[pct-l] Tuna Helper's PCT Speed Attempt 2014

[Ryan Weidert]

Hello Everyone! Ryan Weidert, AKA Tuna Helper here. I'd like to let my
intentions be known that I will be attempting to break the overall speed
record (59 days 8 hours 14 minutes by Josh Garrett 2013) for hiking the
entire length of the entire Pacific Crest Trail going northbound. My plan
is to do the hike in a "self-supported" and "unassisted" style like Scott
Williamson. This style means a great many things, most of which I've copied
directly or paraphrased from the posts and correspondence of the current
mens record holders (Scott Williamson (Bink) and Adam Bradley
(Krusmeister)). Following the guidelines of previous 'self-supported'
records, "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. I will be following the official
PCT route, taking no detours, road walks or alternates of any kind."

I will be attempting to break this record as a solo hiker and will be
starting sometime between June 1-15th. I will post my official start date
once I have it pinned down. My main reasons for this attempt are to test
myself (again) and too see what I am capable of, the record being the bar
in which to compare myself with other awesome endurance athletes. Having
failed once after 42 days, I know my goal of completing the trail fast is
achievable, especially since my goal in 2012 was sub 60 days. I'll
periodically be in contact with family members and relay my progress, which
I hope to have posted on Facebook and FKT. I am taking a GPS to have
verification of my hike since I am hiking solo and independent verification
is more difficult. I want to be as open as I can with this so there is as
little possibility of 'drama' or questions if I manage to succeed. My
admiration for the trail and those who hike it runs deep and I can't wait
to test myself and get dirty! I <3 the PCT!

Cheers!, Tuna Helper

For those who may be interested heres the link to my 2012 Attempt
blog/trail journal and LOTS of photos/panoramas (right side link)
www.pctspeed.blogspot.com/2012_10_01_archive.html?m=1