Fire Destroys Climbers Cliff Maintenance

For many years, when it came buying new climbing gear, we relied on Bryce’s advice and the gear selection in his shop. Over the past 17 years, Bryce Martin and his family, ran a rural based climbing shop, accommodation and cafe, and, created hundreds of new climbs in Wharepapa South region; helping put the Waikato region on the map as a premiere climbing destination for local and international climbers. Additionally the cafe was a favourite of local cyclists, fishermen, and motorcycle groups too that toured NZ.

That was until disaster struck and sadly, on Wednesday, 26th March, Bryce and Wendy’s dream suffered a catastrophic fire and the whole building completely burned down. Even though Wendy and Bryce have lost everything in the shop, Bryce is already planning future endeavours to rebuild, continue rebolting, and, creating new climbs for the community. Unfortunately he managed to rescue very little and there is a considerable amount of gear needed; bolting equipment, packs, bolts etc. Bryce is adamant that any donations are for the cliff maintenance only, not him personally!

A group of climbers has banded together to donate photo prints for a multi-month raffle effort to encourage donations. Everyone who donates $25 can be put into a raffle to win an A3 unframed print of their choice, as shown in the Gallery section above:

a) a 'historic' picture of Bryce’s bouldering cave under the stars.

or

b) a picture of climbers summiting the tower in Sheridan Hills.

Gallery section link: http://givealittle.co.nz/cause/climberscliffmaintenance/gallery

Please donate and spread the word to everyone you know about this fundraiser; to help an important member of our community who has provided inspiration to so many of us.