Page 35 - 2010 AMA Autumn

Long time AMA member and supporter, Rich Mayfield tells ARMY MOUNTAINEER about living the dream and climbing 8a+. Rich runs the Orange House in Finestrat and has a log book almost as big as the casa!
Please briefly explain your military con- nection(s).
I served with the RAOC and RLC from ’87 to ’95 and did a 2 year stint with Cdo Log Regt. Served in the first Gulf conflict, most high profile thing I did whilst serving was getting stuck down Low’s Gully in Borneo in ’94.
Please briefly describe your life and job description.
I m a rock climber; I’ve been doing it since I was introduced to climbing on a school trip in ’82. My first harness consisted of straps from my little sister’s car seat which I adapted into a sit harness, it failed on an abseil at Worlds End, North Wales.
My uncle David (RAF) taught me how to climb, and bought me all my first gear. I led my first E1 at 14 years old. My first and only real climbing accident happened on the route Gogarth on Anglesey when I fell from the last pitch and had almost no gear in; I fractured my skull and had to make a scary abseil off and walk out. I had gotten to Gogarth on the back of my mates motor- bike, so I was taken to hospital on it too. Dave tied my hands together around his waist to stop me falling off the back of the bike. It didn t stop me for long but it did make me think long and hard about what I was doing, and the consequences of not knowing much about my sport.
So, I started reading the texts books by Nigel Shepherd and Allen Fyffe. Practicing rescuing skills became almost as much fun as climbing!
Worked at AMTC Silberhutte for 6 months in ’87 after passing my JSRL, and I’ve been teaching climbing and mountaineering ever since. Passed my JSRCI in ’90.
What’s the worst physical pain you have ever experienced?
In 96, at a climbing wall, I blew the number two pulley in my index finger on my left hand. People around me heard it snap! I couldn’t speak I was in so much pain and didn’t climb for 6 months; I didn’t climb above VS for over a year. It s mostly OK now but I m still cautious of it and it is weaker than the other fingers.
The Plan?
I moved to the Costa Blanca on the Spanish south coast in 2000, the plan was to tour Europe and maybe parts of Africa in search of perfect rock. But, plans don’t always occur as planned!
Now I own and run The Orange House, which is a Casa Rural (Spanish B&B),
Rich Mayfield on the crux of Dwm (E1 5b/6a or A2) during the Hard Rock Challenge.
camping, bunkhouse, posh rooms, bar, tv lounge, pool etc. I spend most my days out teaching rock climbing, pushing my own grades or new routing.
Last Christmas I led my very first 8a+, so there’s still life in the old dog yet, I’m 40 this year! I’m amazed that I’m still improving and climbing harder than ever.
Best climbing trips, Russia in 2005 and Morocco in 2004, I need to stop working so hard and do more trips.
What is the greatest honour you ever received?
My favourite comment from a guest, “You re living the dream, mate, but you live in a village called Finest Rat!” Mike Smith’s first visit in 2005.
Top tip for climbing
Relax, think and believe in your ability! www.orangehouseclimbing.com
ARMY MOUNTAINEER 33