Trip Reports - 3/23/02 - Sandrock, Alabama

10th Annual Sandrock Hoe-Down, Sandrock, Alabama

March 23, 2002

Submitted by: Wayne Busch

 The 10th Annual Sandrock Hoe-Down sponsored by the Southeast Climbers Coalition and the Access Fund was held on Saturday, March 23. Jackie and I drove up Friday, and camped overnight. The morning temperature dipped below freezing, but the sunny day warmed rapidly. By mid morning, cars and trucks filled every available parking spot and lined the road as far as could be seen. Banners and tables had been erected at the end of the lot, with representatives from La Sportiva, 5.10, The Warriors Way, The Southeast Climbers Coalition and the Access Fund.

We were half way through breakfast when the first group of people with trash bags came through our section of woods. We finished up, and headed over to the SCC table. Jackie and I grabbed a couple of   garbage bags and descended into the rocks. It took us about an hour to fill them, including a tour of many of the boulder problems set for the competition. Circling back to the trailhead, we heaved our booty into the dumpster and joined the crowd to await the start of the bouldering comp.

Brad McCleod of the Southeast Climbers Coalition kicked things off welcoming everyone and thanking them for supporting climbing in the Southeast. Kurt Smith followed with thanks from the Access Fund. The efforts of climbers to gain support for preserving this area are beginning to show fruit. A wall of boulders has been erected to bar vehicle and ATV traffic into the rocks. Two outhouses have been built, and dumpsters are located at two locations. The road was freshly graded. Finally, Adam Henry announced the rules of the contest - 12 best climbs in six hours, and the crowd dispersed into the boulders.

We spent the morning watching the competitors send many of the the heinous problems, while others spat off the best of the best. Many flailed at the 10,000 point challenge set near "Jaws" (508 pts.) which somehow picked up the name "Trailer Trash". Despite a fresh coating of spray paint graffiti, none I saw came close to sticking the gnarly problem.

We took a break for lunch, then grabbed a rope and returned to the rocks. Jackie and I climbed a few unnamed routes while we watched the competitors search to send that high-value problem that would boost them to the top of the points standing. People (and dogs) were everywhere. Nearly every bolted route had a rope on it. We ran into Trish Stoops and her friend Denmark from the Atlanta Climbing Club. James White was climbing nearby.

The contest drew to a close near the end of the day. We returned to camp and had dinner. The evening festivities kicked off with the raffle. Winners walked away with prizes ranging from t-shirts to ropes and shoes. Next came the contest results. More prizes including hundreds in cash for top finishers men and women. Kudos from all the sponsors and the day was done.

Enlarge photo of Kurt

Kurt Smith set up under fireplace rock with his portable sound show and provided non-stop music into the night. Once it was good and dark, he presented a slide show which included stories about Yosemite, Mexico, and the Yukon.

Car problems dictated we leave in the morning. Something odd was going on with the transmission, and I'd rather have problems during the day while help is more available. We limped home on hope, and made it without incident, though the problem grew more severe through the day. Sure enough, when the mechanic got hold of it the next day, the transmission was shot.

It was a good Hoe-Down. A lot of people turned out. Money was raised to help save Boat Rock and the Access Fund picked up many new members. Adam Henry ran a great competition. The area got a good cleaning.

Finally, there's news concerning Horse Pen's 40. The Access Fund is looking into the possibilities of regaining climbing access to the boulders. Watch for news of an event here this November.

Good climbing,

Wayne  

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