Best actually cool gym near Rockford, IL (cool as in for dating purposes)

I started dating someone who lives in Rockford, IL - I want to take her climbing but am very unfamiliar with the gyms in the western Chicago suburbs, the Google hasn't helped me really get a sense either. From what I can tell, I'll have to drive around an hour at least... and before anyone suggest Boulders in Madison, that's out from consideration... I need a gym that makes you go "holy crap this is f***ing awesome" when you walk into it, first impressions are key. Boulders is nice and all, but even for a new climber I think the whole place seems a bit silly and very chalky.

Thanks for all of your help, if this works out and she becomes a climber I will owe y'all cases and cases of beer.

Andy P. wrote:I started dating someone who lives in Rockford, IL - I want to take her climbing but am very unfamiliar with the gyms in the western Chicago suburbs, the Google hasn't helped me really get a sense either. From what I can tell, I'll have to drive around an hour at least... and before anyone suggest Boulders in Madison, that's out from consideration... I need a gym that makes you go "holy crap this is f***ing awesome" when you walk into it, first impressions are key. Boulders is nice and all, but even for a new climber I think the whole place seems a bit silly and very chalky. Thanks for all of your help, if this works out and she becomes a climber I will owe y'all cases and cases of beer.

VE in Glendale Hts, IL

Andy P. wrote: if this works out and she becomes a climber I will owe y'all cases and cases of beer.

You know whats worse than dating a chick that doesn't climb? Dating a chick that wants to learn how to climb.

Tapawingo wrote: You know whats worse than dating a chick that doesn't climb? Dating a chick that wants to learn how to climb.

If your goal is to have a climber girlfriend, this is true. Figure you've got what, 10-15 year experience. You've been through the hard knocks, you've had the close calls, and now you're ready to get out there and explore what climbing is all about.

Well, even with the benefit of having her learn from your mistakes, she is a decade behind you. Neither of you will be that happy.

Now if you like for other reasons and don't care if she climbs and she wants to climb and has friends she can climb with and doesn't get offended when you climb with your friends (and can sort out run on sentences), then that could work.

It's true that learners can be a pain, but honestly I'm happy if she'll follow me up 5.8 and clean the gear. Doesn't take too long to get to that level - biggest obstacle is getting to the point of passing lead test so she can practice belaying.

I kinda wish I climbed hard enough to not want a GF who wants to learn!

Andy P. wrote:It's true that learners can be a pain, but honestly I'm happy if she'll follow me up 5.8 and clean the gear. Doesn't take too long to get to that level - biggest obstacle is getting to the point of passing lead test so she can practice belaying. I kinda wish I climbed hard enough to not want a GF who wants to learn!

For sure man, just messing around with ya. I stole that quote from a friend, and while there is some truth in it, it doesn't really matter.

Ah yes, belay bitch/perma-follower. Every girls dream.

Em Cos wrote:Ah yes, belay bitch/perma-follower. Every girls dream.

Yeah, kind of seems like the only reason you want her to get to the point of leading is so that she can belay for you...which doesn't seem that fun.