|
SCOTTISH TOOLING SERIES 2008 Words by Pauline Sanderson of Glenmore Lodge
 (c) Glenmore Lodge The banter and fun that has been had at the first three events has been building momentum and far from being an intimidating ‘hard core only’ driven affair, it has shown that climbers can have a great time supporting the newcomers as well as cheering on the veterans and fully hard core climbing gurus. Anybody who has been to the events so far will all have walked away with a feel good factor for climbers, axes and tooling. It has been GREAT! Each venue has been very different from the route designs to the scoring systems. Avertical in Dundee kicked it all off and set the standard by having a great variety of problems that challenged the experienced and newcomers. Ratho had a scoring system where you could get 5, 7 or 10 points depending on where you got to on the route. This was great for those of us who were only able to get to the top of 4 of the 12 routes! We did not feel cheated on ‘effort points at all’. Xtreme Dream had an array of hanging logs and boards that made the climbs varied, fun and a great spectator sport. How often do you see people upside down on a logs and swinging between obstacles with axes. It was fantastic.  (c) Glenmore Lodge Each event has great prizes from the sponsors but the excitement is now growing for the Scottish Series Title as there is starting to be a short list. The Junior category has some amazing climbers who can grunt and power scream better than most adults –and funny enough climb better than most adults. Dillan McKenzie, Steve Adisson, Ellen Barbour and Nicky Addisson are amazing role models for their ages!! The mens sports category is the largest and with some great biceps and techniques between them. They are showing all the signs of world class potentials. Rob McKenzie and Malcolm Kent fought it out to the edge on Saturday. As for the women, there are not many but they seem to be enjoying it a lot judging from the squeals and laughter. Fiona Murrey is leagues above anybody else but is not taking the title for granted and has performed like a true professional at all 3 events. The other ladies are now grappling for their guaranteed top 10 position, yes that is right , there are not many women. The same can’t be said for the mens vets with George McEwan, Bill Davidson, Rauri Mckenzie to mention just a few who are running neck and neck.  Emma Holgate (C) Glenmore Lodge Update submitted 19.12.08 by Pauline Sanderson afgter final round at The Ice Factor..... Fiona Murry when asked for here comments said, 'Absolutely brill! Different venues with different styles of problems, different people, old friends and so sociable. It has been really well attended so it is obviously what climbers want.' Fiona took part in 4 of the 5 events and was an outstanding contender and duly won her category. Sam Doyle and Miles Hill have been travelling up from Wales each weekend just to take part. When asked why, they said, 'We have been coming up for the Scottish winter but these comps have been fantastic and great training for those icy cracks!' Jamie Bankhead co-ordinated the day at The Ice Factor and it consisted of 5 hours of boulder problems, top rope problems, ice problems and of course they got the swinging logs in there too. Thanks to the Ice Factor routesetters - Donald King, Kenny Grant, Blair Fyffe and Chuck Stevens. Really brilliant.
There was lots of back slapping and problem move simulations going on all day and into the evening. Everybody stayed for the Prize Giving as there were prizes for the one day event but it was also the Scottish Tooling Series Final. Pauline Sanderson from Glenmore Lodge, who co-ordinated the Series, awarded the prizes on behalf of the sponsors of the series. She thanked the venues for putting so much time and effort into each event. It is a well know fact that these events are not run for the money, they are run by people who want to support and develop the sport.
 (c) Glenmore Lodge George McEwan said 'The whole series has been a tremendous success. It has given climbers a forum to show that they are a great bunch of people of all ages and abilities having a laugh doing what they love best....climbing. As well as that, I now feel more ready for winter climbing than ever.' The series has welcomed novices to professionals and all of them have, learnt more, made more climbing friends and enjoyed it. A small community of climbers has left this series feeling inspired by other climbers. Perfect!
Thank to the hosts: Avertical World - Dundee, Edinburgh International Climbing Arena:Ratho, Extreme Dream Climbing Wall - Aviemore, Glenmore Lodge - Aviemore and the Ice Factor - Lochaber.
BIG THANKS to the Scottish Tooling Series Sponsors: Tiso, Marmot, Grivel, Petzlcharlet, Climber Magazine, La Sportiva and the support of The MCof S. |