What makes it classic?

[pigsteak]

So after a sesh at the terminal with my brah ho hos, we started to ponder the meaning of life. Since we could not come to a consensus we decided to answer an easier question but again came up blank.

Speaking only about the Red, for you, how do you define a classic? Does it have to be at least ten years old? Is there such a thing as an instant classic? Is it the perfect rock, perfect movement, or perfect view that makes it so? Does it have to have a "story" behind the Fa?

[Jeff]

If it says it's a classic in the description.

[mcrib]

or in the comments.

[Andrew]

can't be bolted by Kipp, unless it was first bolted by someone else and then rebolted by Kipp with extra bolts added

[climb2core]

Classic: (adj) Judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.

A classic by definition needs to have stood the test of time. I would say a generation of climbing would be sufficient time. Porter routes can be classic, Trummel routes... not yet . It is the overall experience that makes the route exceptional. The movement, the exposure, the rock quality, and the length would all be factors, plus the significance to the history of the Red. A newer route could be exceptional and be "destined to be a classic" but not have stood the test of time yet. ie. Demon Seed or Amarillo Sunset compared to Orange Juice or King Me respectively.

[tbwilsonky]

ray.

[pumpout2004]

If I send: it is classic. If I fail: choss.

[KD]

I have to start climbing again and get on one of those seshes'. They sound fun. I think of classic as the ideal of a Red River Gorge route. A route that truly approaches perfection for the area for the type of climb it is. The time doesn't matter really so - sure there is such a thing as an instant classic. I would love to do a sesh on a classic. For me a classic would be very seshable.

[TradMike]

Allen Steck and Steve Roper found that classic routes usually met three criteria (listed in order of importance):
1) offer excellent climbing
2) the peak or route should look striking from afar and
3) should have a significant climbing history

[Brentucky]

If it were the first to break a grade barrier then I would say that qualifies as an "instant classic" in the area regardless how good the climbing is. I suppose it has to stand the test of a little time for grade confirmation, but otherwise, instant classic. For the rest of the soon-to-be classics, pigsteak, your time is coming.