olyclimber

If the weather would cooperate I will go practice for the test by leading outside. Once I rebuild my confidence outside, I may be ready for the rigors of climbing in the gym. Also Red Bull and neon lycra seems like sound advice. I'm starting to feel my confidence return. But I'll choke back the spray and just try to speak with action next week. Hell, I'm even going to practice and rehearse. It has been a race to the bottom, and I've got such a great lead, I feel like I can ease up a bit. I would just like to thank all the people who have supported me through this ordeal.

Joel, I'm 5' 11', 180lb right now. The only thing that has ever limited how far I can hike with a heavy pack is my cardiovascular fitness...and I have never had a problem with being too light. Again, I'm not an expert, but I believe the way to get to optimal weight is to measure your body fat, and then adjust your excercise and your diet to reach an optimal body fat/muscle ratio. You don't want to be losing wieght by losing muscle. I still think that it would be better to focus on cardiovascular fitness though, but I'm sure there are people who post here that know better than I. Good luck!

Deuce. Twice. Again. My errors: 1. I managed to get the top rope tangled in the lead climbing rope 2. I back clipped I should point out that I don't think I failed undeservingly. I did something that is potentially hazardous, and the tester rightly failed me. The first time was funny, but twice is downright embarrassing. I'm not a great climber (obviously), but I can easily climb the 5.7 route the test is on. I do have experience climbing with knowledgable people, and I always invite those who know more than me to give me feedback on my skills. In retrospect, I had two things going against me: 1. For some reason, I got nervous. 2. I'm not used to leading climbing with the extra top rope they require. Anyway, I'm going to keep taking the damn test until I pass. And I'll request the same tester, because I want to "focus the rage" on this little problem of mine. I hope I'm not scaring off potential climbing partners, but then, you're probably glad to know to avoid me. Anyway, in case you're wondering, I have taken a lead climbing class in the past, and I know and understand why I failed. Thanks to the person who took the time to belay me during the test. I'll buy you a beer next time I see you. I do believe I'm going down in infamy here.

I tried it that way, but my research has shown that it tastes much better if you cook it first. Give it a try.

Sorry, I "fictionalized" the Kentucky Fried Chicken bit. The recipe is actually all over the net. Their recipe for cruelty is too. Take your pick.

Sorry, guy. But the story isn't true. See the disclaimer at the bottom. I can bench maybe 175 if you tie hot air balloons to the wieghts! Isn't the truth better than fiction?

What the hell are you arguing about? Say it with me: I am sofa king we todd did Ya, I know you've already seen it. I'm easily amused!

That's a strange statement: You couldn't stomach the whole book, but you didn't think it was a waste of time (till the last chapter, at least)? By the way, you should read the last half of the last chapter, I've heard the recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken is revealed! I'm sort of busy, can some one give me a quick snyopsis of the book? Ten sentences or less.

(disclaimer, I am not a medical doctor and some of the information or advice given in this post is non-factual) I just got through benching 465. Let me tell how to get non-climbing physical conditioning. Go do something everyday that maxes out your heart for an hour or two everyday. You might want to build up to it. Whatever conditioning you want to do, just get the heart rate up there and hold it up for a while. But if you want to pump some iron like me (I'm doing curls with 125 lbs (each arm) right now, this won't work. You'll probaly climb better though. (The information given above should not be construed as factual and will not be admissable in any court of law as Truth)

I'll be tobogganing down the Willis Wall in a coffin that weekend! Can you pack a coffin up the Ridge for me? If so, I'm in. Due to shit going on at work, it has to be that weekend! Do you have a stop watch?

Matey, yer not fitten in with the "ownership society" the pirates of high finance be float'n in. Time to sail the seas of the Great Gamble! Read and weep, matey! Also, yee must watch this for further reference! Man the filing cabinet cannons! Arrrrggghh!

and who could forget Keystone...."bottled beer taste, in a plastic bag"

From what I hear the official ascent record for the south spur is 2:39. If you really want to get your money's worth, climb it 4 times in one day. I'll be your official timer.

Anybody tried this stuff?

Which day was this on the expedition? Epic? You guys have all the fun!

Which means that the town shuts down at sun down during an NHL lockout.

You gots to git that tirlit unplugged!

Ya, there's no way the Ham could compete. I mean, Abbotsford has an airshow! Here is an example of what Hamsters do for fun:

WTF are you thinking, it doesn't get named until it gets sent! I heard Sharma put up a problem on it, but he declined to rate it. He called it "Detour" or something like that.

Reminded me of the 1991 movie "Slacker".

In the future, please stop making fun of me!

Last time I went cragging with an American we spent some time looking for a climb as well. Must be some national disfunctionality. Jolly good work chaps! Pax, I have a bent shaft shrike set you can borrow next time if you haven't made the big purchase.

A couple of avie fatalities in Idaho. RIP

Hello! Looking for highly motivated partners interested in climbing 8000m peaks as well as some Cascade jewels. I have all gear, including a rope and harness. You be the same.