Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
| Messages 1 - 120 of total 120 in this topic |
Splater
climber
Grey Matter
|
|
|
Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 7, 2006 - 01:17pm PT
|
Now is your chance to ask those questions in person.
---------
Micheal Reardon: No Strings Attached
@ R.E.I.
February 6 @ 7:00pm - REI Northridge
February 7 @ 7:00pm - REI Manhattan Beach
February 8 @ 7:00pm - REI Huntington Beach
February 9 @ 7:00pm - REI Encinitas
Michael Reardon is one of today’s leading free solo rock climbers – that’s no rope, no net! In a single day, Michael has soloed as many as 280 routes at Joshua Tree, 150 pitches at Tahquitz, and 50 pitch marathons in the Needles, Sierras and as far away as Ireland. Michael has pushed the grade as high as 5.13 and consistently solos a “vertical mile” when he climbs.
Michael’s slide show will provide a unique view into the training, discipline, and humorous side of what many consider the most serious of sports. So come out, enjoy the show, and earn a chance to win great prizes from Acopa and Metolius!
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
I received a phone call today from someone who was at REI Northridge show last night.
He said there was some good heckling from a certain Stonemaster.
He also said (at least) two well-known Supertopo Forum members were in the audience.
Would anyone care to give first-hand comments relating to the festivities?
|
|
G_Gnome
Trad climber
Ca
|
|
Well....
Mo tried to question Michael about why he could solo Equinox while Croft needed to be rescued. Mo failed to be persuaded that Michael was a better climber that day (Croft was said to have been in new shoes and it was too cold). Crowd hissed Mo into silence. At the end of the slide show, there were several slides in a row with Michael flipping the whole world off so that kind of put a damper on how much debate happened after. No one that was a doubter had their mind changed, but Michael is very willing to discuss the issue up to the point where he is called a liar and then the 'f*#k you's' start to come out. It was a good slide show though and the 'masters of stone' aspect of the crowd was pretty good.
All agreed to go climbing this weekend at the tree.
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
Man I would have probally gone. But was way to busy planning my turkey fest.
Juanito
|
|
rradakovits
Sport climber
san diego
|
|
i will try to go to the one in encenitas on thursday, anyone else going?
should be entertaining and it is for free.
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
Can you ask him if he is suffers Bipolar Disorder.
Thanks
Juanito
|
|
can't say
Social climber
Pasadena CA
|
|
I was there, and what I took away from his show is that he seems pretty good at tooting his own horn. He seemed overly defensive and self-absorbed and his tone mirrored this.
He opened the show saying that he had just thrown a bunch of slides together and sort of see what happened. Well as his show progresses, set graphic slides are shown that said, Detractors = Online Slime, or something similar to that. He had powerpoint bullets that showed his creds and why people should believe what he says. So, he had definately thought out the tone and meaning of his show.
He also said that anyone was free to interupt him during his presentation if they had any questions or comments. Well, Mo had a few things to say and MR didn't really articulate Mike's concerns in their exchange. Unfortunately some in the crowd started crying, saying they had driven all that way to see the show and not hear the verbaige. Mo was just getting warmed up when was over. There is still much unsaid by all parties, I'm sure this won't be the end of it.
That being said, MR has an obvious credibility problem to many people. Those same people have zero problems with the credibilty of all MR's soloist heros he lists. Yet they do have an issue with MR. Why is this?
If a man wants to regain his creds, and MR seems pretty intent on defending his rep, then he needs to step up and show em. A lot of this would be over with if he just says, hi guys, I'll be at the Baby Apes wall for any and all to eyeball. Said time arrives , he solos the rigs, and everyone goes home happy. In his slideshow he would continually refer to very difficult climbs as not very challenging. It seems very out of character, at least of the folks who solo. So I guess it shouldn't be any problem for him to shut them up with a few well timed solos.
Me, I hope all his claims are true, as I really like seeing huge leaps of performance unlike anyone before.
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
I really do not know the story because I do not waste my money on climbing mags.
So what is all the controversy about?
From what I gather some of his claimed solo's may be a lie?
Did anyone see him solo the vampire?
Has he soloed Astroman?
Juanito
|
|
Cloudraker
Trad climber
BC
|
|
I saw Michael Reardon soloing a blank, overhanging problem in Lost Horse at J-Tree this past xmas holiday. My partner and I were definitely impressed but found the scene odd because it happened to be a photo shoot with 3 photographers and support people.
My impression of him is that he is a really strong climber but he's got something to prove. I don't understand why the guy feels the need to promote himself. He's a movie producer in Hollywood and probably has no shortage of cash....why not just climb and have a good time? If I were in his shoes I wouldn't give a rat's ass what anyone thought of my style and/or accomplishments. I would just climb with my friends.
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
What movie did the guy work on?
|
|
up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Cabin Fever (2002) is probably his biggest credential to date. I couldn't give a flying f*#k what he has or hasn't soloed. I can attest that he does have quite an ego.
Ed
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
"He also said (at least) two well-known Supertopo Forum members were in the audience."
Does this mean he lurks in the background? or does he post here?
How would he know?
|
|
nature
climber
Flagstaff, AZ
|
|
dave - you are not the only one with the real name 'Dave' (not ST handle) in this forum. Angryboy wasn't referring to you. Do you drive a cab by chance? If not, then, it really wasn't you.
I'm sorta with Juan on this one. I don't read the climbing rags so I guess I'm missing most of the controversy.
MR sounds a little whacky and if he's really out to prove something while he's really out soloing crazy stuff then well... let it go? If he's NOT out soloing what he proports he is then prove it and disregard him as a spraymonkey and well.... let it go?
|
|
addiroid
Big Wall climber
Long Beach, CA
|
|
CAN'T SAY and ED...Why does he need to defend what he says by a circus show at some grid bolted chosspile that spandex-stuffers worship. Mike is a fun guy and just happens to have a great talent. No, he's not as humble as Ammon, but he enjoys doing sh#t that his peers can't do. Lay off the guy, go train, and do something big (for you, not anyone else)and challenging with uncertain outcome. Then be happy that you challenged YOURSELF, not someone else to a pissing match.
I'd go to the shows in MB and HB, but due to some massive "returns which are not only inconvenient to you, but costly to Rental Equipment Incorporated" I am no longer allowed in their establishments.
Quit giving the guy sh#t, and spend your time training instead wasting it on here.
http://www.gymjones.com
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
Werner –– 2 of the people he mentioned were names I recognized from their posts here.
Anyway, as I said before, uncut video shot at a sufficiently wide angle goes a long way
to quiet any detractors. The EBGB's free-solo video is bad-ass and speaks for itself.
It would be great to see the videos doing the talking!!
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
If I leave Northridge now at 6pm I should be able to get to the Manhattan Beach REI by 9:30pm.
|
|
up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
|
|
Paul, you've mistaken me for someone who gives a sh#t. I'm not asking him to prove anything. I would call Michael a lot of other things before I called him a liar. I've seen him climb once and he's obviously very talented, and I'm not calling his integrity in to question. Others may have reasons to doubt him, but even if I gave two farts about what he climbs, I can't say he's ever been dishonest to me in our limited interaction.
Climbing does sound good, doesn't it?
Ed
|
|
addiroid
Big Wall climber
Long Beach, CA
|
|
Ed, you sir have obviously mistaken me for a climber.
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
What was Mo's point? All I heard was "Petes my good friend and thats not what he told me." three times. He just repeated that phrase like it meant something. I'm thinking he meant since Croft couldnt do it no one could, ever. But he never finished up his line of questions. Even at the end of the show when MR asked him if there were anymore Q's.
Wes
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
Did he also happen to say anything like:
"Show us some videos so we can put this shIt to rest"
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
HK, nope just silence.
Maybe a few computers to hide behind could be set up, lol ;)
Wes
Did I just post that out loud? Oops. (haha)
|
|
nature
climber
Flagstaff, AZ
|
|
dave - you didn't get me riled up at all. sorry if I came off that way. yup... confusion can set in around here.
|
|
poop*ghost
Trad climber
Denver, CO
|
|
I'm sorry, have you guys not watched Return2Sender?!
There's a crap load of footage of the guy soloing... and if you're still in the mood, there's another crap load on the special features of uncut footage.
and if you look even a little bit, you can find articles in all the major rock magazines with pretty much all the details you could want.
and websites w/ footage.
I don't get it?! He solos hard stuff, he is a hard dooode. What's the beef? Where's the beef? Where is my order of meat?!
jason
|
|
landcruiserbob
Trad climber
the ville, colorado
|
|
I think I have seen more video footage of MR than all of the other "hard men" soloist combined.Who the hell knows what Croft did! It's all local ledgend. I doubt they sit around & spew about it. I wonder why Dean Potter who has done tons of soloing on video hasn't caught as much heat.One word "Yosemite"; and Dean is a valley local. MR needs to show up in the valley & do some hard sh#t.I beleive MR isn't in the elite class of climber(5.14 +),but he seems really comfortable soloing close to his red point limit.It takes some balls to do that. I beleive the last person to lead at a level so close to their red point limit was Hershey.rg
|
|
Rhodo-Router
Trad climber
Otto, NC
|
|
Sounds like 'Wings of Steel' redux, ie, he's not one of the cool kids so it can't be legit.
|
|
Dapper Dan
climber
an 89' honda accord
|
|
i wonder how many of the people talking shiite on this thread have ever actually seen MR solo or even met him for that matter . i've encountered him numerous times at Malibu creek , he has soloed some short 11's and 12's in the time it took me to put my shoes on and tie in . i've seen him solo numerous moderates in jtree and then there's him soloing on a few vids . sometimes climbing is like a retarded soap opera , all the naysaying and slandering that goes on is so f-ing pointless it really feels like 9th grade around here sometimes. I give this thread a big F*CK U !!
|
|
Jaybro
Social climber
The West
|
|
This guy, whoever he is, sure pushes a lot of people's buttons.
|
|
Matt
Trad climber
places you shouldn't talk about in polite company
|
|
i just met him briefly, but i thought he was a super nice guy.
i question anyone and everyone who chooses to post whatever garbage they may about him (or steph davis, or any other well known person) on these threads. if that is what you feel like you need to do, i challenge you to do so w/ your full real name, your phone #, an active email address, and your mailing address in each post you make.
i've met plenty of people in my life who were worthy of slandering, but very few have been climbers.
(edit- for example, fattrad is not a climber, see what i mean?)
another thing- all of the people who complain at length that there is no proof of his exploits are no doubt the same that complained when potter soloed astroman and had cameras waiting for him.
heads they win, tails you loose.
now go out and live your own life, worrying a little more about your own successes and your own goals or aspirations, and a little less about what everyone else does or does not do.
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
On the outside looking in.
|
|
Jaybro, exactly! I'm all like "WHO?" and the flames are ragin and SuperTopo winds whip it into an inferno...
Carry on.
|
|
Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
|
|
Dapper Dan...I've met mike, I've seen Mike solo. I actually climbed with him occasionally back before he went on to being Mr. Solo Badass (actually, one of my favorite Indian Cove memories was a great day working the crux of Monaco with Mike while he shouted Mojo Nixon lyrics at me). I saw him solo 11's with ease back then.
I've lost touch with him nowadays. The Mike I once knew was fun loving, outgoing, and totally unapologetic about what he wanted to climb and what his goals were. He climbed for himself and his own energies and I totally respected him for that.
I think the Mike of today though isn't just climbing for himself anymore...he has a name, a brand, and a status as a "pro" to maintain that he didn't used to have. And that brings with it a lot of baggage. I know there's tons to back up what he's done, yet still so many people still question him and you have to ask why.
Like someone else said.....all it would take is for Mike to show up in the Valley and start sending and that would shut a lot of people up. But he hasn't done that. I think he himself could go a long way to shutting up his detractors, but photos and video only go so far.
|
|
Ouch!
climber
|
|
"(edit- for example, fattrad is not a climber, see what i mean?)"
LOL! Fat, I think that was a dig. Yep. It was a dig.
|
|
pud
climber
Sportbikeville
|
|
Wes,
rumor has it your synergy is running you up some hard routes.
will a season of wakeboarding help me send V10?
:)
|
|
Ksolem
Trad climber
LA, Ca
|
|
"..he's threatened lawsuits at websites that bash him.."
As I heard it, he drew the line when someone threatened his family. It was way beyond bashing.
I was at the Northridge show. It was fun. Great to see some of the old Buds in the crowd. I saw a couple of people I hadn't seen in years. Of course whenever a bunch of old folks get together there's going to be some bad news too. Scott told me that Mr. Vernon is having some serious health issues. Kind of makes the spray about Mike pale in comparison, eh?
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
From what I gather from reading all this, is Mike Reardon most likely and is bonafide on 98% of the stuff he's done.
What his detracters are about is that 1 or 2% that raised their doubt level.
You guys have a way of blowing it way out of proportion.
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
PUD, Wakeboarding made my arm look funny, thats all. ;)
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
To all the haters, if Mike gave u the pics, the video, the time and place of his next hard send, it would not be enough, you would still hate on. Admit it, your having too much fun. Pulling someone down is easier than being a stand up person. It's hard admitting your wrong, especially in person. Plus you get to hate behind a computer.
|
|
pud
climber
Sportbikeville
|
|
Wes,
anytime anyone does something others cannot do you will have this phenom.
i like the fact that Mike doesn't let it interfere with his passion for climbing.
his friends support him and that's whats important.
--wayne
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
On the outside looking in.
|
|
YES!!! HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEsubliminalHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEfvckHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
youHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEbastardsHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATEHATE
HATEHATE!!!!!
Who are we hating today?
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
Doubt is not hate.
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
I couldn't have said it any better....
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
On the outside looking in.
|
|
OK then, I'll temporarily quit chumming the water and ask, what is it and why is it that we have reason to doubt the claims of this guy?
Someone wanna fill in those of us who don't know or as I like to say "LINK"!
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
Wayne, yeah I get that.
Jghedge posts,"It's just common sense - if he had soloed enough routes in front of enough people enough times, then he would have credibility, and his unwitnessed and unphotographed claims would be believed. It is understood that you don't necessarily want people around distracting you when you're doing a hard free solo - but we do need to see at least something, and if you get caught lying..."
SueV PHD posts,"there is LOTS of "smoke". makes me think "fire".
These two are saying my friends and I are telling lies. Would you just sit back and take it? F no! I mean, yes, thats what Im doing now but I dont have to like it. haha.
You know whats funny? All this time climbing, week in and week out and not one person has been an ass in person. I mean face to face.
Wes
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
WB
Some of the local boys have taken it way beyond just Doubt. Into the Hate area.
Wes
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
Wes
Then let them, then have Mike Reardon post here and settle it.
Why always only friends speak for him, he can't speak?
Wings of steel guys came out and spoke.
|
|
Ksolem
Trad climber
LA, Ca
|
|
Werner, Mike has made a specific decision NOT to get involved in internet arguments. I think this is wise. If he were to post once, it would open "Pandora's Box."
Wes, I would never call my hero Lechlinski an "ass," but he was pretty face to face for a minute at the Northridge REI. I was kind of surprised that he chose to challenge the Equinox solo, right after MR showed slides of him low on the route, then higher, then doing the crux, then topping out (and these pics were taken by several people who all would have to lie for MR.) I would have expected that of all the climbs MR says he has done, Mo would have gone after the Romantic Warrior.
Sue, you question Turbo Flange? I'm just an everyday kind of climber and I did that thing first try (about ten years ago.) I actually thought that the 2nd pitch (The Edge) was harder - which thankfully I was not leading. I just say this to point out that if you are tuned up on that kind of Granite climbing, those ascents are quite do-able..
How many times in the past have the older generation of climbers pronounced (to their later embarassment) that this or that could not have been done? Remember when some people said 5.11 was "impossible?"
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
Imagine...
Video on a tripod
Wide angle lens
Uncut, one take
Moonbeam
Romantic Warrior
Equinox
Turbo Flange
End of !@#$%^& story!!
|
|
Ksolem
Trad climber
LA, Ca
|
|
Someone would say it was edited. There is no way to know anymore. The concept that recorded media (picture or sound) is a document of anything is long past. Know the guy and see with your own eyes. That's it. For me it comes down to trusting a friend.
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
Never ever put anyone on the spot like that. Tell them to solo something to prove themselves.
You just might get them killed.
The truth will always naturally appear one day ....
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
WB
" then have Mike Reardon post here and settle it. "
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!! No offence WB but Nothing is settled with a post. If you saw the Sheer # of posts about MR here and elsewhere. Just filled with hate( not Doubt) you might understand why Mike doesnt come to the forums anymore. Maybe in the future?
Locker
Yes, hard to believe. But you probably asked Mike directly to his face WTF did you do this thing? He talks to everyone who talks to him, and sometimes just himself. He wil tell you the truth, if you just ask. Most of the big time negative guys/gals dont bother saying a thing in person. They come to all the forums and post up. Just like me. lol.
Wes
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
Nothing is settled with a post?
Oh yes it is. One post is all it takes, people can cry alligators afterwords but the man will have spoken and his words will stand.
|
|
Ksolem
Trad climber
LA, Ca
|
|
"..the man will have spoken and his words will stand.."
He has spoken and his words are well known. Why should he go up against a bunch of haters on the net who aren't even bold enough to identify themselves?
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
Because he free solos.
So far you guys have kept him from free soloing here. You are his rope here.
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
Ksolem
"Wes, I would never call my hero Lechlinski an "ass," but he was pretty face to face for a minute at the Northridge REI."
Yes Mike L is a bad ass and my hero too! And I wish the talk you two had after MR left might have been settled or at least taken place with MR there.
I dont think asking questions, face to face, is being an "ass" I think thats exactly how it should be done, and I applaud Mike L. for trying. But admit it he didnt get his point out during the slide show, and at the end when given the chance, nothing.
In my post above I guess I made a mistake, an ass is someone you see at the rocks, who to your face is a frendly person but online is a backstabber.
Wes
|
|
maculated
Trad climber
San Luis Obispo, CA
|
|
Someone cried at the show over a discussion/heckling? That's weird.
Quite frankly I think all the hubbub about Reardon is more about his personality than anything else. My encounters with him reminded me of all the Hollywood pushers I made contact with when I was considering getting into film (and recently, actually). That kind of attitude works in Hollywood, but I don't think it works in most other places, most especially the climbing community wherein most people hold humility as a virtue.
There have been many times when individuals I've climbed with casually on mere pathetic mortal levels have shown up in videos or magazines and turned out to be dazzlingly noteworthy climbers. I don't think you can tell the gifted from the mortals that easily. People need to be in their element.
Anyway, people generally have a distaste for grandstanding, whether it's jealousy that he can and they can't, or simply because it annoys them - so doubting him seems to be a result of disliking his personality.
Just a guess. I don't really like to talk about people on these lists, but I always think about it when I see these threads.
|
|
todd-gordon
climber
|
|
I am so glad to see this conversation here at Supertopo.....over a joshuatreeclimb.com, we got very tired of it....it goes round and round and all sorts of crap flys everywhere.,....nothing ever gets solved or figured out, nasty-ass things are said, fingers are pointed, and it got too dirty for me.....I washed my hands of the whole Hollywood mess; I personally have made joshuatreeclimb.com a Michael Reardon Free Zone.... so enjoy supporting, or not supporting the guy......(just not in my neighborhood......). Too bad, because I enjoy most aspects of climbing, free speech ideas, and even M.R (most of the time...)......I just don't enjoy the negative energy which seems to swirl around his solo climbing resume.......It will probably all come out in the wash one day.....someone (either Michael or his doubters) will end up with egg on their face.......I just choose not to get splattered by the flying pieces.
|
|
Degaine
climber
|
|
Someone wrote:
« but we do need to see at least something… »
Really?
Between here and rc.com, Michael is pretty much damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t.
Everyone asks him to show proof about his exploits – when he does he’s called a showboat, conceit and whatever else you can think of. In addition to the fact that everyone seems to think that one should not talk about one’s freesoloing activities.
Then everyone turns around and asks him to show proof of what he has solo’d. When this does not occur at the speed the Internet gossips demand, he’s called a liar and other four letter words.
Go to his website. For all those people his detractors claim he is not, Michael has put in a nice little section called “legends.” As far as I know from interaction with Michael, interviews, the Internet and the little I’ve read in the climbing magazines, he has never claimed to be at Croft’s or Bachar’s level, and considers anyone a fool who does. I think that humility speaks for itself.
In the end, those who like him will defend him, and those who do not will continue to slander. What’s new?
From seeing the photo sequence of Michael soloing Equinox and the interaction I have had, I have no reason to doubt. Apparently Return2Sender shows even more of his soloing (have not seen it myself).
I personally like Michael, he’s a nice guy and very supportive of others’ climbing ambitions. Perhaps it’s because I’ve lived/climbed in a few other places on the planet than Yosemite, and met other amazing climbers that I don’t feel the need for anyone to “prove themselves in the ditch” to be considered trustworthy.
But then again, whether it be Michael’s exploits or anyone else’s, I don’t “need” anything except more vacation time to go climbing.
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
On the outside looking in.
|
|
I would like to interject momentarily to state:
I JUST DON'T GIVE A F*#K!!!
Carry on, doubters, haters, and proponents....
|
|
Degaine
climber
|
|
Thanks for keepin' it real, Blowboarder.
|
|
addiroid
Big Wall climber
Long Beach, CA
|
|
"...reminded me of all the Hollywood pushers I made contact with when I was considering getting into film (and recently, actually). "
Are you sure you aren't talking about the San Fernando Valley? Exactly what kind of "films" are we talking about? Teaching gig not working out so well?
There's a lot of money to be made in Hollywood. Move over Hollywood Hans...It's time for Hollywood Kristin!!! Follow your dreams, and you'll make it big. Buena Suerte!
|
|
can't say
Social climber
Pasadena CA
|
|
Joe's take on this is pretty much the same as those folks (the one's I know) who doubt MR's bigger claims. To those of you who get an immediate knee-jerk reaction to defend MR, it's not a hate thing. It's a credibilty thang.
It's also not his personality, as some have asserted. That he is brash, overly self-confident and so on. If that were it, Bachar would have been raked over the coals and disbelieved, since his people skills were not the best back in the day. But he was always believed. Why? Because like all the other named soloists we've been talking about, he did it right in front of everyone's faces. Kind of hard to disbelieve it when you're a witness to it. And I think that's part of MR's issue. He apparently climbs with a close knit bunch of folks who stanchly defend his every breath.
So get over the hate stuff.
As for his photos being proof of his deeds, he unfortunately burdened by his easy accessibilty to Hollywoods best editing software. So, whether or not these pics are unaltered, their reliabilty as evidence is suspect.
|
|
maculated
Trad climber
San Luis Obispo, CA
|
|
Oh Paul . . . the things you don't know. :) :P
|
|
Degaine
climber
|
|
What's the expression?
"You can please some people all of the time and all people some of the time but you can’t please all people all of the time.”
For some, I doubt any proof will ever be enough.
|
|
can't say
Social climber
Pasadena CA
|
|
Degaine: "For some, I doubt any proof will ever be enough".
You know that is such a stoopid statement. When it comes to something as experiential as climbing, the ultimate proof is being able to eyeball the rig. And this is where I think some people have issues with him. Nothing sinister in that.
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
First, is anyone prepared to call me a MR hater to my face???
I didn't think so....
Can't Say™ and Hedge summed it up quite well. Doubt misconstrued as hate.
Or jealously. Or attempt at character assassination. Or cowards hiding behind computers.
It seems that Reardon has a bunch of friends––if not sub-men––who are quick to
defend him as if the world is out to get him.
I personally have never posted anything derogatory about Reardon.
Nor do I have any personal issues with him or his attitude.
I have said that more video would help his case. I said the EBGB's video was bad-ass.
And I'll say this: There's a bunch of footage of Reardon soloing easier stuff.
I will say that free-soloing EBGB's for the camera dispels what others have
said about doing it for the wrong reasons or being spontaneous, ect.
In fact, here's an exact Reardon quote from Return To Sender:
10 feet off the ground, you aren't soloing for anyone but you...
––and if you are, you're stupid and you're going to die...
And it's billed as "The first free-solo ascent of EBGB's".
Draw your own conclusions. So he does solo for the camera, but only the first 10 feet?
Falling off EBGB's––even blowing the opening mantle––seems more deadly than
falling off Moonbeam, Equinox, ect. Bachar posted here and said Equinox was "no big deal".
As to the editing of video, let us see it and we can decide whether it's fake or not.
Compositing video without any trace of fakery is knott as easy as you might think.
Who is going to devote the $$$––read HUGE expense––to hire a studio for that???
Also, look at some of the digital effects in movies and notice how fake many of them look...
While I'll take Reardon's word for his exploits despite my doubts, I say: bring on the videos!!
|
|
Ksolem
Trad climber
LA, Ca
|
|
The legal side of the producion team usually goes completely uncredited. They just want to get paid.
|
|
pud
climber
Sportbikeville
|
|
Swelleymon quote:
"To those in Hollywood, credits matter big time. It is the way these people tout the size of thier dick. You get your name as high and as prominent as possible"
survey sez,
closest swelley's been to a film production is photomat.
|
|
Matt
Trad climber
places you shouldn't talk about in polite company
|
|
i still say that anyoe posting 3rd hand crap about anyone else's exploits or lack of credibility is wasting both their own time and ours. if you are going to stick your chest out and stand up on a soapbox in front of everyone, fine, be a man about it and post here only a copy of the emails you are sending to the guy(or gal) whom you question, w/ no other commentary. if you have something to say, say it to him! otherwise you are just like the snickering kids in highschool.
so much reverence is given to bachar in these comparisons and yet denied to this guy, well look who bachar has in his own shoe company's ads!! so bachar is fine w/ the guy, but some nobodys on the internet are (repeatedly) all worked up about their take on credibility. i can proudly say that i have never soloed a legit 5.10, but from my own experiences w/out a rope i can also say that claiming to have done what i have not done would be more damaging to myself then to others. i don't believe that anyone would be risking themselves for any reason but to satisfy something within themself, and that has basicly got nothing to do w/ what anyone else thinks or says about it. sure, sometimes attention and praise become involved, but at it's core, the motivation has got to remain, otherwise "you're gonna die".
one of the hubers had someone shoot vids of him soloing a 5.14a that he had ruthlessly dialed, so what was your opinion of that? mine: sure, he's a great great climber, obviously has climbed that a few times, but what a sponsor driven euro self promotion artist for filming it...
same guy (i think? maybe it was the other brother?) tweaked himself by falling, unroped, from the lower portion of something easy on MCR (the easy butt?) so i guess we should conclude that no one has ever free soloed that line, if he can climb 5.14 unroped but fell there.
|
|
Bart Fay
Social climber
Redlands, CA
|
|
From IMDB.com
Internet Movie Database
Biography for
Michael Reardon
Height
5' 10" (1.78 m)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mini biography
Starting as a child actor in the 70s, Michael graduated to become a musician with a handful of albums in the glam-rock 80s. During this time he directed several music videos and commercials and sold a handful of scripts that later became feature films. Michael briefly disappeared from entertainment and into the dot-com world where he created a successful website company responsible for putting such companies as Mitsubishi and UCLA online. He later sold the business, went to law school, and came crashing back into entertainment by forming Silver Wings Productions ("Critical Mass" and "This Island Earth...") and later becoming the head of business affairs for Harvey Entertainment ("Casper, the Friendly Ghost" and "Richie Rich"), as well as production work for Universal, Paramount Classics, and Disney. He is a founding partner in Black Sky Entertainment which produced "Cabin Fever" and is in production on it's next, entitled "Site Unseen". Michael also owns his own production banner that has produced the "Climb On!" extreme sports series, and is currently directing "TechnoSmog" (release date December 2003) as well as producing several features, including "Blind Man's Bluff" (Sundance Film Festival short) and "Billy Whiteman" (based on the upcoming novel by Sid Jacobson).
|
|
caughtinside
Social climber
Davis, CA
|
|
I read that Samet piece about him in one of the climbing mags, and thought it was weird that half the article, the 'Mr. Producer' story, was a story told by Reardon's buddy about somebody else! WTF?
|
|
Wade Icey
Social climber
the EPC
|
|
I've seen Bachar, Croft, Dean, Werner, Schultz, Duecy, Bigwall, Walt, et al, freesoloing on numerous occasions over the years, with my own eyes, in person and... I STILL DON"T BELIEVE IT.
Believe me,
Wade
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
I read that Samet piece about him in one of the climbing mags, and thought it was weird that half the article, the 'Mr. Producer' story, was a story told by Reardon's buddy about somebody else! WTF?
Hahaha LOL
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
I just thought of something:
Reardon's slide shows are getting the kind of advertising that money can't buy,
by virtue of this thread staying at or near the top of the forum for days on end.
He owes everyone––friends, sub-men, enemies, and detractors––a big !@#$%^& thank you!
|
|
Jaybro
Social climber
The West
|
|
Many interesting facts, but one thing seems clear, he may be able to shed light on the question;
Is Casper the Ghost of Richie Rich?
|
|
Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
|
|
"one of the hubers had someone shoot vids of him soloing a 5.14a that he had ruthlessly dialed, so what was your opinion of that? mine: sure, he's a great great climber, obviously has climbed that a few times, but what a sponsor driven euro self promotion artist for filming it..."
You're referring to Kommunist. Want the real story of this "self promotion artist"? Alex had gone up and done the route in sections enough to dial it, but hadn't done the full freesolo of it. The morning he went up to do the official send of the route, he went alone (to minimize pressure on himself) and brought a wide angle lens to set up on the ground and record his climb. A tourist/hiker type came along as he was about to go for it, instead he had that person hold the camera and shoot his climb. So that person shot the video of the climb, and the guy who shot the tape had no idea the feat he witnessed or who Alex was. Thus, that tape shows his ground up free ascent of 5.14 Kommunist. He went back later with Heinz (and Max too I believe) and climbed it a few more times to get better video of the crux sections. So the video of him climbing Kommunist is actually about three different climbs of it edited together, but the original freesolo of it was captured 100% ground to topout on tape.
That's the story firsthand from Alex when I ran into him in the valley a few months after his Kommunist climb. Sure he may be a "self promoting Euro" , but he climbs hard and backs up his claims. And so what if it sells some videos. Eh, 5.14 is more than I'll ever climb, let alone freesolo.
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
"Doubt" doesnt lead to a** holes threatining your family.
When disgusting remarks are made...its hard to understand how its not Hate.
Dont all of you be fooled by "It's not as personal as you are making it out to be"
This goes way beyond anything in this post.
I think you know what Im talking about.
|
|
Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
|
|
Wes, I'm not 100% clear...enlighten us.
Are people threatening Marci and his daughter because they hate Mike? Was it put-downs or actual threats? Either way it's lame...I guess I'm just suprised climber bashing could go to that extreme.
|
|
marky
climber
|
|
"The truth will always naturally appear one day .... "
Students who write dreck like this deservedly get F's.
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
Fluoride,
Yes. Both. Its more than lame. If it was happening to you, what would you do?
Wes
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
gimp
Is this true?
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 12:22am PT
|
WB
In more ways than one, but none that stop me from climbing.
Wes
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 12:46am PT
|
I didn't know people are so fanatical about this stuff.
Yikes ......
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 12:52am PT
|
So who is threating the guys wife and kid?
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:11am PT
|
I think Juan and his Latino buddies should kick their !@#$%^& asses!
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:15am PT
|
Hey Pussies WTF?,
4 free shows. 4 opportunities to call Mike out to his face in public, and win free swag! Over 200 people were there this week. Some from as far as Bishop. Only one man tried to cry Bullsh!*. That man was Mike L. At least he showed up! At least he tried! Where the F were you!!! YOU SUCK!
Please dont take offense if this post doesnt pertain to you. This is for the guys/gals who really feel something. This is for the Haters, & this is for the truly indignant Doubters (not haters). This is for all the very rude people who write things they wouldnt say face to face. You know who you are. STFU you blew it.
Wes
HAHA
|
|
can't say
Social climber
Pasadena CA
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:18am PT
|
Wes you're painting with too broad of brush here. You're way off base to try and link anyone who doubts or disagrees with Mike to those who made threats against him.
I am not sure of the incident you are referring to, but I'm sure there are lots of doubters that had zero to do with what you're talking about.
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:24am PT
|
So gimp?
Are you his disciple?
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:30am PT
|
Cant say,
"Please dont take offense if this post doesnt pertain to you. This is for the guys/gals who really feel something. This is for the Haters, & this is for the truly indignant Doubters (not haters). This is for all the very rude people who write things they wouldnt say face to face. You know who you are. STFU you blew it."
Again this is for the people who went to extra effort to be mean and or nasty. Nothing wrong with doubts and or questions. :)
Wes
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:41am PT
|
This is for the guys/gals who really feel something. This is for the Haters, & this is for the truly indignant Doubters (not haters). This is for all the very rude people who write things they wouldnt say face to face. You know who you are. STFU you blew it."
Again this is for the people who went to extra effort to be mean and or nasty.
You know, you keep harping on this––and yet I haven't seen anything of the sort so far in this thread.
"Pussies"? "You suck!" ??
WTF, indeed...
|
|
rradakovits
Sport climber
san diego
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:46am PT
|
Just came back from the slide show in Encenitas. He may have a personality like a tweaker and the need for a haircut to be able to leave the glamrock 80's behind, but the climbing pics that he showed are not easy to fake and that so many people would lie to cover up his ascents seems ridiculous to me. He's definitely doing some pretty cool climbing, and he genuinely seems to love climbing.
And Juan; I couldn't tell if he's bipolar, he came of a bit manic but when he climbs he has to be ice cold, otherwise he would be dead.
Climbing can be a great form of selfmedication as long as you can keep your wits, I think we all know this. Nothing wrong with what he does, and his reasons for doing it does not concern me.
|
|
Ksolem
Trad climber
LA, Ca
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:47am PT
|
Hardman,
No, there has knott been a lot of acrimony on this thread. But there have been others. Wes' point is a good one. Come meet the guy and clear the air there. It's knott like he's knott making himself available.
Oh, is it bad form for me to say "knott?" It's kinda fun..
Over and out on this one.
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:50am PT
|
Hardman
Can't you see, this thread is not about Mike Reardon at all.
It's about wes.
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:52am PT
|
Come meet the guy and clear the air there
With Reardon or with Wes?
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:54am PT
|
WB
Mikes my friend.
WTG
Nice one, what do you mean?
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:57am PT
|
Mikes my friend.
Really?
|
|
westhegimp
Social climber
granada hills
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 02:00am PT
|
HK
Look inside yourself and see if you fit the discription. What is a sub man?
Wes
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 02:06am PT
|
Fit the description of what? Why are you trying to stir up shIt around here?
What is your problem?
And you're asking me what a sub-man is?
LOL!
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 02:13am PT
|
Wes
If everything you say is true then why do you keep on ranting and insulting people on his behalf. Let it rest and stand. You’re not helping him but just adding more fuel to the fire.
Put it out, and don’t insult people with STFU, "Pussies"? "You suck! statements on his behalf.
He needs to make that statement himself if he so desires.
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
On the outside looking in.
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 04:05am PT
|
These girls all think anonymous internet flaming is lame!
|
|
G_Gnome
Trad climber
Ca
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 12:02pm PT
|
Haha! I'm sure that there are photos of me around looking like that too. Mike looks nothing like that now though. F#cker is fit and light. We all go thru periods where we work too hard and don't play enough to stay thin and fit. That was obviously taken during one of those periods.
My real question is, 'why can't Mike do the hard boulder problems at The Point if he can solo 5.13?'
|
|
up2top
Big Wall climber
Phoenix, AZ
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 12:43pm PT
|
Wes -- anyone who is threatening Mike or his family is completely and inexcusably out of line. I'm sorry that it has come to that and I hope he is doing everything possible to hold those people accountable.
That said, you can hardly call Mike a wall flower. He is brash, quick tempered, judgemental, and intentionally confrontational. He is a loud-mouthed, trash-talking, spray hose lil punk, and when he gets a hair up his ass about something or someone he unleashes a full-on assault until his target has been destroyed. His cockiness and ego foster animosity.
Mike reminds me of the nervous little Chihuahua that barks at everything that walks by -- it just won't shut the f*#k up. The more you ignore it, the louder and angrier it gets. Even his friends say he has no ability to keep his mouth shut -- constant, non-stop verbal diarrhea, spewing and spraying about himself and trash talking others. If you're not in his "clique" you're likely fodder for one of his tirades. What comes around, goes around, Mike.
As I've mentioned a couple of times in this thread already, I'm not calling his integrity into question, nor am I doubting he has done what he claims. As much of a dick as he can be, he's never been dishonest in our interactions -- so don't mistake this as an attempt to slander his climbing ability. But Mike does very little to help foster good relationships with those who he disagrees with. Instead, he antagonizes the situation, and I'm sure this has played a part in the soloing controversy. He has no concept of diplomacy -- he's just a buzzsaw of vitriol when he decides he doesn't like you. It's no mystery to me why there is a great divide between those who believe him and those who don't.
And if you think I wouldn't dare say any of this to him in public, face to face -- you couldn't be more wrong. In fact, I'm looking forward to it. Someday, Mike, we're gonna have a talk.
Ed
|
|
todd-gordon
climber
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 12:56pm PT
|
Thanks, Blowboarder... for the chicks in the bathing suits......I would prefer to look at them 1 million times more than I'd like to read about M.R. and the spew that seems to folllow him around.......Blowboarder... YOU RULE!!!!Keep UP (boing...) the good work...(pun intended...)....By far, the best response to this post....
|
|
can't say
Social climber
Pasadena CA
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:01pm PT
|
Hey Todd, don't you have something better to do, like deleting salient threads with MRs name in them on your site?
Don't ruin a good discussion here in the ST ghetto with innane banalities about chicks who have zero interest you:)
What's cool about ST Todd is that if you don't want to read a given topic, you don't have to click on it in the first place. Now don't you have some censoring to do?
and you pud, well you're name says it all.
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 01:16pm PT
|
I have seen this guy at Stoney doing some of the hard problems. I will have to introduce myself to him and have a bit of fun.
Juanito
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 03:24pm PT
|
Looks like Batten caught himself a whopper...
|
|
pud
climber
Sportbikeville
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 03:41pm PT
|
can't say quote:
"and you pud, well you're name says it all."
THANKS MAN!
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
On the outside looking in.
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 04:30pm PT
|
Gordo, no problem man. A few minutes of googling to repay some showers scrounged at your pad back in the day, sh#t, I guess I owe you some more photos. Not that it's bad work, :)
Can't say, if you can't deal with people (me) making fun of what you call a "good discussion"(i'm calling it a flamefest and grabbing whatever flammable liquids I can gather to increase the heat, when in rome) then you have the same wonderful option you outlined above for Todd.
Just scroll right past the scantily clad pics, they should be easy to differentiate from the endless inane text surrounding them.
:)
|
|
can't say
Social climber
Pasadena CA
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 04:38pm PT
|
gotcha blowboarder. No bad vibes intended my friend.
|
|
Hardman Knott
Gym climber
Muir Woods National Monument, Mill Valley
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 04:45pm PT
|
Blowboarder - there's no flamefest here. It takes more than one participant.
|
|
Blowboarder
Boulder climber
On the outside looking in.
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 04:51pm PT
|
None recieved. If in the airing of all the dirty laundry associated with the subject matter something positive is accomplished, then great.
If it festers into an ugly flamefest and is still read for entertainment value (why i'm still here), think of my posts as the ring girls between rounds.
:)
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 07:40pm PT
|
Locker have you completely lost your f*#king mind.
I stand by my diagnosis. The guy is bipolar, just like tobin and yobo!
Juanito
|
|
G_Gnome
Trad climber
Ca
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 07:45pm PT
|
Your mind must be reeling at the thought, huh Jeff?
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 07:55pm PT
|
What causes one to become bipolar?
|
|
Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 08:48pm PT
|
Locker's right. From what I've known of Mike in the times I've been around him or climbed around him, he's got some definite adult ADD issues and is pretty hyper at times, but is definitely not bipolar, he's just got an inordinate amount of energy. I've known a couple bipolars, Mike's nothing like them. Bipolars are way more prone to deep fits of very noticeable depression, I've never seen any signs of that in Mike. Bipolars are basically manic depressive (the less pretty term)....they swing from high high's to low low's with very little in between. They're a blast to be around when they're "up", but when they crash, look out!!! It's not a pretty sight.
Plus he's held together a marriage and family. Bipolars have a hard time holding together personal relationships of any kind, especially in the long term.
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 09:06pm PT
|
Did I ever say he was bipolar? Not.
That's another thread.
Juan
|
|
WBraun
climber
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 09:41pm PT
|
Juan, 5 posts up you said it, lier! Not funny.
|
|
bachar
Trad climber
Mammoth Lakes, CA
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 09:42pm PT
|
I went soloing with Reardon over x-mas holidays in Josh. We used Photshop Soloist version 5.11 the whole time - I've never felt more secure on those dicey face moves! Now when I solo, I use it all the time. It's better than a rope. cheers, jb
|
|
Crimpergirl
Sport climber
St. Louis
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 09:57pm PT
|
*pbssttt, Werner - Juan is pretending to be bipolar, (though he's really being schitzo)....*
|
|
JuanDeFuca
Big Wall climber
Stoney Point
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 10:40pm PT
|
Werner,
I do not recall every calling the guy Bipolar.
That was just having a little fun with Locker.
But he claims before that I said he was Bipolar.
I did not, that was the Free Solo thread.
I am not saying he is not bipolar he may well be.
He probally is.
But is that a bad thing.
I think we are all bipolar to a certain degree.
Is it not wonderful to have Rajmit back!
Juan
|
|
Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 11:09pm PT
|
No locker, please don't bring LEB in. Her responses are way too long and usually take a thread in a totally opposite direction. I don't want this to turn into a mental health thread.
Now back to talking about Mike's freesoloing.
|
|
Fluoride
Trad climber
on a rock or mountain out west
|
|
|
Feb 10, 2006 - 11:20pm PT
|
Heh schmutz, even Mike himself is the first person to make self-depreciating jokes about that last thing you mentioned!!
|
|
| Messages 1 - 120 of total 120 in this topic |
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!