Text and photos by Martin Renz

Settle down everyone, I am about to show you some photos of the
2009 Eastern Cape Petzl Rock & Road Trip.

As you are probably already aware 25 of SA strong climbers came together to
part take in a little climbing competition. To add some spice to the whole affair
we managed to get the “Not-from-this-planet” climbing super rock-star Adam Ondra
too our fair Eastern Cape (where there is apparently no rock ;D).

Needless to say Adam pretty much cleaned up the province in under a week. Putting
up routes ranging from 8a (30) to 8b+/8c (33/34) (most being onsight or flash) and opening some serious test pieces at Alicedale ranging from 7c+ too 8a+.
On top of that he did all the hard routes at Oudthoorn in less than 12 hours (8 of which he slept). All I can say is, “The mind has a hard time to comprehend his strength and ability”. But one bit of good news is that, he didn’t manage to do all project we threw at him ;D (See Pics below with Adam)

Ok, enough about the mutant. I personally think the trip was a huge success and many a climber will look at the EC with different eyes. We certainly have an amazing scope and variety of climbing and proved… well Adam proved… that the EC has the potential for wicked hard routes.

The competition itself was also was very cool. I was concerned about snobbish attitudes from climbers but I was quickly proven wrong. The vibe was chilled and often one forgot that one is actually in a competition, with everyone supporting (sharing beta) and motivating each other to send routes. It was truly a rock trip.
People, passionate about climbing, coming together and having fun at the crags. Occasionally there was more laughing and joking than climbing going on.

In the end many a new friendships have been forged, amazing experiences shared and everyone is more motivated to push their limits.

Lastly, I want too take the opportunity to thank Derek “The Bolt Meister” Marshal for all his time, money and energy that he invested into this event.
D-man, THANK YOU! I am sure people will remember the EC Rock trip and the wildest trip for years too come.
The Western Capies will have a hard time too top it ;D

Well then I hope you enjoy the pictures.
They are only a small sample of the whole event. If you want more details as to what happened, then please go to: rockandroad.co.za

Right, I wish all of you a super Tuesday and a wonderful week.

See you at the crags!
Marts!

Competitors at the Petzl Rock and Road held in Waterkloof, Eastern Cape

Adam Ondra sending Madman

Marc Efune (Flex) sending Screamer

Julia Wakeling jamming her way up the Ladies 2nd semi final route

Adam Ondra flashing a new 8b

Adam Ondra on Afterglow extension

Adam Ondra flashing Cookie Monster"