Ditch The Bowl and Spoon: Skratch Labs Launches Cinnamon + Oatmeal Energy Bar

April 8, 2025 – Boulder, CO – Skratch Labs, the Boulder-based leader in performance nutrition, debuts its newest flavor: Cinnamon + Oatmeal Energy Bar. Created to power athletes through long training sessions and recovery days alike, this bar delivers steady, sustained energy from a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. With warm cinnamon, toasted oats, and creamy almond butter, it blends comfort and performance in one deliciously functional fuel—just sweet enough, with a touch of spice.

Backed by science and made from real food, Skratch Labs’ Energy Bar Sport Fuel features a clean macronutrient profile: 33 grams of carbs, 6 grams of fat, and 4 grams of protein, with significantly less added sugar than most leading bars. Each 200-calorie bar is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, kosher, and non-GMO, made with a simple ingredient list that includes oats, almond butter, tapioca syrup, coconut nectar, raisins, cinnamon, and sea salt. With a soft, cookie-like texture and craveable flavor, it’s easy to enjoy, whether mid-effort or in between.

“At Skratch Labs, we use real food to solve real problems,” states Mellisa Allen, Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Our team is dedicated to developing flavors that fuel performance, satisfy the palate, and are easy to enjoy—on the go or during a session. With the Cinnamon + Oatmeal Energy Bar, we made sure it has the right level of moisture so athletes can focus on their hard efforts, not hard-to-swallow fuel. It delivers the familiar taste of cinnamon-spiced oatmeal, minus the bowl.”

Cinnamon + Oatmeal joins three other Energy Bar Sport Fuel flavors: Raspberry + Lemon, Peanut Butter + Chocolate, and Cherry + Pistachio. It is available in a 12-serving pack for $29.95 or a single serving for $2.65. Athletes may purchase the Cinnamon + Oatmeal Energy Bar directly at skratchlabs.com, select retailers, Amazon, The Feed, and the Skratch Labs Cafe in Boulder, CO.

For more information on Skratch Labs, the Skratch Cafe, and the latest product releases and innovations, please contact Tim Nooney at tim@darbycommunications.com.

About Skratch Labs:

Born in Boulder, CO, in 2012, Skratch Labs is a performance nutrition innovator who helps athletes be better. Founded by two cycling pros who spent years on the Pro Cycling Tour watching teammates consume bad-tasting sports nutrition products that caused digestion issues, they created a “secret drink mix” composed of real sugar, salt, and fruit powder mixed in a 5-gallon paint bucket for their team. More than a decade later, Skratch Labs’ approach is the same: help athletes perform better by solving their nutrition problems without causing new ones, using real food ingredients. You can learn more at Skratch Labs, follow on social, join Skratch Labs’ Strava Club, enroll in the affiliate program, or visit the Cafe and Flagship Store.

 

 

Black Diamond Equipment and SOHI Studios Introduce BD HEX: A Bold Fusion of Climbing Heritage and Contemporary Design

[SALT LAKE CITY, UT] – April 7, 2025 – Black Diamond Equipment, a pioneering force in climbing and outdoor equipment, is proud to introduce BD HEX: a limited-edition apparel collection and multimedia platform in collaboration with Bobby Vannoy, Founder of SOHI Studios. BD HEX represents a fresh take on the original spirit behind climbing culture, designed to reflect the energy driving today’s climbers while harkening back to Black Diamond’s ingrained heritage in the sport.

Born from a shared passion for the climbing lifestyle and community, Black Diamond HEX seeks to invigorate and embody the culture of the sport by taking more than just climbing itself into account. The collection combines perception with practicality, producing apparel that carries climbers through the entire arc of their climbing experience from start to finish and well beyond.

“These pieces incorporate the whole culture of climbing, including the before and after,” says Bobby Vannoy, founder of SOHI Studios. “They embody how boulderers want to dress and feel while climbing, as well as while they’re not climbing.”

Vannoy and his team bring a unique perspective on the core climbing lifestyle to the project as a filmmaker documenting the habits and achievements of climbers pushing the highest bounds of the sport. His inside look at exactly what it takes to perform at such a level—both on and off the wall—infuses these designs with a personal awareness of climbing’s demands and intricacies. The collection is thus inspired by the attitudes of athletes who influence the trajectory of modern climbing.

BD HEX draws support from Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports gear and apparel. The collaborative approach to this project came about organically as a result of the long-standing relationship between Black Diamond and SOHI Studios. Vannoy has woven Black Diamond’s in-line product into his productions since the start of his creative career, and is now excited to create new pieces that help tell the story of Black Diamond’s contributions to climbing culture in a fresh new way. The project also allows Black Diamond to reach new audiences as climbing continues to grow as a sport and a lifestyle.

“BD Hex taps into Black Diamond’s history of disruption, and reinterprets it via the vision of Bobby and the SOHI Studios team,” says Kasey Jarvis, Creative Director for Black Diamond.  “The result is a collection that perfectly captures the progressive culture of climbing.”

The spring drop from Black Diamond HEX encompasses seven limited-edition items, including:

  • Durham Shorts (Unisex): heavyweight organic cotton canvas with a wide leg cut and an extended inseam that hits mid to lower knee
  • Durham Pants (Men’s and Women’s): organic cotton canvas wide leg utility pants for everyday functionality
  • HEX Pants (Men’s and Women’s): organic cotton herringbone with a wide leg cut and an elevated inseam that hits just above the shoe
  • Full-Zip Hoody: heavyweight organic cotton blend with an oversized fit and a chunky zipper
  • Friends Short Sleeve Tee: organic combed cotton sourced from North Carolina, designed on a custom fit block and garment-dyed
  • Granite Short Sleeve Tee: organic combed cotton sourced from North Carolina, designed on a custom fit block and garment-dyed
  • Mountain Map Short Sleeve Tee: organic combed cotton sourced from North Carolina, designed on a custom fit block and garment dyed
  • HEX Cap: organic cotton twill, six panel cap with HEX graphic

BD HEX officially launches April 7, through select Black Diamond retail locations and online at BD-HEX.com while supplies last, with a fall drop and future multimedia collaborations to follow.

About Black Diamond

Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and a wide range of other year-round outdoor activities. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, and durability in the outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.

About SOHI Studios

SOHI Studios, founded by Bobby Vannoy, is a creative force that blends film, design, and climbing culture. Rooted in the core climbing community, SOHI Studios captures the essence of climbing and translates it into productions that reflect the lived experience of the most dedicated climbers who drive the sport forward.

Outdoor Industry Warns: New Tariffs Will Hurt Jobs, Raise Costs, and Put Businesses at Risk

BOULDER, CO (April 3, 2025) —Newly announced tariffs will make it more expensive to make and sell outdoor gear in the U.S., hurting American businesses, workers, and consumers, says Outdoor Industry Association. The outdoor industry is a key economic engine in the U.S., generating $1.2 trillion in consumer spending and supporting over 5 million American jobs. Last year alone, 175.8 million Americans participated in outdoor recreation, an all-time high. But now, many of the products that make those experiences possible are about to get much more expensive.  

“These tariffs will raise costs for American manufacturers, retailers, and families,” said Kent Ebersole, President of OIA. “That’s going to slow growth, put pressure on small and mid-sized outdoor companies, and could force some to close their doors. These tariffs also make it more difficult for global outdoor brands to operate in the U.S. and maintain their American workforce.” 

In a recent survey, 84% of OIA members surveyed said they will be impacted by new tariffs, resulting in millions of dollars in financial losses and affecting hundreds of outdoor products.  “These rising costs could lead to fewer jobs, less innovation, and fewer options for consumers,” Ebersole said. “This will especially impact vital businesses that make American’s access to the outdoors possible.” 

“We urge policymakers to consider the broader economic impact of these trade decisions,” Ebersole said. “Outdoor recreation matters to millions of Americans and thousands of businesses. We need a balanced trade policy that keeps outdoor gear affordable, supports U.S. jobs, and helps our industry continue to grow.”  

OIA encourages support for the bipartisan Trade Review Act of 2025, introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), which would create greater transparency and oversight in U.S. trade policy, both critical steps to protecting the outdoor recreation economy. 

Outdoor businesses are also encouraged to join OIA’s Trade Policy Town Hall webinar on April 8 at 12 PM MT, where policy experts will share more about the latest tariff policies and what businesses can do to stay ahead of impacts.  

 

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting – and growing access to – the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.

Gran Fondo Hincapie-Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania’s ‘Spring Classics,’ scheduled for May 31

Lehigh Valley, Penn., (April 3, 2025) – Gran Fondo Hincapie has created spectacular cycling experiences for over 13 years, and its Lehigh Valley, Penn. event, now in its fourth consecutive year, will take place on May 31. Registration is now open and participants who register by April 13 will get their event jersey onsite, rather than having it mailed after the fact. Hosted by former professional road cyclist and Olympian, George Hincapie, and the Hincapie family, the format for this bike event aims to give riders a taste of the European ‘Spring Classics’, one of George Hincapie’s favorite riding styles. Cyclists will tackle the short climbs of Flanders, the smooth dirt sections of Strade Bianche, and the iconic velodrome finish of Paris-Roubaix, all in one epic ride.

On Saturday at 8 a.m., starting from the Valley Preferred Cycling Center, Gran riders will head out of the stadium and venture onto the best roads that Lehigh Valley has to offer. Over approximately 80 miles, riders will take on 13 sectors of ‘Pennsylvania Pavé’, seven bergs (short steep climbs), approximately seven miles of gravel riding, three covered bridges, and the stadium atmosphere of a finish at the Velodrome.  Speed Zones along the course are designed to challenge riders, showcase their speed and skill, and keep everyone safe, allowing participants to push their limits and vie for top honors in a friendly competition.

Below are the course specifics for each of the three distances:

  • Gran – 81 miles, 5800 ft of elevation, 4 rest stops, 5 timed Speed Zones
  • Medio – 53 miles, 3600 ft of elevation, 2 rest stops, 3 timed Speed Zones
  • Piccolo – 14 miles, 830 ft of elevation, 1 Speed Zone

“We are thrilled to welcome the Gran Fondo Hincapie back to the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. This event adds so much value to the beginning of our cycling calendar, bringing together passionate cyclists and the community for an unforgettable experience,” said Jorge E. Romero, Managing Director & Community Outreach Lead at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center. “Hosting the Gran Fondo at our venue underscores our commitment to promoting cycling and fostering a vibrant, active community. We look forward to this grand opening of the 2025 season at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center with the Hincapie Lehigh Valley Grand Fondo.”

To commence the weekend festivities, on Friday night, all Gran Fondo Hincapie participants will get a free entry to the American Classic, which is the kickoff event for track season at Valley Preferred Cycling Center. Hincapie participants are invited to join for a night under the lights filled with high adrenalin racing and excitement. The races start at 7 p.m. with a fireworks finale. For those looking to elevate their Friday night experience at the Velodrome, a Night with the Stars dinner will take place on the upper VIP deck. This event features food stations, top-rated wine, and a chance to mingle with George and other VIP guests – it’s the best pre-ride party you can imagine. Tickets for this VIP dining experience are available now.

Gran Fondo Hincapie events attract cyclists of all abilities with their perfect mix of challenging courses, breathtaking views, and a welcoming community of riders. Alongside the Family Fun Festival, which will feature gourmet food by world-renowned Chef Biju Thomas, drinks, music, kid-friendly activities, awards, prizes, and an expo, Hincapie events are known for offering a top-tier, professional experience for all participants. With perks like a free event jersey, timing chips, SAG support, fully stocked rest stops, participant medals, photos, course safety, and appearances by cycling celebrities, Hincapie events live up to their world-class reputation.

The Lehigh Valley event is just one of Gran Fondo Hincapie’s four world-class events in 2025; the next will take place Oct. 18 in Greenville, S.C., where the Hincapie Gran Fondo events started in 2012. Registration is now open for all of the 2025 events.

To learn more about Gran Fondo Hincapie, please visit https://hincapie.com/ or follow along on social media on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

About Hincapie

Cycling is our life. It’s what we know, and it’s who we are. But we are not a bike company. We’re a people-who-ride-bikes company. We are cyclists, and we are makers. We are master craftsmen of custom-made, high-performance cycling apparel. Our team is our family. Not only do we design our cycling apparel, but we also make it in our family-run factory. We also create and run upscale cycling events. We have a restaurant and hotel that hosts visiting cyclists from all over the world. We manage a spring series of races. Cycling inspires everything we do, and every day we work even harder to improve the sport, make it more accessible to others, and build a strong community for future cyclists. Join us on our journey.

​​About George Hincapie

George Hincapie is a retired professional road cyclist who was one of the most accomplished American cyclists of his generation. Over his 19-year career, he competed in 17 Tours de France, the most of any American cyclist, participated in five Olympic Games, and excelled in the Spring Classics, including winning Gent-Wevelgem in 2001 and securing multiple top-10 finishes in Paris-Roubaix. Since retiring from professional cycling in 2012, Hincapie has remained active in the sport as a co-founder of Hincapie Sportswear, which specializes in cycling apparel, and launched a professional cycling team. He is also the co-owner of Hotel Domestique, a luxury cycling destination in South Carolina, and hosts the Gran Fondo Hincapie series with his family.

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View and Download 2024 event images HERE (Credit: Hincapie)

General Hincapie Gran Fondo photos HERE (Credit: Hincapie)

 

 

 

Billy “Wahoo” Meredith sets new self-supported Te Araroa Fastest Known Time

SEATTLE (March 31, 2025) — Astral Archetype and thru-hiker, Billy “Wahoo” Meredith, has set a new fastest known time to complete New Zealand’s Te Araroa trail self-supported. Meredith completed the feat in 52 days, 11 hours, and 58 minutes starting in Te Rerenga Wairua and finishing the journey on the southern bluff of Motupōhue.

Over the 3,012 km trail, Meredith faced incredibly challenging conditions. He endured over  273,000 feet of elevation gain, hiking through deep mud, 48-hour sleepless stints, and traveling as far as 54 miles in a day to reach the finish line. Adverse weather and a severe case of trench feet nearly called off the attempt with only a few days of hiking remaining. However, he persevered with a strong final effort, knocking out over 95 miles of swamp, forest, sand, and road in one long final push to the finish, shaving over two days off the previously held self-supported record.

“Over the course of the last 52 days 11 hours & 58 min, I traversed the entire length of Aotearoa, New Zealand entirely self-supported and in record time. And through it all, I carried my camera and captured the moments that meant the most to me,” said Billy. “Oftentimes those moments were the ones which involved the people I met along the way. Those strangers who helped me or gave me words of encouragement when I needed it the most. Even on these journeys of solitude and deep immersion in nature, I still find it’s the community of people and chance encounters with fellow humans who have the longest-lasting impact on my life.”

“We’re incredibly proud of the effort Wahoo has put forth on the Te Araroa,” said Cooper Lambla, Head of Brand + Marketing of Astral. “Running an ultra for 50+ days in a row across some of the most demanding terrain on earth is superhuman. Doing it unsupported is legendary. It’s the definition of wilderness athletics.”

Meredith has also used this opportunity to raise funds for Forest & Bird, Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading conservation nonprofit, to help protect the country’s wildlife and wild places for future generations. As a thru-hiker, trail runner, and landscape photographer, Nature has always been his refuge, yet it faces an urgent crisis—Aotearoa New Zealand has the world’s highest proportion of threatened species, with over 75% at risk. This effort is about more than setting a record—it’s a call to protect the landscapes that inspire and sustain us all.

In 2023, Billy Meredith achieved a new Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Calendar Year Triple Crown (CYTC), completing the Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail in an astounding 234 days. Averaging 32 miles and 5,556 feet of elevation gain per day, Meredith’s record-breaking feat pushed the limits of endurance and resilience.

Meredith joined the Astral team in 2024 as an Archetype, advisor, and ambassador, playing a key role in refining the brand’s next generation of long-distance hiking footwear. His experience setting FKTs has given him deep insight into gear performance and durability, which he brings to his partnership with Astral. His collaboration reflects his confidence in the brand’s vision and commitment to high-performance, durable, and sustainable footwear. He accomplished this feat wearing the new Astral TR1 Mesh 2.0. The shoe is exceptionally breathable, ultra-lightweight, and naturally shaped, making it the perfect choice for this challenge.

To learn more about Billy, what got him into backpacking, his recent hikes, and his passions outside of hiking, check out Astral’s recent interview with him.

View all of Astral’s Archetypes, including fellow thru hiking legend, Jennifer Pharr Davis here explore.astraldesigns.com/ambassadors. For more information about Astral, its products, and initiatives, please visit Astraldesigns.com.

ABOUT ASTRAL
Established in 2002, Astral designs high performance wilderness equipment created in the least toxic, lowest impact ways. Built on decades of experience and experimentation, Astral has assembled athletes, artists, and craftspeople to build the cleanest, most beautiful, and highest performing gear. Astral has significantly reduced toxic PVC foam from the PFD industry, invented breathable life jackets, won awards for their paradigm changing footwear designs, and developed the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock. Visit www.astraldesigns.com for more information.

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Media Contact:
Max Akselrad | Verde Brand Communications | (917) 699-8491 | max@verdepr.com