VMO: Gathland to Caledonia Fall Challenge (44-50 miles)

This event has CHANGED, and there is so much new info I am updating the whole event page, so please read carefully. We've learned that the footbridge crossing the Potomac out of Harpers Ferry will be closed for all of October, so we need an alternate plan. Shuttling around the closed spot in the middle of the night seemed dangerous and complicated, so we have a new plan:

-On Friday evening, leave shuttle cars at Caledonia State Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/bSjZ5i9fiNvgHnEv9), where Jen has reserved a 20-person group campsite both Friday and Saturday night.
-Drive south to Gathland State Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/d5bnvjEeXRNpGgvV6), park there and hike up to Crampton Gap Shelter to spend the night.
-Wake up anytime after midnight and start hiking north on the AT.
-Aid stations/bailout spots will be different. My goal is to have a "finish line" station at a road crossing as close to 44 miles in as possible, from which hikers can be shuttled to Caledonia. Exact spot still TBD.
-The mileage from Crampton Gap Shelter to the group campsite in Caledonia is about 48-49 miles. I will make a new Caltopo soon so we know exactly. Those wanting to hike the 50ish miles straight to Caledonia can do so.

The general plan of a "Type 2 fun" event of hiking 44 or more miles, in the fall, then having a pizza party with 10-20 of your favorite fellow crazy people, remains the same! I will post an updated Caltopo line, information on an updated metro meeting point for carpooling, and updated info on new aid station/bailout locations soon.

General caveats and challenges remain basically the same:
● If you haven't been doing regular 20+ mile days recently, consider your ability to do this mileage. Like any other event, training will go a long way to make sure you can do this safely and successfully. We do this every year--better to wait and prepare for next year’s event, than to rush in and injure yourself.
● This is a LONG day. 16 hours is a solid time. 20 hours isn't uncommon.
● There is no shame whatsoever in bailing. Better to end early than to finish with an injury.
● Water is not plentiful along this route. Maintaining good hydration and nutrition is paramount.
● It is the AT, but navigation can be a challenge in the dark. Be confident in your ability to follow a trail. There’s a chance you could hike all day without seeing another DCUL'er so be mentally ready to go the whole 44 solo if needed.
● This is a backpacking challenge. You must sleep out Friday and Saturday night, and carry all your gear to be self-sufficient just like any other DCUL backpacking weekend.
You must check-in at bailout/aid points to be listed on the DCUL Hall of Fame (https://dculbackpacking.wordpress.com/hall-of-fame/ ) for a successful completion--we do this as a safety precaution so we know where you’ve been and at what time.
We will need quite a few people who are willing to drive to help us set-up the shuttle and bailout cars.

By RSVPing for this trip, you acknowledge that you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms. (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver)