Bearmagethon Support Team

“The support team trip listing is posted. Sing up the effort and help raise money in Bearmagnet's memory. The money will be distributed to Dani (MrsBearmagnet) to use as the needs present themselves. Let's make sure the hikers don't need to carry anything more than water and a small amount of trail food on the trail. That's our contribution to the effort.

We will also be monitoring the hikers as they make their way around the route. This will give everyone security in the knowledge that accidents or injuries can be dealt with quickly and properly. No hiking is required. The only requirement is a willing heart and body and sense of service for our fellow hikers.”

“I am hoping to participate in this as a hiker, but if there are any midwesterners who are thinking about running support, they are more than welcome to carpool with me. I live in Indianapolis. If you are interested please e-mail me @ meangreen3800@yahoo.com”

“There are no caps on the support people. Anyone who wants to be part of this will be given a role. The more the merrier.”

“Marked it on my calendar.

I'm in as First Aid & whatever else is needed support. I've been an EMT for 10 years (paramedic for just 4 months). No specific wilderness EMS experience but, I'm good at improvising in the field :)

Can't wait to meet y'all :)”

“Can't absolutely commit until closer to the time. I have my WFR, and am an RN, have worked ER., hope I'll be available.”

“The question has been raised.. What if you want to hike but don't want to try the 42 miles.?

I am seriously considering the use of designated sweepers as part of the support, safety team. The sweepers would be assigned to a particular support team and would either backtrack the trail or be designated tail end Charlene/Charlie. I am not sure how that would work yet. That would put you on the trail. But you would only need to hike sections of it.

I am trying to figure out some kind of communication system for the support team as cell service can be crappy at best. If any one has any ideas let me know.”

“That's a good idea Rev. I have used radios on the trail with success, but the range is not very far.”

“The range would have to be far.... it's the terrain I would be most concerned about. Creek dancer I would love to have join up on the support team and consider the best way to handle the communications. I believe in delegating tasks... hehehe.

I am trying to contact the ARRL around here but not having a whole lot of luck. If anyone has ties into the Ham radio community if you could get in touch with me I would appreciate it.”

“I am really not the best person for that job! Communications is probably best handled by someone who knows something about that.

I am still tentative at this point, but if I can join, I would happy to help out with shuttling, food and water support, and that kind of thing.”

“k...

I have found the ARRL chapters locally... so all I need to do is make contact.”

“Please look at the release draft which follows. A release is required by the DOF. If you have any legal knowledge please help me refine this draft or send me something I can use in place of it.

I, __________________________, acknowledge that I am voluntarily participating in the First Bearmagnathon . I profess to be an experienced hiker and believe myself capable of meeting the rigors and requirements of the hike or support function I accept.

I acknowledge any outdoor activity is potentially dangerous. I accept all risks of this activity and agree to waive any and all liability against any participants, planners or sponsors of the hike, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and applicable Departments of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I release from any liability DemandMedia and any associated subsidiaries. I acknowledge DemandMedia and associated subsidiaries had no role in the planning or oversight of this hike. I acknowledge my own responsibility to monitor my own fitness and ability to complete this hike and release all others, both collectively and individually from liability for injury or death resulting from any reason at all. This release is similarly binding on my heirs or agents.

I agree to abide by any time limitations imposed on my participation in this hike. I agree to leave the trail at an appropriate road crossing if it becomes evident that I will be unable to complete the trail loop by Midnight.



Name (print)_________________________________________________

Signature _____________________________________________________

Date_____________________________”

“I have tentatively selected four support stations where we will set up. Assuming the trail is traveled counter-clockwise they will be in the following sequence:

1 Frances Road junction
2 North junction of Rt 44
3 South Junction of Rt 44
4 Mann Rd./Old Mtn Rd area. (Still needs to be scouted)

If the trail is hiked clockwise the stations would remain the same simply in reverse order.

Slate Run will be the Start/End Point. The campsites are about 2 miles from Slate Run
and will be used for Staging and Recovery.

Support folks will be able to camp there as well, as I have requested enough sites to allow that.

I am looking for three mobile teams of four people with two vehicles each. More people on a team would not be a problem if we have that luxury. Added to that number would be designated sweepers for each of those five trail sections. In theory each section should be roughly 6-10 miles. I am figuring an average speed for the official hikers of no less than 2.5 m/h. Sweepers should be able to maintain that speed as well but obviously would not need to do so for as long.

The hope is to have all the hikers through the last support station by sundown which will be as follows:

June 7, 2008

Twi: 5:02am
Sunrise: 5:37am
Sunset: 8:51pm
Twi: 9:26pm
Moonrise: 9:45am
Moonset: none

or thereabouts.

With three mobile teams we would not need to one team covering the whole time. We could do a morning, midday and evening support shift. I would like to be able to provide shuttle for the hikers from Slate Run back to camp at the end of the hike. I am reasonably sure that would be workable.

If we start at the hike @5:00 am the first support site would be set somewhere around 7:00 - 9:30 am Second support site would expect to operate 9:00 - noon. Third site 2:00 - 5:00 pm. Fourth site 4:00 - 7:00 pm S9huttle at the end would run probably 7:00 - 11:30 pm. 44 miles @ 2.5 m/h average = 17.6 hours times. These times are all ballpark at the moment and subject to change. sweepers would set the closing time for the support station. The station would not be abandoned until the sweepers came arrived.

That's the idea in terms of the details I have set out so far. Give me your thoughts and feedback.”

“I am completely flexible on what role I play in the support staff. I'm a decently strong hiker so I could do sweeps with a light first-aid pack (ie: blister fixes, bug bite fixes, bandages & ice packs).

I have an SUV so I can fight up to 5 people and room in the back for any gear, snacks, first-aid stuff, etc.

I need to get a BFT map and a map of the area so I'm much more educated in what this looks like logistically.

This is going to be so wild. I'm not even attempting this and I'm incredibly excited to see this all in motion :)”

“mskatiebear...
I do not intend to put you on a sweeper detail. Right now you are the "go to" gal for injury issues and I want you free to go where ever and in reasonable contact with the crew. I am expecting blisters and those kinds of things will be tended by the hikers themselves either on trail or with provisions at the support posts. So those minor first aid things are the hiker's responsibility.”

“Sounds like a plan :)

I'll work on borrowing some of the bigger, non-disposable first-aid supplies (like backboards and longer splints) from my ambulance company just in case we need them. Especially things that will help us get someone off the trail if it comes to that.

I'm really not familiar with this trail so, I want to get myself educated on where the potential problem areas are as far as getting some out if they are hurt, where my road access is.....all that fun stuff.

Feedback from anyone who has hiked the trail would be great for stuff like that.

AND....if anyone has any health issues (ie: diabetes or asthma), just give me the heads up on that too.”

“MsKatieBear... I hope you can work on your tan the whole day. But I a very grateful for your participation. I smiled as I included a certified EMT on my proposal to the DOF. I know they will look very favorably on that.”

“Rev, I normally lurk around the other side and just stumbled on this last night. I am getting excited about it already. What a challenge! I did the first 22 miles of it last September as the first day of an overnight backpacking trip and it will wear you down. I am a veteran of some other trail challenges and would normally try this one as well, but I sense I may be of more value in another capacity. I really want to discuss some things with you offline, but I may be able to solve your communications issues as well as all other emergency planning and first aid equipment concerns. Believe me I’m not trying to take over or make this any bigger than it needs to be, but I am local and would really like to help and have quite a few resources and contacts that may be beneficial. I’m sending you a PM so we can discuss details.”

“Rev, you gots some good help there!”

“This will be the trip of the year! We are going to have fun.”

“PARidgerunner....

I learned long ago that experienced people always make others look good. No sweat. I am not territorial”

“PARidgerunner.... ygm”

“This is a project I am happy to take on. It may take me a couple weeks to confirm radio coverage areas to determine the best radios to operate with, but at this point I am very confident in offering at least 6 portable radios, one vehicle based mobile radio and repeater, and one satellite phone. It is very likely I will be able to double or triple those numbers after I complete a little more research and make some additional contacts.”

“PARidgerunner I will leave the medical and communications issues in your hands along with MsKatiebear. You let me know what you need from me and we'll co-ordinate all that together. Thanks. I am very happy to work it this way.”

“Just another brainstorm I had. Have you considered asking for some business support to help with supplying the food? I realize small businesses get hit up for all kinds of contributions all the time, but Wolfe's General Store/Slate Run Tackle Shop and the Hotel Manor are two very fine businesses in Slate Run that thrive only because of the hikers/bikers/canoists/fishermen who flock to the area. I am sure the influx of hikers and support personnel for this event will have a positive impact on their businesses. I don't know the owners of these businesses, but I have patronized both of them on several occasions. Business sponsorship could mean less out of pocket expenses for the hikers which could translate to more money going toward the purpose of this event. Just a thought, other opinions are welcome too.”

“I had considered business sponsorship. I think it is a bit early to making those approaches. The current discussion is focused on what the food supply is going to look like. There is a sub-thread on the support page asking that question. I have some friends in Cedar Run who could help with those kinds of contacts if we decide to go that way.
last edited: 1/25/08 4:39:38 PM”

“Whew! That's a relief! I was worried you would interpret it as me volunteering for another project. ;)”

“It looks to shake out like this.

General logistics coordinator...Ramblinrev
Food and support stations.... Ramblinrev
Medical support... MsKatiebear
Medical support asst... PARidgerunner
Communications... PARidgerunner

Those are the general division of who is dealing with what. If you have any questions or problems with one of those areas, that is who you get in touch with. Thank you folks for stepping forward and making this fun. I'm in hog heaven. We can pull this off.
last edited: 1/25/08 5:19:04 PM”

“PARidgerunner... what do you think of the static support stations? Could we man them? If the hikers are bringing their own trail chow, which seems to be the preference, then the distribution of the food is almost easier with a static station. The trail would be "self sweeping" so to speak but that means those folks who want to intentionally just hike a portion of the trail might lose their role.

I see benefits both ways. I don't want the event to grow beyond being manageable and fun but I also don't want to limit things too much.”

“The problem I see with static stations is the increase in staffing it involves. However there are a lot of questions I don't have the answers to. I don't know how big the scout group is that I am talking to. I don't know what other scout/youth/men's/church groups might be interested in helping out. I don't know what other resources might be available since PARidgerunner came on board. He's a whole lot better connected than I am.

It is certainly worth exploring.”

“I think the support crew will come together to be able to do it. In my mind from the safety and communications and tracking standpoint it is critical to have the support stations manned. It also provides some much needed human interface and cheering section as the hikers come through which can greatly boost morale as the aches and pains start setting in.”

“My original plans were based on my perceived scale. As long as the DOF has no problem with the two way idea, I am fine with it. I didn't have the resources you know when we started this.”

“Have you considered asking for some business support to help with supplying the food?

Enertia trailfoods has been generous in the past. I was able to get 1.5 cases of their food to feed Team Thebackpacker.com when we did a big race 2.5yrs back. She may be worth contacting.

BBinkley (who owns Binks Outfitters in Tn) is a TTer (very rarely posts) be he may be willing to help also (he sponsored one of our teams also).”

“Thanks Birch”

“I am a pretty red-faced communications guy right now for methinks I did nothing but fuel some mis-communication yesterday. In my haste to get on the road for some personal business I misread and misinterpreted and thus misanswered a couple comments and I would like to clarify my position. My opinion is the two-way idea for hikers is a nightmare logistically. I was thinking of it as an alternative for reverse sweepers to be used only in special cases as needed due to circumstances that may arise, and not for the entire course. I am also totally on board with your original plan of the sweepers following being the key safety device. I am also fully in favor of the support stations being open and manned just until our 30 hikers and sweepers pass through. Those support people would then be available for other tasks. You have some great plans already in place rev, and my hope is only to supplement and to help implement those plans. In the meantime, keep those brainstorming ideas coming in but let's not be too quick to change directions either literally or metaphorically just based on one suggestion.”

“PARudgerunner... no sweat, nothing was unalterably changed as a result. The only difference was a question to the forester who, frankly I doubt will care. Prep time is to shake things out, get the ideas out and give them a chance to germinate. So... unless the forestry folks care... we'll go back to one way travel.”

“I'm signed up as a hiker but, have no intention of doing the whole trail. SO, a support role might be more useful. I'm happy to walk the trail as a sweeper.
ALSO, I'll be in the area at the end of April if there is anything that I can do at that time, please let me know.

~Spike(Rick)~”

“Then please move your name from the hiker list to this list so we can keep an accurate count of who is doing what. I wouldn't want to close someone out if there was space left. Thanks.

As far as April... that is too far away for me to look at in detail at this point. But I'll let you know if there is anything that needs done.”

“I'll move my name to this list rev..
Plus, I printed the map you sent the link to, and with it in hand, and GoogleEarth open, I can actually see the trail on the ground. I'm placing markers on it on GoogleEarth for my files. This is really cool cause you can 'walk along' the trail in GoogleEarth and see all the topography as though you are there at eye level.”

“Chappy you mentioned certification as a first responder... is that still valid or has it date lapsed?

Does any one know if certs are state restricted? or would they be recognized in any state as long as they were valid in the state f origin?”

“rev, it has lapsed though we have 'good samaritan' laws that allow a person to help another with respect to injuries.
I'm sending you the Google Earth map I made of the trail with waypoints. Let me know if it works on your comp (hopefully you dl'd GoogleEarth).”

“I don't have google earth.... it has always been too much for my computer to handle and I haven't checked it recently.”

“send it along... I'm getting the program... I'll see how it runs.”

“Google earth works fine I guess. I don't know about "ground level" stuff... but at least I can actually see images now. That's new”

“Yes, DCNR has licensed the images to Google Earth. Used to be you had to know someone to get them...”

“Don't mourn the good ol' days ki0eh, your networkings talents are still useful.

I posted links to a couple other places to look at maps and descriptions on the hiker thread. Some good information at both sites.

This week I have made contact offline with MsKatieBear. We are in full agreement on the overall risk assessment and general needs as far as medical support. That side of things shouldn't cause us too much problem to put in place. In a perfect world, all the sweepers would be currently certified at some level in EMS, but we don't feel that is really necessary. I think we can work with anyone with good common trail sense. A little first aid training is a bonus. As far as communications plan, I am still gathering information and probably will be for another month or better depending on the weather. I know I will wind up doing some recon and with a weather forecast like this Friday, I will be staying in and putting off the travel.

I have also reviewed in detail the initial plan for support stations and recommend we add a hike-in station on Naval Run if we get the personnel to do it. It is a long, rugged stretch from the southern Rt. 44 crossing to the Old Mountain Road area. The bottom of Naval Run is a good bailout that is an easy slight downhill of just under a mile from the BFT to a parking area. If anyone becomes overwhelmed to the point of bailing out, this will be the place - over 30 miles behind them and facing one of the longest and steepest climbs of the entire trail. If someone has fallen off the pace and it's getting late, this is also the place to "strongly encourage" them to call it a day.”

“PAR...

are you suggesting a full resupply station at that point or an assessment/monitoring station? I think it becomes important for the hikers to know what to plan for as well as for us to figure out how to get water and /or supplies in there if it is a full resupply station. I have no problem with adding the station and I am sure we can man it. It is simply a matter of what level of support it should be.”

“I think ideally it should be full resupply station, but I wouldn't be totally opposed to scaling it back a little. It is a very easy slight uphill in along the stream - only one easy crossing. Towing a "little red wagon" by hand wouldn't be too difficult. I have been told this section of trail was a public road up until the flood of 1972 took a couple bridges out. I think there is time to think this out either way before we publish the final support plan.”

“I agree.. there is time.. and I appreciate your knowledge of the trail. The tentative plan has been updated to reflect the addition of the Naval Run station.

Thanks for getting in touch with the Forester Reed. I have found him very helpful and very interested in making this happen.
last edited: 1/30/08 7:30:00 PM”

“PAR or anybody else... Would it make any difference to start somewhere other than Slate Run? (we'd have to figure out transportation but we may have to do that anyway.)

Alternatively, what about starting at Slate Run and heading clockwise and doing the Naval Run slope downhill instead of uphill, in the morning rather than ending with it. I don't know the trail hardly at all so I'll need the advice of those who do.
last edited: 1/31/08 5:33:27 AM”

“starting at Slate Run and heading clockwise and doing the Naval Run slope downhill

i think thats a good plan. get to end on a nice mellow downhill, and the several miles before that are pretty flat. for those that are able to do the whole thing, that would be a good way to finish”