Sherri

I think I took his trail map when I was there last week. Oops, my bad.

Even my pajammers?! Sweet! Well, in that case, I'll just pack the cooler. Healthy food is en route...

You can move to Index with me and Archy and we'll learn to aid climb together.

Woo-hoo! I'll pack the u-haul! :moondance:

...but was he carrying a stolen guidebook???

I'm voting with Muffy on this one.

Don't step on the crack!

We need to spend some time together, girlfriend! I'll whip you into shape in no time. And yes, I've got one. the question begs to be asked... what kind? bull whip? riding crop? flogger? 6-foot, kangaroo-hide stockwhip. And I know how to use it.

We need to spend some time together, girlfriend! I'll whip you into shape in no time. And yes, I've got one.

Awesome!!! That last picture just made my day.

Isn't Damnation sexy?? that is one of the best climbs i have ever wedged the majority of my body into. I didn't make it all the way to the top as i got totally spanked and was so worn out by the time i got to the Chimley i couldn't keep going. Beautiful route though I would totally like love to hit that again. Interesting observation. "Sexy" hadn't occured to me as I was desperately grinding my buttcheeks against the wall, praying to the gods of gravity for something resembling an actual hold, but I shall look at it with a new perspective next time. And thanks, MisterE! Sounds like you've been getting some good work in, too!

Which route was the neighbor on? Dan's Dreadful Direct or MF Overhang? He was intending to be on Angel but had wandered off-route in the direction of Dan's Dreadful Direct, I believe.

Today's weigh in 133 lbs! YAY! 3 more pounds for a total of five pounds. And that was after a beer and peanuts at PDX Pub Club on Saturday, too!!!!! Good job!

Disclaimer: this is an actual trip report. Any references to hiking, either stated or implied, are purely incidental and as such, heretofore, will be referred to as "long approaches." I got my first taste of Index climbing on Friday, thanks to k.rose's ropegun services. The climbing was more daunting than stuff I'd previously done, but TOTALLY fun! "Princely Ambitions" and "Roger's Corner" went smoothly; I got a little pumped removing gear from the big flake on Godzilla and the guy racing up the route underneath me wasn't adding to my sense of wellbeing. "Breakfast of Champions" was an eyeopener; now I understand the term "thin hands" . After all the fun(and a little swearing on my part ) we continued westward to Leavenworth. On Saturday got in 10 pitches on Castle Rock. Loved getting to experience some of the classics there. Favorites were "Canary" and that freaky roof move on "The Bone", and my first Castle Rock lead on "Saber." It felt solid and I enjoyed the experience immensely, which is more than I can say for the girl ahead of me who was following her boyfriend(who went off-route and ran it out to the top, turning the climb into a bit of an epic for her. ) At Logger's Ledge, I got pegged as a cc.comer by someone who overheard my name being mentioned. "Hey, are you that 'Sherri' from Cascade Climbers...?" Small world. sickie Also got a taste of some offwidth on "Damnation." That is definitely an acquired taste. k.rose scooted up the thing like it was a walk in the park, though. Even stopping halfway up the chimney to have a pleasant conversation with the fella on the route next to him. We finished off the weekend with some fun in the Icicle at Alphabet Wall and Little Bridge Creek rock. I was shut down by the crux of "Meatgrinder" and by "Carnival Crack"(amazing to watch k do laps on that crazy thing! ) but sending "Arms Control" was the highlight of my day. We wrapped things up just as the first of the raindrops began to arrive on Sunday afternoon. It was a good weekend to be a climber.

Crap, now I gotta go make more. Now, shhhhhhhhhh!

I'm getting some popcorn. Showtime!

I see some potential for route development there...

I'm taking my homemade 3-alarm blackbean chili w/veggie sausage and steamed broccoli with me on my climbing trip this weekend. I predict turbulence.... ...TR to follow....

I'll count for you if you do 'em.

If they rely strictly on the "crotch test"--how much clearance you have between your crotch and the top tube when you stand over it--I'd be leary of buying from them. There's a lot more that needs to be taken into account, like the reach to the handlebars and to the pedals and what angles these positions force your body into on that frame. If you feel scrunched or overextended, your either going to be uncomfortable or unable to really put power into your stroke, or worse, end up with an injured back or knees, etc. There is some room for flexibility if they work with you to try adjustments to the stem, seat, etc. But that should all still happen before you put down any money for it so that you know it's going to work for you. If the bike doesn't feel exactly right for you, don't settle for it. When you are fit for a bike, it should be a thorough process, not a quickie "standover" fit. A good bike shop will provide a higher standard of service and is worth seeking out. Good luck, Muffy! Can't wait for the TR photos (spandex!)!

And it's something you can usually do even when you can't run because of injuries, etc. Good back-up plan. Edited to add: this particular bike offers WSD models(Women Specific Design), which is a nice option if your build doesn't suit the geometry of the regular frames.

Chopsticks, too.

I want one of those *nods* i have been wanting a road bike! *nods* It was a good move for me, and it's a bike I'd recommend without hesitation because of it's versatility and comfort. Only thing I'd give a to was the stock Bontrager tires. The chipseal chewed them up in a few short months. Once I switched to Continental 4000 tires the weekly flats were thing of the past(they're made of kevlar or something impervious to most road hazards). I'll let you take it out for a spin if you're ever in the neighborhood, Muffy!

trek pilot 5.0 It's a roadie with a relaxed, luxurious ride. It's equipped with tires are that are little beefier than most racers(25c), with wide enough forks to up them another size if you want even more cush and to accommodate fenders(best investment I ever made in it). Between that and the carbon fiber frame, the chipseal vibrations get soaked right up and it rides like a dream. I use it on pavement, gravel, and packed dirt. It's also set up to be fitted with racks for saddlebags. Making it equally ideal as either a commuter bike or a road warrior for burning up some fast miles. Two years ago, I went from clunker garage sale bikes to this baby, and after putting over 8000 miles on it, I am just as happy now with its performance I was then.