FKT: Justin Kousky - Suffern - Bear Mountain Trail (NY) - 2020-11-07

Athletes
Route variation
out & back
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Unsupported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
11h 55m 56s
GPS track(s)
Report

ran unsupported, started with 1L of tailwind and refilled in the numerous streams along the way.  trail conditions were difficult with fresh leaves on the ground - i also found it very hard to track the trail in the morning.  that got easier in the afternoon/evening, once a bunch of folks had stepped on the path and cleared/crushed the leaves a bit.  conditions were not ideal for a fast time - it got into the mid-70s, was sunny with no foliage cover, and the leaves made it impossible to go fast on most of the downhills.  that's ok though because the views were spectacular and numerous, and there were lots of fun scrambles and ridge running.  i didn't bring a headlamp or battery charger, and i slowed down too much on the way back, so i had to stumble through the last 5 or so miles in the dark.  i turned on my phone light for the highly technical parts - guess i survived but it wasn't pretty.

lots of folks out on the trail enjoying the unseasonable warmth - made it crowded in a few spots, but was nice to see everyone getting out there.  quite a few folks camping/backpacking which looked like fun.

would i do it again?  maybe at the right time of year - mid winter with fresh powder could be fun. late spring/early summer in a dry spell could work nicely too.  early fall before the leaves come down might be ideal.