bigwallben

Matt, You can find it all here: http://mikeylikesrocks.com/blog/?p=72

Van found! roughly 20 blocks away and nothing stolen.

hi, last night someone stole my white 95' dodge caravan from outside our place in wallingford; it is really stands out with the black rocket box and a "kill your television" sticker on the back. it is an extended cargo version. license number is B24475C. please let me know if you see it out there. thank you. ben gilkison

I've never attempted to Lead City park; nor have ever claimed to. Props to all who could endure the pain. And props to Drew Ruana who will outclimb us all. Ben

What's in Montana?

shite..i live the bligity skigdang. what is the next up from that? Bligity Badoooonga gnar!!

I would also recommend a full can of REDBULL. While drinking this liquid POWER you can see yourself sending...feel the victory of clipping the chains...sense the eye of the tiger taking over. Then, when you start shaking from the anticipation and all that sugar and caffeine, then, only then, you know its GO time. Take a deep breath. Check your knot four times. Spit on your shoes and clean down to the rand. Have your blackberry opened up to 8a.nu... and then BLIGITY Skigdang! Good luck.

I'm of the opinion that grades are not harder for trad or sport. The difficulty seems to be about the same regardless. Also, I don't think the older trad routes are really that much more difficult than newer sport climbs (like the phoenix in yos or the pyromania route in the needles arn't any different than climbing 13a sport routes in wa). Grading vicissitudes seem more apparent to me depending on the area, not the genre. If a climber has mastered all the skills and genres of rock climbing, grades will tend to stabilize. If all one does is climb 99% at little si (having never spent time on granite) and then goes for a jaunt to Index, odds are that that person will get completely owned at Index. Though, I would say the same of a climber who climbs at Index (never having climbed anything steep) and then goes to an area where you actually have to hang on with your forearms (like little si). That person would probably be equally owned; but of course for different reasons. My 2 cents.

Used once. I purchased this chest harness/gear sling thinking I would become an aid climber. Didn't happen. This is a great deal since they sell new for 90$. It is a small and will fit apprx chest size 34-42" In mint shape. http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/data/500/DSC0028.jpg

yes, it seems that 95% of the 11d's get the same treatment.

Rubbish for the most part. This is definitely the last time I recommend someone post on this forum. Ben Gilkison

Really now... nobody wants to go sport climbing in this weather!? amazing.

Anyone want to crank out some sport routes at Little Si? Looks like I have the whole day off but no partner. Send PM if interested. Ben

I'm selling my Individual Annual Membership at SG's for $350. It is valid through January 2009. Year Annual's go for 600 (including tax); or month to month at 68. Great deal for anyone interested in a stellar climbing gym. Ben pm or call 206.920.3063

Happen to have the day off and am looking for world wall partner. Can drive. Ben

PM sent. Ben

Temps around North bend today were a balmy 60 degrees; though the wind gusted most of the day. That said, we climbed at World Wall (I) and all routes are BONE DRY. The rock was about as sticky as it gets. For those who know...that spells Rhinolicious. Best, Ben

Thanks Rudy. Yeah, I thought there was Mike Orr in there, but, I wasn't sure. RyanB, regarding ratings...well, it depends on lots of stuff, but in regards to the route at hand, probably the two most important factors are temp's and sequence. I believe that the route received a split grade because it is possible to climb onto Iron Horse just after pulling over the steep bulge. This would effectively give the climber a ticket to rest (almost no hands) for infinity. It never occured to me to climb it this way. The path I followed kept me in a direct line with the arete and the bolts that protect it. However, recently I did Power Horse 12c which links Iron Horse into the arete of Amandla; so, I suppose I could have done Amandla this way. Regarding Chronic, I dunno. I can do that thing like 5 times in a row. I had amandla just as dialed and probably couldn't do it on command. But, those climbs are polar opposite.

Amandla... The ascent chronology to the best of my knowledge. Yeah, Power Horse is a great option at realistic 12c. - Andy DeKlerk - Mike Orr - Justen Sjong - Hawk Berry - Ben Gilkison w/ extension - Sonnie Trotter - Andrew Philbin w/ extension

Never been on that one. Perhaps Mikey might comment... But, I definitely salute Jesse for getting er' done! Nice work amigo.

For anyone who cares. You can still access Static Point. There is a large machine tearing out the bridges/culverts on that last little stretch of road. The trail is very overgrown. Beautiful setting up there for sure. Climbed online. Nice route.

Saw an earlier post with an inquiry to access. Has anyone been out there. Access? Thanks.

Why are you wasting your time talking about that super lame pile? I'm sure it was super back in the 80's. I agree with Rumr. You can do it with 3 golds....just start walking them up. You can place a blue and one red.....

J-man. Nice send bra! Heard it from a friend...

people really clip that piton?