Day 3:
We had a really good excuse for flailing today – it was day 3 in a row on. Well…we did sort of take it easy the past two days – but well…that’s a good excuse right? Ryan and Hiked up to the Happys this morning. Ryan was ------ this close to flashing solarium, but he got it second go casually. We did “Heavenly Path” – a really scary, but good high ball V1.
We screwed around with and both sent this cool V4 arête, to the right of the Hulk. We both meant to put some project burns in on the Hulk – but were both feeling pretty tanked after a combined Roid Rage on Serengeti. We were both extremely close to sending like 30 times…but so close…so far.
When we got to the parking lot, my brakes finally gave out. I had purchased a set of wrenches, however, the critical tool that I needed – a C-clamp was not to be found. We asked nicely and so other boulderers drove into town and bought us one and we got it done in like five minutes!
We meeting Nancy tomorrow early at the Buttermilks where she is hoping to send her V8 project. Man – that girl got strong!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Day 1 and 2 of my Bishop Trip
Day 1:
After closing on my house, (9am – 9:50am,) I picked up Ryan and we hit the road. We drove for 25.5 hours, from Charleston WV, to Rifle, Colorado. (1540 miles) – It was pretty rough – and let me tell you – Kansas is the WORST state to drive across…the only thing worse is the first half of Colorado which is just as bad.
So one major bummer – I left my entire toiletry bag at home. Thankfully, I stashed some extra contacts and bought the rest…
Today we climbed at Rifle. W were literally FOJJ….step out of the car and fall of “Feline” (11a). I managed to do the route second try, but I finally understand what the “Rifle” thing is…you spend so much time trying to figure out all the moves that you pump out on the crux which is the last move….well at least that’s what happened 3 goes on this 11c “GET NAME” – I was really close on it though…seriously. really close.
“All the rock in Denver is choss” – James Glover.
My verdict on Rifle. This place is rad and I want to come back for sure – spending maybe a week or two next summer here. The climbing and movement is quite unique; the holds, yes are polished, but the feet stick better than I thought they would…the crag to car to crag is amazingly short.
After a short lay-over-night in Rifle, Ryan and I are heading to Indian Creek.
I’m having a little bit of brake trouble…well a lot – the front left brake makes this nasty grinding sound every time I drive less than 40mph…
Day 2:
After Rifle, we were planning on going to the creek, but ended up just pushing it to Bishop! I’m definitely getting a little irritable at Ryan’s expense, but I’m trying really hard to think about how bad my brake grinding is getting. I need to get those brakes changed today or tomorrow – or soon. My Rotor is getting pretty grooved…
Ryan was a freaking trooper last night – he did MOST of the 10 hour drive from Joe’s Valley to Bishop…while I lay in the passenger seat in a somewhat half conscious stupor (listening to an Audio book – Ender’s Game) – I missed several big parts, so I’m pretty sure that I passed out.
Joe’s Valley was rad and definitely gets a check mark for “Come back to visit this place”
We went to “Area 51” at New Joe’s; we were taking it easy –
We did a handful of easy problems – though some of them weren’t that easy! The climbing felt similar to Red Rocks a little bit – no where near the type of Sandstone climbing we get in the East – which is MUCH grittier. It was, in-fact, closer to limestone than to the sandstone that I’m used to.
We ended up getting chased out by a nasty rain storm. I was working this V6 Dyno problem – coming CLOSE to the hold, but maybe an inch below it. It was cool for me because it was such a long move – that I really had to focus my brain into pushing and pulling as hard as I could at the exact right time…I watched a couple other guys do it; They were hitting it, but coming off…So I don’t think I was really close to sticking it…definitely a fun one though!
We ran into a group and shot some photos of them – it was great watching some peeps crushing hard problems.
So I think we’re doing the Happy’s today – its COLD (and perfect) here in Bishop.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Gearing up for a big trip...
I have about a week before I leave on my trip - about 18 or 19 days away from home. The major destination is Bishop, CA, but with stops at Indian Creek, Rifle, and in Boulder (Clear Creek Canyon?)
I am leaving either Wednesday night or Thursday morning (27th or 28th of October.)
I will be blogging daily on my trip with photos.
The biggest drive will be the first - from Charleston, WV to Denver or Rifle, Co - about 22 hours or 26 hours depending - not including stops. I'm hoping to get a day in at Rifle, but am not really counting on it; We (Ryan Smith and I) will most likely be stopping for at least a day at Indian Creek - maybe a couple depending on how much Ryan likes it.
Likewise, Joe's Valley is a probably - either coming or going or both stop for a day or two.
What I am really looking forward is Bishop though - and have a handful of projects/goals for the trip. I'm not really in great shape, but decent...I've been in better, but I'd like to try and project the following problems at Bishop
1. High Plains Drifter (V7)
2. The Hulk (V6)
3. Strength in Numbers (V5)
4. Seven Spanish Angels (V6)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Coopers Rock..
Friday, Andy and I walked out to "Two Big Rocks" at Coopers Rock - a sport climbing area...we managed to find it first try and were psyched!
Then, I got this crazy idea - that I wanted to try and repeat the old classic "Pump It Out" 5.11d R - which was put up by Cal Swoager in the late 80s? or early 90s?. We were not sure on the "R" rating until Mike Paugh try the route as well - fell at the crux and ripped both pieces of gear, hitting the ground. The gear was placed well, but the crack shattered (and trashing my cam.)
Thankfully, we had a handful of crash pads - that coupled with the gear ripping slowed him down enough that he didn't get seriously injured.
I'm really glad I didn't fall...and don't know if I would lead the route again - though I may consider bouldering it - since its only about 30 feet tall...of course the crux is the last move...
Friday, October 1, 2010
Rock Climbing Chalk
Rock climbing is growing very fast in the world and it has become a very popular sport in the gym. To become an expert in the sport, you need to learn and gain experience and practice is not an exception. There is equipment needed to make climbing comfortable, safe and interesting.You need proper clothing, protection and chalk. Chalk is a basic requirement in rock climbing and it plays a major role.
Chalk is made of Magnesium carbonates which has water absorption capacity. This characteristic helps to remove hand dampness and sweat hence improving the grip. Moist hands cause slipping and this is fatal to the climber. Use of magnesium carbonates has prevented such cases and the climbers carries a bag containing it round their waist to continually remove moisture from their hands.
The chalk is dried, powdered, sieved and put in a bag. When the hands become moist, the climbers dip their hands in the bag and the powder sticks on their hands. To remove excess particles they tap the back of their hands or blow over their hands. They do it repetitively to keep their hands dry. To keep your hands covered with the chalk, dip your hands in a damp sponge.
There are different qualities of chalk offered at different prices by various companies and you should go for quality if you want to enhance your grip. The chalk bags are fastened around waist so that they do not hinder your climbing. Follow the right precautions when rock climbing for safety purposes. Chalk powder is not optional if you want to have a firm grip. This way, you can climb the wall in a relaxed mood and enjoy it.
Fun de chichuune
Yesterday I managed to do something I've been dreaming of trying since 2007 when I first saw it. I climbed the mega line of the Grande Grotta, Fun de chichuune 8a. The route is 40m long and it's essentially a roof for most of its length. As you can see in the photos below, you climb through blobs and stalactites, interspersed with scary blank sections.
There were tons of kneebars and other creative rests along the way. I spent most of the time hanging upside down by my knees. The weight of the quickdraws felt like it might pull my harness off. There are 28 clips.
It was a hot day so I was sweating heaps and the tufas were often damp or outright dripping with water. I managed to remove my shirt on one of the rests at halfway and use it as a towel. Later, towards the end, I had to thoroughly chalk up my forehead. That's a first.
Most of these pics are in the first third when it's not so steep (!)
And the best part, it was onsight. The first try. Meaning I thankfully didn't have to try the whole enormous beast for a second time, which would be crushing. You might cry.
Route pics © C Vaillancourt 2010
It is #8 on this topo.
There were tons of kneebars and other creative rests along the way. I spent most of the time hanging upside down by my knees. The weight of the quickdraws felt like it might pull my harness off. There are 28 clips.
It was a hot day so I was sweating heaps and the tufas were often damp or outright dripping with water. I managed to remove my shirt on one of the rests at halfway and use it as a towel. Later, towards the end, I had to thoroughly chalk up my forehead. That's a first.
Most of these pics are in the first third when it's not so steep (!)
Not even halfway yet!
Can you spot me here? I'm at about the 3/4 point.
And the best part, it was onsight. The first try. Meaning I thankfully didn't have to try the whole enormous beast for a second time, which would be crushing. You might cry.
Route pics © C Vaillancourt 2010
Are you a fan of climbing Abseiling or do you prefer?
Go on vacation anytime soon? Tired of climbing with the masses? Planning a trip climbing in the southern hemisphere, perhaps?
You really can not do an article on an abseiling because nine times out of ten is a good climb in the same area (obviously not true), so here are some interesting places in the South to do both. ..
South Africa
You are pampered in South Africa. There is a wealth of majestic mountains ideal for climbing adventures. How to rank up in South Africa? They use a simple numerical system:
7-12: Beginners climbs that someone in decent shape shold get up. Expect easy rock-friendly area with large handles. 12-16: small foundation and / or steeper rock, but still suitable for beginners and advanced climbers. 16-18: intermediate routes that require more power and experience. To 18: Intermediate to advanced. strong arms and good technique are a must ... The best cliffs in South Africa Rocklands for bouldering, Oudtshoorn, Montagu and Milner for sport routes and Table Mountain and Cederberg for trading routes. Of course there are many others, and I've only covered a handful here ...
The restaurant (after the Universe) can be found in the Waterval Boven reefs in the region of Mpumalanga Drakensberg Mountain Highlands - approximately 3 hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. This region is one of the top climbing destinations in South Africa and was appreciated by many of the best climbers in the world. Most good climbing can be done about the difficulty of 17-27 with a chance to stand up to Grade 33! Some serious climbing then ...
The Oribi Gorge in KwaZulu-Natal was created over millions of years when the river carved its way Umzimkulwana on the Flat Rock, finding faults in the stone and eroding enormously deep and narrow gorges. At the foot of the cliffs, the rocks are one billion years, while the rocks are formed from sandstone deposited about 365 million years ago. Here you can abseil down a 110m mountain or climb one of the many challenging tracks on offer. Another interesting is reduced along the cascade of Howick in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal.
Blouberg Massif is a short walk from both Botswana and Zimbabwe. This is a quartzite mesa 1,200 m is the sun for most of the day, and is considered the toughest Big South Africa's Wall. There are 11 classic routes here, a level of 19. And there are some big names too. Some examples are: Wall of white light (a large wall scary), Psycho Reptiles, White Light, Future Shock, Crack of Adventure, Road to Nowhere, Hey Jude, boar, Tequila Sunrise, Moonshadow Teddy Bear's Picnic and Wow Fuck a name only a few ...
Milner Amphitheatre Western Cape is a double wall of orange rock at different levels in Hex River mountains. He sits beside a waterfall next to the 2000 ft. This is an area with excellent multi-pitch sport climbing and pitch, making it one of the best climbing in South Africa. There is access to this sensitive area so it is best to get in touch with a local club to check the rules and regs MCSA.
And of course there is Table Mountain. How can you talk about climbing in South Africa without taking the famous Table Mountain and the iconic in the discussion. Table Mountain climbing is a very popular pastime. There are well-documented climbing routes of varying difficulties to the many faces of the mountain. As the mountain is part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site which can not be done by running here and only traditional climbing is allowed. business groups also offer abseiling from the top cable station. The cable car also offers a fast descent!
The Giant's Castle, Natal Drakensberg massif offers some technical ice climbing rather as a variant of the climb. These are the highest in southern Africa and spectacular mountain range. It also has the regions only consistently by ice and snow routes. Most documented routes are either pure water or pure snow-ice snow, but there are some streets that require mixed. Giants Castle itself is situated on the south side of the massif. Icing late May to late August. The best time is usually mid to late July. Several major climbs, these peaks and several others made first ascents to wait. Most of the unclimbed falls are steep, the multi-pitch routes, serious skill and determination to win will require.
Before leaving South Africa, I had this disturbing photo I've just met - give you an idea of some of the challenging climbs of the region to offer!
And finally for the Southern African region as a fan of you may have heard in the main railway Maletsunyane Waterfall Lesotho. This is a steep decrease of 204 million along the side of the waterfall in the gorge, but Wikipedia has a height of 192m. As you can imagine the view from the top is magnificent. It has the Guinness World Record for the highest commercially run fell over the world and attracts many international results. And climbing at its best and most exciting.
Australia
The Grampians in Melbourne is internationally renowned for its rock climbing and abseiling experiences and has become a popular destination for adventure. And home to hundreds of exciting climbs, especially on the rugged cliffs of Mount Stapylton, the north end of the park. Adventure halls offer a variety of climbing, including courses from the introductory lessons for beginners and programs related to advanced skills for the experience.
Climbers from across Australia and around the world test their skills on the rock of Mount Arapiles, a stunning peak just west of Horsham that some of the most dramatic and demanding rock formations in Australia. MT. Arapiles has other cool names: Buttress Bard 'Pilot error', lovely High Dive, Deranged, Life in the Fast Lane, No U.S. chicken, Anxiety Directly Slinkin 'Leopard ...
A combination of reliable weather and an extraordinary array of cliffs, reefs and pinnacles have made Mt Arapiles the most popular climbing and abseiling destination in Australia. The mountain is more than 2,000 designated climbs, ranging from simple slopes for beginners to level 30 climbs, the more extreme climbs. With so many climbs, it is difficult to give a short list of the best ever. But some songs stand out above the rest, Sunny Gully, Bullet Buttress, Tiptoe Ridge Route introductory, Exodus, Diapason, Marshmallow Sea, conifers and Parkas Crack In the name of ten.
New Zealand
Golden Bay is considered the best limestone climbing in the Pacific, near Abel Tasman National Park. Important also climb the famous Rock Paton Reserve and Payne's Ford. And one of the best concentrations of single pitch sport climbing in NZ (there are also some trails). The advantage of an incredibly beautiful landscape.
Like many other rocks in New Zealand, Paynes Ford was well and truly discovered. The rock offers steep, solid limestone, and includes some of the toughest climbs in the country. Simon and Middle Mass Climber magazine editor Mark Watson brought a book but relaxed definitive guide to the region. Almost from the opening of passage "For those of you that this had not yet we beter now warn you this is a very dangerous, a place where time stands still and hippies zijn plentiful, people naakt swimming is not accepted ' s life seriously. "It seems almost everyone a place to go climbing, is not it?!
You really can not do an article on an abseiling because nine times out of ten is a good climb in the same area (obviously not true), so here are some interesting places in the South to do both. ..
South Africa
You are pampered in South Africa. There is a wealth of majestic mountains ideal for climbing adventures. How to rank up in South Africa? They use a simple numerical system:
7-12: Beginners climbs that someone in decent shape shold get up. Expect easy rock-friendly area with large handles. 12-16: small foundation and / or steeper rock, but still suitable for beginners and advanced climbers. 16-18: intermediate routes that require more power and experience. To 18: Intermediate to advanced. strong arms and good technique are a must ... The best cliffs in South Africa Rocklands for bouldering, Oudtshoorn, Montagu and Milner for sport routes and Table Mountain and Cederberg for trading routes. Of course there are many others, and I've only covered a handful here ...
The restaurant (after the Universe) can be found in the Waterval Boven reefs in the region of Mpumalanga Drakensberg Mountain Highlands - approximately 3 hours drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria. This region is one of the top climbing destinations in South Africa and was appreciated by many of the best climbers in the world. Most good climbing can be done about the difficulty of 17-27 with a chance to stand up to Grade 33! Some serious climbing then ...
The Oribi Gorge in KwaZulu-Natal was created over millions of years when the river carved its way Umzimkulwana on the Flat Rock, finding faults in the stone and eroding enormously deep and narrow gorges. At the foot of the cliffs, the rocks are one billion years, while the rocks are formed from sandstone deposited about 365 million years ago. Here you can abseil down a 110m mountain or climb one of the many challenging tracks on offer. Another interesting is reduced along the cascade of Howick in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal.
Blouberg Massif is a short walk from both Botswana and Zimbabwe. This is a quartzite mesa 1,200 m is the sun for most of the day, and is considered the toughest Big South Africa's Wall. There are 11 classic routes here, a level of 19. And there are some big names too. Some examples are: Wall of white light (a large wall scary), Psycho Reptiles, White Light, Future Shock, Crack of Adventure, Road to Nowhere, Hey Jude, boar, Tequila Sunrise, Moonshadow Teddy Bear's Picnic and Wow Fuck a name only a few ...
Milner Amphitheatre Western Cape is a double wall of orange rock at different levels in Hex River mountains. He sits beside a waterfall next to the 2000 ft. This is an area with excellent multi-pitch sport climbing and pitch, making it one of the best climbing in South Africa. There is access to this sensitive area so it is best to get in touch with a local club to check the rules and regs MCSA.
And of course there is Table Mountain. How can you talk about climbing in South Africa without taking the famous Table Mountain and the iconic in the discussion. Table Mountain climbing is a very popular pastime. There are well-documented climbing routes of varying difficulties to the many faces of the mountain. As the mountain is part of the Cape Floral Region World Heritage Site which can not be done by running here and only traditional climbing is allowed. business groups also offer abseiling from the top cable station. The cable car also offers a fast descent!
The Giant's Castle, Natal Drakensberg massif offers some technical ice climbing rather as a variant of the climb. These are the highest in southern Africa and spectacular mountain range. It also has the regions only consistently by ice and snow routes. Most documented routes are either pure water or pure snow-ice snow, but there are some streets that require mixed. Giants Castle itself is situated on the south side of the massif. Icing late May to late August. The best time is usually mid to late July. Several major climbs, these peaks and several others made first ascents to wait. Most of the unclimbed falls are steep, the multi-pitch routes, serious skill and determination to win will require.
Before leaving South Africa, I had this disturbing photo I've just met - give you an idea of some of the challenging climbs of the region to offer!
And finally for the Southern African region as a fan of you may have heard in the main railway Maletsunyane Waterfall Lesotho. This is a steep decrease of 204 million along the side of the waterfall in the gorge, but Wikipedia has a height of 192m. As you can imagine the view from the top is magnificent. It has the Guinness World Record for the highest commercially run fell over the world and attracts many international results. And climbing at its best and most exciting.
Australia
The Grampians in Melbourne is internationally renowned for its rock climbing and abseiling experiences and has become a popular destination for adventure. And home to hundreds of exciting climbs, especially on the rugged cliffs of Mount Stapylton, the north end of the park. Adventure halls offer a variety of climbing, including courses from the introductory lessons for beginners and programs related to advanced skills for the experience.
Climbers from across Australia and around the world test their skills on the rock of Mount Arapiles, a stunning peak just west of Horsham that some of the most dramatic and demanding rock formations in Australia. MT. Arapiles has other cool names: Buttress Bard 'Pilot error', lovely High Dive, Deranged, Life in the Fast Lane, No U.S. chicken, Anxiety Directly Slinkin 'Leopard ...
A combination of reliable weather and an extraordinary array of cliffs, reefs and pinnacles have made Mt Arapiles the most popular climbing and abseiling destination in Australia. The mountain is more than 2,000 designated climbs, ranging from simple slopes for beginners to level 30 climbs, the more extreme climbs. With so many climbs, it is difficult to give a short list of the best ever. But some songs stand out above the rest, Sunny Gully, Bullet Buttress, Tiptoe Ridge Route introductory, Exodus, Diapason, Marshmallow Sea, conifers and Parkas Crack In the name of ten.
New Zealand
Golden Bay is considered the best limestone climbing in the Pacific, near Abel Tasman National Park. Important also climb the famous Rock Paton Reserve and Payne's Ford. And one of the best concentrations of single pitch sport climbing in NZ (there are also some trails). The advantage of an incredibly beautiful landscape.
Like many other rocks in New Zealand, Paynes Ford was well and truly discovered. The rock offers steep, solid limestone, and includes some of the toughest climbs in the country. Simon and Middle Mass Climber magazine editor Mark Watson brought a book but relaxed definitive guide to the region. Almost from the opening of passage "For those of you that this had not yet we beter now warn you this is a very dangerous, a place where time stands still and hippies zijn plentiful, people naakt swimming is not accepted ' s life seriously. "It seems almost everyone a place to go climbing, is not it?!
Spray-A-Thon and Rifle wrap
Well, Rifle was terrific.
Check your ego at the door and prepare to be humbled. That's the approach that works best. If you send - woohoo. If you fail - good training! :)
Highlights of my two week trip are as follows (I've gone with the euro grades as, after all, this is sport climbing):
Spray-A-Thon 8a+ - 5th shot (super steep with one tough crux. My first grade 30 on foreign soil.)
The Anti-Phil 8a - 4th shot (gently overhanging with brutal campus-snatching around a low roof)
The Beast 7c+ - 4th shot (slipperiest rock on the planet?)
Pump-O-Rama 7c+ - 2nd shot (just like Mt Coolum in Australia. Technical kneebars not an issue :)
Beer Run 7c+ - 3rd shot (my fave in Rifle, varied and amazing)
The Blocky Horror Show 7c - 3rd shot (stepped roofs, then hugging headwall)
Hang Em High 7b+ - onsight ("proud onsight dude!" pumped off my dial)
Pretty Hate Machine 7b+ - 2nd shot (slippery steep route)
Easy Skankin 7b - onsight (best sport 12b in USA they reckon!)
And here's some pics of me doing Spray-A-Thon on my final day. Big pressure!
Getting set up for the dyno. Off the right hand undercling, you jump for that hole. Very cool move.
Clipping in the crack section.
Double kneebars (sort-of) before the first bulge. I figured out some great beta for this bulge that even the locals now use. Energy conservation is all about using momentum!
The crux move! Might not look much, but you're reaching left hand for a hold known as the "pencil". But I reckon a pencil would be a better edge.
So thanks Rifle, you were great. I love you.
All pics © Jason Huston 2010
Check your ego at the door and prepare to be humbled. That's the approach that works best. If you send - woohoo. If you fail - good training! :)
Highlights of my two week trip are as follows (I've gone with the euro grades as, after all, this is sport climbing):
Spray-A-Thon 8a+ - 5th shot (super steep with one tough crux. My first grade 30 on foreign soil.)
The Anti-Phil 8a - 4th shot (gently overhanging with brutal campus-snatching around a low roof)
The Beast 7c+ - 4th shot (slipperiest rock on the planet?)
Pump-O-Rama 7c+ - 2nd shot (just like Mt Coolum in Australia. Technical kneebars not an issue :)
Beer Run 7c+ - 3rd shot (my fave in Rifle, varied and amazing)
The Blocky Horror Show 7c - 3rd shot (stepped roofs, then hugging headwall)
Hang Em High 7b+ - onsight ("proud onsight dude!" pumped off my dial)
Pretty Hate Machine 7b+ - 2nd shot (slippery steep route)
Easy Skankin 7b - onsight (best sport 12b in USA they reckon!)
And here's some pics of me doing Spray-A-Thon on my final day. Big pressure!
Getting set up for the dyno. Off the right hand undercling, you jump for that hole. Very cool move.
Clipping in the crack section.
Double kneebars (sort-of) before the first bulge. I figured out some great beta for this bulge that even the locals now use. Energy conservation is all about using momentum!
The crux move! Might not look much, but you're reaching left hand for a hold known as the "pencil". But I reckon a pencil would be a better edge.
So thanks Rifle, you were great. I love you.
All pics © Jason Huston 2010
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