General Meeting - Thursday 1st March
Glenn Robbins's Climbing Photography: What will you be doing on the evening of Thursday March 1 2007? Put this one in your diary. Glenn Robbins, climber and photographer will be doing a presentation of his work over his climbing career. This is an opportunity for you too spend some quality time checking out some power packed images from a range of destinations around the world. Also, what would you call living in Natimuk for around a decade in the heyday of your youth, as Glenn did? Many would call it, "Living The Dream". So this is going to be "Bigger Than Ben Hur". See you there.

Mt Beckworth - Sunday March 4th
Short granite climbs, including Victoria's easist 20

Buffalo - 10-12th March
Another chance to use the fabolous new guide book and climb at one of the most pituresque locations in Victoria. Easy single pitch to very difficult multi pitch.

Cherrub Wall - 24th - 25th March
A nice north facing cliff near Assess Ears in the Gamps, with many easy to middle class climbs (approx grades 10-15)

Australian Climbing Festival
Easter 2007 is getting close now and heaps of events and speakers have been confirmed for the Australian Climbing Festival. A massive amount of effort has gone into the festival already from many individuals from all over Australia and it is shaping into a great event. Detailed info can be found at www.climbingfestival.com.au

See the Activity page for full details...

Photo: Joe Goding on "Run Free With the Buffalo" (19). Pic by ??

Book Review - The Rock Warrior's Way
There have been many books written on the physical aspects of training for rock climbing but the subject of mental training has been largely ignored. In this book the Author, Arno Ilgner, invites you to delve deep into your psyche (if you have the stomach for it) and discover the things lurking there that are limiting your performance. Once you have learnt to observe these inner workings in an objective way, you can use the practical advice and exercises to help you break your old habits and to focus your attention impeccably on the task at hand. See complete review here or visit the website "www.warriorsway.com" for a monthly newsletter.

Cliffhanger Climbing Gym
The Cliffhanger Pro Shop has increased it's discount to VCC members to 20%!
And while casual entry rates will rise on July 1st 2006, the VCC rate is staying at $14.50 for at least the rest of 2006. VCC winter 'Bouldering only' rate is $10.00.
Until 30th June, there is a VCC Special Offer of Prepaid 12 month membership for $649, includes 3 suspension periods, and a free Black Diamond Moonlight headlamp. http://cliffhanger.com.au

The Burnley Bouldering Walls
The Bouldering Walls at Burnley are now open, many thanks to the VCC's Jacqui Middleton and her vast army of helpers. This facility offers free bouldering on artificial surfaces (a vertical wall, a 30 degree wall and a 45 degree wall). It offers climbing for ages 3 and upwards. It is accessible 24x7 and is undercover. An online guide complete with access details, photos and route descriptions is now available here.



Mt Buffalo: a rock-climbers guide
The VCC's new guide book is now out!! This is an extensive re-write by Kevin Lindorff and features 49 new photo-topographs by Simon Murray, including 5 "big wall" topos. The new guide covers over 800 routes, including 58 new routes, has colour photographs, and a humorous history / introduction section. While the RRP is $59.95, VCC Members can pick it up for $42.50, which goes a long way towards paying for your membership! Buy the guide here.

Learn to Lead!!
Leading a climb is heaps more rewarding and satisfying than seconding, but if you are a novice, learning how to lead safely is a challenge. The VCC runs learn-to-lead courses, designed specifically to help you become knowledgeable about placing pro, what type of piece to use when, knowing how to assess if the placement is reliable, how to set up safe belay anchors, and other things such as rope management on multi-pitch climbs. The sort of stuff you can never learn in a gym on plastic!! So see our learn-to-lead flyer for info about costs, and who to call to book a course!

The VCC website features some information which is unique and you won't find on any other Victorian rock climbing websites. Things you won't find anywhere else include:

New Route Info: The VCC maintains a database of all rock climbs recorded in Victoria. The climbs which are not published in the current VCC guidebooks, are contained in the New Routes section of this website. To have any of your climbs added to the VCC database, send your new route info to the Argus Editor.

CliffCare: The VCC is the only climbing organisation in Australia to employ a professional Access and Environment Officer. Anthony Callaghan is working for the climbing community in three ways: (1) To promote 'low impact' climbing, (2) Negotiating with land managers to maintain access and re-open popular cliffs, and (3) Organising work parties and raising money to preserve the cliff environment.

Guidebooks: VCC members can buy VCC guidebooks at cheaper prices than the general public. Usually you will save 25 to 30% off the RRP, or $5 to $15.

Climbing Trips: The VCC runs club trips to many popular cliffs. Some of these cater for beginners, and all are great social events. Non-members are even allowed to come on two trips before they need to join.