Petzl RocTrip China

It's been quite a while since I wrote something on my blog. Not that nothing happened in my life this year, just that there's nothing exciting enough to keep me rooted in front of the desktop. Two weeks ago, I attended the Petzl RocTrip China in the Getu Valley, the first time Petzl has ever held a RocTrip in Asia since its inception in 2002. Getu is a small rural village of rustic houses, quite the opposite of Yangshou. There' just a handful of restaurants, guest houses and sundry shops along the main road. The climbing crags requires some decent walking from the basecamp. Wednesday, October 25 After registering, we were invited for an equipment inspection and safety check on our topping-up technique.After completing the check, our guidebook was officially stamped with an event seal of the event and we were issued an access passes for entry into the park and a wrist band. The venue of choice on the first day had to be the Great Arch which is northwest of basecamp and the only way to get across is by boat manned by a single boatman with long bamboo pole. This is followed by climbing more than 1700 steps.

Francis, Sulhan and Ronald heading for the Great Arch

The Great Arch

Look who's at the dock?

Routes ranging from 8b (5.13d) to 9a (5.14d) on the left-hand side of the arch drew the most attention. Renowned climbers such as Sasha DiGiulian, Dave Graham, Chris Sharma and others took turnout on some of the most difficult routes.

Francis on Drill Team 7c+ at Great Arch Right Side

Thursday, October 25 The opening ceremony took place at the climber's basecamp. We later walked though the drizzle and muddy path in search of Banyang's Cave. Most of the routes have very obvious positive holds in the form large features on monster tufas.

The treacherous path to Banyang's Cave

Ronald on Calf 8a at Banyang's Cave

Friday, October 26
We decided to head to Oliver's Crack which is is about 50 meters from the road. The wall is equipped with 12 routes between 6b and 7c. This crag, which is has a mixture of featured and steep walls, Climbing at Oliver's Crack tend to attract curious stares from the locals passing by on the road.

Saturday, October 27
The finale was back on the Great Arch where all the invited pro athletes gave a real show with numerous sends of the sport routes and many ascents of the multi-pitch routes. At nightfall, all climbers gathered on the plaza of the village for the the party. There were some very memorable surpriseas two Chinese climbing couples were officially married on stage under the witness of Lynn Hill. It was hardcore partying there after with all the Petzl team athletes on stage leading the party

Dave Graham

Myself, Dave Graham and Francis

By Sunday morning, the entire village had quieted down and majority of the climbing community has left Getu. The luckier ones stayed around for a couple more days and took advantage of the amazing climbing in this beautiful valley.