Overshadow

[9b]

F.A. Steve Mc Clure, 28th may 2007 
" I called the route Overshadow.

It overshadows all my other achievements in terms of difficulty, commitment and focus, and makes a fine companion to the neighbouring route, ‘Rainshadow’.

It’s one of the best routes I’ve ever done, and it’s the hardest.

It seems important to stick a number on things these days. If you don’t, everyone else will anyway. When it’s a big number some say its for publicity, to ‘big up’ ones self, but at this level allowing others to grade is perhaps even more self publicity, as often it’s over inflated. And then it’s easy for the climber to avoid the issue but bask in the glory.

I suggest it could be 9a+, an estimate based on effort and experience.

But then how important is it to get it exactly right? Not important at all!

What’s important is honestly suggesting a level. If it’s wrong, either up or down, so what!

At this level the actual number is not so important.

What counts is it’s a great route that tested me right to my limit. Had it been 8c or 9b the journey from start to finish would have been no more or less rewarding ".

Adam Ondra


9a+

[9b]

" There is some unfinished business, so I should be back next spring.

Overshadow is waiting. I also want to go to Raven Tor as Hubble is a must since it is the World's first 8c+.

Also Steve's new project at Malham looks just amazing."

 

As promised, Adam is back: come on Overshadow, you can do it ! ;-)

Live (or reality ?) here.

[9b]

2nd ascent Adam Ondra

"It was also amazing how our sport is so open to all, with Adam, the best climber in the world, swapping goes on the first part of the route with Carl Bacon who made a cool redpoint of Overnite Sensation (8a+). Adam was just as psyched for Carl as Carl was for him. We are all equal really, just people, trying hard on great routes."

VIDEO