[Jeff]

@pancanman you interested?

[Jeff]

Thanks for the recommendations, Andy!

We are looking at expanding the peak lineup to give challengers and opportunity to pick their six peaks. We are planning a challenger survey for past and current AZ summer and winter challengers sometime in early March.

A few of the criteria we look for:

• Should allow following a trail (not an off-trail route)
• Physically challenging (highly variable due to individual fitness levels)
• Mainly Class 1, but can include some Class 2 or even Class 3
• Bonus points for unique features (geology, history, etc.)
• Trailhead does not require 4WD

We also try to incorporate a mix of the hikes that are on everyone's “must hike” list and some obscure hikes that people may not have heard.

If you or anyone else has additional suggestions, let us know!

[Jeff]

Thanks for the heads up. We have an Android phone for testing, but I use an iPhone. We will dig into the issue this week. Are you able to send a bug report via the Android app?

[Jeff]

First place to check is HERE! 😉

Go to Activity > All Hike Logs > Southern California > Ontario Peak

https://socialhiker.net/six-pack-peaks-challenge/southern-california/hike-logs/ontario-peak/

You can see hikes logged by other challengers and click to read more and see any additional photos.

Right now, the most recent hike up Ontario was on January 28th by challenger Linda, who reports that crampons, ice axe and mountaineering training is required beyond Icehouse Saddle.

https://socialhiker.net/hike_log/not-just-another-day-at-ontario-peak/

So I would wait. Often Ontario and Cucamonga hold on to snow into May. June is usually the earliest to avoid winter mountaineering there.

Ontario Peak Hike Logs

[Jeff]

I'm in! I've been working too much the past two months, and I generally prefer cardio to strength training. I'll do a walk, a hike, a bike ride, or even an indoor cycling workout before I'll do strength training. Not sure why, but that's been my modus operandi for a long while. Hoping to mix it up a bit, and 2-3 strength workouts a week feels pretty manageable.

I'm also going to be working on flexibility, which isn't specifically addressed by these workouts, but helps me. I have a basic Iyangar yoga practice that I can share if anyone is interested.

[Jeff]

One of my most-used pieces of winter gear are my Kahtoola Microspikes. The work with everything from my Altra Line Peak trail runners to boots, and they don’t take a lot of space. In the right conditions they are like 4WD for your feet.

[Jeff]

Hi Rosetta!

As of Wednesday this week we have mailed out all the finisher patches and certificates for finishers of ALL challenges as of October 31st (which includes yours). We will mail out the patches and certificates to November finishers next week.

And yes, they are mailed to your original shipping address.

[Jeff]

Pretty cool idea. I haven't done any of these events, but it sounds like “fun.” I hope you get some recruits!

[Jeff]

Hi Jade! The virtual badge is there now ( Profile > Achievements > Milestones).

Last year, we mailed patches and certificates out after the challenge ended (beginning in January). This year for San Diego started earlier, and have been mailing them the month following your finish. You completed the challenge at the end of October, so yours will go out in November…this week.

Congratulations!

[Jeff]

Yes you can. A Jetboil stove is not considered an open flame, because it has an on/off knob. You will need to get an annual campfire permit (free and online here:

https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/)

“With a CA Campfire Permit, you may use portable lanterns or stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.”

Of course, the governing agency can restrict that in time of high fire danger, so check with their website if in doubt.

[Jeff]

Absolutely!! I sometimes swap a ride on my Peloton. 😉

[Jeff]

Hi Margaret! You've got it now. You'll find it under your ‘Milestone' badges: https://socialhiker.net/members/hikermarg/achievements/milestone/

[Jeff]

I'm a big fan of my Peloton bike. I'm nearing my 400th ride… maybe this month.

[Jeff]

Wing suit?! 🤯 What's next? BASE jumping?

[Jeff]

No problem, Rosetta. We will send a replacement on Monday when we are back in the office!