The Colorado Bouldering Season

The hot, hot heat of summer finally dissipated into the perfect temps of autumn. The Aspen leaves were glowing yellow around Colorado and the air was crisp in my lungs.

I had been in a bit of a lull since hurting my finger at the Vail World Cup in June, and although I was still able to climb, the recovery was slow. The fear of re-injuring my finger made me hesitant in my movements, and my motivation less than overwhelming.

And then it happened... One fine October day I went for my morning after-coffee experience and found the Yosemite guidebook sitting on the back of the throne. I felt a spark flicker deep inside me. Each page that turned was like oxygen to the flame, until I felt a burning so intense I knew I was getting my mojo back.
Or it could have just been the Taco Bell from the previous day's lunch.

Whatever the case, it was time for some damn rock climbing!
The plan was as much climbing outside as possible to get "outdoor fit" and develop some tough skin and a confident head for my Second Annual Trip to Yosemite Valley. The word "Yosemite" alone is enough to get anyone who calls themselves a climber excited.

Alas, the title of this blog is The Colorado Bouldering Season. I mean, yes, I'm unbelievably antsy to get out to the Valley, but until then, Rocky Mountain granite is the next best thing!

The Bischer Traverse V8 Poudre Canyon

Surfing The Tsunami V9 Poudre Canyon

Resonated V9 Eldorado Canyon

Beautiful day out climbing!

One Ton Ho V9 Poudre Canyon

The following sequence shots are on Mind Matters V11 in Guanella Pass

All Photos by Kelly McBride

 

Needless to say, it's been fun! Not pictured, but, I believe, worth mentioning, was the Girls' Day trip I went on with Angie Payne to Wild Basin where we both managed to, in quite literally opposite styles, take down a few V8's and V10's.

Taking the van all over climbing areas in Colorado has been a blast, and with the awesome bed I (by "I" I mean Kevin Cuckovich and Stephen Ogburn) made to go in the back, some of the trips have been overnight stays to get those few extra hours of climbing in. But while the van bed is extremely comfy and convenient, having to get out of the vehicle to brave the cold, crisp air to cook dinner by headlamp, or breakfast in the morning wind is becoming something I'd rather not grow more accustomed to.

Perhaps an even greater upgrade is in my near future...