I was looking at an evening hike on Meetup.com and the hike would be an evening hike with one group leaving at 6:15 pm and another leaving at 7:00.
The 6:15 group would hike at a pace of 3 mph to the end of the road 3.7 miles up and rest a few minutes and head back down, trying to do this in 2.5 hours.
The 7:00 group would hike out 2 miles and return at a slower pace. Returning about the same time (8:45).
Both groups would meet up when they were done and go to a nearby restaurant for some social time.
I thought about joining the hike although it would be a bit late when done and also dark, but it's a wide asphalt road so I didn't have to worrying about tripping on some rock at night.
Now I thought about what group I would fit in. I generally hike around 3 mph, but can I for 7.4 miles?
Well, I needed to go out for a performance test on this actual road to test my limits.
Wednesday, 2/17 (Fay 45) was the day to get up early and go to the federal park and do my hike to see if 3 mph was in my ability.
I artived at the park just befor 8:00 am and since I have the senior pass I didn't have to pay the day use fee. Just have to put my pass on the dash of the car.
Other than slowing for water crossing the road and taking a few pictures I was straight out to the end of the road generally pushing myself to a steady pace. A couple other more fit people passed me. I need more conditioning!
Hiking early gives plenty of morning shade even leaving at 8:00.
I made it to the 3.7 mile marker at the end before the first tram made its way up and it took me 1 hour 10 minutes. You can pay for a tram ride one way and hike down or hike a trail up and get a ride back.
I did a meetup group hike here last year where we hiked up a trail and walked back the road.
Well my push up the hill paid off as my time is over 3 mph. The question is will my return time keep me in the hiking group.
The 7:00 group would be on pace for 2.5 mph for their 4 miles. 3 mpg seems like a good workout for me and 2.5 a bit slow, but much less push.
Back down I go and the morning sun is now on the river and small falls.
Im back to the beginning!
Here is my hike. 7.8 miles at 2 hours 21 min.
Yea that's 3.3 mph round trip with a 10 mini break so I can do the fast group with a round trip of 2.5 hours.
Only problem is my feet didn't hold up in new boots very well. This will be subject for another blog.
Brent
macaloney@hotmail.com
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