Posted July 18, 200618 yr I did the Purple Bridge Climb on Sunday. My cousin from Atlanta was in town and was up for the challenge. The main entrance is near the Tropicana Restaurant. This is where you pay(or give them gift certificates in our case). I tried to make reservations the day before, but the woman didn't think it was necessary. Sure enough it was a problem just walking in for a climb, but it worked out. This is were you watch a brief DVD, change into the jump suit (I need to start wearing more yellow and purple), strap on the climbing gear, headgear, and then show us how to use the thing that attaches to the guide wire. The name of which escapes me. The steps are very steep in some places. If you take your time, it's not problem. Since there was only three of us. The guide, Mike, was cool and casual. He did the "history of" routine but then we just starting talking about anything. The speed boats, what the barges where hauling. There was no rush, plenty of time to soak it all in. The river was busy with barges and boats. The views, as expected, are impressive. Toward the end you ring a Verdin Bell, make a wish, then head toward the glass platform. This is the only part that hangs past the bridge. You go down the stairs backwards, like a ladder. The steps at the end of the climb were the steepest. The climb is over on the Cincy side. Mike locks up and we walk to Base Camp. I enjoyed the climb, but what made it amazing were the boat races that were happening right underneath us. Cranes dropped the boats in the water. The boats are warming up. The race will have a nice backdrop. Off they go. The boats line up on the river's edge and wait for the countdown and the flag drop. The view from the Purple Bridge was amazing. This was during a time trial. It was a shame to see the Cincy side completely empty. The boats had to dodge a lot of junk. There were complaints about the conditions. This could be the last time they come to Cincy/KY. That would be a shame.
July 18, 200618 yr Nice shots! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
July 18, 200618 yr It was a shame to see the Cincy side completely empty. The boats had to dodge a lot of junk. There were complaints about the conditions. This could be the last time they come to Cincy/KY. That would be a shame. Agreed...although regarding the junk in the river, there's really nothing that can be done about that - the river was up to 31'+ and rising, which is five feet above pool stage...so it picks up current, and picks up deadfall all along its banks... Now, as for the other Banks, I'm with you! Though at least it's not parking lots and warehouses anymore...hopefully soon, hopefully soon... Great pictures, by the way! Were your shots of climbers shots of a different group, or were you able to take a camera with you?
July 18, 200618 yr I was at the Reds game on Saturday evening and I was wondering what the orange things were for out in the river....now I know. People were enjoying them nonetheless: kayakers, seadoo riders, small rec boats. Its good to see all of the people that enjoy using the Great Ohio River! BTW, were those the pics that the Bridge Climb people provide for you...dont they take any city pics??? If they dont then that is pretty lame.
July 18, 200618 yr The pictures are of us, taken by my uncle. He was just hanging around Newport and the bridge. You still aren't allow to take a camera with you. They allow sunglasses and hats. We could of worn a purple hat, but I passed on that and have a burnt forehead as a result. I think the no camera rule is simply about $$$. The guide did have a camera and did take shots throughout the climb. Each climber gets a free pic, but if you want anymore you will have to buy them. And they weren't cheap, about $4 each. In regards to the Cincy side. The Reds were playing and LatinFest was going on but the Serpentine Wall area was completely empty and I just don't understand why the City didn't used the boat races to bring people to the river. Granted, Newport wasn't packed, but I would estimated several hundred were watching the races and taking in the surroundings.
July 18, 200618 yr Each climber gets a free pic, but if you want anymore you will have to buy them. And they weren't cheap, about $4 each. $4....THATS OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!! I am definately unhappy about this picture situation with the bridge climb....I will be complaining to the operators! It is already expensive enough do they really have to steal your lunch money too?!?!?!?
July 18, 200618 yr Great photos of the Champ Boat Graand Prix. I didn't know about this until the event was over else I would have made my way down there to see the event.
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