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JR wrote: This video doesn't prove or disprove his claim. But it does show that it was at least possible for him to climb at that level.

there were three items which - according to the LONG ASS UKC thread - Simpson supporters cited in support of his claims. the Action Directe video, the Perky Pinky Schoolroom video (mega-classic climbing pron), and that Rich was studying for a PhD at Cambridge. i'm not sure how top-tier academia figures into athletic prowess, but the other two seemed pretty substantial... for me, at least.

but according to the fine forums fellows "hundreds of people" can do video links of Action Directe, and doing links is never the same as clipping chains. using their keen investigative skills, the forum goers went on to speculate that Rich may have decided he was 'close enough' to take credit; how many one-hangs does it take to go ahead and tick it off?

If I send something that was tough for me, I go the opposite route and say something like "man I fell twice up there"

Do you think someone would really lie about their accomplishments for sponsorship? I really think people lie about that stuff for high-fives and fist bumps. Gheyness.[/quote]


I disagree, ray. Rich was/is a bad ass ,and Im totally guessing, but i wouldn't be surprised at all if he was able to make a living with his sponsorships. I could see someone thinking, "If i don't send this, i lose the life im leading". That has to be a ton of pressure. When you or I are approaching the end of the season, and we don't pull off the send, it sucks, but is not really a big deal. We just come back next season and try again. If a pro doesn't send it, maybe they lose their sponsorship and have to get a real job.

Im still holding out that Rich is telling the truth and this is media drama.

yes, I go down with the ship a lot.

Fair enough, makes sense. I do remember hearing about some tallies on what top climbers can earn and it was pretty substantial. I've heard of people doing silly things just to maintain their status. I hear that's why you'll see these guys going after extensions and link-ups of previous lines they've done quicker than new lines just because the grade is an easier bag that way. They have a quota to meet.

tbwilsonky wrote:[ and that Rich was studying for a PhD at Cambridge. i'm not sure how top-tier academia figures into athletic prowess, but the other two seemed pretty substantial... for me, at least.

i've don't spend much time following the press and watching videos so have never heard of the guy. but from my view at the lower, marginal and tattered edges of academia, the place is ripe with nonsense and self gratifying gheyness. in a way, could fit the profile.

then again, he could be a total badass that sought out sponsorship for charitable reasons and sees providing proof as beneath his dignity.

which reminds me of all the sweet things my last boss said.

SCIN wrote:As I get older, peer recognition becomes less important and I find it strange what people do for it. I think that men who go to great accomplishments to get high-fives from their bros have severe self esteem issues and are slightly homosexual. I can't think of any other reason why someone would lie about their accomplishments. Is it really that important to be liked? What does being liked get you in life if you're self sufficient and need nothing else? I know of a climber who absolutely crushes things and the ONLY way I ever hear of it is through the person that was belaying him that day. I wish I was that much of a man.

Agreed, but if nobody ever boasted about their accomplishments, would we have anyone to inspire us to try harder? That said, there is certainly a such thing as going too far...

I know a few climbers who have made up stories about how hard they send. I've even witnessed a climber turn in a winning scorecard for a comp, when he didn't send a single hard problem. Hard to identify with, but easy to believe...

not just elite climbers that do it. I have belayed folks who fell going to the chains and ticked the route. I have seen people use cheater stones and claim a redpoint. I have seen a person fall 15 times first time up the route, 6 times second time on the rope and send next go....this is not three attempts folks, but 22 goes. or is it? btw, a 2:30 marathon would be nothing for a sub 4 minute runner.

its human nature to think we are better looking than we are, smarter than the next person, have the right political bent, know what god thinks or if he exists, assume that our climbing accomplishments matter one iota, and pretend we don't care what others think. fact is, it is all a myth and lie you are telling yourself.

Damn, Piggy... you are such a buzz kill. So say I - the number 1 greatest most humble person ever.

512OW wrote:

SCIN wrote:As I get older, peer recognition becomes less important and I find it strange what people do for it. I think that men who go to great accomplishments to get high-fives from their bros have severe self esteem issues and are slightly homosexual. I can't think of any other reason why someone would lie about their accomplishments. Is it really that important to be liked? What does being liked get you in life if you're self sufficient and need nothing else? I know of a climber who absolutely crushes things and the ONLY way I ever hear of it is through the person that was belaying him that day. I wish I was that much of a man.

Agreed, but if nobody ever boasted about their accomplishments, would we have anyone to inspire us to try harder? That said, there is certainly a such thing as going too far...

I know a few climbers who have made up stories about how hard they send. I've even witnessed a climber turn in a winning scorecard for a comp, when he didn't send a single hard problem. Hard to identify with, but easy to believe...

I guess i should've said "extreme measures" instead of "great accomplishments". Falsifying information and exaggerating just seems so needy. I also know of someone who lied on her scorecard. I think we all know about it. Lame.

People who inspire usually don't need to lie or boast to do so. Their actions are found out regardless because it's hard to hide if you're that good. Crushing mutant doesn't even do a very good job of it.