Freerider: Kate and Madaleine
THE GIRLS CRUSHED ANOTHER HUGE ROCK!!!
On June 21st Kate and Madaleine started up El cap with their eyes set on making a free ascent of the mega-classic Freerider. This is no easy task. El cap has probably been free climbed by less that 100 people and only by 3 American females (Lynn Hill, Beth Rodden, and Steph Davis, am I missing others?)
Kate had wanted to climb Freerider for the last 4 years after following me up it. Since that time she has been gradually increasing her skill level to be able to realize her goal. Her and Madaleine have made free ascents of Moonlight Buttress in Zion, and Half Dome in Yosemite, which are steps in the natural progression towards free climbing El Cap.
After 5 days of climbing on the “Big Stone” they reached the top exhausted, thrilled and having poured their heart and soul into the climb. I couldn’t be more proud of the fine ladies!
2010.06.22 Kate and Madaleine on FreeRider - Images by Mikey Schaefer
hi mikey. love your photos. looking through your latest, i realized you probably know the captain pretty well. i’ve heard rumors of a spring somewhere near (within 1/2-1 mile) the summit that runs year round, possibly coming out of tree. have you ever heard of this or know where it is? if not, any idea where the closest water source to the top of the captain for the spring season is located? thanks for your help, and congrats to the ladies on the send!
cheers.
ben
Comment by ben — July 8, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
oops, i actually meant for the fall season, not the spring season. thanks.
ben
Comment by ben — July 8, 2010 @ 10:02 pm
Hi Ben, I do know the Captain pretty well and have also heard abou this spring. Though I’ve never been up to it I’ve heard it is up the main hiker’s trail a little ways. Something like you said 1/2 to 1 mile.
You should try posting something on Supertopo.com forum. I’m sure you can get an answer there.
Sorry I couldn’t help more.
Comment by Mikey — July 19, 2010 @ 10:32 am
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