Actually if you are going to climb with the "stoners" or even allow them to have a voice here you have to realize that you are open for ridicule for the following reasons:
1. your exceptional climbing ability;
2. your terrible climbing ability;
3. The size of your carni hands;
4. Your rowing ability;
5. Your dance like moves on rock;
6. The fact that you work for an organization that is named after a rodent;
7. Your rainbow sling;
8. The fact that you like bouldering or bolting;
9. Because you hate bouldering or bolting;
10. The number of chins that you are currently sporting;
11. And finally anything you say on this forum or even locking the forums.
However 90% is said in jest looking for a laugh with someone, not at. Yes my comments were made at your expense Fred but not with malicious intent. As well as my comments about locking the thread, and my comments about Steves rainbow sling (No I do not think your gay, but I am ok if you are
One of the main points of starting this very loosely organized group to go out and climb is to have fun first. Worry about that next killer 5.12 later, not to chase grades or go pro, or not climb with someone because 5.7 is his/her limit.
In my opinion many climbers take this life style too seriously, and see it as a sport. Some people treat the environment like their outdoor gym, look at people who only climb v3 as lesser climbers. Give up their lives for the sole purpose of getting a 5.13. That is everything that this group is not. The people that I have climbed with so far this year have been very honorable men (Kate we are still waiting for you to come out so I can say people) who respect the environment, the people, and the local ethic. The only cost is a bit of pride. A price I pay every day when I struggle up that 5.6 and the guys who easily climb 5.11 are cheering me on and giving me advice like wear a helmet or just go up
I will take that anyday over having to follow a local hero around so he can work the latest v10/5.13.
Stepping down from soap box.
Mitt
Self appointed ethics coordinator.