Monday, February 21, 2011

Sydney Bridge Climb

Today was an adventure of a lifetime.  We climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge.  Nothing can really explain what it is like to stand on top of the world’s largest single span bridge after climbing up its exposed arch covering 1650 feet.   We weren’t really sure what to expect before the climb.  The staff of the BridgeClimb did a wonderful job equipping us with climbing suits; safety harnesses; radios; hats; shoes and doing about an hour of rehearsal/climbing to prepare for the ultimate climb.  After the preparation it was off under the bridge’s super structure and then we climbed vertically up through the pylons to the arch of the bridge.  This is where the real nerve racking climb began.  I guess what you don’t realize prior to the climb is how exposed you are on top of the bridge’s arch.  But once on top of the arch and climbing, all the way holding on to steel cables, the real fear hits home. But, once underway, who can turn back now.  The views from up top speak for themselves.  The total time of the climb was a little over 3 hours
Width
49 m (161 ft.)
Height
139 m (456 ft.)
Longest span
503 m (1,650 ft.)