Summer Special

Scalius

Despite the abnormally warm and dry fall of 2010, the last few weeks of snow and cold weather have finally brought home the fact that winter is indeed upon us and good outdoor climbing days are fewer and farther between.  Many of us were still getting out three times a week as late as mid December and began to believe and hope secretly that winter would never come as we scrambled to finish projects in anticipation.  The recent weather however has at last put an end to those hopes as our favorite areas are now socked in with snow, the temps have been in the single digits and the days have grown shorter. Good days are still upon us however.  Though they may be harder to come by and sparingly granted, good winter climbing days do exist and are all the more precious not only because of their rarity, but also for the excellent, cool, crisp conditions and quiet destinations they can offer. 

Thursday Luke Bohanon, Austin and I managed to take advantage of one of these days and make it up to a spot near 11 Mile to work on an area classic V10 called Scalius, which was first climbed by David Marquess years ago.  It was a beautiful day with temps in the low to mid 40’s; maybe slightly warm for the problem but gorgeous to be out in.  The problem is perched up on a hillside in an amazing setting, overlooking the frozen lake and snow covered grassy valley, surround by views of white capped peaks in all directions.  It was an easy going yet productive day for all of us as we climbed and enjoyed the sun.   Austin quickly put together all the moves and sent, while Luke and I both made progress, linking many of the moves.  Austin was also able to pick out and clean a direct line up the boulder which contains some cool, dynamic moves as well.  The direct line is still a project but it seems very promising that it will go.  Below are some pictures of the day.  

-Alex     

New Training Area at the Sport Climbing Center!

The Sport Climbing Center has been hard at work making changes to the facility.  We spent the last few weeks building a new training area above the new boulder (Noah)!  The new area includes: A new and improved campus board for power and finger strength training; an adjustable systems wall with brand new holds (set the angle of the wall where you want to train and work symmetrical moves in both directions, ideal for working both sides of the body evenly); hanging gymnastic rings for shoulder and core workouts;  large floor space for group core workouts and pushup training; also, coming soon expect to see a multi use workout machine, free weights, yoga mats, new hang boards and other great tools to aid in your climbing training!  Come in and start your own training program to improve your climbing!   

-SCC

Another New One "battle of evermore"

It seems I am climbing much more than working these days..  I am enjoying it mucho.  The problem I did was know as the battleship project.  I named it "the battle of evermore."  I had put a few day of work into this one last fall.  I finally made a return visit and was able to climb it.  I am thinking it should fall into the v11 or v12 range .  It is an excellent line on great rock.   Here is a short(not so great) video of the new problem.  Please enjoy.
-Austin


The Battle of Evermore from Sport Climbing Center on Vimeo.

Searching the Wets

Today Alex and I went into the Wet Mountain Range of Southern Colorado searching for boulders (of course).  Here are some photos of a new boulder problem I put up called "The Struggle".  (Video coming very very soon)

-Austin

Austin and I had another great day today exploring in the Wet Mountains.  The day was marked by some failures and some successes, luckily for us (and most climbers) a good day out doesn't (usually) ride to heavily on accomplishments.  We enjoyed great fall weather while hiking for many miles through some beautiful country, summiting high ridges and bushwhacking through narrow valleys as we searched one drainage after the next for new and exciting lines.  We ended the day on a high note as Austin very quickly and impressively put up a cool new line on a block he found earlier this week.  The problem (somewhere in the V8 range), which Austin is calling "The Struggle," went on the first go of the day.  Good day.

-Alex
  

Alex Ford. Austin Geiman Cleaning "The Struggle" on top rope in the background

"The Struggle"

The Struggle from Austin Geiman on Vimeo.

Newlin Creek

 Today a few people from SCC headed down to Newlin for a day of climbing in 32 degree temps.  The crew included Alex, Michael, Austin, Alexis, and Brian.  We headed strait up to The New Sector the finished the day on Megalodon.  Another great day in the Wet Mountains.  Here are a few Photos from the trip.

 Alexis on The Great Gatzke

 Alex on The Great Gumby

Michael on The Great Gumby

Welcome

Welcome to The Sport Climbing Center’s Blog! We will be posting regular updates on gym improvements, route-setting, outdoor climbing, training, and events. This will be the place to check out what is happening in the local climbing community. Please get involved; write comments and ask questions. If you would like to post something to this blog email photos and a write-up to austin@climbfu.com. Thanks for stoping by.