We've scheduled a new series of ten training hikes, in addition to the four traditional hikes in early June, for folks who want to build up their fitness and endurance in preparation for the Challenge. The hikes start next Saturday at just five miles and increase to longer and hillier terrain, culminating in a 19+ mile hike on the trail on June 7, two weeks before the event. See the Goal Training page for all the details.

The two events added last year are back again! Choose from the demanding 34-mile Challenge, an 18-mile Homestead Challenge, or an 8-mile Family Challenge. Unlike last year, all these events will end in the same place — North Park. For details and to register online, see the Challenge 2008 page.

On Saturday, February 2, we held our annual Winter Hike on the Harmony Trail. The temperature was in the mid-30s and the rain/snow mix the night before made the wooded sections of the trail icy. Although it was Groundhog Day, no one reported seeing any groundhogs.

Starting at the northern trailhead at Route 910, seventeen hikers and one dog headed south, following the gravel trail surface recently restored by the gas company after their pipeline work. We took the Brooktree spur trail, crossed Wexford Run on rocks, then up through the Brooktree office complex. We crossed Route 19 and headed into North Park, following the Bluebird Trail over to the north ridge trail, which meanders along the ridge before descending to the lake. The distance was nearly six miles and took about two and a half hours.

We ended at the Beaver Shelter, site of the Rachel Carson Trail Challenge finish this year, where everyone enjoyed brownies, cupcakes, and tea and cocoa brought by Marian Crossman and Patty Brunner. Many thanks to Mark Eyerman for organizing it!

Split times for the 2007 Baker Trail UltraChallenge are now available here.

Tomorrow is the last day to register for the Baker Trail UltraChallenge 50 Mile Run & Relay at the discount rate of $65 for individuals and $150 for relay teams. After that, the fee is $85 and $200, respectively. For details and a link to the registration site, see the UltraChallenge 2007 page.