Rhythm

Last week I managed to make the fourth ascent of Rhythm 8b at Flasby Fell. Although just outside the medals, joining Dunning, Clifford and Varian on the role call was brilliant. It's easy to forget that Steve scooped this almost ten years ago and even though it is one of the most aesthetic 'hard' problems on grit its only had four ascents since then!
Coincidentally just after Steve had opened the problem I had been over in the Shire with Ray and Simon from North Wales and we headed up to do some pictures with Steve. Although I would never have admitted it at the time, especially to Steve, he'd made a terrific ascent of a stunning problem and along with High Fidelity 8b at Caley, taken bouldering standards in Yorkshire into a new league.
Although Steve's sequence was probably near his estimated 8b+, I agree with Dan V that 'low' (if there is such a thing!) 8b is about right. TC was obviously too strong for his own good!
Although rather dismaying considering my own efforts on Rhythm, 'Back Two' Varian unleashed a one day Beastmaker blitzkrieg on his third ascent last year, his footage did really help unlock a 'do able' sequence, although mine took a little longer! Finally, big thanks to DT for keeping me keen and motivating me. Nice one...keep ya eyes peeled for his 'edit'.
It's all been going off in the Shire over the last couple of months with Jordan and Dave Jones both getting repeats of High Fidelity and the 'old fox' Dunning thoroughly embraced his Frank Lampard years and nailed a third ascent of my problem 'Chabal' 8a+ at Gorple. Great efforts.