Rock Climbing with Rob Pizem

January 11, 2010

Back in Action

Jane and I went bouldering at the SPOT bouldering gym in Boulder, Colorado. The weather was nice outside but, there is nothing like a good training session on plastic and lots of new problems to figure out and climb.

What is this you might ask? I finally had a chance to make some of my mothers home-made pasta sauce here in Colorado. Although I lacked a few special ingredients and after browning this Italian sausage it turned out great. I think the handrolled meatballs were the hit of the meal! Thanks MOM.

Jane and her brother Clay just days before he was stationed in Japan in the United States NAVY. Thanks Clay for taking care of America. We all went bowling where the balls were flying off the bumpers a few too many times.

Jane painting one of the wooden pieces I made for the house. It is a step stool for the kitchen because everything seems out of reach. Anyway it is beautiful now that it had some paint splashed on it. Plus the color makes it easy to see, I haven't kicked it once with its bright yellow paint job. Thanks Jane : )

I am really glad that you have visited my blog.
Thanks and I hope to see and hear from you soon.
Rob Pizem

And last but not least, don't forget to check out my favorite sites:

http://www.scarpa.net
http://www.arcteryx.com
http://camp-usa.com
http://sterlingrope.com
http://ColoradoMountainJournal.com
http://www.wunderground.com
http://climbing.com
http://rockandice.com
http://deadpointmag.com
http://urbanclimbermag.com
http://andrewburr.com
http://ladzinski.com

January 4, 2010

More Mexico Photos and Information

The middle feature has a 1500 ft route called El Sendero Luminoso a 15 pitch 5.12. We didn't get a chance to try the bearutiful climb due to some rain during our trip. Some day I will get back to the park to give it a try.

Market day in Hidalgo. They sell fresh meat, veggies, fruits. You can buy clothes, electronics/CD's (old), art, house supplies, tools... you get the picture! It only takes about 10-15 minutes to walk from your camping area to the market. (market days are tuesdays and fridays) It's a great place to try some food, try speaking the language and to meet some of the locals, they are sooo kind!

Mike and my bunk beds. If we weren't climbing or eating than mike was on the internet doing work from the campground. The shower was hot, the water is safe to drink and the beds are comfy!

Mike following me up another beautiful multipitch route in the Potrero.

Mike and I heading up Space Boyz early in the morning. We got special permission from the local government to climb/inspect the wall for rockfall damage because I am trained as a Geological Engineer. Unfortunately, there is a ton of loose stuff above a couple routes on this wall. If reopened you should wear your helmets and be aware of massive rockfall possibilities.

December 31, 2009

More Mexico

In this video short, Mike and I have hitched a ride with the beer truck from town back to the Posada (the campground). You never know what you will be up to when Mike B is around!
We had spent some time in town buying some fresh food and trying to get the local police to open up a wall that had been closed due to rock fall. We eventually got permission from the city to inspect the wall (by climbing it of course) and unfortunately it looked pretty unstable. Who knows what will happen in the future with safe climbing access to the Jungle Wall.

I am really glad that you have visited my blog.
Thanks and I hope to see and hear from you soon.
Rob Pizem

And last but not least, don't forget to check out my favorite sites:

http://www.scarpa.net
http://www.arcteryx.com
http://camp-usa.com
http://sterlingrope.com
http://ColoradoMountainJournal.com
http://www.wunderground.com
http://climbing.com
http://rockandice.com
http://deadpointmag.com
http://urbanclimbermag.com
http://andrewburr.com
http://ladzinski.com

Mexico Trip Report

Me at the base of some climb. Above: Mike Brumbaugh with the Outrage wall in the background. He is enjoying the view on one of the spires at the park.

We stayed at the Posada and this was our room.

Simple but nice and a really really hot shower!

To the right: Mike on Time Wave Zero a fun 22 pitch climb in the park. We climbed it in a little over an hour and a half.

Mike on the phone while we wait it out in Dallas.

The Monterrey, Mexico airport was closed due to fog so we had to spend a night in Dallas.

December 28, 2009

Back from My Travels

Good day folks,
After a week in Mexico, followed by a week in Ohio,
I will now be back updating the blog on a regular basis.
Some quick updates before the photos and stories begin later this week.
We were able to climb almost 180 pitches while at Potrero Chico!
My Cleveland trip was spent with my wonderful family, trail running, ice skating, hiking and of course eating home cooked meals. It has been most excellent.
I even had time to pull my groin : ( oh well a bit more rest before training begins again.
Happy Holidays and I hope to see you all in 2010!

piz : )

I am really glad that you have visited my blog.
Thanks and I hope to see and hear from you soon.
Rob Pizem

And last but not least, don't forget to check out my favorite sites:

http://www.scarpa.net
http://www.arcteryx.com
http://camp-usa.com
http://sterlingrope.com
http://ColoradoMountainJournal.com
http://www.wunderground.com
http://climbing.com
http://rockandice.com
http://deadpointmag.com
http://urbanclimbermag.com
http://andrewburr.com
http://ladzinski.com

December 9, 2009

New Routes for All

Jane belaying me on The Flight of the Peacock 5.13- at the Peacock boulders/climbing area. About a 40+ foot fight to the top! Get tired at the top and you are taking the flight of the peacock. This route has it all, kneebars, crimps, side pulls, pinches and jugs.

Some of Janes family on the newer 5.9's!

Janes brother Matt, climbing on a cold thanksgiving break day.

December 8, 2009

Cool Days Climbing Tip Number 3

Its been pretty cold here in Denver the last week or so and most climbers have been stuck climbing indoors. My advice to all you folks pulling on plastic is to make sure that you take the time to warm up properly.
It is easy to get all excited at the chance to boulder and lead indoors after being stuck inside for days, but be careful not to make this winter a time for recovery instead of a time to build strength and power. Warm up you arms, shoulders, fingers hands and stretch your legs. Any series of common excersizes will do the job, but just do them! You and your body will love you when spring time is just around the corner and you are not nursing a lingering finger or shoulder injury!

I head to Mexico on Friday for the Climb a Thon in Potrero Chico!
Continue to make donations and support any quality local causes.

I am really glad that you have visited my blog.
Thanks and I hope to see and hear from you soon.
Rob Pizem

And last but not least, don't forget to check out my favorite sites:

http://www.scarpa.net
http://www.arcteryx.com
http://camp-usa.com
http://sterlingrope.com
http://ColoradoMountainJournal.com
http://www.wunderground.com
http://climbing.com
http://rockandice.com
http://deadpointmag.com
http://urbanclimbermag.com
http://andrewburr.com
http://ladzinski.com

December 4, 2009

Running/Climbing Gear

Gear summary: Scarpa Raptor trail running shoes (awesome)
Arcteryx: vest=Celeris, pant=Gamma LT, glove=Delta,=Tau Pullover

Ge4t outside and play!

I am really glad that you have visited my blog.
Thanks and I hope to see and hear from you soon.
Rob Pizem

And last but not least, don't forget to check out my favorite sites:

http://www.scarpa.net
http://www.arcteryx.com
http://camp-usa.com
http://sterlingrope.com
http://ColoradoMountainJournal.com
http://www.wunderground.com
http://climbing.com
http://rockandice.com
http://deadpointmag.com
http://urbanclimbermag.com
http://andrewburr.com
http://ladzinski.com