Rich Rule

It looks like it has almost gone full circle. Two ropes and a baby bouncer technique.

Really? Not sure I understand how to relate to that statement. Please explain.

In answer to the above. I don't really stretch before or after work unless I have a niggle. I know I should really but for some reason don't. Outside of work I do Muay Thai when I can. Obviously this helps fitness and strength levels up but I think the most important aspect for me is it gives me a break mentally from everything else that is going on. I use SRT for access or work positioning. Using the larger muscle groups in the legs has helped with a problem shoulder injury. I try and eat fairly healthy. Not a lot of bread or carbs but I am not exclusively Paleo. Everything in sensible proportions. On the sleep front I cannot get enough. Love it, so try and get in a decent amount each night.

With regards to the back issues etc... The industry and equipment is evolving. Use it to your advantage. There is only so quick a climber can cut and hold, right a piece down, free fall or step cut and chuck a piece. Once you get to the point of not being any quicker at said tasks then think about how to do it most efficiently and expend less energy. SRT for access, it will save in the long run. You don't have to use the SRT for work positioning but just using it to get into the crowns of large trees is better for your body and gives you more energy and mental reserves to get the job done quicker. Some people seem to be a bit stuck in their ways when it comes to Prussics or blakes etc. a lot of these same guys I know are the ones suffering from injuries. Maintaining a decent level of health and flexibility will do you wonders in the long run. Being pretty tall I have a tendency for a bit of back pain. Strangely enough though as soon as I get into a harness the pain usually subsides.

The best jobs. Some times I can't help feeling sorry for the home owner though when they see how much a tree looks like on the floor.

There is a Pentonville road in the borough of Islington. There is also a Pentonville area in the same borough. Strangely enough though the prison is t on Pentonville Road or in the area of Pentonville, but it is in the borough of Islington.

RIP to the tree brother.

I'm I have been a freelance climber for 10 years now. During that time I have had two kids and bought a house in London. Not a big house might I add but that front door is my own. I have plenty of kit, had to replace a fair bit over the years. But generally keep things in good order. Buy wisely and look after your kit. It will earn you good money in the long run. To those who say that there is no future in freelancing and you can't have family or mortgage etc etc. I really wouldn't have believed you 10 years ago and I definitely do not believe you now. Although I do realise this is largely due to location. If you are good at your job, word will get around and you will be busy. Charge enough or more than the others, maintain your kit, get the job done and get a good reputation behind you. There is no reason why it cannot be a means to a decent life. I wouldn't have it any other way.

40 years old and 6'4" and 87kilo. Or 13 and 3/4 ish stone in old money.

Looks nice and neat. Did you put anything in the eye to help it stay open?

Large Sycamore RJ today. Lovely day for it. Tree was being reduced due to a number of large cavities in the stems. Lots of previous work done to the tree. Cabling between the stems and took quite a bit of damage in the 87 storm. We reduced the tree by about 2-3 metres on top and brought the sides in to suit. 2 climbers made it a like a nice day and done and dusted by 2pm.

Ouch! That hurts just thinking about it... Cheers mate!

I don't consider myself a 'big hitter' just a climber who tries to get on with my job. I'd be up for it though and can even bring the gloves.

Has your bonito arrived yet Adam? I find it a bit jumpy on wet lines. The first 6 or 7 large dismantles and prunes I did on the bone were in the pouring rain. Imagine my delight the first day I used it in the dry...

RIP Martin. We have all had a few near misses over the years but tales like bring home the harsh reality of the situation. I had an 18 inch dis and 5 foot log land about 2 foot from where I was standing. The ground shook and yes I was paying attention. There were two climbers in the tree and I was helping one out with the rigging. The other climber pushed the chog and it rattled through the tree and landed next to me. I counted my blessings that day. Stay safe guys.

Noticed any difference John?

The bone had the 5/8 bollard setup for my cougar and it worked perfect on the Hedera. I seem to recall Adam trying it on the kern but can't remember the outcome. We tried on so many ropes that day and John's bone has the smaller bollard setup. Maybe Adam will remember.

Good vid and job mate.

Another day, another Beech tree. It has been an ongoing job and there is one left to dismantle, well half a one as I did the other half a while back. 1 reduction and two more to deivy and deadwood. Rich

Good vid Steve. Enjoyed that mate.

Well after a great weekend at the cutters and climber event it was back to the day job. Beech tree removal. Definitely not the tallest tree but fair phat with plenty of timber. Dropped the limbs and got it to a pole by tea break at 10.30. Helped the guys on the floor clean up and then flopped the stick over. Left site by 2pm. Happy daze! Rich

Thanks for having me Norfolk. It was a good weekend. Really enjoyed clambering around in the SRT tree.

I am so glad to read that john is more your type than me... phew!

They will probably have sales tax dependant on the state to go on the Canadian price.

Haha. It's like crack mate. One try and your hooked. A fair bit of kit on this rope...