That was a blast! I was hoping to put in a big effort- and got it done!
If you are reading this- you are probably eyeing the FKT- HELLS YES! Get after it!
I hope to answer some questions here that I had before to make life easier for you.
The self supported effort could absolutely could go down with better planning. I arrived at 3pm the day before the effort- and was completely clueless and tried to figure it all out last minute. Looking back- I wish I had studied a JT map and planned better!
Caching logistics:
I knew Ryan Campground from other's recaps around mile 20 (get there from the West Entrance)- but I was hoping it would be easy to find more roads that connected to the route to drop a bottle. There was no cell service in the park (at least with At&T)- and I didn't have much time to scout around. I had read Clare's description about Keys View Road- which is just past the turnoff for Ryan's Campground. I parked at Juniper Flat trailhead off of Keys View and did my 5mile shakeout run- running 2.5miles toward the start of the course and dropped a bottle. From that bottle drop- Ryan’s campground would be only 3.5 miles away- but I’m a heavy sweater so was hoping to stay on top of fluids. It worked! That was a critical bottle for me.
But I cached my full resupply at Ryan’s Campground- which was very easy to navigate to. But mostly just carried everything the entire way- which is too heavy for the self supported effort! Would be way lighter with caches along the way.
Checking out the JT map now- I could have also cached at the top of mile 6 climb- on Covington Road (dirt road), Geology Tour Trailhead, Twin Tanks Trailhead, and could have of run in some caches from Park Blvd. Highly recommend doing that!
Shuttle logistics:
Since this is a point to point- I knew this was going to either be something I had to figure out. My airbnb was right next to Black Rock Campground- but I didn't know if the North Entrance had cell service or not to call for an uber when I was done (Lyft isn't in IT at time of writing, cabs were 2x more $!). Sooo I planned for an Uber to meet me at North Entrance morning of the attempt, and I drove to North entrance (40min away) and dropped off my car at the finish line (like 1 mile into the park from North Entrance Station) on the left. Then I walked to meet the Uber at the North Station who drove me all the way back to Black Rock Campground.
Uber driver was awesome- local photographer (actually takes the official photos of Joshua Tree NP) Milton. If I did this again- I would probably just call him when I was finished to get a ride. There was full cell service at the North Entrance finish. He said I could share his number: Milton Gonzalez: 646-379-0549.
Oh- and note you dont need to go West Entrance of the National park to get into Black Rock Campground. It’s a part of Joshua tree- but you dont have to pay an entrance fee etc- you can just drive there.
Course:
Super straight forward. I had the route on my watch (definitely do that)- and I did check route to confirm a couple of times. It’s mostly super runnable- a couple climbs, some washed out/techy parts- but not a lot. The last 8 miles or so was a bit deeper sand than the rest- so just prepare for that on tired legs. Tbh- I had mentally prepared for deeper sand- and it really wasn't that bad. I did see 2-3 backpacking groups out there- other than that- only birds and chipmunks:)
Weather: I lucked out with being here for cooler temps- I wasn’t hot all day (holy god how did Clare do that in 80deg heat!?). But the headwind was relentless- especially last 10miles. I kept waiting for winds to turn- cmon tailwind! Nada. I had only one day to run (was here anyways for a HOKA shoot…)- but if you have a choice on days- choose the less windy one! It’s all exposed- so if you come in the summer- you are a hero.
FKTs are so fun- feels like we are all connected in the crazy chase on the route. Get after it ladies! YOU GOT THIS!!!!
And feel free to reach out on IG @kt_asmuth if have any more questions!