Bachar Appreciation Thread

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Karl Baba

Trad climber

Yosemite, Ca

Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 17, 2006 - 10:56am PT

It's bound to happen. Might as well start now so John will have something to read while he rehabs. This thread can be about the past, so the "get well" thread can be about the present/fuuture

http://www.supertopo.com/climbing/thread.html?topic_id=238878&f=0&b=0

You can start with the nice stories and pictures. As he recovers we can add the slander

and finish with some lies once he's back on his feet fully

I hadn't met Steve but a thread for him would certainly be in order

Peace and healing

Karl

Tarbuster

climber

right here, right now

Aug 17, 2006 - 11:00am PT

JB,
Teflon,
Joshua Tree
Between bouts with fire breathin' Dragons,
Near the time of the Crusades
foto Deano "Bullwinkle" Fidelman
stonemeister phot-tigger-aphigeriger extroardinaire

goatboy smellz

climber

up a peak without a paddle

Aug 17, 2006 - 11:22am PT

edit: Thanks John, even as a gimp... yah still inspire!
PULL THROUGH!!!
Phatoto ala Chris Falkenstein

Crimpergirl

Sport climber

St. Louis

Aug 17, 2006 - 11:38am PT

Some favorite photos of John. This excellent expression is just John being John - I love this!

Here John sat listening to a most absurd story being told by Aldude...

And, my all time favorite - one of the hottest photos ever put on the internet - grrrrrrrr

* This has been posted here previously. I apologize for not knowing who the photographer is. Step forward...

Ksolem

Trad climber

LA, Ca

Aug 17, 2006 - 11:40am PT

graham

Social climber

Ventura, California

Aug 17, 2006 - 11:43am PT

Great idea Karl!

I’ll throw this out again since its handy. Some early foot work of John’s dressing up his EB’s. Fort Collins CO, circa 77

Still tinkering He just showed a new higher top shoe for next year called? You guessed it the JB

Hootervillian

climber

the Hooterville World-Guardian

Aug 17, 2006 - 11:53am PT

i've only met Mr. Bachar once.

i recognized him and introduced myself one afternoon down the sidwalk from the booky joint. all i could come up with at the time was "i admire your lifestyle", immediately generating doubt in my mind as i was sure he was thinking "what a n00b".

not so. he asked me if i climbed and seemed appreciative of the recognition in a very genuine kind of way. i was thoroughly impressed. much as i am here and now with his wit and compassion, all wrapped up in pithy commentary.

i appreciate the opportunity for this insight. and not to set conditions, but i look forward to more.

Ksolem

Trad climber

LA, Ca

Aug 17, 2006 - 12:20pm PT

My first encounter with Bachar was in Joshua Tree in 1982. Julie Lazar and I were recent transplants from back east, and were just getting to know the area. We were getting ready to climb "Ride A Wild 'Bago" on Sport Challenge Rock, when up walks JB who with a quick but polite "may I?" steps on the rock in front of me. It was an odd moment, as I was about to be annoyed I was instead so impressed by his dancelike perfection of movement and flawless interpretation of the climb. I was reminded of a similar scene, when I was lucky to witness a beautifully executed hard lead in the Gunks some years before, which got me interested in climbing in the first place.

todd-gordon

climber

Aug 17, 2006 - 02:05pm PT

Speedy recovery, John. You inspired me and my generation of climbers and we are indebted to you for that forever. Although we climb at different levels, we share the same passion for climbing, music, and being Dad. Hang tough, stay strong, and keep the fire going. Todd Gordon Joshua Tree, California

J. Werlin

climber

Cedaredge

Aug 17, 2006 - 02:58pm PT

1988, the Meadows. Just finishiing the walk off after leading Memos from Lloyd (5.10d). Some cat is at the base by our packs cranking a ghetto blaster which he curteously turns way down as soon as he notices our approach.

The guy looks like a local to me so I ask him about the name of the climb. He has the whole story, finishing with ". . .but I think it is more like .11a." Which made my head swell just a little more. Then up he went, sans rope, climbing like he was magnetized to the stone, and Josh and I look at eachother: "I think that was JB."

Best wishes for a speedy recovery John.

Fluoride

Trad climber

California somewhere

Aug 17, 2006 - 07:57pm PT

Never had the pleasure to meet him in person but I figured I'd run into him on the eastside at some point this season.

He's a fellow Blackalicious fan. Loved his funkness thread.

JB - next time they play the HOB, head on down and the tickets are on me.

Next time I'm in Mammoth Mountaineering I'm gonna buy some of your shoes. Not cause I need 'em, but cause I'll know that the money I spend buying them at MM is 100% going to you to help you recover.

Anything to help you get well and back on the rock where you belong!!

ron gomez

Trad climber

fallbrook,ca

Aug 17, 2006 - 08:35pm PT

Was up "cleaning" south crack in Tuolumne with one of my Russian friends, because the evening before they climbed it and left about EIGHT(8)cams in the cracks!!!! Got up and was on the route like 7:00 in the morning knowing they would get removed by the first team up that day. We are on the the ledge after the face traverse, 3rd or 4th pitch and I'm having a hellova time getting one out. My Russian friend tells me a soloist is coming up and as I looked down I see Bachar cruising up. He stops, we say hi(I'm embarressed to be cleaning friends) he works on it, takes it out and continues on. We get down from the climb and Johnnies hanging out parked in front of us. About 7 other Russians are waiting at the car for us and when we pull up, John pulls out a HUGE duffle full of prototype shoes. Lays a pair on each of the Russians, they thought god had ascended down on them (they knew who he was)and takes off after tlaking to them about climbing in Russia. Completely, unselfish, gracious and a friendly gesture to give em all new shoes, from da MAN. That is only ONE story of Cool John. I will always remember it and the Russians STILL tell the story whenever they can.
Peace

deuce4

Big Wall climber

the Southwest

Aug 17, 2006 - 08:47pm PT

The man, the myth, and clearly a legend...

Johnny boy, the solos in Tuolumne we climbed together are still some of the highpoints in my climbing memories!

Then, of course, the times in the Yucca Carl's Junior making "topos" on the napkins (and stuffing them back into the container) are some of the funniest times.

You inspired us all in an age of seeking out the ultimate intensity.

Heal well, bro, and keep us posted.

cheers
JM

Largo

Sport climber

Venice, Ca

Aug 17, 2006 - 09:23pm PT

BTW, that pic of JB that Mike G. posted is on the Left Eliminator. Not he has no rope--of course. Of all the times I went to Fort Collins with JB (and MG), he never once broke out the cord and a crash pad was nowhere to be seen.

Don't fall. And JB rarely did.

JL

goatboy smellz

climber

up a peak without a paddle

Aug 17, 2006 - 09:42pm PT

so the get well thread will be about the present/future?

HELL YES!!!

We will always be there to belay or rope gun!
(edit: BURP! elocution is a bitch when mixed with olde E and brandy!)

peace John,
Eric

A lite read to help you stay on target to recovery...
http://www.zenko.org/yumi_talk.htm

TYeary

Mountain climber

Baldwin Park, Calif.

Aug 17, 2006 - 10:12pm PT

John,
I remember a chance meeting in the Vons parking lot in Yucca Valley. You were blowing you sax with passion and several of us were there to dig it. We've crossed paths over the years and I, like many, followed your climbing exploits with interest and pride. Once, my partner and I ran into you bouldering up near Daff Dome and you took the time to hang with us and show us many problems, most of which we couldn't do. No matter, it was a grand time.
Thanks for being a gracious human being. You were our idol, yet you were one of us. I never forgot your kindness.
I am deeply saddened by the loss of your partner and friend, Steve. and I'm greatful your and Anastasia's injuries are not life threatening. Please know that we(those of us out here in cyber land ) are with you and sending our good thoughts your way. I wish you a speedy and complete recoverary.
Tony

WBraun

climber

Aug 17, 2006 - 10:13pm PT

Climbed with John many a times.

One day he says let's do the Nabisco Wall. I say you lead Bachar.

He leads waverly wafer with no pro. Then he leads Butterballs with no pro and clips the anchor bolts on butterballs, keeps going with no pro to the top. The classic JB lead hahahaha.

He only brought the friggen rope for me.

john hansen

climber

Aug 17, 2006 - 11:05pm PT

In the early eighties I was walking In yosemite just west of camp four when the sound of a saxaphone came drifting down thru the woods from up by the cliffs. Stopped and listened for awhile,, thought it was cool, someone playing like that.
have always thought it must of been him.