I am considering a ground-up free attempt on the Zodiac over a long weekend in late October. I have never been up the route. I know freeing the Zodiac requires that a good bit of fixed gear is in place from previous parties. I was curious if anyone has been up the route recently and could comment on how much fixed gear is in place?
I know a number of years ago much of it was removed but perhaps after Babsi and Jacob ascent it is in place again? Thanks
Bold. Unfortunately I have no info about the route condition, but I am curious about your plan. If you can't free a pitch after a few tries, are you planning on aiding through sections so you can finish the route over a single weekend, or are you just going to see how far you can get free in two days?
Finished the route yesterday. There is loads of fixed gear. However I can't judge is this gear was good enough to take lead falls, rather than just my body weight. the pegs looked good though.
I too just came off Zodiac, being chased up the route by David^^. Some fixed gear was good, while some was questionable. Black Tower had some questionable stuff. (Wooden peg). We asked another guy, who has done Zodiac 4 times about the fixed gear, and he said that it has the usual amount. Definitely bring a single set of tomahawks or peckers, which we found very useful on El Portal and Flying Buttress pitches. We brought a hammer, but never even considered breaking it out. Many offset cams are mandatory. Get after it!!!
Awesome guys, great job up there! I appreciate the beta. We are just considering options, but regarding tactics my main one is just flail all over it until eventually we reach the top.
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