Using chalk to mark routes up the first flatiron

Someone used chalk to mark holds and draw route arrows on the first flatiron. Specifically, every hold at the start of Baker's Way and every hold at one of the options for entering the gully on the same route. Additionally, the direct east face has a big ol' arrow pointing climbers up the right direction, and one of the small jugs on the north arete has a huge chalk streak drawn on it.

Why would someone do this? If you aren't comfortable route-finding or hold-finding, maybe stay in the gym?

Am I crazy for thinking this is super uncool? It makes the route uglier and removes a component of adventure.

It's goofy as fuck but the rain will wash it away. 

Saw a group at the summit yesterday of about 6 ppl wearing helmets. Thought it was odd, maybe it was the same odd balls lol 

I would say it’s not cool.  At least the rain will wash it away.  

Unrelated but I remember doing the Arapaho peaks traverse in the Indian peaks and being somewhat shocked about the painted arrows on the route. Route funding is such an underrated part of the game and it can’t be developed when there are arrows on route. 

Are we not wearing helmets on the flatirons anymore? Am I gauche? I know “safety 3rd” and all, but…

Fwiw, I didn’t notice any noteworthy chalk on the direct east face this morning.

JF M wrote:

Are we not wearing helmets on the flatirons anymore? Am I gauche? I know “safety 3rd” and all, but…

I don't personally wear one on the flatirons, but I also encourage people to do what they need to feel comfortable and safe when climbing them, so long as it doesn't directly impact everyone else's experience. 

Sounds like the HHH.

JF M wrote:

Are we not wearing helmets on the flatirons anymore? Am I gauche? I know “safety 3rd” and all, but…

I guess the way I was thinking about it is if you fell soloing it wouldn't do much good but I forgot about rock fall and the possibility of just bumping your head. 

I'd also prefer an insta kill from a serious fall over living with a debilitating injury and the helmet might prevent that. 

Sorry if my use of the word odd was insulting. 

arrow and ticks at the point you head left after the slot thing on DEF are still there as of yesterday morning. Hopefully rain takes them off soon

Adam R wrote:

I guess the way I was thinking about it is if you fell soloing it wouldn't do much good but I forgot about rock fall and the possibility of just bumping your head. 

I'd also prefer an insta kill from a serious fall over living with a debilitating injury and the helmet might prevent that. 

Sorry if my use of the word odd was insulting. 

You just needed to clarify that the 6 ppl were free soloing.  Then your comment would have made more sense.

Jim T wrote:

You just needed to clarify that the 6 ppl were free soloing.  Then your comment would have made more sense.

Ah gotcha, it wasn't obvious they were soloing by context here, like I thought when I made the comment.  

I'll wear a helmet bouldering but not on the really really tall ones.