shuttle some vehicles down river so we can carpool back to Keystone Landing.

Check out this new video from Bending Branches

Do you run?

Do you get out of shape in the winter?

Try running the trails this winter in a pair of Tubbs Snowshoes. Stay in shape as you run up and down the trails in the Flex NRG shoes.

2K Adventure Gear offers weekly snowshoe outings and rental snowshoes. Get in shape and join us in January for 5 and 10K snowshoe races.

P&H Sea Kayaks

The Cetus is getting alot of attention these days. Tell us what you think.

All P&H styles are available at 2K Adventure Gear

Preorder any P&H kayak for delivery next spring and get a Stohlquist Life Vest FREE

Get Ready For Winter!

Make sure you have Terramar Base Layers when you

join us snowshoeing this winter.

Terramar has great base layers at fantastic prices.

At Terramar, we believe that the outdoor experience enhances your life. That’s why we’ve dedicated ourselves to elevating it. From the very beginning we wanted to give men and women gear that gave them an edge like never before. As outdoor enthusiasts ourselves, we understand what it takes. Whether you’re a climber, skier, hiker, camper or extreme racer, Terramar garments are designed with you in mind. We call it performance enhancement.

With a long history of manufacturing silk products at its foundation, Terramar has quickly become a world leader in pioneering products that combine natural textiles with the highest performing technical fabrics available. Today, Terramar Sports Performance Layering System is undoubtedly one of the most uniquely engineered base layer systems on the market. It’s as much gear as it is garment.

Huge Vibram Five Finger Sale

Save now on all Vibram Five Finger Shoes

Take up to $25 off each pair of shoes.

In Stock Shoes Only

Bikila

Komodo

Komodosport

Komodosport LS

Speed

Trek

Treksport

KSO

Flow

Sprint

Jaya

Classic

Winter is rapidly approaching Northern Illinois. 2K Adventure Gear offers quality snowshoes for rent or purchase at the store location in Richmond Illinois.

Snowshoeing is an excellent way to exercise during the cold months. Surprise someone with a gift of snowshoes so they can participate in one of our many snowshoeing events this winter.

The tours section of our website highlights events like our Saturday and Sunday Breakfast Hikes or perhaps you might want to attend one of our Saturday Night Wine & Cheese Snowshoe events.

As always, if you buy a pair of snowshoes within 7 days of renting snowshoes from us we will credit the amount of the rental price from the sale price.

2K Adventure Gear French Kayak Trip

2K Adventure Gear is happy to announce plans for two wonderful paddling trips in France.  Take your choice of paddling the Loire and Cher rivers or kayak the coast of Brittany.

First class accomodtions include spending the nights in Private Manors, First Class seats on the TGV to and from Paris, wine-tasting, hot air balloon rides, Chateau visits and fantastic meals.

These trips are scheduled for Summer 2012 and will have early booking discounts.

Here is a sample of what awaits you in the beautiful French countryside.

Here is a link for driving instructions to Spring Green for our

Wisconsin River Trips.

Driving Route from 2K Adventure Gear

Join us this coming October for two of our favorite paddles.

Full-Moon Paddle

October 9, 2011

8:30 PM

Lake Elizabeth, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin

We launch at the Sand Bar & Island Grill

Kayak Rentals $20

Call in advance for reservation of kayak.

and

Sunday Breakfast Paddle

October 16, 2011

8 am

Silver Lake, Wisconsin

We launch at,The Marina

(County F and the Railroad tracks on the south end of the lake.)

Kayak rentals $20

Reserve your boat in advance.

Well it was bound to happen. 38 degrees this morning and frost on the pumpkin. Just a reminder that the Frozen Frog 5K Snowshoe Race is not that far off. Put together a team at work or bundle the inlaws to form a super team. Lots of great new categories coming this winter. Jan 11 and Jan 28 are the dates set for next year's two-race series.

We  apologize but we have been experiencing a power outage since Monday. The power will be back on sometime Wednesday.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Groupon holders be advised that the few remaining dates of the season have been booked for over a month. There are no openings until Spring 2012. If you are holding a Groupon that expires September 18, 2011, you are still eligible to use the coupoin next year. There will be a surcharge per person for using the Groupon but we will honor the amount you have already paid Groupon.

We  apologize but we need to reschedule the 2K Adventure Club Social event that was scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2011.

The event that will highlight the new structure of the club and club events will be held on Saturday,

September 17, 2011 from 5-8pm at 2K Adventure Gear, 10310 N. Main Street in Richmond, IL

Snacks will be served as well as water and soda. Please bring your own adult beverages......

All new Seal Line Dry sacks have arrived in the store.

We have a large selection of the Kodiak Window with Purge Dry Sacks, Nimbus Dry Sacks and the clear EcoSee Dry Bags.

If you need something smaller then try the See Pouch with a neck lanyard.

We also have many sizes of the E-case that will keep your phones and other electronics dry if you should happen to tip your canoe or kayak.

2K Adventure Gear is getting very close to offering cimbing gear and climbing lessons through the store in Richmond, Illinois.

We look forward to supplying you with ropes, harnesses, biners and all the other gear you will need to have a great time at Devil's Lake or any other place you choose to climb.

Stay tuned for our announcement. If you are looking for particular gear, drop us a line at

info@2kadventuregear.com

Five Finger Overload

We finally received a new shipment of Vibram Five Fingers and we are overstocked. All Five Fingers are now on sale at 2K Adventure Gear. We have KSO, Bakila, Speed, Treksport, Sprint, Komodo, Jaya and many more in a ton of colors.

Get in the store and get your Five Fingers while they last---save some money shop now! McHenry County's only source for Five Finger Shoes.

2K Adventure Gear has a new shipment of

Come in and see the new boats that have just arrived from Old Town, Necky and Venture Kayak.

Easky 13

Cayuga 13

Flex 11

Cayuga 11

Manitou 13

Manitou Sport

Camden 120 and 106

Manitou II Tandem Kayak

All kayaks 10% off until July 25, 2011

Celebrate Summer and Country Thunder With Savings

10% off ALL KAYAKS

20% off All Summer Patagonia

20% off All IN-Stock Keen, Chaco and Merrell

30% off Select Womens Summer Shirts

and Skirts

30% off Men's Select Shorts

Hurry, sales ends July 25,2011

Wisconsin River Camping/Kayak Trip

July 15-17 is  a Wisconsin River Trip. There is still room if you want to join us camping on the sand bars. The weather should be great. We leave Friday and return Sunday. You can bring your own kayak or paddle one of ours. The trip is almost full but we have a few openings. The cost is $169.00 which includes boat, gear, food and tent.

Call the store at 815.862.1400 to register or get more information.

Looking to try kayaking but don't own a kayak?

2K Adventure Gear rents sit-inside kayaks for as little as $20.00.

You can rent a kayak for 1/2 day on Lake Elizabeth (Twin Lakes) or arrange to take the kayak to any of the lakes or rivers in northern Illinois or southern Wisconsin.

We have justed added a Thursday Night Dinner Paddle. $30.00 gets you a rental kayak for up to 2 hours and a sandwich/drink at the Island Grill and Sand Bar on Lake Elizabeth- tax and tip included.

2K Adventure Gear rents kayaks at our store in Richmond, Illinois. (Northen Illinois, McHenry County) You can pick them up at the store or if you have 6 or more people we will deliver them and pick them up for you.  As always if you get 8 friends, we will give you (the 9th person) your boat for free.

Starting next week we will begin our Thursday Dinner Paddle on Lake Elizabeth.

$30 you will get you 2 hours of paddling including a a soft drink and choice of sandwich and side order at the Island Grill & Sand Bar.

Enjoy warm evenings on the water and  followed by the great food and drinks being served by Carlo and his staff atthe Island Grill.

Call 2K Adventure Gear to make your reservations. Credit Cards accepted at the time of reservation.

We have aGroupon going today..... it's a great deal.

 Kayaking on Lake Elizabeth with a lesson.

When you purchase a groupon it is good through September 2011. You can use it any Thursday, Friday Saturday or Sunday. We have two sessions to choose from.

8am - noon or 1pm -5pm, You choose.

Reserve your slot as far in advance as possible..

We can't wait to see you on the water but remember you have to stop at the store first to sign your waiver and pick-up your free water bottle.

We have aGroupon going today..... it's a great deal.

When you purchase a groupon it is good through September 2011. You can use it any Thursday, Friday Saturday or Sunday. We have two sessions to choose from.

8am - noon or 1pm -5pm, You choose.

Reserve your slot as far in advance as possible..

We can't wait to see you on the water but remember you have to stop at the store fist to sign your waiver and pick-up your free water bottle.

Sunday May 22, 2011 is our kayak demo day.

We will have approximately 30 different styles and models of kayaks for you to demo from 10 am to 3 pm at the Island Grill & Sand Bar located in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin on Lake Elizabeth.

If you are thinking about buying a kayak then come try before you buy this Sunday. There will be sit-on-top and sit-inside kayaks for you to choose from. Single and tandem kayaks of various lengths are available. All on the beach for you to paddle.

Old Town Kayaks and Malone Auto Racks will be offering discounts and rebates on various products. Necky and Ocean brand kayaks will also be on site yor you to try out.

BIG Kayak Sale this Sunday. (click to see map)

3101 East Lakeshore Drive

Twin Lakes Wisconsin

10-3pm

It is Tuesday and it is warm so get out on the water. Join us tonight at 6:30 pm for our Tiki Tuesday Paddle on Lake Elizabeth.

We launch from the Sand Bar and Island Grill located at 3101 East lakeshore Dr, Twin lakes Wisconsin.

Meet us at the dock!!!!!!

We paddle for 1.5 -2 hours then have a sandwich and a drink.

A new shipment of Five Finger shoes arrived today and we now have some kids sizes. Don't wait long to check them out as they go fast and you know they are hard to find.

Join us Friday, April 29, 2011 for the 2K Adventure Club Spring Fling Social from 5:30-9:30 PM at the store. Enjoy BBQ and take a look at all the new events scheduled for this summer. You will have the opportunity to sign up for alot of great events for the entire family.

We will offer kaying, backpacking and camping trips.

Rental kayaks are available for Illinois and Wisconsin.

See you there.

The Komodo Sport and Bikila shoes have arrived. Please call to confirm we have your size. The komodo's are in Black and Gold- very cool.

It's finally getting warmer in Northern Illinois. The temps are going to be in the 70s and 80s this weekend and time to head outdoors to train for those 5K and 10 K runs this summer. We recently received a great collection of running shirts and running jackets from Outdoor Research and Patagonia. These are light weight, moisture wicking, anti-microbial materials with reflective markings to get you out on the trails or roads.

To celebrate the begining of the running season and spring we will take 10% off any running gear during the entire month of April. Mens and Womens styles are included. So if you need some new gear, head into 2K Adventure Gear in Richmond, Illinois.

Our spring shipment from OR (Outdoor Research) has arrived at the store. We have a great selection of sunhats, gaiters, rain pants, rain jackets, shorts, shirts, pants.

Visit 2K Adventure Gear in northern Illinois and check out our complete line of hiking, backpacking and paddling clothes/shoes.

Are you tired od this cold March weather?

Get your boats out and get ready to paddle the Nippersink this coming Sunday.

Sunday  April 3, 2011,    4:30 departure

Keystone Landing to Pioneer Road.

Join us for an afternoon of paddling. If you have a kayak just meet us at 4-4:30 at Keystone Landing. If you need a rental boat let us know and we can deliver one to the landing for $20.00.

Time to hit the water even if it is cool outside.

We are heading to Florida to research some new paddling trips.

The store will be closed Tuesday through Friday March 15-17.

We will be open for the weekend, Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-4.

The new order of five Fingers have arrived. The shipment includes KSO, KSO Treksport and Bakila. We expect the Komodo's to be in early next week.

Thanks for your patience.

Stan Maravelias recently emailed some pictures of his son, Jon, who is doing work in Namibia, Africa. Stan and Jon are frequent visitors at 2K Adventure Gear. I was honored that Jon shose us to outfit him for his work in Namibia. He has been there for several months but should return to Richmond this summer. Jon has posted several of his photos on Flikr and they are great.

The sun and red sand looks great as we eagerly await spring in Illinois. Good luck to Jon and a speedy return home. thanks for the pictures.

Now is the time to come in and buy your "Sweetheart" his or her Valentine. Select Patagonia, Kuhl and Columbia sweaters and jackets are 30-50 percent off the regular price.

Hurry in because they won't last long.

Now is the time to come in and buy your "Sweetheart" his or her Valentine. Select Patagonia, Kuhl and Columbia sweaters and jackets are 30-50 percent off the regular price.

Hurry in because they won't last long.

Due to the demand we have added a second session for February 13. The 2nd group will  meet at 10:30 for breakfast before starting at 11:00 am. As always we will meet at the barn in Glacial Park on Harts Road and Route 31.

2K Adventure gear still has a few snowshoes for rent for this second outing. Call 815.862.1400 to resrve yours today. The cost is $25 which includes snowshoes and breakfast.

Glacial Park 5K Snowshoe Race

Hey everyone. We finally dug out of the snow and have some info to report. Here are the standings from the

Just a quick not to let everyone know that we found some great new products at the last trade show. Next week we are expecting a "boat load" of boats from Old Town and Necky.

In addition to the kayaks, our first shipment of Injinji Performance Socks wil be in the store. These are the socks you need if you have purchased a pair of Five Fingers from us.

Later in the month we should have  a new line of gloves and caps as well as Buff, Optic Nerve, Chums and Stormy Creek outer wear.

Pyranha kayaks including the Molan  and Varun models will be here in time to try them this spring at the new Yorkville Whitewater park. Also arriving will be Venture and P&H touring kayaks.

Lots of great new products on their way. Come in and check them out.

Feel like backpacking and camping this winter?

Take a look at the 2K Adventure Club blog and see what the group has set up for February 25-27.

http://2kadventureclub.blogspot.com/

Sounds like a great way to introduce yourself to winter camping.

Happy New Year.

The snow has returned and we might finally be able to get out snowshoeing.

2K Adventure Gear will hosting Snowshoe Sunday which includes a 5K hike and coffee/hot chocolate/ pastries.

We are planning on going to Glacial Park on Sunday, 1/16 at 8:15 am.

The cost is $25 for rental and continental breakfast. If you have snowshoes and want to attend we will supply all the coffee and pastries for $5.

I hope we get more snow but if we don't we will still plan on being there.

Do you want to learn more about snowshoeing?

2K Adventure Gear will host a

"Snowshoe Seminar"

January 4, 2011 at 7:00 - 8:00pm.

The seminar will cover numerous topics including how:

• How to Dress including base layering, socks, shoes, gloves, hats.
• Different types of snowshoes
• How to fit yourself for snowshoes
• Where to snowshoe in the area
• What other gear is needed such as backpacks and hydration systems

This is a "hands on" class where everyone can see the various types of gear that will be discussed. We will not actually snowshoe outdoors but we will cover everything that you will need to know when you take your first hike.

Attendees will receive coupons good for discounts on snowshoes.

2K Adventure Gear offers snowshoes for sale and for rent.

Rental fees can be applied to the purchase of snowshoes (details available at the store).

Checkout our list of store sponsored events.

Call 815.862.1400 to reserve your seat for this seminar.

2K Adventure Gear

Snowshoe Rental

Full Day Snowshoe Rental $25

10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

4-Hour Snowshoe Rental $20

Overnight Snowshoe Rental $20

(Pickup after 3pm and return by 11am next day)

2-Day Rental $40

Closed Mondays

Reservations recommended.

Wisconsin River Camping Trip     2011

May 27-30, June 10-12, 24-26, July 15-17, 29-31,

August 12-14, 26-28, September 9-11, 23-25

2 nights $169.00 per person.  Beginner to intermediate skill level. Primitive style camping.

Included: kayak, tent, shuttle service from take out back to the put in, all meals on the river.

Day 1

This two-night camping trip begins on Friday evening in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Make plans to arrive at the state park by 7 pm.  The evening begins at the campground where your tent will be waiting for you. Drop off you gear and then head to Arthur’s restaurant where you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat fish fry and chicken buffet or indulge in one of Arthur’s famous Angus steaks. Trip details will be handed out and the itinerary will be discussed. After dinner everyone heads back to the campground for s’mores around the campfire.

Day 2

Plan on rising early to enjoy breakfast before we stage vehicles for post paddling transportation. The put-in is two minutes from the campground.  Your personal items should be packed and stored on your kayak. We will hit the water for a 16 mile paddle.

Lunch will be waiting for us on one of the many sandbars located in the middle of the river. There will be plenty of time to eat sandwiches, wraps and salads, take a quick swim or relax by grabbing a quick nap on the warm sands.

We should get to our campsite by early evening. Our support crew will have the tents set up, the wine chilled and the cheese waiting to be cut as they prepare a fantastic dinner. Dinner is followed by desert including fire roasted cherry and apple pies.  Lounging next to the campfire is a great place to spend the remainder of the evening. Beverages and snacks are always available.

Day 3

Day three starts with the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and campfire grilled bacon drifting past your tent. Breakfast is always a special treat usually consisting of fruit, oatmeal, eggs, pastry, fresh blueberry pancakes  and our famous Chilaquiles. (Mexican chorizo, chile peppers, scrambles eggs and fried tortillas).

We will paddle down river arriving in Muscoda by 1pm. You will be transported back up river to Spring Green to get your vehicle.  You may want to go home at this time or perhaps take a brief detour to New Glarus to enjoy great food or take a tour of the micro brewery.

Wisconsin River Camping Trip     2011

May 27-30, June 10-12, 24-26, July 15-17, 29-31, August 12-14, 26-28, September 9-11, 23-25

2 nights $169.00 per person.  Beginner to intermediate skill level. Primitive style camping.

Included: kayak, tent, shuttle service from take out back to the put in, all meals on the river.

Day 1

This two-night camping trip begins on Friday evening in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Make plans to arrive at the state park by 7 pm.  The evening begins at the campground where your tent will be waiting for you. Drop off you gear and then head to Arthur’s restaurant where you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat fish fry and chicken buffet or indulge in one of Arthur’s famous Angus steaks. Trip details will be handed out and the itinerary will be discussed. After dinner everyone heads back to the campground for s’mores around the campfire.

Day 2

Plan on rising early to enjoy breakfast before we stage vehicles for post paddling transportation. The put-in is two minutes from the campground.  Your personal items should be packed and stored on your kayak. We will hit the water for a 16 mile paddle.

Lunch will be waiting for us on one of the many sandbars located in the middle of the river. There will be plenty of time to eat sandwiches, wraps and salads, take a quick swim or relax by grabbing a quick nap on the warm sands.

We should get to our campsite by early evening. Our support crew will have the tents set up, the wine chilled and the cheese waiting to be cut as they prepare a fantastic dinner. Dinner is followed by desert including fire roasted cherry and apple pies.  Lounging next to the campfire is a great place to spend the remainder of the evening. Beverages and snacks are always available.

Day 3

Day three starts with the aroma of fresh brewed coffee and campfire grilled bacon drifting past your tent. Breakfast is always a special treat usually consisting of fruit, oatmeal, eggs, pastry, fresh blueberry pancakes  and our famous Chilaquiles. (Mexican chorizo, chile peppers, scrambles eggs and fried tortillas).

We will paddle down river arriving in Muscoda by 1pm. You will be transported back up river to Spring Green to get your vehicle.  You may want to go home at this time or perhaps take a brief detour to New Glarus to enjoy great food or take a tour of the micro brewery.

Full-moon Paddle

Lake Elizabeth, Wisconsin

October 22, 2010 8:30 PM

Join us at the Sand Bar and Island Grill on Lakeview Road. (The old Mad Dan's Restaurant) We will do a paddle for an hour or two before heading indoors for a sandwish and beverage.  Everyone is invited to attend. The facility willclose for the season on Octover 31, 2010.

Rental Boats are available for $20.00. Call 2K Adventure Gear to reserve your boat today!

815.862.1400

Halloween Paddle

Sunday, October 31, 2010.  10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

The Marina on the south shore of Silver Lake Wisconsin, County Road F (Silver Lake Road)

Make sure to plan on joining us for aHalloween Paddle and Lunch on Sunday.

Rental Boats are available for $20.00. Call 2K Adventure Gear to rewerve your boat now. 815.862.1400.  Boats are going fast for this event. It may be one of the few remaining paddles on Silver Lake this year. Don'miss out!

Reminder to everyone that our Sunday Paddles are now lunch paddles beginning at 10:30 am. We will paddle Silver Lake for approx. 1.5 hours before returning to the "Marina" for lunch and beverages.

As always, rental boats are available for $20.00 if you or a friend need a boat. There is a limited supply of boats this weekend so be sure to reserve your boat by calling 2K Adventure Gear at 815.862.1400

We are open Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 11-4.

See you on the Water. Silver Lake Wisconsin, County F.

Tomorrow morning September 26, 2010 7am

The Marina, on County Road F in Silver Lake Wisconsin.

This is our last breakfast paddle on Silver Lake for this year. Next Sunday and every Sunday therafter we will meet at 10:30 am for a Silver Lake Lunch Paddle.

Hope to see everyone on the water tomorrow.

Don't forget to sign up for the Wisconsin River Sand Bar Camping Paddle on October 16-17. We hope to take some great photos of the changing colors and the bald eagles.

Click on the Tours Tab and Select Calendar of Events.

This weekend, Saturday and Sunday we will be hitting the Wisconsin River from Spring Green to Boscobel. The trip is approximately 35 miles in length.

We will launch Saturday morning 9am from Peck's Boat Landing in Spring Green, Wisconsin. The trip will end on Sunday in Boscobel, Wisconsin. Everyone attending should plan on being at Peck's Boat landing by 8am on Saturday so we can shuttle vehicles.

You will need to provide all your gear including boat, camping gear and food.

Call 2K Adventure Gear at 815.862.1400 for more information.

Visit the 2K Adventure Club for more information about this and other outings.

Since the store has opened there have been over two hundred customers asking for tours and events similar to "Tiki Tuesday and Silver Lake Sunday."

2K Adventure Club has been formed to meet those needs and now has its own blog. Check out the calendar of events, product reviews and social gatherings at;

www.2kadventureclub.blogspot.com

A special thanks to Rich Gran and Al Gould for all their time and effort in getting this site together.

Don't forget that this Sunday is our breakfast paddle at Silver Lake (7AM).

Do you have a friend that wants to join you but does not have a kayak? We have a limited supply of 12 foot kayaks that can be used for our special paddles for $20.00. Please call 2K Adventure Gear at 815.862.1400 to reserve a boat.

See you at "The Marina" at 7AM.

Vibram Five Fingers have finally arrived in select models. More styles and colors are on their way but we have both men's and women's shoes in stock as of 3PM today.

See ya soon!

Sneak peak of the store if you haven't been in yet!

Thursday

July 29, 2010

2K Adventure Gear

10310 N Main Street

Richmond IL 60071

Join us for a video and photographic presentation highlighting the beauty of the Minnesota Boundary Waters.

Randall Boyd has been a tour guide in these waters for five years and will share his experiences with us from

6:30-8:00 PM.

Randall will show a video showing how the area was formed and what you can expect to encounter when you paddle your way across the hundreds of fantastic lakes that separate the Unites States and Canada.

Where do I go? Where can I rent a canoe? What should I bring and what should I leave home? How bad is the weather and how big are the mosquitoes? Can you bring cans or bottles into the area?

All these questions and many more will be answered when you attend this presentation. Refreshments will be served and everyone is invited.

There is no fee for the presentation but we ask that you RSVP at info@2KAdventureGear.com or call the store at 815.862.1400 by 6PM on Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Just a quick note to let everyone know that we are getting closer to receiving our first shipment of Vibram Five Finger shoes. They should be here close to the first of the month.

If you have been waiting for these shoes, send an email to info@2kadventuregear.com and I will call you as soon as they arrive.

Please include your name and phone number in the email.

We can’t wait to hit the trails at Glacial Park. I ran three miles at the park last night but that was just to keep the mosquitoes off me. Bring repellant if you are going to the park!!!!!

Friday July 9, 2010

A group of paddlers met at 2K Adventure Gear this week and put together two great paddles. They will take place on Lake Elizabeth and Silver Lake. More exciting paddles will be posted on a regular basis. Everyone is encouraged to bring your boat and join us at any time on the following paddling trips.

"TIKI TUESDAY"

This paddle will take place each month on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM

We will paddle from the Tiki Bar located on Lake Elizabeth where the old Mad Dans restaurant was located. After our paddle the Tiki Bar is open to sell drinks and food with seating indoors and outdoors.

In July we will be paddling on the 13th and 27th of the month. You can park your car and unload your kayaks across the street from the Tiki Bar thus avoiding the $7 launch fee.

"SILVER SUNDAY BREAKFAST PADDLE"

The Sunday paddles are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. This month we are doing the paddle on the 18th. We will launch at 7:00AM from the Marina located on the south side of the lake. (Silver Lake Road, County F) Please park in the gravel lot on the east side of the Marina.

The Marina serves breakfast starting at 8 AM at tables located right on the water. Silver Lake is a very clear and shallow (in most places) lake and excellent place to practice your paddling skill. The Lake has a four-mile perimeter and is exceptionally clear.

Just a reminder to everyone that we are meeting at Riverside Park in Burlington, Wisconsin, Monday morning at 8AM. We will paddle down the Fox River to Silver Lake. The pullout site will be at the bridge on County F, Silver Lake.

Riverside Park is on Congress St at the Rtoute 36/11 junction. The park is where we will launch. If anyone can make plans to pair up and leave a vehicle at Silver Lake landing it would be appreciated.

This will be a 5-6 hour paddle so be prepared to bring water, sunscreen, a hat and a sandwich. Please bring your kayaks/canoes and be ready to go at 8AM.

Thanks and we will see you tomorrow.

We are getting ready for a long weekend hike in the Upper Penninsula over the July 10 weekend. I started  looking around for some new camping and backpacking recipes and found the following. If you have any awesome recipes send them to us at info@2kAdventureGear.com . We can post them and give you the credit!!!

2K Adventure Gear is proud to support the First Annual Richmond Bicycle Tour de Kids. Starting at Doyle's Pub in Richmond, we'll travel down the scenic Prairie Trail Path that runs through picturesque Glacial Park. Enjoy the fresh air and exercise, meet lots of great people—AND—get a really cool free T-shirt! This event supports local families that have a child suffering from cancer. This ride takes place Saturday July 31, 2010 at 9:00 AM. at Doyle’s Pub in Richmond.

We encourage everyone to get outside and ride to help raise money for this fantastic cause. We'll see you early on Saturday. wear your ride sponsored shirt into the store and receive 20% off any pair of Smartwool (www.smartwool.com) socks.

Check out the website for more information;

http://www.itsallaboutkids.info/AboutKids_bike.php

We are staking out a 20 mile route tonight. The idea is to have one night a week that we can get in a ride leaving from the store at about 6:30 PM. We like wednesday. What about you?

We hope to develop a few routes like the fire department used in their 50 mile ride. If anyone has any suggestions on a great bicycle route crossing from Illinois into Wisconsin let us know at info@2kadventuregear.com

I hear the boy scouts in Richmond and in McHenry County need to have a third party sign off on a 50 mile bike ride for a merit badge. We can set up that ride from our shop. If you are in scouts and need that ride let us know.

It’s a great day- get outdoors and ride, hike or paddle.

2K Adventure Gear has seen a lot of great people come through the doors the last few weeks and their stories are fascinating. The customers are honestly making this endeavor a great experience.

A few things that I have learned from our customers are as follows;

• There are a lot of residents in the area that hike, paddle kayaks and canoes, snowshoe, bike and cross country ski.
• The majority of these people want to become more active in outdoor activities.
• They prefer to do these activities in the company of other people participating in local tours.
• Have problems solving the logistics of moving vehicles when paddling rivers.
• Most are beginner to intermediate in their skills but are eager to learn more and expand their horizons to include overnight paddling trips.

We want to act as a “clearing house” for our customers who are seeking to join other like minded people enjoying outdoor activities including backpack trips, kayak trips, canoeing the boundary waters or merely camping close to home. Soon there will be a monthly events calendar posted in the store as well as on the website highlighting local events that everyone can participate in. Participants must supply their own gear at this time; however we hope to have kayaks for rent in the near future.

Coming this Sunday (May 23) we will be paddling Silver Lake in Silver Lake, Wisconsin. Everyone who is reading this is invited to join us at the public launch located north of town on Cogswell St. before 8:00 AM for coffee and donuts before we launch.

The lake is very clear and shallow in most spots. It is approximately 4 miles around the lake and is typically calm in the morning hours.

The weather is expected to be great. This is the perfect time to get that boat out of storage and head for the lake. Our goal is meet new friends and have a great time doing these close-to-home kayak day tours.

We hope you can join us. Please feel free to send an email to info@2KAdventureGear.com telling us how many will be participating or merely show up.

2K Adventure Gear has been open about a month now and I am encouraged by how many people have come in to express their delight in having a store like this in the area. There seems to be quite a large amount of people in the immediate area that enjoy hiking, paddling, camping, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. We are pleased to be able quality products to these, our customers.

The second floor is not open yet but we expect to have that finished soon. It is great space with exposed brick walls, wooden floors and lots of great window space. We will use the space to display boats, tents and trailers. There seems to be a need for some instruction/discussion groups on various subjects such as how to pack for a paddle trip, where to go, how to organize your backpack and a lot of other topics.

2K wants to start hosting some of these events and we are asking that you tell us what sparks your interests or fills your needs. I would love to have a slide show and presentation on going to the Boundary Waters. This might include where to go, what to expect and how to pack.

Please contact us at info@2kAdventureGear.com with your suggestions so we can get them on our calendar. If the weather should decide to cooperate, we will kick off our paddle days May 23. Tentative location is Silver Lake at this time. Other paddles will include Lake Geneva, Lake Como, Fox River (above Wilmot), the Des Plaines and an overnight trip on the Wisconsin.

We can't wait to hear from you............

Welcome everyone to 2K Adventure Gear. It took some time but we are now up and running on the internet. I want to thank everyone for their patience while the website was being developed. The website, like our retail location, is growing and new things are being added on a daily basis. If you see something that needs to addressed by our staff or just want to make a recommendation feel free to contact us at info@2kadventuregear.com and we will respond to your email.

This is a very exciting time as we get ready for summer and all the wonderful activities associated with warmer weather. We see caravans of cars and trucks carrying canoes, kayaks and bikes passing the store all day. We are working hard to put together our calendar of events on a monthly basis which will include kayaking, canoeing, hiking and biking. Our store is located in a great area in northern Illinois and very close to numerous waterways and state parks in both Illinois and Wisconsin. Our goal is to encourage people to get out and enjoy these areas for there is so much to see and do.

Our pledge to you our customers is to make you our priority and give you the service that you expect. Thank you for visiting our site and we welcome the opportunity to be the "basecamp for your outdoor needs."