Vertical Limits & Endless Trails How Scott Damron Redefines Adventure in
Georgia
How one man’s obsession with rock faces and bike races became a blueprint for outdoor living
The Moment Everything Changed
The rock wall at Stone Summit Atlanta glowed under artificial lights as Scott Damron, then a 32-
year-old financial analyst, dangled mid-route. His fingers burned, his breath came in gasps—and
for the first time in years, his mind wasn’t racing about quarterly reports. "That climb silenced
the noise," Scott recalls. "I drove straight to REI after work and bought my first harness."
Little did he know this impulse would unravel his corporate identity and forge a new life where
Appalachian granite and winding singletrack became his office.
Georgia’s Playground: A Climber’s Paradise
Stone Mountain: The Proving Ground
 Iconic Feature: 600-foot granite dome visible from Atlanta
 Scott’s Favorite Route: The Original Route (5.7 grade) at sunrise
 Local Secret: "The walk-down trail’s brutal—always pack extra water"
The Sand Rock Pilgrimage
Just across the Alabama border, this sandstone haven offers:
 200+ bolted routes with overhangs that "make your back scream"
 Beginner-friendly top-rope areas near Cherokee Corner
 Scott’s pro tip: "Climb here in November—zero crowds, perfect friction"
Bouldering at Rocktown
Where Scott trained for his first V5:
 Moonboard sessions to build explosive power
 The classic "Golden Showers" problem (V4) for technique
 "Crash pads are non-negotiable—hospital trips ruin weekends"
Two Wheels, One Obsession
Road Cycling: Where Endurance Meets Therapy
Blood Mountain Loop Breakdown
 24-mile circuit with 3,500ft elevation gain
 Critical gear: 34-tooth cassette for the 18% grades
 Reward: Dahlonega’s Bear & Vine post-ride burgers
Silver Comet Trail Rituals
 Scott’s Saturday routine: Smyrna to Cedartown (60 miles)
 "The tunnel at mile 19? Pure magic at golden hour"
 Safety must: "Handlebar mirror for oblivious joggers"
Mountain Biking: Controlled Chaos
Blankets Creek Mastery
 South Loop (green) for recovery days
 Dwelling Loop (black diamond) for "when I need humiliation"
 Scott’s wipeout story: "That tree jumped right at me!"
The Synergy Secret
How Climbing Makes You a Better Cyclist
1. Grip Strength → Better Descents
o "Death-gripping handlebars? Not since hangboard training"
2. Core Engagement → Efficient Pedaling
o Plank variations that transformed Scott’s power transfer
How Cycling Elevates Your Climbing
 Quad Power: "Sustained standing climbs feel easy now"
 Mental Toughness: "If I can survive six-hour rides, I can hang through pump"
The Damron Training Blueprint
Weekly Cross-Training Schedule
Day
AM Session
PM Session
Monday
Hangboard repeats
Yoga for flexibility
Tuesday
HIIT cycling sprints
TRX core circuits
Wednesday Lead climbing drills
Trail run
Thursday Long endurance ride
Mobility stretches
Friday
Active recovery hike
Foam rolling
Saturday Outdoor project climb
Group MTB ride
Sunday
Bouldering comp practice Meal prep
Nutrition Hacks from the Trail
 Pre-climb: Banana + almond butter packets ("No crumbs in my chalk bag")
 Mid-ride: Homemade rice cakes with honey and sea salt
 Recovery: Georgia-grown pecans in post-workout smoothies
Near-Disasters & Hard Lessons
The Sand Rock Storm Incident
"We ignored the forecast. Next thing I knew, hail turned our descent into a Slip ‘N Slide. Now I
check radar apps religiously."
Flat Tire at Midnight on Silver Comet
"Lesson learned: Always carry TWO tubes, not just one. That 3AM Uber was expensive."
Gear That Survives Georgia’s Extremes
Climbing Essentials
 Shoes: La Sportiva Solutions ("Worth the blisters")
 Harness: Petzl Sitta ("Light enough for multipitch")
 Local Shop: High Country Outfitters’ blowout sales
Cycling Must-Haves
 Bike: Specialized Diverge ("Gravel + road = perfection")
 Helmet: POC Ventral Air ("Saved me in Ellijay last fall")
 Pro Tip: "Lube your chain after every wet ride—red clay destroys drivetrains"
What’s Next? Pushing Boundaries
 2024 Goal: Linkup challenge—cycle to Stone Mountain, climb the North Face, bike
home (52 miles total)
 Dream Expedition: Tour Divide race with climbing stops at Western crags
 Community Impact: "Teaching Atlanta teens to climb—every kid deserves to feel that
summit high"
Your Turn: Start Small, Think Big
For First-Time Climbers
 Try Stone Mountain’s Walk-Up Route before attempting technical climbs
 Take a belay class at Escalade Rock Gym
For New Cyclists
 Silver Comet’s first 10 miles are ideal for beginners
 Join "Bike Roswell" group rides (no-drop policy)
As Scott says while packing his gear bag: "Adventure isn’t about being the best—it’s about
being out there. Now go get some dirt under your nails."