COCHISE WHISPERS

You Think You’re Hard?
Four stops in the “Grossman Circuit”

Steve Grossman’s colossal efforts in the Stronghold produced some of its scariest classics, ground-up-drilled face climbs requiring a grit untranslatable to an 8a.nu scorecard. If you think you have what it takes, try this four-route sampler from the “Grossman Circuit”.

Absinthe of Mallet (5.9+): Since retro-bolted, Absinthe no longer warrants an “R” rating, though the brilliant, finicky 5.9 face climbing will still grab your attention.

Poetry in Motion (5.10 R): On the sheer flank of End Pinnacle, this route stands in stark contrast to the modern, well-bolted routes surrounding it. Suitors should expect to fiddle with protection, sling horns, and clip a few well-spaced bolts.

You Bet Your Life (5.10+ R): This striking arête follows the right-hand line of the What’s My Line Dome. The name says it all.

Let’s Make a Deal (5.11): Before you seal the deal, first hoot and holler up What’s My Line (5.6) to inspect this bisecting route. Along the way, look down and up and try to imagine pounding in a bolt on this insanely smooth face.