Roadside Rock
Climb Review
Daddy’s Midlife Crisis (5.8; Roadside Rock)—I lead this after teaching Cassie how to lead belay. Although the thought of leading with a new belayer is scary, the route was so well protected that I wasn’t too worried (also, I was very certain that I would not fall off this route). It was easier than I had remembered, as my feet never slipped and the rock felt more solid than it looked.
Daddy’s BMW (5.7; Roadside Rock)—This route was definitely an easier variation than the above—still, both of these routes are very similar.
Daddy’s Dream Seam (5.9; Roadside Rock)—This last route was a bit harder than the first two, but for me, it felt easier as I had gotten used to the rock. Cassie found this route harder as the footholds were small and her foot slipped a few times.
What Happened?
We initially were thinking about going up to Castle Rock, but the weather was so nice and Roadside Rock was so close, so we went here instead. We geared up across the street and I taught the basics of lead belaying to Cassie. After clipping to the first bolt, we went over a few more drills to get Cassie comfortable and I started climbing.
After building an anchor, we top-roped the rest of the routes. Cassie’s infectious energy helped me enjoy the climbs more and ignore the cars and rich kids running off to the bushes to enjoy booze and who knows what.
After climbing these three routes, I cleaned the anchor and rappelled down safely. The drive back on Hicks Road was as beautiful as always.
