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please explain to me why it is so taboo to post about encountering a loose bolt? If the individual who encounters the loose bolt doesn't know how to properly tighten the bolt, I think a public post serves two purposes. First, it alerts other climbers who are afraid of loose bolts to stay off the route. Second, it allows the possibility for the 'problem' to be addressed, either by the FA, the landowner, or hopefully just someone knowlegeable who will be in the area of the affected climb and who might not have otherwise gotten on the route.

What is the big deal? Identifying a loose bolt is NOT an assault on someone's skills as a bolter. Bolts come loose sometimes. So what?

The problem is when you're talking about private land. For example, Muir is privately owned and posting about a problem, when they stated in their waiver to contact them personally if a problem arises, isn't following their rules. What if they never viewed this site? A post about a lose bolt would do nothing to remedy the problem.

I do think it's good to post hardware problems but respecting the wishes of private land owners is the more important issue here. So for Muir Valley, I hope folks will comply with the Weber's request of contacting them with hardware/safety issues.

Their waiver reads:

"...I willingly agree to comply with the posted rules and regulations of Muir Valley. If I observe any unusual hazard during my visit to Muir Valley I agree to bring such hazard to the attention of Muir Valley, LLC immediately by contacting Rick Weber..."

I agree that the owner's wishes should be respected. Absolutely, and I always have. In the case of perceived problems in Muir Valley, Rick should be contacted immediately. However I don't think that means people should not post publically about 'problems' they encounter on a route (anywhere in the RRG, including Muir). As I said, a public post gives the option for the loose bolt (or whatever) to be addressed by someone experienced right away, and keeps people who get freaked out by such things off the route.

part of the problem also is that people get "freaked" too easily....

I think that posting about loose bolts on private land is great as long as you make the landowners aware of the situation at first. Loose bolts can end in tradgey's so why not let everyone know of the situation once you have notified the land owners.

there's nothing wrong with posting about a loose bolt, suggesting that an entire climbing area is coming apart and that the sky is falling only induces unnecessary panic. The fact that of the routes that have been inspected so far and found that most had nothing loose or wrong with them just shows that the sky really wasn't falling. There are enough problems in the gorge without making mountains out of mole hills.

There never has been a problem. Slam the fuckers in and fall on em. If you find one loose don't be a winey bitch just tighten it. If you can't figure out how to do it responsible then you shouldn't be climbing. Maybe a few people need to eat shit so everyone realizes that this isn't a goddamded public playground. You may die. If you don't like it don't climb.

pigsteak wrote:part of the problem also is that people get "freaked" too easily....

With all of these loose bolts i'm afraid to walk up to a cliff. I might get bopped on the head by a falling bolt.

reach..I knew it...

man, sport climbing has made a bunch of sterilized frat boys squeal while screwing the pooch...or something like that.

I say you bolters start placing 1 fake bolt per route. Make it look real and hold body weight, but absolutely fail in the event of a fall. And don't tell where it is, just that it's there. That'll thin out the crowds.