Dow Williams - Mar 21, 2023 1:36 pm Date Climbed: Mar 17, 2023
Mad Cow Disease, 5.11, 6 Pitches
With Danny U and Tom. Great last day of a 2.5 week trip, east and west side. This is one of the few remaining routes I had yet to climb on Sheepshead. Although the climbing was sustained at 5.10+ to 5.11 on many of the pitches, the MP.com comment that it was several letter grades more difficult than Stampede is incorrect. The three of us thought the final slab on the 6th pitch was the crux and the 5th and 6th pitches are part of Stampede's route. The stemming through the slab trough on pitch 3 is the crux of the route and actually quite similar to the 5.10+ 6th pitch. Same sort of stemming through intricate slab. The 1st pitch gets your attention and the 5.11 portions of the 2nd and 3rd pitches were typical for the grade at Cochise. Well bolted, a few more and it would be a true sport climb. Great day out with good friends.
Dow Williams - Mar 21, 2023 1:36 pm Date Climbed: Mar 17, 2023
Mad Cow Disease, 5.11, 6 PitchesWith Danny U and Tom. Great last day of a 2.5 week trip, east and west side. This is one of the few remaining routes I had yet to climb on Sheepshead. Although the climbing was sustained at 5.10+ to 5.11 on many of the pitches, the MP.com comment that it was several letter grades more difficult than Stampede is incorrect. The three of us thought the final slab on the 6th pitch was the crux and the 5th and 6th pitches are part of Stampede's route. The stemming through the slab trough on pitch 3 is the crux of the route and actually quite similar to the 5.10+ 6th pitch. Same sort of stemming through intricate slab. The 1st pitch gets your attention and the 5.11 portions of the 2nd and 3rd pitches were typical for the grade at Cochise. Well bolted, a few more and it would be a true sport climb. Great day out with good friends.