RRC Archives

Do you find that people are facsinated with you when they find out you climb?

I've been going to a physical therapist for my ankle & everyone in that office just batters me with questions every time I go in. Then they start asking questions about other aspects of my life & just find it amazing that a girl climbs, has a crotchrocket [edit to read fast motorcycle], etc., etc..

What's the fascination?

Disclaimer:
Not that I'm a "real climber" but ya know...to the average non-climbin community...they don't know the difference.

crotchrocket? you have a crotchrocket? er, um, are you sure you are a girl if you have those extra parts?

[edit]I thought you ment a fast motorcycle. I just like giving a little bit of grief when people say funny things that they didn't intend.[/edit]

That you are a chick and that you climb. when people find out that I climb they give me a wierd look and stop talking

oh.

yes they are fascinated...and then they tell me how they mountineeeeeeeeeered this or that...I don't tell them it's not the same thing...i just smile and nod my head
or
they claim, "it probably takes a lot of upper body strength" i just laugh and say nah...look at me...I'm a weak girl and i can do it...

The reaction I usually get is: oh, so you're going to be dead soon, eh?

a co-worker's response:

umm.. ok. how about you come over my place and play chess instead of trying to kill yourself on the weekends?

Agree with them that it is extremely dangerous and to never let their family do it. Tell them you have lost 4 friends to climbing accidents. Keeps the crags less crowded.

This thread reminds me of a movie. IIRC, in one of the bonus features on the "Shallow Hal" DVD, Gwyneth goes walking around the neighborhood where they filmed the movie wearing the fat suit. No one knows who she is, and know one knows she is wearing a fat suit and she is astounded by the difference in the way people treat her.