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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
St. Louis
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Topic Author's Original Post - Apr 8, 2006 - 11:11am PT
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It's been too long since we've had an appreciation thread. For this installment, I nominate "Largo" aka John Long.
Post up your photos and stories. I'm sure there are at least a *couple* out there...
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happiegrrrl
Trad climber
New York, NY
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ahhhh hah ha.... I had an internet spanking from largo early on and he said my writing skills were....)can't rememebr exaclty what). he tried to egg me on for his, and rc.com's amusement, by starting a story, and having me take the ball and run with it.
I never did, but I, of course, can access that story start. Maybe on Monday, I will do so, if he doesn't mind. p.s. There were 2 versions, the first was a hilarous california gym-climber catfight, and when I said I had no Cali imagery in my head to draw from, he kindly rewrote it with a New England twist.....
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Blowboarder
Boulder climber
Back in the mix
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F*#k, this is going to be a hundred section thread to appease the dial up nation.
John, don't have the words.
Climbing for me would never have been the same without John Long.
Thanks.
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hashbro
Trad climber
Not in Southern California
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"Climbing" as we know it would not exist without Largo!
Thanks for the rescue John, the scrapes on my side have finally healed (after 35 years).
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Gramicci
Social climber
Ventura
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Climbing for me would never have been the same without John Long.
"Climbing" as we know it would not exist without Largo!
Sums it up pretty well
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
St. Louis
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 8, 2006 - 01:52pm PT
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Everything I know about him - everything I've read, seen and heard - always brings a smile to my face.
One can't have enough smiles - thanks for every last one of them!
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the Fet
Trad climber
Loomis, CA
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One time at the top of a climb in the valley, I was thinking about how much I appreciate all those that came before me and created the sport I love so dearly. Then I thought, maybe even more important than doing the climbs was writing the stories about it. Stories than anyone in the world could read for years to come, and be inspired and entertained. Higher Spire, Lost Arrow Chimney, RNWHD, The Nose, and of course a plethora of excellent writings by Largo. What a cool contribution to humanity to have created. Thanks for your adventures, but even more thanks for taking the time to write about them.
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bachar
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes, CA
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"Gee, that Largo guy sure looks strong."
Photo: John Gill
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Mike Ierien
Trad climber
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Some 20+ winters ago, a few of us were climbing in Joshua Tree at Intersection Rock. Trying the Left Ski Track and basically getting our arses handed to us. Anyway...the biggest climber I had ever seen strolls up to some boulder near the base. He scans the problem, chalks up, and jumps for the first hold some 8+ feet off the deck. Well, this monster's chest hits the rock and knocks him back to the ground. He shakes his head, venomously glares at the problem, chalks again, steps back a few feet and full-on launches his 200+ lbs. at this chunk of stone. His sausage fingers latch the hold only to have his "titanium beefsteak" forearms detach his fingers from said hold. Back to the ground he goes. Picks himself up, dusts himself off, and simply walks off muttering something to the effect of, "f*#k it, I'm gettin' somethin' to drink."
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Jerry Dodrill
climber
Bodega, CA
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That beginning rock climbing video he put out was a crack up. As a teenager in the late eighties with few partners and no mentors, I watched that thing over and over, and might have even learned something. ;-)
Largo supports the arts too. Thanks John.
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
St. Louis
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 8, 2006 - 04:09pm PT
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I second the request for photos with only shorts. short shorts..
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Crimpergirl
Sport climber
St. Louis
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Topic Author's Reply - Apr 8, 2006 - 05:23pm PT
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Need. more.
:)
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Toker Villain
Big Wall climber
Toquerville, Utah
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Ho man! He can free solo just air!
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bob d'antonio
Trad climber
boulder, co
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John B ...is that the Penny Ante Boulder in Lost Canyon?
Cool shot and a great article in Climbing "Pumping Sandstone". Maybe 77 or 78 with Largo doing the Ripper Traverse on the cover.
Hats off to Largo for all that he has done for the sport.
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Grug
Trad climber
Golden, Colorado
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Climbing is the kind of endeavor that spawns heroes. We all have our climbing heroes. Largo makes my top 5 list. On top of that, I like that he's a big guy - climbing wouldn't be the same if the only climbers worth mention were the sub-160 pounders that, by all rights SHOULD be the best climbers.
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Chaz
Trad climber
So. Cal.
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Largo's the kind of guy who will take a break from his bouldering circuit to show a n00b around Mt. Rubidoux.
I know. I was that n00b.
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bvb
Social climber
flagstaff arizona
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100% heart, 100% class, 24/7, going all the way back to the muthafukkin' day. a tip of the hat to you, old man.
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Mike Ierien
Trad climber
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Hey Bob, you've done your share for this community of ours. Dig that.
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todd-gordon
climber
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For awhile, back in the early 80's, I was one of the only people who had a place at Joshua Tree.....it was a small place... a flop house, and on week-ends... there were usually 30-75 people there EVERY weekend.... Largo was often there....and everyone had a spot to bivy... usually in their cars, trucks, or Vans... but Largo never drive to the crags in this own car..(Did he have a car??)..so he usually bivied outside......His bivy spot that he chose was a place behind the house , up against the house......sort of a place where a hobo might crash out if he were dead drunk.......not out in the desert , or in the wash, or in a tent.... but up against the house........like a common panhandler.........I found it a bit odd, but it was quiet , peaceful, no rangers ,free, and a hop-skip-jump from coffee and breakfast in town in the A.M........It was bare bones back then.......all you needed was a place to crash, a pad, and a dirty sleeping bag, a toothbrush, and beat up climbing gear, and ratty clothing that we all got at thrift-stores, or found at the crags or the side of the road...................
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