Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Joe's Valley

Last week, I spent four days climbing in Joe's Valley, where I was reminded -- as if I could ever forget -- how much I like sandstone. I was also reminded that static climbing has its limitations, and if I'm ever to be a more versatile boulderer, I must overcome my aversion to dynamic movement. Indeed, nearly every classic line that I attempted in Joe's involves a difficult throw or deadpoint. This style of climbing is not within my skill-set, but I wish it was. So I'll be heading back to Joe's in two weeks, with hopes of learning a thing or two about the biomechanics of huck (or, failing that, I'll find out where all the static, lock-off problems reside).  




Justin warming up on the Angler.



Big Joe



They Call Him Jordan. They call me a goddamn chump who couldn't jump if his life depended on it. And one day it might. Who knows?



Simone is an honest dog, who doesn't feign motivation when tired. Instead, she rests her ragged paws and worn muscles, and laughs at the cavalier conceits of her human companions who refuse to do the same.



Justin executing "the move" on Maxipad.



Team Effort



See? Team Effort.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ryan,

My how you have become such a hippie. Sorry to be a stalker but I was very bored at work and googled you. Shoot me an email and let me know how you are: nobles@musc.edu. Take a listen to the band I started with Will and a few guys from med school. Yep, that's me singing, and yep, it's still as terrible as it was in high school. Nice to see that you're enjoying life.

Ryan

Anonymous said...

I love the picture of Simone...I have honest dogs too... they are asleep in front of my fireplace right now while I hurry around them cleaning. I think maybe I should lie down with them...

Anonymous said...

Okay, so, "Anonymous" is your cousin, Erin. Who has an identity, but was to stupid to figure out how to have one the first time!

sock hands said...

jordan beta: instead of throwing big up to the jug, do a bit of a stab out left to a sidepull crimp, then hand, heel match and go statically to the upper jug as a gaston, settle on it and match. no jump required, just as fun.