BEST BIRTHDAY WEEKEND EVAR!!

Every year at the New River Gorge hundreds of climbers gather to raise money, drink beer, win awesome prizes, watch fuzzy men fight in the air... and of course, climb!

The New River Rendezvous began in 2002 as the Eastern Climber Rendezvous, a fundraising event for the New River Alliance of Climbers. Since then it's evolved into the biggest gathering of climbers on the east coast, raising money for projects in 2011 like securing access at Summersville Lake, trail restoration, and bolt/anchor maintenance. 

This year's 'Vous was particularly significant to me: It was my first, it fell on my birthday weekend, and it was my last chance to climb on the east coast before heading out to Colorado. I went with Travis, an outdoor climbing virgin, and met up with friends from my last Colorado adventure.

We arrived late Friday night, just in time to take advantage of the free food and beer. Saturday morning we hit the road in search of the ideal "noob" climbs, both for Travis and I. I'm happy to report I bagged the easiest sport lead in the New, without a single freak out moment (this is a big deal, go with it.)

Travis did his first outdoor climbs, showing everyone what it really means to love rocks... (yeah, he's pretty cozy there...) As we walked to Sandstonia I couldn't help but think that I'll miss the green smell of an east coast approach. Colorado might be new and exciting, but there is no place like West-by-God-Virginia.

The rest of the day/night included more beer, pizza from Pies and Pints (Grape Gorgonzola - omg yum...), a dyno comp, and more music. There is something about getting a group of climbers together, especially when the purpose is to support an organization that gives back like the NRAC does. At the crag climbers shared ropes to make sure everyone got to climb, even though it was crowded and hot. Conversations with strangers ended with feeling like you'd known them forever. I might be sentimental, but I think the awesome people you meet at events like this are worth more than the prizes and climbs you tick.

Check out the other climbing festivals in  your area:

• International Climbers Festival, Lander, WY
• Gunnison Glory, Gunnison, CO
• Teva Mountain Games, Vail, CO
• Palouse Climbing Festival, Palouse, ID
• Southern Adirondack Rock Fest, Caroga Lake, NY
• Red Rock Rendezvous, Las Vegas, NV
• Bear Valley Adventure Sports Festival, CA
• Joshua Tree Climbers Carnival, CA
  
• Lost Horse Climbing Festival, Hamilton, MT
• Squamish Climbing Festival, BC, Canada
• Hueco Rock Rodeo, El Paso, TX

Have more to add? Comment away!