AUTO BELAY UPDATE! Oct 26th, 2009

We spoke with MSA, the company that makes our Redpoint Descenders today. They do not expect to have any type of answer or solution until “the first part of November”. Until then, they recommend not using the auto belays.

We sincerely apologize for this delay and overall frustrating situation. This temporary loss of the auto belays is very trying on everyone. This is a worldwide recall.

What is the BRC doing?
-Partner Finder: sign up at the front desk and we will help match up partners
-BRC Staff Belays: managers and staff will do everything possible to belay members. Ask at the front desk if someone is not busy and can “give you some belays”. No guarantees, but we will do our best to accommodate requests

-Discounted private belay sessions: $20 per hour (normally $35). Call/ask the front desk for availability

Please contact Kevin Bains or Mike Alkaitis if you have questions or concerns

Thank you for your patience,
-BRC Management

Lumpy Ridge Trail Day Oct 18th

When: Oct 18, 2009
Where: Estes Park, CO

For the 9th consecutive year the Front Range Section of the American Alpine Club will be hosting a trail improvement day at Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park, Colorado. This project is in conjunction with the Access Fund ‘Adopt-A-Crag’ program and the National Park Service (NPS).

Volunteers will meet at 7:30am at the Estes Park Town Hall parking lot on MacGregor Ave (downtown next to the police dept. and behind the library) where coffee and donuts will be provided. NPS staff will supply tools and transportation to the trail head. Volunteers should bring gloves, plenty of water, weather appropriate clothing and are encouraged to stay for the full day (but part day help is very welcome). All volunteers in attendance at 4pm will be eligible for gifts and raffle items that are sure to please and thrill.

The goal this year includes work on the badly eroded “Batman Rock” approach trail.

Let’s make this the best year ever!

Interested persons should register early by contacting event organizer Greg Sievers at g_sievers57@q.com , or 970-586-4075 to be assured of receiving a free lunch at the work site and T-shirt.

Information from the AAC Website:
http://www.americanalpineclub.org/event/lumpyridgetrailday

The Final Three

2009 on the summit of Hayden Spire

By Marlene Borneman

It began innocently enough in 1974. I came to Colorado for a summer job at the YMCA of The Rockies in Estes Park. I arrived from New Orleans—yes, below sea level—in mid-May of that year and, being a proper young lady from the South, I wanted to make a good impression on my new employer. I wore a sleeveless silk dress—rather short as I recall—stockings, and the cutest little heeled sandals you ever laid eyes on. It was somewhere around 30 degrees and spitting snow. It turned out to be one of the scariest days of my young life. All I could think was, “I have made a terrible mistake!”

Fortunately, that feeling of not fitting in did not last. By the end of that summer I had completed the Hike master course at the YMCA and climbed most of the major peaks in Rocky Mountain National Park. I lived in Estes Park for 12 years and climbed in the park year-round. I found myself focused on the major peaks, and their different routes, with a few new peaks thrown in now and again. Then came a career move away from Colorado; to say I began grieving would be an understatement. But, by 2001, I had returned to live full time in Estes Park.

After completing the 54 fourteeners in 2005, I came back to "Rocky" After all it is my backyard! I had neglected it long enough. I realized there were places I had not seen and summits not climbed. First, I carefully laid out the list. There were 35 peaks I hadn’t yet climbed of 126 named summits in RMNP. By the end of the summer of 2008, I had only three to go. Then, reality struck me hard. The final three were The Sharkstooth, Hayden Spire (both Class 5, technical climbs requiring ropes and equipment) and Pilot Mountain (a difficult, though less technical, Class 4 climb). Had I set myself up for this? Shouldn’t the last peak be easy, like Estes Cone or Twin Sisters? I hadn’t climbed anything beyond Class 4 in years. I lost some sleep, talked incessantly to my husband, and consulted every book and person who I thought could set my mind at ease. Then I came to the realization that the final three were meant to be my grand finale. I needed a challenge; I wanted a challenge! I needed to gain my confidence back on the rope. I needed a plan. It sounds like I needed a lot. What I needed was CMS.

In 2008 I did see this coming , so I asked for help. I went to the CMS here in Estes Park and laid out my goal. The staff was very patient with this "old lady". I went on several practice climbs on Lumpy Ridge with a CMS guide that summer to build my confidence back in the technical areas. Boy things had changed from cams to those awesome little climbing shoes! I attempted Sharkstooth twice in 2008 without success due to weather. Now in 2009 these were my final three. On September 2, 2009, I did reach Hayden Spire completing the climbs of the 126 named summits in RMNP. I had a smile from ear to ear. I found myself enjoying these last three summits more than I could have imaged. A big part of that was not only the professionalism of the CMS guides but their truly caring attitude to help me reach my goal.

1975 on Longs Peak via Kieners Route

Marlene Borneman is a licensed clinical social worker by profession. She has climbed 82 of the hundred highest and 33 of the 50 States High Points.

Take An Avy Course This Winter... It Could Save A Life!

Avalanche Skier POV Helmet Cam Burial & Rescue in Haines, Alaska from Chappy on Vimeo.

An amazing video that speaks of the value of training and being in the backcountry with professionals and friends who have taken the time to know how to respond quickly. This winter don't put it off... take a avalanche training course.
Our programs for the 09/10 season are listed on our website.
Call now and get one booked!

Colorado Mountain School
800-836-4008
TotalClimbing.com

Colorado Burl and Beyond with Andy Mann & Jonathan Siegrist

October 7th, 2009
8pm at the Boulder Rock Club

Join professional photographer Andy Mann and climber Jonathan Siegrist along with other special guest athletes for an evening of stunning climbing images and the stories behind them.

Colorado Burl and Beyond highlights some of the states most notable ascents over the last couple seasons as well as offering a sample of national and international inspiration. Select video clips from the new bouldering documentary, Rocky Mountain Highball, will also be shown as a bonus.

Avery is serving up fresh, cold beer and The Boulder Rock Club, LaSportiva, and Arcteryx all donated to a killer raffle.

Join us!

Boulder Rock Club
2829 Mapleton Ave
Boulder, CO. 80301
800-836-4008