Vote! Best Problems!

Why? Because why not. Vote suckas! Do it here, do it now.

Meeting with Forest Service

Alan and Ian are meeting with a rep for the Forest Service Wednesday morning. We see it as a way to open up a dialogue with the Forest Service so that we can sort through issues before they become blown up with the publishing of the new guide. So far, we are planning on discussing.

1. Access: Is there any way to get those gates open earlier.

2. Trail Building: Is this a problem?

3. Parking in the Campground: What exactly are the rules?

4. What concerns does the Forest Service have?

What else? What questions do you all have? How should we approach these issues? Comment here and we'll post answers later this week.

BMW

With the gate open, posting our Black Mountain plans for the weekend just doesn't seem to be so important. There will be plenty of people going up there anyway, so who needs us? That being said, we'll be out there both days. We're not sure on Saturday, but Sunday begins at the top, at the base of the lookout tower, before moving down to the Bang On area. Come on out!

BMW

Black Mountain Wednesdays are getting popular! Ten of us were at the summit yesterday, climbing around NRA, Bang On, and Cracker Boy. How did we get up there, with the gate closed and all? Easy, THE GATE IS OPEN! No more long hikes required.

Above you can see Alan on an unnamed v8 near Cracker Boy. What's going on there? A nasty mantle topout, that's what.

Below is Mike on a v2 warmup near NRA. There is a few boulders with a bunch of quality v0-v3, right through the cave from the main circuit. The summit is much cooler than the Corral or Boulder Basin, so check it out on those hot hot summer days.

And a question. Does anyone know about all those climbs near Bang On? There are a number of tall faces in the area, and I'm sure someone has climbed them, but who?

One Month, 1,000 Visits!

Today is a day of celebration! It appears as if the BMB is doing its job - getting word out about Black Mountain's unknown climbs and putting us in touch with the older generation of Black Mountain climbers who know more about this mountain than anyone. Hats off to everyone who's contacted us about putting up problems in the 80s and 90s! This mountain has such a history, it makes us proud to be contributing to it.

In the month since BMB conception we've had over 1,000 page views and nearly 400 unique visitors. We hope this keeps up!

Below Loh's

After tromping around the mountain, solo, or with one or two other people for the majority of the spring, it was very nice to have a few extra heads, spots, and pads yesterday. We focused our efforts on the cluster of large, previously undocumented blocks below Morphic Res and Loh's Roof. There are five or so gigantic boulders of decent quality further down the gully that have some high ball potential as well as some steeper, not so tall angles. Has anybody scoped these out in the past? Above, Alan is attempting a ground up ascent, brush in hand, of an enormous but featured face, gained by bouldering through the steeper V6ish lower section. Below, Alex and the T brothers are trying to power through for a second ascent of Lobotomy V11ish located 10ft to the right of Loh's Roof.

BMW

The weather isn't perfect, but we will persevere! OK Coral on Saturday, Republic on Sunday. We should have a large crowd both days, and as always, all are welcome.