| American Lisa Rands continues to push for the psychological extreme with her first female ascent of Gaia E8 6c at Black Rocks, Peak District, England. First climbed by none other than Johnny Dawes in 1986, this bold gritstone line follows a shallow hanging groove before breaking out right to the psychological crux, a series of slopers and smears which lead delicately to the arete. 30 year old Rands, who in October 2004 became the first woman ever to climb E8 with her ascent of End Of The Affair at Curbar, needed five days to headpoint the route which stands as a monument to gritstone extremes. For a full report and photos check out bigupproductions.com. For further insight into Johnny Dawes and an audacious photo of his ascent of Gaia check out his johnnydawes.com
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