On Friday April 14th John Welford made the 2nd ascent of Jerry Moffat´s 1995 Burbage desperate, ´Samson´. Although Jerry led the route, backed up by gear in Goliath and a large friend in the pocket, facing the prospect of a mighty pendulums every time he fell, John chose to solo the climb above several mats and a couple of able spotters – Neil Bently and Jon Barton. When asked about the grade John reckoned that if you were to lead the route with friends in Goliath then E7 7a would be fair, with a fall from the top likely, and onto low gear. Climbed in his style, with top rope practice and above mats he gave it a highball Font 8A grade. 
Photo courtesy of POD Imaging John first tried the problem / route last year. He quickly became aware that he would be able to do it, but not in time to make the most of the cold weather. He then got back on it after making a rare repeat of Careless Torque in January this year. He claims that the reason it took him a while to get it ticked is largely due to the fact that he is 42, has a full time job, is married and has two kids, one of whom was born just a month ago! Respect. ———————————————————————– If you have any news worth reporting please contact Matt – matt@planetfear.com / 0114 2969114 ———————————————————————–
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