STARTING HOLD - #18 > AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2007

Scrub it out

Let's all just calm down for a sec. Come here, I want to talk to you.

It looks like you've been swallowed by soil and regurgitated back to life. Damn, what a mess. You're gonna hurt someone with that stank. You could also probably charge rent for those welts on your back. No, no, no...stop crying! You'll send it, but probably not right now. I mean come on, look at that nasty crimp anyway. It hasn't seen a good brushing in, well, ever. Right now you need to work with the heat - not against it. Here, have a sip of water, sit down, take a good look at the state of your nemesis, and listen up. We need to get that thing shiny and pristine for Autumn.

Weather-smether. Some people think that rain will eventually wash all the excess chalk and rubber away during a good party buster of a storm. That nature will always follow us around, cleaning up our shit for the rest of our lives. I got news: the crux hold on that classic roof problem has probably never seen a raindrop in its life other than the occasional trickle of mud and seepage. Its texture is wrapped in white grease, and all that black gook surrounding the underbelly is beginning to look permanent. The problem's demise is evident, and 10 years of being climbed is not long enough. The next generation will never get to experience its magic if you don't do something RIGHT NOW.

When the wrath of summer presents itself, you can use it as a perfect opportunity to give your beloved area a tune up. Best thing to do is first check out the boulderproject.org for some immediate tips and inspiration. Then contact the land management or local organization/coalition of the area and tell them you want to coordinate a clean up. "Hello, I’d like to scrub the chalk off your boulders and pick up any trash for free" sounds great to them and puts you in a kingpin position. Your little buzzing in that ranger/manager/owner's ear is more like an anthem that climbers can be responsible for their actions, and even clean up where other user groups might fail to.  You're just saying, "Hey look, we care a lot about the preservation of this area and are willing to work with you on securing its future. This is what we can offer.” Now you've taken the initiative to establish a healthy relationship with the people who basically hold the fate of your area in their hands, and they will undoubtedly take this moment into consideration should access issues ever arise. Meanwhile your friends, who have been taking a beating on those overclimbed mankfests, will scratch their heads and wonder, “Hmmm. Why didn’t I think of that?” And bam! Just like that you’re a hero. A real life hero.

So set it up. Make the call and head out with a few friends, some soft bristled brushes, a cooler of refreshments, a few stepladders, trash bags, and as much water as you can carry - go clean some rocks. It’s hot, humid and dank, but it’ll be one of your best sessions ever. I promise. In fact, I want to know who the heroes are out there. Send an email with an itinerary of your cleanup date to me at joe@urbanclimbermag.com. You’ll earn a spot for a recap of the event (including photos and an interview) in an upcoming issue that celebrates role models in our community. It’s rewarding to do the right thing.

Thanks for listening.

See you out there,
Joe Iurato