Hi guys and girls.
I'm considering an Elbrus climb in August. And started my fitness routine some time ago. Actually I am in a continuous selection of proper gear (withing the right finances, of course). What I did is start some kind of site (it's blog for now, as it seems easier to work with) to report my progress, get opinions, and of course make friends. I will be very thankful for your comments, advices, anything you can have for me.
http://technobeast.net/ - it's pretty empty so far, as I've started it a few days ago, but I'll be adding recent photos of myself, workout reports, as well as what I eat - everything. Trying to get myself motivated and stay motivated to do it. It's an important step to me.
Thanks in advance.....

Hi guys and girls,
First I'd like to thank to all of you that wrote to me either here or at the blog. It's really good to know there's somebody with you. Thanks to everyone - I'm trying to respond to everyone too.
Second - I've been updating the blog with gym routines, first pictures and hope this will clear the picture better.
Thanks again.

I'm going shopping on Friday and have decided to try some double boots: like Boreal G1. From what I read I can trust these to bring me up does anyone have expertise with them?
And additionally will buy GoreTex pants and jacket + crampons for the boots. (have about 500-600 euro for all of these, so I don't expect top brands, etc)

So, what I bought:
Bestard Top Alpine Pro boots - http://www.bestard.com/frmDatArticulo.php3?id_bota=329
Patagonia Stretch Lattitude jacket - http://www.patagonia.com/web/eu/product ... NS.JACKETS
Mammut Extreme Logan pants - http://www.mammut.ch/mammut/katalog.asp ... 4066&sid=2

Short photo diary of my climb (unsuccessful) - http://picasaweb.google.com/technobeast/2008
And a short description too: http://technobeast.net/elbrus/

I think you need more time for acclimatizing. And don't use snowcats next time

Thanks andiy - that is exacly my opinion: more time was needed for acclimatization. That's why next year I'm building the whole trip by myself.

sjarelkwint I was sure you were going to climb Elbrus this year

sjarelkwint wrote:options to join?

Sure, why not.... I'm always open to suggestions. We should exchange some details, to keep up to date...

sjarelkwint wrote:i would like to summit from the valley but with a nice slow acclimatisation ... rather be there 4 days longer than not summitting ...

I second you here. Now that I've seen it live I'm willing to try clean trek to the summit. The only problem is that the road up (ski tracks) is full of large trucks, and is dusty as hell.

sjarelkwint wrote:i'm sure there is a short-cut

OKie dokie - I'm willing to try.

sjarelkwint wrote:somewhere on this site i've found the short-cut pics ...

http://www.summitpost.org/image/306531/No-rock-climbing-on-Elbrus-.html

sjarelkwint wrote:that's the one! doesn't look like trucks will pass by there!

Definitely not . let's get "rocked" then