CityBloc Blog

2012

2012-01-04T05:47:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. Hope you all had a successful 2011 and are looking forward to 2012.

So whats coming up in 2012 for City Bloc. Well first up some of you may have noticed the steep looking board upstairs in the gallery, this is our new training board.

If you look closely at the pic you will see that the board is symmetrical. The idea being once you complete a problem you then complete the symmetrical version thus ironing out any weakness in your armour. Brilliant! The holds have been supplied by the beastie boys aka www.Beastmaker.co.uk. Now these guys love their wood and have crafted some beauties for us. For those not in the know wood is absolutely great to train on as its super kind on your skin so no trashed tips before heading to the crag. The fact that its quite smooth also means you grip just that bit harder so strength gains are inevitable;)

For those who enjoy nothing more than just lazying around dangling from their fingertips the fingerboard has also been moved upstairs to the gallery. Keep your eyes open on this area in the near future for further developments.

Competitions:

The 3rd round of NIBL (Northern Indoor Bouldering League) is at City Bloc on Saturday 14th January. Registration is at 11am with the comp starting at 12pm. 25 problems for men and women ranging from 6b to 7b+.

Then on 17th February round 4 of Boulder Leeds. Again 25 problems from around 4a to 7b+, head to the bottom of the news page for more info

Bloc Party will also be making a return for its 4th year but more details will be available later.

Finally, the City Bloc team would just like to say thank you to everyone who came down over 2011 and look forward to a crushing 2012;)

Autumn

2011-09-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

You can feel it already, the leaves have started to change colour and the evenings are drawing in quicker and quicker. Not to worry though as there is plenty to look forward to over the next few months.

First up is the return of Boulder Leeds for its 3rd successive year with the first round kicking off on the 21st October. Keep your eyes on the news page for more details coming soon.

Also returning after probably more than a ten year hiatus is the Northern Indoor Bouldering League, or NIBL. This is sure to be a great event with the best bouldering walls in the north coming together to find out who is the best boulderer in the north. Again, more details coming soon on the news page.

As ever myself and Ben are constantly resetting City Bloc every few weeks. We will be starting the comp wall again on Monday so if you have any projects left you best get to it.

The link below might help..........or not;)

http://youtu.be/pEgmBnd4B7c

Comp Wall June 11'

2011-06-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

First, apologies for not blogging more often but it is due to being quite busy.

Anyone who has been to the Bloc recently will have noticed a few changes. We had Andy Chapman return to make a few adjustments to angles on the wall. The biggest change is to the roof on the comp wall, instead of a vertical wall there is now a steep prow for you to tackle after turning the lip of the roof. You can see the prow at the back of the picture below

The other angle changes are only minor but make for much improved problem setting.

Finally, the other obvious change is the lick of paint the comp wall has had. The smaller bay is to follow in a few weeks.

All the changes were in time for the third edition of Bloc Party which took place on the 11th June. Keep an eye on the news section for a full report and pictures.

And last but not least here is the latest beta video for some of the current problems on the new comp wall.

World Cup & British Team links

2011-04-18T07:51:00.000-07:00

The summer of world cup competitions is upon us with the first round of the Bouldering World Cup this past weekend in Milan. If you want to follow the international competitions, many of them streamed live on the net, then go to http://www.ifsc-climbing.org/

As some of you may already know the four founding members of City Bloc are all former members of the British Bouldering Team.

We used our years of competition experience to design our wall similar to that of a bouldering world cup competition wall. Subtle designs which at first are not obvious prove vital for setting top notch problems for complete beginners to the best in the country. There are only a few walls in the country that can boast this.

If you are interested in keeping upto date with the British Team then you can follow their activities on http://www.gbclimbingteam.co.uk/ .

Finally, here is the latest vid for some of the current comp wall problems

British Weather

2011-03-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought it was time to start going outside with the lighter evenings the good old British weather gave us a slap of reality. Oh well, luckily myself and Ben have reset the competition wall this week so there are no excuses for slacking;)

Incase you need some beta here is the new vid for the small bay plus a further look into Martin's training secrets;)

http://www.youtube.com/user/cityblocleeds#p/a/u/0/TSFxXT6Vi2E

Comp pics & resetting

2011-03-10T06:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, first sorry for not posting some pics earlier but finally here are some from Round 5 of Boulder Leeds which took place at City Bloc on Friday 25th February. Full results can be found in the news section of the website.

Dan takes flight

Blue steel Gary

Ben shows signs of fatigue after a long couple of days

Leon squeezing

Dave crushes......again

a couple of competitors tackle the big wave

Next reset starts tomorrow with the small bay. Half will be done tomorrow then the other half on Monday, as usual every colour will be changed.

Finally, here is the latest vid for beta on the large bay problems

http://www.youtube.com/user/cityblocleeds#p/a/u/0/j2Zb0OGET7s

Team Training & Boulder Leeds

2011-02-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday at the Bloc saw the British Bouldering Team enjoying a training session. Myself and Ben set five new problems each for the male & female teams. These problems are still up but only until Thursday when all the problems will make way for the next round of Boulder Leeds.

Shauna Coxsey attacking the roof

Jons Partridge pouncing like a jaguar

Ned Feehally flapping like a seal

Friday 25th is round 5 of Boulder Leeds so you have one week to polish off any projects on the comp wall before myself & Ben create more mayhem.

Finally, here is the latest beta video for some of the small bay problems.

British Team, Reset and Birthday Celebrations!!!

2011-02-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

If you have been in this weekend you will have noticed the small bay has been completely reset. A few finishing touches have since been made today and there's a bit of something to test everyone. A video of the new problems will be coming shortly, so keep an eye on this blog.

This coming Saturday (12th Feb) the British Bouldering Team will be training here at City Bloc. It's worth coming down to check out just how good these guys and girls are and get some tips on the harder climbs. Come and get inspired!

Also, today we have grown to a ripe old age of 2 years! In celebrating our 2nd Birthday we have teamed up with Evolv to offer you some discounted boots. FOR THIS WEEK ONLY we are selling the Evolv Defy for £55 (retail £72) and the Optimus Prime for £70 (retail £95)! A sincere THANK YOU to all our customers for your continued support over the last 2 years.

Next couple of weeks

2011-01-30T04:22:00.000-08:00

Ok a few things to add to your diary for the next 2 weeks.

First up, this coming Thursday there is a boot demo courtesy of Evolv rock shoes. On the night you will be able to try a selection of the latest Evolv has to offer and then maybe even pick-up a bargain at the end of the night.

In order to get the best out of your climbing shoes Evolv sponsored climber Ben Bransby will be on hand to deliver a masterclass. This will start at 8.30pm, sign up is on the night. If your not aware of who Ben is and what he has achieved a quick google search will reveal numerous links to stories of 8B boulders, multi-pitch routes in Yosemite and E9 flashes, bit of a hero in other words.

Next up on the 12th February the British Bouldering Team will be at City Bloc for a training session. Feel free to watch the team train and maybe pick-up some tips.

Finally, here is the vid for the latest comp wall problems with guest appearance from Rup 'hot stepper' Cowie

New Year at the Bloc

2011-01-10T06:28:00.000-08:00

First up I guess we should say Happy New Year to everyone. Thank you to everyone who came to City Bloc over 2010.

The competition wall will be reset this week starting from Tuesday. Please note that the competition wall will be closed on Wednesday afternoon from 12pm til 4.30pm, this is due to the 4th round of the TRI Service Bouldering League taking place. The wall will be open as usual in the evening so you can try your hand at the competition problems.

Speaking of competitions dont forget that the second half of Boulder Leeds is about to begin. Back at Leeds Wall on the 21st January then here at City Bloc 25th February.

There will be plenty of other things going on so keep yours eyes peeled.

Until then here is the latest vid for the small bay

Boulder Leeds & more

2010-12-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Just like to say another big thanks to everyone who attended the Boulder Leeds comp last Friday. You can find the results in our news section.

Since the comp more problems have gone up this week in every grade.

Finally, incase you missed the comp here are a few highlights

Open as usual

2010-12-02T04:29:00.000-08:00

We have both made it in today so the Bloc will be open til 10pm.

Thanks
Martin & Ben

Boulder Leeds this Friday

2010-11-23T07:22:00.000-08:00

Thats right, Round 2 of Boulder Leeds is this Friday at City Bloc.

Me and Ben have already devised some crazy ideas for the 25 problems that will be exclusively on the comp wall.

As usual the comp kicks off at 6.30 and runs until 9.30pm. Whether your an experienced competitor or you have just started climbing there will be problems for everybody so dont be afraid to give it a go. For pics from last years comps check out the Boulder Leeds Facebook page.

If you have any projects left on the comp wall at the moment you need to get them done before Friday. Here is a bit of beta with our usual vid plus some extras from the small bay.

Walk the line

2010-09-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

as Johnny Cash would say. Here at City Bloc we prefer to climb the line.......sorry;)

Check out our latest vid for beta on the reset of the small bay and our tribute to Mr Cash

Comps and comp wall

2010-09-15T04:59:00.000-07:00

You can feel it cant you, thats right winter is on its way.

Nights are drawing in and the weather has turned a bit grim to say the least. Not to worry though as there is lots to be keeping you occupied through the winter with the return of the Leeds Winter Bouldering Series.

Finally, here is a vid for the current comp wall:

Setting and then some

2010-09-01T05:57:00.000-07:00

The small bay has had a full reset in the past couple of weeks. This week me and Ben are back resetting the comp wall, its never ending but we love it.

Here is a vid for a bit of beta incase your struggling with problems in the small bay:

August Comp Wall

2010-08-03T05:21:00.000-07:00

For those who have been down in the past week or so you will have probably tried some of the new blocs. If not check out what your missing

Hints and tips

2010-07-09T06:57:00.001-07:00

A bit of help incase your struggling with some of the new problems;)

Another reset

2010-07-02T04:47:00.000-07:00

There has been more setting over the past week and a bit. We added more problems to the large bay after Bloc Party (check the gallery for pics) and this week the whole of the small bay has been reset.

Speaking of the Bloc Party, two time champion Dave Barrans also finished an incredible 5th place at the last round of the World Cup in Eindhoven. The next round is this weekend in Sheffield at the Cliffhanger event in Millhouses Park. If you cant make it down you can always watch it live on the internet, check 247.tv for details.

Good luck to Dave and the rest of the GB Team

Bloc Party 2010 Results

2010-06-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

Here are the results from Bloc Party 2010, full report with pics to follow:

Mens results:

1st Dave Barrans
2nd Jonathan Partridge
3rd Gareth Haldenby
4th Jordan Buys

Women's results:

1st Diane Merrick
2nd Helen Shilito
3rd Zoe Ogden
4th Naomi Buys

blocs blocs more blocs

2010-05-27T13:04:00.000-07:00

The smaller bay has been reset this week with plenty of entertainment to be had.

Here is some beta;)

Also, the second round of the Bouldering World Cup takes place this weekend in Vienna. There will be a live link to the comp at www.boulder-worldcup.com Good luck to team GB

Some beta

2010-05-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

for the new comp wall problems. No excuses;)

....

New problems

2010-05-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

The competition wall has been reset this week so loads of new problems to keep you busy. You can use the new set as training for our annual competition in a months time, Bloc Party 2010. See the news page for more detail.

Finally, good luck to members of the British Bouldering team who will be competing in the first round of the Bouldering World Cup in Switzerland this weekend. There will be seven rounds this year including a round in Sheffield.

Thanks
Martin

Beta for some blocs

2010-04-29T04:31:00.000-07:00

As there is a new set of problems up its time for another of Martin & Ben's helpful beta videos;)
Also, dont forget its bank holiday on Monday so we will be open 10am til 8pm

Climbing Coffee and World Cups

2010-04-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

Hello all

On Sunday we had the British Bouldering Team at the Bloc for a mock world cup semi final. Myself and Ben set 4 salmon problems throughout the week for the men. The problems will be up for a month so if you want to see what standard the top boys are operating at come and have a look, and give them a try if your feeling up to it.

Speaking of new problems, this week the left hand bay will be reset starting work Tuesday.

Finally, the cafe now has a coffee machine to please all you latte lovers out there.

Thanks
Martin

comps comps and more comps

2010-03-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

Since the last blog everything seems to have been about the comps.

First up was the CWIF (Climbing Works International Masters). City Bloc managed to put a team together with Martin and Ben miraculously getting away from the Bloc on the same day (cheers Tom). Rachel and City Bloc junior team member Nathan Phillips finished the team. We had a great day out, big thanks to the Climbing Works for putting on a great event.

As the CWIF attracted many foreign competitors, there were a lot of international super stars hanging around in the UK for a few days afterwards wanting to climb on the gritstone. Unfortunately the weather turned out to be poor(what a shocker), which drove them indoors, and on Thursday the whole Austrian and Dutch international climbing teams showed up at the Bloc. This was great to see as they went around the climbing wall dispatching pretty much everything in sight. (and that was just the female members). We will post some pics in due course.

On Friday 26th, the final round of Boulder Leeds was held at The Depot and the overall series winners where announced with Dave Buchanan and Charlotte Telfer taking the male and female titles respectively. So well done to those and also well done to Nathan who won the junior title with a score that would have been very highly placed in the mens category.
We would also like to say a big thanks to The Leeds Wall, and The Climbing Depot for their partnership in the Boulder Leeds Series over the last 6 months.

Finally, (phew) we are re-setting next week so get your skates on and get those unclimbed problems finished off.

Comp and new probs

2010-03-13T07:31:00.000-08:00

March has already arrived, cant believe another month has passed.

Thanks again to everyone who came to the competition, there was something for everyone, tears, laughter and crushing.
Anyhow, more problems have been added to the competition wall and half of the other bay has been set, the remainder to be done on Monday so plenty to keep you occupied.

If your struggling on some of the problems here is a little vid for some beta.

Thanks eveyone

2010-02-08T07:51:00.000-08:00

Well we had a great day on Sunday celebrating our 1st birthday. The lucky winner of the 12 month pass give away is, Richard Moore. Well done Richard, we look forward to seeing you regularly over the coming year.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been down to City Bloc over the past year, we hope you have enjoyed it as much as we have.

Thank you
City Bloc Team

Birthday Graffiti

2010-02-01T06:44:00.000-08:00

Well, the birthday celebrations have started and the raffle tickets are flying out. As you all know on Sunday 7th Feb, at City Bloc we will have been open for 1 year and will be handing out an annual pass to one lucky winner.

We decided to celebrate, and as we are a cultured bunch, we asked a local artist to create a piece of work from the renaissance period, to our training area (aka Area 51). However, we have ended up with some excellent street art, more from the future period. Enjoy!!

Birthday Countdown

2010-01-22T10:29:00.001-08:00

One week to go before we launch our City Bloc Birthday Prize Draw with the chance of winning a City Bloc annual pass worth £300. Throughout the week commencing Sunday 31st January and ending Sunday 7th February, for every visit you make to City Bloc you will receive one lucky raffle ticket.

Read more here>>

New Routes for January

2010-01-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

The long main wall on the right hand side of the building has now had a full reset with coloured circuits set for all grades and abilities. These routes will remain in place for the next four weeks, giving you plenty of time to tick those problems.

The route setting team are already planning the next set of problems within the two areas on the left hand side of the wall…dates for the next rest are now available on the home page!

CityBloc goes interactive

2010-01-22T04:44:00.001-08:00

We are pleased to be able to bring a few additions to the CityBloc website, including a more accessible CityBlog page and a New Routes page so we can keep you up to date with the latest happenings at the Bloc.

Visit the new routes page here for all the latest news on current and upcoming route setting.