I had a bunch of miscellaneous pictures, photos, surveys that were on climbingboulder.com that never really fit in with the new mountainproject.com. It's just as well, since it was probably only entertaining to me and Ben to read it. However, for posterity's sake I've decided to throw them on here in this thread.

It's got the very beginning, the technical details when we ran on a Pentium II, it's got Sven, the mountainweb lawsuit threats, and other hidden gems.

[Our Story Page]

Our Story

Please Understand that this is quite rough around the edges, and still in progress. Additionally, our mothers would not approve of some of our verbage. And, if you are one of our mothers, please stop reading now, until we can clean it up. - The Management


On Januay 22, 2000, Ben "Number 1" Mottinger, Ben "Number 2" Schneider, and Myke Komarnitsky awoke to a beautiful winter day in Boulder. It was warm, and they headed up to Eldorado Canyon, and up to the West Ridge. They had Richard Rossiter's classic book, Boulder Climbs South. They began hiking up the ridgeline, looking for Positively 4th Street. It took them 10 minutes to find the route. As #2 prepared to climb, Myke said aloud, "what about building our own climbing guide, online?" And the clouds parted and angels descended in song on golden chariots.

Myke came home and started work on the site. He came up with a simple site architecture that had a directory for each area, directories in those for each rock within that area, and then another directory for each route. The navigation bar had a link for each route on the page. It was hosted at http://rtt.colorado.edu/~komarnit/climbing/, so on CU-Boulder computers.

Ben and Myke then pulled in Shaun Miller to help on the project and give a non-engineering student perspective to the project. Brainstorming together, we made some terrific refinements to the route page.

We would meet people when climbing, and tell them about the site. Our numbers swelled - we were getting 20 hits on the home page a day! Slowly our routes increased - having every route on the navigation, when you have THIRTY WHOLE ROUTES is obviously a poor system. So with a bit of trepidation, we switched our navigation over to having only the rocks listed.

The project became a learning one, in many dimensions. First, it became clear that we were going to have to get a lot better technically. Tools and features slowly were added we pulled from others, asked for help, or just struggled until we figured it out ourselves. Our ideas for what the site could be were always way beyond what we could do at the time. Example:

Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2001 01:54:36 -0600
To: Ben Mottinger , Shaun Miller
Subject: Re: New logo

What would really be the shit, is if the server would parse everything that gets sent out(it already does, what with the server side includes and stuff) ,.... and every time it saw the phrase "Ben Mottinger" it would replace it with Ben Mottinger .... plus our emails, you know, and like anytime we mention another route. That would be the absolute shit. I just don't know how to get that yet.... but might be a possibility.



So obviously my word choices are poor, but in the interest of integrity and authenticity I leave it as it is. New tools, like a contact form and a guestbook, came on the site. The front page was a still, static image of Ben climbing Sneak Preview, a 5.11c in Bear Canyon.

Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2000 18:46:27 -0700 (MST)
From: Ben Mottinger
To: Michael Komarnitsky
Subject: Re: web site

I think we should edit that front image so that we take out the rope and harness so it looks like I'm soloing it.



I became very adept at annoying the hell out of Ben and Shaun with emails.

Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2001 02:07:36 -0600
To: Ben Mottinger , Shaun Miller
Subject: Re: New logo
Ah, what the hell, I'll keep rambling.
If we are serious about this(not in the 40+ hours/week thing, but rather a few hours a week) there's a lot of issues to consider.
1) one of us cheap asses buying a digital camera - which will probably fall to trust fund baby me. :-)
2) registering a domain, instead of the current one. ex. www.bouldercilmbs.com (available, I checked). They cost somehwere like $70 for a year... pretty reasonable.
3) if it's not on a school computer then... well then, we can possibly put advertising on the web site. Not much revenue, I don't think, but a possibility.
4) I have some seriously cool ideas (search engine, submission method for others more advanced database stuff), but I'm limited in my ability to implement them. maybe we need someone else who's more of a hard core programmer who we know?
5) Once the site's more ready, how to get the word out? I was thinking emailing the local newspapers somehow... also the COdaily has a girl who writes articles in the sports section each week about climbing - emailing her.
6) Some bio stuff about us - IE you click on KMM productions, and it goes to a page about us.
7) we need a disclaimer front and center so we don't get in trouble for somebody dying.
8) Shit, we need to get more fucking climbs in!!! (if shaun ever gets his shoes)

That's what I'm thinking about right now. I think this is, seriously, a very good idea we have here. It's one of those things where I show people, and *everyone* says, "that's a *really* good idea."
I know, I'm a little tired and so overly optimistic. Cut me some slack. I've got the whole vision shit going.... are you guys seeing some of the same thing, or am I way off base here? (ok, what the hell, let's dream. why not expand - white water rafting. paint ball. mountain climbs. mountain biking. skydiving. ie we're rating the different opportunities to do things, and giving advice about where to do it, etc... I know I know, that part's a dream.... but it does sound cool.)

Ramblings,
Myke



Hell, I was dreaming. Still, I think it's interesting to see the vision back then, and how well we've realized the dream. Here's another email; when Ben and Myke took CSCI 6838, User Interface Design, in Spring of 2001, it was interesting to see that many of the principles discussed there we had been thinking about for over a year.

Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2001 21:04:36 -0600
To: Miller Shaun
Cc: Ben

There are three bolts up the route, and two chains at the top. Sorry.
I'll figure out the real names as soon as you fix my pute. teehee.

Cool.

By the way, you're "buildering section is all f-ed up. Is that still in progress?

Should look a LOT better now, the last two days I've busted it out.

How's those pages coming?

Also, I think you, Ben, and I should sit down with a six pack and a computer.... we need to talk about two things: 1) Now that we have a few pages up, what does someone who's coming to the page really interested in? (ie your point about TR info, sources vs. references) I thought a little bit before I did it, but I think we should really talk about what would be useful.

2) Ben's working on the page for the areas. Again, what SHOULD be on this page? Ben can think about it and then put it up, and then we can review and improve upon it once Ben's done the hard work.

Also, I think we should tell whoever else we can think of(Ben Schneider, Laura, Chere, your bouldering buddry) to check out the site, and give us the same feedback: is it useful? What is most useful? What was confusing? Were there typos? What else would be cool about it? etc ad naseum.
Word,
Myke

We also started meeting people through the site. Patrick Vernon we met through the dorms, and supplied us with a lot of initial beta for Lumpy Ridge. He also turned into our resident hardman, able to lead on trad climbs that we only laughed at even toproping. We met some people from Colorado Mountain Club another day, who ended up helping us out with some free maps and other stuff.

We also learned about lawsuits. We had this page up, only to have the CEO of the company threaten us with Defamation of Character. I apologized to Chuck, and removed the page. Unfortunately, Mountainweb.com is no longer in business.

Time came to actually get a real domain. After some searching, we decided upon BoulderClimbing.com. However, when I was registering the name with Network Solutions, I accidentally typed in ClimbingBoulder.com. Whoops. The result was that.






Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 00:10:57 -0700 (MST)
From: Ben Mottinger
To: Michael Komarnitsky
Subject: Re: mountainweb.com

Nice entry. Yeah, %$@! those guys. Their flatirons database really sucks. That reminds me--when your camera gets here, we're going to have to take a 1/2 day and do Eldo and the flatirons (3rd and 1st) especially. Our page just isn't complete w/out the flatirons.

B



Yeah, a bunch of fools.

From: "Quinn Stevens"
To:
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 23:27:15 -0700

Myke,

I thought your posting of the trials and tribulations with mountainnerds.com was hilarious. I noticed a few routes that you detail which I have been on, and again, it looks awesome. We should try to heat out again this weekend... let me know what your schedule is like. Also, with respect to your site, I'd be happy to go to an area that I know pretty well (Dream Canyon, Sheerwood, Easter Rock, Clear Creek) and help you out getting beta, etc.

Talk to ya,
Quinn

[We almost got sued because we put this on our front page. Apparently calling someone a "tool" is defamation of character.]

We Pissed off Mountainweb.com!


Upon a recommendation to check out their area betas, we checked them out. They're pretty terrible, in our opinion. So, we decided to tell them.... by posting a message on their message board. There were only two postings on the board, both by "Charles J. Quinton." So I added another

"Your area betas kind of suck. For a little more detail, check out http://rtt.colorado.edu/." [Paraphrased, I don't know the original.]

Well, the next day, I received this email from "Chuck," the CEO of mountainweb.

From: "MountainWeb" chuck@mountainweb.com
To: Myke
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 10:27:05 -0700

I hope you have something better to do than slam other websites. Sincerely, Charles J. Quinton CEO MountainWeb, Inc. 303-462-3677 fax 303-462-3723 www.mountainweb.com

ok, so maybe I'm a jerk. But I thought it was funny that the CEO had the time to respond. Now that's customer service. Of course, I wanted to see what I wrote that made him so mad. Chuck had been busy at work though; my message on their site had been erased. Damn! It seemed appropriate for me to make amends to Chuck for my insensitivity. I knew they were looking to pay people for flatirons beta info.

From: Myke
To:"MountainWeb" chuck@mountainweb.com
Subject: Re:
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 14:33:09 -0700

Alright dude, whatever. I'm just being honest, your area betas are pretty weak. I hear you're looking for some for the flatirons. We got em.

See ya
Myke


Unfortunately, that just ticked him off more.

From: "MountainWeb" chuck@mountainweb.com
To: Myke
Subject: Re:
Date: Mon, 13 Mar 2000 14:33:09 -0700

Mr. Brooks notified me that you might be in touch and that you might be interested in being paid for some of your information. At this time, we are unwilling to work with you. You don't insult someone TWICE when you're asking for money. PS. We're adding over 20 routes today and we'll have a comprehensive guide up by week's end.

I guess that PS comment was supposed to make us feel bad... or something. Whatever. In our opinion, he's a tool. If you would like to comment on his bulletin board, you can Here.

Looking through these, it reminds me that I was a pretty immature 21 year old. Good thing I've grown up.... right?

We got really involved in the chipping controversy a few years after some chipped routes showed up on the site.

-------------

Position Statement, written on behalf of climbingboulder.com

After careful deliberation, Climbingboulder.com has decided to delineate routes known to be manufactured in our online database of natural Colorado climbs with a doorway page explainging our stance on the issue. The reasons are manifold, yet all stem from our basic belief that the altering of the rock via blatant hold manufacture, be it with a hammer or a pneumatic drill, is antithetical to the spirit of climbing. In fact, to the vast majority of the Colorado climbing community, it is anathema.

The validity of this stance is backed by a very demonstrable consensus. A recent poll of Boulder climbers about the bolt wars in Boulder Canyon revealed that 243 out of 255 climbers either disagreed or strongly disagreed that the chipping of holds on new cliffs should be permitted. A Yahoo poll conducted of contributors to this site produced similar results. And finally, climbing advocacy groups like the Access Fund and the American Alpine Club have their own anti-chipping policies in place, not to mention the fact that many equipment manufacturers such as Metolius no longer sponsor climbers known to be chippers.

With so many talented climbers and so much potential for cutting-edge new routes in Colorado it is unfortunate that a handful of climbers are still resorting to this base and vile practice, a practice that robs climbers both future and present of the chance to experience the rock in an unaltered state. As one climber so eloquently put it, "Publicity lends legitimacy." We feel that by making it more difficult to access these routes on the site we're stripping them of the publicity they never quite deserved in the first place.

- Local Climber
November 4, 2001
What will not be classified as modified:
Actions taken to preserve a route, such as stabilizing a hold with glue (as long as the intent and effect is not to make the hold better or easier for a climber), while ethical arguable, will not be classified as a modified route. Secondly, issues of safety, such as bolting a rock, take a higher priority and will not be classified as modified routes in this database.

A route that has modified holds, and then climbed free without using those modified holds, will not be classified as modified. This does not justify filling in the modified hold or altering the rock further. This issue, in particular, is still under discussion. If you'd like to weigh in, please do.

If you feel we've made a mistake:
If you feel this route has been misidentified, please add your comment to that route explaining your reasons respectfully, but thoroughly. We do read every comment that's added in that way. If your argument has validity, we will remove the modified route classification.

What about aid climbing?
Aid climbing is well known for modifying rock. Many famous routes have recognizable pin scars. We recognize aid climbing as a valid form of climbing, and it's modification of the rock, while regrettable, is unavoidable for that type of climbing. However, an aid climb can be classified as modified as well.

"In this case[Aid Climbing], the rock is deliberately altered to facilitate progress, but without actually placing an honest bolt (or bailing). This would include the idea of enlarging hook placements for ease of use ("enhancing" is the euphemism of choice used by these folks). Trenching copperheads, ie drilling shallow slots which will accept copperheads (especially effective in blind corners which look like they maybe, just maybe could have had real placements), is another way to "chip" aid climbs. The intention is to alter the rock deliberately to satisfy one's ego, this time to artificially lower the bolt-count on a line. -- Stephen "Crusher" Bartlett

Are there any Resources Available to read more on this issue?
The Blacklist (actual list of climbs)
Access Fund Stance
Local Surveys
More Surveys
Email List Discussion
Fiddler on the Woof (more discussion)

This whole idea is COMPLETELY off base!
Really? well, then tell us how. We always want our stance on this issue to be more rigorous and consistent, and if you've seen an error in our position, please let us know! Just try to be constructive - insults, intimidation, and condescension don't work very well...

Does this mean that I can clean lichen off anywhere I want?
No. This stance, and the below image, is not meant to explain what is appropriate or inappropriate action for all areas. Rather, this is merely an explanation of our classification systemn for routes termed as "modified". Indeed, in many locations, cleaning lichen, pulling off loose blocks, or gardening can result in a fine or even jail! Above and byeond our stance here, climbers in general should adhere to the Leave No Trace ethic whenever possible, to minimize impact on the areas we are enjoying.




Feedback We've Been Getting Regarding This

COMMENTS I am just responding to the chipping stance, and I approve of it. I believe that not putting chipped routes on the site just sweeps the problem under the rug. The problem needs to be adressed, and there needs to be some way to find out what is chipped/drilled. This way I could have avoided one of my most dissapointing days of climbing ever, when I grabbed a drilled pocket on a route that I otherwise was enjoying. I found a way to do the sequence without the pocket, but have never gone back to the route only because it is drilled. I want a place in which I can find out if a route is drilled before I get on the route. None of the guidebooks say anything about the drilling.

COMMENTS I like it! Awsome way of handling those routes.

COMMENTS climbingboulder is your (and I suppose your friends') website. For people to accuse you guys of being dictatorial, etc. is absurd. Of course you can be dictatorial with your own site! Its yours. Anyway, you have gone out of your way to accomodate other view points and I'm sure you're well aware of this. You guys are doing a fine job with the site. You are being far more tolerant than I would on the chipping issue. Chippers fit the same psychological profile as people that would use liposuction instead of excersise to improve their appearance.

COMMENTS After not looking at your site for a while I was suprised and thrilled to note an anti chipping stance being taken. I had thought that chipping was an acepted practice amongst modern climbers. Just goes to show how out of touch I am. As long as the people who maintain this site can see thier way to a nonadvocacy of chipping, let me see if I can open your mind to an attidude I have always held.

Why not try to climb eliminating all artificial changes to the rock. This would include leaving as much fauna as possible, after all I enjoy seeing the one flower growing out of a crack 100 feet in the air, perhaps someone next year might also. This would also include putting in no bolts. Bolts permanently alter rock and rock climbing. Climbing took a major leap forward after clean climbing came around. What has happened since is retro. Let fixed gear disappear as it breaks and falls out. Climbing on natural rock without chipped holds forces one to climb on the rocks terms, so does climbing using only protection where it is natuaraly available. For protectionless stretches of rock why not wait for standards to rise, or toprope it or never climb it. What is wrong with an unclimbed piece of rock.

I remember my disgust when bolting became a thing people did lightly. From having bolts rarely for one or two moves we went to climbs made entirely of bolts. When I first heard of chipping I thought nothing. It was just a logical extension of bolting. One changes the mental (danger) aspect of the sport, the other changes the gymnastic aspect. I have friends that have helped to make sport park. I believe them to be no more misguided than my bolting friends. They are only trying to enjoy a sport they love and to help others to enjoyit also.

When I look at the vast expanses of blank rock in canyonlands I see huge jugs, with long reaches inbetween, protected by 1/2" x 12" expansion bolts. Does that picture bring a bad taste to your mouth? So do all those bolts I see sprouting on the Bastile. I dont mean to seem absolutist, but where do you draw the line.

I have sent this message only to the people who maintain this site, because obviously you care about climbing and also your opinions resonate loudly throughout the local scene via your media. I have no intent to begin a bolt debate, I just wanted you to see a different perspective.

COMMENTS I think the 'wallowing' evolved when climbing became more recreational. Recreation is a sort of commercial way of looking our 'free' time. People are just used to buying things and now alot of climbers expect a homogenized user-friendly product to be available for them. I think most people no more consider the ethics of a particular route than they consider the ethics of a meal or a movie. It's the mainstream consumer mentality. That's why I think the debates on CLIMBINGBOULDER are beneficial-they get more people to think about it.

On the other hand the land, and the rock, is heavily impacted by people more and more so how can people get the maximum benefit from the smallest amount of rock? Recreational sportclimbing seems too generic for me to get any benefit from it. I think the uniqueness of each route offers the most value. That's why I'd like to see bolts used for anchors when needed and minimally for protection. I think there are too many routes that are minimally rewarding as 'warm-ups' or training routes but would be memorable if the leader had to think more. That's why I'm opposed to having bolts where A1 protection is available to prevent a serious fall. Furthermore- what's wrong with toproping? At Devil's Lake (Wisc) the large majority of people toprope and have plenty of safe fun. A lot of crags could have sets of anchors accessible from one warm-up sport route. Anyway we'll see what happens now. It is interesting.

COMMENTS What interests me that most at this junction is what is most functional for this website. I'd argue that we'll make our life easier, while still retaining some stance on 'manufacturing,' if glue is excluded from condemnation.

Having said this, climbing presents an interesting model for the relationship of man with the world. To some degree, we're always, inherently, in conflict with nature. There is no rational justification for our existence. I think chipping, glue, cleaning, bolts, pieces, chalk, and even shoe rubber, are technically all wrong in the context of an essentially narcissistic sport. However, because we're inevitably in this state of conflict, we have to make some distinctions, that are pretty much arbitrary. So, it's still a good endeavor to have this discussion, as it's our only valuable option.
My main point is that you failed to notify some fairly prominent participants and contributors to the web site about actions to be taken regarding their routes. I'm not going to climb chipped routes at the dog house or anywhere else and that's my choice based on information I've obtained through this site and other sources. I don't need climbingboulder.com delivering a big sermon on the subject to make that decision. Personally I think that chipped routes could be removed from the site with a lot less fanfare after discussion with the individuals who contributed them. The site needs to involve its members in shaping opinion and not simply go ahead and start dictating what's acceptable and what's not. I can only imagine what Alan Nelson, who's contributed hundreds of climbs and areas to the, adding immeasurably to its value, thought when his route was suddenly branded as chipped (however accurately) without any notice.

If you want my suggestions, I recommend that all the routes regarded as chipped be placed in an additional section for public comment before labeling them as modified. I also recommend that the "sermon" page not be added to every route but that a prominent link to it be added to the route description and that an obvious but not obnoxious "chipped" icon be added at the top of the route. All of this should be done after some kind of consensus is reached which I'll leave up to you how to decide. I think with this approach, the brouhaha would be minimized, chipped routes would be acknowledged as such, and a sense of community preserved.

COMMENTS re-attaching holds is a very tough call -- Christian Griffith re-attached a hold to The Face up at Three of a Kind on Flagstaff (tho I think it wasn't the original piece) and got tons of shit for it -- this also seems to be the case with Peter's route in Clear Creek, perhaps that's why he's a bit miffed

I'm more of the school -- if a hold falls off, fuck it, the route gets harder -- but there's also the argument for preserving a route (e.g. the Face) at its original grade and with the original holds -- I'd lean more towards this practice being somewhat fishy, much fishier than simply re-inforcing holds, but a fundamentalist like A. Nelson would probably argue that glue is glue so why make a distinction....umm, I would actually solicit Peter's ideas about this as well since I think he re-affixed a hold that fell off in Clear Creek -- I'd say it's situationally justifiable, which probably isn't a good enough stance, is it? He could probably present a good case for this type of route maintenance, and in chossy areas like Rifle or Flagstaff, it probably makes much more sense than say on granite, where holds tend to either be very attached or not so much at all

COMMENTS I'm glad to see that there has been a step taken towards confronting the problem of chipping. I'm writing to you directly for a couple reasons. ...

Another reason is that I applaud Matt Samet's willingness to be forthcoming about his own misadventures. I think the confession about chipping holds on the route in New Mexico is admirable and in that spirit I wanted to raise another subject for worthy debate but didn't know the appropriate place on the site. If I wrote this as a route description it might get missed. I decided to send it to you with the hope that you will put it wherever it belongs....
COMMENTS I think it's much more improved -- less doctrinaire with a more lenient spectrum that accounts for typical first ascent activity like trundling and the occasional use of glue. I think you nailed it "with the intent of making a route easier." Therein lies the crux of the argument, and you've voiced it well. Routes with chipped holds that have been done w/o them are still chipped routes, as far as I can tell, unless the person that frees them takes it upon themselves to repair the damage. Because likely, repeat ascents will use the chipped holds (shit, if a hold's there most of us are going to grab it!). I would still classify these as chipped.

The glue thing is interesting. All sorts of crafty things have been done with glue, but again, if the intent is to make the route easier and not to simply reinforce existing holds, then you cross the line. Adding extra glue to a hold to make it bigger, sculpting glue crimpers on crumbly rock -- these seem like manufacturing to me. Squirting a little glue behind a loose flake seems perfectly acceptable on choss rock, which is where most sport climbing takes place anyway.

I like this idea about intent. I think even a fundamentalist would have trouble refuting that argument, tho he may try.

COMMENTS Thanks for taking the stand on chipped routes. Climbing is not a number game, and it s not an amusement park, it s a game of life and a game against Mother Nature.

It provides strength for everyday survival in the world around us. It challenges our minds and our bodies at the same time. It is not usually a comp against one and another, but a competition against Mother Nature and us. Climb hard!!! But most importantly climb safe and have fun!!!

COMMENTS I see your points. I disagree. I will play the game.

Thanks for your reply.

We used this posting for routes that were classified as "chipped" according to our rules

-------------------------------

This is a Modified Route

For some reason, this route has been classified as a modified route. The route may be an especially egregious offender, or the victim of actions which tread the line between questionable and unacceptable. To the right is our stance on a variety of actions, and the varying degrees of what we believe to be acceptable stewardship of the rock around us. Each of these actions has various degrees of extremity; therefore, the graphic is meant as a guide to judge the particular route and the circumstance around that specific instance. The graphic describes typical actions relating to free climbing, yet the classification and concern resides with aid climbing as well. The fundamental principle that deems a route to be modified is:

"If the intent and/or result of the climber's actions is to permanently modify or alter the rock with tools in order to make the route easier, the route is a modified route."

Please see our Chipping Page for a more thorough explanation of our reasons and thoughts on this issue. If you believe we've made this classification in error, please click the link below and add your reasons and thoughts there.

Myke Komarnitsky
Ben Mottinger
November 9, 2001

We set up a system so that you could use a palm, blackberry, or cell phone to check out the database. "Imagine yourself hanging off the edge of the Naked Edge and whipping out your cell phone to get the beta for the next pitch!"

----------

Wireless.ClimbingBoulder.com

Wireless applications have come a long way. They still have a long ways to go, in terms of true functionality and usability. Here are some example shots of the two current wireless tools (that we know of) that are capable of connecting to our database. The palm does a fairly decent job of rendering the text and formatting, given it's large display environment. The cell phone faces the problem of such a small display area. Neither are capable of rendering .jpg's or .gif's.

I tried to write up some technical details of the site. It's funny (to me at least) to see what the site ran on then.

--------------------

Tech details
This is still a mess. The tech details are correct, but I don't think it's really that clear. STILL IN PROGRESS!


Current Architecture:

ClimbingBoulder.com shares a Pentium II 233 MhZ server with 96 MB of memory with several other web sites. This server is co-located at AES Consulting, an excellent web hosting provider in Boulder, Colorado.

The server runs Red Hat Linux 7.0, with Apache 1.3.14 as the web server. We utilize mysql, an open-source, free, nifty, database program as our database tool. For our needs it is clearly enough - additionally it was pretty simple to install and use. All of the database interaction code is written in Perl, which allows for fast iteration time for development. The only other language used is Javascript in a few form checking situations. The structure and layout of the site is accomplished using a table-based layout design, as opposed to a Cascading Style Sheets or other design environment method that are not fully supported by the wide variety of browsers currently used. We do use a stylesheet to define the fonts used throughout the site, and some of the color schemes in the site.

Log analysis is done by a program called Analog, the most popular logfile analyzer in the world (according to them). For our search engine we use Swish-e, an easy-to-use and free search engine program.

Database Design:
You can see the full database design here. Additions or modifications to the database are done all through web forms in the administrative area of the site. As of right now, the only public forms are to add a record to the route table or the people table.

Viewing the Information:
The information in the database is completely unformatted. That is, it is only the letters used. However, it is more more useful and interesting to see the information in an organized and thoughtful way. Therfore, the information for each record in each table is run through a template that takes the text and applies the formatting so the nice look results in the html page. This is done via a script that runs nightly.

Every night, a script runs that queries the database for every route, rock, and area in both the rock and ice database. This script takes the unformatted information, passes it through a template for each one of those six types of pages. Then this information is written to html files in the directories that they appear in. It takes about 15 minutes to run and write 800+ html files - 1 for each page, and a printer-friendly version.

Result:
There are several reasons why we built this current architecture, and most are based off of the previous architecture. First, the normal (and old) method of accessing information through a database is that every request goes through a program that queries the database. For example, this is the type of URL that would reflect that:
http://www.climbingboulder.com/cgi-bin/view.pl?table=route&i>>>>>
view.pl then executes, and queries the route table and asks for the 254th one.

However, our data does not change on a per-minute basis. Say 100 people a day request to see route number 254; the resulting information is always the same. We currently receive about 2,500 page views per day. Thus view.pl gets executed about 2,000 times per day. Running view.pl is much more work for the server, and slower for the visitor, than just sending out an html file. Thus the result is a much lower server load and quicker pages for the visitor.

Secondly, dynamic content(like the url shown above) is not indexed by the major search engines. There is a lot of words and descriptions that people have written to describe routes. With the previous architecture, this was never indexed. Having the information in straight html files allows search engines to index all of the content on the site, resulting in a higher likelihood of someone looking for certain information will find our site.

Search engine:
Every night our search engine runs after all the html files are built. Since there may be new additions, we re-index all the pages. Taking about 4 minutes to run, it allows a super-quick response to visitor queries.

Other Scripts:
Other scripts run every night. The 3 star of the day is generated every night, as are the people and book pages. The database stats on the front page are updated nightly. The result is that the site runs itself during normal day-to-day operations. Which is nice.

A lot of thought has gone into making the site scalable, easy to manage, and easy to use.

In May, we met with Gary Neptune of Neptune Mountaineering. We explained our project, and he was as excited as we were by the possibilities. At the time we had probably 100 routes. Gary's willingness to support and encourage this project, when it was still so small, is a tribute to his dedication to the community. Neptune's deserves definite recognition for how far we've been able to come.

#####################################

Version 1:
there was a directory for each route. For every route, there was an identical index.html file. This file then grabbed a bunch of text files from the current directory. Those files were called things like name.txt, rating.txt.... and were nothing more than the text for the name that they suggest. The problem with this is that it was very unwieldy. Basically the information was spread to be in directories all over the site, and each directory had 13 files. From a management perspective it's a mess - the data is all over the place, and it's tough to do. Plus, it meant that the only way to add routes was to have Ben or I make those files and then upload them to the server - what a pain in the ass.

Version 1.5:
We made a form with all of the required fields. When the user clicked submit, it created a directory and all of the files. Then we could check the information, and then just copy the directory to the correct place. Then, change the number of routes on the front page, and add a link on the rock page where that route resides. Still, a lot easier for us.

Version 2.0:
This was the big change. All of the data(about 230 routes) were inputted into a true database. Then, the same form above was made public. When the user submitted the route, it automatically got added to the database. Then, instantly, the statistics on the front page are updated. The newest routes item on the front page instantly shows what the name was, the rating the stars, and the person who submitted it. The rock page where that route resides instantly shows that route to be existing. This was fundamentally differnt from previous - the community could submit routes and have the database grow without any intervention by us.

Version 3.0:
Here's where we're at now. There's a number of backend improvements. However, the big difference is a shift away from a rock climbing database. Rather than de-emphasize it, we're raising the priority of ice climbing and community aspects.

Our old FAQ.

-----------

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why are you doing this?
Have you ever seen Rossiter's guide, Rock Climbing Boulder Canyon? It's an amazing canonical list of route information in the canyon. Unfortunately, many times his sketches and descriptions make it tremendously difficult to figure out where the route is (eg. climb the crack on the right end of the rock).

This is exactly the type of situation we want to remedy. We want to make it beyond obvious exactly how to arrive at a route, and where the route actually is.

Plus, we want to remember the routes that we've done.
Do you copy route information straight out of a guidebook?
No! That would be kind of pointless. Every route on the page has been climbed by somebody here at climbingboulder.com, or has been climbed by someone who has sent the info in (ie. the Team).

Were you guys getting sued or something?
Uh.... we probably shouldn't talk about it. If you're really interested, contact us and we'll explain why we won't talk about it.

Why don't you have a xxxxxx on xxxxxx xxxxxx yet? It's a sweet climb!
We probably haven't climbed it yet. And we might not get there soon. So tell us about it! We'll put it up on the site.

Hey, the page for xxxxxxx is missing stuff? Why don't you fix it?
We spend too much time on this web page as it is, so it's sometimes tough to do that QA type of stuff. Tell us what's missing on what page; we'll fix it, we promise.

Meadroon@aol.com: Your FA: unknowns is lame, especially in Dream Canyon. Everyone knows that Bob Horan put up those 4 pitch routes, how ignorant especially when it in the references you qoute, Another proagated site from what I'm starting to see.

Yup, there's stuff on the site that's wrong. We'll try and fix this right away, and we're not trying to cheat Bob out of his credit due. This database is constantly changing, improving. Unfortunately, this isn't like a book, where we can improve improve improve, and THEN come out with a copy. You get to see all the ugly middle sections, where there's typos, missing pictures, misspellings, etc.

Didn't I see you in the newspaper or something?
Why, yes! We've had two newspaper articles on us so far. We've also seen some other recognition. Here.

From the Left: Shaun, Myke, and Ben.

Myke Komarnitsky - E-mail
Myke graduated May 11, 2001 with a bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from University of Colorado at Boulder. He spends too much time in front of the computer, and not enough time outside on the rock. Originally from Bellevue, Washington, he is the youngest of 4 brothers and 1 sister. When he was five years old, he ran into the edge of a table and had to get eight stiches on his forehead to get it to stop bleeding like a stuck pig. Check out his family's web page here. Currently he runs Komar Consulting Group, a Boulder, Colorado-based consulting company specializing in web-enabled database applications, web hosting, professional services, and of course, this web site.

Ben Mottinger - E-mail
Ben (Lu Lu Bell) works in Boulder, CO full-time for a major aerospace company now and is nearly officially a weekend warrior. He enjoys alpine climbing in RMNP and other states.

Shaun Miller - E-mail
Started on the web site. M-CAT studying has pulled him away to more wordly endeavors than this. Currently, he is planning on traveling to Samoa in the fall of 2000 to get practical medical experience with the super sweet Doctors of the World.

Our Old News stories. Some highly entertaining stuff in there mixed in with an incredible amount of important-then, boring-now topics.
-----

News
Thank You, and Good Night Tue Jan 17 07:30:46 2006
Hey everyone,

I wanted to write you a final note of thanks. Almost 6 years ago Ben Mottinger and I (and our drinking buddy Shaun Miller) started this site. The site blew up, becoming much bigger than we had ever imagined - garnering awards, being the setting of a R&I cover story, helping us to meet girls, and 'making the world a better place.'

I mean it. Climbers in the areas that these sites have served are better off than before we existed. You all are able to find cooler routes and actually go do them. More redpoints, more whippers, more epics, more great stories.

Why did it succeed? Sure, we get a slice of the credit, because we built some cool tools and sold some t-shirts. But it really is all of you - a group of people that want to contribute and give back to their community. We couldn't have come up with Your Mother, Sven Lavransen, or any of the rich debates over chipping.

So, thank you. Thank you for making this endeavor a huge success. Thank you for making it fun. And thank you for continuing its mission.

For me, I'm graduating from Georgetown's MBA program this May, and looking for a strategy consulting job (anyone from Bain/BCG/etc want to get me in their spring hiring cycle?). It's not climbing, but it's the right thing for me. May all you continue to find the right things in life for you, and have the courage to go do them. - Myke Komarnitsky
ClimbingBoulder.com is now READ-ONLY Tue Jan 17 07:13:44 2006
Hey everyone, I turned off the cgi-bins to the site this morning. That means that the site is now read-only - additions are no longer allowed. Head on over to MountainProject.com to add your contributions.

It's been a great run with climbingboulder.com, and I'm excited to see this experiment go to the next level with MountainProject.com.

- Myke Komarnitsky
CCH Alien Recall Thu Jan 12 20:31:36 2006
Colorado Custom Hardware, (CCH) has recently completed an investigation and extensive testing to identify and isolate safety issues concerning the brazing on CCH Alien cams. The safety of our customers is our number one priority.
Testing has revealed that there was a brazing issue with specific cams made after November 2004. The units to be identified are marked with a small center punch dimple at the base of the round ball where the axle goes through the cable eye. Although few failures have been reported, CCH recommends immediately discontinuing the use of any Aliens with this mark. CCH is recalling the cams with the identifying punch mark. Please return them to CCH for a new replacement unit. You can mail your cams to:
Colorado Custom Hardware, Inc
ATTN: Brazing Recall
115 E. Lyon St
Laramie, WY 82072
If you are not sure if your cams are included in the recall, please contact us at (307)721-9385.
We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience and we are doing everything possible to correct it quickly. There will be a photograph on our web site to help to identify the cams that need to be returned. The Web site address: Aliencamsbycch.com
Sincerely,
Colorado Custom Hardware, Inc
115 E. Lyon St
Laramie, WY 82072 - John McNamee
CCH Aliens Update Wed Jan 11 18:18:05 2006
A couple of months ago I posted a note about some rumors of the orange alien failing during "normal" use. Since then there has been a lot of speculation on internet forums. Today on Supertopo.com there is a follow up to those earlier posts, including information from Paul Fish of Mountain Gear who undertook a series of tests of their current aliens in stock.

The tests show interesting results that if you are an owner of aliens you may wish to check out. Several of the units failed in pull tests, with the brazes failing and cables pulling. In CCH defence I don't know if the tests were undertaken in a controlled methodology, but still they are somewhat alarming.

On MountainProject News there is further information and updated links. Thanks to Ron Olsen for the update.

Message to Malcolm Daly, any chance of Trango designing a small, low profile cam, i.e. suited for Eldo! - John McNamee
Roger Briggs Slide Show - CMC Denver Tue Jan 10 12:15:53 2006
Legendary Homegrown Climber Roger Briggs presented by the CMC Denver Group's Tech Section, a living legend in the climbing community, will be in Golden Wednesday, February 22nd! The presentation, which includes a talk, slide show, and Q&A session, will begin at 7:00pm in the Foss Auditorium at the American Mountaineering Center (710 10th Street, Golden, CO - Washington & 10th).

Admission is FREE and open (to CMC) members AND non-members alike.

Anyone with even a passing interest in Colorado's storied climbing history will not want to miss this rare opportunity to hear from one of the sport's true icons. Briggs' feats include numerous first ascents (aid and free) of classic routes on the big walls of Yosemite, Eldorado Canyon, and Longs Peak's formidable east face known as the Diamond. Climbing magazine in December recognized Briggs for having completed his 100th ascent of the peak via the Diamond, a record that will not soon, if ever, be broken. But perhaps Briggs is best known for his 1991 performance in the Longs Peak Triathlon, in which he bicycled from Boulder to the Longs Peak trail head, ran up to the east face of the mountain, free-soloed the Casual Route, and touched the summit all in an astounding 5 hours, 45 minutes - a record which stands to this day. - John McNamee
New website to launch January 19th Mon Jan 9 18:59:53 2006
The launch date for the new cb.com website MountainProject has been delayed. The new switch over date is January 19th, 2006.

Sorry, but you will have to put up with us a little longer!

Remember, that if you have contributed before you will areadly have an account set up using your email address. Otherwise if you wish to contribute, you will have to create an account with a valid email account. No more AC!

When the site goes live on the 19th, cb.com's data will be imported, so please continue to add stuff to the current site. So, go and check it out and let us know what you think. - John McNamee
Climbing Courses offered at Lakeshore AC Mon Jan 9 08:53:38 2006
Women's Intro to Climbing Clinic
Wed Feb 1st and Wed Feb 8th 7-8:30 p.m. at Lakeshore Athletic Club (Broomfield) Come learn the basics of rock climbing with other women in a fun, non-competitive environment!
The first session will cover the basics of climbing, including equipment, knots and belaying.
The second session will cover climbing technique and movement.
Cost is $75 for Lakeshore members, $85 for non-members.
Sign up at the climbing wall or e-mail Alexis.Alloway@LakeshoreAthleticClubs.com

Learn to Lead Climb
Thu Feb 2nd and Thu Feb 9th 7-8:30 p.m. at Lakeshore Athletic Club (Broomfield)
Prerequisites: You must be belay certified and a 5.9 climber Learn skills necessary for lead climbing, such as belaying a leader, proper clipping, rope management, and technique.
Cost is $100 for Lakeshore members, $115 for non-members Sign up at the climbing wall or e-mail scottstrode@hotmail.com

Little Monkeys Kids Climbing Class (ages 5-9)
Two Sessions at Lakeshore Athletic Club (Broomfield):
- Mondays from 2/20-3/13 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
- Tuesdays from 2/21-3/14 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Give your child private climbing lessons that help them learn to rock climb in a fun, age-appropriate setting. Classes cover strength and balance exercises, climbing games, and instruction on basic technique.
Sign up at the climbing wall today or e-mail Alexis.Alloway@LakeshoreAthleticClubs.com
- John McNamee
Lakewood Rec., Climbing Competition Sat Dec 31 17:31:25 2005
Lakewood Rec. centers are hosting an upcoming comp."Rock Steady" climing comp will be hosted at the Lakewood Link Recreation Center on January 27th.It is a roped up comp. with a red-point format. So all you rope guns, dirt bags, etc.. . come out and compete for stellar prizes from La Sportiva, Black Diamond, Wilderness Exchange, Evolv climbing shoe co.,Bent Gate Mountaineering, Cloudveil, Prana, Climbing magazine, and the City of Lakewood. hope to see you all there.

For any info concerning the competition Contact either Jessica Fabio at jesfab@lakewood.org or seacon@lakewood.org. Another option is to contact the Lakewood Link, (303)987-5400 or online - John McNamee
Lakeshore Athletics, Learn to Lead Cse Thu Dec 29 11:24:36 2005
The climbing wall at Lakeshore Athletic Club in Broomfield is running a learn-to-lead class in January open to anyone.

The learn-to-lead class will be the first 2 Wednesdays in January (two 1.5 hour sessions) and it runs $115 for the general public. It's aimed at people who are solid 5.9 climbers and know how to belay. Contact info is Alexis.Alloway@LakeshoreAthleticClubs.com - John McNamee
New area Added Sun Dec 25 10:17:32 2005
A new area called Estes Park area crags was just approved, submitted by - Leo Paik
New British Alpinism Website Wed Dec 21 11:42:32 2005
Here's a new website put up by the British hardman Andy Kirkpatrick. Psychovertical
It's full of long, in-depth articles on cutting edge techniques in rock, snow and ice climbing. There is some pretty good stuff here. - John McNamee
Suit by Climber's Family Dismissed Tue Dec 20 07:21:17 2005
A federal judge rules that Yosemite park officials weren't obligated to post warnings at the site of a deadly rockfall.

A federal judge threw out a $10-million wrongful-death lawsuit brought by the family of a young rock climber killed in a 1999 slide in Yosemite Valley, short-circuiting a legal battle that some climbers feared could threaten a mecca of the sport.

In a largely technical decision, the U.S. District Court judge in Fresno ruled last week that Yosemite National Park officials were acting within their discretionary duties when they didn't post warnings at the base of Glacier Point, site of the rockfall that killed 21-year-old Peter Terbush.

If you want to read the decision you can download it from Supertopo at: this link - John McNamee
New climbingboulder Website Sun Dec 18 18:52:09 2005
We invite you to check out the new Beta site that Myke, Nick and Andy have developed. This site is more than just a redesign, it's a totally new concept that combines all of the member sites into a "super site". Its got lots of neat features, including, awesome search capabilites, tick lists, to-do lists, message boards and much, much more.

To check it out click on the following link New Climbing Boulder Website

If you have contributed before you will areadly have an account set up using your email address. Otherwise if you wish to contribute, you will have to create an account with a valid email account. No more AC!

When the site is ready to go live, cb.com's current data will be imported, so please continue to add stuff to the current site. However, account information and discussion in the forums will be retained.

Please add any comments, suggestions, feedback, whatever in the Public Beta Discussion Forum. With your help we hope to make this the best climbing resource and community site on the web! - John McNamee
Comp #3 of the SPOT BOULDERING SERIES Thu Dec 8 11:22:27 2005
Where: The Spot
When: Friday December 9th
What: Comp #3 of the SPOT BOULDERING SERIES!
Registration 5:00 to 6:00
Climbing Comp from 6:00 to 9:00

$20 per comp for ABS Members
(an extra $5 ABS Daypass for non-ABS Members) - Frances Fierst
Chairlift Ads get USFS Nod Wed Dec 7 07:53:15 2005
Since its too damn cold for rock climbing...

If you have ever skied at Aspen or Snowmass recently you may have noticed ads for cars, credit cards and private jet clubs, etc on the safety bar of your chair while riding. It's basically in your face and you can't miss it.

The Forest Service in all their wisdom has determined that the adds are acceptable and that safety bars on chairlifts are "interior spaces" and therefore no different than inside buildings.

See the RockyMountainNews Chairlift ads get Forest Sevice Nod item for more details.

The USFS is asking for public input so please send an email to rhr2300@fs.fed.us to try to stop this craziness! Thanks - - John McNamee
Mike Donahue Passes Away Thu Dec 1 08:42:43 2005
Mike Donahue, owner of the Colorado Mountain School, died on November 16 from a malignant brain tumor. He was 59. Donahue came from a long line of climbers, and was the author of the 1992 trail guide "The Longs Peak Experience." His maternal grandfather built the north Longs Peak trail in the 1920s and 30s. Donahue became an assistant guide and then later a full guide while in his teens. His clients included the first blind climbers to summit Longs Peak as well as the first paraplegic to summit the peak. One of his climbing partners was Beck Wethers, who gained fame as one of the American survivors of the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. In 2003, when Donahue was diagnosed with the malignant brain cancer, he was said to have stood on the summit of Longs Peak 250 times. He is survived by his parents, his wife, his three children, his brothers, and two grandchildren.

For more details, click on the link: Denver Post - John McNamee
Employment - Access Fund Mon Nov 28 09:11:14 2005
The Access Fund has the following position available:

BUSINESS AND FINANCE MANAGER (BFM)

The BFM reports to and works closely with the Executive Director to ensure transfer of information and fulfillment of duties as assigned. Duties and responsibilities include managing daily financial activities, human resources administration, financial reporting, budgeting, contracts and general operations of the Access Fund. The BFM must know, support and espouse Access Fund policy positions and statements. The BFM is employed at the Access Fund's national headquarters in Boulder, Colorado and maintains an office in this facility.

For more info and to apply. - John McNamee
The Spot Comp #2 Thu Nov 17 20:16:17 2005
Spot Bouldering Series continues with Comp #2 Friday, November 18th!!! Comp # 2 out of 4 in the Spot Bouldering Series (SBS).
Registration 5:00 to 6:00
Climbing Comp 6:00 to 9:00

As an extra special treat we'll be giving evryone a free beer ticket, some pizza, & the chance to win some booty in the BESAST WITH TWO BACKS three-legged-climbing event!

Your top three comps are averaged together to determine the season winners. you missed Comp #1 ... no worries.
You can still win the SBS in your division!!!
- Frances Fierst
Don't Let Congress Sell Our Public Lands Tue Nov 15 12:12:47 2005
TAKE ACTION NOW! Don't Let Congress Sell Our Public Lands. Call your US Representative Today! Congress could vote at any time in the next two weeks.

The week of November 14 Congress is likely to consider a proposal to sell off millions of acres of national forests, parks and other public lands as a means to reduce the federal deficit and “reform” the mining laws at the same time. Once sold, these public lands become private, potentially fencing out climbers and the millions of recreational enthusiasts that regularly use them. The mining subtitle in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (AKA the Budget Reconciliation bill) proposes to lift the decade-long moratorium on mining patents, and clears the way to sell off many of our valued public lands without environmental studies or public input.

What this means for climbers is that we could lose access to any climbing area located on or next to any existing mining claim, including the access trails to your favorite crag. Once sold, these lands—which belong to the American people and are enjoyed by millions of private recreational users each year—could become off limits for climbing, boating, hiking, and any other recreational use. If this provision is approved, any land speculator could buy our crags for as low as $1,000 per acre, and the land would not have to even be mined - any corporation could buy these lands and use them for any purpose. As much as 270 million acres could be threatened under this proposal and, adding insult to injury, these sales could happen with no public input from the recreational users that frequent these special places.

Your call to Congress could save your public lands access. Call your US Representative (go to http://w ww.visi.com/juan/congress/ to find your US Representative) by Tuesday and stress the following points:



If passed into law, this law would make the 1872 Mining Law worse, by placing climbing areas and other special places at risk by allowing mining companies to purchase mining claims even if they are within a protected area such as national parks or wilderness areas.
As much as 20 million acres out of 270 million acres of public land cold be sold off. This mining "reform" proposal, which has not been publicly debated, should receive public hearings in the relevant resource committees rather than being slipped through Congress in a budget bill.
The mining subtitle will enable U.S. and foreign companies to buy our American heritage without any proof that the lands can and should be used for mineral development, and without regard for the other uses and needs for these lands, including water quality protection, wildlife habitat and recreation. As regular users of public lands, the climbing community opposes this wholesale disposal of our treasured public land resources.
Please oppose the mining “reform” provisions in the Budget Reconciliation bill.

The Access Fund - Frances Fierst
Today is Veteran's Day Fri Nov 11 12:47:46 2005
Please make sure to thank a veteran today. And if you didn't see the article in the Rocky Mountain News, you really should read it here - Myke Komarnitsky
Omega Pacific Notice of Voluntary Recall Wed Nov 9 20:44:26 2005
In cooperation with the US Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC), Omega Pacific is voluntary recalling a small percentage of Five-O Screwgate locking carabiners built between November and December of 2004.

Carabiners affected by this recall can be potentially opened under moderate loads even when properly locked and must be returned for replacement.

Only carabiners marked with the lot stamp “VT” are affected. The lot number can be found on the backside of the spine and is clearly identified. Do not return any lots other than “VT” as no other lots are subject to this issue. No other models are affected. Only Five-O locking carabiners with the lot stamp “VT” (as displayed) are considered under this action. Please do not return carabiners to retailers. Instead, please ship any affected carabiners directly to Omega Pacific. Please mark all packages with “Attn: Warranty Returns, RA 728.” Be sure to include your name and shipping address where we can deliver a replacement Five-O locking carabiner.

All returns or inquiries can be directed to:
Omega Pacific Customer Service
11427 W. 21st Avenue
Airway Heights, WA 99001
Attn: Warranty Returns, RA 728

If you have any questions, please call us at 800-360- 3990 or email at info@omegapac.com We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

— Omega Pacific, Inc. - Frances Fierst
Employment - Access Fund Tue Nov 8 07:05:22 2005
The Access Fund is hiring an Associate Programs Director to provide the support necessary for local activists to successfully achieve our shared vision and take direct action when necessary and appropriate to achieve Access Fund_s mission objectives. Work is accomplished through grassroots support programs and direct action campaigns that empower local climbing communities to address access and conservation concerns through outreach, advocacy, education and stewardship for more info and to apply. - John McNamee
Day ascent of Nose and FR by Caldwell! Tue Nov 1 10:21:23 2005
On October 30-31, Tommy Caldwell free climbed both The Nose and Freerider in a combined time of 23 hours and 23 minutes. He started October 30 at 1:03 am and cruised up The Nose in 11 hours with his wife Beth Rodden who belayed and jumared. On the crux 5.14a Changing Corners pitch he took two short falls before sending the pitch on his third go. After a few minutes of food and rest on the summit, he ran down the East Ledges descent and was back in El Cap Meadow just before 1pm. Chris McNamara was his belayer/jumarer for the second leg of the link-up. Sarting up the Freerider at 1:36pm, topping out at 12:26am, 10 hours and 50 minutes after starting. See the news on supertopo's web site. What an amazing accomplishment! - John McNamee
Lumpy Trailhead Parking area to move Mon Oct 31 16:53:06 2005
The Twin Owls carpark at Lumpy ridge is going to be a thing of the past soon. Personally, I don't see it as a "win win" situation for trail users and the MacGregor Ranch, but you can read the news item in today's Rocky Mountain News and decide yourself. - John McNamee
FHRC Public Meeting and Vote Mon Oct 31 08:31:42 2005
FHRC Public Meeting and Vote
When: 7pm, November 01, 2005
Where: The Spot Bouldering Gym

For fall 2005, the Flatirons has one new application for New Fixed Hardware on the south face of the Red Devil on Dinosaur Mtn. Please review the application (http://www.flatironsclimbing.com/fhrc/current.php) and post your comments.

The Flatirons Climbing Council's Fixed Hardware Review committee will be holding a Public Meeting and vote in connection with this new application on November 1st, 7pm at The Spot Bouldering Gym (3240 Prairie Ave, Boulder). - Frances Fierst
The Warrior's Way is coming to Colorado Fri Oct 28 09:24:17 2005
Hello,
I'll be giving slideshow presentations and teaching mental fitness clinics in November.
Arno Ilgner

Clinics
Tuesday 1st - The Spot in Boulder (6-10pm) for boulderers only
Thursday 3rd - The Spot in Boulder (6-10pm) for boulderers only
Saturday 5th - Rock'n & Jam'n in Denver (9am-1pm) for boulderers only
Sunday 6th - Rock'n & Jam'n in Denver (9am-1pm) for rope climbers only
Tuesday 8th - The Rock at soc and roll in Colo Spgs (6-10pm) for rope climbers only
Thursday 10th - Inner Strength in Ft. Collins (6-10pm) for rope climbers only

Slideshow Presentations
Wednesday 2nd - Mesa State College (Over the Edge Sports) in Grand
Junction, 7:30pm
Friday 4th - Rock'n & Jam'n in Denver, 8pm
Sunday 6th - Mont Bell in Boulder, 7pm
Monday 7th - The Rock at soc and roll in Colo Spgs, 8pm
Wednesday 9th - Inner Strength in Ft. Collins, 8pm

Clinic Description - The Warrior's Way Espresso Course
The Warrior's Way mental fitness clinics teach how to
focus attention during the climbing process, especially when we are most apt to seek escape. By learning how to focus attention we reduce our fears and improve our commitment.

You'll learn to:

• Develop self awareness

• Stay centered

• Fall [for rope climbing clinics]

• Improve commitment

• Improve fluidity

• Reduce doubts

• Improve problem-solving skills

• Reduce fear, and more

• Tentative - location & dates could be swapped, and/or lecture rescheduled to 10/05/05 (Evening @ AMC - Golden, CO) - John McNamee