(Pre)Thanksgiving Calorie Burn!

Name: (Pre)Thanksgiving Calorie Burn!
Start: 2024-11-23T07:00:00-05:00
End: 2024-11-25T17:00:00-05:00
Location: Fairfield Inn

Hosted By

David M.

Details

Everyone will start as Waitlist. If I haven't backpacked with you, I'd like to quickly check that this is a suitable event for you as it is fairly difficult. If someone is struggling, it will slow down the entire group. This is a multi-day hike with decent milage and very significant elevation gains. Additionally, as it is last November, the weather could be below freezing.

Burn Calories, Explore Nature: Join Us for the Wild Oak Trail Challenge
Are you ready to conquer a challenging hike and kickstart your Thanksgiving Holiday fitness goals? Join us for our annual strenuous trip. This year, the venue will be Wild Oak Trail in George Washington & Jefferson National Forest! This trail is known for an ultra marathon trail run (they do multiple loops in a single day!)

This 28.5-mile loop with a whopping 7,300 feet of elevation gain will test your endurance and reward you with breathtaking views. Part of the trail runs through the Ramsey Wilderness.

### Trip Details:

Meeting Location: Fairfield Inn, 7:45 am, 33760 Old Valley Pike, Strasburg, VA 22657
Optional Pre-Departure Breakfast: 7:00 am, Strasburg Diner, 119 Hite Ln, Strasburg, VA 22657
Hiking Difficulty: Extremely Difficult, not suitable for beginners or intermediate hikers.
Mileage: 28.5 miles
Hikes Like (mileage + elevation): 36 miles
Elevation: 7,500 ft!!!
Expected Pace: 2.25+
Hiking Plan: Hiking Upward Wild Oak Hike
T's & C's: Dave's Standard Trip Warnings & Requirements

Key Highlights:

Challenging Terrain: Tackle steep climbs and stunning vistas on this demanding hike.
Group Camaraderie: Connect with like-minded adventurers and share unforgettable experiences.
Fitness Boost: Burn off those holiday calories and get a head start on your fitness goals.

Requirements:

Physical Fitness: Participants should be have experience:
Hiking 15-20 miles per day
Hike with significant elevation gains
Maintaining a speed of 2.25+ mph
Be able to hike multiple days in a row
Backpacking Experience: Backpackers should be comfortable with their gear and:
Be able to setup/break down camp in the dark,
Be comfortable with backcountry camping: protecting food from animals, Leave No Trace, purifying water, etc.
Be able to withstand freezing temperatures: cooking, backpacking, water filtering, etc.
Hiking/Camping in inclement weather
Flexible Schedule: Be prepared to take Monday off work for this three-day adventure.
Unsure??: Feel free to message me if you are unsure about your ability. I've hiked this before and can provide more detail on what to expect.

### Trip Essentials:

Backpacking Gear suitable for below freeing
Headlamp: That can be used for hiking as the days will be really short.
Clothing: Think Layers! Check out my Cold Weather Backpacking tips & tricks for ideas.
Food: Cold lunches and hot meals at the campsite! We will try to be done prior to lunch on Monday.
Water Cache: Bring a large bottle of water to hide at a midpoint water cache as the second night will have a dry campsite. I suggest a 1-gallon milk-style container as they can be easily crushed.
Extra Water Storage: Both campsite will be dry. The extra storage can begin empty and we will fill up at the last opportunity. I will share the exact mileage we will need to carry before the next source.
Car Clothes for ride home: Don't forget a bag to put your hiking shoes in and a change of clothes for the drive home. Plus deodorant :-). We will stop for lunch on our drive home.
Money: For the drivers' gas.