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Topic Date User

Making use of bridges and buildings, Melbourne ? 21-Dec-2011 At 8:23:34 PM MichaelOR

Message

As a local who occasionally does laps of the excellent traverse on the Heidelberg Rd Bridge, I certainly agree that the bolts are both inappropriate and should be removed. Top-rope the wall if you must, but there is no need for lead bolts!! Why? Go to a gym and have your lead experience on plastic. Go outdoors if you really want to improve your leading.

The bridge is heritage listed and a magnificent structure. The popular bike path full of walkers and cyclists makes this an extremely visible site. The bolts are a really bad advertisement for climbers and leading on them ( it's really top-roping given how close together they are!!) is not worth the attention climbers draw. Everyone stops and looks at you and then see the bolts! You give us all a bad reputation.

* Do laps of the traverse if you want to improve.
* Do laps using every feature, the top of the wall, the top of the blocks and cracks (and fist jam rests)
* If you can do a lap, remove the rests, then remove the top of the wall, then remove the top of the blocks, and then only use the sloping and crimp features of the blocks (and not the tops). This caters for all abilities. If you can do this you won't want to lead such rubbish.
* The do two laps ... then three without stopping.

I'm with DaveW. The bolts should be removed and holes patched.
Michael