March 24th marked the latest annual limestone climbing competition in Austin. This year, like last year it was held entirely at Reimer's Ranch. The new county park that the local climbing club (Central Texas Mountaineers) worked hard to get on the public ballot and even harder to get the voter turnout to buy the 1,000 acres on the Pedernales river just west of Austin.This was the biggest turnout yet and we expect it to keep growing. Over 100 people attended with 86 registered competitors (63 in 2006, 42 in 2005). Threat of rain may have kept people away, so next year I would expect over 100 competitors.
Besides the sport climbing, this was the first year we held a separate bouldering comp. We had recently put up 90+ new problems in the park.We raised $2,115 that is used for our trail work and route maintenance throughout Austin.
The county normally does not allow over night camping, but for our event they allowed camping both Friday night before the event and Saturday after. Gary Ellis (our president) estimated that about 30 people camped both Friday and Saturday night.
After the comp we held the dinner, event awards, silent auction, door prizes and a slide show by Merrick Ales .
On Sunday after the comp we held seminars. Jason Kehl provided instruction on bouldering techniques ( Yes, that Jason Kehl). Rock About guide service put on self rescue clinics. Other clinics were held as well.
After the comp we held the dinner, event awards, silent auction, door prizes and a slide show by Merrick Ales .
On Sunday after the comp we held seminars. Jason Kehl provided instruction on bouldering techniques ( Yes, that Jason Kehl). Rock About guide service put on self rescue clinics. Other clinics were held as well.It was an excellent weekend.
For more on the event or to see more pictures, go to the Central Texas Mountaineers site.
Tommy Blackwell
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