For uninitiated, the “Maxi-Dash” is an annual event for the rock climbers of the Club and for ‘climbing guests’ who would wish to participate. The idea is to gather as many points as possible by climbing set climbs at five (5) different crags around Nairobi. These are Lukenya, Embaribal, Frog, Ndeiya & Hell’s Gate Nat’l Park (OK, Hell’s Gate is not quite near Nairobi)!
Although the action during the daylight hours is focused on the climbers, the weekend is also a Club ‘meet’ for camping at Hell’s Gate. At the end of the climbing on Saturday evening, we gather at a campground in the Park. All MCK members and guests are invited to bring drinks, meat and other food and convene round the fire to recount tales of the day.
Other notes:
1. Entrance fee: Ksh 500 per climbing team (payable upon sign-up at the MCK Clubhouse).
Rules:
1. Teams shall consist of at least two (2) people. Lead climbers will be graded either A, B or C.
“A” leaders are people who can lead HVS or above; “B” leaders between HS & HVS; and “C” leaders are Severe or below. Mixed teams are allowed, but only with one grade difference between the climbers (e.g.; a team consisting of an “A” & a “C” is not allowed).
2. There are three (3) categories of climbs (A, B, or C). Points will be awarded according to the scheme below, based on the grading of the leader of the climb.
3. Climbers may climb routes up to one grade above or below their own grade. Five (5) extra points will be awarded for leads above the leader’s grade; leads below the leader’s grade will receive half the points. However, a maximum of 25% of the total amount of routes climbed is allowed in the higher level. When a mixed team is climbing a lower grade climb and the ‘less skilled’ (for lack of a better term) partner is leading, the team still receives half the points of the climb. For example, a team consists of an “A” & “B” climber. They climbed Boilerplate and “B” has led; they receive 10 points.
4. Sabotaging vehicles is prohibited.
5. If the leader falls, he/she must return to the base of the pitch, pull the rope through gear and climb afresh (“pro” that has been placed may remain for use). If the second falls, he/she must return to the base of the pitch and climb afresh.
6. All climbs must be led without the use of aid (except for pitches 2 & 5 of Olympian, where it is allowed).
7. All climbing must take place between 0600 & 1845. A climb may ‘count’ if the leader has stepped onto the rock before or at 1845.
8. A minimum of three (3) crags must be visited and climbed in, and all climbing teams must be in Hell’s Gate by 18.45 (in exceptional cases, teams that have visited Hell’s Gate during the day will be excused this requirement).
9. 20 extra points will be awarded for each crag at which a climb has been completed. An additional 60 ‘bonus’ points will be awarded if at least one climb is completed at all five (5) crags.
10. Any dispute concerning the interpretation of the rules will be adjudicated by the “Maxi-Dash 2010” sub-committee of the MCK.
11. Please fill out the registration form (available at the Clubhouse) if you want to participate, and do not forget to indicate at which grade you intend to climb (i.e., how you grade yourself).
To participate contact imutiso@yahoo.com
