Attempted the Joshua Tree Traverse FKT on 3/5/23 starting at Black Rock Campground. Pushed hard from the start and came through Ryan Campground at 2:12, about 10 minutes ahead of Dylan’s time. Kept the foot on the pedal until the wheels eventually fell off with around 10 or so to go when the trail got sandy and my pace from the start took a toll. Fought a lot of mental battles during those miles and feel really happy with my ability to maintain an honest pace with the fatigue setting in and the terrain throwing off my balance.
I particularly liked the first 18 miles between Black Rock and Ryan Campground, especially with the recent snow which gave the scenery so much texture and life. There was snow on the trail right around 5k feet which made some of the descents a bit sketchy, but I think all of the recent rain also tamped down the sand in the first few miles, which I had heard were pretty brutal in the past. An honest wind kept the temps down and, while perceptible, never really bothered me.