FKT: Paul Andron, Saesha Carlile, Kol Chu-Birke, Spencer McEwen, Laurent Lecordier - Presidential Traverse (NH) - 2023-05-27

Route variation
Southbound
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Mixed-gender team
Style
Supported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
14h 14m 5s
Photos
Report

We attempted an unsupported southbound mixed-gender Presidential Traverse. We started out as a group of nine, but ultimately split into two groups finishing at two very different times... and then bought a bunch of junk food at the Mt. Washington visitor center, so can only claim a supported mixed-gender FKT. Original group was 3 women, 6 men. Everyone finished (good job everyone!), and our group of 5 finished in 14 hrs 6 minutes (4 men, 1 woman). The other group finished a few hours later.  Sure, 14 hrs 6 minutes isn't crazy fast, but let's get some mixed-gender times on the board, am I right?

We had absolutely perfect weather and the trail was in great condition except that the first 18 miles or so were a bit rocky. There was maybe a 1/2 mile of this so-called "monorail" packed ice track down the center of the trail below the tree line at both ends.  Above the tree line we had 50-60 degree sunny clear skies with about 100 miles of visibility.  Wind wasn't too bad either peaking at less than 30 knots, and usually in the 10-20 knot range. Huts were open allowing us to get water easily and use restrooms.

Looking forward to this FKT being demolished in a couple of days!