Ricky Bell talks about Divided Years

With photographs by Hugh Moore.

Following his successful ascent of Divided Years in the Mourne Mountains of Northern Ireland, Ricky Bell has sent through the following comments about the experience:

'Divided Years. Pretty psyched about this line. Been a bit of a goal for me for a very long time. I started climbing in the Mourne's with my dad when I was about 10 and around the time Dunney (John Dunne) put up this perfect line. Pretty much decided I wanted to do it then. But it took a while. My mate Si and his wife Jackie moved back form the states this year and we decided we'd both get our heads down for a bit and try and do this route. Si and I used to run about the Mourne's together when we were kids trying lines we shouldn't really have been on.

Ricky on the crux section of the route. Photos: © Hugh Moore

It's been good to get climbing with Si again and we've both been down in the Mourne's the last few days having a go on lead. For me the climbing is pretty hard, more like 8b than 8a+ but I could be wrong. More of a stamina issue than how hard the actual moves are. Bare in mind we don't have any bolted routes in Ireland and the best training facility in the country is a board in my folks back garden!

Ricky high on Divided Years with photographer Craig Hiller capturing the action. Photos: © Hugh Moore

Simon and I both fell a few times on the move into the crack after placing the crux wire. We both realized we didn't quite have the gas for the whole route but didn't want to sacrifice placing the gear on lead. Various attempts to gain stamina on the quick didn't quite work (3 red bulls and an aspirin) but we soon figured out you could place a big bird beak or 'Simon's pecker' in the mono before the crux and then run it out through all the hard climbing leaving out the crux wire. It's not exactly the most inspiring looking bit of gear but it made the difference and occasionally got tested. I had the good fortune of going first  yesterday and just about shuffled my way to the top. Si fell off on pretty much the last move before easy climbing. A move my mum could do in her bare feet! Not bad for someone who's last three routes are The Salathe Wall 2005, Mizen Star E2 at Fair Head 2008 and The French Route E2 (on second) in the Mourne Mountains 2008.

Ricky happy to have sent the route. Photo: © Hugh Moore

We've to work all this week but I'd imagine there'll be a cheeky sick day some time soon for Simon to climb this amazing line that's inspired the both of us since we were kids.'

Peace Out!

Ricky

Si Moore on the crux section of Divided Years and after taking the falll during his attempts at the route.

Photos: © Hugh Moore

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