Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Juan Rodriguez.  I'm originally from Mexico City, but I
immigrated to the US when I was four.  I grew up in Las Vegas and
moved to Portland in 2000 shortly after my 18th birthday.  I'm a full
time climber with a mostly part time job as contract interpreter for
hospitals in the metro area.

What motivates you?
The thrill of adventures and challenges offered through climbing.  I'm
motivated to see how far, how much, and for how long I can push my
abilities.  Since climbing has opened my horizon in so many
directions, I'm always in anticipation of what it will bring next and
that keeps me motivated to train, to be as healthy as I can manage, and
to continue establishing friendships everywhere I go.

Tell us About Your Upcoming Road Trip
I am venturing out on a 6 month road trip which kicks off Jan. 18th in
Mexico where my girlfriend and I will be visiting my family, (I'm
originally from Mexico City), and climbing in areas like Potrero, El
Chonta, and Jilotepec.  After that, we will be back in Portland long
enough to pack up our van and then we head off to climb around the US
for another 5 months.

Where is climbing taking you, where are you taking climbing?

Climbing has been the dominating activity in my life. Because of climbing, I have developed a more open attitude in life.  Through the many friendships and contacts in the community I've developed a much happier, and fulfilling life.
I've gotten to meet the most incredible people, and seen beautiful
places all around the world.  And most importantly it has helped me
build quite a unique life that my family is proud of.

I try my best to spread the lifestyle around whenever I can.  Not
everyone is interested in the sport itself, but that doesn't prevent
me from entertaining people with stories from trips and day to day
stuff.  The mentality behind climbing for me is to make the most of
your life and to realize that there's more to it than just careers,
paychecks, mortgages, and student loans, and that's mainly what I hope
people get from my adventures.  If my lifestyle can inspire you to go
after your goals, improve your health, get you to travel, try
something risky, or of course get you into climbing, then I feel like
I'm giving back for everything the climbing community has done for me.