Upcoming ABS Competitions
01/19/08 - Climb Time of Blue Ash - Cincinnati, OH - Youth Regional Championships
02/16/2008 - The Spot - Boulder, CO - Youth National Championships
04/19/08 - Wall Crawlers - Whitewater, WI - SCS Local Competition
05/03/08 - North Wall - Crystal Lake, IL - SCS Local Competition
50/04/08 - Hidden Peak - Chicago, IL - SCS Local Competition
05/17/08 - ADVENTURE ROCK - Pewaukee, WI - SCS Regional Competiton
06/14 - 06/15/08 - Rock Quest - Cincinnati, OH - SCS Divisional Competiton
07/11 - 07/13/08 - Planet Granite - Sunnyvale, CA - SCS National Championships
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HP40 Adventures in Bouldering
After 12+ hours of driving and months of anxious anticipation, the ARCT gang arrived in Steele, Alabama and set to work taking in all that HP40 has to offer. A mixture of rock formations, wilderness and Native American history, Horse Pens 40 is located atop Chandler Mountain in the foothills of the Appalachians and it nothing short of a boulderer’s utopia.
Anxious as they were, the team members were asked to refrain from climbing upon arrival in order to preserve skin and strength. Though reluctant to do so, the gang agreed and much of the first evening was spent exploring and waiting for a necessary campfire supply, wood.
As is the HP tradition, climbers warmed up at the Ten Pin Boulders and familiarized themselves with the landscape, before dispersing throughout the area. It was not long before youthful energy came face-to-face with elder wisdom; climbers were eager and had ambitions of climbing well into the evening. The old people (aka the Coaches Runnells) won out as everyone quickly learned that Horse Pens, though full of friction, is not so easy on the ol’ digits! By late afternoon, it was necessary to call it a day. The gang headed back to camp and got to work preparing one of many ‘gourmet’ meals.
Nights can get very cool in the South and thankfully the team had an expert outdoorsman (or two) on board. Nestled around a camp fire with hot chocolate and plenty of candy, the gang decompressed and shared their favorite climbs of the day. Among team favorites were Wasp (V2), Inspect Her Gadget (V7), Bum Boy (V3) and Dope (V2).
Day two brought with it experience and a few growing pains. After a colorful taping session, it was again off to the Ten Pin Boulders to warm up before continuing to explore the expanse of HP boulders. Climbers chose a number of areas and problems and worked well through the morning ticking off problems and regularly consulting their walking guidebook (Coach Brian) for suggested problems. Climbing took a new turn Saturday evening as the gang headed out after sunset for some bouldering by headlamp.
And as quickly as it began, the trip came to an end. Each climber, in his or her own way, had many successes over the course of the trip. Climbing is about much more than an illusive number, a grade to be reached. A truly successful climber is a person who seeks out challenges, works hard and enjoys the process; thank you ARCT for understanding the true nature of the sport. May the members of the ARCT who ventured to HP40 look back, years from now, on their time together fondly as it truly was an adventure!
Now, the HP40 Climber Awards:
Best Attitude (which correlated to many successes) Nate Derus
* Always positive, always encouraging and never short of determination, Nate was an example to all!
Most Insightful Andrew Nimmer
* Andrew showed wisdom beyond his years and modeled a true climber’s ethic.
Greatest Fashion Sense Tony Brengosz
* Throwback cords and a fabulous near-mullet, Tony won everyone over with his style and climbing grace.
Most Ambitious Project Seeker Kevin Rafferty
* Kevlar made a point of choosing which routes to conquer and wasted no time in doing so.
Most Helpful Sarah Brengosz
* Sarah, always ready and willing to help, kept spirits high, dishes clean and bellies full (and did her best to
keep the boys in line).
Best Guidebook! Danny Clifford
* Laminated and hole punched, Danny’s guidebook was nothing short of spectacular.
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Red River Gorge Trip '07 - Pulldown & Hoedown
With a light misty rain falling, the Adventure Rock Climbing Team packed up its gear - tents, packs, ropes and plenty of Pub Mix - and departed for The Red River Gorge, Kentucky. By early evening the 15 passenger van, complete with a WI cheese head hood ornament, pulled into the campground and prepared for the weekend ahead with a rousing game of "Eat Poop You Cat".
The ARCT set the pace for the rest of the trip by working hard on day one. The team made the trek to Muir Valley to check out one of the newest areas, the Bone Yard. In spite of warm temperatures, the team made the most of their day by exploring many new routes. After hiking out, a swim was in order and the team made its way to a local favorite swimming hole.
Left Flank and Military Wall were on the docket for day two, as was a trip to the famous Hoedown at Natural Bridge State Park. Favorite routes of day two included To Defy the Laws of Tradition (.10a), Fast Food Christians (.10a), Face Up the Crack (.8), Mr. Bungle (.8) and Table of Colors (.13a) - congrats Alex. Favorite dances from the Hoedown included the Broom Dance, the Canadian Stomp, the Chicken Dance and the Forever Dance. Props to Tony Brengosz for dominating the Canadian Stomp!
With Miguel's pizza on the brain, the ARCT departed for Roadside on day three. Routes such as AWOL (.10a), Pulling Pockets (.10d) and, of course, Ro Shampo (.12a) kept everyone working hard. With temperature (and fatigue) on the rise, the gang departed for yet another adventurous afternoon of swimming. Much of the evening was spent at Miguel’s. Pizza and Ale 8 was plentiful.
And just that quickly the ARCT Pulldown and Hoedown 2007 Adventure was over. Energy was high from start to finish; the ARCT worked hard and played hard and the many memories will not soon be forgotten - check out the pictures!
