Bluff

Bridge over the Grand Canyon? Is that like the Cape Cod Tunnel? Really long free hanging raps can't be all that much fun unless you weigh a ton (maybe the reason you see fat peeps doing it). Think about all that weight hanging on the brake, with 400+ feet of rope out basically you're jugging DOWN the rope.

Devil's Tower is great but if you have time you should definitely combine it with a few (or more) days at the Needles, just a short drive away in SD. Tricouni Nail 5.8, uber classssssic.

I guess the point is ... if the race is not to be taken seriously, why bother with such a lame rule? AT boots are generally expensive, but there are certainly cheap ones out there. Tele boots, gawd.. the first pair I had (which I still use on occasion) came out of a dumpster, and many newer 3 buckle tele boots are as heavy or heavier than alpines ... and they certainly don't make you go faster on the downs.

Can somebody please explain the logic behind this incredibly lame rule? I can sort of understand the no-skins rule due to unfair advantage over locked heelers and slowboarders, but if you dont have skins, I dont see how there is any significant difference. What about AT boots in DH bindings? I guess if AT boots are out too, then the next best thing would be a set of old Raichles with thermofits in em... But really, especially given the fact that so many people nowadays don't bother with alpine at all, this rule is pretty exclusive. If it's really that much of an issue they should just skip the climb and use the chairlift. Stoopid.

It isnt multi-pitch ... but Cat Crack (5.6) at Neat and Cool sucks up gear like no tomorrow and is pretty easy. The 7 (or is it 8?) to the left is a good one too, and definitely soft for that rating.

I'm US mens size 8 1/2-9 all around and have size 40 Mythos. They're pretty well fit for slabby stuff but too loose for anything edgy (for that I use an older pair od LS Synchro's, also size 40 but lined and lasted so they didn't stretch). If I were to do it all over again, I'd go 39 1/2. In your case, 39 1/2 sounds like the way to go. They WILL stretch, a LOT. But all things being equal, once they break in they are super comfy.

Anyone? Anyone? Buellor? Buellor? I'm heading up to just boulder or something. I know the forecast says rain but jeez, it sure looks dry enough out there. Look for the guy with the really big German Shepard if you care to join me. I'm heading out from Seattle around 3:30ish.