Steve MccClure

HUBBLE

Hubble was first climbed by Ben Moon at the cliff of Raventor in the Peak. The world’s first F8c+, one small set of moves for man, but one giant leap for mankind. The route is pure power, it’s a boulder problem. It would be a font 8B boulder problem if it had a flat grassy landing. Seven hand moves, nine if you’re short. Ben’s ascent was in 1990, it coincided with the peak in my youthful interest in the scene; I observed from a distance and marveled at the near impossibility of the task.

I tried it once or twice per year, and every time made zero impression. To be fair I wasn’t giving myself the best chance. The odd day on the route each year was never going to be enough with the specific nature of the moves and holds. I was nowhere; an amateur, hoping to trick it into submission. This year it was time to become involved. I didn’t need to prove anything to anyone, but I wanted it for myself. It would complete my graduation and be the culmination of everything I ever wanted or even imagined I could achieve.

On a warm humid day I found myself on the way to Ravenstor again. The in-car thermometer said 19.5 degrees at 10.40am, hardly the ‘Gaskins’ start! I was on redpoint, but not really, I set off on an attempt, but wasn’t really trying. It was too hot and too sweaty. But in that moment everything was right, everything worked perfectly. Don’t get me wrong it was a fight to the death, but snagging the first of the good holds after the hard climbing I had the slightest feeling that the route had given up, it had been just that bit too easy. It was my time for success, Hubble knew it and at last it had admitted defeat, lied down and died! Then it was over, the final exam!

August 15, 2009 06:40 PM

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