RRG
FIXED GEAR INITIATIVE

The Red River Gorge is a world class sport climbing destination. Development has been occurring at an exponential pace over the past two decades with well over 3000 routes now. However, the majority of routes have been developed using zinc plated hardware. Unfortunately, due to the humid conditions and porous mineral rich corbin sandstone, many of these bolts are corroding and are in need of replacement. Due to the large volume of aging sport climbs and the very few that choose to help, it is an ever growing struggle to keep pace with the needs for re-bolting. With vast potential for even more development, it is critical that the cycle of new development with sub optimal materials followed by frequent re-bolting be immediately stopped.

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​Stainless steel glue-ins are commonly being used at many other crags across the United States now as a more sustainable option for new development.  But due to the steep nature that encompasses much of the Red, developing with stainless steel glue-ins isn't always practical.   The alternative to glue-ins is to use a stainless steel mechanical bolt.  However, the cost of these bolts are prohibitively expensive for developers as they can cost upward of five times as much as its zinc plated counterpart. 

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The Red River Gorge Fixed Gear Initiative (RRG FGI) was created to facilitate a partnership between developers, climbers, industry, and non-profits to promote sustainable fixed gear solutions for rock climbing in the Red River Gorge for the preservation of the rock and the long term benefit of the community.