Many have seen updates on Facebook or heard about the West End Adventure Klub (WEAK). But what is it? And who’s behind it? For those who don’t know, it’s Mallory Pottorf, longtime West Ender who simply loves what the local outdoors has to offer and encourages others to get out and take advantage of those opportunities.
Pottorf grew up in Naturita, moved to Grand Junction for a time in her adult life, but has been back since 2019.
Now, the West End Adventure Klub is her small organization, and it includes gym, along with with outdoor adventure group activities and a clothing line. She agreed that she’s basically just going out and doing everything she’s always done for her entire life in the West End. It’s about being outside, swimming, on bikes, going camping, riding side-by-sides and also being on the river in boats or on paddle boards — “all of the outdoor things my group of friends does here,” she told the Forum over the weekend.
Pottorf does encourage people to get outside. She has a Facebook presence too. Many know that she put up a gym at her place in Naturita, across from My Place, and that was completed in July of last year. It was a dream of hers, and like dreams do, it took some of her money and a lot of time to create.
The gym is semi-private, but it’s legal. She’s got the business license and everything, including waivers and agreements. Inside are free weights, squat racks, cable machines and more. Pottorf is not a trainer, and she’s not coaching people. She’s just giving a small group of people a space to stay in shape.
She doesn’t guide the outdoor adventures either; she gathers people though.
Her brand, WEAK, is featured on hoodies, hats and other things. Sometimes she puts stickers on someone’s side-by-side if they go out on trails with her.
It’s safe to say that Pottorf is looking forward to the warm season. She just bought a camper, which means the adventures are getting an upgrade this summer. She actually doesn’t go that far, except for Lake Powell a few times each year. She said in most cases she probably stays within a 30-mile radius of the West End.
She and a few friends have actually already completed their first river trip of the season, in late March, which is quite early to be on the water. She told the Forum her favorite float trip happens to be launching from Naturita Town Park and floating to Uravan.
WEAK is not affiliated with Montrose West Recreation, and her gym mostly includes people she knows who are 21 years of age and older.
Like so many in the West End, Pottorf is just one woman who happens to love the environment in which she lives. She doesn’t take it for granted, and she wants to motivate others to get out and enjoy it with her. Her small business is just about enjoying what’s around. She said she doesn’t aim to get rich or even really grow. It’s about being who she is, outdoors especially, but in the gym too.
“I built a cool gym, so I can work out, and have it open for a few people … and encourage people to come by when they’re not working out,” she said.
