B.A.T.E. Direct

This direct start to

Blows Against the Empire

offers a relatively plumb line from the ground to the anchor, adding a crux of similar difficulty, yet with a bit more spice, down low. It seems like the best, most logical way to climb

B.A.T.E

.

According to a 2010 comment from "Ryan Malarky" on

Blows Against the Empire

, there used to be a pin in the seam. It is no longer there.

Climb blocky terrain, aiming for a distinct plaque of solid rock split by a seam that opens briefly to a finger and thin hand crack. Protection is thin and tricky -- look for a crucial small cam (I placed a #00/0 Metolius offset) to the left of the plaque. Make a committing move to access the finger/hand crack where bomber gear will protect the final moves to the rotten band. Clamber up the ramp to the start of the

B.A.T.E.

slab with two bolts, and follow this to the anchor.

Begin about 30 feet downhill from the start of

Peanuts

and just right of Left Side.

1 each: tiny cams to #0.75 Camalot and a few medium nuts.