UKC

Matt Birch of Otley, West Yorkshire (England) is no stranger to the bouldering areas around Bishop, California, being a frequent visitor from back in the day; as much for the "beautiful landscape," he says, as for the world class bouldering. One of his greatest achievements on the quartz-monzonite orbs of the Buttermilk Country was his first ascent of The Swarm a confirmed 8b+ or V14 at the Secrets of the Beehive Area.

Matt has now further consolidated his Font 8b+ credentials with a repeat of the sit start to the Mandala.

Read more (with VIDEO) at http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/older.html?month=02&year=2008#n42747

In reply to Mick Ryan - Editor - UKC:

Fantastic effort Matt - Well done!

In reply to Mick Ryan - Editor - UKC:

Good effort!

Us mortals love this quote - "I was hampered by bad skin".

So I just need to moisturise.....



Or maybe the implication is about how fine a margin distinguishes the cutting edge ascents' success or failure these days.

J

In reply to Mick Ryan - Editor - UKC:

Well done Matt - they are going to have to start issuing tickets for The Mandala boulder soon (Hueco style!).

In reply to Moacs: Maybe the cutting edge from just plain cut?

Good to see you are still climbing a bit harder than me, Matt. Remember Mother's Day twenty years ago? Ouch.