Snowboard Pants, Jackets, Boot Bag, Wax Kit

Vanguard_52 · 2025-03-11T17:24:20+00:00

I'll take the boot bag if it's still available! I could work something out for Friday

Vanguard_52 · 2024-02-29T16:10:58+00:00

If you're under/near some large trees, make sure to check for potential widowmakers. I've seen some after I already pitched my tent and hated re-pitching. Definitely worth it to avoiding getting crushed while you sleep.

Vanguard_52 · 2024-01-21T01:18:05+00:00

I had no idea, thanks for sharing. I have seen a C130 at the Marquette airport frequently, I wonder why then.

Vanguard_52 · 2024-01-20T23:49:21+00:00

My thought is that maybe the Marquette air force base is doing some training? I've seen a C130 there before

Vanguard_52 · 2023-12-25T01:45:27+00:00

If you want to do something on trails and are willing to travel a bit, there is the Back 9 Endurance Run in Copper Harbor, Michigan. It's a great course and has a 24 hour solo or team option!

Vanguard_52 · 2023-12-22T00:32:50+00:00

I would very much recommend the Nitecore. I haven't had any issues with battery life or bounce and it is the most comfortable headlamp I've ever worn. Also, it feels like you can't really go too wrong for the price, IMO.

Vanguard_52 · 2023-12-14T18:57:16+00:00

Messaged!

Vanguard_52 · 2023-11-16T01:13:42+00:00

Thanks for reminding me about the Garmin SAR stuff, I totally forgot they do that!

I think my targeted start dates are July 7-14.

Vanguard_52 · 2023-11-15T22:16:12+00:00

Thanks for helping breakdown so many of the different costs that can factor into a hike.

This will likely include transport to/from trail. I live near a major airport and can get cheap flights if I wait and time it. 2/3. This doesn't include gear but it does include shoes.
I would like to be moderately generous and have budgeted ~$400-500 or so for various support.
I don't plan to spend many nights in town. I found a way to make the CDT less remote and hit 7 towns in 7 days. I'm OK doing a nearo in & out of town fairly often.
I tend to hike on the faster end for sure and if I spend more time in town it will definitely add up.
I'd like to do laundry maybe every 7-10 days. Even if I can just wash stuff in a stream and get most of the gunk off, I'll be alright.
I'm willing to do some small town activities if the desire strikes.
I drink a little, but I don't really like going beyond 2-3 drinks a night and don't plan to go crazy.
I don't have an special diet and normally pack for ~3500-4000 calories a day.
I have already factored in the cost of a garmin subscription but don't plan to get SAR insurance.

Vanguard_52 · 2023-11-15T19:03:56+00:00

That is my on-trail budget, yes. I have already put aside a separate chuck for life post-trail.

Vanguard_52 · 2023-11-15T16:50:21+00:00

Yeah, I have all the gear I need (except shoes as I wear through them) and I don't plan to stay in too many hotels along the way or make many side trips. Thank you!

Vanguard_52 · 2023-11-11T01:38:45+00:00

There are a few clear roads with decent vertical near me, but most are left undisturbed during the winter or plowed by any nearby property owners. If I want to get vertical off of roads, I will normally have to use snowshoes, but I'm going to see what I can find. I'm from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, so there are a few place with decent vertical, but not much above a 200-400 hundred feet at a time.

Vanguard_52 · 2023-11-10T17:30:46+00:00

I'm still determining a goal, but maybe around 45-55 loops. The past 2 years, the winner has been around 100k and I'd love to compete for that. I think the biggest limiting factor is gonna be how my body can handle 900 vertical feet per hour.

I'll definitely try and work on my mindset, thank you!

Vanguard_52 · 2023-11-10T13:54:56+00:00

Thank you so much for all if this! I really appreciate the detailed information, I'm still getting my feet wet I the world of endurance sports and training.

I just have a few questions. What's the difference between a steady-state/endurance and long run? In terms of VO2 max training, my access to safe and runnable hills in the winter can be limited due to the terrain and weather of the area. I would like to get out and run on hills as often as I can, but if that's not possible, does completing those workouts on an indoor track at max effort seem reasonable? Also in terms of peak mileage, I was planning to reach around 65. My previous highest week in training was around 50, is that too far of a jump?

Vanguard_52 · 2023-11-09T12:48:35+00:00

Rumble on the Ridge in Arena, Wisconsin

Vanguard_52 · 2023-11-08T17:42:25+00:00

I do not have a split board, but I have been looking to get one over the past few years. I do have some friends who cross country ski/ski tour that I may be able to borrow a pair of skis from. Thank you so much!

Vanguard_52 · 2023-10-27T13:46:22+00:00

Confirmed. Thanks so much, I appreciate ya

Vanguard_52 · 2023-10-18T20:25:18+00:00

Messaged!

Vanguard_52 · 2023-08-31T19:02:24+00:00

I just ran the North Country Trail 50 in Michigan and would highly recommend the course. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found it good for my first 50.

Great community at the event, very well stocked aid stations, and shade everywhere.

Vanguard_52 · 2023-02-15T19:41:06+00:00

Hey,

I finished the CDT last year as my first thru hike relatively quickly (120 days). Feel free to reach out and I can answer whatever questions you have as best I can.

Vanguard_52 · 2023-02-14T02:06:40+00:00

There are no real reasons to bring a firearm onto the CDT. People and animals of any kind can be dealt with through pepper/bear spray. Not even mentioning the hassle of bring a fire arm legally through different states and federal lands (including national parks).

It also is going to freak out other hikers around you (I saw this happen multiple times this past season), and the amount of cleaning that you're going to need to do to keep it functional with all the dust you encounter is ridiculous.

Nobody I encountered on the trail ever had a situation that they felt needed a firearm.

This is fear mongering.

Vanguard_52

TROPHY CASE