5280 article on Bill Middlebrook

[RyGuy]

25 years is a LONG time.

But it was 25 years ago that a man named Bill Middlebrook created something we all know and love – 14ers.com
It’s not a stretch to say that without Bill and 14ers.com, many of us would not know each other and many amazing mountain adventures we have all enjoyed would not have happened.

As many of you know, Bill famously doesn’t like attention.
But, when you create something so amazing and helpful to so many people, some attention is a good thing.
Bill’s work got the attention of 5280 Magazine writer Lindsey B King who managed to get Bill to agree to sit down for a lengthy interview. Grab a drink, sit back and enjoy reading a bit about the Man, the Myth, and the Legend:

https://www.5280.com/the-founder-of-14e ... his-story/

[SchralpTheGnar]

TIL a lot about Bill. Keeping this place ad free and JONG free as it ages is important, maintaining the site seems like it be a fit for tech retirees who don’t want to work anymore but want something to do. I’ll be working for another 10 years or so but would consider doing it after that.

[Gulf_Coast_Hiker]

Thanks for sharing the link, and of course, much gratitude to Bill for this wonderful site.

[susanjoypaul]

"...with Rush, Led Zeppelin, or a little jazz providing encouragement...To fashion route descriptions that would better help hikers avoid going off-trail (and, therefore, getting into potentially environment-damaging, frustrating, or dangerous situations), Middlebrook made sure his daypack included a pen and notebook as well as his 35mm Minolta.

"'There have been days when I gained an extra 700 feet of elevation,' Middlebrook says, 'and walked way out of the way just to be able to, for example, take a picture that might show someone why this isn’t the way to go.'"

Okay, that brought a few tears... the dedication! And the tunes

[cottonmountaineering]

we love you bill! there are plenty of IT people here who im sure would volunteer to help run the site

[MonGoose]

Congratulations, Bill! You've given us this website, forum, and community to explore and record our climbing adventures in Colorado's wildest places. I'm so glad 5280 magazine took the time to document your journey. And...

Happy 25th Anniversary 14ers.com!!!

[climbingcue]

Great article, thank you for posting the link. I enjoyed reading it.

Bill

[BillMiddlebrook]

Thanks all! It's hard to believe 25 years have passed. Something fascinating I've noticed over that time is how quickly time seems to fly when you're not tied to a traditional job. Truly, it feels like it moves at lightning speed - it's a bit unsettling.

As far as the future of the site, I still have a few years left in me and hope to eventually find it a home where the original mission can keep going as much as possible.

[bdloftin77]

Thanks so much, Bill! You’ve helped thousands of people accomplish their dreams. And helped countless others get outside, enjoy the outdoors, and stay safe. We’ll probably never truly know just how big of an impact you’ve had.

[sfreytag]

Great article! Thank you for what you do Bill! I probably wouldn't have completed the 14er checklist, let alone attempted it, without this site.

[fepic1]

Great article! Thank you for what you do Bill! I probably wouldn't have completed the 14er checklist, let alone attempted it, without this site.

Yep!!! This is true for me. 14ers sent my life in a wonderful, positive direction. I met the most inspiring people you could ever hope to meet here
on this website. I accomplished goals I still can't believe I did with their friendship and help. Thank you Bill, awesome site.
John Froshaug

[cedica]

Great story, I'm struggling to find another example of tech endeavor that managed to stay independent for more than two decades without compromising original mission AND continued to increase user base at the same time. They either sell out as soon as they can, or fall into the vicious cycle of endless upgrades that nobody needs to fuel advertisements that nobody wants.

I just have to correct Bill on one fine point - time flies like crazy between the ages of 30 and 55 even with a traditional job. I believe it's the kids that are bending the time space continuum, those little angels will be your living end.