Spring Break: Intermediate Climbing at the Red!

OVERVIEW

Looking to warm up a bit this break, but not so interested in just bumming around a beach??

Well excellent! Instead come bum around one of the best sport climbing crags on the East Coast with the Outdoors Club!

We’re going to the Red River Gorge, in small-town Slade Kentucky. Apparently the scenery is beautiful and the location’s about as close to a climber’s retreat as possible. The routes are world-class, attracting all sorts of climbers eager to try their best on the red sandstone and limestone cliffs. We’ll be staying (camping) at the legendary and traditional Miguel’s pizza — and at two bucks a person per night, the prices here can’t be beat. Supposedly the pizza’s pretty tasty too!

Weather’s currently looking pretty good, and I’m planning on driving down pretty close to 12:00 pm on Friday, and be returning by maybe 3:30 on Wednesday.

Difficulty range at the RRG is decent, with some easier 5’8s and some 5’9s, but most of this stuff will be in the 10+ range. Much of the rock is bolted, with plenty of trad routes for the adventurous. Personally, I expect to do primarily Sport climbing. I’ll probably be setting up some top ropes, but I’m looking to push myself on lead this break, so the more people with experience, the better. For this reason, I’m going to call this trip “intermediate”, and I’d recommend seeing the below QUIZ to figure out if the trip’d be good to you:

—QUIZ—-
Can lead climb +1
Can lead belay +1
Consistently can climb 5.8/5.9 on TR +1
Go to the rec wall on a solid basis +1
Can TR belay +.5
Can “clean” +1

—KEY—
(0-1.5)
Hard to tell if I’ll be able to get you on the trip. If there’s an opening in the car, I’ll take you along, and I’ll try to let you know as soon as possible whether there’s room!

(1.5-3.5)
You’d likely be good for this trip, and this trip for you! Let’s see how many people sign up, and if there’s a spot, I’ll put in a serious effort to get you on the trip.

(3.5-5.5)
Awesome! We’d be happy to have you and I’ll do whatever I can to get you on the trip.
———–

Anyways, I’ve wanted to go to the RRG for a long time now, so I’m thrilled to finally get the opportunity to go. The Club should be able to hook us up with some sweet gear, gas money, and lodging costs, so costs should be pretty low on this trip.

I’m super excited, and I hope yall are too. Looking forward to an awesome Spring Break!