Erik to Climb Colorado's Famous Bridal Veil Falls on Behalf of Trust For Public Land

On February 12, Erik will climb Colorado's legendary Bridal Veil Falls with his partners, Mike Gibbs and Chad Jukes. This project is of particular significance because the land surrounding the climb has been closed to the public for decades and only recently reopened. Standing 365 feet over Telluride's Box Canyon, Bridal Veil Falls is Colorado's tallest free falling waterfall, and one of the most classic and difficult ice climbs in the country. Access to the surrounding land has recently been gained through lengthy negotiations by the Trust for Public Land (TPL), an outstanding nonprofit organization aimed at preserving some of the most beautiful places across the U.S. for public recreation. TPL has protected over 2 million acres nationwide for public use.

Erik's involvement with TPL began with a 2006 climb of the iconic Wilson Peak, arguably the symbol of the ruggedness and majesty of the Colorado Rockies. TPL's purchase of the land surrounding Wilson peak provides the best and safest access to the mountain for the thousands of people who climb it annually. 

Erik will be joined on Bridal Veil Falls by wounded warrior, Chad Jukes. While serving his second tour in Iraq, Chad's vehicle struck an anti-tank mine, shattering his heel and lower leg bones, and breaking his femur. Evacuated to the States for numerous surgeries to repair the damage, he contracted a serious staph infection. Faced with the grim prospect of amputation, Chad consulted with a seasoned climber and amputee, Malcolm Daly. "I made the decision between being an amputee and a cripple," said Chad. Malcolm serves with Erik as a trustee for No Barriers. After receiving his first prosthetic, Chad joined a rock gym and began riding his bike. Since then, Chad has climbed extensively all over the U.S., and started ice climbing as well. He was introduced to the big mountains last year when he climbed Mt Rainier. Chad has also taken up Nordic skiing, snowboarding, surfing, kayaking, mountain biking, and running.

The leader of the team is Mike Gibbs, an experienced mountain guide and Erik's longtime friend and climbing partner. In 1999, Mike and Erik climbed the 2,400-foot frozen waterfall known as Polar Circus in the Canadian Rockies.  He runs a company called Rigging for Rescue, which trains search and rescue professionals in the complicated art of rope rigging for high angle rock and ice rescues.  
www.riggingforescue.com


Joining Erik's team will be a film crew from Serac Adventure Films who will capture the adventure in a short video. Erik will then present the climb, along with past expeditions, to the Telluride community on Friday evening, February 13. The goal of the climb is to raise awareness and community support for the mission of TPL. Studies have shown that recreational open space promotes health, reduces crime, revitalizes neighborhood economies, helps clean air and water, and brings communities together.  
 
Green spaces are especially important for the health of young people. Children without access to parks suffer from the serious effects of physical inactivity-higher levels of chronic obesity, diabetes, asthma, anxiety and depression. These problems will only become more acute as our population grows.  Our efforts to create new city parks, set aside open space, and conserve special places in our communities will shape the American landscape for generations to come.





Visit www.tpl.org for more information. 
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