BEN & LAURA

[Spoonman]

FYI……..there are two new sport lines at the great Mother Lode, unfortunately ….MEMORIAL ROUTES

Shortly after the death (Nov. 4th 2008 ?), of Ben & Laura ……WE had a memorial service at Lady Slipper for the two….Talking among friends and/or the Miguel’s crew/family ….it was an idea discussed that memorial routes should at some time be placed, as LS was not an option, I suggested two routes that Mark Johnson and I had anchors on, yet had not bolted completely…

The routes: warm-ups in a high profile area seemed logical? Also, the fact that the warm-ups at the Lode are in demand (back Lode-d)….and the new routes would get some traffic/awareness.

Injuries (personal) and other issues (another death, moving, etc) have delayed this installation, but WE still think about B & L….and with the recent trend of accidents (errors)…maybe the memory/reminders of Ben & Laura could help one or more of US to live and hopefully climb in a tomorrow’s sunshine?

Until then, ……
• Show and tell your belayer that your knot is correctly tied before you climb.
• Also, have your belayer do the same while explaining that the belay is correctly loaded, and ready to catch ALL falls.
• Always check existing webbing around trees on trad route anchors, and back up if anything appears questionable.

The routes: technically, Mark did “Ben” (the left route) first (approx. 2004? On top-rope, clean). Mark also donated RAWL bolts, but I decided to go with the new glue-ins. I did the right route in 2004 also. In 2011, holes were drilled, etc, but WE had HOPED to give Miguel’s the FA. Both routes have been climbed with bolts and are fun!

Lastly, the two routes do converge to a degree at the second bolt, unfortunately? I did not coverge into the other route, but after it was bolted i could see how some may try to climb around one hard move. Not important really. From an artistic standpoint I can respect that they "Join" and in this circumstance and would like to think that this is best for these two routes.

“Ben” 5.10d ? (Sport) ****
Memorial route for Ben Strohmeier
FA: Miguel’s Pizza
Bolts: 6


“Laura” 5.11a ? (Sport) ***
Memorial route for Laura Fletcher
FA: Miguel’s Pizza
Bolts: 7

I will keep the draws on it for as long as possible this season, just to help flow.....

peace

GM

[Wolf]

Thanks to you and Mark. Where at the Lode are the routes?

[dustonian]

Awesome, these must be left of the 5.11 warmup wall right? I think the fact the routes converge in the middle is perfect given their significance. Thank you!!

[Spoonman]

That is correct......might even breathe some "L" into "3WB", which i actually like......, but how many people bring gear to the lode.....besides me?

[dustonian]

I always kind of wanted to climb Crescenta & Stabbed in the Back....

[ynp1]

That's cool. Thanks for the work you put into them.

[One-Fall]

Wonderful Tribute.

[Elodie]

This is such a wonderful gift and reminder for all of us.
Thank you!
Thinking of you, Ben & Laura.

[Yasmeen]

Thanks, Greg and Mark. I added them to the online guidebook:
http://www.redriverclimbing.com/RRCGuid ... te&id=2366
http://www.redriverclimbing.com/RRCGuid ... te&id=2367

[Artsay]

How sad yet significant, warm, and honorable all at the same time.
May these be that last memorial routes the Red ever sees.

Thank you, Greg and Mark.