Neil Travers - Strong for a long time...

Not trying to imply Neil is old (cos he's not) but he's been a fixture on the Sheffield scene for a long time, from making ascents of trad desperates in the early 90's - see the old Millstone guide for the evidence - to kicking ass in the late 90's UK Bouldering comps.

A great guy to climb with - i always loved trying to keep up with him while training in the famous Sheffield wall, the Foundry - Neil is an inspiration for his determination and the smile which never seems to leave his face.

Neils been a devout Red Chili wearer for a number of years now and gives us great feedback on new models...still strong and still keen, here's some of his own words to tell you a bit more...

Neil on Neil

Firstly, a bit about myself. I’m 42 years old, married with 2 kids aged 13 and 11. I run a small computing company based in offices which overlook the Foundry indoor climbing centre, which I have to say, isn’t a coincidence. I love training and will normally try to train 4 times a week, 6 times in the winter, as well as climbing outside.

Neil on Swing Time 7B one of his latest new problems...at his secret spot....sorry...Click to see big

I’ve been climbing for 16 years and have participated in all aspects of the sport over that period from indoor competitions to mountaineering. I was a member of the British leading and bouldering teams for 6 years, however, these days it’s bouldering that’s my first love.

There’s nothing better that going somewhere new, finding a fantastic looking problem and doing it quickly and easily. However, that’s not too easy in the Peak these days, although I do have a limestone wall I’m about to write up which has one of the best 7c+ problems in the peak on it – watch this space. I guess this is what the future holds for me at the moment, searching for new problems in the peak and going to my beloved Fontainbleau at least twice a year.

The Routes

So down to the routes – but after 16 years where do I start, OK here are a few of them followed by a few competition results but firstly these are my all time favourites :

Trad : Sultans of swing E4 6a Tremadog, Sports : Pichenibule 7b+ Verdon gorge, Red point : Jehovah Kill 8b+ Raven Tor, Boulder probs : West side story 7b+ Burbage West,

Neil on Neils Wall 7c+ another new problem...at his secret spot....Click to enlarge

First ascents :
Trad : Turtle Power E6 6c Stanage (unrepeated?), Flabby Crack E6 6c, Hen Cloud, Back in the YMCA E5 6c Stanage.

Boulder probs : Little rascal sit start 8a Burbage South, In Bulk 8a+ Crag X, Spider Man 7c+ Crag X, Neil’s wall 7c+ Beginners wall. Swing Time 7b, Man of Steel 7c, Neil’s Wall 7c+, Neil’s Wall sit start 8a+

Competitions :
FIBO 1999 4th , British bouldering championships 1998 4th, British bouldering championships 1999 2nd, British bouldering championships 2000 3rd

Repeats of boulder problems :
Blazing 48’s 8a Burbage West, The Hulk 7c+ Crag X, Break Traverse 7c+ Remergence Burbage North, Pinch 2 8a Stoney Middleton, Pete’s Power Pull 7c+ Stoney Middleton, Pump up the Power 7c+ Raven Tor.

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