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Mike.
climber
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Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 21, 2012 - 06:34pm PT
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The unstoppable passion
Steve has it. Next time you feel a waning in your desire, or think that your challenges are daunting, think of him.
Steve and Tommy are all-time buds who took on all sorts of outdoor challenges together. Big walls, mountaineering, water and snow sports, cycling—they had a chemistry that produced results. With their high-arcing trajectory, there was no limit to what these guys might pull off together.
Then the game changer. Steve was involved in a car accident that left him unable to use his legs.
But Steve and Tommy refused to submit to circumstance and the path of less resistance. Instead, they began to tap their collective resourcefulness and drive, just as they would to push through the crux of any outdoor foray. They began knocking down barriers. Climbing El Capitan was achieved a few years ago with the help of some specialized gear invented and produced by the team. Kayak expedition next. Hand-bike cycling rides. All new challenges overcome with their old standbys attitude and desire.
Mountain biking was a shared love of the duo that had remained somewhat elusive. That is, until the passion took hold.
The Carrizo Gorge ride in Anza Borego State Park, southern California was one of Steve and Tommy's favorite rides. Many times they had done the historic out-and-back along the defunct railroad tracks, through rustic tunnels and over timber trestles. Now it seemed they were poised to mountain bike together again.
It took a couple of shake-downs to get the rail hand-bike dialed in. Steve, being a CAD designer by trade, made quick work of the bike design on paper, which soon enough translated to prototype versions 1, 2 and now 3. Tom is a master builder who can construct almost anything, and Steve himself is no slouch with metal fab.
On a beautiful Sunday morning, Tommy and Jay put the revised rail bike on the tracks.
Steve was ready to crank; the bike was dialed.
The regular wheelchair would be needed to help portage past a few areas of track which were covered by dirt and rock.
Steve motors past historic debris.
A portage zone. We spent some time on the return trip clearing some of the portage sections. One more trip out there and the entire track could be free of obstruction.
Grinding up the grade left plenty of time for photos and breaks. Once we attained our turnaround point at 2pm, though, gravity changed things up. The rail bike came into its own, with Steve piloting at a brisk pace that the rest of our crew was pressed to match. We were back down to the trucks in a short time, satisfied with the day's exploits and outcome.
The defining moment of this day was easy to identify. The view ahead of me as gravity whisked me along the side of the tracks…Steve railing at speed with Tommy aside. They had done it.
Passion ruled this day.
Cheers...
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Elcapinyoazz
Social climber
Joshua Tree
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Feb 21, 2012 - 06:39pm PT
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Wow! Steve is burl. That'd smoke my little legs, can't even contemplate hand cranking up that. Unstoppable indeed.
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Truthdweller
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Feb 21, 2012 - 06:39pm PT
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Steve Muse?
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Spider Savage
Mountain climber
The shaggy fringe of Los Angeles
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Feb 21, 2012 - 06:40pm PT
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Awesome!
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Mike.
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 21, 2012 - 06:45pm PT
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That's the MuseMan, Steve Muse. Tough, smart f*#ker and probably the nicest person you'll meet. A true leader...
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k-man
Gym climber
SCruz
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Feb 21, 2012 - 06:45pm PT
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Man, made my day.
Now this is true Burl. Cheers mates!
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Gene
climber
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Feb 21, 2012 - 06:48pm PT
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That's the MuseMan, Steve Muse. Tough, smart f*#ker and probably the nicest person you'll meet. A true leader...
Well said, Mike.. Steve's the man.
g
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Karen
Trad climber
So Cal urban sprawl Hell
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Feb 21, 2012 - 07:12pm PT
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Wow, this made my day too! so so cool.
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Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
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Feb 21, 2012 - 07:51pm PT
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BEAUTIFUL!
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graniteclimber
Trad climber
The Illuminati -- S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Division
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Feb 21, 2012 - 07:51pm PT
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I want to do this! But what happens if you run into a train going the other way? Or it runs into you?
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scuffy b
climber
heading slowly NNW
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Feb 21, 2012 - 07:52pm PT
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Ahh, really a fine thing.
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bparry
Trad climber
New Haven, CT
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Feb 21, 2012 - 08:05pm PT
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Proud; very cool.
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WBraun
climber
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Feb 21, 2012 - 08:28pm PT
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What time does that big ass freight train come out of that tunnel :-)
Good work guys ....
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Gene
climber
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Feb 21, 2012 - 08:30pm PT
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Honey Badger don't give no sh#t about no f*#king freight train.
Yeah!
g
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Melissa
Gym climber
berkeley, ca
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Feb 21, 2012 - 08:32pm PT
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LIKE!
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steelmnkey
climber
Vision man...ya gotta have vision...
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Feb 21, 2012 - 09:00pm PT
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That's some sweet action!
Can't keep a good man down!
Thanks for sharing!!!
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Gary
climber
That Long Black Cloud Is Coming Down
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Feb 21, 2012 - 09:11pm PT
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That looks like a really good day out.
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SteveW
Trad climber
The state of confusion
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Feb 21, 2012 - 09:13pm PT
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Awesome!!!
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couchmaster
climber
pdx
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Feb 21, 2012 - 09:37pm PT
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Nice to see it! Thanks for sharing it Mike. American ingenuity and life rips on! Schweet and amazing stuff.
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Mike.
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 21, 2012 - 10:38pm PT
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Thanks for sharing the stoke on this, you guys. It was really something powerful to witness.
GraniteClimber, I'm pretty sure mountainbikebill.com has info on the ride. They had a train running the tracks some years ago, but since then it's been a hike/bike trail. It's not steep or technical, but one should have some lights for the longer tunnels.
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T2
climber
Cardiff by the sea
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Feb 21, 2012 - 10:58pm PT
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Mike thanks for the killer words. Yes it was a pretty special day for me to once again ride with my buddy. Steve and I did indeed ride Carrizo gorge often back in the day. But to set the record straight Steve was solely the mastermind behind the rail bike. His concept, his design and his fabrication, we did talk and share design and fab ideas but the gimp did it all on his own.
It was a sweet day thanks for coming down and sharing it with us.
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museman
Big Wall climber
Poway, Ca
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Feb 21, 2012 - 11:25pm PT
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Mike, I have been dreaming about this ride since I got hurt. It brings a few tears to my eyes to have such a grand day out with my Bros. Tommy and Jay and to meet you, man. Very flattering to see this post. All you need is the desire, I guess... the desire to play, however possible. Just have to find a way to do it! It was so fun hauling back down and looking along side with you guys grinnin' back at me... awesome!
Hey to all on Supertopo! I haven't posted in a while and just want to say that I really miss climbing and hope to jug a line up a wall with Tommy sometime soon. To pretend to be a climber again, one more time.
Your pal,
Steve
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guido
Trad climber
Santa Cruz/New Zealand/South Pacific
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Feb 21, 2012 - 11:43pm PT
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WOW!
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Mike.
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Feb 21, 2012 - 11:56pm PT
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Steve,
Thanks for posting up, brother. I really caught the vibe and could feel something big happening out there. It was so much more than a bike ride. Way more! Thanks for having me on the team. It was an honor to be there.
Great job on the bike, too! That unit is an amazing accomplishment in itself. You have to admit is was pretty believable that Tommy had a hand in it (minus the welds, eh, T?!). Both you guys do some amazing work.
Here's to whatever you guys set your sites on next. I'm glad to be around to support!
Mike
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Gabe
climber
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Feb 22, 2012 - 02:37am PT
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I want to ride your bike Muse-Man! It sure looks like a super day in Anza.
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museman
Big Wall climber
Poway, Ca
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Feb 22, 2012 - 11:00am PT
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Gabe, you can ride it, bro! Going out again soon... Anza is way cool and in my back yard too! I really enjoyed building the thing. Maybe I should build another? or a tandem? That would be cool!
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elcap-pics
Big Wall climber
Crestline CA
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Feb 22, 2012 - 11:29am PT
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Yeah Steve!!!!
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Phil_B
Social climber
Hercules, CA
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Feb 22, 2012 - 12:40pm PT
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+1
Way to go.
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museman
Big Wall climber
Poway, Ca
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Feb 22, 2012 - 03:12pm PT
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Hey-up,
Thought I would try to load a few pics of my Pro/E concept design. I am so pleased that the damn thing worked. First time too!
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JEleazarian
Trad climber
Fresno CA
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Feb 22, 2012 - 03:18pm PT
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Very cool! This thread makes my day.
John
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Gene
climber
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Feb 22, 2012 - 03:21pm PT
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Steve,
Again, WOW!!! Those images are fantastic. What a work of art, engineering, vision and skill.
Are you and Tommy planning a Yosemite climb? Hope to see you and yours in the Ditch soon.
Gene
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labrat
Trad climber
Nevada City, CA
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Feb 22, 2012 - 03:23pm PT
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Too cool! Love it!
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siamak
Trad climber
tehran
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Feb 22, 2012 - 04:44pm PT
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You are the best Steve! Can't wait to come down and visit back in SD!
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mucci
Trad climber
The pitch of Bagalaar above you
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Feb 22, 2012 - 04:46pm PT
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Proud.
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phylp
Trad climber
Millbrae, CA
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Feb 22, 2012 - 04:55pm PT
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Thanks for the great TR, Mike.
Museman/Steve - you won't have to "pretend" to be a climber. Once a climber, always a climber! Let us hear more about your adventures sometime.
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museman
Big Wall climber
Poway, Ca
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Feb 22, 2012 - 05:13pm PT
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Maximum,
I am looking forward to seeing your smiling mug sometime soon. Planning another Baja kayak expedition this spring if you are interested?
Steve
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spq
climber
bonaire, dutch caribbean
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Feb 22, 2012 - 07:48pm PT
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As always Steve, you are "the Dude." Warms the cockles of me heart, it surely does. Come on down here to my island and dive with me next. Yes?
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Daphne
Trad climber
Mill Valley, CA
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Feb 22, 2012 - 07:51pm PT
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Right on! Thanks for the inspiration :)
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gottobike
Social climber
Santa Cruz
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Feb 22, 2012 - 10:33pm PT
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Steve Muse: Number one pick for a new "PEOPLE ARE AWESOME" video. He is a real honey badger.
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drljefe
climber
El Presidio San Augustin del Tucson
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Feb 22, 2012 - 10:50pm PT
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Thanks mike dot, that was awesome.
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m_jones
Trad climber
Carson City, NV
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Feb 22, 2012 - 11:13pm PT
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Very very cool. Thanks for sharing the smiles. Makes my day!!
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rwedgee
Ice climber
canyon country,CA
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Feb 22, 2012 - 11:36pm PT
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Can't keep a good man down !!
From Canada '03
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Feb 22, 2012 - 11:41pm PT
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Creative and totally cool. Thanks for sharing.
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bob
climber
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Feb 23, 2012 - 11:00am PT
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Super cool! Regardless of the transportation, cruising along those tracks looks fun! Thanks for adapting and getting after it. Very inspiring.
Bob Jensen
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brawa
climber
SAN
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Feb 23, 2012 - 12:06pm PT
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Awesome!
I just visited that trestle a few weekends ago. It's such a unique outing.
As we were walking along the railroad tracks we brainstormed some machines similar to the one you built. Most of our thoughts went towards modified windsurfing rigs because it was really gusting that day!
If you're in the area I definitely recommend a visit. Cool views, tunnels, and of course the trestle. Lots of MTBers, few hikers.
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museman
Big Wall climber
Poway, Ca
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Feb 23, 2012 - 03:27pm PT
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Chris,
That picture brings back memoties from Canada. Man we climed a lot of ice that week. Still have the shades, but not the legs. Hee Hee
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mike m
Trad climber
black hills
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Feb 23, 2012 - 11:34pm PT
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That is very cool. I work with students with disabilities and material like this is very inspiring.
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Jello
Social climber
No Ut
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Feb 24, 2012 - 01:02am PT
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Glad I checked in to ST to see this TR. Steve, way to keep the body and mind engaged. I'm completely inspired by your spirit. Also...I'm just really happy for you...it makes me happy to see you doing so well. I'm a pretty happy camper, too. When I get some free time, we should dream up an adventure together...
-Adventure-mindedJello
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museman
Big Wall climber
Poway, Ca
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Feb 24, 2012 - 12:56pm PT
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Jeff,
I would love to have an adventure with you, man! Maybe a Baja kayak trip? Looking at sailboats too... I want a trailerable 25' Catalina and will sail the bottom off of it when we get it. Keep in touch my friend!
Your pal,
Steve
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rhyang
climber
SJC
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Feb 24, 2012 - 08:49pm PT
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Cool !!
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Todd Gordon
Trad climber
Joshua Tree, Cal
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Feb 26, 2012 - 01:25pm PT
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Feb 26, 2012 - 08:20pm PT
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museman
Big Wall climber
Poway, Ca
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Feb 27, 2012 - 11:33am PT
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StahlBro,
That must be the smallest hornytoad I've seen in a long time, man! How did you even see it? Cool pic!
Steve
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Feb 27, 2012 - 03:27pm PT
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Steve,
It was crazy small! Went out this last weekend to check out the Blue Sun Cave.
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museman
Big Wall climber
Poway, Ca
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Feb 27, 2012 - 03:37pm PT
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Wow, sounds like you know the area pretty well. The cave paintings are beautiful and so is the lovely subject! It pains me to know I can't get any farther than I can push a wheelchair, but makes me happy to see those who get out and explore the back country. Thanks for sharing the pics.
Your pal,
Steve
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Feb 27, 2012 - 03:57pm PT
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Debbie and I get out to Anza a fair amount, but there is so much to explore. We camped at Bow Willow.
So glad you could get out on the tracks! they go through some really spectacular scenery!
Cheers, Rob and Debbie
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nutjob
Gym climber
Berkeley, CA
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Feb 27, 2012 - 04:05pm PT
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+1 for adventures of the mind, spirit, and body
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the kid
Trad climber
fayetteville, wv
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Feb 27, 2012 - 04:25pm PT
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damn that is so freaking cool.
I don;t know Steve but i have know tommy since 1978. we both went to high school and grew up together.
We both got into back packing, winter camping, skiing and then climbing together.
Truly an amazing dude that i am proud to call my oldest friend!
KS
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Lambone
Ice climber
Ashland, Or
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Feb 28, 2012 - 01:26am PT
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nice post Mike, thanks for sharin!
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museman
Big Wall climber
Poway, Ca
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Feb 28, 2012 - 11:57am PT
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Kurt,
We met once in the Valley a long time ago and shred a few beers at the deli with Tommy and Chris. I have admired your accomplishments for ever man! Tommy was my main climbing partner before I got hurt and has remained a good pal to this day. I hope we will continue to have adventures together in the future. I am greatful to have him as my friend.
Steve
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bag
climber
san luis obsipo, ca
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All the way!!!!!
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em kn0t
Trad climber
isle of wyde
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Steve,
Inspired by your unstoppable passion. And your beautiful CAD drawings.
Perhaps OT, but in terms of passion, have you considered mono skiing?
Big mono-ski event/race at Mammoth this coming weekend:
http://www.disabledsportseasternsierra.org/
Sorry it's such short notice on this weekend's special program; however you can arrange for sit-ski lessons any day, and scholarships are available.
Best wishes in whatever you do
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Mike.
climber
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Topic Author's Reply - Mar 16, 2012 - 11:05am PT
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Very cool POV action! Thanks, Steve.
The track ought to be looking pretty good by now, no? Good on the crew for the work there.
See ya soon, I hope...A.T.T., A.T.T...
: }
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StahlBro
Trad climber
San Diego, CA
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Mar 16, 2012 - 11:45am PT
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Nice! Thanks Steve.
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Ed Hartouni
Trad climber
Livermore, CA
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Mar 16, 2012 - 12:03pm PT
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great thread Mike. and museman !
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Studly
Trad climber
WA
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Mar 16, 2012 - 01:32pm PT
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This Museman guy is hardcore. What a dude, what a athlete, and what good friends! Inspired me right now to get off my ass and get out and do something.
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John Vawter
Social climber
San Diego
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Mar 17, 2012 - 02:29am PT
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Inspiring adventure Steve! Loved the long video. The last tune is one of my wife's faves.
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dee ee
Mountain climber
citizen of planet Earth
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Mar 19, 2012 - 11:12am PT
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Awesome!
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