November’s Gateway Outdoor Expo in St. Charles, Missouri, had a little bit of everything: engaging panel discussions, information-packed booths, and thrilling interactive experiences. (Indoor rock climbing, anyone?)
But to be honest, we were most intrigued by the people.
Here’s a look at who was there.
Juno Musonda
St. Louis, Mo.
Favorite part of the Expo: “The grip challenge from Eastern Missouri Climbers Association. And just seeing how many organizations are here. It’s mind-blowing.”
Steve Simonis
Affton, Mo.
Favorite part of the Expo: “I’m the operations director for Upper Limits, so the best part for me is seeing all the people who don’t think they can climb. Then they try the climbing wall and make it all the way up.”
Jenny Lin
Maryland Heights, Mo.
Favorite part of the Expo: “I love the people. The outdoor community in this area is amazing.”
Portia (left) and Jordan Melton
St. Robert, Mo.
Favorite part of the Expo:
Portia: “Being humbled by the grip challenge.”
Jordan: “Finding out about all the racing events around here.”
Imxuan Blacknguyen
O’Fallon, Mo.
Favorite part of the Expo: “The candy. And the biking.”
Rachel Stoltzfus (left) and Shawn Gonzalez
Maryland Heights, Mo.
Favorite part of the Expo:
Stoltzfus: “Information on trail running and half-marathons.”
Gonzalez: “The Terrain photo exhibit.”
Scott Richards
St. Louis County, Mo.
Favorite part of the Expo: “The bike booths. I’ve really gotten into cycling lately. In the last two years, I’ve lost 100 pounds through cycling and better nutrition. I even started a podcast about it: ‘2 Guys 1 Scale.’”
Key Henry
St. Louis, Mo.
Favorite part of the Expo: “Helping people associate mindfulness with being outdoors — and exposing them to CBD and THC drinks as alternatives to alcohol.”
Jacob Wizeman (left) and Connor Robinson
Wildwood and Ballwin, Mo.
Favorite part of the Expo:
Wizeman: “Helping the kids learn to ride bikes.”
Robinson: “Learning new things about the environment and meeting new people.”
Author: Shawn Donnelly is the managing editor of Terrain.
Top image: Jacob Wizeman (left) and Connor Robinson. (Reiss Wegman)