Lol!......
Next to impossible is way too strong especially since there is a hiker currently on the trail doing well over a 30mpd average and it is november. I know quite a few hikers that would no issue with averaging 30mpd on the AT. Now as far as the starting March 1st, this seems insane. It will be hard enough to average 36 with long days, better weather and no snow. Why stack the cards against yourself? I would start no earlier than May 1st. And I'm curious how effective you can monitor the weather. A March start date leaves you open for some pace slowing weather at any point on the trail.Originally Posted by Beast Mode
Without knowing anything about this guy's experiance level and abilities, I hate to say it can't be done, but it can't be done. The fact that he wants to start in March is an indication he is clueless as to trail and weather conditions during that time of year. It seems that those who never hiked the AT are the ones who think they can do it in record time.
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Josh, if you are surprised at the reaction you are getting you should know that every year people - with no apparent resume - announce on this site that they are going to break this or that record the upcoming season. They usually disappear from sight shortly after they start and they realize they have no chance.
My "favorite" was the guy who announced last year that he was going to SHATTER the record. Even got written up in the local newspaper. On the first day of his training hike - he was going to hike from somewhere in the NE to Katahdin and then turn around and start his record hike - he got rained on and quit. Never even started his hike.
Josh, if you are serious and want to give yourself a fighting chance, I would definitely wait until Summer and go SOBO. You might also want to contact Jennifer Pharr Davis for tips on the psychological aspects of a speed hike. Good luck!
im not sure why anyone would post their intentions here.you can anticipate some skepticism.
i did notice however, that he hasnt posted since, which makes me think hes serious about it, and just didnt wait around for the naysayers, just made his stamement of intent, and promptly left the building.
it would be great to hear from him telling us that hes done it.if hes spending 3 months in africa, hes only going to have a months rest before his attempt, although a march start, ill agree doesnt make too much sense.
we'll see.
assuming he leaves march 1st and maintains a record setting pace, does anyone terribly familiar with baxter and all the rules know when the last time katahdin was open to hikers wanting to summit on april 29th or sooner?
hed still be wading through snow to get there.id agree that the best way would be to start nobo around may1
the best way is to start in july at katahdin and go SOBO. get the first 400 miles out of the way while he's still fresh
Yes, go SOBO if you are truly serious in giving it a try. July is an excellent month
Here is a very interesting graphic showing different year's relative snow levels for Vermont. 2001 is the year that Flyin Brian started northbound on the AT during his triple crown hike. You can easily see that this was a very bad year to make that choice. In contrast this last year would have been the perfect year to either do a triple crown attempt or as the OP plans, an early speed hike.
http://173.193.223.192/~bestsnow/vrmthist.htm
sure, but my point is that even if he can wade through the snow to get there whats the point if odds are he wouldnt be allowed to finish the hike?
its kinda funny that he put his post up and left, leaving us to endlessly debate how it should be done.maybe hes smarter than we think.
He's watching, he was on this morning at 9:09.
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Maybe he is just trolling. If this is the case he caught a cooler full
He did give his e-mail which is an e-mail on a server at westmont college in Santa Barbara, Ca
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must be a teacher/preacher he graduated in 07
or still using his college email from 6 years ago...which is possible
Nature Boy was crushing the record until he got bonked on the head outside of Waynesboro. Would be cautious posting too accurately as to your position on the trail.
Effect of resupplying on daily mileage
Seems to me that the wild card is how long it takes him to resupply. Given that he's unsupported and probably going as light as possible i.e. only a few days worth of food, has he factored time to hitch from the trailhead to town, buy his food at a decent store, hitch back to the Trail? What about showers, laundry? With his ambitious schedule, he probably can't spend a night in town taking in amenities unless his arrival is at the end of his 36 mile day.
Some towns are easier to get to than others.
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