Prolific new-router Gary Gibson recently climbed his 5,000th new route — an impressive achievement following a period of ill health. A keen route-logger with his own database of climbs and first ascents, Gary reckons he has climbed around 17,600 routes in total so far in his career.
In reply to nickcanute:thank you to you and everyone that has supported me through some very tough times of late and I am flattered by the article and as always my love to Hazel who has always been alongside me on this turbulent journey 💝
Congrats on getting there. An interesting read, Gary, particularly where you talk about your future. I've not climbed for almost a decade now. Some aspects I miss, particularly the sheer pleasure of moving over rock (when it worked!). Other aspects I don't. I think climbing accentuated some of my less desirable personality traits and brought out an obsessive and selfish side in me. Giving up did feel a little bit sad but also freeing in a way. It's good to hear you have other things to fill the future with. Is this last route your swan song? Also, do you know how many Hazel accompanied you on? She often seemed to figure in the Pembroke articles in the old mags.
In reply to Lankyman:Hazel is the absolute love of my life, my friend added to which, she helped save my life when a block fractured my skull, severed the rope and put me into a coma and into life support in Frenchay hospital in 1988
this may be my swan song as climbing is very difficult at the moment with no feeling in either hand, as you can imagine but it’s not a badge of honour either
I think it's a fantastic achievement, and to find a soulmate to accompany you on the journey is brilliant. A life well lived as they say. Congratulations.
What a stunning achievement and, at the outset, in the teeth of a deal of opprobrium. You couldn't pick up a climbing mag in the early 80s without some vituperative comment on his use of bolts. Have a rest!
In reply to Gary Gibson: Well done Gary, we would frequently climb your routes when I lived in Derbyshire. Thanks for all of the hard work creating these routes.. All the very best, Simon
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