Get yourselves down here and get climbing.

Harrogate Climbing Centre (HCC) offers both indoor climbing and bouldering, as well indoor and outdoor climbing courses and qualifications. On offer are taster courses for people new to climbing, beginners courses and courses for climbers to develop their skills and even leader courses.

HCC's 14 meter multi-angled climbing wall.

The main indoor climbing wall is a whopping 14 meter multi-angled wall, designed by Entre-Prises. Climbing grades range from 3+ to 8a. There is also a bouldering section which features problems from V0 – V8, as well as a Fr7b stamina circuit.

Climber and owner of the Harrogate Climbing wall, John Dunne, told the BMC:

I wanted to bring Yorkshire’s premier climbing centre to the heart of Yorkshire’s best climbing; so when I found the perfect building just south of Harrogate town centre, I jumped at the chance of turning it into a modern climbing facility.

Only ten minutes’ drive from Almscliffe on a rainy weekend, the focus of Harrogate Climbing Centre is to provide for climbers and boulderers of all levels. We have applied all the lessons we have learnt from our experience at the Manchester centre, and used them to develop a climbing wall you’d have to travel a long way to beat!

Climbing for Everyone!

Everyone is welcome to come and climb. Climbing is available for corporate groups as well as kids, schools and youth groups. Life membership only costs £10 and entitles members to concessions on entry and the option to purchase discount packages. If you do not have your own climbing gear, you can hire it for a small fee.

Under construction. HCC's new climbing wall.

Harrogate Climbing Centre

Hornbeam Park Avenue
Hornbeam Park
Harrogate
HG2 8QT

Tel: 01423 815024
E-mail:
info@harrogateclimbingcentre.com
Website:
harrogateclimbingcentre.com

HCC Opening Times:

Mon-Fri: 10-10pm
Sat:10-8pm
Sun: 10-6pm

If you’re not able to get to Harrogate to go climbing or bouldering, there are plenty of indoor climbing walls in the UK. If you are not sure what equipment is needed for safe climbing, have a look at our advice about climbing gear, which provides information about climbing harnesses, shoes, ropes, belay devices and other protection equipment.

Mourne way marathon runners - image by Whisper Twomey

The 2010 Mourne Way Marathon is set to take place on Saturday 12 June 2010. After the sucess of last years event it is once again set to attract runners from Ireland, the UK and Europe to compete in what is fast becoming the most talked about off road marathon in Ireland.

In an added twist to this years event there will be the “Mourne Way Ultra Marathon” – a back to back marathon event which will see runners run off road across 52 miles (84km) of the best scenery that Northern Ireland has to offer in an “out and back” format.

There will also be a marathon, half marathon, 10k and 26 mile challenge walk events on the day.

The main event will see competitors race the 26 miles of the Mourne Way from Newcastle to Rostrevor, Co Down. This route is a linear route, almost entirely off road, traversing the foothills of the Mourne Mountains passing Tollymore Forest, Fofanny Dam, Spelga Dam, Leitrim Lodge and Yellow Water before arriving at the finish in Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor.

All routes will be fully waymarked – therefore navigation skills will not be a requirement for this event.

View Larger Map

Kit List for the Mourne Way Marathon

mourne way marathon river crossing - image by Trey Wheeler

• Running shoes (trail runners or ordinary runners) or Walking Boots

The items listed below are OPTIONAL items for the 10K Run / Walk

• Hydration pack or bottle (to hold at least 1 litre)
• Energy snacks
• Windproof top
• Hat or Buff®

Remember if you are planning on taking part it is essential that you undertake a training programme beforehand to ensure the day is as memorable as possible and not a nightmare if you’re having a hard time keeping motivated have a look here for Mountain marathon training tips.

Entries for the event are now open and all details can be found at www.mournewaymarathon.com

Climbing a hill in the Mourne way marathon - image by Trey Wheeler

Mountaineering Ethics will help protect the Mountain Environment. Source: Flickr by dino_olivieri.

The UIAA’s bold summary encompasses the thinking behind the declaration:

Stretch Your Limits, Lift Your Spirits, Aim for the Top!

The mountaineering and climbing ethics code encompasses the following twelve points, which I have summarised below:

1. Individual Responsibility – Be responsible for yourself, for others and for the environment.
2. Team Spirit – Support and encourage your climbing team members.
3. Climbing and Mountaineering Community – Treat every person in the mountains with respect.
4. Visiting Foreign Countries – Respect your hosts, show consideration for their culture, their holy mountains and sacred places. Try to bring benefits to local people and their economy.
5. Responsibilities of Mountain Guides and Other Leaders – respect the freedom and rights of other groups and individuals.
6. Emergencies, Dying and Death – Understand the risks and hazards in the mountain environment. Have suitable knowledge, skills and equipment. Be prepared to help others in emergency situations, even if it means sacrificing your own goals.
7. Access and Conservation – Practice mountaineering and climbing with respect for the environment, be proactive in preserving nature. Freedom of access is a fundamental right but respect restrictions agreed with conservation organisations and authorities.
8. Style – Succeeding is not as important as creative problem solving and experience. Strive to leave no trace on the rock face or mountainside.
9. First Ascents – Should be completed in the style appropriate to the region, or better, and should be reported exactly.
10. Sponsorship, Advertising and Public Relations – Relationships between climbers or mountaineers and sponsors should be professional. The mountain sports’ community should educate the media and the public.
11. Use of Supplementary Oxygen in Mountaineering – Medical reasons for using oxygen at high altitude should outweigh other considerations. Ethical reasons for using or not using oxygen should be left up to individual climbers. Oxygen bottles must not be left on the mountain.
12. High Altitude Guided Commercial Expeditions – Commercial Operators should recognise the limitations of their clients in their care. Clients should be warned that their plans may be altered in order to assist others in mountain emergencies.

The declaration has taken a long time and a lot of effort to prepare. It has been endorsed by more than 40 mountaineering federations worldwide. Please try to adhere to its recommendations to help further the good name of climbing and mountaineering, ultimately it will also help to bring you a better experience in the mountains. The full text pdf file can be found on the UIAA website.

The UIAA is an international federation which represents climbers and mountaineers from across the globe. To find out more about the UIAA and what they do, why not read our exclusive interview with Judith Safford, Executive Director of the UIAA.

Rock over climbing announce new bouldering centre to open in Manchester City Centre

ROCK OVER CLIMBING will be situated in the city centre (somewhere within a 3 minute walk from Victoria station) and will open early in 2010. It will be the largest dedicated bouldering centre this side of the Pennines, with over 250 routes set for all abilities. There will be something for everyone including kids, beginners, everyday climbers and the best climbers in the country.

There will also be:

• Competition wall
• Training wall and area
• Café
• Plenty of off-road parking
• Changing facilities
• Bike storage
• Chill out areas and fantastic atmosphere
• And much much more…….

In the meantime if you can’t wait to do some indoor bouldering or climbing have a look here to find your nearest indoor climbing wall.

Mountian Biking at iROC Photo credit: © Ryan Edy / iROC™

There was universally superb feedback from competitors after the 2009 iroc event, with the fell race route being described as “worthy of a British Championship course” by elated competitors and the MTB Enduro circuit being described as “the toughest Enduro circuit in the UK” by many (rather tired) competitors.

The weekend of racing kicks off with the Night Orienteering race and competitors will be able to start whenever they want after 10pm on the Friday night. The course will be open for four hours, allowing competitors travelling from further afield sufficient time to complete the first race. Best of all,  free meals will be provided to all competitors as they finish each night race and also at the MTB Enduro.

Saturday daytime will be given over to a series of fun “Come and Try It – Adventure Races” for kids and spectators, whilst the competitors get the opportunity to test ride the Night MTB Course and experience labyrinth orienteering! Saturday night marks a change in tempo for the competitors with the races coming thick and fast thereafter. The night Fell Race and MTB Time Trial promise to be visually spectacular experiences for both competitors and spectators in the valley, with the courses being way marked with hundreds of glowsticks and many kilometers of reflective barrier tape.

Sunday’s Orienteering Race will be incredibly exciting as well, with competitors having to navigate through a complex labyrinth maze as they start and finish the race. The combination of the labyrinth maze, rapid fire block starts and gaffling, which all take place in the event village, will ensure an action packed experience for everyone.

The MTB courses for both the Night Time Trial and Enduro are being upgraded with a significant new section of uphill single track in the forest. The downhill single track section that literally induced nightmares for some competitors is also having a makeover, becoming faster, smoother and more ridable than before. The Enduro Race is being increased from four hours to six hours, but with a flexible start time, so that competitors can choose the amount of riding they want to do.

iROC™ will once again be held at Eastgate in the Durham Dales, an amazing venue exclusive to this event. The venue is surrounded by stunning moorland and on the boundary of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site itself is largely hidden from view but is complete with a large quarry, steep hillsides with complex contour features, forest and a perfect event village location with self-contained campsite at the bottom of the valley. With a prize giving ceremony after each race and an event village featuring a great campsite, fire barrels, BBQ’s, music, a bar, atmospheric lighting and activities for the kids, it’s a brilliant venue for a memorable weekend for all. Set in a beautiful and quiet area of the Durham Dales it will be well away from the Bank Holiday crowds.

have a look at the events schedule below:

If you are thinking of signing up and want to manage to make it to the finish line why not have a look at some of our training tips.

Entries have just opened and are limited to 400 competitors for more information and to register visit wwww.iroc-race.com

iROC finish line Photo credit: © Ryan Edy / iROC™

Mountain villages are at risk from natural disasters. Source: Flickr by www.viajar24h.com

Mountains are hazardous places. Many mountain communities live under the threat of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, avalanches, landslides and floods.

José Antonio Prado, Director, Forest Management Division, FAO.

The main reasons that people live in these dangerous mountain communities are cultural ties and poverty. The risks to these people can be reduced through sustainable agricultural, pasture and forestry practices. Local and national strategies also need to be put in place to help prevent loss of life.

It is very likely that heavy precipitation will become more frequent and likely that future storms will become more intense.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change scenarios.

This year International Mountain Day coincides with the United Nations Climate Change talks in Copenhagen, which is why Disaster Risk Management in Mountains was chosen as this years theme.

The risk of natural disasters occurring is not just confined to the rural mountain environment. City slums are often built up the sides of mountains are particularly vulnerable due to the large numbers of people living in them. Rural mountain communities have a particular disadvantage since it is difficult for advanced warning to be given and also for emergency services and relief aid to reach remote areas. Men from mountainous regions often leave home to earn money in low-lying cities or abroad, leaving women, children and the elderly in the mountains. Since the women are not landowners they are not always eligible for emergency relief. They are often restricted in their social interactions and consequently do not receive risk management advice.

Half of the deaths caused by natural disasters occur in mountains and adjoining lands.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Disaster Risk Management in Mountains

Deforestation increases the risk of natural disasters. When there are no trees there is nothing to hold the soil together and landslips occur more readily. It also increases the amount of water run-off flooding land at the foot of the mountains. Trees also provide a barrier against avalanches. Increases in mountain populations of people and grazing of animals plus outside pressure from commercial logging companies increase the amount of deforestation that occurs. Other factors that increase risk from natural disasters are road construction, building of settlements on exposed slopes and poor terracing.

In developed countries, mountainside forests are planted to provide protection around cities and roads. It is often the tax payer who funds this type of project, however the cost of emergency relief and re-construction far out weighs the cost of preventative measures.

International Mountain Day 2009 - Disaster Risk Management in Mountains

Through PES schemes, and by educating mountain people and governments about risk awareness, the FAO can help reduce the number of casualties in natural disasters and also help break mountain people out the cycle of poverty.

Each year International Mountain Day focuses on a key aspect of mountain life or the environment. The issues raised to date are outlined as follows:

This move will hopefully lead to increased safety on the mountains as it should increase the chances of being able to dial 112 or 999 from your mobile in an emergency.  The move of course does not guarantee that you will get a signal as there are areas which are not covered by any operator.

Mountain rescue helicopter Source - Flickr:pdam2

It is however important not to let increased coverage to lead you into a false sense of security and not to follow “traditional” safety advice. Remember that good planning is essential before any trip out into the hills. Make sure you leave both your primary and emergency escape routes with somebody who can raise an alarm if they don’t hear from you, and don’t forget to take all the gear you need to keep yourself safe and secure in the worst conditions.

Lastly don’t forget one of the most reliable devices for raising an alarm in an emergency situation that won’t run out of batteries or break when it gets wet…the trusty emergency whistle The alpine emergency signal is 6 short blasts of a whistle with a 1 minute break and then repeated. The reply is 3 blasts with the same pause.

So remember to prepare for every eventuality when you head off into the mountains as you never know what might happen.

11th of December is International Mountain Day

Each year International Mountain Day focuses on a key aspect of mountain life or the environment. The issues raised to date are outlined as follows:

Mountains cover a quarter of the world’s surface and are the source for all the world’s major rivers. Three billion people worldwide rely on the water from mountains for drinking, transport, irrigation and hydro-electric power. Mountains are home to 1 in 10 of the worlds people, as well as providing habitats for many species of plants and animals. The mountain ecosystem is very fragile and the affects of climate change are easily seen, with the retreating of glaciers being the most notable example.

Problems Faced by Mountain Peoples

1 in 10 people live in mountainous regions. Source: Flickr by A. www.viajar24h.com

Some of the main reasons for conflict to occur are competition for water, Ethnic diversity and ethnic clashes, mining and large construction projects, and farm land being used for growing drugs.

How Is International Mountain Day Helping?

By tackling different mountain issues each year, International Mountain Day can highlight the issues facing mountain environments and people. Discussion can bring wider awareness of mountain issues to people who do not live in the mountains as well as enabling indigenous mountain people to raise their own quality of life and look after their environment.

Transboundary Peace Parks in Mountain Regions

The longest mountain glacier in the world is the Siachen glacier located in the Karakoram between India and Pakistan. Extreme weather conditions have caused most of the 15,000 plus casualties who have died here in 20 years of conflict. The Saichen glacier supplies water to the Indus river which flows through both India and Pakistan. The water is contaminated due to military activity and dumping of waste in the glacier. The United Nations aims to set up Transboundary Peace Parks in areas like this to help stop conflict, bring peace and conserve the ecosystem.

Sustainable Tourism for Poverty Alleviation in Mountain Areas

Tourism has the capability to bring much needed revenue to poverty stricken mountain peoples. However, tourism can cause irreparable damage to the environment without bringing any benefit to the local people. The UN and FAO International Mountain Day 2005 served to highlight the need for sustainable tourism that directly benefits indigenous mountain people. Many of the people who read this blog will at some stage contemplate travelling abroad to enjoy hiking, trekking, mountaineering and climbing. In order to preserve the mountain environment that you are visiting find out what the tour operator does to help support the local community. The International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA) support projects that help benefit local mountain people and their environment. The UIAA can put you in touch with project organisers, maybe you can get involved?

Sustainable tourism development meets the needs of the present tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing the opportunity for the future. It is envisaged as leading to management of all resources in such a way that economic, social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled, while maintaining cultural integrity, essential ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems.

World Tourism Organization (WTO)

High altitude, remote village. Source: Flickr by Hamed Saber

Managing Mountain Biodiversity

The focus of International Mountain Day 2006 was Managing Mountain Biodiversity. Due to the high altitude and remote nature of mountainous regions there exists a wide range of biodiversity within the flora, fauna and human culture of the mountains. Species and people have adapted to live in the extreme climate and support each other. However, these fragile ecosystems are under threat from new technologies and outside influences. In particular, intensive farming and exploitation of the mountain resources, e.g. water and minerals, can destroy the balance of the ecosystem and reduce the amount of biodiversity. Through setting up protected areas and Payment for Environmental Service Schemes (PES), the Food and Agriculture Organization intends to:

promote biodiversity management that will reduce poverty, improve livelihoods, and protect mountain environments for us all.

Climate Change in Mountain Areas

Mountain areas are effected by climate change much more than low lying areas. For the people, plants and animals in many mountainous areas climate change is already happening. Glaciers in the mountains are retreating and in some cases have disappeared. There are changes in the amount of rain and snowfall as well as avalanches, glacial lake outbursts and landslides.

The Global Terrestrial Observing System (GTOS) has been set up to reliably monitor the climate so that researchers and policy makers can detect and manage global change.

For climbers and mountaineers the beauty and challenging nature of the mountain environment has additional meaning.

Food Security in Mountains

Farming in Mountainous Regions requires special skills and knowledge. Source: Flickr by Hamed Saber.

Increased transportation and food costs worldwide mean that mountain peoples pay even more for food imported to mountainous regions.

Food security in mountains can be improved by:

• promoting and expanding traditional mountain crops
• improving breeding programmes of mountain-adapted livestock
• safeguarding indigenous land use practices
• improving market access
• developing mountain-specific policies

Observing International Mountain Day

International Mountain Day is observed in many countries throughout the world, often through meetings and rallies attended by FAO and other officials as well as by representatives from mountain communities. These meetings enable people discuss problems faced in mountain environments and teach people skills that can improve their health and way of life. The media are often involved in publicising these events and in promoting International Mountain Day.

Sleep at night on your cycle tour, with these handy hints
Image by Greg Williams

Bicycle Touring is an exciting, healthy way to spend your free time, either on your own, with friends or even your family! In my previous article An Introduction to Bicyle Touring the main forms of touring were defined. For most Cycle Tours the gear needed will essentially the same, although it will depend upon how much each individual cyclist is prepared to carry, what they view as essential items, what level of comfort is required, what terrain and distance the tour will cover and whether there are any support vehicles to carry equipment.

The following information is a guide to some of the kit you may need and questions to ask yourself. In this post shelter and sleeping are examined, the next post on this subject will examine clothing.

Shelter When Bicycle Touring

Tents

If you decide to camp then it is a good idea to use a tent that has a large porch so you can have separate spaces for your bike, your gear and for sleeping.  Ideal lightweight tents include the Mountain Equipment Dragon Fly 2XT, Wild Country Duolite Tourer or Vango Spirit 200+. All three weigh under 3kgs, are two person tents and have extended porches. The component parts of the tent, i.e. flysheet, inner, poles and pegs, can be distributed into different panniers to help balance out the weight across your bike. If you are cycling with together with a partner the components of the tent can be shared across two bikes.

For vehicle supported tours where weight is not an issue, a larger three season tent such as The North Face Trailhead 8 or Vaude Division Dome gives a combination of ample storage and spacious living quarters. Offering berths for 8 and 5 respectively; these allow the whole family to come, or for smaller parties have a little bit of privacy where you can zip up that internal door and relax.

Tents, Not For You?

You could always push the boat out and take a camper van for that extra comfort and the feel of home. If you are hiring a camper van or mobile home you will find that prices depend upon the season and the berth. Make sure that it is well maintained and roadworthy and that you are aware of any terms and conditions such as mileage quotas and insurance stipulations.

If you are going to stay in a hotel or B&B, there are many ways in which you can find somewhere to stay and shelter your bikes. The Internet is an obvious place to look for accommodation with many sites offering the ability to compare and contrast accommodation. Local Tourist Information Centres should be able to recommend places to stay and there are also organisations that use the various rating systems to look at. As with camp sites prices for accommodation depend on the season, rating, location, number of people and number of nights your going to stay, so do your research.

Book Ahead Or Take A Chance?

Booking accommodation or campsites in advance removes some of the flexibility of Cycle Touring, as you will have to plan and stick to a route in order to have a roof over your head. You can of course book accommodation as you move along and take the chance that you will get shelter, but in areas where accommodation is limited you may need to cycle a lot further than planned in order to find a place stay. Booking as you go along is not for everyone so think carefully before you do. If you have a large party, children or are touring in high season then it is best to book ahead.

A Peaceful Nights Sleep

Sleeping Bags

The Cumulus Quantum 200 packs down to 11 x 11 x 25 cm. Which is ideal since space in your panniers will be at a premium. It is a full size bag weighing only 495g, with 870 fill power and comfort temperature rating of 0°C.

Rest rebuilds your energy for the next stage of your journey, therefore sleeping arrangements are worth paying attention to. On a self supported tour weight is a concern, down sleeping bags whilst more expensive, are lighter and pack down smaller than synthetic ones. Using a sleeping bag liner will provide additional warmth and prolong the life of your bag.

Sleeping Mats

There are a wide range of sleeping mats to choose from. But why use a sleeping mat? Sleeping mats reduce heat loss, provide insulation and are much more comfortable then lying directly on the ground. So which ones are best? The answer again depends upon how much you want to pay, how heavy you want the mattress to be, whether you want self inflating or blow up your self and so on.

For ultralight weight and small size the best option is the is the Therm-a-rest NeoAir.

More traditional Therm-a-rests provide insulation and are self inflating, less expensive but heavier than NeoAir. the range has many variables including length, thickness and warmth. For the budget minded traveller Mulitmat have a range of inflatable sleeping mats, that are cheaper but generally heavier than Therm-a-rests.

ZZZZZZzzzzzz WAKE UP!

I did not realise all this talk of tents, sleeping bags and mattresses would send you to sleep . Unfortunately I probably will not be invited on your cycle tour, so you cannot rely upon me to send you to sleep every night! It is probably a good idea for you to think about the equipment you need from this post, so you can rest and relax whilst on that tour!

Please see the next post for clothing hints and tips.

Happy Cycle Touring!

World Champion Orienteer Graham Gristwood will be representing the UK. In an interview with CheapTents.com in March this year, he told us that

In 2009 there will be 3 major championships, starting off with the Nordic Championships in June, which are being held in Finland. That will be a really tough competition taking on the scandinavians on on their own patch.

Salo is located on the coast of south west Finland, about 110 km west of Helsinki. The terrain around Salo is well known for its good for orienteering, comprising of forest land with bare rock, moderate slopes and some marshes. There will be long distance and middle distance races as well as relays.

There will also be an urban area 12 -15 minute sprint in the centre of the town Salo.

The distances for each of the long, medium and relay races varies according groupings of M21, W21, M20 and W20. The longest of the races, i.e. the M21 long distance race is 15.2 km with a climb of 520 m, it has 29 controls and will take approximately 85 minutes to complete. The middle distance races have a distance of between 3 and 6 km, depending upon the group, whereas the range for each leg of the relay is from about 4 to 6 km with total climbs from 95 to 140 m. Further details can be found on the official Nordic Orienteering Championships website, www.noc2009.fi

The main orienteering events are scheduled to take place as follows:

Friday 05.06.2009
- Model event, Long and Middle distance and Relay
Saturday 06.06.2009
- Long distance (NOC 2009) and public event day 1
Sunday 07.06.2009
- Relay (NOC 2009) and public event day 2
Monday 08.06.2009
- Model events: Middle distance and Sprint
Tuesday 09.06.2009
- Middle distance (NOC2009 & WCup Event 1)
Wednesday 10.06.2009
- Sprint, Qualification and Final (NOC2009 & WCup, Event 2)

General information about this exciting outdoor sport can be found in our introduction to orienteering.