Tommy Caldwell: Adventuring with Alex Honnold, Biking to Alaska, Building Endurance, and Environmental Advocacy
Apr 17, 2024
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Elite climber Tommy Caldwell discusses his epic adventures with Alex Honnold, exploring human endurance limits, and the intersection of adventure and environmental advocacy. Topics include risky pursuits, overcoming injuries, conservation efforts in climbing, balancing family responsibilities, and advocating for the conservation of the Taungus region with indigenous activist Marina Anderson.
Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold's biking journey to Alaska focused on pushing human endurance and exploring new climbing objectives.
Their unconventional approach to Devil's Thumb involved bushwhacking through uncharted territory, emphasizing the journey as much as the destination.
Encountering challenges like class five rapids and wildlife encounters showcased resilience and unpredictability in expedition-style climbing.
The expedition blended climbing pursuits, physical endurance, and environmental activism, promoting conservation and sustainable practices.
Deep dives
Tommy Caldwell's Epic Adventure from Colorado to Alaska
Tommy Caldwell and Alex Honnold embark on a monumental journey biking from Colorado to Alaska, climbing along the way. Their adventure focused on pushing human endurance, exploring new climbing objectives, and promoting environmental conservation. The trip highlighted the challenges of biking long distances, navigating technical climbs like Mount Hooker in Wyoming, and tackling the remote Devil's Thumb in Alaska. The experience showcased a blend of physical and mental challenges, scenic landscapes, and a deep connection to nature.
The Unique Approach to Climbing Devil's Thumb
Caldwell and Honnold opted for a novel approach to conquer Devil's Thumb by bushwhacking through uncharted territory, pioneering a new access route to the mountain. Unlike traditional helicopter-assisted ascents, their groundbreaking approach required extensive bushwhacking through dense forests and challenging terrains. This method added a significant layer of difficulty and adventure to their climbing expedition, emphasizing the importance of the journey as much as the destination.
Challenges and Adventures Along the Way
The journey was marked by various challenges, including encountering class five rapids, navigating through dense brush, and facing wildlife encounters. The team demonstrated resilience and determination in addressing these obstacles, highlighting the unpredictability and thrill of expedition-style climbing. The expedition's focus on adventure, endurance, and environmental awareness resonated throughout the journey, creating a truly immersive and transformative experience.
A Blend of Climbing, Endurance, and Environmental Advocacy
Tommy Caldwell's expedition exemplified a harmonious blend of climbing pursuits, physical endurance, and environmental activism. By combining challenging climbs like Mount Hooker with pioneering approaches to remote peaks like Devil's Thumb, the journey encapsulated the spirit of adventure and exploration. The expedition's focus on environmental conservation and sustainable practices underscored the importance of protecting natural landscapes for future generations, making it a holistic and impactful climbing experience.
The Evolution of Climbing Conditions on Devil's Thumb
The climbers discuss their experience approaching Devil's Thumb, highlighting the unexpected ease due to favorable weather conditions created by climate change. Previously considered one of the most dangerous mountains, the climbers found it transformed into a rock climb due to melting glaciers, shifting their focus from alpine climbing to rock climbing. Despite the menacing surroundings reminiscent of movie scenes, their expertise in rock climbing allowed them to navigate the terrain comfortably.
Reflections on Risk, Climbing, and Aging
The climbers reflect on the concept of risk in climbing, with a shift towards valuing endurance and suffering over danger. They discuss past experiences close to death, including a 100-foot fall, revealing a calculated approach to managing risk in climbing. As they age, they acknowledge the importance of balancing adventure with family life and diverse interests, recognizing that pushing limits may require dedicating more time to specific types of climbing.
Advocating for Environmental Conservation
The climbers emphasize the journey's deeper impact in raising awareness for environmental conservation and their role as stewards of the planet. Motivated by their connection to nature during the adventure, they highlight the need for loving and understanding the environment to protect it effectively. They share insights on supporting environmental organizations and indigenous activists, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in preserving natural spaces like the Tongass and tackling climate change.
Evolution of Climbing Ethics and Perspectives
Exploring the evolving ethical considerations in climbing, the climbers discuss shifts in redpointing tactics and ground-up climbing approaches. They examine the balance between tradition and innovation in climbing ethics, adapting to new styles while preserving the essence of climbing challenges. By embracing diverse perspectives and experiences, they navigate the complexities of pushing boundaries in climbing while upholding respect for the environment and community.
Elite climber Tommy Caldwell is back on the show to talk about his latest epic adventure with Alex Honnold, how he's exploring the limits of human endurance, and the nexus of adventure and environmental advocacy.
BIG THANKS TO THE AMAZING SPONSORS OF THE STRUGGLE WHO LOVE ROCK CLIMBING AS MUCH AS YOU DO:
SCARPA: Whether you’re a climber, trail runner, skier, or hiker, SCARPA offers an array of adventure footwear for the adventure seeker in you. with a commitment to sustainability. Shop the whole collection at SCARPA.com. SCARPA, No Place Too Far.
COROS: Track your workouts, HR, HRV, Sleep, Recovery, and Climbs with the best wearable tech for serious climbers. Use code STRUGGLE at COROS.com to score a free watch band with the purchase of a COROS Apex 2 Pro.
ShayrdAir: Join Jonathan Siegrist and Shaina Savoy's mentorship program and enjoy a masterclass, zoom courses, in-person clinics, and a climbing trip with Jonathan and Shaina! Use code STRUGGLE for $300 off.
The Struggle is carbon-neutral in partnership with The Honnold Foundation, whose mission is to promote solar energy for a more equitable world.
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This show is produced and hosted by Ryan Devlin. The Struggle is a proud member of the Plug Tone Audio Collective, a diverse group of the best, most impactful podcasts in the outdoor industry.
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The struggle makes us stronger! I hope your training and climbing are going great.
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And now here are some buzzwords to help the almighty algorithm get this show in front of people who love to climb: rock climbing, rock climber, climbing, climber, bouldering, sport climbing, gym climbing, how to rock climb, donuts are amazing. Okay, whew, that’s done. But hey, if you’re a human that’s actually reading this, and if you love this show (and love to climb) would you think about sharing this episode with a climber friend of yours? And shout it out on your socials? I’ll send you a sticker for doing it. Just shoot me a message on IG – thanks so much!
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