In this FA Spotlight, learn more about Mike Rosen, Routesetting Manager at First Ascent. Mike has been at FA since the beginning, teaching Learning To Lead classes and bringing the stoke. As a routesetter, he brings a creativity he previously applied to music to his route planning, keeping an eye on aesthetics as well as movement and flow. Read more below, and say hi next time you see Mike around the gym!
How did you get into climbing?
I started climbing rock and plastic in 2014. I was looking for a physical outlet to escape day to day life. I’m glad I stumbled upon climbing because it changed my life.
What do you love about climbing?
The thought process required to efficiently climb is what I love most about the sport.
Bouldering or sport climbing?
I currently enjoy sport climbing over bouldering. I enjoy long routes because of the sense of the unknown as you make upward progress. Sport climbing feels like more of an adventure to me.
What is your favorite place to climb outdoors? Any other outdoor activities you enjoy?
Currently the Red River Gorge is my favorite crag. Long powerful steep over-hanging roofs are always a blast. If there’s a body of water nearby, I’ll take a dip. But climbing is my main source of outdoor adventure.
Do you have any particular climbing projects or fitness goals for this year?
As far as climbing and fitness goals go, I would just like to have the ability to get on lines that strike me as beautiful and inspiring, whether the line is 5.6 or 5.13c. I want to be able to feel like I can jump on anything, regardless of the grade.
What keeps you busy when you’re not climbing?
Cats.
What do you love about Chicago?
What I love most about Chicago is the great selection of food and drink. Any cuisine or cocktail, anytime.
What is your favorite Chicago spot for food, music, art or culture?
Currently Longman & Eagle is my favorite place to go for an occasional special meal.
What is something about you most people don’t know?
Most people don’t know that I was born in Bogota Colombia.
Anything else you want to say to the FA Community?
My main goal as a routesetter at FA is to ensure that all of our members and visitors see day to day success at our facilities. I hope you enjoy my routes and problems – I sure enjoy spinning dat plastic!
