Member Bio

Worked in Marketing and promotions for a couple Denver TV stations early in career. Later a five-year stint in Advertising Art Direction for Coors Brewing in Golden, CO, followed by ad agency work in Seattle area and back in Denver. Arts, recreation and real estate publications in NW Montana for several years in the ’90s. Finally, back in Colorado, did marketing design for non-profit health care company in Denver area for 16 years. Mostly retired since late 2010s, occasional complimentary work in Durango, CO.

Climbed 29 Colorado fourteeners, if my count is correct, many of them “hands-in-pockets” hikes, and a good number of them with class III-IV pitches that have held my undivided attention. I’ve never been on a peak-bagging mission, but really enjoy being outdoors, up high, taking in the views and rarefied air. There are plenty more on my to-do list, and some I’m certain I will not attempt due to the increased risk with crowded and exposed routes, and a gradually but annoyingly intensifying self-preservation instinct. There are also many more rewarding lower summits to explore. 

My first AdAmAn climb as a guest was at age 16, when club policy allowed members to invite (and take responsibility for) sons of that age and adequate fitness and constitution, without having to be further vetted by the membership. What sticks with me the most is how over-dressed I was. Day two, above timberline, was as calm and balmy as a spring day, and I was bundled up in heavy military surplus wool over a couple layers of long underwear, and insulated rubber boot pacs. All of the climbers, and especially the younger ones, were stripping off layers, rolling up pant legs, removing hats, and still sweating. I remember thinking, “Jeez, what’s the big deal, after all I’ve been told about the raging winds, bitter cold, and extreme hardship?” Of course, later climbs would answer that question for me.

I was selected member number 63 in 1981. December 30 and 31 that year were very snowy — lots of trail breaking to do from the start in Manitou Springs. A strenuous hike all the way and I was grateful for trail-breaking help from other climbers, especially just below timberline where drifting amidst the trees can be very deep. Due to the quantity of snow in the vicinity of Barr Camp, the traditional bonfire at AdAmAn Point, a half mile north, was moved to a clearing just adjacent to the camp, and was much smaller than the typical blaze. And even more congenial a gathering for AdAmAn tale telling and remembrances, without the usual wind and distraction at AdAmAn Point.

Another aspect of one’s new member year is being a little more in the spotlight for the numerous radio broadcasts throughout the two-day hike. I never felt very comfortable with that part and struggled some to find new things to say.

Most influential was my Dad, George Lindeman. In my childhood, this was one of those grown up things he did every year, that wasn’t his work. AdAmAn doings took over the household consciousness for short spans of time, especially in December. He was club president for a number of years, and did a pretty good job of it despite not being a particularly showy or outgoing person in charge of a club that’s largely about making a show of promoting the Pikes Peak Region. I think his favorite part of it all was the camaraderie and sharing a mountain adventure with a bunch of like-minded characters doing something fun and kind of nutty up in the cold, thin air.

My brother Ted (member #55), and his enthusiasm for the climb, has always been an inspiration to me. His record of 50 New Years climbs is one I will certainly never attain, but his intermittent company and conversation along the trail has been a treasured part of the experience for me in more recent years.