We are pleased to announce that Eric Hughes has made the first ascent of Minotaur (5.13b/c), 25 meters, 12 bolts, in Rogues Gallery about a week ago. The route itself was first bolted by Robyn Richard early this summer but Robyn’s job took him away from the rig and he opened the project up.
Eric Hughes on Minotaur (5.13c). Photo by Phil Tifo ©
According to Eric, he worked the rig until he was ready to send only to roll his ankle on Canada Day. After two weeks of rest, Eric returned to the route to find that he couldn’t clip the draws anymore. To add pressure to the send, he had introduced the climb to Josie Hetyei, who made quick work of piecing the route together. With time running out and hearing that Josie was going to give it a try, Eric made a quick effort to get back to the project early one morning and sent just before Josie showed up and got the second ascent.
Talking to Eric, he thought the route weighed in at 5.13b/c but was hesitant to give a grade. The route is located to the left of Serendipity (5.12d) and boasts a difficult first crux, similar in difficulty to Fitness World, to a full rest and the followed by a second crux weighing in at v4 ending with some 12a climbing. Congratulations Eric (and Josie)!
