Hi, I’m Ricky! You might already know that if you’ve spent any time on this website, but I thought it was worth re-introducing myself for my own little page.
When James came to me and suggested we have a more solid “about us” page, splitting into three separate ones, I wasn’t too sure about it. I think part of the magic of this website is its fluidity, but hey, he won me over. It’s important that our readers can at least have some sort of solid idea about who we are.
So, a little bit (more) about me? As the about us page says, my main passion is for rock climbing, whether it’s artificial or a real wall of rock while climbing up a mountain. One of my personal highlights has been defeating the Hillary Step on Mount Everest, one of the most dangerous challenges a rock-climber can face. I plan to go again next year, working toward my goal of beating the couloir of K2. Of course, I also love teaching troubled teens how to rock-climb, hoping to get their energy out in a positive way and give them a hobby that they might follow for life.
By day, I work at a bank, consulting on home loans, which is very rewarding. It’s an incredible feeling when I help a young couple or an ambitious journeyman settle on a new home. I’m helping them start their lives up. That isn’t to say it’s rewarding all the time. There are certainly people who don’t respond well to interest rates or expect more from me than I can actually give.
People always ask why I don’t want to get married or start a family, and the answer is pretty simple when you think about it. I take part in one of the world’s most dangerous activities every day. I also do rock climbing. It wouldn’t be fair on anyone else to deal with the stress of my job and hobbies, so I’ve decided to live free for my entire life. I’m 31 and haven’t regretted that decision for one minute since making it.
So that’s a little bit (more) about me!