"Check Your Prostate delivers a compelling one-pitch trad climb featuring a left-facing corner, a demanding roof, and a slab finish. Perfect for climbers aiming to hone trad technique amidst the cool stone of New Brunswick’s Cochrane Lane Cliffs."
Rising sharply from the rugged escarpment of Joe's Garage in Welsford, the 'Check Your Prostate' route challenges climbers with a single, sustained pitch of traditional climbing that tests both technique and composure. The climb begins by stepping into a pronounced left-facing corner, an inviting cradle that directs you upward into the heart of the rock’s character. Above, a commanding roof demands careful negotiation, pushing you to skirt right along the arête where balance and precision become your closest allies.
Beyond this natural threshold, an overlap looms—a subtle but meaningful crux that requires commitment before the route eases into a longer slab section. Here, the rock stretches out, offering fewer holds and asking you to trust your footwork as you run it out toward the shared anchor with the adjacent 'Rock Opera' climb.
Situated within the broader Cochrane Lane Cliffs area, this route benefits from solid rock and a straightforward protection scheme. Bringing a standard rack covers the necessary gear to secure placements along the crack and edges, with the protection barely punctuating the rhythm of the climb. The 70-foot length makes this a perfect half-day adventure, especially for climbers looking to sharpen their trad skills on moderate terrain.
This route’s location in New Brunswick means cool summers and crisp, stable conditions in early fall provide the best windows to climb. The cliff’s northeast aspect avoids the harsh afternoon sun, keeping the rock pleasantly cool and reducing the chance of overheating on tougher moves. Access is manageable with a short hike from the base parking area, threading through gentle woodland paths that hint at the wild environment surrounding the cliffs.
Gear checks and route familiarity will raise your confidence here; while the rating of 5.9 PG13 suggests moderate difficulty, the runouts in the slab section can feel bold if your rack or experience is limited. For those prepared, 'Check Your Prostate' offers a satisfying, focused outing that combines the technical demands of a corner system and roof maneuver with the finesse of slab climbing—capturing the essence of trad climbing in the heart of New Brunswick’s climbing scene.
Runouts above the roof section demand solid gear placements and composure; loose rock is minimal but remain vigilant on the slab where less positive holds appear. Avoid climbing shortly after rain to reduce slip risk.
Start early to avoid afternoon sun and keep the rock cool on the northeast-facing wall.
Bring extra finger-sized gear for the corner protection and some small cams for the slab runs.
Scout the roof section closely before leading to plan your moves and rest points.
Check recent weather reports; the area drains fast but wet rock can make the slab tricky and slick.
A standard trad rack covers this climb well, focusing on gear suitable for corner cracks and edges. Since protection placements space out on the upper slab, be prepared for some runouts that require trusting your gear and footwork.
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