Raleigh Collins
If you’ve climbed in Southern California much, you have probably bumped into Raleigh Collins, a prolific adventurer and climber who spearheaded many wild and wacky adventures. Sit down and chat with Raleigh about some of his adventures and feats and you might find his stories fairly unbelievable. But Raleigh is the real thing; he has done all these things and more, and he’s got the scars to prove it.
A 5.12 climber, a top-notch sky diver, hang glider pilot and airplane pilot, wind surfer, motorcycle racer, stunt man, musician, adventure racer, etc., etc., etc. He does it all, and all quite well.
In his mid-40’s, he’s starting to slow down, maybe a tiny bit, and he’s learned a lot about his limits from his past antics. He has survived some nasty accidents, most notably a bad hang gliding crash, a face plant into a coral reel while wind surfing, and a very bad sea snake bite when he almost lost his foot, but doctors have always been able to put him back together.
He’s a kick to go climbing with, and a hoot to hangout with. He’s done many first ascents in Joshua Tree, the Eastern Sierra, the Owens Gorge and various other places. His climb Looney Bird at the Gorge is supposedly nothing short than visionary. He calls a number of places home, and Joshua Tree is definitely one of them. Check Bartlett’s guidebooks for some Collins routes.
Raleigh Collins
| Author | Subject: Rolleigh Collins |
| Todd Gordon | Posted At 21:16:14 03/13/2006 Raleigh Collins took his own life today in Joshua Tree Nat. Park. He was a troubled soul and may he now rest in peace and be troubled no more. He was a very talented and larger than life fellow, and shared much with many. Rest in peace, Raleigh..... |
| jack | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 21:32:25 03/13/2006 I have known Raleigh for more than 25 years and this is very sad news... rest in peace. |
| jmc | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 21:36:10 03/13/2006 Sad to hear. I have enjoyed more than a few of the routes he tacked up. Rest in peace indeed. |
| Dan Zacks | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 21:54:20 03/13/2006 Terrible news. He and I had shared some great times many years ago. Very, very sad. |
| locker | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 22:33:23 03/13/2006 Fu**ing A Man!!! Horrible news...This is really sad news... my sincere condolences to any and all concerned. |
| :( | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 22:40:37 03/13/2006 F**K, that's no good. Guess the inner demons won out after all....so sad. Well, I suppose this isn't a huge surpise after all, but it still sucks. |
| Robert Fonda | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 22:44:07 03/13/2006 I definately new him well. It's always sad when someone decides this is the only option. Robert |
| Susan Peplow | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 1 replies) Posted At 23:57:49 03/13/2006 The one and only time I met Rolleigh was in Bishop. He litarly crash landed outside the chodeler. Russ tells an hysterical story of the day and a half he was with us until we drove him down the hill to Lone Pine. I can't imagine ever being in such a place that taking my own life seems to be the best solution. I hope he finds the peace he was seeking. S |
| susan | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 00:01:02 03/14/2006 p.s. that's should read....literally. |
| Karen | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 00:52:22 03/14/2006 Oh My God, I've known Rolleigh since we began sky diving in 1980. Through the years I would see him around the drop zone, and when I began climbing in 1992, Rolleigh was sweet enough to drag me up my very first crack climb, "Sail Away". He was an amazing climber, he would just free solo up and set up the TR, he was always helpful and nice. He did wrestle with inner demons and it is sad that he felt there was no other alternative. Rest in peace my friend, sad, sad news..... I'll miss his cute dimpled smile....and wry humor. weep.... |
| Pat | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 09:08:02 03/14/2006 I've known Raliegh for many years I will miss him. RIP my friend. |
| John Long | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 10:39:34 03/14/2006 That's just plain sad. JL |
| David Evans | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 11:10:31 03/14/2006 Bad news traveling fast, sorry Raleigh. I'll not forget Raleigh searching us out in the Wonderland so he could do a dangerously low flyby (20 ft. off the deck)! Thanks for the Whitney Portal Buttress route as well. |
| Murf | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 11:28:23 03/14/2006 I remember a week in Indian Creek. Oddly, we ran into another Socal dude in the Bridger Jack sites. Raleigh, who I believe I first met while he was sporting a nice set of heels and an off the shoulder dress, was spending some quality IC time. What I most remember of that time was Raleigh's new luv. Literally, his new Chevy Luv. He had an intricate anecdoteof purchasing it from this elderly woman who was selling her cherished truck. It was the prototypical "old woman with the well preserved car" story. It was in mint condition, and Raleigh was just overjoyed with it. Watching Raleigh, a large and larger than life guy drive by in this small vehicle was always somehow thought provoking. He seemed to be bursting out of it, as if it was too small to contain him. It seems as if this life too, was too small to contain him. Perhaps he needed somewhere with a little more room. Peace Raleigh, Murf |
| Randy | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 11:41:28 03/14/2006 I'm sorry to hear this. May Raliegh's spirit find peace. |
| Andy Selters | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 12:42:58 03/14/2006 No way, Raleigh. You never showed me a side that was that dark, and we had more than a few good days on the E. Side. Travel on. |
| kerwin lee klein | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 15:32:45 03/14/2006 I guess this will change Sports Challenge Rock for all of us. Goodbye, Raleigh. |
| Ian Whyte | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 17:25:51 03/14/2006 To borrow from JHendrix - I guess you won't be late, Rolleigh. But this world's not quite as bright without you. Bon voyage. |
| Todd Gordon | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 00:23:03 03/15/2006 One of the first times I met Raleigh was in Hidden Valley in 1977 or 78....he was trying to lead Double Cross, but couldn't quite do it..... I volunteered to take over, grabbed the rack of Hexes and stoppers, and sent.......he graciously followed. Raleigh went on to climb 5.12's....while I hovered in the upper 5.10 range for 3 decades....... |
| Eric Odenthal | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 14:43:40 03/15/2006 You'll be greatly missed my friend. Rolleigh introduced me to the magic of slacklining a few years ago. He always brought a great smile to every conversation. Rolleigh, thanks for all the wonderful times and for sharing your kindness. I'm going to miss that guy. |
| Ann | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 15:31:40 03/15/2006 RC wherever you are is now a much better place that you are there. I had a random meeting with him at Alabama Hills. Unknown to me at the time, he drove by my camp and spied a little while I was changing. Later someone's laughter caught my attention. He introduced himself to me. He made me feel like he knew me all our lives. We climbed with him a bit that day and the day after. A very gifted and knowledgeable person indeed. We were climbing over at candy store...his pants were unzipped most of the time. We will never know if this was an intentional maneuver to gain the attention of us girls. We giggled and got a kick out of that. A story best told in person. Anyway, great Kodak moments to remember him by. About a year later he met with us in J-tree. Who needs t.v. or movies for entertainment with him around. Hummm....the camp site won't be the same without you Rolleigh. Thanks for everything. |
| Lynn from Thing Ranch | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 16:08:13 03/15/2006 We loved Raleigh. He was so full of life. He chose to live the most out of every day, so if he decided that he was done...I trust him. We'll meet again. He was our caretaker out at Thing Ranch by Horse Canyon over a decade ago. I remember one day when he repelled off the freeway and made the biggest swing you could imagine for my kid to swing on. He also taught Loralyn to rock climb when she was seven off the rocks in Pine Valley and at the Desert View Tower. He taught me to hangglide on an old Raven off Claude's hilll and at the Julian Post Office. We sure love Raleigh. |
| Lynn from Thing again... | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 16:14:12 03/15/2006 And he was the only person who managed to fly into my wedding in Campo on 3/3/90...when I married Crazy Wayne! ( a real blown out day) |
| Lynn from Thing again... | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 16:16:14 03/15/2006 And he was the only person who managed to fly into my wedding in Campo on 3/3/90...when I married Crazy Wayne! ( a real blown out day) |
| Lynn from Thing again... | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 16:18:13 03/15/2006 And he was the only person who managed to fly into my wedding in Campo on 3/3/90...when I married Crazy Wayne! ( a real blown out day) |
| Todd Gordon | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 17:26:36 03/15/2006 It's been a few days since Raleigh's passing.....and the last few days, I've thought alot about Raleigh, and the many times and episodes we've had together. I already said about the first time (I believe ), I met Raleigh, at Double Cross. If you kept track of all the places Raleigh has called "home", it's been many. I originally know him as a San Diego climber, and I believe he was a plumber (by trade) down south. I know Raleigh lived for awhile even further South than San Diego, down in Cabo San Lucas. He taught wind surfing, scuba, rock climbing, and I think he flew people around in sort of an air taxi service. I would imagine that he has spent some time in the Cabo Wabo. Raleigh was a fairly good pilot, and maybe even went as far as to get his instrument rating (or multi-prop or some advanced rating...). I , too, have my pilots license, and I have gone flying with Raleigh a few times.... the first time I went with him, he was doing some mild acrobatics, which scared me, and I told him so......after telling him about 5 times that I was scared, he mellowed out, and I took over and flew straight and level around the Wonderland, looking at the formations, and letting my nerves and stomach settle. He was always eager to share airplane rides with people, which is an awesome experience and a hoot, but always rather expensive, and many dirtbag climbers had a hard time with the money part.....Raleigh was usually poor, and needed riders to chip in, which was a tough one......He was skilled and took his flying seriously, but would "buzz" the house or climbers on formations sometimes. He told me once of being in a plane wreck (someone else was the pilot, I believe) where someone crash-landed at Rancho California airport, and the guy got his face all cut up and smashed....I think Raleigh came out safe THAT time. He did crash a delta-fixed wing hang-glider into some rocks FACE FIRST, and had to have his face reconstructed......a wind-surfing accident which smashed his face again...(good thing he always landed on a tough part of his body... his head...)....He got a really bad infection from a sea snake bite in Thailand.....he often had a picture somewhere to show you THAT wound....it was gross, pink, infected, and hedious....a good shocker and attention getter. He had thousands of parachute jumps from a plane, and was well known in the parachute world. I think he has a record for some hang-glider distance from a particular jump spot in the Sierras. He could play Stairway to Heaven on the guitar, and a few other "impressive' licks that would leave one to believe he was a better musician than he really was...(same with the piano)......He could woop many at chess, and was a dang good slack-liner....he spent many,many days messing with setting up slack-lines, and goofing around on slack-lines. His many hours on the slack line recieve kudos from the "slackers", but myself and some of my hard-core climber addicts looked at slack-lining as a perfect waste of time that could be spent climbing.....,also we would see Raleigh downtown on a perfectly great sunny day....shooting the sheit, or drinking coffee........this would make us call him a "poser" and not a real climber. Then just when we had him "figured out" as a fluff, he would pack off to the Sierras and do 15 alpine routes in a very short time, or move up to Queen Mountain in a tent and crank out a slew of first ascents.......or go do a ton of new routes in the Alabama Hills, or the Gorge, or Whitney Portal....or go sent some huge big wall.....yeah. he was kinda of slacker, but then he often got down to the business and blew everyone away with his accomplishments, motivation, and style. He had a bad weakness for vodka (or any alcohol) and women, and those two things are what killed him. There are many women who think Raleigh is the most awesome dude on the planet and swear he is the cat's meow.....then there are women who think he is a pig and hate his guts. (I don't think there are many who are in-between... they hate him or love him...). Plain and simple, he had lots of problems related to women and booze. If he were alive today, and reading this, he would agree with me. He once named a route Gin and Susan (which I love that route name..aweome route name.)....pretty much sums up where he was at during that time.........Raleigh has done many first ascents, and take his new routes seriously...Some are brilliant masterpieces.....other steaming piles..once Tucker and I went to do a few of Raleigh's new lines out by the Stamp Mill..... we did them, and we didn't like where he placed the bolts........(as if we always place them in the right spots.....yeah... right......)...anyways... we told Raleigh that we didn't like his routes or his bolt placements, and he got REALLY pissed off....and when he gets pissed...it's scary.....we backed off. I once was at a party in 29 Palms....Raleigh was dancing to a band, and having a great time....he accidentally bumped into a guy and spilt beer on him... the guy (a bully-type) tried to intimidate Raleigh and threatened to kick Raleigh's ass......Raleigh was very apologetic and said over and over that he was sorry, and I think even said he would get him another beer......the guy wouldn't back down....soon Raleigh gave up on saying he was sorry, and told the dude flat out to go ahead and take his best shot right on Raleigh's mug........but warned him that after that, Raleigh would then have to beat the living daylight out of the guy......and he said it so casually and with such conviction, the guy actually became scared and backed WAY down..It was a very impressive showing of true sincerity, patience, kindness, and then brutal honesty and bottom-line consequences backed up by raw muscle, adrenelin, and confidence.....blew me away (I'm VERY whimpy when it comes to brawling..)...I saw Raleigh and Dave Mayville wrestle in my living room once....it was the "Clash of the Titans".....there was lots of grunting, pirate "arghhhh" noises, furniture flying and bodies pitched everywhere......I was laughing so hard I almost peed my pants....they were only "play"wrestling'....yeah.....right......it was an awesome sight to see......neither would back down, give up, are let up......you could put in on pay-per-view and charge money...and it went on for awhile.... soon, both were hurt, bleeding, and called a truce......shook hands, and walked away, sweaty, sore, bloody, and happy. At Halloween, Raleigh would often, for a costume, choose to be 'a woman" as a custume....dress in drag......and he would do it up.......he would look like a huge 6' something or other "creature"....wing, make up, mini-skirt........scary............I went climbing with Raleigh a few times.....he was so smooth and efficient, that he wouldn't have to use his BIG ASS muscles....he was a very, very talented climber.....once again, though....he would often spent MANY climbing days on repeats....Beaver, Big Moe, whatever.....and he had those climbs WIRED.....which , again, we would cry,'poser".....but then... again....he would ,next thing, do some incrediable on-sight, or new route... and we would shake our heads in amazement at his power, vision, and talent......He was larger than life. I think he got in trouble this year with the law and was looking at some jail time.......mix that with some booze, some relationships down the toilet, and some other demons (He didn't have family to speak of...)....it was too much for him.......He was, basically, too large of a guy to handle this small world...........he made a decision, and stuck to it.......we will miss his energy, his wild man antics, his clever wit, his go-of-it you-can-do-it attitude, and his unique style and life-style that was so full of adventure and fun......we will not miss his slobbering drunkeness, his abuse of women, and his bull-sheit.......He kept a trailer at my house for years, and when I finally asked him to move it...(months in advance...)it took YEARS to finally get him OUT....that was Raleigh...always pushing it, with climbing, life, living quarters, booze, women, travel, dreams, ambitions......one of the most talented persons I've ever met........AND he often had a heart of gold as big as Texas............too bad the demons took over...........booze and women , and no family support.........fatal combo for big dudes like Raleigh.......rest in peace, find peace and solitude, and we will continue to live our lifes inspired by your drive, fun-hog-ness, and confident outrageous get the job done radness.....but I'm sure most of us are "light and don't know how to party" compared to your huge success and agenda at wild-ass take the bull by the balls adventure......... |
| Bob Carmichael | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 1 replies) Posted At 21:28:46 03/15/2006 Rolliegh Collins: Rollie was a climber, a skydiver, a guitar hacker, a plumber and a dear friend. I keep stopping and going, Rolleigh how could you have done this. It is NOT possible, you've killed yourself? I'd given up on him a few years back when I realized he was an alcoholic but sure enough he rolled through Mammoth/Bishop this last year. Sober and experiencing his highs through yoga and climbing. He was a gentle, strong dude. With a heart of gold. He loved a good laugh. He and I looked like brothers with our shaved heads. He was a rare committed and out there dude, really in the tradition of early vagabond climbers... never giving into convention because he loved his adventures so much. He was fit and flexible as any yoga instructor I've ever seen. He wanted to move through the sky, and on the rocks. He was so competent and talented but he was a addicted to alcohol. His yellow truck is parked in my driveway as I type and I wish I could get it to one of his memorials cause we should burn it and dance around the blazing fire. Rolleigh was a spiritual man as I knew him recently and philosophical about the other side. He was buddhist at heart, he knew his humble space in the cosmos. I had an operation last fall and he stayed at my house while I was gone. We I got back it turns out that he'd relapsed into drinking and that started his final chapter. I had NO IDEA that in his mind he was so tortured that life would not be worth it. I wonder honestly if he was taking some medication that might have skewed his mind. The Rolleigh I knew CHERISHED life and action and women and friends. He would patiently wait as I flailed on a 5.9 crack and always had a great positive remark about my efforts. He was just a fun guy to be around and his laugh was always ready. He was a Kerouac character if there EVER was one. I'm not home now but I'll be back in a few days and will see his Mellow Yellow Truck, parked in the back with 275,000 miles on it. He'd just recently bought a new truck and was stoked about life the last time I saw. My daughter had gone to Bariloche to climb and Rolleigh got the idea he'd go as well. I got a couple of emails from him and a call when he returned to JTree. I KNEW he was drinking again and I told to get the hell out of Joshua Tree. And then two days ago, I got the call. Rolleigh was never afraid of falling or jumping. Hell he BASED jumped the Eiger in a Bird Suit... but the IDEA of him on top of Sports Challenge Rock alone at night and launching into eternity is as sad a thought as I've ever had. But if he did it, unadled by booze, I imagine his final leap into space was perfectly done, laid out, arms wide. Embracing the air, and unafraid. I feel like I let him down as a friend, by being to tough on him about what he was doing to himself. There are few people I miss as much as Rolleigh Collins. I hope that he has found peace on the other side. Bob Carmichael Bishop, CA. |
| Crazy Wayne | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 00:19:09 03/16/2006 I've known Raleigh for the past 25 years in Hanggliding. He was outrageous. I think he liked posing as a poser so he could blow people away with the great things he could do.,A 10 sport day was always the goal for him. HE always liked attention and people to entertain that's why he was a great partier.Even after a serious talk he'd say a wise crack and start laughing. One night when we flew the gliders into Glen Helen Motorcycle races,he missed the concourse and landed outside the fence...he crawled under the fence, took off his helmet and bowed to the crowd. He hadn't even noticed that the races had already started and noone was even looking at him. How about the time he skydived into the hanggliding party at Elsinore as the woman in high heels and the red dress...with the hairy chest.I haven't seen him in a few years Godspeed Miss you. |
| S.A. | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 00:37:42 03/16/2006 Seeing the pictures of Raliegh on both of the sites got me. I can see that infectious smile and hear his distinct voice. I remembered going for a full moon ride (he did love a full moon) out of Lynn's Thing Valley Ranch. He on her Bay Peruvian Paso mare and me on her gaited mare Wildfire--and of course he wanted to ride Wildfire, but Lynn had said no--not an experienced enough horseman (as with everything else he was a natural). So out on the ride I let him switch just for a few minutes--he was ecstatic and of course that was when the Total Eclipse of the moon occurred. There was nothing that was not an adventure when you were with Raliegh! |
| Close to Home | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 00:52:11 03/16/2006 I've been reading some people's thoughts about this. Some people are "pissed". I'm glad to see that on this site, most people are simply reminiscing. Having had several family members who've attempted suicide, came close to acting upon the thoughts, or have completed the act, I can only say what they've said to me: sometimes the pain is just too much and has gone on too long and they just wanted it to stop. It's easy for us to understand why those in physical pain would want to end it, but it's hard for those of us who haven't been "there" to understand that emotional/mental/psychological pain is just as real and oftentimes more overwhelming exactly because no one can see it for what it is. So thank you for keeping your comments positive. |
| craig cameron olsen | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 01:01:01 03/16/2006 roll man...the last time we talked was when he called me from patagonia...back in jan 06 ? im in total shock? it was just like roll to just pick up and call me from wherever crazy rock he was on...im in total shock...peace forever my friend ! we are going to miss you like you would not @#!* believe ....craig dana cian and liv |
| Wilster | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 15:53:47 03/16/2006 I've never met anyone that lived so much in the moment and I'm so lucky to have had a few of those moments with him. I hope to catch ya on the flip side Rolo. Peace Bro. |
| Todd Gordon | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 17:18:47 03/16/2006 A few more Raleigh memories, .....for those who knew him;...these help us remember, ... for those who didn't know him well;.... more insite into a facinating, complex, fun, adventuresome , troubled person. I was at a party at Susan/Martin's house in Joshua Tree.... Raleigh had too much alcohol....at one point in the evening...he grabbed me and kissed me on the lips.....it was gross, over-the-top, and inappropriate....(This was before Brokeback won all the awards....)....but that was Raleigh.....has to take things too far. Raleigh also kept his trailer at Susan/Martins, AND he stayed too long, wore out the welcome, and took forever to uproot.........It took hours to find a place to PARK his trailer... but MONTHS to move the thing...(Go figure...).....Once at the Gordon Ranch, Raleigh, again had overdone it with the sause, went over and poured a full glass of water on a certain named Colorado climber (whose name I won't say, but he kept his grots dry....)......again,.... funny....yeah.......BUT too much and over-the -top......I hear Raleigh's route Looney Binge at the Gorge is one of the best in the Gorge.......and I have done his Ghost Rider 6-pitch route that he did with Strassman on Whitney Portal Buttress....it is very good. I also have done a number of his climbs in the Alabama hills, and , again... very good stuff. Once while in Lone Pine, I got talking to a girl who worked at a gas station/convience store......she asked why we were in Lone Pine, and we told her we were climbers, and then I asked her if she new a climber named Raleigh Collins......she said Oh yeah....and had a story about Raleigh and his unappropriateness (and about his crazy-fun-ness too....).......it seems like wherever he goes.....he is just so full of adventure, spunk, mischief, pipe-dreams .... that he wears everyone out!!!!!......I know he went to work on the cliffhanger film, but believe he came home early.......(drinking/womanizing..????).....I will miss his dumb-ass 'Gordamis-Toddamis-Toddamis-Gordamis"...that he would always say when he saw me.........He once took my girlfriend and her two daughters flying......they LOVED it, and he was very nice, polite, safe, and sober. Being the wild sort of person that Raleigh was, I was always sort of surprised to see him driving around in his sort of beat up trucks... he always drove like an old granny.....and I guess I expected him to drive like a madman (Like Dave Mayville or Woody Stark......speed demons...)...but he drove like someone in their 80's. If you hung out with Raleigh enough, you would sooner or later see his temper.......I...... once saw him so pissed about how lense-crafters had charged him $400.00 for glasses( in about an hour...).....they quoted him a lesser price........and this dude , when pissed off, is very scary. I believe that if he ever needed to be subdued... it would take 4 or 5 really big dudes and a stungun...HE's nearly bionic in strength........ Once (drunk again), he barged into my house, and , in front of many others, started yelling at me about how people treat him sh*tty, and this and that, and sort of like blaming ME for his problems......he shouted, spewed, ranted, and left...........THAT cr*p I don't dig at all......but once again.....it's over-endulgence. Someone told me Raleigh would down a Quart of Vodka in the evening sometimes........(cheap stuff too, I believe...)....that's messed up. .........Raleigh, who stayed YEARS at the Gordon Ranch.... would often times get "work crews" of worker bees for house projects.....fix things, do stuff in the yard, raise money to replace stuff, etc......He got everyone involved, was psyched and whistled while he worked.......I appreciated his willingness to help out, and he ALWAYS flipped me money when he had it to pay his way, carry his weight, and float his stay awhile.....and it was always without me asking........if he made a bunch of money, he always gave me some for giving him a place to call home. Raleigh had this little black book of mostly girl's phone numbers....(Raleigh has had more than his share of women... many beautiful women too....)....and , along with their phone numbers... he often put pictures of them as well...(to keep track of which one was which???).....and sometimes he's show me a few of the pics...........thongs, bathing suits, or less......hotties having a good time with Rolo.......it was amazing. Most women who meet Raleigh, have never met anyone like him...with so much energy, talent, experiences, and spunk/drive/motivation/dreams/adventure..........alot of chicks didn't believe him, and thought NO ONE is THAT rad...........I tell them.....yep....he's the real thing.....he IS all that AND MORE.........chicks that could handle the ride got the ride of their life.......one's that couldn't handle it, got bucked off the bronco, or worse, .........it took a special girl to appreciate Raleigh, and some of his girlfriends hung around for awhile..(others lasted only a few hours at best..)....he had one serious one for a couple of years....(In a climbers life... that is a VERY long relationship....).......and at times it even seemed like he was settling down.....as Largo says, as you get older, you got to sort of reel yourself in... or you got trouble.......Raleigh couldn't do that to himself, and he just had too much fun he done expired himself..........One of my Czech friend knew Raleigh quite well, loved him dearly, but still always refered to him as That F*cker Raleigh...............Steve Martin got it right...He's a wild and crazy guy............alot of people (including myself)....are really going through alot of lifes' BIG questions with Raleigh's passing.........I recieved a phone call last night at 2:30 A. M. from one of Raleigh's friends who wanted to know about Raleigh's death and what happended and this and that.......2:30 A.M.......Me, my baby, my wife sleeping.......I guess he considered it an emergency..........he wanted to talk;.....Rolo's death is a BIG shocker for many, many, many people........(please don't call.....)..My point is, ....it's a hard pill for many to swallow.......I hear there is a memorial for him in Red Rocks soon????I will not be attending.....not because I don't like him or don't miss him or anything....but I experienced Raleigh alot during his LIFE.....(and he was FULL of Life...no quetion about that....).....I say, rest in peace, my friend. .......I was one of Raleigh's friends that took the wild bronco ride with him at the lead every now-and -then.........and for that I am grateful....... |
| Benjamin | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 19:57:21 03/16/2006 I knew Raleigh for a couple years. He first introduced me to slack lining which I took an immediate obsession to! We met in Toulumne Meadows soon after to climb. With all the beautiful domes, he hiked me through mosquito infested swamps to Muphy's Creek for some hard top roping. We climbed several times together, but spent the bulk of our time together developing and producing a new adventure sport relay race. Linking sports was one of his passions! If it hadn't been for Raleigh's entusiasm, drive, and calling in everyone he could think of, it'd still be an idea on paper. Instead, I headed to Vegas for our first development session. It included a few meals, some slacklining, driving around looking for a limestone crag which was now unaccessible due to the road being obliterated by a new quary, and a flight. Although fun yet a little nauseating, I was surprised when Raleigh charged me for the flight lesson and time afterward. I made a mental note to be leary of invitations in the future, then laughed. Several months later, we spent ten days in Moab shooting climbing, BASE Jumping, and highlining. Raleigh was the director. We had our boughts, and I'll agree with Todd that when angry, Raleigh is a fearsome sight. But, as misguided as he may have been at times, his heart was most often in the right place. In the end, we had a kick ass promo video. I'm still working on an outlet for the project. (Of course half the time was spent filming Raleigh hang gliding and doing other stunts completely unrelated to the project at hand.) There were ups and downs... a lot of stories... but we had fun. (At least I did.) I was fortunate enough that the bulk of my time with Raleigh was when he was high on life, and not drinking a lot. He told me numerous times that he had given up drinking. That he would only have one. But that one was a 40oz! My girlfriend and I went to the Whitney Portal to climb. Raleigh joined us, and somehow, we never got past his routes in the Alabama Hills! Good routes, but we still want to go climb in the Portal. To have a long term friendship with Raleigh meant having the ability to forgive a lot, and often. We had great times, but we also had our fights. As with most people, Raleigh pushed a bit too far, and wore out his welcome most everywhere we went. But time is a good healer. After not talking for about five months, Raleigh called me all excited about his bird suit flying in Patagonia. It was good to hear from him. We were going to meet in J-Tree on Sunday to climb and catch up. Saturday he called to cancel due to being sick as a dog and bad weather. We had plans to meet the next week. Two days later, I got the call. I always knew that call would come, I just thought it would have been from an accident on some 6000 ft face. Thus, I'm shocked by the circumstances and saddened, but not surprised. Raleigh was bigger than life and the strongest man I've ever met. His strength came from deep within. He had his faults, and there were many, but he also cared about his friends deeply. I'm glad I had the time we had, and his memory will live on... |
| Todd Gordon | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 20:38:59 03/16/2006 Thank you, Ben, for the cool write up......it's helps to understand the past and present with Raleigh, and our future without Raleigh..... |
| Baxter | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 17:55:34 03/17/2006 I enjoyed flying winguits from cliff in Italy with him this Summer. He was defintely one of a kind. |
| Baxter | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 17:57:41 03/17/2006 I enjoyed flying wingsuits off of cliffs in Italy with him this Summer. He was definitely one of a kind. |
| Kari | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 20:08:10 03/18/2006 I just returned home from a three month trip to Australia flying. I'm an old flying friend of Rally's. As I was driving back to Bishop I was thinking about my uncoming hang gliding world championships in Florida, I havent been flying hangies for a while and I flashed on Rally. I thought to myself, I need a good dose of Rally's enthusiasum for flight right about now. He was always so encouraging and made me feel like a rock star in our little sport. I went on to wonder where the heck he is now and what he's up to..... Then I got home to find emails from flying friends asking "is it true, did Rally really take his life?" I could not belieive it....... The only peace I get from this is knowing that he showed me a sign that he is still ever so present in all our lives...he has obviously touched many people in many ways. He has only always been a very dear friend to me ....and I will miss those random appearences he would make..showing up at my door....saying lets play!!! Live Free my friend...... |
| Bob Carmichael | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 20:46:56 03/18/2006 It's been a couple of days since I posted but it's been sticking in my craw that Raleigh Collins is presumed to have killed himself. I really would like to know about the final weeks of Raleigh's life because, suicide somehow is so hard to believe for me. I just never heard Raleigh even allude to wanting OUT. I mourn his passing and I know he struggled mightily with alcohol addiction but I'm not prepared to believe that Raleigh actually killed himself. I want to understand his state of mind at the end because it was just not the Raleigh I knew... He was certainly one of the safest climbers I've ever known. And he thought big and killing himself off some little outcrop...? Something just does not jibe for me here. I think Raleigh really deserves to have what transpired in the full light of day. I'm not trying to stir things up and I know he is gone but HOW DID HE GO AND ARE we SURE it was a suicide??? I think his legacy deserves the truth. Was he up on the rock in a full moon out of his mind on booze??? I'd just like some questions answered about his state of mind. I guess there were two Raleighs. The one I knew was caring and smart and full of fun. Bob Carmichael |
| billy z | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 23:05:24 03/18/2006 miss you man. fly away higher than anyone. |
| billy z | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 23:05:27 03/18/2006 miss you man. fly away higher than anyone. |
| Todd Gordon | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 00:13:04 03/19/2006 Bob...as to the details of Raleigh's death at Sports Challenge Rock, he said that we was going to kill himself, and he even said when and where....He told 2 (or more) of his friends that he was going to jump off Sports Challenge Rock... and then he did.......I'm sorry... |
| Anon | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 00:19:54 03/19/2006 Bob, you might have to wait and see if an autopsy and toxicology tests are run in order to find out. If alcohol was a factor, then anything's possible. If anything's possible, then we can let it rest in our minds that he died in accordance with the memories we have of him. Those who saw the demons can afix them to his death. Those who saw the man full of life can see an accident. A good friend of mine recently died. Many assumed it was suicide. Many others believe it was accidental and that she would never have intentionally left her children. Sometimes the spontaneousness and being on the edge is what makes them larger than life and sometimes it takes their life. |
| james | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 02:38:37 03/19/2006 I met Raleigh in Italy a few years ago when he came to BASE jump one of the high walls there. He returned each summer and we shared some great times and flights together. Raleigh was skilled in many disciplines and will be missed by everyone he met. Fly forever free Raleigh |
| karen | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Rolland Shook) (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 21:47:34 03/19/2006 I will miss the circus of ropes, usually at sports challange rock, what we called "Raleigh World" The Chasam at night with no moon Raleigh herding all the females by feel. His drunken escapades,"How about a little snorkie off that bottle?" Yeah sometime a little of him went a long way but, Rolland was a unique and colorfull charater that added alot to my life. I will miss him deeply. Karen |
| karen | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Rolland Shook) (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 21:48:18 03/19/2006 I will miss the circus of ropes, usually at sports challange rock, what we called "Raleigh World" The Chasam at night with no moon Raleigh herding all the females by feel. His drunken escapades,"How about a little snorkie off that bottle?" Yeah sometimes a little of him went a long way but, Rolland was a unique and colorfull charater that added alot to my life. I will miss him deeply. Karen |
| Ann | Wake Info - Rolleigh Collins (Currently 1 replies) Posted At 12:44:32 03/21/2006 Morning all Just wanted to update you on the wake/a (one of many I'm sure) for Raleigh.... Rick Corbin called this am with the following info; Lake Elsinore - Drop Zone - 18778435867 (for directions) 15 North; Dive and Drive exit; Right; 2 lights down; Left @ Mission Trails; Pass Albertsons; Right @ Corridon; Right @ Cerel Street; Drive to end April 1st (This is a good day since RC was such a prankster and stunt master) 12:00 p.m. I am planning on leaving San Diego around 9 a.m. If anyone would like to carpool/caravan you can meet me at my house (I have room for 3 more). We'll have time to stop for breakfast for sure. If not, hope to see/meet you there. My Casa is; 12543 Heatherton Ct. #182 15 North; Exit Poway Rd; Right; 1st Right @ Sabre Springs Pkwy; Left @ Heatherton Ct. (Ridgewoodvillage Apts Big Blue Sign); Up to top of street; enter parking area follow around until you see a yellow motorcycle (my RIO); Park in uncovered space. My apt is 2nd floor. Look for dumpster and follow path nearest it is the front building adjacent to parking area (second stair case) Ann Cell: 858-583-1651 email: longraven@hotmail.com |
| Privacy police | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 00:03:45 03/22/2006 A very generous offer, Ann. But might I offer a word of caution? Don't post your address and directions on cyberspace. Y' never know what weirdos are lurking out there...'specially on a climbing site! :-) |
| Todd Gordon | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 00:51:18 03/22/2006 Thanks, Ann... |
| Karen | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 09:13:55 03/22/2006 The exit off of the 15 is called, Diamond drive and if driving north on 15 you would make a left off the fwy. If driving South on 15 the exit will be posted Diamond drive and Railroad canyon, then you would make a right off the fwy. See Diamond drive is heading in the direction of the Lake-Railroad canyon heading towards Canyon Lake. |
| duh! | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 22:44:09 03/22/2006 What a fu#king waste... |
| ? | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 22:50:14 03/22/2006 Which part's a waste: the death or the service? (Careful, the wrong answer could send you to a new low.) |
| brett | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 17:26:18 03/24/2006 thats to bad that he bit the dust on that fateful day...i'm sure that many will miss him i don't know him that well but it always stink when things like this happen.It seems like he was a nice guy and made an impact on a lot of people. R.I.P we will miss you... |
| You just won! | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 19:52:03 03/24/2006 Which part's a waste: the death or the service? (Careful, the wrong answer could send you to a new low.) The death was a waste, but your posting of an alternative makes you tasteless and earns you a small room in Hades, enjoy! |
| ? | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 14:42:23 03/25/2006 I wasn't implying EITHER was "a waste". I was just asking you to clarify your remarks. And if I only get a small room in Hades, I'm going to have to work a little harder. "Small" is not my style. |
| Ann | WAKE - Updated Directions (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 15:42:45 03/25/2006 Hi All; If you plan on attending the Wake - I need to revise the original directions from my original post. Kenny Niemi and Raleigh's family are coordinating the event at the Hang Glider Landing Zone. From the 15 Hwy Northbound Exit Central Ave go right (westbound) Right on Collier Left on Riverside Ave. (aka Hwy 74) (westbound) Head toward Grand Ave. A 911 call box will mark the driveway turnoff Landmarks: You will see the Elsinore Market go to the large field located behind the market. There will be signs posted. A big thanks to Kenny, Gina and the rest of Raleigh's family for coordinating this event in such difficult times. |
| Respect | "Difficult Times" (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 16:00:24 03/25/2006 I read a few of the posts regarding the use of the word waste....at least, if taken at face value, that seems to be what got some feathers ruffled. It's pointless to remind us all that when something like this happens to someone we care about, we all handle it in different ways and have different emotions and perspectives about it. Hopefully we can all appreciate that there may/are people, perhaps very close friends and family, who are reading this blog. I imagine; they might have enjoyed reading all the wonderful things everyone has shared here. I also imagine their feelings might be hurt when emotions and negativity run high and are expressed in this blog. In the spirit not besmirching RC‘s memory and the wonderful experiences shared here; lets keep it light and be conscious of each others feelings. Respectfully, |
| Dinodude | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 23:00:59 03/27/2006 Rolleigh Collins was one of the most talented and crazy bastards that I ever had the pleasure to meet. One of his E Team comrades, Ron Young , recently punched his own ticket as well, does this mean anything? Blue skies and love above all- Dino |
| Pete Anderson | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 20:41:30 03/31/2006 It was awesome to read about Rolleigh and to hear some of my old friends chime in, like Crazy Wayne! We were one big disfunctional family at Lake Elsinore. That's where I met Rolleigh, thru hang gliding. I remember the Wheelie King, Doug Domokis, took Rolleigh for a ride going up the canyon at Elsinore on one wheel. Rolleigh shrugged off his fear, but I think he soiled himself. Doug is now dead, along with Ron Young, Keith Lamb, Jerry Smith, Clarrol Kenny, and Bob Mckensie. All these people were key players at Lake Elsinore, and made for a very energized "E-team." A lot of us are still alive, but the times have greatly changed since those early days (80s). Good thing! I truely miss those days however. Everyone lived for today. We all had a strong passion for flight and enjoying the great outdoors and a cold beer. Rolleigh came to dinner a couple of summers ago at my place and we talked about those insane times. It was a good thing that we all grew up. It helped to extend our years living on this planet just a little bit longer. Miss ya man!! Pete Anderson Hangglideutah.com |
| Kyle & Raz | Re: Rolleigh Collins (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 20:52:15 04/06/2006 We met Raleigh in El Chalten, Patagonia, Argentina about 2 months ago. My buddy and I ran into him at a boulder competition. Really cool guy. He taught us some climbing and shared beers and chased the ladies. He seemed troubled but we were shocked about his death. Im from California and looked forward to seeing him again, maybe learn some more climbing. Never a dull moment with Raliegh on the mountain. He was a good guy. We all have demons, its a shame whatever haunted him drove him that far. Our first climbing teacher. Whether were hiking, climbing or just chilling, he comes to mind. Thanks Raleigh for sharing climbing with us and yourself during that week. We wont forget you. Love, Kyle & Raz "Guias de los Libres" |
