Daunting Fun In High Altitude Environments…

Hey Guys,

Its been a long time since the last update. Its the end of the year and I guess some of us have more free time now. I woud like to share an article that was published in The New Straits Times (click on the thumbnail above to view the article),  recently. Most of us have already reached the peak of Mt. Kinabalu, some of us even did the torturous trek twice. But I understand, its the kind of place that you would want to go again, again, and again. Something spiritual and magical about the place.

Ok, now back to reality. There is nothing magical about suffering from altitude sickness when you are there. In fact, on the journey up from Laban Rata resthouse to the peak, most of us who live in the low altitude areas of the Klang Valley, are basically walking zombies. A tiny step after one another, struggling for balance and every bit of oxygen that we can get into our systems, and not to mention the below 8 degrees temperature, which together with wind-chill factor brings the temperature down to sub-zero. Your thinking and reaction time slows. All you need is enough brain power to follow a solitary white static rope. Follow that rope and you will reach the peak. All these combined with the early hours of the morning and the darkness presents you with a very surreal feeling. The vastness of the horizontal granite slabs adds to the very unique feeling of the might of mother nature (and the misery to some people).

Now, we are sport climbers and only very few of us have mountaineering background. As I know that I will be going back to Mt. Kinabalu. However this time, I would love to combine elements of both mountaineering & aided climbing (I assume). May I present to you, the highest Via Ferrata in the world. Click here for more info on what is Via Ferrata ==> Via Ferrata

Honestly, this is a very new thing for Malaysian mountaneering sports. As combined with all the challenges I have listed above, its not for the faint-hearted. Imagine, trying to balance on steep footholds when balance is already tough enough climbing the vertical slabs, and getting enough oxygen doing something even more strenuous than the basic walk-up to the peak. That is all I can imagine for now. I have not much knowledge of this sport, so I will not elaborate. Do check out the links for some education. But one thing for sure. It looks damn interesting and I (and surely you guys) will love to experience it. The views alone will take your breath away, and that makes it all worthwhile. I propose that GreenTrekkerz organize a trip somewhere in the beginning of 2009, when the weather is ideal and hoepefully the sun is shining.

It is a great new experience and if many are interested, I will proceed to research more about what is to be offered by this adventure company.

thats it for now people,

AHLOKKOR

EUROPE’s CLIMBING MUSCLE

Welcome to the first video for the blog. Some of you may have watched this video but for the viewing pleasure of everyone, I think its good to have a collection of videos on the blog. Its not a video of us, but a video of the European PEtzl Team and boy, they are mighty mighty amazing. This video was filmed in 2003 and features one of the top women climber in the world, Joshune Bereziatu. As of 2005, she is the only female to have climbed the grade 9a/5.14d (Bain de Sang in 2002 and Logical Progression).

Watch it once and be amazed, watch it again and be inspired.

The thing about the route that they are climbing is that it looks damn bloody hard. However, I won’t mind falling at these extreme overhangs

 enjoy and be inspired,

AHLOKKOR

CLIMBING ROPE SAFETY

*This was previously emailed to members*

Hi aspiring and fellow climbers,

I would like to address an issue that was discussed by members at the crag last week. This is an issue about marking your climbing ropes in the middle, as to make it easier to identify the middle point of the rope especially when multi-pitching. Most climbers use a regular permanent marker when doing this.

HOWEVER, after much research from various resources, I will make this straight to the conclusion….. DO NOT mark your ropes with any kinds of marker (whether organic or chemical). This also applies to the SHARPIE pens that are used by many climbers and also pen markers sold by rope manufacturers such as BEAL. In fact, since several test has been done by Mammut & Lanex (both are rope manufacturers) on various rope products, BEAL & Bluewater has pulled those marking products out of their catalogs. (Beal came out with a new marking dye instead)

We may assume that certain organic dyes are safe, BUT nothing has been proven. When it comes to climbing ropes, UNLIKE your harness and runners,  there is NO backup for a rope. If it snaps, thats it. We don’t want any of these to happen to anyone in our lifetime of climbing. We can only assume it is safe, but an assumption is NOT good enough, no climber’s life here should be part of an experiment.

Many respected sources online has served warnings to climbers and the International Mountaineering & Climbing Federation (UIAA) has performed test on these markers and tested the marked dynamic ropes to failure. The results were scary as some of the marked point of the ropes were weaken by 50%.

Please heed the advice from the UIAA (please read) :

http://www.uiaa.ch/article.aspx?c=185&a=78

http://72.14.235.104/search?q=cache:2PG8usHryMUJ:www.alpineclubofcanada.ca/services/safety/Marking%2520of%2520Ropes.doc+marking+climbing+ropes&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2

http://www.justropes.com/shop/custom.asp?recid=8#MR

safe climbing everyone,

AH LOK KOR

Friendly Paintball Game

Camping & Hiking Trip, Fraser’s Hill

Lead Climbing Class

Hi GTZ,

I’m thinking of having a lead climbing class on next Saturday and Sunday. Well, looks like there may be climbers (GTZ members or non members) that might be interested to join the class.

Basically, this class will be beneficial to people who have sufficient experience on climbing top ropes and would like to proceed to lead climbing. Climbers who have been doing lead climbing that are not sure about the theory/safety behind lead climbing are also encourage to join.

OK, the details of the class will be as follows:-

Instructor:
Kenny

Date and time:
2:30pm – 22nd Sept 2007
11:00am – 23rd Sept 2007

*Note that the date stated are just initial planning. There might be changes depending on enquiries and response.

Syllabus:Before the actual leading climbing class takes place, there will be a brief through on the Basic Rock Climbing Instruction Course (BRSIC).

1) Theory of lead climbing
   - Differences between stages of climbing
   – Fall factor
   – Equipments
   – Onsight
   – Safety
2) Knots
   – Prefered knots for lead climibing
   – Knots to learn in lead climbing
3) Leading techniques
   – Clipping position and style
   – Handling rope
   – Spotting
   – Belaying
4) Communication
   – Climbing calls
5) Anchors
   – Knowing the anchor
   – Setting up anchors
6) Emergency
   – Self rescue
   – Climbing calls
7) Knowing/managing your equipment
   – Equipment storage
   – Equipment checking
   – Things to avoid

Fees/Contribution:
RM65.00 for non members
RM20.00 for GTZ members

Cheques, Credit Card, Money Order, Bank Note and anything else other than cash will not be accepted. Foreign currency that are lower than RM are also not accepted. The currency with higher exchange rate will be charged with the same amount as stated.

Note that majority of the money will be going to GTZ funding for equipment maintenance, selected climbing site maintenance and other community services concerning environment, outdoor and climbing.

Important:
Anyone that is interested in joining this class can leave your details (i.e. name, contact no. and e-mail address) in the comments. You are also required to download the form below and fill up the necessary before returning it on the event date.

Participation form:
gtzappform_declaration.pdf

The article on Green Trekkerz is published today, 3 September 2007.  Please check it out on theStar paper or read it online at http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/3/business/18749397&sec=business

GOOD THINGS ABOUT ROCK CLIMBING 01

 

Hi GTZ,

Story above is one of a good example of how useful Rock Climbing in our daily life is. However, good application of Rock Climbing in daily life starts from having good technical knowledge.

The story above uses some of the gears of Rock cllimbing. However, the application of the in the story has been planned with sufficient technical knowledge and support before it’s being illustrated. Do not simply follow without proper instructions and expert guidance.

TECHNICAL INFOMATION:
As all of you can see, the rope used is a should be a leftover static rope. If u use a good rope, U are trying to retire it… A static rope holds a load better, but it’s not meant for climbing. This is due to the unstretchable characteristic of a static rope that’s unable to absorb impact. It’s as stiff as a cable. Normally, ppl use it for abseiling, hauling, rope climbing and fixed rope.

As for the carabiner. When locking a carabiner onto a system that is going to be loaded with big load,  always remember to twist the lock half round to the reverse lock direction. This can prevent lock of the locking carabiner from jaming due to the heavy load that stresses the gate and the threads.

Note that all climbing equipment that is used directly on a climber (does not include accessories) is designed in such a way to take minimum of 20kN (about 1.9 tons). So, pulling up a car vertically is not a problem, but not a falling car.

The intructions of a few related knots is in the pdf file at the link below. Do download it and have some time practicing it. U never know when U’ll need it.

Download here:
Download KNOTS FOR ROCK CLIMBING

Happy climbing

BREAKING NEWS!!! GTZ will be interviewed by The Stars at Damai Wall at 3p.m. today!!!

Wake up people…. wake up!!! Shiwen had just informed me that the Stars will be interviewing Green Trekkerz Members at 3p.m., Damai Wall today.

This interview is arranged by our HR Minister of GTZ, Beatrice Lee Kar Ling.  I understand that Shi Wen, Ee Mei, Jie Hong, Kenny Low, Choon Meng (Poksy), Beatrice will be our team there. Our much awaited spokeperson for GTZ, Steve Yap will have to give this a miss this time!!! I guess he has something urgent to attend to… sigh…

Having said that, I believe all of you, yes you… are able to bring GTZ to the next level.  Today…. we now creating public awareness. Tomorrow… we will have more eager GTZ joining us. Really looking forward to it !!! Ale Ale!!!

2ND GREENTREKKERZ ANNUAL DINNER & CONVENTION 2007

Well guys and girls, as the title suggests. Its that time of the year again. The day we stop monkeying around and start cookin’.  Greentrekkerz and co. presents, besides being a dinner and convention,  The cook-out of the year!!!!!!!. Yes, everyone, prepare your ultimate culinary skills and show us what you can do. 

 I came to this conclusion (as I am not very democratic) of a pot-luck as a BBQ would be very troublesome and will mess up the verandah of which I have no interest in cleaning till the wee hours of the morning. A steamboat would be difficult knowing our increasing number of members. So to feed all the hungry climbers, I believe that there will be enough food once everyone brings something. Also, I am giving the opportunity for Greentrekkerz’s many diverse members to show off their specialities. Person who brings the best dish will have bragging rights for the entire year.

 Some Details:

 START TIME :  5pm…..(Those who wanna use my kitchen to prepare food, can come earlier)

VENUE             :  30, Jalan Tropicana Utama, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, 47410, Petaling Jaya, Selangor  (Which is my house larrrrrrrr)

DATE              :  31st August 2007   OR   1st September 2007   (Depending on whether there is a trip on the 1st). 

MENU             : As mentioned above, a pot-luck.

WHO MUST ATTEND: All Greentrekkerz members.

WHO CAN ALSO ATTEND: Pretty much everyone, bring on your friends, boyfriends, gurlfriends,parents,relatives, children, gay & lesbian partner……etc.etc.

EVENT RATING:   U, suitable for the whole family………………………..But don’t blame me if the event turns into 18SX or  18SG after the drinking sessions.

Now, I know that not everyone should bring food, we also need drinks, liquer, snacks & drugs….

Also, take note of the need for appetizers, starters, dessert, etc. etc.

 So guys and gurls, please propose on the comments section of this post and tell me what would you all like to bring. Then we can discuss about whether we have a good & balanced menu. I know that most of you will take the easy way out and just bring something easy to make, but please, if you want it to be easy, you can buy something from a restaurant and claimed you cooked it yourself also    We promise we won’t ridicule you  (yeah right).

Program for the night:

Usually for dinners like these, we just sit around and stuff ourselves and have a good laugh. However, this time, it would be great if a creative person could come up with some games or activities. I know we will watch some videos but here is my preview of some activities:

 i) Opening Speech by Greentrekkerz president.

ii)  Discussion of the future of the society by all who wanna speak up.

iii) Nomination for positions in the society (the last time we did this everybody was high, lets finalise this one) .

iv) Speech on safe climbing by Mr. Kenny Low (I think lots of new climbers need to hear this one).

v)  Sales session by the team behind CRUX climbing pants.

vi) Sales talk by Deltarovers about new stocks (expecially CAMP & Mad Rock products)

 AND FINALLY

vii) Drunken storytelling session by drunken Greentrekkerz President. Our Yang Berhormat, Proffesor Meng.

(Just kidding larrrr poksy

Do me a favour guys and gurls, invite as many potential members as you can. The only ticket for the event is contributing food ( and of course drag them to bring enough cash to pay the membership fees and become Greentrekkerz members).

Do mention if there are any muslim friends coming as we would need to make sure they have dishes that they can eat.

So ladies and gentlemen, honourable members of GreenTrekkerz, the greatest amateur climbing society in Malaysia, please give me your feedback and please confirm your participation and don’t forget, state what you wanna contribute to the menu and also possible activities & games we can entertain ourselves, during the night

warmest regards everyone,

AH LOK KOR

If I left anything out of the post, do correct me…..