I've been intrigued with climbing for about a decade but had never pulled the trigger due to a healthy respect of the sudden stop after a long fall. I used to lurk on the climber's newsgroups and know what a 5.10 climb is (relatively tough on a scale of 5.0, basically stairs, and 5.13, super tough). But I had never found the time or opportunity to actually try it myself. Until Monday night. I'm 40, so what the heck. I learned ice hockey at 36, I guess I'm just a late bloomer. Or perhaps I have a death wish.
It seems the ATL cycling community loves to rock climb. As I pull into the parking lot of
Atlanta Rocks (Intown), nearly half the cars have a bike rack on it. I think it's because, when you do it right, you're using your legs a great deal. Perfect for cyclists. Anyway, as I pulled in, I was both anxious and excited. I had come to this moment due to two things: one, I knew this day would come eventually, and two, my Inside the Perimeter peloton (many of which were new to climbing) were coming as well. I'm having withdrawals from not riding with them 3-4 nights a week.
Catherine and Jeff had agreed to help Kitty, Phil and Sallie, and myself learn to climb. Without them, the night doesn't happen as they were the only ones certified to belay us (manage the rope hooked in to our harness that allows us to climb safely without falling). Honorable mentions to Becky G and Jo who are certified but couldn't make it. BTW - thanks to Cat and Jeff for helping me get belay certified. Your instruction was concise, memorable, and complete!
Of course, I got there early and got my rental stuff. I figured out how to put on the shoes (laces side up). Catherine had to stifle a chuckle as she tells me that my harness that wraps around my legs and waist is on backwards. Figures. But I'm glad, because I was not looking forward to a very "comfortable" evening if you know what I mean. Harnesses are meant to fit snug everywhere so that you can't slip out. Create your own visuals at this point. Let's just say, it's NOT super cool for guys to wear tight fitting pants. 'Nough said. I'm in some cargo shorts, thankfully.
So on to the climbing. My first climb of the evening ended up being my best; mainly because my arms were fresh and my confidence was high. Luckily I found an easy path that was pretty much like climbing a ladder. I just went vertical. I'm not too good about swinging from side to side like a primate yet. I found the biggest holds and lurched up. As I watched MonkeyBoy Jeff do the same climb for his warm up, it looked like he used about an eighth of the effort I expended. I'm straining and grunting to the top. He looks like Tarzan nearly swinging from hold to hold. Anyway, I actually made it to the top on my first go. It was rated a 5.6! Slightly harder than say climbing a rose trellis. Woohoo! However, I'm already realizing that I'm not going to be a natural at this sport.
Now the fun began. During the climb up I'm completely engrossed in the wall, the holds, and where my feet were being placed (and basically clinging on for dear life). Now at the top, I looked down. Ooops. It's really not that high, but it would be disadvantageous to fall, I'm thinking. After you climb, you don't climb down. It's dangerous and time consuming. So, in theory, you create an "L" with your body (legs outstretched and touching the wall). This means trusting your belay partner as you sit back into it the position. So, Jeff tells me tells me that he's about to start lowering once I "assume the position". But I couldn't just automatically do it! Thankfully, everyone's watching me and helps me find the courage to release my death grip on the wall after about 5 seconds of fear. Repelling down was actually fun! The other climbs that night weren't nearly as good, but if you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough. There was always a point where my legs were starting to shake, forearms were burning like acid was being poured on them, and my confidence would just completely leave me.
But at least after that first climb, I'm feeling pretty good about myself when I see Kitty scoot up a harder route making it look easier. Kitty started 7 days ago and is born for this stuff. Sally also picks a tough route and is doing well as her first climb. She has the same issues I do about sudden stopping from a height. Phil was methodical in picking his way to the top but looked confident the whole way. Cat and Jeff are experienced and make this stuff look TOO easy. I'm learning that cyclists have can do attitudes.
Net result: I'm probably hooked. It's a good workout (and can only get better as I get stronger at it), fun with a group, and is quite challenging. These are my ingredients for a fun evening. Thanks to my belayers for your excellent instruction and for trusting me not to drop you. If you're interest in climbing, this is a perfect time to start learning with all the novices currently showing up. "Atlanta Sports and Fitness" magazine has coupons for an introductory session if your game. It's "Ladies Night" on Mondays at the intown club as well. Hope to see you out there. I'm looking for climbing buddies! Climb on!
