vice/virtue

Before the cheers (and possible jeers) for Sonnie Trotter quieted down, Steve McClure made his own Rhapsody (E11 7a 5.14c) ascent with characteristic bravado. Some would disagree with my assessment. They say he’s a humble, modest man. Now, I don’t know him, but based on quotes and video clips, I imagine him practically swaggering up Dumbarton Rock. This is no insult. He is hands down my favorite climber this season. His nonchalance and apparently being a decent guy totally makes up for braggadocio. But then, don’t all American girls go bonkers for British accents?

And what does any girl do when she’s keen? Googles the guy, of course!

Random facts I’m happy to know about Steve McClure:

1. He’s a father! Oh, that’s nice.
2. Both his father and mother were climbers - put him on lead at 7, 8, or 9 years old.
3. His childhood nickname was “Bush-Head.” Currently, he’s known as “Strong Steve.”
4. He has the brain of an engineer, not an artist. And he’s good with his hands on, you know, technical stuff.
5. He’s ok with recreational climbers. Mostly because they stay indoors.
6. Once said grades were invented to start arguments.

Plus, this weekend I was begging out of leading 5.9 in a drizzle, feeling like a scaredy-pants, explaining I would never feel right about hands and feet popping due to wet rock not lack of skill. And today, I read that Strong Steve is “uninspired” by climbing loose rock because “not only climbing skills are being tested, a certain amount of luck is involved.” We even think alike! Why, I’m tickled pink.

Thanks to Climbing.com and PlanetFear.com for the info.

For Steve’s personal commentary on Rhapsody, grade-related and otherwise, visit Climb Magazine.