Blindsight on the Naked Edge
Erik Weihenmayer and Charley Mace
On November 5, the blind Colorado climber Erik Weihenmayer climbed the Naked Edge (5.11b, 8 or 9 pitches) in Eldorado Canyon. Weihenmayer climbed with Brady Robinson, executive director of the Access Fund, and Charley Mace, a longtime friend and climbing partner. Cedar Wright filmed the ascent, so someday we’ll be able to see it for ourselves.
The five main pitches of the Edge are comprised of near-vertical to overhanging sandstone, notorious for tiny holds and complex sequences. Three of pitches are 5.11, and one is a very tricky 5.10. Weihenmayer had never been on the route, yet Robinson and Wright said he only fell once or twice on each pitch, except for the final overhanging lieback and hand crack. Both men marveled at Weihenmayer’s ability to quickly figure out 5.11 moves, and both said it might be the most impressive climbing feat they’d ever seen.
Agreed completely. That day in Eldo, a friend and I were descending from another route and on the way down we ran into Malcolm and some friends, who were hanging out watching and photographing and told us about it. Then ran into Brady and Cedar at dinner, who both said it was the most inspiring and impressive climbing they’d seen. Hearing them describe Erik’s process — feeling for holds, making a mental map of the rock, then climbing upward with confidence and determination — gave me chills and left me speechless. Absolutely amazing, and so inspiring that it makes me want to vow to never make an excuse for myself again.
Wow… Unbelieveable. Total inspiration
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