2014 14er Speed Record Attempt

[fahixson]

So Challenger makes 18 summits in 2 days, 16+ Hours. Incredible, keep it up!

Windom Peak - 6/18 5:53 AM
Sunlight Peak - 6/18 6:34 AM
North Eolus - 6/18 8:00 AM
Mt. Eolus - 6/18 8:14 AM
El Diente Peak - 6/18 5:00 PM
Mt. Wilson - 6/18 6:25 PM
Wilson Peak - 6/18 8:36 PM
Mt. Sneffels - 6/19 3:03 AM
Handies Peak - 6/19 9:16 AM
Sunshine Peak - 6/19 1:19 PM
Redcloud Peak - 6/19 1:58 PM
Uncompahgre Peak - 6/19 7:25 PM
Wetterhorn Peak - 6/19 10:00 PM
San Luis Peak - 6/20 6:23 AM
Crestone Needle - 6/20 4:07 PM
Crestone Peak - 6/20 5:40 PM
Kit Carson Peak - 6/20 8:10 PM
Challenger Point - 6/20 8:46 PM

Latest heading is back NE, so that means back towards Humboldt?

[Steve Knapp]

You all don't know me yet but now that I have a few minutes and reception I just wanted to let the 14er.com community know I'm james "the mule" sims and everything is going as planned if you have any questions pm me I'll try to answer them add quickly add possible with my busy schedule. Thanks for all the positive energy Andrew really appreciates it!

James, way to go with all your hard work and support! What a great friend and big help you must be for Andrew. Is Andrew still eating well and has he been able to sleep much yet?

Exciting afternoon and evening in the Crestones. He seems to be doing quite well out there, making quick work of the peaks. Go Andrew!

[its_not_a_tuba]

On E. Crestone (not Andrew). Andrew probably could have had better company today, as I had trouble keeping up. He's headed to KC/Challenger on his own. I'll meet up with him on his way back to Humboldt. He's moving well, seems to be feeling well. Perfect weather.

what are you talking about? I can't imagine that there is any better company anywhere, the man is just on a mission! I can't believe how fast he is moving through these peaks. If he keeps this pace up he will likely earn some good z time before his 6:00 appointment.

[zinj]

Yeah, I think it's Humboldt. He should be able to summit there in a bit over 2 hrs after Challenger if he is aggressive (and clearly, HE IS)

then another hour to bomb down the Southern slopes to SCL and out to his vehicle probably an hour and change

So...midnight-1am in the car? That would get it done!

[zinj]

Just an aside - something's awesomely wrong with Andrew and Homie. Like...way more than most of the rest of us who love the mountains.

This is just sick.

[zinj]

See what he did from 9:26pm - 9:36pm skirting Colombia? Picked up 500 vert feet in those 10 min while still making substantial lateral distance. That should be his last significant uphill until he gets on Humbolt proper

He's gotta be tasting it now.

[Stefan_G]

Homie, Mule B., Just a huge thumbs up to you and the rest of the crew. In some ways, crewing has gotta be more difficult than hiking! Carry on.

[jdorje]

Why did he go all the way over Obstruction Peak on the way out? If that way is faster the peak needs to be (unofficially) renamed.

Also, crossing the icy sections on the Avenue in near-dark is insane.

[zinj]

Why did he go all the way over Obstruction Peak on the way out? If that way is faster the peak needs to be (unofficially) renamed.

Also, crossing the icy sections on the Avenue in near-dark is insane.

I saw that too...it may be an artifact of linking two satellite way-points together and that link giving the appearance of going right over the top of Obstruction. Perhaps in reality he just stuck a contour around the South side of "Obstruction" Pk?

OR...maybe he did it on purpose to taunt the mountain.

[UPDATE: On the return, we have a waypoint pretty much on top of Obstruction, so it looks like he is sticking it for some reason. Perhaps the footing enough better on the ridge crest that it outweighs the added effort of a bit more elevation gain.]

[hobo13]

On E. Crestone (not Andrew). Andrew probably could have had better company today, as I had trouble keeping up. He's headed to KC/Challenger on his own. I'll meet up with him on his way back to Humboldt. He's moving well, seems to be feeling well. Perfect weather.

Wait a second. So a fresh Prater (a guy who has gone for the record himself!) couldn't keep up with Hamilton who has already been at this for 2+ days!?!?!

That's insane. This guy is a machine!

[jlsims83]

Steve Knapp he eats like like a king and sleeps well he rests kinda...sorta kinda. No rest for the wicked right? As far as johnny law is concerned he sits upright with a seatbelt on at all times. Every support vehicle is set up with a sleeping pad, pillow, and bag for any drive. He gets in takes his shoes off and inspects his feet takes ibproufren hydrates (core power,Gatorade, Pepsi,Starbucks frappuccino, h20) he has a feed bag with options cookies, cinnamon rolls, mini bagels, Nuts. Those are just his in car options. 3000 calories minimum come from hammer nutrition sustained energy powder which is used on the trail. Being that he is a vegetarian I rely heavily on sunflower seeds, avocado, peanut butter,sour cream, and sweet potatoes in wraps to get "real"food in him. Try it you'll love it I promise. I could go into more nutrition detail but this post is long enough and i like secrets....

[Cave Dog]

I think it would be terrible if Andrew's challenge gets sidetracked because of access to Culebra of all things. So, I spent part of the day calling any numbers I could find for people associated with Cielo Vista Ranch. They understand the magnitude of what Andrew is trying to achieve and seem to be willing to go out of their way to be accommodating. They told me that it should not be a problem for them to open the gate as late as 9am. However, looking at how fast he is burning through the Crestones, he may not need the extra time. It sounds like his support crew is in direct communication with the ranch now, but if for some reason the intel I was able to gather today is of use, you can call me directly at: 503-234-2535.

Homie, you were mentioning the slower transition time I had getting to Handies. On the pass, we got a flat tire and bent up the wheel way beyond repair. This is one of three flats that we got during the challenge, but the only one that happened while I was in the car. The challenges of this adventure are not all on the trail.

-Cave Dog