Echoes launch night

Nick was on good form at the launch of his book 'Echoes' at the Outside Cafe in Hathersage. 

After negotiating the generous complimentary refreshments the audience steadied themselves for some up-close and personal time with the author. We kicked things off with the Premiere of our film 'Echoes - Outside is Hot and Sticky', introduced by film-maker Lukasz Warzecha. With the appetiser out of the way, Nick somehow managed to hold his tongue for two more minutes while Ed Douglas delivered a razor sharp introduction before unleashing him into the limelight. 

Launching straight into his characteristic energetic style, Nick entertained the full house with exotic tales of mountain adventures punctuated by poignant readings from his book until ultimately, quite frankly, it was time for a beer at the Little John...

We all had a great evening and a big thanks goes out to all the team at Outside Cafe, Vertebrate Publishing and Boreal for putting it all together and of course special thanks to Nick's entourage (The Hippy and Ray Wood) for delivering our protagonist in fine form.   

To buy a copy of Nick's book ‘Echoes’ head-over to the Vertebrate website

Watch 'Echoes - Outside is Hot and Sticky' by Polished Project now at our vimeo channel here  

Echoes

Were just a few days away from the launch of Nick's first book 'Echoes' and to coincide with this we have teamed up with the Polished Project on their next release: 'Echoes - Outside is hot and sticky'

The film will premiere at Nick’s book launch at Outside Cafe, Hathersage on Tuesday 4^th (tickets available here) and go live on the following day at the Mountain Equipment Vimeo Channel. Check out the teaser below along with reviews from those who have had a sneak advance preview of the final cut…   

"The words and images combine to give a rare glimpse into the darkly luminous realm of a human mind on the edge between prison and freedom, between the grayness and alienation of modern society and the beauty and terror of the mountains. Nick Bullock’s choice to live an unbounded life appears in all its unmitigated, honest and surprisingly stark necessity."

Katherine Ives, Editor in Chief - Alpinist Magazine   

'What a fantastic little film. Time juggling is a not new for mountaineers but I know of no-one with anything close to the levels of passion for climbing that exude from Nick. After all, it’s not everyone who pursues steady employment until his late 30s and is then bold enough to break free and become a full time climber. Whether his climbing passion involves more adrenalin flow than supervising Britain’s gnarliest prisoners must be debateable but the fact that he is one of the most riveting writers and interesting characters on the climbing scene today is clear. Thus far I have only read excerpts from his book. This little film reminds me that I can’t wait to read the whole lot.’

Mick Fowler, Mountaineer

This beautifully shot short film about British mountaineer Nick Bullock features extracts from his new book Echoes, as well as extensive interviews delving in to Nick's life and past. Troubled, trapped, tormented, Nick left his full time job in the prison service to pursue a life in the mountains, which he hoped would set him free. But was it the chains of the prison service that were binding him, or is he trapped in a cage of his own making?

Jack Geldard, Editor UKClimbing.com

To pre-order a copy of ‘Echoes’ head-over to the Vertebrate website

More information on other Polished Project films here 

Nick Bullock: Mindless Finish Teaser

Heres a small teaser from James Dunn Visuals of Nick making the first full winter ascent of an alternative direct finish to the classic mixed route 'Pic 'n Mix' - The Mindless Finish (IX,10) Coire an Lochain, Northern Corries, Cairngorm during last Winters BMC International meet.

BMC Alpine Lectures 2012

The BMC Alpine lectures are back for 2012, This year sees ME Pro partner Nick Bullock and Friend of the brand, Plas y Brenin Instructor and Guide Tim Neill present.

Tim and Nick

The partnership of Nick Bullock and Tim Neill is sure to inspire any budding alpinists out there!

Topics covered will include:

• Best areas to visit
• Glacier travel
• Weather
• Huts & bivvys
• Avalanche awareness
• Route selection
• The dark art of moving together.

There will be a Free prize draw each night for the audience members!

Tim soloing Britomartis photo:Toby Keep

Dates & venues 2012
All lectures start at 19:30 and last for 2 hours with a half way interval.  Finish time is approximately 21:30

Newcastle - Tuesday 24 April
Northumbria University, Upper Hall, Sport Central, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, NE1 8ST

Manchester - Wednesday 25 April
Manchester Climbing Centre, St Benedict'ss Church, Bennet Street, Manchester, M12 5ND

Birmingham - Thursday 26 April
University of Birmingham, Guild Council Chambers, University of Birmingham Guild of Students, Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham, B15 2TU

Southampton - Tuesday 1 May
University of Southampton, Lecture Theatre A (3001), Physics Building, Highfield Campus, University Road, Southampton, SO17 1BJ

London - Wednesday 2 May
University College London, Wilkins Gustav Tuck Lecture Theatre, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT

Bristol - Thursday 3 May
University of Bristol, Winston Theatre, Students Union, Queens Road, Bristol, BS8 1LN

Nick on Call the Curtain photo: Rob Greenwood

Tickets are on sale now - £5 per person for BMC members and £7 per person for non-members.  Group discount: purchase 10 tickets or more in advance and each ticket costs just £3.50.
Tickets can be purchased in the BMC Online Shop or by telephoning the BMC Office on 0161 445 6111.

Canada Update: Trophy Wall Zugzwang.

Head over to Nick's blog here where you'll find the full report on - 'The Sea', 'The Blob' and 'Replicant' that he and Rob have just completed on the Trophy Wall, Mount Rundle.

Canada update: No Use in Crying

Nick and Rob look to be having a great time in Canada completing No Use in Crying (IV M7, 205m) on the Weeping Wall yesterday. Check out Nick's blog for the full report and further photos here

Canada Update: A Forty Year Old Can Do Anything

Head over to Nick's blog here and check out what the guys have been up to so far

photo: Rob Greenwood

BMC International Meet - Video

Thanks to Simon and Justin from Reeltime Adventure for mailing me this short film shot during the recent BMC International Meet at Glenmore Lodge, Scotland.

Keep your eyes peeled for Nick and for those of you with really good eye sight Andy Turner in action at the beginning during Nick Coltons introduction.

Nick Bullock: BMC Winter Meet Round up

Head over to Nick's Blog here for his full report from the BMC Winter Meet 

Guy and Nick accessing the next move photo Bayard Russell 

Nick on the 2nd Pitch of Guerdon Grooves photo Bayard Russell 

Nick Bullock: Breaking Out Interview

The January 2012 copy of Climber Magazine has just arrived at ME HQ. Make sure you go out and grab a copy, as it features a great interview with ME Pro partner Nick Bullock (words and photos by Ray Wood).

Photo: Ray Wood

Nick Bullock - Must get... fitter, stronger, better lecture dates

Fancy checking out Nick Bullock's latest lecture? - Must get... fitter, stronger, better well why not head to one of the following dates in the next 2 weeks.

Were pleased to announce that Nick will be lecturing at the Mountain Equipment Store, Deansgate, Manchester on Thursday 17th November'11 at 7pm. To register for this event head over to the ME Stores Facebook page here 


Nick will then also be lecturing at Kendal Mountain Festival on Sunday 20th November'11 at 2pm at the Box, more information available here 

Nick Bullock Signs book deal

Were pleased to announce that ME Pro partner Nick Bullock has signed his first book deal with Vertebrate Publishing. (read the full press release here)

  
Nick's debut book, provisionally titled ‘Echoes will hit the shelves in 2012. If you can't wait till then you can keep up to date/read Nick's latest thoughts at his blog here 

Nick Bullock: Melody 2nd Ascent

ME Pro partner Nick Bullock has made the 2nd ascent of Melody (HXS or possibly E9), a steep and dangerous route at Craig Dorys, Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales first climbed by Stevie Haston back in 2005.

You can read full reports at:


Nick's Blog 
UKClimbing.com
DMM Website

Lukasz visit

Friend of the brand and professional photographer Lukasz Warzecha swung by ME HQ yesterday to give us a quick update on what he's been up to over the past few weeks and also his plans for the fast approaching winter. Last week Lukasz was out shooting ME Pro partner Nick Bullock over at Gogarth, a few snaps from which you can see over at his blog here  

Nick over at Gogarth last week

There are also a few places still available for Lukasz's photography workshops at Plas y Brenin on 30th Sept. – 2nd October'11 not only will you be able to learn tricks of the trade from Lukasz but ME Pro partner Dave MacLeod will be on hand to act as subject over the course of the workshop, more information available here - be quick as spaces are limited!

       
Lukasz will also be lecturing at the Edinburgh Mountain Film Festival at Ratho on Thursday 6th October'11 so make sure you come along and check him out. Tickets available here 

Nick Bullock: The Frumious Bandersnatch. E7 6c

Head over to Nick's blog here where you can check out his report on the new route "The Frumious Bandersnatch" E7 6c. Fallen Block Zawn, Rhoscolyn.

Nick on The Frumious Bandersnatch E7 6c

Future Product on Test in the Lakes

Steve in a new for 2012 Javelin Jacket after a rapid ascent of D Route on Gimmer Crag, Langdale

If you spotted my blog last week you'll know that I spent Wednesday out on the hill with the guys from the Epicentre in Ambleside and ME Pro Partner Nick Bullock. A varied day covering lots of ground provided the perfect opportunity for us to try out some of our current and future lightweight softshells. Days like this are really important as they allow retail staff to use our kit and develop their own opinions on the ME gear that they stock as well as allowing us and our Pro Partners to feed back our own experiences.

Below are the Epicentre's Steve Ashworth's initial impressions on our new Javelin Jacket that will be available from March 2012. Steve is well known in the Lakes as one of the best winter climbers around, an accomplished alpinist and a slightly unhinged fell runner! It's fair to say that he know's a thing or two about technical kit so we're always keen to hear what he has to say:

My first thoughts when getting the new Javelin Jacket out of the packet where that it would make a great jacket for winter fell running. This should come as no surprise as being designed to meet the needs of the light and fast Alpinist it should slot really well into the role of partner for long winter days putting the miles in over the fells. When you are moving the exolite fabric will keep a surprising amount of weather at bay.

I’m always looking for non membraned softshells and it is good to see that in aiming for maximum breathability Mountain Equipment have stuck to their guns and haven’t been tempted to put a membrane in this jacket. Whilst sitting in the Spring/ Summer range for Mountain Equipment and having a winter cousin in the Orbital Jacket, I would choose to wear the Javelin Jacket on “nice” days in Scotland in winter or on a day where I was trying to get a move on. The Javelin Jacket would be great for something like a winter traverse of the Skye Ridge or for a day linking up classics on the Ben. It goes without saying that it would also be top of my list for an Alpine summer trip.

The Javelin showed how versatile it will be in the climber’s wardrobe when we were out last week on a warm sunny day in Langdale, being a perfect barrier against a cool breeze that picked up on the crag and drying quickly after a very sweaty approach. Even in the relatively benign conditions we experienced the large helmet compatible hood was a welcome addition and one that I feel is essential for jackets of this type.

The Javelin is a super versatile jacket equally as at home on the crag down Langdale as it will be soaking up the sun on the Chamonix Aiguilles, it will slot seamlessly into the winter runners wardrobe and looks set to be another Mountain Equipment classic, hopefully my long term test piece will arrive soon!

Stripping off layers during the jog across from Gimmer Crag to Pavey Ark, Langdale

Heres a few more shots/film clips from the day in a slideshow put together by the guys at the Epicentre

Trumpet Slappers - Video

Head over to the DMM site here where you can check out a great short video by 2 Rays productions of ME Pro partner Nick Bullock on Trumpet Slappers E7 6c, Scimitar Ridge, Llanberis.

also check out Nick's blog for further info 

A day out with the Epicentre

Nick Bullock enjoying himself on Ash Tree Ledge, Gimmer Crag

I always enjoy the opportunities I have to do retail staff training days out on the hill but I was particularly looking forward to yesterdays outing with the guys from the Epicentre in Ambleside. It's fair to say that they are a little keener than average. Amongst them they have Callum who is currently ticking his way through hard Lakeland classics up to E8, Lakeland Mixedmaster Steve who considers the Bob Graham Round to be light entertainment and not forgetting the not so secret weapon, Manager Woody.

Joining us for the day was ME Pro Partner Nick Bullock who'd agreed to take a day off from tottering Welsh sea cliffs on the promise of some 'Lakeland Alpinism'. The plan was a day of two halves with a switch of staff at lunchtime, it seemed best that we didn't go too far. Pulling into the Old Dungeon Ghyll pub car park Nick and I were greeted by the sight of Steve and Liam in running shorts and packing not very large rucksacks. 'Oh dear' said Nick. Being an overly safe instructor type I had a boot full of single ropes whilst Nick had a rack with which anything was possible. Steve was of the opinion that betwen four of us all we really needed was 40m of 7.8mm rope, some wires and a cam. At least the sacks would be light. The forecast was very warm with the possibility of a heavy shower or two. With this in mind we all packed one of our current Arrow Zip Tees or one of the amazing new hooded Javelin Jackets that will be coming out next summer. These are our lightest, stretchiest and most breathable softshells so perfect when you're about to have to spend a morning moving slightly too fast and alternating between running, walking and climbing.

Nick and Liam at the top of Middlefell Buttress

We set off towards Raven Crag where Middlefell Buttress was unusually deserted. This was dispatched swiftly and we continued steeply up the hillside towards Gimmer. Stopping at the foot of the ultra classic Ash Tree Slabs we started to cool quickly so put on our Arrow's and Javelin's for the more technical climbing above. At Ash Tree Ledge we paused briefly for Steve to join Liam and I on the rope before continuing up the exposed D route to the top of the crag. It was about 12pm by now and the plan was to meet Woody and the Epicentre's reinforcements back in the car park at 1pm. With this in mind we made rapid if warm progress towards Harrison's Stickle and then across to Pavey Ark where we shot down the classic easy scramble of Jack's Rake.

Nick on D Route

Steve at the top of Gimmer Crag in the Javelin Jacket, new for 2012

Nick admiring the view from the top of Jack's

By now a quick descent was needed if Nick and I were going to get the cold drink we wanted in the pub before the afternoon's activities. Despite a rapid jog down the always painful Stickle Ghyll path we were greeted by the worrying sight of Woody shirtless and clearly raring to go. I stuck my water bottle in the stream and resigned myself to having to bypass the beer garden for now. Nick was preparing himself for a serious Lakeland sandbagging so we were both relieved when Woody suggested Paladin on White Ghyll crag, a relatively amenable E3 by local standards.

Nick and Woody preparing for Paladin on White Ghyll

Steve and Liam headed back to the Epicentre whilst Woody, Callum, Liam, Nick and I started the steep walk back up the hill. The newly slimline Woody made short work of the spectacular and awkward main pitch before giving Nick and I the dieting secret to loosing 3 stone in 3 months and subsequently going from the sofa to E6 in the same period. Drop into the shop if you'd like the finer details, suffice to say that beer is apparently still allowed. We hobbled back down the scree filled gully in overtight rockshoes before packing up to run down and catch up with the others and hear about their own 3 star White Ghyll classic.

Woody heads into the steepness on Paladin

Woody emerging from White Ghyll

We weren't to be denied a drink this time and a cold beer outside the Stickle Barn rounded off a great day in Langdale in good company. Thanks to Nick and everyone at the Epicentre whether out on the hill or back at the shop holding the fort whilst we were out getting slightly sunburnt! It was great to get out and use a selection of our summer softshell in a perfect testing ground as well as showing the guys some of the highlights of next years range. It's fair to say that the re-worked Orbital Jacket already has some fans and we'll have this and other new products out on long term test with these guys soon. Drop into the shop next time you're in Ambleside for some excellent and experienced advice on ME product or simply for some tips on classic Lakes routes. Whether you're walking, scrambling or climbing E8 they'll be able to point you in the right direction!

There'll be more pictures from the day to follow on our Facebook page as well as on the Epicentre blog which also has Lakes conditions updates in summer and winter: www.theepicentre.co.uk/blog

A great end to a good day out!

Rich B.

Nick Bullock: Latest

Want to know what ME Pro partner Nick Bullock has been up to over in North Wales? Then head over to his blog here where you can check out his latest post.

Orange Blossom Special. E1 5b *. 30m.

 The horizontal break above Scintillating Witches on Golden Wall. photo Nick Bullock Collection

Welcome to the team: Nick Bullock

Nick Bullock should need little in the way of introduction. One of Britain's finest alpinists and rock climbers, known for bold and audacious ascents, a writer and occasional poet.

Nick Bullock. From the Great Escape blog. © Ray Wood

A man who had already opted for one of lifes tougher careers as a PT instructor for HM Prison Service only to give it all up, along with the regular salary and house to live in a van and pursue his passion for climbing.

Nick Bullock with ME's Richard Talbot

And so when Nick approached us, interested in joining our Pro Partner team, there was little to think about. His appetite for climbing is as ferocious as ever, he's a genuine personality, that rare breed of person who understands and revels in the intricacies and emotions of climbing and mountaineering. This year he already has trips to the Lofoten Islands and the Himalaya under his belt and has plans for further trips to the Greater Ranges later this year. If that wasnt enough he is also working on his first book.

Nick Bullock in the Lofoten Islands © Lukasz Warzecha



Nick Bullock in the Lofoten Islands © Lukasz Warzecha

If an introduction is needed here is a flavour of our newest Pro Partner. Since 2004, Nick Bullock has chose to live something close to a nomadic existence, when not on climbing trips, often to be found frequenting the Climbers Club hut in his adopted home of Llanberis.

Nick on Kyashar - his most recent Himalayan trip © Andy Houseman



Nick on Kyashar - his most recent Himalayan trip © Andy Houseman

A string of bold ascents in the Greater Ranges including the first ascent of the North face of Chang Himal (ED) - nominated for the Piolet D'or award, the first ascent of fear and loathing (ED3)on Jirishanca in the Huayhuash region of the Peruvian Andes, a long tick-list of rock climbs upto E7/8, many of which have been on-sight and numerous ascents in the European Alps including a solo ascent of the Shroud (TD), Beyond Good & Evil (ED3) and the first free ascent of Omega (ED3) on the Petites Jorasses.

 You can learn more about Nick as well as follow all of his exploits on his blog, Great Escape.