Here I go again! After a disappointing injury 3,000 miles in and a helicopter ride to the hospital, I’m back for redemption. Starting the Pacific Crest Trail exactly a year after my failed attempt on May 2nd.
The Calendar Year Triple Crown (CYTC) encompasses all 3 of the longest trails in the U.S. Pacific Crest, Continental Divide and Appalachian Trails. I will do each one completely before moving on to the next one.
I will be SELF-SUPPORTED which means I cannot get any help from friends or family, no personal help to me. No rides from people I know into towns or staying at homes of people I know. I cannot receive any mail drop boxes from anyone. All the help I receive on the trail must also be available to all hikers. I can hitch a ride, accept trail magic, etc.
This is the most difficult Fastest Known Time (FKT) style. It’s a true separator, adding another depth of difficulty with a logistical challenge. A challenge I’m ready for! 7,500 plus miles and over 7 months. CYTC FKT, I’m coming for ya!
Self-Supported FKT Guidelines (from FastestKnownTime.com)
Self-Supported means you may have as much support as you can manage or find along the way, but not from any thing or person just for you; any support you employ must be equally available to anyone else. This can include caching supplies in advance, purchasing supplies along the way, staying at motels, and finding or requesting food or water. Camping in a friend’s yard would be supported, because it is not available to the public. Except at the start and finish, spectating pre-arranged by an athlete is considered support. Many long thru-hiking routes are done self-supported. To get a self-supported FKT you must also beat the fastest unsupported time.
