Where the hell have I been? Not blogging apparently… I’ll blame it on too much living and not enough talking about it. Well, I’m launching myself back into the mix. Since returning from Switzerland, my life has revolved around a few key activities:
1. Plastic Climbing – Love it or hate it, climbing in the gym is a necessity during the winter months. It is the fastest and easiest way to get strong and stay in shape. I’ve been setting at The Spot like a madman and nightly circuits of 30+, V7 and up boulders is becoming a nightly ritual. 2010 was a “breakthrough” year for me, and 2011 promises to be a breakthrough year for rock climbing as a whole as we refine “the art of plastic”.
2. Dancing/Clubbing – What started in the Spring of 2010 as a mild infatuation, has blossomed into a hell bent obsession. Over the course of our lives we evolve through genres of music in the same ways that we continue to redefine and characterize ourselves as people. In 2007, my train slowed down just enough to let me get a foot out the door and into the world of mainstream Hip-Hop. It’s a fun place, but as a 20 something year old white kid, I never completely felt at home. My train never came to a complete stop. However, 9 months ago I was thrown head first out of one of the side windows into the world of electronic dance music. The train sped off without me and it’s safe to say I’ll be stuck here for awhile. And I’m completely content with that. Deadmau5, Tiesto, Kaskade, Armin van Buuren, Gareth Emery, Dada Life, and a host of others have invaded my iTunes, iPod, car stereo, head space, and blood cells. But hands down, the best part about the Electronic music scene, are the LIVE shows! Beta Nightclub, located in downtown Denver, is highly regarded as the #1 dance club in America. I’ve been there 20+ times in the past 9 months. Lately it’s been an almost weekly incident due to Beta’s consistent ability to provide the best DJ’s in the world to Denver. Thursday has become “Beta Night” and it’s common for at least 10 of our “Boulder Family” to invade the dance floor like there’s no tomorrow. Here’s a little taste:
New Year’s 2011 @ Beta from Carlo Traversi on Vimeo.
3. Work – I’ve been setting in gyms for nearly 9 years now, and prior to leaving for Europe, psych was at an all time low. There are only so many possibilities with the same sets of holds, features, and walls. A break is nice, and the two months in Switzerland allowed some of the creative energy to return. Competition setting is always a good time, and I’ve set two since my return. Boulder is always a great place to test new setting ideas. Our local Spot Bouldering Series comps might as well be considered “Pro” events considering the talent we consistently manage to attract.
4. Outside Climbing – Actually this hasn’t really been happening at all. But last weekend I did manage to get out on both Saturday and Sunday. I felt much better on real rock than expected and managed to get a few things done:
The 8A+ Weekend • Carlo Traversi from Carlo Traversi on Vimeo.
Right now I’m out in Boston with the WHOLE CREW, about to throw down for the Dark Horse Championship. It’s going to be an insanely good time, and I’ll have a full report soon:
