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taualum23
Apr 27, 2005, 3:26 PM
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In reply to: In reply to: I agree totally, Dingus. In my experience, all sorts of celebs, living legends, and folk heros get so sick of fawning adulation that they could just barf, and when someone treats them like one of the gang, they react like they were just one of the gang and appreciate the opportunity to be a normal person. :P The reason why this statement is spot on is that most "heros" know they are, have always been, and always will be, one of the gang. JL
As a lucky chance, when I was getitng into climbing in the mid to late 80's, I got to hang around a bunch of people I later found out were famous/legend types at the Gunks. Years later, I read an article by or about them, or see some kid spraying all over the boards about them, and all I can think is, sure, he cranks, or she pulls hard and pushes the limtis, but they were and are just climbers, who happened to do it really well. We have them to thank for pushing the limits, and keeping the cutting edge sharp, but they are just men and women who do what they love.
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tradman
Apr 27, 2005, 4:16 PM
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Yup.
I'm lucky enough to share a bouldering gym with several up-and-coming and a few established names on the international circuit. Once you've seen them face-plant the mats a few times on a bad day, it's a bit easier to grasp the humanity, yeah?
:wink:
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taualum23
Apr 27, 2005, 4:20 PM
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Oh yeah. The one that really cemented the "they're just human" ideal into my mind was up at lost city (in the Gunks) one already (at least locally) famous hardman, around 89 or so, got so stoned before heading up a particularly bold route that he forgot to tie in. Completely. Just put on his harness, and hopped on. His partner and I said "STOP" at the same moment.
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rgold
Apr 27, 2005, 5:20 PM
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When hardmen get to be nearly 90, the tend to soften up a bit. In the head, that is.
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gochubug
Apr 28, 2005, 3:43 PM
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In reply to: When hardmen get to be nearly 90, the tend to soften up a bit. In the head, that is. |
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g-funk
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Apr 28, 2005, 4:02 PM
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In reply to: one already (at least locally) famous hardman, around 89 or so, got so stoned before heading up a particularly bold route that he forgot to tie in.
I think this person means around 1989, not that the guy was 89 years old.
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gochubug
Apr 28, 2005, 4:38 PM
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In reply to: I think this person means around 1989, not that the guy was 89 years old. |
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climb_plastic
Apr 28, 2005, 5:13 PM
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In reply to: In reply to: It's really telling to note that some of the hardest climbers in the world are small and not very strong looking at all. The Caldwells are the same way. You're right about small size, and Tommy isn't that big, but Mike is the rock. That guy is a physical animal. He'd kick my ass in a heartbeat.
They're small but you can tell right away they're strong when you see them.
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climb_plastic
Apr 28, 2005, 5:15 PM
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In reply to: Yup. I'm lucky enough to share a bouldering gym with several up-and-coming and a few established names on the international circuit. Once you've seen them face-plant the mats a few times on a bad day, it's a bit easier to grasp the humanity, yeah? :wink:
For me...when I see them face to face climbing, it makes it more difficult to grasp the humanity.
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numbnut
Apr 29, 2005, 1:41 PM
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What is it about worshipping these athletes that makes me want to barf?
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nthusiastj
Apr 29, 2005, 2:04 PM
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In reply to: What is it about worshipping these athletes that makes me want to barf?
I feel the same. Worship is a little sickening.
The respect they deserve is earned though. Maybe not by the up and comers, but Lynn and other hardmen have proven themselves and excelled in situations that would would make most of us crap our pants.
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timstich
Apr 30, 2005, 3:50 AM
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At some point, we all become more like peers than anything else. So the hero worshipping aspect of things loses its relevance for most, I would guess. Who's got time to worship people when you are furvently planning your next trip? Now who ends up inspiring more people than others, that's sometimes confused with worship. And publicity is intertwined with inspiration, isn't it? You can't be inspired by someone you have never heard of.
I suspect most people who are accused of worshipping Lynn or any other climber would just like to talk about climbing with them over beers at some point, and nothing more really. But then again, that's a pretty good time with most interesting strangers.
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