Mesresha

Mesresha is a test of pure crimping prowess. It features generally small and sharp crimpers that trace a line up a bulging face, culminating with a brutal crank off a really small edge. Originally bolted in 2012 by Mike Robinson and Bradley White, this had to wait four years for a proper free ascent. Rumors of friable holds and unpleasant climbing kept many away from the route, and it gained a place in Rumney lore as an ill-conceived venture. Recently, however, the route was more thoroughly cleaned and to some surprise, this has turned out to be a pretty good route. It just goes to show that you shouldn't knock something until you try it.

To climb the route, amble up to the big ledge in the center of the crag and stare up at the bulging face. Climb up a bit and try to get the first three draws clipped. Go back to the ledge, rest, and warm up your fingers. Next, fire up the sustained crimp ladder to better holds above the 4th bolt and make a progressively easier romp to the anchors. In the crux, resist the urge to stem right to the less-steep rock over by Sesame Street.

Mike Robinson named this route after his son's middle name. According to Mike, "in the Ethiopian culture it means 'something which helps one forget the pain of one's life and/or past.'"

Between Mitosis on the left and Sesame Street on the right.

Bolts