Congratulations to Lee & Julie Burrows who won the Craggy competition.

Their prize, a fully expensed and instructed trip to the Costa Blanca. They were looked after by Alan at the stunning Casa Almar and Chris, the R&S chief instructor, showed them some of the best routes in the area. Here are some piccies of them at the crag and in Casa Almar with Alan.

This is the question………. Well it is for some of us who climb and find ourselves with child! This is one person’s story….Louise Davies.

I started climbing about 2 years ago but got really hooked after a bouldering trip to Albaraccin with Rock and Sun. Just as I was beginning to think that I would become the next bouldering superstar I found out I was pregnant. At first I thought that was the end of my climbing career, well at least for the next 9 months, but I did some research and spoke to Lisa, at Rock and Sun, and realised that with a few changes I could continue to climb. I gave up bouldering after 12 weeks and turned back to top-roping with my husband, Simon, as my belay partner and a safe pair of hands! I moved to a full body harness when I was about 24 weeks pregnant and the bump started to get in the way. I have found that climbing whilst pregnant has given me a tremendous mental and physical boost. Not only have I managed to stay toned and in shape (every pregnant woman’s secret dream) but I have also seen a great improvement in my climbing as I have really focused on my technique and, of course, I have been lugging all that extra weight up the wall too. In all it has been a very positive and empowering experience for me. Our baby is due in 5 weeks time and I am hoping to manage one or two more climbs before then.

My advice if you want to continue climbing whilst pregnant would be first to speak to your doctor, then climb with people you trust, listen to your body, stop when you start to feel tired and don’t feel pressured to continue climbing beyond when you feel comfortable. I took a bouldering trip with Rock and Sun at 11 weeks pregnant. Chris was great, advising me on the best way to climb and warning me away from anything that could be problematic. He also, very sensibly, steered me away from bouldering towards top-roping where I could push myself a little further but with less risk to the baby. It was with their advice that I had the confidence to continue climbing.

I look forward to my next Rock and Sun bouldering trip – babe in arms!

From everyone at Rock & Sun we wish Louise and Simon every happiness and we look forward to hearing from you very soon!

When a young dynamic cycling company introduced themselves to Rock & Sun and asked if we would sponsor their new team we said ‘Sounds like fun!’ This new team is made up of passionate riders of all abilities and ages headed up by ex Great Britain Cycling mechanic and coach, Craig Denning. Craig has worked, trained and raced all over the world with The Great Britain team and his experience is vast. After many years of the jet setting lifestyle Craig decided to set up a more permanent base with his family in Bristol and his dream was to set up his own cycling mechanic company and his own team. He has now done this suitably calling his company ‘Dream Mechanics’ and the team ‘Dream Cycling’

Here is Craig leading the field at a recent race.

We wish all the team members lots of wins and fun and to Craig every success with his new company.

For more info on Dream Mechanics or the team and the services offered including mechanics and servicing, personal coaching and training. Or if you fancy a nose at another mad sports enthusiasts log on to www.dreammechanics.co.uk

What better way to start climbing than when you are young!! Here are some photos of some of the young hopefuls!!

Introducing Jamie, Jotham, Finley, Rowan, Josep, Jordi and Raul.

One of our loved Rock & Sun climbers has left the sunny shores of ‘The Valleys’ and gone to America for on going career success and of course for the blonde haired, sun kissed babes.

Here is a piccy of his smiling face on one of his recent holidays with us.

Jason, Have a fantastic time and we wish you lots of luck and happiness. See you soon!