Steve Bechtel

Steve Bechtel (March 19, 1970) is a rock climber with first ascents all over the world.[1][2] He is also a rock climbing guidebook author and coach. Bechtel lives in Lander, Wyoming where he owns Elemental Performance + Fitness Gym[3] and runs the climbing training program known as Climb Strong. He is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and holds a degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Wyoming. Bechtel is an SFG II, USA Weightlifting Certified Coach, a USA Cycling Elite-level coach, and has been coaching triathlon for nearly 15 years as a USAT-certified coach.[4]

Not to be confused with Stephen Bechtel Jr. or Stephen Bechtel Sr..

Early life

Bechtel was born in Casper, Wyoming and now resides in Lander, Wyoming with his wife Ellen and two children. He has been instrumental in developing climbing around the Lander area from the 1990s to present day. His contributions are highlighted in the 2013 film Wind and Rattlesnakes. Bechtel has also been very involved in the International Climbers’ Festival, where he serves on the Bolt and Access Committee.

First ascents
  • 1993 - Direct Northwest Face of Half Dome, Yosemite, CA VI 5.13d[5]
  • 1995 - Cowboy Direct, Trango Tower, Pakistan - Expedition Leader, did not complete ascent[6] - Expedition Leader, did not complete ascent. Detailed by Todd Skinner.
  • 1996 - Superfortess, The Merlon, Big Horn Mountains, Wyoming V 5.11d[7]
  • 1998 - War and Poetry, Ulamertorsuaq, Greenland VI 5.12c[8]
  • 2000 - True at First Light, Milima Poi, Kenya V 5.13a[9]
  • 2009 - Last Go Round, Temple Peak, Wind Rivers, Wyoming[10]

Disappearance of Amy Wroe Bechtel
Main article: Disappearance of Amy Wroe Bechtel

On July 24, 1997, Bechtel's wife of one year, Amy Joy Bechtel (known in the media as Amy Wroe Bechtel) disappeared during a run in the Wind River Mountains, approximately 15 miles southwest of Lander.[11] An extensive search involving hundreds of volunteers turned up little information, and the searchers soon suspected foul play. He was named as a possible suspect in Amy's disappearance, but continued to aid in search efforts. Later, the investigation was headed up by detective John Zerga, whose primary suspect was the imprisoned murderer Dale Wayne Eaton. The case remains open, but unsolved.[11]

Books
  • Logical Progression: Using Nonlinear Periodization for Year-Round Climbing Performance (2017)
  • Strength: Foundational Training for Rock Climbing (2014)
  • Power Endurance: Fatigue Management for Rock Climbing (2012)
  • Lander Rock Climbs (2015)
  • Cirque of the Towers (2008)

References
  1. Steve's First Notable Big Wall Climb in American Alpine Journal
  2. Millado, Nate (May 9, 2013). "Essential Gear for Rock Climbing and Bouldering". Men's Fitness. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
  3. Gym Owner at Elemental Performance and Fitness
  4. Training Certificates
  5. American Alpine Club Journal "Half Dome Free Climbed"
  6. Skinner, Todd. Beyond the Summit: Setting and Surpassing Extraordinary Business Goals. 2003. Portfolio Hardcover.
  7. The Merlin Superfortress, American Alpine Club
  8. Account in Todd Skinner Wikipedia
  9. "Africa, Kenya, Ndoto Mountains, Poi, East Face, True At First Light - AAC Publications - Search The American Alpine Journal and Accidents In North American Mountaineering". publications.americanalpineclub.org. Retrieved 2016-05-12.
  10. Account in American Alpine Journal Last Go Round
  11. "Olympic marathon hopeful Amy Wroe Bechtel vanished 20 years ago and her case is still unsolved". Monsters and Critics. December 2, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2018.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.