BMC News

by Mick Ryan Want to learn more about your climbing gear? How it works and when it doesn´t. The BMC have organised a Technical and Training Conference, open to all, at the National Mountaineering Centre, Plas y Brenin on Saturday 21st October The speakers include Michael Beal of the rope company Beal; Vittorio Bedogni of the Italian Alpine Club who has undertaken extensive research into the forces generated and the energy absorbed whilst belaying; Neville McMillan the Vice President of the UIAA Safety Commission and a member of the BMC TechnicalCommittee; Steve McClure, one of the UK´s top climbers and a mechanical engineer;Roger Chaldecott and Pete Robertson, wise men of Lyon Equipment; Jon Garside of the BMC/MLTE Training Officer, and Neville McMillan and Oliver Milling of the BMCTechnical Committee. You couldn´t be in better hands with this array of experts. Throughout the day there will be lectures and practical demonstrations on : Impact forces and energy absorption of ropes. Runners, friction and impact force. Ropes, belay devices and forces. Karabiner and runner failure. Be prepared to be a gear know-it-all at the end of the day and have a greater understanding of the essential climbing safety systems. At 5pm there will be a question and answer session, dinner is at 7pm and then the day is rounded off by a presentation from Steve McClure. It costs £40 for BMC members, £80 for non-members. More details and booking information atthe BMC website

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