Build My Own FeedBD Sales Rep Matt Ginley reports from the second stop of the Triple Crown Bouldering Series at The Stone Fort
The second leg of the Triple Crown Bouldering Series went down a few weeks ago outside Chattanooga, TN, and BD southeast sales rep Matt Ginley was on the ground representing and climbing on the immaculate sandstone boulders of Little Rock City, a.k.a. The Stone Fort. Like Hound Ears, The Stone Fort has a history of sensitive access issues, but thanks to the work of local climbers, this incredible boulder field is now open to climbing year-round. Below is Ginley's recap of the event, and stay tuned for his third and final report from Horse Pens 40 in the next few weeks. To read Ginley's report from Hound Ears, click here.
[All photos by Alex Hooks]
Round #2 of the Triple Crown Bouldering Series takes place in the lovely rolling hills just north of Chattanooga Tennessee—Little Rock City, or as it has come to be known, The Stone Fort. What is so special and unique about this area is that it was basically the catalyst that allowed the Triple Crown to happen.
Just like many other areas surrounding Chattanooga, Stone Fort was at one point closed to access due to being on private property, in this case alongside a golf course. However with the help of one of the event organizers Chad Wykle and several others, a dialogue was opened and ultimately an agreement was reached. Not only was access opened up for Triple Crown, it was now open to anyone year-round. Fast forward 10 years later and now Stone Fort is by far and away one of the most popular winter climbing attractions in the USA, drawing climbers from all over the country. What is really cool about this whole thing is that what Wykle did was basically set a model that other climbing coalitions and groups can use to try and get access open to closed areas in their communities. Hats off to him for all of his hard work.
This year's competition was once again at full capacity. Roughly 350 competitors got to enjoy a stellar sunny, breezy day on some of the coolest boulders in the area with perhaps the best quality of rock in the entire region. Unique to this competition is the opening of the boulders along the 18th fairway. These boulders are typically off limits at all times during the year except for this one day. In fact, the 18th hole sets the stage for the entire event to take place. Big beautiful boulders on a golf course full of hundreds of climbers having an amazing time: the Stone Fort is truly an amazing venue for the second leg of the series. Check out the pictures, you'll see what I mean.
Horse Pens 40 is next up and is the final stop for this 10th anniversary series. Get psyched.
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