Open Letter To Our Community

Dear RMF Community,

The Ragged Mountain Foundation is excited to announce the planned restoration of Ragged’s missing bolts. This phased plan will see the restoration of defaced hardware at the Main Cliff, thanks to a generous donation from Rock Climb Fairfield.

Phase 1 will include the following classics:

• Hemlock Groove, 5.6 FA: Fritz Wiessner, Henry Beers, William Burling 1933 or 1934 

• Knight’s Gambit, 5.7 FA: Sam Striebert, Ed Arens 1964

• Vajolet Corner, 5.10- FA: Sam Streibert, Dennis Merritt 1971

• Vanishing Point, 5.10 FA: Bruce Dicks, Mike Heintz, Mick Avery 1976

Phase 2 will be announced shortly.

FAQ:

Q: Why these climbs?

A: Not every missing bolt at Ragged is equal. For instance, if an x rated climb, plus its missing bolt, remains x rated, then what have we really accomplished? The Phase 1 climbs will all have their protection ratings markedly improved by bolt restoration. 

Q: Why not restore all the hardware at once?

A: Money. Bolts, especially of the climbing rated, stainless variety, don’t come cheap. While RCF has been generous with its donation, we want to use the money judiciously. Also, as mentioned above, not every climb is worth restoration at this time.

Q: May I bolt routes at Ragged?

A: No, this is not an open invitation. Do not restore bolts on your own initiative. Understand that the Main Cliff has over 150 established routes and is not the place to realize one’s squeeze-job, FA dreams. The restoration of Ragged missing hardware will only be done by RMF approved technicians. Any unapproved installations will be considered vandalism and responded to accordingly. 

Have more questions? Please  reach out to  info@raggedmtn.org and we’ll be happy to answer them.

Best Regards,

The Ragged Mountain Foundation Board of Directors