Question to climbers?

Climbing is my main hobby for most of the year, and climbing 3 or 4 days a week doesn't leave time for much else. In the summer, when it's a bit hot for climbing on the east coast, I ramp up the road cycling (I just dabble most of the year) and do some casual backpacking/hiking with the girlfriend. If I lived near better surf or snowboarding I'd definitely get into those sports.

You do realize that there is only one reason for Zipps, right? If you don't race, you don't need them. Nothing says poser more than someone riding around on Zipps w/o a number pinned to his back. And, if those are clinchers...

Trad Climbing
Mountain Biking (fades in and out... it's really hard on my knees-- 29er SS most of the time)
Road Biking
Canyoneering (recent obsession)
Backpacking

Not really sports, but:
Cooking
Getting back into 35mm photography, too

Rock climbing in Arizona definitely takes up a lot of my time due to the proximity of climbing, but when i have time, the list goes:
Skiing (just finished up a week at breck but usually go to montana, definitely a passion)
Trad climbing
canyoneering
backpacking
hiking
scuba diving when i can and have people to go with
sailing when i am somwhere i can go sailing (not very easy in AZ)
surfing
I have been wanting to get into more alpine/ice/mountaineering style climbing but unfortunately living in AZ this is not very easy :(
and of course running to keep in shape for long approaches/higher elevations

Crag Dweller wrote:You do realize that there is only one reason for Zipps, right? If you don't race, you don't need them. Nothing says poser more than someone riding around on Zipps w/o a number pinned to his back. And, if those are clinchers...

+1
One bad crash and you're out $$$$$, too.

Ultegra, King, or White Industries + Open Pros are bombproof and roll smooth and forever.

Unless you race, there's NO reason for Carbon.

Davis Stevenson wrote:Trad Climbing Mountain Biking (fades in and out... it's really hard on my knees-- 29er SS most of the time)

That's why, SS is pretty burly on your body. Get some gears, a good bike fit and you will be able to ride more.

Jason N. wrote:Any ultimate players out there? I'm always surprised there isn't more cross-over between these hobbies. I guess they are kind of completely different pursuits, but the "type" of people they both attract seem fairly similar at first glance.

yeah, I have taken some time off though. used to go all around out west with a couple of club teams, sometimes I'd abandon my team on a Sat to climb and join in the tourney on Sun with fresh legs. then I realized that I loved local ultimate but would rather travel for rock instead. Playing ultimate while staring at the Flatirons for 2 days is an eye opener and helped me prioritize things.

also sailing
kayaking
fishing

I don't usually pose, but when I do, I go zipp.

stay thirsty my friends

wtf is a zipp??

Buff Johnson wrote:I don't usually pose, but when I do, I go zipp. stay thirsty my friends wtf is a zipp??

A very expensive pair of wheels. They are the -uckin bomb but, as someone said, if you crash on them you are potentially looking at a $$$$ loss. So, unless you're getting paid (in prize money and/or sponsorships), it's a silly investment.

Climbing
Mountain biking
Road biking
xc skiing
downhill skiing
trail running
sea kayaking
sailing
hiking

NorCalNomad wrote: That's why, SS is pretty burly on your body. Get some gears, a good bike fit and you will be able to ride more.

SS 29er with front suspension is the way to go in NAZ. I actually ride it faster than my Specialized Epic-- I end up spinning on it and that's what hurts my knees, goinn to try a set of 170mm cranks instead of 175mm this season since I am pretty short (5'7" on a good day)

I love everything active. I'm not a hater.

Climbing is the main addiction, but I also stray into mtn biking. I am moving to the mountains soon so I can play in snow again!

I like, when given the chance:
-climbing
-mtn biking
-soccer
-snowboarding
-motorcycle touring
-fabrication (currently building furniture)

I hate running. Want to try alpine / big mountain type climbing, hiking, and big wall climbing.

Although, I like it all... fixies are awesome, who cares if its a fad? Carbon fiber bike? So what, maybe the guy has more money than you.. get over it. Kayaking.. scares the hell out of me, but I'd give it a go. BASE jumping.. hmm.. it's on my to-do list.

I'm looking into a surf trip while visiting a friend in NC.

Do it all and who cares if you aren't great at it! If there is a smile on face, I'm good to go!

Cheers,

PS I think the more things you try the better your problem solving skills become in the general physical activity realm and thus the quicker you can pick up another sport / hobby anyway. I think it's good for the mind.

Between climbing, audio engineering, keeping my chops up with guitar, piano and drums, and keeping my gf happy. The only other thing I have time for is cycling (to and from the train for work).

otherwise, I'd like to get back into trail running, snow shoeing, serious cycling (not just commuting), and fishing. But living in the city with a full-time job and full-time career related extra-curriculars make it difficult.

Future endeavors:
-scuba diving
-sailing
(gotta leave Denver for the last two, so I'm thinking, activity level: retirement, on those).

engineer1984 wrote:Carbon fiber bike? So what, maybe the guy has more money than you.. get over it.

Never said anything about cost.... just said it's dumb. Chris King Hubs and Mavic Open Pros cost about the same as a pair of Zipps. They'll last forever, though, especially if you have 'em built by someone who's an awesome wheel-builder.

Climbing
climbing
climbing

and....

climbing.

Did I mention climbing?

I got a GREAT deal on the zipp wheels, wanted the 404's but got the 808's for about the same price. I have raced in the past, and when im in the mood, i put in 100+ miles a week so they dont just collect dust. Also, this pic and several others, were taken for insurance purposes. To all the outdoor enthusiasts, youve got no excuse to have your shit insured. I pay about 50 a month for up to 30,000 in coverage, which is nice becuase i travel LOTS. I have no pity for all those suckers whos shit gets jacked out of their car at 2am...

to not have yer shit insured

Buff Johnson wrote:to not have yer shit insured

I totally agree. Shit insurances suck! Being an exotic dancer, I ensured both of my legs though.