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Michael's Project: Timeless classic or horrific sandbag?

Chest Rockwell · · Lodi, WI · Joined May 2002 · Points: 40
Jay Knower wrote: Not that it matters Chest, but no, I haven't led the route. Usually, when I want to go climbing, I aim for something called "fun." You may have heard of it. Leading Michael's does not fall into the aforementioned category, so I tend to avoid it, in the same way I would avoid things like bee stings, poison ivy, and snake bites.
Jay-

You bring up two points here...

1. "Usually, when I want to go climbing, I aim for something called 'fun.'"
2. "Leading Michael's does not fall into the aforementioned category..."

With respect to point number 1. I suspect you use quotation marks around the word "fun" because you know that climbing isn't always fun in the moment. Sometimes climbing is fun only retrospectively, sometimes climbing isn't fun at all, sometimes climbing is simply rewarding, but it seems that climbing is always "fun."

Regarding your point number 2. It seems that since you've never led Michael's Project, you aren't qualified to make this claim; regardless of how you define "fun."

In conclusion, having led Michael's Project several times in my climbing career, I can say the it does fall into the category of "fun," even if it does not fall into the catefory of fun. A lead of Michael's Project is very rewarding. Perhaps you should try it sometime.

Chest
Cory Bartholomew · · Ă–stersund, Sweden · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 10

A timeless classic sandbag. One of the few climbs I've fallen on while leading (hucking for the big jug down low).

joe edmonds · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2007 · Points: 0
Jay Knower wrote: Not that it matters Chest, but no, I haven't led the route. Usually, when I want to go climbing, I aim for something called "fun." You may have heard of it. Leading Michael's does not fall into the aforementioned category, so I tend to avoid it, in the same way I would avoid things like bee stings, poison ivy, and snake bites.
As Barry Blanchard once said, "It doesn't have to be fun, to be fun."
James Schroeder · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined May 2002 · Points: 3,166

Joe-

Thanks for reviving this thread, and I hope you'll join me in giving Michael's Project the 4 stars it deserves.

With spring coming it's a good thing to remind everyone of this classic route. I think this should be on the tick list of everyone who climbs at the Lake, I know I'll be returning to it again this summer. Hopefully as the second for a Michael's Project virgin, so that I can share in the joy of someone's first time.

Cheers, and thanks again...

Mike Robinson · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 251

I got on Michael's for the first time yesterday and had heard rumors of MP thread regarding it's timeless nature. I thought I would revive this classic discussion of a classic route.

It sucked.

James Schroeder · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined May 2002 · Points: 3,166
Mike Robinson wrote:I got on Michael's for the first time yesterday and had heard rumors of MP thread regarding it's timeless nature. I thought I would revive this classic discussion of a classic route. It sucked.
I love the 7+ year-old thread revival - I actually led this a few weeks ago, and it was just as I had remembered:

Hitting that jug, swinging the feet around, and cranking a splitter to the top. After that you (almost) forget about the start.
Doug Hemken · · Madison, WI · Joined Oct 2004 · Points: 13,668

Timeless classic!

If you like overhanging, juggy climbing, it's got that! if you like finger-to-hand sized cracks, it's got that. There are some optional arm bars in the middle. Of course there are small edges scattered here and there ....

Something for everyone, really.

However, the description on MP, "follow the crack ... straight up to the top" is "Kami-kaze," not "Michael's." So yes, as described here it is a total sandbag.

Mike Robinson · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 251
Doug Hemken wrote:Timeless classic! If you like overhanging, juggy climbing, it's got that! if you like finger-to-hand sized cracks, it's got that. There are some optional arm bars in the middle. Of course there are small edges scattered here and there .... Something for everyone, really. However, the description on MP, "follow the crack ... straight up to the top" is "Kami-kaze," not "Michael's." So yes, as described here it is a total sandbag.
Ah we were wondering what straight up was, as nobody had a guide book. I take it back, it only partially sucked.
Double J · · Sandy, UT · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 3,931

I can't believe this was brought back to life from page 145 of the Midwest forums....Come on Mike, what were you thinking.

CLASSIC!!!! If you don't think so, then you SUCK!

James Schroeder · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined May 2002 · Points: 3,166
jon jugenheimer wrote:I can't believe this was brought back to life from page 145 of the Midwest forums....Come on Mike, what were you thinking. CLASSIC!!!! If you don't think so, then you SUCK!
This is the perfect example of why MP needs a "like button" for comments...
Mike Robinson · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 251
jon jugenheimer wrote:I can't believe this was brought back to life from page 145 of the Midwest forums....Come on Mike, what were you thinking. CLASSIC!!!! If you don't think so, then you SUCK!
John,
As I'm no longer on the F-book, I need drivel like this to waste time during the working hours. I kept noticing this thread getting mentioned on the Michael's Project comments and couldn't stay away. Just because I wasn't climbing when you old farts started to complain about this route doesn't mean I can't bring it back up. Just be glad I didn't start a new thread. I suppose I could have just snapped a pic of my jive ass anchor and left it in your thought provoking thread...

;)

MR
Double J · · Sandy, UT · Joined Apr 2006 · Points: 3,931

you crack me up Mr. Robinson...

James Schroeder · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined May 2002 · Points: 3,166
Mike Robinson wrote: John, As I'm no longer on the F-book, I need drivel like this to waste time during the working hours. I kept noticing this thread getting mentioned on the Michael's Project comments and couldn't stay away. Just because I wasn't climbing when you old farts started to complain about this route doesn't mean I can't bring it back up. Just be glad I didn't start a new thread. I suppose I could have just snapped a pic of my jive ass anchor and left it in your thought provoking thread... ;) MR
Old Fart? Finally I get the respect I deserve!
Mike Robinson · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 251
James M Schroeder wrote: Old Fart? Finally I get the respect I deserve!
I'm glad I could finally offend someone who appreciated it!
cfuttner · · Chicago, IL · Joined Apr 2012 · Points: 5

I can attest that seconding this, behind a leader practicing his aid skills, in the dark, with a headlamp........sucked.

Mike Robinson · · Boulder, CO · Joined Feb 2012 · Points: 251

This piece of rock came up in conversation last night at Reel Rock 9. I believe Chris Egghead said it was his favorite bouldering route at the stiff grade of VB. ;)

James Schroeder · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined May 2002 · Points: 3,166

I think most folks probably would think this the true grade - Michael's Project (II 5.7+ A0+ PG/PG13).

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Midwest
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