With the arrival of a new decade, it’s inevitable to recall upon past trends, history and style. While some decades come and go, others remain legendary; like the ’80s. Ah yes, the 1980′s, when butt rock ruled the radio and the youth in revolt ripped around town in cherry-red Camaros wearing acid washed jeans, their blonde mullets waving in the wind.
It was also the time when Smith Rock, Oregon ignited the worldwide sport climbing trend. Clad in neon lycra, icons like Alan Watts and Todd Skinner danced up the faces of Smith, establishing the worlds first, and most difficult sport climbs. In the ’00 decade, Smith remained on the radar, as the likes of Ian Caldwell and Sonny Trotter continued to send some of the country’s most difficult routes, but amongst the noteworthy ascents, we strayed a bit too far from our roots, wearing plain jeans and boring t-shirts. So as we ring in the new decade, let us also revive classic style, like striped tights and undersized tank tops.
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I just read the story on the trends of the sport pioneers of Smith Rock. I love the Alan Watts business in the front party in the back hair-do but wanted to mention that I think you meant Tommy Caldwell and his wife Beth Roden not Ian Caldwell. Maybe I am wrong but from what I remember it was Tommy who made some of the most recent astounding ascents of Smith’s hardest routes.
see here: http://www.bigupproductions.com/#/vidplayer/The_Optimists/
If I am wrong, then I am sorry to be that fact checking nuisance that you probably have to deal with on an all too regular basis. Love your blog thanks for all the great stories, they keep me sane.
-Connor