Discussion Topic |
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jl
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 5, 2009 - 05:48pm PT
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Unknown free solo toke a unwitnessed fall at the Dike Wall's north wall. Climber was unresponsive as fire and paramedics transported him to Mammoth Hospital. The climber was by himself and unidentified, thoughts, best wishes and prayers go out to him....
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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ahhh, man. Prayer sent.
be safe, people!!!!!
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survival
Big Wall climber
A Token of My Extreme
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Prayers for the soloist.
Too much of this kind of news lately.
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Prod
Trad climber
A place w/o Avitars apparently
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bummer!
Prod.
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Rankin
climber
North Carolina
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Oh No! I hope the rumors are wrong, and the soloist is OK.
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wtfd
climber
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bummer, once again...
heres to a FULL recovery.
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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"Unresponsive" means the person did not respond (unconscious), but there was no mention that he didn't have life signs, like a pulse, so there's hoipe still.
JL
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jl
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 5, 2009 - 07:02pm PT
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Unquestionable reports that the unidentified climber was pronounced dead at Mammoth Hospital this afternoon. no other information known. truly sorry to any friends and family
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LuckyPink
climber
the last bivy
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would be good to get a name when available
blessings to all
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jl
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 5, 2009 - 09:00pm PT
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Last i heard, the climber has not been identified. he was climbing by himself with no identification, unknown if he was local or visiting. so sad...
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Rankin
climber
North Carolina
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Sad news. Also very curious to the identity of the climber. Interesting that the original posting describes the fall as happening at the north face of Dike Wall. I'm surprised to hear that because the north face of Dike Wall this time of year usually has a massive snow pack at the base....
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
Boulder, Colorado!
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This is terrible news. My thoughts to the climber, his family and friends.
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L
climber
A deep dive in the shallows of life..
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Really, really sorry to hear this.
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Lurking Fear
Trad climber
Bishop, California
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It pains me to say that it's John Bachar.
His friend, Andrew
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Ihateplastic
Trad climber
Lake Oswego, Oregon
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Answer the phone dude... answer the phone.
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Ihateplastic
Trad climber
Lake Oswego, Oregon
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ACStevens... is this 1000% true? Tell me not!
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Lurking Fear
Trad climber
Bishop, California
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It's true. John died this afternoon. I'm so sorry.
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mucci
Trad climber
The pitch of Bagalaar above you
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Oh my god, I hope and pray to god this is not so!
Already sent a prayer either way,
Sincerely
Mucci
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GDavis
Trad climber
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Whoever it is, i am praying for their friends and family. Very sad news.
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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PHUUCKKKK I just got off the phone with Tyrus. I am feeling like puking, I feel hHORRRRRIBLE. God I am so sorry
Peace to John, Tyrus and his family
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couchmaster
climber
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OMG, Bachar? It's almost beyond belief.
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
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oh no. How terrible. I am so sorry for his son, family and friends.
Just this afternoon I was talking with a climber and John's name came up. The person mentioned how touched John had been by the outreach from the climbing community when he had that car accident a while back, that people cared so much.
I never met him, but know that of course many of you all did know him for a long time. I'm sorry.
So sad.
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pyro
Big Wall climber
Calabasas
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So, sorry to hear about this.
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Andrew, if indeed the dead solo climber is John Bachar, as you have just claimed, no matter how hard it is for you, as a friend, to provide a few details on how you know - for an undisputed fact - that John Bachar has died, you really must provide this info. Truncate it, short hand it, mumble it to someone else but such earth shattering news has to be immediately substantiated or corrected. If untrue - and I certainly hope it is - the perpetrators of this fraud should be tortured.
And Ron G., did you mean that you just spoke to Tyrus, JBs son? If you got word from him, that is certain proof.
This has me turned around. I grew up with Bachar.
JL
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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Really bad news in so many ways.
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Bob D'A
Trad climber
Boulder, CO
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This is really sad.
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dmalloy
Trad climber
eastside
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so sorry for so many people who have been touched by an amazing life.
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Ihateplastic
Trad climber
Lake Oswego, Oregon
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No! No! No! This cannot be true! I refuse to believe it! I just spent a week with the man and we chatted on the phone for an hour just 18 hours ago.
I am searching the official news sources but nothing yet.
It cannot be...
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Jim Wilcox
Boulder climber
Santa Barbara
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I actually had begun to think he was invincible. My thought and prayers to his family and friends
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Lurking Fear
Trad climber
Bishop, California
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Largo, and everyone,
I don't really know any details. I was called by a close friend of ours. I'd love to be wrong. Andrew Stevens
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ron gomez
Trad climber
fallbrook,ca
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Largo please call
Peace
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marty(r)
climber
beneath the valley of ultravegans
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Jeez...not sure what to say. JB was a hell of an inspiration as generous as the day was long.
Don't be late.
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Wedberg
Mountain climber
Bishop
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Devastating news that I wish weren't true. My thoughts and prayers for him, his family & friends, and the entire climbing community that will be affected by this tragedy.
The climbing community just lost a great member who's impact and influence on our sport will be felt by countless people for a long time to come.
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Ihateplastic
Trad climber
Lake Oswego, Oregon
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John and his son Tyrus... John sent this to me yesterday on the fourth of July 2009. However, it is not current since he recently shaved his head.
He will be remembered forever in our hearts. The man was golden.
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Wow, this really sucks...God bless ya, John!
rest in peace, dude!
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Largo
Sport climber
Venice, Ca
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Largo - Andrew is in a position to have authoritative information, and not the sort to pass it along with anything but the heaviest of hearts and the best of intentions.
Goddam. I was not trying to scorn Andrew, I was trying to make the whole thing untrue. But when Ron Gomez said what he did, I knew it was so. It comes as no surprise, but it still boggles the mind.
JB was a guy who certainly was not afraid to die for his convictions, and he went out on his sword.
Damn . . .
My heart breaks for his son.
JL
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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Beyond belief, one of the mighty Stonemasters has fallen.
Your legacy has touched countless people JB, you will be missed deeply.
I still can't believe it.
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Karl Baba
Trad climber
Yosemite, Ca
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If It's John, we need to start another thread with a searchable title and do this right.
no more to say here for me but my heart is with John and all who know him
Peace
Karl
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Chiloe
Trad climber
Lee, NH
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Stunning.
Sad.
My heart goes out to Tyrus.
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healyje
Trad climber
Portland, Oregon
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Just got in - too stunned for words...
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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No.
Say it ain't so.
This is too much.
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micronut
Trad climber
fresno, ca
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Surreal. Is this confirmed 100%? Family or hospital record?
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Wade Icey
Trad climber
www.alohashirtrescue.com
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now you know John.
sr
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oldtopangalizard
Social climber
ca
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This is unbelievable. Too much tragedy. It's not worth it.
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FeelioBabar
climber
Sneaking up behind you...
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f*#k.
my heart is going out to all those who where close.
had a chance to speak to him once one on one...very cool, very inspirational to a young mind...now feel very lucky for that.
so bummed.
ACOPA FOR LIFE!
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JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
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I am sick to hear the news.
RIP.
You where an inspiration to us all.
Jeff
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climboard
Trad climber
Clifton, VA
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Thanks for the inspiration, JB.
My thoughts are with his family and those close to him.
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JOEY.F
Social climber
sebastopol
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oh no...
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Barbarian
Trad climber
slowly dying in the OC
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My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
This is hard to believe, JB always seemed invincible. He touched so many of us during his life. I feel like a big hole has been ripped through me. This just hurts.
I keep hoping that this is a mistake.
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east side underground
Trad climber
Hilton crk,ca
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just heard - unreal so sorry to hear this, my thoughts go out to Tyrus and all family and friends, had some good times sliding around mammoth with JB- WTF!!!
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the Fet
Supercaliyosemistic climber
Tu-Tok-A-Nu-La
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F*#k no.
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gunsmoke
Trad climber
Clackamas, Oregon
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"JB always seemed invincible"
Very surreal. My brain can't accept this.
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Barry Bates
Boulder climber
Smith River CA
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I pray this Isn't true
I write this with tears in my eyes
If it is true
my world will never be the same
Barry Bates
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Social climber
valley center, ca
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If this is true....and I pray to God it's not, I am stunned and sickened. John was a friend for me and incredibly helpful after Dan died.
Recently, I had been working with this complex, crazy, super nice yet sometimes moody person to try and develope a life plan for his future. I sent him a voice recorder to encourage him to just talk into it when driving etc. in an attempt to get all of his life and thoughts into some books he had been thinking about.
Thank God he emailed me with some chapter titles and ideas. At least we have that.
Tyrus, if this is true....Please, whatever I can do to help and arrange things and just anything please let me know. And look for the little silver voice recorder with mini tapes.
Tyrus, your Dad was nothing but a gentleman and an Amigo to me....someone that was trying to rediscover their life after loss. Be Proud Dude.
Could someone email me or call me and keep me posted.
Too much loss....lynne
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John Vawter
Social climber
San Diego
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Horrible news. Condolences to his friends and family.
JB, I never really knew you. But you inspired me and your loss is deeply felt. I know there are several hundred, possibly thousands, like me who read about your exploits with sweaty palms, and admired your purism. You will always be on my short list of most admired climbers.
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Very very sad news;....rest in peace, John.....
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crankenstein
Trad climber
Louisville, CO
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Too sad! Though I never met him in person he had emailed me with advice regarding Acopa shoes. He's been an inspiration to me since I started climbing. Say it isn't so!
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msiddens
Trad climber
Mountain View, CA
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This just sucks a**. say it ain't so please
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Ricky D
Trad climber
Sierra Westside
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Dammit NO!
I have admired the talents of this man for many years, never having the honor of actually meeting him, but inspired by his ability nonetheless.
I feel as if one of my youthful heroes has died.
Too sad.
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Fletcher
Trad climber
the end of the world as we know it, & I feel fine.
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Oh dear... poor soul. I hope this is not true, but, alas, it seems so based on the stellar reliable folks who've posted above.
I know how much he meant to you Lynne... so sorry. I'm so sorry for all whom he touched and inspired. This is so sad.
Peace to you John, you were one of the good ones.
Eric
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Chicken Skinner
Trad climber
Yosemite
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I am crying. Damn it. Tell me it ain't so. We spent a hell of a good time together at the Taos Film Festival about 3 years ago after having not seen each other in a while.
Ken
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Loomis
climber
*_*
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With the biggest tear in my eye, I say good bye to the greatest influnence ever. No words can say the rest.........
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donini
Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
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What to say? An iconic climber, a legend and an inspiration to so many. John left a legacy that will endure. So much loss these last few weeks for our community.
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Lambone
Ice climber
Ashland, Or
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Wow, the fall of a legend. Terrible.
Thank you John for your inspiration.
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roy
Social climber
New Zealand -> Santa Barbara
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This is terrible news. He was really an inspiration to many. My condolences to his family and many friends.
Roy
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Double D
climber
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Wow this is really sad. My condolances go out to all but especially his son Tyrus. John was one of those guys that once you got to know him you realized what a kind soul he really was. Often misunderstood but an amazing inspiration to the sport. We will miss you JB.
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johntp
Trad climber
socal
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Please reply to the thread started by Mike Graham.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Goodbye John. We'll miss you in so many ways.
I'm glad I got to see your slide show in Denver
a week ago.
Rest peacefully.
My sincere condolences to his friends and family.
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MisterE
Trad climber
One Step Beyond!
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The place. I had to see, having never been there:
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chanceboarder
Trad climber
Los Angeles, CA
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Very sad to hear this new. My heart goes out to the family and friends.
Rest in peace JB.
Jason
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Bob Palais
Trad climber
UT
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Singer just called from Australia and told me. Less than two hours before, as I left a friend's house, he ran back in to get and loan me a video he'd just seen and been inspired by, and wanted to share: "Bachar" Neither of us had heard.
I was fortunate to spend some time with John two months ago after his slide show here in Orem. We got some food and drink and caught up - no climbing talk, just the state of the world - He recommended some books - The Creature from Jeckyll Island about the Fed, and Crossing the Rubicon, The Decline of the American Empire at the End of the Age of Oil. He told me his son was a natural mathematician (both John's and my father's are math profs.) Since then we had some good email correspondence: "I can't believe we ended up where we did but it was cool to know we share a lot of 2 pi ideas and shizz. My son could be a future math "whizz". If you read any of those books we should probably talk... Cheers, jb"
It's a great tragedy - so much more to him than the stylistic purity of his climbing, or climbing period, or music. Alot of integrity and caring, he spoke about the importance of safety and attention to everyone in the audience, with more or less experience. A genius, an original, and an authentic. Condolences to his family and all of his many close friends.
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Curt
Boulder climber
Gilbert, AZ
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Free soloing is always rolling the dice, but I always thought JB just had it dialed. I am so sorry to hear this.
Curt
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Klimmer
Mountain climber
San Diego
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I am stunned. I don't know what to say. This is too sad to bear.
Be in God's peace John.
We all need prayer and love right now, especially his family and closest friends.
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klinefelter
Boulder climber
Bishop, CA
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Terrible news. Sad and terrible news.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there... i just have to post this again... my heart is so full, and this is all i can do:
oh my... this is a bad shock tonight...
dear john...
you are gone.. and i'm crying...
the proof of how well loved you are...
i have only known you from what folks had said...
never will i have a chance to enjoy you in person,
as all youre beloved friends and family have...
thank you are a life well lived, that we have gotten to enjoy here...
these folks have honored your name and your life so very well...
that you were and still are, one very fine climber and man...
dear family... i'm sending my deep condolences here...
this is very sad and hard to believe....
all you folks are wonderful climbers to come and sit with here...
now one is greatly missed.. and even more so, out there in the great outdoors....
very sorry for you loss, dear friends and family of john bachar...
:(
may the good lord guide you all through this very awful and hard sad time... god bless and much love to you all...
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flakyfoont
Trad climber
carsoncity nv
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my condolences to Johns family. Im in shock and feel sick to my stomach, crying. Bachar has been an inspiration to me since I started climbing. He will always be IN THE HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KINGS
Sadly,
Bill Trethewey
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WBraun
climber
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Hey Tom
Are they investigating the climb to see if a hold broke?
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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tom--
thanks for the link. the details aren't urgent at the moment.
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Ihateplastic
Trad climber
Lake Oswego, Oregon
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Werner and others who wonder about how these things might happen...
I have one POSSIBLE insight. In no way do I claim this is correct, just an insight based on some very current information.
Last week I was on the road with John. We discussed at length a situation he had been experiencing recently that was getting worse. He had noticed that sometimes, in mid-pitch, he would reach for a hold only to find that suddenly his arm/hand had zero strength. He described it as though someone had a dimmer switch on his arm and while one arm had 100% strength the other would suddenly go from 100% to zero. No warning... no prep. One minute it was there and the next it wasn't. He joked that hopefully it would not happen at a crux. Every-time we stopped he would be stretching his arm/shoulder and I could see it was causing him pain and concern.
Now, is this what happened? We may never know. But I do know that on Saturday we talked and he was preparing to get an MMR of his arm/shoulder in hopes of tracking the problem.
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JAK
climber
The Souf
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The condition described above sounds neurological. Could've been either thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel entrapment...others...
There are a lot of places in the upper extremity where nerves can get into a pathological situation that causes sudden, unforewarned dysfunction.
For whatever the reason, I'm very sad to see the man go. He was one of the last iconic soloists after Michael Reardon's death...I suppose Peter Croft is the only one left. Sure, there are other climbers that solo, but guys like Potter and Honnold can't claim the same impact that the old school fellas have had. Reardon may have been technical new-school, but his enthusiasm and dedication to free-solo only cast him the mold of Bachar's protege, which I understand wasn't very far from the truth.
RIP John. A sad day.
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gumbyclimber
climber
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Somebody said they feel more mortal today; what an understatement.
There is no god.
I used to believe that it was possible to tap into something special and I wasn't just pulling the handle on a slot machine, with new odds every time. Those times that I almost botched soloing at my limit I was able to say things to myself like "You're not trying hard enough", "You haven't thought this out well enough", "[so and so] did it", "true free soloists fail never", etc.
My whole mental framework is gone.
This is a slap back down to 3rd class.
Long live John Bachar.
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PhilG
Trad climber
The Circuit, Tonasket WA
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I just got back from the hills to hear this sad and terrible news.
John was a hero and an inspiration to many, if not all of us...
This is a great loss to the collective climbing community.
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malabarista
Trad climber
San Francisco, Ca
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ihateplastic... can anyone really doubt now that this was it? Bachar would never have fallen otherwise. i simply can't believe he would ever have fallen without something like this. before you posted this i was convinced a hold had broken or something on that line. he would not have slipped...
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Werner, I couldn't get any good info out of SAR or the Sheriff's department today. I'll try again tomorrow.
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stevep
Boulder climber
Salt Lake, UT
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Let's not speculate too much at this point. Not really much to be gained by it. This isn't a case of anyone learning from an accident. Free soloing is dangerous. Very little margin for error. All of us know that and John knew it. He choose to do it and it was a part of him.
Let's remember the good things.
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WBraun
climber
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Thanks for the information Simon. I forgot about those symptoms John was talking about previously.
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WBraun
climber
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I'm not sorrowing over how it happened, nor why it happen nor have any illusions about this whole happening.
I've climbed with John watched him lead the hairiest ass sh'it while belaying him, watched him free solo, hung with him in the various modes that life brings.
Just curious .... that's all
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Ihateplastic
Trad climber
Lake Oswego, Oregon
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LEB...
Short answer, no. I am wracking my brain thinking about every word that was said last week and this weekend on the phone but still a bit numb. I do NOT want my "knowledge" to be accepted as the only possibility.It is A possibilty but there are others. A broken hold... wet rock... falling debris... sudden distraction from a bird, a snake a frog... the only thing we know for a fact is that John has cheated death before and always come out shining.
In his show he speaks about the "1 in 10,000 chance" He tells the audience that someday that number will come. Sadly... it did.
Simon
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Social climber
valley center, ca
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Just must add that John was very cognizant of his body. He cared deeply for Tyrus. I don't think he would have fs if he had any clear indication his body would fail him. Talked with him after other health issues. He checked out health and risk factors on an ongoing basis. Yeah, no one is perfect 100% but the Dude weighed the factors.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there all, say...some very sad puzzles, there are in our lives, and in the lives of our friends... :(
sometimes we get pieces of them come to light.. and sometimes we don't...
you know, when we DO though, it is almost like a gift to help us understand what we just can't comprehend, but need to, when a loved one dies... it seems that so many of you have different parts of john's life, to cherish and some even have parts from the last days... a very treasured last days, now, to you...
once again, god bless you all in this sad loss... i hope some day that more pieces do fall into place, and that helps this situation set solid, in some way---though the sadness will still linger...
say, all, i am very glad that i had and have, just the tip of the iceberg here, to know you all, and him, from the post here, it has shown me a very larger view of family and extensions than i have ever seen...
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burp
Trad climber
Salt Lake City
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Just barely caught the news ...
John embodied climbing to me. Deeply saddened and speechless.
May he rest in peace.
Condolensces to his family and close friends.
Mike Hansen
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Off White
climber
Tenino, WA
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The thread about the sudden weakness in his arm was the first thing I thought of when I read the news, partly because I've been suffering from tennis elbow myself lately and was keenly interested in that topic when it was broached. I didn't think it worth mentioning though, since the "how" in this accident, with no witness and little physical evidence, is pretty unknowable and seemed irrelevant to the outpouring of grief. It's as likely an explanation as any, but the only certainty is that something did happen.
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dmalloy
Trad climber
eastside
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thanks for posting that link, MH....
I have a pretty solid bet that says they did not ask Blitzo for the rights to use that Midnight Lightning photo, particularly since they did not include a photo credit.
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
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Sending wishes for strength to those close to John as the difficulty of having to deal with people, details and stuff(for lack of a better word) competes with their grieving.
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Captain...or Skully
Social climber
way, WAY out there....(OMG)
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Off White is wise.
None can know.
We can only speculate.
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Off White
climber
Tenino, WA
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Thumbs up to all you who rose to defend Blitzo's ownership of that image in the comments on the article dmalloy linked to. The Taco's a good clan.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Lara Kirkner (the woman who wrote the article in the Examiner), has posted the following: "I am so sorry. I found the photo online and thought it was wonderful so I used it, but did not see any credit on the site where I found it. I will take the photo down and I apologize to Blitzo if you are reading this. Thank you all for letting me know."
I have the impression that the Mammoth Examiner is a small newspaper, or perhaps a local news website, and that it's the kind of town where the locals all know each other. Her having 'borrowed' Blitzo's photo is understandable in the circumstances.
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graham
Social climber
Ventura, California
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Once you post your own photos on the internet be prepared for this to happen.
I wouldnt harang the girl too bad she did the right thing pulling it. The future could hold a better time for all the professional photographers here. Although I do know this time has a lot of meaning.
Peace to JB
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rincon
Trad climber
SoCal
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Seems like they could have saved alot of time with a helicoptor evacuation. Do they have a heli-vac in Mammoth Lakes?
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HighGravity
Trad climber
Southern California
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I think it has to come from Reno.
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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Helicopters are a crap shoot time wise out here. They must have thought they could do the evac faster by ground.
So the unofficial, but good, word is that Bachar fell off the 5.10 corner from higher than 40 feet. There were no signs of broken holds, and no signs of a slip, like scuffed or dirty shoes.
The examiner has the rest of the story pretty much.
I think the examiner is a internet network of papers, not a local thing. Lara actually writes for us sometimes and also the Sheet, another local newspaper. Don't beat her up too bad for using a photo from the internet. It's often hard to tell if something is public domain or not.
I'm not going to do another published story on the accident, but the info above is good for those that are interested in what happened.
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klk
Trad climber
cali
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thanks for the update, tom.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there mighty hiker, dmalloy, and all... say, maybe with blitzo's name there to be read by someone else in the comments, maybe he'll get a photo-shoot job for someone, on the rocks, and get some neat pay... ;)
sure would be nice...
extra note:
say, tom, i did not know john bachar, only from here, yet, i too am thanking you for the update, i got to know him just from his post here, but i really was sad from all this, as well....
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G_Gnome
Trad climber
In the mountains... somewhere...
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We were hanging out with John at the Dike Wall on Friday. We talked about his shoulder and he was complaining that it started hurting on his second climb and then he quit climbing after 3 routes. He said it slowly gets weaker and eventually feels like his shoulder could just fall apart. Of course he still was climbing in perfect JB style.
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tom woods
Gym climber
Bishop, CA
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I second the chief, but add that we use the forest service and fish and game contract helicopters too.
The CHP, is first choice because being a state agency, they are already paid for and don't charge the county.
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illusiondweller
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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I appologize if I offended anyone with my last post in this time of tragedy and mourning. Let me rephrase my last:
I hope and pray that I meet John in heaven for I never had the chance to while he was living. The more reason to ask yourself, "If I died today, would I be with my Maker?"
In memory of John, I thought I would post some past emails he shared with me in the last two years, after his motor vehicle accident, regarding his Acopa shoes and his general health:
On Jul 6, 2007, at 11:14 AM, G M wrote:
John,
I spoke with you on rc.com a while back when gathering information for Mt. Woodson on rc.com's site and then you had your accident. How is everything? Where are you in your recovery? Climbing yet? Just saw your post in regards to Mike Strassman's death and thought about you.
Gary E. McCay
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-----Original Message
From: "John Bachar"
Sent: Friday, July 06, 2007 6:23 PM
To: "G M"
Subject: Re: wellness
Gary,
Thanks man - I really appreciate it. I'm climbing OK these days (11c to 12a sport). Don't have any power yet (bouldering) but I ain't complaining - just happy as hell to be on the rock again.
How's the Woodson project going? I'd be happy to help if I can - if I can remember that far back that is!
Anyway, hope you're strong and healthy and hope to see ya' at the crags sometime soon. Let me know if you ever get up to the East Side for some climbing action - let's go cragging baby!
Cheers,
John
---------
-----Original Message
From: "John Bachar"
Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2008 3:34 AM
To: "illusiondweller"
Subject: Re: wellness
Cool. I remember now.
How's all that Woodson info coming together anyway?
I got a new injury now - I pulled my groin really bad the other day. Won't be climbing for a couple months at least.
Enjoy the shoes!
Talk soon, John
------------
On Jan 29, 2008, at 8:19 PM, illusiondweller wrote:
Your groin? John, were u climbing? Dang, that sounds uncomfortable! Out for a couple months? That had to have been a mental setback as well as the physical after having progressed since your car accident! Are u self treating?
Re: wellness
From: John Bachar (john@acopausa.com)
Sent: Tue 1/29/08 11:32 PM
To: illusiondweller (illusiondweller@hotmail.com)
Yeah, I jumped off a boulder problem and landed in a open legged squat position and felt a ripping sensation in my groin. I thought maybe it was a hernia so I went to the doctor. He said I pulled my adductor longus and pubic symphysis ligament. Man it really hurt bad for the first ten days. It's a little better now but I can tell it's gonna take a while to heal.
I think I'll go to physical therapy for a couple sessions to see what they do for this type of injury.
Anyway, I hope all's good on your end of things and those Spectres are working for you on those Woodson dimes!
Hopefully we'll go climbing this summer when I heal up!
Cheers, JohnRe: Spectres
From: John Bachar (john@acopausa.com)
Sent: Wed 4/02/08 9:45 AM
To: illusiondweller (illusiondweller@hotmail.com)
On Apr 1, 2008, at 11:57 PM, illusiondweller wrote: > What a great shoe the Spectres were up to the blow-out at the toe! > Thanks again for the deal and sharing your knowledge w me, it > really helps. P.S. How's the groin?
The adductor longus is better but I pulled some deeper stomach muscle too and that still feel a little weak and tender. I just started wearing a harness two weeks ago and still can't take a leader fall or belay someone who does take leader falls. I hope the shoe thing works out for you. I'll be in Josh Friday night for the reunion thing this weekend. Gimme a call if you're out there...
Cheers, John760-709-2054 cell
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Jaybro
Social climber
Wolf City, Wyoming
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We're in heaven now, don't go dwelling in Illusions.
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Rankin
climber
North Carolina
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exactly
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bootysatva
Trad climber
Idylwild Ca
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Yesterday while soloing the white maiden I felt that now that JB has left the body a vast wealth of talent has been unleashed on the planet. I felt blessed w/ a heightened precision and calm and acutely aware of what a blessing incarnation is. I wish more of us had Johns ethic- especially at my home crag were excessive bolting has left ego marks everywhere you look. John was the Coltrane of climbing. The Bach of style. I am greatfull for his example. Ernesto ale
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WBraun
climber
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This guy responds with this:
"Every time one of these nuts bites it, I sometimes think - good riddance of another suicidal narcissist - other than the young children and spouses they often so cruelly abandon in their pursuit of their own shimmering reflection.
Free climbing must be the most idiotic of all human activities."
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survival
Big Wall climber
A Token of My Extreme
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Werner,
Whoa....where did that *sshole come from?
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steelmnkey
climber
Vision man...ya gotta have vision...
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That was one of the comments from the small story linked to at the bottom of the LA paper obit.
Obviously, he's not a golfer.
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franky
Trad climber
Davis, CA
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Just shows you how far the average person is from feeling the peace of personal achievement in the face of real challenge and fear.
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Nefarius
Big Wall climber
Fresno
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Or what dicks they are... Read similar comments about Micah, Johnny and Wade. That's OK tho. Those are the types that are rotting in their own personal hell, daily.
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Hardy
Sport climber
Tyrol, Austria
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Condolensces to his family and friends
itīs just .... unbelievable, unaccaptable ... just sad
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Off White
climber
Tenino, WA
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Werner, online newspaper comment sections are generally full of the worst sort of anonymous internet trolls. That little gem you quoted is nothing compared to some I've read about other peoples deaths and misfortunes. I generally avoid that sort of "comment" jive these days, no point in letting the bastards get you down.
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Ksolem
Trad climber
Monrovia, California
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Werner,
The poster there is obviously a real genius...
"Every time... I sometimes think"
I was hangin' out with Gnome, Rachel and UberBabs on Friday at the Dike Wall. JB was there leading some routes in his perfect measured style. We chatted some about shoes, shoulders, neurology and stuff. I didn't know him well, but saw him from time to time going back to early 80's Josh...
The crags are not going to seem the same now...
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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It was nice that a few of those who posted comments in the original LA Times article, from the 6th, were people who'd known John in high school or even grade school.
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chez
Social climber
chicago ill
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Jul 11, 2009 - 01:13am PT
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Please think through your post before pressing the green button.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Jul 11, 2009 - 01:16am PT
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illusiondweller, thanks for your post, I understood your first one too...
even though we have very different beliefs there's plenty of room for all of us to express our response the way we each react to it.
no need for apologies, in my opinion
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illusiondweller
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Jul 12, 2009 - 03:42am PT
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I'm just a baby when it comes to The Word but it brings me to tears to wonder how many people are out there that are living unknowingly in the world's lies! I lived in it for 44 years and eventually ended up in jail because of living in the worlds deceptions, more specificly a sexual addiction. I'm not affraid or embarrassed to talk about that anymore. Please, I am in no way trying to intimidate anyone or raise anyone's dander or challenge anyone's beliefs but I AM hoping that I raise a question in everyones mind who is "unknowing" of the Truth.
John Bachar was everything to me as he was to all that have shed their tears and spilled out their hearts in this forum, but I'm shaking my head in frustration and really in fear at this: A person may live the most splendid of lives or they may suffer the most heinous of sufferings known to man but if they don't commit their lives to The Truth, that is as good as it gets when contrasted to what they will suffer after they leave this world!
It's a gift, it's free, and you can have it too, there's nothing more to it than that.
To avoid any unnecessary friction in response to this, please respond to me in my email if you would like to talk more.
Peace be with you John.
Gary
illusiondweller@hotmail.com
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BillL
Trad climber
NM
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Jul 12, 2009 - 10:04am PT
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It's part of what makes climbing heaven for me: freedom.
Bill
Edit: Only the best wishes for those close to John.
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Mighty Hiker
Social climber
Vancouver, B.C.
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Jul 13, 2009 - 11:39am PT
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Monday morning place-holding bump, to be removed later.
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Hubbard
climber
San Diego
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I was lucky enough to meet John Bachar a few times. He was friendly and shared answers to the pointed questions I asked him about how he trains for climbing. I listened and used some of his ideas and it helped me. What more could you ask for? It's sad that he didn't get to see Honnold's free-solo of El Cap.
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Lynne Leichtfuss
Trad climber
Will know soon
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Reading this thread through again with tears. I'll never forget when I Hate Plastic called the afternoon of July 5th and asked me to sit down. I thought he had some joke going down. I sat down and he said, John Bachar died today.
I did not know John well until the last year and a half of his life. He became a good friend and we worked together on a few projects. John helped turn my life in new directions in the outdoor industry after my husband, Dan, died.
To all John's loved ones, family and friends.....Paola, Tyrus, John and Yvonne Bachar Sr., Dan Bachar, Michele and all that loved John you are in my thoughts and heart today. lynnie
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