First I had to traverse the slope that passes over the lakes and then steeply continues past them.
My bike that I have worked hard to obtain and maintain is proving to be a trickster, in that my gears are very unresponsive.
This means if I don´t shift gears way before approaching the uphill part I come to a literally grinding halt as my chain jumps from sprocket to sprocket but never really settles down where it should. Minor nuisance, I guess I need to try and take care of that as well...
So I arrive at VKK pre-warmed from my uphill battle. I had hurried myself quite a bit since i did not want to be late. As I walk up the stairs to the boulder room, I can hear the mingle of many voices, and sure enough the room is crowded with some faces I know well and a lot that I have never seen before. The red ribbon is tied from one side of the room to the other. I came for the climbing, not so much the formalities of the opening ceremony. I had to remind myself that it would probably be a while before we were allowed to climb. So I venture into the Men´s changing room to get dressed. Two of my other climbing buddies are already getting changed and we make small talk surrounding the competition/event.
I had never been to a climbing competition, but this format was very social, because everyone who wanted to compete could do so simultaneously, if there was room. We were also allowed to help each other out with the different routes. So all in all a very fun event with 13 routes, 10 of which yours truly completed. A minor feat when compared to the first, second and third place scorers.
The three routes that I did not complete were unique. The first was very short and went upwards in a C shape. There was a big space between the 2nd last and 3rd last grip that I was not able to overcome with only a pinch grip to support me. The second route was the harshest route, as the grips themselves, were so rough that they cleaved flesh from bones (dramatization), and they were placed on the slanted loft, to put even more weight on the flesh of your fingers. Only the first prize winner Tobias managed after many a manly grunt to sling his long limbs across the ceiling to the final grip. The third route was a technically demanding and tested your stamina in its length across the room. My friend Asger spilled blood in his valiant attempt to conquer the route, but alas the finger had burst in a sudden jolt, aimed towards a grip, but hitting the wooden box on which it was mounted and thus ended his trials. As i write this entry my hands still aching and the fresh calluses ripped open by the fresh handholds I must admit that this is something I enjoy. Somewhat masochistic but monkeying around is what i do.
Ps. There was cake, chips, candy, fruit and soda! :P (I took a bunch of fruit home..)
Here is a link if you want to see more pictures from the event.
https://picasaweb.google.com/113216818529285254943/VKKBoulderRumIndvielse?authkey=Gv1sRgCN2egNOvq8ueUA#
And here is the link to the coverage by the local tv station. Perhaps you can spot me...
http://www.tvmidtvest.dk/nettv/?id=10569
Ingen kommentarer:
Send en kommentar