Spiny Dogfish 

When they bolted it, it actually started to the left of Flying and crossed over at the ledge (even more absurd). This is a very good TR variation though.

Hi,

I bolted it and climbed it. There was nothing absurd about it. It was just another route for people to enjoy. The self elected Rumney police..yes you know who you are, decided this route wasn't worthy...
Anyway, please credit me with the first ascent. Tom Nonnis and Steve Potter were also present.
Cheers,

Craig

I don't want to fling too much poo, but keeping this as a bolted line would seem to be a really big no-no, and an epic contrived squeeze job.

It's quality can shine as a TR variation.

Craig, i did put you and your friends down for the FA... I'm glad you still stand by your decision but i think if it was put to a vote rather than decided by "the Rumney police" the outcome would have been the same... people typically don't like bolt lines crossing classic routes... I do really like this as a TR thanks for finding the line!

If I remember correctly, it was in fact put to vote. Judging by the bolts put in on other lines, they would have had to have been pulled for safety reasons anyway (an easy thing when they slide out by hand covered by slurry or snap right off at the first tap of a hammer)..good climber and fun chap, but, man, your bolts sucked.

Cheers to you, Craig.

No worries guys. When I wrote the bit about 'the police' I was smiling ; )
As for the bolts, it was raining when I drilled, bolted and climbed the route so that might explain their quality. I'm happy it's at least kept it's name!

Come to visit England sometime.

All the best,

Craig

Actually, the bolts on Spiny may have been fine. The ones I am particularly taking the piss about were the ones on the flying arete project above and right of the first pitch of Black Mamba. Ward went up on lead and as he clipped some of them they pulled out, so he had to slide them back in and pray. Luckily, I was up top with a rope, so was able to tie it off and lower it down as an anchor. That is why he ended up calling it British Airways. I think the holes had just not been cleaned out, so rain water made a slurry. There are nice glue-ins now.

By the way, this guy Craig was known for having the finest tights collection in all of Boston at the time. I think he must have checked out all the band costume stores to find them. I was like, damn, where does he get all those colors?

Oh, yes, Craig and his collection of climbing tights. He may well have brought some over from England, old chap. Craig and Mick made quite a splash ....

The English have quite a history of fine hosiery wearing, if you look back at the historical paintings.

British Airways wasn't my doing, that was Mick Ryan! So I guess my bolts were not too bad?

For a lyrca fix see:

www.ukclimbing.com/images/dbpage.html?id=154738

Cheers,

Craig

Ooops! my bad. Apologies.

When it comes to tights, don't forget Paul Niland and Wags.