[pct-l] Congrats to Brian, but let's keep it real.

[blovis@lycos.com (bill blovis)]

First of all, Brian's achievement is impressive, and he deserves commendation for being the first to _attempt_ a calendar triple crown. However, the magnitude of his achievement won't be known until other hikers attempt it.

That said, I also think it's extremely premature -- and even naive -- to say that Brian's hike is "bringing hiking to the world stage" or "giving hiking the attention it deserves." If "hiking" is a race from point to point thru the woods, then Brian has certainly brought it to the world stage.

I happen to think hiking deserves better than this. I think Brian should have at least paid lip service to the fact that it isn't fun to blast thru the woods at 30-miles/day. In fact, I think _someone_ should have recognized the obvious irony of doing so. 

Moreover, Brian's boo-hoo-ing about not being able to seize the day with one of the many "seemingly available women," who no doubt lined the streets of New England, is an even more absurd example of his adventure's hilarious irony. Look, if you're going to have a chance to use the NYT as an organ for the advance of the cause of hiking, don't talk about booty you didn't get ... talk about the majesty of the Trinities, talk about the need for volunteers in the PCT's Section O, talk about the remarkable lack of anyone but white people on the scenic trails, talk about the amazing women who defy conventional wisdom and thru-hike the trails solo -- GIVE PEOPLE A REASON TO GET OUT THERE and hike 2 or 3 miles.

Don't turn the scenic trails into a new stage for the breaking and re-breaking of land speed records. Don't invite more ultra-marathoning assholes out there. Okay, a feat like Brian's is bound to do this, but he's pissing away a great opportunity to do good for the trails here, and all these lists are doing is drooling all over him.

Shame on us.


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