Any inmates climb also? Wife and I really got into it while living in CA. First gym, then sport, then trad, now I'm considering aid...it's almost as bad of a gear habit as riding bikes! Dual sports / ADV bikes definitely afford climbers access to crags you'd otherwise need a 4x4 to get to. It's surprising there aren't more climbers out there on DS/ADV.
I did a bunch of bouldering around when my wife worked at a climbing gym. That ship sailed about 5yrs ago. One of my close homies is a big climber, takes a few trips regularly to bishop, hueco, a few spots around the country. I wish it were a little more accessible for me, I'm wrapped up thoroughly in cycling.
It's definitely an accessibility thing. We're living in SC now, a good 3-4 hours from the closest good rock (or gym for that matter). Skill and strength definitely take a turn south when you're going months between sessions rather than days.
I took my Sertao to Joshua Tree a couple weeks ago...Strapped the haul bag and all my camping gear to it and spent the weekend plugging gear. Granted...the access isn't an issue in Joshua Tree, but it was more of a shake down for larger aspirations in the sierras this summer.
Make sure you check out Berdoo Canyon Road into Jtree. It comes into the park from the south around Indio and puts you onto Geology tour road. Great, easy riding if you're comfortable with that kind of terrain. Take it slow the first time though, you'll be out there by yourself. ^^^That's my "one person trad bivy" kit. Below is my wife and I's set up for 9 days in the Sierra camping and [sport] climbing. We hit Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Mammoth Lakes, Bishop, etc. out of San Diego. Although it would've been great to do some trad, I can't imagine trying to get the additional gear / another 60m in. Maybe if I could convince my wife we don't need a tent...
Use to climb at the local places around my home town in Maine but haven't done so except for a couple of times in the gym since joining the Army. I had just started ice climbing too. I need to get back into it but I have other hobbies that take precedence at the moment.
Climbed a lot when living in Mammoth. Since moving to New Hampshire (got married), only on rare occasions. Wife doesn't enjoy belaying. Hanging out at the crags in CA met lots of people to climb with. Hanging out at the crags in NH and all you meet are black flies. (joke) Will be buying a Petzl Microtraxion soon. With it, will be able to climb a fixed line with no fear.
I've had really good luck with the partner finder on mountain project...Might be an option for you. In terms of solo-belay, I'd look into the Soloist or soloist aid, much easier in my opinion than a microtraxion...Plus they put a lot less strain on the rope due to a cam instead of teeth.
If you're in NH, hit me up. Didn't get out last year at all, plan on correcting that this year. Black flies: I recall being chased all the way up Moby Grape. Was wearing pants and a long sleeve shirt, and my ankles we're bitten to hell that day.
On that... I've found that most people in NE are friendly if you can break the ice. Most that hang out at Rumney are gym rats, and aren't used to other people trying to get into their little groups. We've belayed other people in the past on our gear that have come up and asked. I've shared ropes with others. But its rare people ask.
No disrespect to NH climbers intended. Mostly I changed. Got out of the dirtbag lifestyle. Even sold my pickup with topper! Still have the accoutrements and more time than ever...retired. Yeah keep me in mind, Moby Grape looks like fun! Makes my toes hurt just looking at it.
Every time I'm at a gas station with this in the back of my truck, somebody asks if "that's one of those rock climbers"...
The trad rack. Took the first pick today while checking out the gear...its a guy thing. The other is a gag, Hamming it Up - Back in the Day! We had just done Walk On The Wild Side on Saddle Rock in JT.
Never made it to saddle, always wanted to seeing it all the time though. Looks like it wouldn't hurt to get some new slings on those cams...
Can't see the pics, but this could be a motivator to train so as to not end up like this guy lol https://www.mountainproject.com/v/the-michael-banks-proposal-ramp/111762263
Hey, if he climbed up, he can climb down. Guess he had meth with him, maybe he should've smoked more and flew down?
Climbing is like motorcycling, if you have to have every bit of state of the art gear, then there ya go. If you just have fun with whatcha got, then there ya go as well. You can just climb/ride and enjoy it. Wide, wide variety. Don't assume you can't have fun without a huge rack of mechanical devices. JMO.
