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the kid
Trad climber
fayetteville, wv
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Topic Author's Original Post - Jul 6, 2009 - 10:58pm PT
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this was the route name for the proudest line that JB wanted to climb on Medlicott.
It was his ground up route that later got sport bolted and is now called Peace....
i had the honor of going up on this project in 1987 with him and that was a memorable day for me because i got to tag along on a "Bachar" route. And his passing has opened a flood gate of memories that are so precious to me.
I was in awe of JB every time i got to climb with him. He was a god, a legend, a maestro to me. He was my mentor and i don't think he fully knew the impact he had on my climbing and me as a human. He was responsible for so many "firsts" in climbing and it saddens me that it took his "death" brings out the full story to the masses. Today's climber really has no idea of the foundation that he laid for Tommy, Chris, Dean and so many others to follow...
To me he will always be the guy who taught me to enjoy jazz and rap, to hang off a hook and drill while run out looking at a ground fall. He showed my why style and ethics were such an important part of climbing. More important than the end result.
He will always be the guy that could run laps on the lighting when it was my project. He will always be the guy that taught me to look for an FA in the least unlikely places. He never compromised his style and belief for a grade or a fa in the book.
The stone masters crew laid the foundation for my climbing back in 1982 and showed me what style and ethics and determination could allow you to experience. You never really get a chance in life to say thanks and show how friendships, and adventures shared, shape you in your later years. You take for granted the now and never realize the teachings bestowed upon you from the peanut gallery.
John Bachar's passing has rattled my cage and has given me a chance to look upon my past and see what i have experienced and enjoyed in life. It has allowed me to reflect on how good my "good ole times" were and to wish to be there again in full glory.
So to John Bachar and Yabo ( who i can never thank again in person), to Graham and the Lechinski's, Powell, Reid, Largo, Lynn, Maria and Johnny, Fidelman, Roy, the Fish, the driver, boogleman, Vogel, Clune, Hudon, Cosgrove, Schultz, Werner, Duece, Dude, Ariza, the Hatchett brothers, Lovelace, Tommy T and so many more...
You shaped me, you built me, you crafted my vision and fueled my desire for adventure. You opened the door for me...
thank you for allowing me to be a part of something amazing, something so timeless and full of passion and grand illusions.
I will miss JB and now only have the memories and a few pictures to remind me of how sweet and bitter life is now and forever...
I can only hope that the 'great gig in the sky" has opened up a whole new pallet of first ascents for JB to cruise until i am up there with him on his next project.
KS
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bluering
Trad climber
Santa Clara, Ca.
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Good stuff, kurt.
Sorry you lost a good buddy. I wish I had a chance to know him better.
Thanks.
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T2
climber
Cardiff by the sea
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Bravo Kurt!
Words and feelings well spoken and shared.
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hoipolloi
climber
A friends backyard with the neighbors wifi
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Kurt,
Great post, thanks for sharing.
I think its amazing how so many people who never knew JB or Yabo or any of the Stonemasters, you, Largo and so many others are really influenced by what you guys do and have done.
I know it keeps me striving for my limit and has taught me how to climb, even though I don't know any of you.
Thanks, to those who have paved a way for others (like myself) to try to follow.
Im sorry for everyone who was close with JB and the others who aren't with us any more.
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Blitzo
Social climber
Earth
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Word, Kurt! Bachar was the master!
The Kid in Training.
Photo by Blitzo.
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chez
Social climber
chicago ill
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Well done Kurt,
Proud list of friends ( the driver even, what a crack up)
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HighDesertDJ
Trad climber
Arid-zona
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Thanks for sharing, Kurt.
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neebee
Social climber
calif/texas
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hey there, say, "the kid"... thanks for sharing this part of your life, and where-such that john bachar had touched it...
supertopo history, for sure, and for all to learn to from...
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Tarbuster
climber
right here, right now
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I am not totally comfortable being on the same list with The Driver.
And Vogel should be in front of Boogleman...
(kidding, kidding...)
But yes, we were all lucky to have had any time together.
And there was so much more than that and there's still more to come for many of us.
Hold your loved ones close and keep your biscuits in that gravy while it's hot, Kid.
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msiddens
Trad climber
Mountain View, CA
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That's a great post Kurt
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Mark Hudon
Trad climber
Hood River, OR
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I'm honored to be mentioned in the same paragraph as John. Thanks, Kurt.
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KP Ariza
climber
SCC
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Excellent post Kurt and remember, for all of the lives that were positively impacted by JB, there are just as many out there that feel the same way about you. Sorry about your close friend man. This whole thing really sucks. I miss you bro, stay up-
KA
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the kid
Trad climber
fayetteville, wv
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Topic Author's Reply - Jul 7, 2009 - 07:06pm PT
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rockjox- you hit the nail on the head. he was all about meeting the challenge of climbing and not looking for short cuts. a true soul climber.
kenny- those were good times we all spent together in the 80's and the memories are stroing and i call them into my being a lot these days.
We need a gathering our our clan soon bro...
Hudon- you got me on my first 5.12 eer @ snowshed and opened the door for me.
I'll never forget.
Hank- you are the man!
ks
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rick d
climber
tucson, az
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hank-
I won the one phoenix bouldering contest.
I ran up to Kurt showing him my perfect scorecard completing all the problems and said in austrian voice, "none of them were too hard".
my name,
"mock scorecard"
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E Robinson
climber
Salinas, CA
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Hey Kurt, Good thoughts to read...memories of the 80's come flowing back. E
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Conrad
climber
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Thanks Kurt for keeping the flame alive. What JB did to shape who you are is now what you do for the next gen. Take the torch, hold it proudly, add to the flame and pass it on.
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aldude
climber
Monument Manor
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Yeah Kurt......I think it was Battlefield of the Galactic Giants but as I remember this was an unfinished line he started w/Dimitri over by You Asked for It. Peace was formally Diehard.
The Man :
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KP Ariza
climber
SCC
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I couldn't agree more Kurt, and gettin' old friends together is long overdue
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