Autumn is here and the climbers know it. Every year, as the temperatures and humidity levels drop, climbers get serious. We have made the most out of summer’s fun and games, but Now is the time to climb. Outside, the crags are crowded as everyone attempts to send their projects while conditions are perfect. Inside, the climbing gym starts to fill as everyone tries to get stronger to achieve their fall goals. With the ever-shortening daylight, it is hard to hit the crags after work, so pulling down on plastic becomes the new weekday routine. The atmosphere in the gym is fun, familiar, and warm. Together, the boulderers suss out the beta on the new green route; they breathe heavy as they execute the most gymnastic moves across the steep terrain. Those resting yell and cheer in support, for there is a collective excitement when someone sends a bouldering problem that is at their limit. In the rope room, climbers take turns whipping off of the new yellow route, wondering how something so crimpy and technical down low became so pumpy and powerful up high. Despite being considered a more individualistic pursuit, these climbers are just as capable of producing a cacophony of celebratory hoots and hollers as the boulderers in the other room are.
For some, the excitement of fall rests not on the knowledge of those crisp mornings when you stick to the most heinous of holds, but rather on the knowledge that it is the competition season. The American Bouldering Series has begun to make its rounds across the nation and boulderers, both young and old, are hitting the road to rack up the points on their scorecard. While some of the competitors do indeed seem to have tendons made of steel, these events are just as fun for the recreational, or even the novice, climber. Often, locals will come out with friends to compete in the local events just for fun. A gym filled with new problems and shiny holds, the encouragement and camaraderie amongst the competitors, the potential to hit the jackpot in the raffle, and the opportunity to push yourself really hard for a few hours all serve to bring the climbing community together for a day in the gym.
Of course, Santa Fe wouldn’t be a town to miss out on the excitement. That’s why the Santa Fe Climbing Center will be presenting its annual High Desert Bouldering Bash on October 23, 2010. The event will be part of the American Bouldering Series, but all climbers, regardless of experience or skill level, are encouraged to come out for the day. Registration for the competition will occur at 11:00AM the day of the event, and climbing will begin at noon. The cost is $30.00 for USA Climbing members and members of the Santa Fe Climbing Center; $35.00 for non-members. For more information, contact SFCC at 986-8944 or visit www.climbsantafe.com.
Come out. Climb Hard. Have Fun!
Filed under: Having Fun Outdoors, Interesting Events, Mountain Shop, Outdoor Gear and Adventures
