STARTING HOLD - #5 > June/July 2005

Just about every time I get together with my climbing posse, we eventually talk about the far off places that we want to go. You have a list, too, as most every climber does. The thing is, most of us have had that list for a long time. We've all heard it and have probably even said it, "I've always wanted to go climb in..." But, the question is, why haven't you been there? Why haven't you found the time to go? The reasons start to pour out...money, family, school, work, etc. And, yes, these are all valid reasons not to drop every penny you have on an around the world airline ticket or ditch your "regular" life for a month.

The Globe Trotting issue was put together with one idea - to inspire you to get out the door and experience something new. Everyone one of us travels for climbing, whether it's to a local climbing gym for an evening session, across the country for a comp, or a flight to New Zealand. Travel doesn't necessarily have to mean a trans-Atlantic trip.

I'm sitting here in New York City, the melting pot of cultures, having recently moved here from Washington, D.C. While it's only a three-hour train ride up the East Coast, NYC was a culture shock for me. Although ultimately exciting, there was some obvious anxiety. But, stepping out of your comfort zone to encounter new people and new places is what life is about. There's every reason not to leave the comfort of your home: we can iChat, text message, call and videoconference around the world in seconds.

So, two things. One - read the Globe Trotting issue and think about all those cool places you've always wanted to climb. Two - go to one of those places on your list. Seriously.

There's even more reason though to slap on your approach shoes and crag bag and head out the door to meet new people and new places. That's where we're fortunate to be climbers. Irrespective of where you are in the world, or what your nationality or ethnicity is, that simple truth holds for all of us. In pursuing our passion, climbing draws us together to share a common physical space: an X-Box climbing game will never provide a substitute for our crew. As the content for this issue came together, it became clear to me that there is a global tribe of climbers out there that share a common bond. In UCMAG#05 we simply want to share with you some of the people and places from around the world that have the exactly same passion you have for climbing. Wherever you are in the world: climb hard, climb safe, and most of all take a moment away from the rock to open your eyes, ears, arms and hearts to the new people, and places around you. It's worth it.

M@