|
|
|
|
rwaltermyer
Oct 29, 2002, 3:58 AM
Post #401 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 10, 2001
Posts: 1059
|
OFFICIAL STATEMENT:
My fellow RC.com climbers:
It is my unfortunate responsibility to inform you that the gathering will not occur as originally scheduled on Friday, Nov 1st to Sunday, Nov, 3rd. Allow me to explain:
As popularity of the gathering increased, concern was raised by the climbing community that such an event would stress the access sensitivity of Birdsboro. Ten years ago, the area was opened after much negotiations. After that, sensitivity remained in limbo. However, with time, the access today is quite lax. Nonetheless, PA climbers are all too familiar with access problems. Gems like Safe Harbor, Sex Wall, and Governor Stables are---or once closed as a result of access issues. And it is no one’s intention for such a place as Birdsboro to once again be added to the list.
When such a concern was raised, Mitch and myself began to investigate. Our finding from Birdsboro Town Hall were quite positive. However, under the advise of the Access Fund, we were required to receive written permission for such an official gathering to take place. Unfortunately, in regards to obtaining an approval through the legal matters we were given definite answer. Birdsboro town hall is researching the matter, but they have not made any promises. Under such uncertainty in regards to how long such a process would take, we are forced to inform everyone of this situation and officially call off the gathering. However, it should be stated that climbing is still permitted at Birdsboro. Please keep in mind these concerns! Be responsible and courteous!
In retrospect, talk of the gathering has raised concerns which needed to be addressed; efforts are underway to reform the Birdsboro Access Committee which will bridge conversation between the town and climbers, the Access Fund and the Pennsylvania Alliance of Climbers. Furthermore, it is our hope that certain improvements will be the result of continued effort of the part of the climbing community.
Mitch has told me that he is still offering his backyard for those that would like to get a taste of some of the other areas in SE PA. If the weather turns sour, a possible indoor gathering at Cliffhangers in Reading (15 minutes from Birdsboro) is still being considered. Furthermore, I understand that other impromptu gatherings are in the works. Please PM myself or Mitchal for more information and any concerns.
Once again we apologize for such an inconvenience. Stay tuned to RC.com for future details regarding access, initiatives, etc.
Climb on—responsively—my fellow climbers,
Randy
[ This Message was edited by: rwaltermyer on 2002-10-28 20:01 ]
|
|
|
|
|
climbinganne
Oct 29, 2002, 1:34 PM
Post #402 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 15, 2002
Posts: 11679
|
thank you again stu for your support!!
ps....mitch you know how i feel about you too...i know what you were trying to do...thanks man...
[ This Message was edited by: climbinganne on 2002-10-29 09:06 ]
|
|
|
|
|
howitzer
Oct 29, 2002, 1:59 PM
Post #403 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Mar 5, 2002
Posts: 2511
|
I'll head to Nelson with my buddy Annie and to meet the famous Stu (sorry I never got to help you with the via ferrata stu! damn rainy weather!) Anyone who might want a ride from the DC area let me know, I have room for one more I think...
Yee haw! Make lemonaide girl!
|
|
|
|
|
pusherem
Oct 29, 2002, 2:10 PM
Post #404 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Feb 2, 2002
Posts: 187
|
so unstoked man. shit.
|
|
|
|
|
climbinganne
Oct 29, 2002, 2:34 PM
Post #405 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 15, 2002
Posts: 11679
|
eric...you are a "LOCAL CLIMBER" at birdsboro and should go and climb...crank one for me man!!!! you all will be in my thoughts...please take pictures and share with the rest of us, OK????
and this spring...we will try again and make it at an area that can accomodate us all and where we are welcome!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
rwaltermyer
Oct 29, 2002, 4:07 PM
Post #406 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 10, 2001
Posts: 1059
|
i'd ask you where you think is good anne...but i'm tired of this planning for a LONG while. Thanks to everyone for their input. Unfortunately, we all learned a hard, but necessary lesson.
I hope it pours all weekend (just on the rock)...that way I'll feel better and go climbing else where.
|
|
|
|
|
climbinganne
Oct 29, 2002, 4:20 PM
Post #407 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Apr 15, 2002
Posts: 11679
|
randy...no offense bro...but this next one...i will handle ALL BY MYSELF!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
mitchal
Oct 29, 2002, 9:08 PM
Post #408 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 21, 2002
Posts: 672
|
Now for my statement on this unfortunate turn of events.
I want to firstly thank Anne and Randy for all the hard work they put in on this gathering.Their efforts were Hurculean in scope and determination.I am proud that I was included in their plan and wish to appologize for not being able to do more in less time.
As you can see in the sequence of posts, every effort was made to make the locals and town hall aware of the event and to extend every courtesy to them both.
The concerns of the locals were valid,if not overreacted to.Having recieved a letter forwarded from Randy,from Rob Holtzman,I was told of access concerns and contacted town hall with these questions and was assured all would be fine.I should have expanded my scope and sought harder for old committtee members,but,thought it unneeded.
|
|
|
|
|
rwaltermyer
Oct 29, 2002, 9:12 PM
Post #409 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 10, 2001
Posts: 1059
|
well...nonetheless....thank you mitch for your efforts as well.
|
|
|
|
|
mitchal
Oct 29, 2002, 9:20 PM
Post #410 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 21, 2002
Posts: 672
|
Having contacted the "Access Fund" before and been told they had no records of the (former) committee,or any agreement,we continued planning.
Recently we were deluged with nasty emails and threats of access closure,and then contacted the PAC for assistance in assuring permission.This past friday I was advised that the Access Fund recomended a WRITTEN permission to gather from town hall.I returned and detailed all that was happening.Even though the sentiment was that they(town officials) could not understand the need,They put the matter in front of the borough manager.He recomended a review by the town solicitor,and I was told that no timeframe for approval could be garunteed.At this time I recomended that Randy make a decision on cancelling and told him I was for cancellation.He prudently did so.We felt it unfair to have anyone hang in limbo when a timely answer could not be garrunteed.
|
|
|
|
|
mitchal
Oct 29, 2002, 9:27 PM
Post #411 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jan 21, 2002
Posts: 672
|
Having done all this,to the point of personal difficulties in freindships,we felt we had done a good job in planning and attempting to gain access.We are now in the proccess of forming a new and CONTACTABLE committee to deal with issues relating to,and affecting,climbing at the quarry.
I personally wish to appologize for not being nore forthright with info on pending troubles.I felt it best to work on the side and let only the others directly involved in on things.I held back some from even those people,in concern for the strain they were already under.
A new and "Officialy Approved" gathering will be coming in the spring.The planning will be done first,and then posted.
I again appologize for any lack on my part and want to credit the other planners and those who were going to attend for their efforts.
Thanks for the dream
Mitch
|
|
|
|
|
rwaltermyer
Oct 30, 2002, 8:32 AM
Post #412 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 10, 2001
Posts: 1059
|
for some wierd reason...after reading your post Mitchal...I get a sense of satification, a sense of accomplishment. Unfortunately it came at an expense, but the spring gathering will batch that up!! Gosh we may need to plan an indoor gathering just so we can meet each other now!
|
|
|
|
|
jeffe
Oct 30, 2002, 11:24 AM
Post #413 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 24, 2001
Posts: 125
|
There is other rock in PA. Could give the Gap a go sometime.
|
|
|
|
|
lostangel
Oct 31, 2002, 6:24 PM
Post #414 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Jul 27, 2001
Posts: 444
|
a friend of min (jim bowers) said that it would be too small I wasnt sure.. yall shoulda just cam over my way.. theres places and I woulda fed ya
|
|
|
|
|
rwaltermyer
Nov 1, 2002, 3:36 PM
Post #415 of 415
(14286 views)
Shortcut
Registered: Aug 10, 2001
Posts: 1059
|
well....i think birdboro has a great variety.
And if you climb 10+, the big wall is nuts.
Everything from short pumpy, to LONG and sick!
|
|
|
|
|
|
UPDATE: PA Gathering @ Birdsboro
[
