50 Words for Punk

Fifty Words for Pump has been receiving a string of ascents lately. This is partly due to an easier sequence found just a few feet right of the original line. To make the new sequence safer, Mike Doyle added two bolts, with the blessing of the route's equipper. The new opening sequence is only a few feet right of the original line (see above photo) and dumbs the route down from 14c to 14b. Most climbers seem to agree, that the route should simply be down-rated to reflect the new sequence, but a few climbers feel 50 Words for Pump is only acceptable in its original form.

Adam Taylor, of Lexington KY, is one such climber. Adam was projecting 50 Words, attempting to climb the original sequence. He showed up to the crag to find his quickdraws missing from the hangers. In a fit of anger over his missing quick draws, Adam took it upon himself to hammer flat the bolts on the right variation, thus forcing those wishing to do the new sequence into dangerous climbing positions or forcing them to climb unprotected. This type of behavior is not new to the climbing community, but Dead Point Magazine wishes to make it known that we don't condone the actions of Adam Taylor. We recognize Adam is a talented rock climber, but temper tantrums resulting in the vandalism of a route on private property is unacceptable.

In other bolt bashing news, the notorious bolt-chopping bandito, Ken Nichols may be at it again! Ken is still on probation after serving a light jail sentence for a previous bolt- chopping incident. Local climbers are already claiming he has struck again. This time removing two routes from the Fire Wall located outside of Southington, Ct.