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First Flatiron Rappel

Original Post
SeanC Cahill · · Denver, CO · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 25

I took a friend up the First today and as we neared the summit, we noticed four strands (2 ropes) hanging down. As we didn't see anyone up there, I figured someone might have ran into an issue and left them. When we summited, we saw there was indeed no one up there and there were two lines rigged through the eye bolts (pic below). There was a note (below) crammed in one of the bolts as well. I have gotten a fair number of laps up there and never run into this before. I'm guessing whoever left these lines figured anyone that was climbing today would rap the ropes that were left there - one of the eye bolts didn't have much room to try to pass another rope through. I'm not comfortable rapping on ropes I know nothing about, but decided to at least pull up two strands and check them out. I found a spot on one that felt shady to me, so decided against that idea. I was able to fit my rope through (I was on a single 8mm half rope) and rap off of that, it was just a PITA to pull. I doubt I would've fit a fat rope through. We also saw what looked like at least two lines going straight off the back of the Third (not the standard rap line at all). Anyone know what these climbers are up to?

These ropes are not abandoned.

Rigging.

La MoMoface · · Arvada, CO · Joined Apr 2008 · Points: 60

Odd, for sure. Interested to hear the story if it comes out.

Joe Garibay · · Ventura, Ca · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 86

Irrisponsible and discourteous to others. I would've maybe pulled the ropes and gear and neatly coiled them up and left them at the top with the note so others wouldn't have to deal with it.

Scott McMahon · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,425
JoeGaribay wrote:Irrisponsible and discourteous to others. I would've maybe pulled the ropes and gear and neatly coiled them up and left them at the top with the note so others wouldn't have to deal with it.
Yeah it's higher on the lamesauce scale than it should be. At least it's not a sharpie, but hopefully people are as nice as sean. Otherwise free gear city.
Em Cos · · Boulder, CO · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 5

Pull the ropes, leave them in a neat pile with a note that reads "These eye bolts are NOT your personal anchors. They will be used (daily) by many other climbers. Please leave them clean and clear of any unattended gear."

Greg Opland · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2001 · Points: 181

Calm the pitchforks!
The Minions are probably doing a First Flatiron time trial run.
I've given them a heads up, so hopefully someone will post soon.

Em Cos · · Boulder, CO · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 5

It's a pretty heavily trafficked route to monopolize the primary means of descent. Next time, maybe they could build a gear anchor for their dedicated lines and leave the eye bolts clear for others to use? They might be less likely to be messed with if they aren't in people's way, and maybe in a non-obvious location.

Just a thought. I have no idea what is going on or why the ropes are there.

Greg Opland · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2001 · Points: 181

I'm not really related to the whole deal, but I sent a heads up to Bill (the BW in the note) to let him know this discussion was going on. I'm sure he'll respond as soon as he sees it. The Minions have been doing Flatiron scrambles for years. Might be the first time this has come up. They're good people, so I'm sure they'll be accommodating to the community.

Zach M · · Summersville, WV · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 0
wwwright.com/climbing/minions/ , for anyone who doesn't know. Their club has some eye-watering times for the flatirons (under 35 minutes car to car for the third!), and has been around for more than 15 years.

I wouldn't sweat it too much, putting a rope up in the afternoon, and pulling it down the next morning seems pretty reasonable to me, especially with a note.
Bill Wright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2001 · Points: 440

HI all,

SeanC, this was me. I'm so sorry for the trouble I caused you and others. Yes, it was a SMSC event tonight on the Second, First, and Third Flatirons. I rigged the ropes that morning instead of just before our event and will not be doing that again. Once again, I'm very sorry for the inconvenience to the you and other climbers. I don't blame you for not rappelling on an unknown rope. I do appreciate you leaving them in good condition though. The ropes were a giant tangle on the Third Flatiron, possibly because someone took exception to them being there. At least on the Third they didn't take up the normal rappel anchors...

We will do better in the future.

Bill

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Colorado
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