AT Unsupported Speed Record Attempt

[tenn_hiker]

So hitching a ride isn't considered being supported?

[rocketsocks]

So hitching a ride isn't considered being supported?

If you feel it is supported,then it's supported,if not,then..... I don't know that there is a governing body,maybe there ought be?Me I could care less,but am in support of your supported or unsupported hike.But I think they are two very different things.

[ScottP]

Umm..check out Leor's results:

http://ultrasignup.com/results_parti...Pantilat&age=0

Lots of first places in ultras. don't know if these are good/competitive ultras, but the guy looks legit. 50 mile trail run at a 7:14 min pace. He's running 50 miles faster than JPD was running 50k. If he's got a decent support crew he'll probably do the trail supported very quickly.

[ChinMusic]

So hitching a ride isn't considered being supported?

From what I have read, no, if it is not prearranged. In other words if you come to a road and stick out your thumb that is fine.

[rocketsocks]

Umm..check out Leor's results:

http://ultrasignup.com/results_parti...Pantilat&age=0

Lots of first places in ultras. don't know if these are good/competitive ultras, but the guy looks legit. 50 mile trail run at a 7:14 min pace. He's running 50 miles faster than JPD was running 50k. If he's got a decent support crew he'll probably do the trail supported very quickly.

Yes,and when big money gets involved,we could expect to see a definite governing body.

[Pedaling Fool]

So hitching a ride isn't considered being supported?

Just like what constitutes a thru-hike, there's no written official rules on what constitues supported vs. unsupported. What you see when these discussions come up is simply personal opinion and how one looks at this. Some will even tell you that simply getting food from towns is support...

[T.S.Kobzol]

Hmm. Now that you mention this. I would like that :-) Can I do the AT and have catering for the entire hike?

I agree with you. I have no interest in how fast someone can run the AT when they helpers cooking their meals and giving it to them when they pass a trailhead or have their tents set up for them when they arrive or crash in a comfy RV. But if you carry your own gear and actually hike the trail and cook your own meals and set up and break down camp then you've got my attention.

[WingedMonkey]

There are no records for hiking the Appalachian Trail.

[Lone Wolf]

There are no records for hiking the Appalachian Trail.

and nobody has ever "thru-hiked" the AT

[Violent Green]

Papa D, this is indeed a very good question.

I believe that the new standard for an "unsupported" thru-hiker speed record should be set in a similar "no vehicular support style" such as what's been upheld by Scott Williamson and Adam Bradley on the PCT:

‘I will NOT have anyone following, or otherwise meeting me in prearranged manner to give me support. I plan to do this hike as a backpacker, carrying all of my food, equipment, and water between resupply towns. I will walk into supply towns to pick up mailed, prepackaged food boxes or to purchase food, then walk back to the trail via the same route I came in on. I will not be getting into a vehicle for any reason during this attempt, or skipping any section of trail. If I receive a lift from any vehicle or skip a portion of trail (no matter the distance) the attempt is off. I will be following the official PCT route, taking no detours, road walks or alternates of any kind.’

I think this would be a good way to set the new standard for future attempts on the AT because clearly hitch-hiking can be a slippery slope into prearranged shuttles, which can be a slippery slope into an even more supported attempt.

In case anyone is interested, map man did a great job of working out the logistics of just such a hike (in a southbound direction):
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/show...46#post1229946

Everyone can wait on Sportiva Man to take his shot at one of the AT records. I'm waiting on Matthew.D.Kirk.

Ryan

[JJJ]

+1 on Kirk.

[jersey joe]

And just so everyone knows I will be going for the unsupported record, no guarantees, but I'm going to try!

Good luck on your hike! Do you know when you are heading out and if you will be posting a journal or updates online for us to follow?

[ChinMusic]

And just so everyone knows I will be going for the unsupported record, no guarantees, but I'm going to try!

Those are words worthy of rooting for.

The odds are strongly against you. If it doesn't work out, the experience will help you for subsequent attempts.........if you still have the bug.

[k2basecamp]

Prediction

This guy will never break any record. He spends too much time on the computer talking about it.
Take a lesson from last years female unsupported record holder-just start hiking and when you get to maine then post again.

[Lone Wolf]

Take a lesson from last years female unsupported record holder-just start hiking and when you get to maine then post again.

she was fully supported

[rocketsocks]

she was fully supported

and she was SOBO

[ChinMusic]

rocketsocks and Lone Wolf - k2basecamp's reference was to Snorkel's unsupported female record last year: http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=360042

[rocketsocks]

rocketsocks and Lone Wolf - k2basecamp's reference was to Snorkel's unsupported female record last year.

.........thought it was a referance to JPD's

[rocketsocks]

.........thought it was a referance to JPD's

But then you already knew that.

[k2basecamp]

she was fully supported

No she wasnt i am NOT talking about JPD's supported record but the 80 ish day female unsupported record.