Tyrolean rigging????

I want to rig a tyrolean traverse and info on the internet is contradictory. What happens to the anchors and the rope if the weighted tyrolean line exceeds 120 degrees. What is the safest way to rig a tyrolean? I want to do this but don't want to die doing it. Life is beautiful.

You begin to multiply the force to each anchor. Google bridle dynamics.

You can also google, and download a free program called "LD calculator". It is an entertainment rigging tool, but has a bridle calculator that moves all around, and will tell you all about, compressive force and leg tension.

I have always treated tyroleans as a sideways rappel with the dead ends of the rope tied off. I have not tensioned the lines (a different concept) but rather lowered into the belly, and then jugged out.

Good luck!

I have helped rig several Tyrolean traverses in Boulder Canyon over the past few years. Here is how we did it:

• Sturdy trees provide great anchors if they are available. Tree anchors are used at Cob Rock and Tonnere Tower.
• Bolts anchors in solid rock also work; these are used at Avalon.
• Make sure the Tyrolean is high enough above the water, so when the ropes sag after prolonged use or wet weather, you won't get too close to the water.
• Try to position the anchors so the ropes are as level as possible.
• Tension the ropes as tightly as possible. They will loosen up over time, and after wet weather. You may have to go back periodically to retension the ropes to eliminate excessive sag.
• Use at least two ropes for the Tyrolean, or three if it has high traffic. The Tyroleans at Tonnere Tower and Avalon have three ropes.
• Tie the rope to the anchor on one side with a figure-8 knot. This is the fixed end. The rope is tied to locking carabiners if you're using a bolt anchor, or after several wraps around the tree if you're using a tree anchor.
• Get the rope to the anchor on the other side, and thread the rope through the anchor carabiners (bolt anchor), or wrap it around the tree several times (tree anchor).
• Tensioning the rope is a two-person job. The Petzl Shunt is an excellent device for achieving maximum rope tension. One person is at the anchor, doing a leg press to tighten the rope which is held by a Shunt attached to his harness. The second person takes up the slack and holds the rope in place, also with a Shunt attached to his harness, while the first person repositions for another leg press. Do this several times until the rope is as tight as possible.
• With the second person holding the tensioned rope in place, the person at the anchor secures its position with a Wild Country Ropeman .
• Use the rolling hitch knot to tie the tensioned rope around itself and lock it in position. After this is done, tie one or more double fisherman's knots around the rope below the rolling hitch knot.
• Once the rope is tied in place, release the Ropeman; this can be a bit difficult. Use the wire loop on the Ropeman to break its grip on the rope.
• Trim the rope. Leave about 10' of tail on the second end of the rope, so enough rope will be available if you have to retension the rope in the future. Wrap the rope with duct tape, cut the rope through the tape with a sharp knife, and burn the end with a lighter. Then remove the tape. Store the tail of the rope neatly at the anchor.
• Repeat the process for the remaining ropes on the Tyrolean.
• If you live near Boulder, you can examine the Tyroleans at Cob Rock, Avalon, and Tonnere Tower to see how they are set up.