Ontario Climbers Reeling from Crazed Bolt Chopper’s Devastation
The Ontario climbing community is still trying to come to grips with the route-chopping devastation caused by an individual at Mount Nemo. Reports late last week suggested that a crazed bolt chopper had removed anchors and fixed protection from a number of moderate routes at the cliff in order to keep others from climbing in the area. This past weekend, a number of Ontario climbers went out to survey the damage and were shocked by what they found.
Some routes were completely stripped of all fixed gear while others had anchors and some bolts removed.
“I still can’t believe the selfish actions of this individual,” said Mike Sheenan, a local climber that has been visiting the area for more than 20 years. “These moderate routes were being enjoyed by hundreds of people.”
Andrew McBurney, owner of Boulderz Climbing Centre in Toronto, was also dismayed by the damage. “I had climbed those routes with my wife and young daughter this summer. It’s a shame that others won’t have the same opportunity because of the actions by this person.”
The Ontario climbing community is exploring options to deal with this isolated route remover. Some are suggesting pursuing legal action.
More details at ontarioclimbing.com
Chopped bolt on a moderate Mount Nemo route.
Chopped anchors on a moderate Mount Nemo climb.
Jesus. What Can I do to help?
Ulric @ Fixe Hardware, Maxim Ropes, La Sportiva, Cordless and So iLL
514 688 4348
Ulricrousseau@gmail.com
The “more details at ontarioclimbing.com” does not have any details, or even any mention of this. Why is that link there?
Hey Brian, there are threads about it on the ontarioclimbing.com forum.
What’s next chipping war ?
Maybe its time to think about issuing licence to climb outdoors?
This article is hilarious. He’s crazed! The area is devastated! They are considering legal action to deal with the “isolated route remover”! The previous version mentioned locals were reeling, but now it is updated with some quotes.
There are issues to be discussed, but this breathless reporting is just silly.
Which routes were affected?
Personally, I don’t see anything wrong with cutting down bolts. They’re an eyesore. If you can’t place your own protection, you shouldn’t be climbing outside. Stay on inside walls and knock yourself out. Don’t spoil the landscape with bolts and ratty old quickdraws hanging everywhere.
And there’s the Crust old-timer quote, “if you can’t place your own protection you shouldn’t be climbing outside.”
What a joke…it’s a sport area, not a trad area. Bolt chopping is lame and harms the rock just as much as placing the bolt initially…maybe even more. Congrats on screwing up another sport area.