The business opened its brick and mortar location recently at 124 E. Main St. Right now, hours are fluid as owner Tania Jacobson figures out what needs the community has.

Rox and River is just the most recent form Jacobson’s’ business — Run Wild Rocksylvania — has taken on. Previously, she set up shop at trail races in the region and sold products for Run Wild and other brands, Shred and most recently Pow-Dirt.

However, the roots of Jacobson’s business actually began with a non-profit in 2018, created by herself and a group of outdoor enthusiasts.

ReVibe Outdoors started when Jacobson and three other trail runners began discussing how nice it would be if they could collect gently used running shoes and other items to sell at discounted prices for beginners or those in need.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS A variety of socks advertising the Little Loggers Trail race are pictured.

Jacobson said the idea to really grow the concept and expand on how it could help others was inspired by a small slip of paper that blew into her yard one day.

“I found this tiny piece of paper, a scrap really, in my yard that said ‘you can make a difference,'” she said. “I had been photographing trail races and really wanted to involve my passion with the community.”

“I found that piece of paper and it felt like something was telling me I should do it,” she said.

Inspired by young athletes, Jacobson and other volunteers began setting up shop at local trail races to sell this and other apparel, with proceeds benefiting trail events for youth racing in the area.

Jacobson noted they not only receive shoes and other items from local stores — such as Rapid Transit in State College — local race directors joined the cause to donate leftover swag from their races that can include t-shirts, hats and more.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS La Sportiva trail shoes are on display inside Rox and River Adventure Co.

In 2019, ReVibe Outdoors was created as the official non-profit that funds free races for kids like the Little Loggers Trail Fest. Since its inception, this has grown from one trail race to three and is designed for runners 12 and under.

Jacobson said having these donated items is great for the trail races, especially for kids in need of proper gear.

“It works really well because we have kids coming in for these events and they’re still growing, so the major discounts on apparel is helpful,” she said. “We try to do what we can for kids and their families.”

Also at these races and many throughout the region, Jacobson’s brand — Rocksylvania, LLC — started to sell apparel to benefit the non-profit alongside ReVibe Gear. The branding evolved over time, starting with “Run Wild” for trail races to include “Shred” for cyclists and “PowDirt” for winter sports.

“Everything has evolved naturally. We try to give people what they’re looking for,” she said.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Run Wild Rocksylvania gear can also be purchased at the store.

The evolution has more recently taken shape as Rox and River Outdoor Co. in downtown Lock Haven.

The store began its soft opening in June and is continuing to fine-tune its operations after spending months conducting intense renovations of its large space.

Jacobson said it felt like the perfect opportunity to expand her inventory from her original space in Dunnstown due to just how much there is to do in Clinton County and surrounding areas.

“There are so many great opportunities for outdoor recreation and an amazing trail running community that crosses over into it. There really wasn’t anything like this. It’s a local place where outdoor enthusiasts can find what they’re looking for easily,” she said.

Rox and River has a wide variety of items, including Run Wild apparel, Kelty products like tents and chairs; Goodr sunglasses, Black Diamond gear, a variety of nutritional packs such as Honey Stinger, Cliff Shots, Bonk Breakers and more; cots, sleeping bags, camping cooking items both large and for back packing, La Sportiva shoes, Darn Tuff socks, life jackets and Purple Lizard maps among others.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Rox and River Adventure Co. offers a wide range of outdoor gear from sleeping bags and cooking items and more.

And the inventory is expected to continue to grow with the space, she said.

Keeping in mind those who may be in need, a used gear section is also being built up as well.

Jacobson noted when it comes to bike gear, she directs folks to The Bike Gallery downtown, as she hopes to build up and work together with other local businesses in the area.

“I want to work together with local businesses to lift each other up,” she said.

That includes housing two local businesses within the store — Bald Eagle Valley Kayak Company and Train Recover Repeat.

LAURA JAMESON/THE EXPRESS Popular sunglasses brand Goodr are available for purchase at Rox and River Adventure Co.

Bald Eagle Valley Kayak offers shuttle services and rentals for visitors and residents looking to explore the waters of the Susquehanna River or Bald Eagle Creek. Jacobs said the business isn’t completely set up inside Rox and River but will hopefully be soon, though they are currently offering shuttle services. You can learn more about their services by visiting www.bevkayak.com.

Train Recover Repeat, which has offered treatments on-site at trail races around the state for several years, will be utilizing Rox and River as a homebase throughout the week.

Jacobson encourages anyone who may be in need of some recovery help or prep before a big trip to follow Rox and River or Train Recover Repeat to know when she’ll be stopping in next.

Partnering with these two local businesses are an example of what Jacobson hopes to create with Rox and River — a homebase for outdoor lovers and a community that can support each other.

“I want to build a space for connection, a base camp,” she said. “I want people to be able to come in, look at maps and talk to others. They might even learn about new outdoor opportunities or make friends to go out with.”

“I want people to not only get the gear they need but the community they need here,” she continued.

This community-focused approach will be on full display twice in the upcoming week.

On Sunday, July 12, Jacobson said kayakers can meet up at Rox and River base camp between 9 and 10 a.m. to head out for a group paddle.

She noted this isn’t a guided trip and those interested in joining should have their own form of transportation. A location for the paddle is to be determined.

Rox and River will also host a packet pick up for the Grinduro PA gravel cyclist race on Friday evening in the East Main Street parking lot. The Grinduro is set for Saturday, July 18 with the course mainly taking place in Sproul State Forest.

Jacobson said local residents are encouraged to stop by and meet the Rox and River team as well as Bald Eagle Kayak Co. There will be refreshments such as drinks donated by New Trail Brewery. Sales of the beverages will benefit ReVide Outdoors and its mission to create free trail races for kids. There will also be snacks and other items along with games and coffee from Allabaster Coffee Co out of Williamsport.

In the future, as the community grows and Rox and River is able to bring in more inventory and items for outdoor fans, Jacobson said she hopes to create another non-profit and provide Adventure Grants.

She said all sales within Rox and River would ideally benefit these grants, though she expects to begin that process within the next year.

For those interested in stopping by the store, Jacobson said hours may fluctuate as she learns where needs are, but said the store will always be open Friday through Saturday. To keep up with Rox and River, follow their Facebook page, Rox and River Adventure Co.