St Bernard led the first pitch from base camp at ‘The Deli’ in an audacious ‘Alpine Style’ assault; this included the first of two challenging traverses. Having set up a hanging belay at the bottom of the ‘Difficult Steps’ he allows the immensely experienced ‘Don’ to lead through the gruelling and technically demanding second pitch
“ It wasn’t easy”, said Don “ after yesterday’s rain some of the steps were greasy but my crampons eventually found grip and I mantleshelved out and set up the second hanging belay to bring St Bernard up”.
The pair completed the infamous ‘Difficult Steps’ in record time despite the prevailing conditions only leaving the final, and most dangerous pitch – the Kirkgate Traverse – to St Bernard.
The crossing of Kirkgate can be incredibly dangerous due to signage suggesting an absence of traffic but “thanks to the incompetence of Harrogate council's parking dept' one can be mown down at any time” said St Bernard “and that’s the way we like it – fast and dangerous!” Astonishingly the Kirkgate Traverse was achieved without mishap and the triumphant pair gained the summit (known as 'The Chair') and planted the traditional flag of victory before the weather began to close in and it started to spit.
“ It wasn’t easy”, said Don “ after yesterday’s rain some of the steps were greasy but my crampons eventually found grip and I mantleshelved out and set up the second hanging belay to bring St Bernard up”.
The pair completed the infamous ‘Difficult Steps’ in record time despite the prevailing conditions only leaving the final, and most dangerous pitch – the Kirkgate Traverse – to St Bernard.
The crossing of Kirkgate can be incredibly dangerous due to signage suggesting an absence of traffic but “thanks to the incompetence of Harrogate council's parking dept' one can be mown down at any time” said St Bernard “and that’s the way we like it – fast and dangerous!” Astonishingly the Kirkgate Traverse was achieved without mishap and the triumphant pair gained the summit (known as 'The Chair') and planted the traditional flag of victory before the weather began to close in and it started to spit.
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5 comments:
A good effort! However,could they rise to the challenge of the notorious approach up to the market square at night passing both "The Matrix" and "Pizza Piazza" ?
Kev - I recon if they have vomit proof galoshes they might just make it.
Not on those cobbles they wouldn't.
B.
The flags look pretty good though....Well done Bernard.
IWO JIMA Heroics relived in Ripon
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