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In the beginning......
I joined a group of co-workers at the Chicago Teachers' Center on a fieldtrip to Indoor Summits. I had only been climbing a couple of times before that experience, and only on a portable wall. Indoor Summits was a gem in comparison to a portable wall. I gobbled it up faster than Thanksgiving dinner. And when I had the opportunity to return there the next day, free of charge, with another group of students, I did so.
At the end of that week I decided to take my tired and tattered body back one last time, with my brother, Raju and my nephew, Ammar. My brother, a gym rat and my nephew, an adventurous five-year-old were both willing to try something new. After a short introduction by the owner, George and a safety demonstartion by his staff, we were off and climbing.....I showed off some very polished moves on the "wave", and hit the ten-foot overhang with no fear. |
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My brother was thrilled, some of the routes were actually challenging enough to tire his mega-muscles. And Ammar was a glowing ball of kiddy-adrenaline; he had to be bribed out of that place. Following my three visits to Indoor Summits, and dreaming of the looks on everybody's faces as they traversed thirty happy feet of plywood and handholds, I was inspired to create more such experiences for my family, friends, and any others interested in a bit of contained climbing. |
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Raise the roof.... |
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A little while later I discussed my experience with Mo' Kelty, adventurer/educator. She recommends two new places, Vertical Endeavors and Upper Limits. Both are supposed to be phenomenal indoor climbing gyms. Since one is closer than the other, my brother and I ventured out to Vertical Endeavors in Warrenville, IL. If you haven't heard of it by now, you are really missing out. Oh, but don't go to their website, it's pretty bland. Check out our pics of the Hard Knocks Crew flying up their beautiful routes. |
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The Nicros walls are a dream come true! For a beginner like me, it feels just like real rock. And its a welcome change from plywood and artificial handholds. At times, I forget that I am indoors. Another advantage to climbing at VE is that the walls are about 50 ft. high. It allows us to test our endurance, while, simultaneously, exercising our strength. And if you get to be as crazy as me and decide to go their alone to unwind with some solitary, meditative climbing, don't worry, you don't need a belay partner. They have 19 auto belays set to catch you when you fall and bring you down when you get exhausted. Look up! The white rope attached to my harness is an auto-belay rope....Do I look worried???!!! |
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The Hard Knocks Team is formed. |
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More pictures from our most recent adventure. HKC at VE around X-mas.
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Want to learn more about Indoor Climbing, Sport Climbing, Leading Routes, Safety Issues, Click here! |
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Do you want to join us on our excursions.
We are a weekend-only group. Find out!
Drop us a line by e-mail.
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The pictures from our last trip to Vertical Endeavors are finally available for viewing.
Enjoy! |
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