Home.20 February 2003
What: |
Challenge hike-can you walk 50 miles in 20 hours or less? |
When: |
Saturday, March 8, 2003 (rain date March 15) |
Where: |
W&OD/Mt. Vernon/Four Mile Run/Custis Trails |
Meet: |
5:30am, St. Agnes Parish Center, 1914 N. Randolph Street, Arlington, VA |
Sign-up: |
Return the roster and liability release forms by (new date) **Friday, February 28, 2003** (new date) |
The goal of the 50/20 hike is to walk 50 miles in 20 hours-but hikers can plan for (or bail out with) shorter hikes (10 mile minimum suggested). Hikers who complete the 25 mile route usually do so in 8 to 8-1/2 hours; the 50 miler finishes up close to midnight (but ends at 2am regardless). This is a tough physical challenge-Scouts and adults should train for the walk if they expect to make 50 miles!
Chain Bridge Troops and Venture Crews are welcome to participate. IMPORTANT-each Troop participating should provide two adults for the sag wagon/support crew (i.e., two adults who do not plan to hike). The participants, including support crew adults, should be listed on the sign-up form. Liability release forms must be submitted for each participant.
The route will follow the W&OD Trail from Ashburn (Loudon County). 25 mile route follows the Custis Trail to end at St. Agnes. The 50 mile route will continue to Key Bridge down the Mt. Vernon Trail to National Airport (food stop), then up the Four Mile Run Trail to the W&OD trail, finishing with 5 loops of the W&OD/Custis/Bluemont Junction trails (passing last food stop 5 times). Hikers can walk a shorter route (i.e., 10 or 20 miles) and will be returned to St. Agnes from stops. $15 cost per hiker is for abundant food, snacks, drinks, photos, sag wagon, and transportation. Patches for all participants; special patches for 25- and 50-mile finishers. Coveted Alonzo Stagg medal for 50-mile finishers!
Meet at St. Agnes Parish Center (1914 N. Randolph St., Arlington) promptly at 5:30am. After check-in, vehicles will depart. Sunrise on March 8 is at 6:30am - we will start hiking at 6:31am. Hikers can drive directly to Ashburn, but will be responsible for retrieving their vehicles. Hikers meeting at the starting point in Ashburn should arrive by 6:15am. Hike directions will be given to each hiker. Every hiker must check-in at each food stop.
Adults are needed to hike with Scouts and to man sag wagon and rest/food stops. Hikers should dress comfortably--this means layers to account for cool conditions in early morning and warm conditions later in the day. Have rain gear. Hikers should have hat with brim and sunscreen and should wear comfortable, supporting footwear--beware of cheap sneakers, which flex a lot and can lead to blisters. Wear two socks or liner socks to avoid rubbing and blisters. Bring extra socks, but don't carry a heavy pack - extra gear can go in the sag wagon and will appear at each rest/food stop. Label ALL bags with name! Any questions? Call outings coordinators Ann or Ted Gerarden (703) 243-9653.
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