Jordan Lacy
Jordan Lacy caves and rappels.
A resident of Indiana, Jordan loves leading hikes and caving adventures - some of which involve rappelling, too.
Jordan is a magnet of a human who attracts other adventurous people into a community that keeps growing. Being as curious as he is and passionate to learn all things related to his outdoor hobbies, he’s cultivated the ability to serve as an informal guide who is likely more equipped than those formally trained. His enthusiasm and knowledge are impossible to ignore and you will never forget any outing when you’re in his company.
Thank you, Jordan, for being open to this November 2024 Athlete of the Month spotlight. You deserve nothing less than a celebration of you!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trailhound88/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/idhikethat
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jalacy
Pronouns: he/him/his
ATHLETE OF THE MONTH - NOVEMBER 2024
“I love caving because it truly allows you to disconnect from technology... I find myself turning off my headlamp and sitting in the pure darkness and meditating and reflecting. It is very calming to be so far away from your problems and alone with only your mind.”
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got into caving and rappelling?
A guy from Missouri moved to our church when I was younger and he was a big caver. He took me to my first caves when I was 13. I have been interested in them ever since. As I got older I found out about grottos (cave clubs) and decided to join the Bloomington Indiana Grotto to learn more and be around other cavers. I soon realized that there are many caves that require rappelling, so I quickly learned how to do it. Now, I'm addicted!
What motivates you to stay active and adventurous?
In college, my wife and I used to spend time at a local park and had this quote on the mural: "We don't stop playing because we get old; We get old because we stop playing." I've tried to live my life by that and keep moving and staying active for physical and mental health. I love to push myself to my limits and really see what I'm made of.
Can you share a memorable experience or achievement in your athletic journey?
I recently participated in my first Bridge Day at the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia. For one day a year, they allow BASE jumpers to jump and us cavers to rappel the 876ft bridge. It was my longest rappel to date and it was quite an exciting experience.
What's the most fun part of caving and rappelling for you?
Spending time with the awesome people who share you passion. When you explore caves, you do so with people you trust your life with. If something were to go wrong, they are the ones who would help save you. That is a completely different type of bond you get in normal situations and helps forge intense friendships.
On the other hand, what's your least favorite part of caving or rappelling?
Spraying down and cleaning off all of your gear afterwards. You can't just throw those muddy clothes in your washing machine unless you want to ruin it!
How do you balance training, work, and personal life?
I stick to a schedule and prioritize my life. Caving is third to work and family. I try and fit it in on weekends and select weekdays, but family and work responsibilities come first.
What does a typical caving or rappelling training session look like for you?
I do a lot of rope training. Whether I'm practicing knots or practicing different maneuvers on rope. To train for long rappels and the rope weight, I tie dumbbells to the end of a rope in a tree to simulate how heavy a long rope would be. I also participate in cave rescue classes so I can be ready if I ever get the call to help an injured or lost caver.
How do you stay mentally focused and motivated during challenging times? Specifically, when you’re underground in a cave?
I like to keep my "eye on the prize." Sometimes that prize is simply getting out of a cave after long hours. Your body will scream at you after all the stoop walking, crawling, climbing... but you have to keep moving forward to feel the sunshine again.
When you're spending a day engaging in your favorite adventure passions, what kind of snacks or favorite meals do you have that keep you fueled throughout?
In my cave pack I always carry Stinger Energy Waffles, beef jerky, apple sauce pouches, yogurt smoothie pouches, and Snickers bars. On really long cave trips, I might pack a dehydrated meal and my backpacking stove
“I find a lot of inspiration from other members of my grotto. Especially the old timers. Their names are on so many cave maps from their survey work. Some have been to some of the greatest caves on Earth to explore and map. Seeing them continue to cave well into their 70’s motivates me to keep moving and to keep being better.”
What are some of your go-to recovery practices after a tough workout or adventure?
Epsom salt baths and hot tub sessions are my favorite ways to recover my body. I also like to stretch hardcore after getting out of a cave. Usually the post-cave beer is the first step of recovery though!
Do you have any tips for beginners who want to get started in caving?
NEVER cave alone. Caving is super safe if you do the right way and with others who know what they are doing. Go to www.caves.org and find your local grotto (cave club) and go to a meeting. Introduce yourself to other cavers. Most grottos have monthly beginner trips where you can try out gear and learn how to cave safely.
How do you incorporate mindfulness or mental wellbeing practices into your routine?
I love caving because it truly allows you to disconnect from technology. You will never get service in a cave so besides some pictures, your phone and the world it opens up is simply an afterthought. I find myself turning off my headlamp and sitting in the pure darkness and meditating and reflecting. It is very calming to be so far away from your problems and alone with only your mind.
What gear or equipment do you consider essential for rappelling and caving?
The basics of safe caving require a helmet, three sources of light you can mount to your helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and synthetic/dry-wicking clothing to keep you warm. Midwest caves are around 54 degrees year-round and you need to be able to keep yourself warm. I also carry first-aid and we call a palmer furnace. This is essentially a larger contractor trash bag you can cut a hole in for your head. You then light a candle and put it inside the bag with you. In an emergency situation, this can keep you warm for hours while you are not moving.
Who are your biggest inspirations or role models when it comes to your adventure passions?
I find a lot of inspiration from other members of my grotto. Especially the old timers. Their names are on so many cave maps from their survey work. Some have been to some of the greatest caves on Earth to explore and map. Seeing them continue to cave well into their 70's motivates me to keep moving and to keep being better.
Do you have any other favorite kinds of outdoor adventures? If so, what draws you to them?
I also love hiking, backpacking, mountaineering. I love finding solitude in beautiful places while also challenging myself mentally and physically.
When you're not training for caving, how do you like to spend your time?
I like spending time with my wife and kids. We are a very adventurous family and are always doing something fun.
What future goals or adventures do you have planned, and how are you preparing for them?
I am working up my skill and fitness to eventually go help on the Mexican cave projects. Some of these are 1000+ foot rappels and the survey camps inside are a day or more of caving away. I'd love to help contribute to the ongoing exploration of these caves, so I continue to keep my caving fitness and rappelling up by simply doing them all the time.
