Murphy’s Law
June 12th, 2010
I just had a great eight days of climbing and biking with tireless Pat Murphy of Toronto. In spite of the 100 degree heat in the desert, we were able to complete a number of classic climbs in area including the Kor/Ingalls route on Castleton Tower and the never ending Ground Control to Major Tom in the Black Canyon and the historic Otto’s Route on Independence Monument. We took early starts every day to avoid the heat, which worked well in the cool of the high desert mornings. We even managed a day of bolt clipping and edge crimping in Ouray.
Our biking adventures saw us road rippin’ across Colorado National Monument and single trackin’ in Fruita and Crested Butte. The mix of short, hard climbs, longer, easier ones as well as both road and mountain biking made for a good “alpine climb simulator” over the eight days. Rest and copious beer was in order on the ninth. Sounds a bit like some new religion? I know that we found salvation. Seriously, this mix of activities really is a good way to train for a “the big routes” and focus on a variety of muscle groups, energy outputs and types of mental focus, AND without much objective hazard. It’s a lot of fun, too!
Here’s a some photos of a few of the highlights.
8 days in Colorado climbing desert spires, the walls of the Black Canyon and some HOT, HIGH biking was WICKED!!! Can’t wait to do it again. Thanks Vince!!