RICOCHET RETURNS: A Second Attempt at the Calendar Year Triple Crown
Kurt “Ricochet” Lewis has returned to Springer Mountain to begin his second attempt at the legendary Calendar Year Triple Crown! After last year’s brutal snow travel through the Great Smoky Mountains, causing ulcers on his feet, Ricochet has since taken the time to heal and prepare for this year’s attempt. The Calendar Year Triple Crown is earned when a hiker hikes the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail all within 365 days. It comes to somewhere over 7,000 miles. Ricochet hiked the AT in 2020, CDT in 2021, and PCT in 2022. Our crew at Legacy Backpacking wishes him the best out there! Hikers hike!
How does it feel to be back out for this second attempt?
“It feels great to be back on trail. I’m very grateful.”
How are conditions different from last year?
“The conditions are night and day compared to last year. It’s been in the 50s this year while last year I was digging white blazes out of the snow.”
What is your hiking strategy?
“My plan is to hike North on the Appalachian Trail until I run into weather conditions, such as snow in the White Mountains or Maine, that stop any forward progression. I’d then jump down to Campo California where I’d go North on the PCT. I’d then finish any section of the AT and go Southbound on the CDT.”
What is your backpacking experience?
“I’m guessing I’ve hiked over 8,000 miles including the Triple Crown and the Arizona Trail.”
Ricochet is carrying:
Z-Packs 60L Backpack
Duplex XL Tent
Enlightened Equipment Down Jacket
5° Katabatic Sleeping Bag
Thermo-Rest Sleeping Pad
What is your favorite thing you’re carrying?
“Peak Meals. I love those things for dinner.”
Any new surprises this go round?
“I was very surprised to run into Oso, who I hiked with on the AT in 2020!
Favorite Memory from past trails?
“One of my favorite memories is the sunrise on McAfee Knob in 2020. But really, nothing can beat the people you meet along the way.”
Advice to future hikers?
“Contrary to what most say, I recommend starting out in shape for your thru-hike.”
Shout outs?
“Shout out to Buckskin, Peg Leg, and Wild Turkey for being there for me when I was deciding to reattempt the CYTC. A lot of planning went into my hike last year and unfortunately it was cut short due to my injury in the Smokys. I had a lot of thoughts on if I wanted to dedicate another year to solely being on trail, but now that I’m out here I know it’s right where I need to be.”
Spoiler alert! Ricochet is hiking through the Smokies currently and we’ll update soon! You can see blogs of Ricochet’s CYTC attempt last year at the bottom of Legacy Backpacking’s main blog page.