Ricky Gates discusses his latest project, The Field Guide to Classic Trails in North America Inspired by the book ‘50 Classic Climbs of North America,’ Ricky set out to create a similar guide for trail runners. The guide aims to highlight 50 must-do trails in North America that can be completed in under 24 hours. The criteria for selecting these trails include their feasibility, historical significance, and the ability to recommend them to others. Ricky and his collaborators have already published several trails on the Janji website, including the Cactus to Clouds Trail, the Lost Coast Trail, and the double crossing of the Grand Canyon. Gates discusses the inspiration behind the book and the process of selecting the 50 classic trails featured in it. He emphasizes the diversity of the trails, including point-to-point, loop, and out-and-back options, making them accessible to solo runners. The book aims to provide information and inspiration for both new and seasoned runners, with a focus on responsible trail running. Gates also discusses the importance of technology and advancements in gear in making wilderness exploration more accessible. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the website collaboration and the future publication of the book.
About Rickey:
- Outside Online named Rickey one of “The Fittest Real Men in America.”
- He was named USA Track and Field Mountain Runner of the Year in 2007
- is a renowned ultra-runner and adventurer.
- He has twice won the grueling Mount Washington Road Race and
- set a fastest known time (FKT) for running Yosemite’s Half Dome.
- His adventures have taken him from the South Pole to Moab, New Zealand, France, Mexico, and back to his home base near Aspen, Colorado, before settling in San Francisco.
We mentioned the book Cross Country: Fifteen Years and 90,000 Miles on the Roads and Interstates of America with Lewis and Clark
Find out more about this episode’s sponsors:
AND!!!!! Check out the new free app we developed, Trail Triage
