Ultra Runner in Court for Cutting Switchback

[d_baker]

Scott, I love ya but you are acting like you're letting emotions take over too much in your replies. We're all better than school yard name calling.

No, please please let this continue....lol

[Scott P]

Scott, I love ya but you are acting like you're letting emotions take over too much in your replies. We're all better than school yard name calling.

Good point and I'll tone it down, but we should all be better than cutting switchbacks. It is unbelievable to me that some on this site would actually try and justify it. I don't even mind more people in the mountains, but please take care of them.

[SkaredShtles]

I assume you're one of the retarded idiots who likes to cut switch-backs which ruins the trail for everyone else.

lebowski-moran1.jpg

[d_baker]

^ that's a great signature for someone to use....

Honestly, I thought astranko was just messing with Mr P and it turns out that maybe someone peed in his cherios this morning...hence the pissy response. Idk.

Don't cut switchbacks.
Unless there's no trail.
Or it's covered in (generously thick) snow.
Or a bear is chasing you.

[supranihilest]

or worse?

Boil 'em, mash' em, stick 'em in a stew.

[yaktoleft13]

or worse?

expelled!

[nyker]

Or convert all the switchbacked trails in Colorado to like they have in New York mountains; No switchbacks, just straight up regardless of the terrain in their way. Can't really veer off from the trail because there's usually no other way unless an entirely different route so cutting switchbacks...is a non issue.

[XterraRob]

Astranko's list of previous established FKTers is notably missing Andy Anderson, whose Grand Teton FKT popularized the issue. Andy's iRunFar interview doesn't hardline against short cutting, but cites him being able to run an established trail faster as the primary factor. There is a secondary consideration for following local custom, noting that Bryce Thatcher also didn't cut trails for his long-established Grand Teton FKT. It was really Jornet who broke custom on that particular route.

I don't like the legal precedent of going off trail being punishable in court. That's dangerous for all but the highest established peaks and a sense of exploration without more defined boundaries. I do think Sunseri is a bit of a punk for not following the previous FKTers established and well known rule. I think this thought can likely be extended towards certain 14er FKT records as well.

Per Longs peak, there's a question of what is "established" given that the rangers also maintain those trails and they are sustainable for current usage. The only questionable ones in my mind used frequently flank MLW from Cables to top of Jim's in tundra and talus (no current sign of impact), and a social cut crossing the tight switchbacks between tree line and the straightaway.

Can also look at winter/spring snow trails turning into summer social trails due to repeated use. But yeah, off-trail use resulting in a court hearing and a misdemeanor? Oof, slippery slope.

[rmcpherson]

Can also look at winter/spring snow trails turning into summer social trails due to repeated use. But yeah, off-trail use resulting in a court hearing and a misdemeanor? Oof, slippery slope.

To avoid the slippery slope simply stay on the switchbacks.

[SkaredShtles]

Or convert all the switchbacked trails in Colorado to like they have in New York mountains; No switchbacks, just straight up regardless of the terrain in their way. Can't really veer off from the trail because there's usually no other way unless an entirely different route so cutting switchbacks...is a non issue.

[nyker]

[Coyote]

Finally we can get some legal precedent to launch some much needed regulation of our outdoor spaces. I want to see an educational course requirement to get your hillwalking license, a QR code liability waiver at every TH, and compulsory GPS trackers on every user. One step out of line, and it's right to jail and the electric chair. If there is no trail, close access until we can get a CFInterstate to the top to protect the mountain. If you have to bushwhack to get to a spring snow line and the approach dries out: season's over. These criminals need to be made an example of to learn we take LNT seriously, dammit.