where can I set up a top-rope at the Red?

Post by **loren** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 1:45 pm

Yeah, sorry. James was right. Come back when you are real climbers.

Post by **EL_TREVOR** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 3:50 pm

to be honest you really shouldnt be making a climbing trip if you cannot lead . its really not safe for a group of inexperienced climbers to climb at the gorge . accidents can happen .

Post by **kirwin** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:15 pm

Hi all -- thanks for the input. I didn't expect this to be such a volatile topic.

I do wonder, though, why every seems to think it's inherently unsafe. Having a group of inexperienced climbers who *think* they can lead sounds remarkably unsafe, but having a group that will only rig a toprope where they know they can do it safely doesn't sound like such a big deal. Is there something I'm overlooking?

In the meantime, we're looking into the possibility of hiring a guide. It may also turn into more of a hiking weekend than a climbing weekend.

Post by **MiaRock** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:37 pm

it wouldn't be as big of a deal if you could easily set up topropes here, but you really can't. definitely get a guide...

Post by **the lurkist** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 7:49 pm

crucial info that you don't know is that most routes end in the middle of walls or at the top but are very difficult to walk around to (would require rappelling, bush wacking, etc.)
Try a guide named Kenton. Good guy who hangs out at Miguels. He can hook you up.

Post by **ynot** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:09 pm

Wicked Tribe still guides ,I think. Send him a pm .He can take you paddling too.

Post by **meetVA** » Fri Mar 26, 2004 10:52 pm

kirwin wrote:Hi all -- thanks for the input. I didn't expect this to be such a volatile topic.

I do wonder, though, why every seems to think it's inherently unsafe. Having a group of inexperienced climbers who *think* they can lead sounds remarkably unsafe, but having a group that will only rig a toprope where they know they can do it safely doesn't sound like such a big deal. Is there something I'm overlooking?

In the meantime, we're looking into the possibility of hiring a guide. It may also turn into more of a hiking weekend than a climbing weekend.

Sorry if this is posted too late.

However, yes, there is something you are overlooking. As far as I know, there is NO-WHERE to do top-roping at the Red.
Go with the guide idea, that's your best bet. Get her/him to thoroughly explain and even supervise you on learning to clean gear when taking down the top-rope.
Good luck! I hope you guys have an awesome time at the Red and get pumped about learning lead and come back. I'm sure you know that climbers are opinionated mo-fos but a lot of it comes from concern. (I think there is a beating heart in most of the hard heads some where.)

I hope this thread hasn't turned you off of going to the Red. I hope too that the weather holds for y'all this weekend.
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Post by **Wicked Tribe** » Sun Mar 28, 2004 12:26 pm

I still guide. Check out: http://www.redriveroutdoors.com/climbing.htm?

If you just wanted ropes set up with your gear then I could cut you some kind of deal. PM me or email me for more info.

wwjd · Post by **wwjd** » Sun Mar 28, 2004 8:11 pm

I lead climb in the gym. Does that make me a real climber? I just passed the lead test a few days ago. That is why I am so excited to come down to the gorge.

Post by **the lurkist** » Mon Mar 29, 2004 2:56 am

you're the real deal then, jesus dude. "Rusty is in the club."