Alpenglow Sports To Host “Dirtbag, The Legend of Fred Beckey,” A Rebel Athlete Who Inspired Generations of Rock Climbers
The evening will consist of a screening of the award-winning film “Dirtbag” and free catered food from Café Zenon. The film will be followed by a question and answer session with local climbers Dave Nettle and Todd Offenbacher, both close friends of Beckey with many entertaining stories that are not to be missed.
Fred Beckey is the original American “dirtbag” climber whose name has evoked mystery, adulation and vitriol since the 1940s. Beckey’s stubborn, singular quest to conquer peaks meant a solitary life on the road, where he left a long trail of scorned climbing partners and lost lovers in his wake.
The groundbreaking life story of this rebel athlete, who inspired generations with his monumental first ascents, eloquent books and the lifestyle he fearlessly pioneered, is told for the first time in this exclusive documentary film. There is only one Fred Beckey and his legacy in the mountains will live on forever.
Hailed as one of the most prolific, influential climbers of all time, Fred Beckey’s adventures began in Washington’s North Cascade range with his brother Helmy in the 1930s. In 1942, the Beckey brothers cemented their place in alpine lore when the teenagers survived an incredible second ascent of Mount Waddington – considered the most difficult climb in North America at the time. This success marked the beginning of Fred’s epic tear of first ascents around the world, during which he became the consummate “dirtbag” climber: defined as one who forgoes material comforts and defies societal norms in pursuit of a nomadic mountaineering lifestyle.
Throughout the 20th century, Fred’s accomplishments exceeded anyone in the sport. He shattered records with an unparalleled string of superhuman first ascents, bushwacking trails and pioneering direct routes thought previously impassable. He eschewed fame, sponsors, family life and the politics of the industry so his only obligation would remain conquering the next summit. Fred’s individualistic attitude led him being passed over when the first American climbing team formed to summit Mount Everest in 1963, but the exclusion only drove Beckey to seek more summits, and he continued climbing until he passed away on October 30, 2017 at the age of 94.
In his later years, the man who once bounded up granite and ice with graceful elegance and ease became challenged with the simplicity of everyday life. Fred slowed physically, but his zeal for the outdoors never waned, as he steadfastly continued plotting new routes up undiscovered ranges for the next generation of climbers and explorers.
Throughout his exceptional life, Fred kept meticulous personal journals where he mused on everything from arcane geology, to his wild road adventures and many romantic dalliances, to the myriad sunrises witnessed from vantages not seen by man before. An environmentalist before there was such a word, Fred used these journals as the basis for 13 essential books that helped connect aspiring climbers to the mountains.
Animations of Fred’s personal journals, guidebooks and photographs combine with breathtaking aerial photography, motion graphics and rare archival footage to weave together the tapestry of this complex man’s life. More than 30 additional interviews with some of the world’s greatest climbers and authors, including Timothy Egan, Yvon Chouinard, Layton Kor, Conrad Anker, Royal Robbins and Reinhold Messner – attest to Fred Beckey’s legendary stature, environmental advocacy and iconic impact on the alpine world.
Director Dave O’Leske spent the past decade filming Fred Beckey with unprecedented access, getting to know the mythical man in the mountains of China, across North America and in his Pacific Northwest home. O’Leske and his team raised post-production funds via a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2016, going on to earn sponsorship from Patagonia and a World Premiere at Mountainfilm in Telluride. At age 94, Fred was in the theatre to see the film on his life unveiled to an adoring crowd.
“Dirtbag, the Legend of Fred Beckey” was included in more than 25 film festivals in 2017, winning 13 awards including five Grand Prizes and two Audience Awards. The film is now playing on an independent screening tour before select cities before releasing to the public later in 2018.
The evening is a benefit for the Truckee Donner Land Trust and made possible through the generous support of Patagonia. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7pm. Q&A to follow a short intermission.
About Alpenglow Sports:
Alpenglow Sports is an original California Mountain Shop that for over 35 years has provided locals and visitors with inspiration, local knowledge, and the best equipment to enjoy the great outdoors. Based in Tahoe City, Alpenglow Sports takes pride in being community-minded and socially and environmentally responsible to ensure Lake Tahoe stays one of the best places to play, visit, and live in California. For additional information, please contact Brendan Madigan at Alpenglow Sports 530.583.6917 or [email protected]