• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Run
    • Point Mariah Trail Marathon
    • Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race
    • Castle Peak 100k
    • Group Runs
    • Snowshoe Loans
    • Code of Conduct
  • Join
    • Membership Cost & Benefits
    • Race Discounts
    • Join Us
  • Volunteer
    • Be a DPMR Volunt(HERO)!
    • Aid Station Volunteers Needed!
    • Trail Stewardship
  • About
    • About Us
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Us
  • Calendar
  • Store
    • Shopping Cart
  • Donate

Donner Party Mountain Runners

Inform Inspire Connect

  • Member Highlights
  • Race Reports
  • Newsletter
  • Webinar Videos

Running, Climbing and Bike Riding all 15 California 14’ers

August 14, 2014 by Sam Skrocke 14 Comments

I run for many reasons, most importantly I run because I really enjoy it. I enjoy the simplicity of it. Shorts and a pair of shoes are my liberation, my wings, and some would argue that even these things are not necessary. I enjoy the anticipation I feel before a run, the grace and power I feel during a run and the satisfaction fatigued muscles, spent lungs and dirty feet bring after a run. I love looking back over miles of trails, turning around and going further. I feel very lucky to have found something in my life that brings me so much pleasure and more. I often joke, although it is really no joke at all, that if I am feeling tired or sore from mountain biking, cycling, or swimming that I haven’t been running enough. This is my favorite reason that I have for running. Running makes everything else feel easy. But it is more than that, running makes everything else possible. It is the foundation for everything I do. In 2006 when I decided to ride my bike from Alaska to Argentina and climb the highest peak on the North and South continents. I had only owned a bike for five months. It was not because I was a cyclist that I was able to accomplish this journey two years later. It was because I am a runner. Shortly after I had completed the A to A trip I had thought about climbing all of California’s fourteen thousand foot peaks using a bicycle to connect the trailheads. As other amazing adventures presented themselves this idea was put aside until last year when news broke that Cedar Wright and Alex Honnold had become the first to complete this feat. I have the greatest respect for both of these people and I am thankful for their inspiration. Such motivational words like “sufferfest” and “The most sustained and difficult challenges of my life” brought back the fire I needed to get out there and do it. After all, this body craves incapacitating exhaustion from worthwhile means and this trip did not disappoint.

Alex and Cedar completed the enchainment of all the peaks, riding their bikes between all trailheads, in 22 days, I was hoping to be done in less than 9 days.

http://www.climbing.com/news/honnold-wright-enchain-california-14ers-by-bike-foot-and-free-solo/ My trip was completely self supported and I used Goran Kropp’s purist ethics as I understood them from his book “Ultimate High”. I carried all my gear from start to finish. I carried all the food that I was going to need for the climbing and camping from the beginning. I did not take any help, food or other items from anyone. The only thing I did not carry with me was the food I would require during the bike riding portion of this trip, which I purchased from restaurants along the way.

This is my trip report:

Day 1, Tuesday, July 29th

Shasta. Check. 450+ miles on the bike to the next trailhead!
Shasta. Check. 450+ miles on the bike to the next trailhead!

I was planning on trying to get a bit more sleep than I did before I started, but as Diana Schlaff drove me towards Mt. Shasta my efforts where hindered by a carefree black bear lumbering across the road. The quick deceleration of Diana’s Subaru Forester had me wide eyed after only an hour of sleep. The rest of the drive was spent speculating about Shasta’s Aliens and the Earth’s chakras. Then dinner and more quality conversation had us arriving at the parking area for Sargents Ridge well after dark. I got everything ready and had enough time to lie down for about 30 min. before the clock hit midnight, my start time. A few last minute things and I was running up the trail by 12:15. I had never climbed Mt. Shasta via Sargents before and somewhere in the base of the old ski bowl cirque I lost the trail. The new moon had passed on July 26th and just three days later it was still very dark this time of night. As long as I was going up I would be fine, I told myself and started quietly scrambling up and out of the old ski bowl way too far right. I ran into a ridge that had huge gendarmes blocking access to the ridge proper and found myself climbing some rotten 5th class rock in the dark. At one point as I was trying to skirt around one rather massive precipice I found myself tiptoeing across the dirty ledge where the top of a glacier met the overhanging rock above. It was a delicate balancing traverse where the steep bulge kept trying to push me over the frozen slope that dropped off into the darkness below. After some more climbing and traversing I finally made it to Sargents Ridge where I was able to pick up my pace and start running again. With very few difficulties I got to the summit at 4:45am (14,179ft.). signed the registry, got a GPS signal and started down. I nailed the decent and was back at the trailhead by 6:30. Diana had slept in the parking lot and was awake to snap some photos of me coming in. I jumped on my bike and set out to ride. My goal was to ride what I thought was going to be 130 miles to Susanville, which I think is the distance from the town of Shasta to Susanville. But the trailhead was 17 miles further away than I had planned for. That, an unexpected flat tire, 102 degree heat, some annoying headwinds and that I was almost falling asleep on my bike brought me just west of a rest stop 20 miles from Susanville. I used my camelback bladder to take a shower and was inside my sleeping bag by 8:00pm. I think I still got 120 miles in plus my first peak. This was an incredible day.

Day 2, Wednesday, July 30th

I slept 11 straight hours was up and back on my bike by 8:30am. If there was one day on this trip that I would say was not very exciting this would be that day. My original plan was to ride out east past Susanville on Wendell Rd. to Pyramid Lake then turn south through Fernley and finally meeting up with Hwy 395 again at Bridgeport. Although this route would add 20 extra miles it would have been much flatter. The reason I changed my mind that morning was because of the remoteness of this route and the extreme temperatures I experienced the day before. I was afraid that I could very easily run out of water out there so instead I turned south on 395 in Susanville. The weather was much cooler than it had been the day before and I was wondering if I had made the right call. It’s so nice when you get an answer. Just north of Doyle I looked out east and right about where I would have been riding had I continued on my original course I saw a nasty looking sand storm raging across the deserts. The temps stayed cool all day with some warm rains to ride through and some strong winds to battle. My legs felt great and I was able to ride 130 miles before stopping near Mt. Rose Hwy. south of Reno. It was fun riding my bike down So. Virginia Street during the kick-off for Hot August Nights. I had to push the hour a little in order to get away from the urban sprawl and was not off my bike until after dark.

Day 3, Thursday July 31st

IMG_20140731_195135_243 (2)
The scene at the legendary Mobile Mart in Lee Vining. Always a good time!

I was able to wake up at a decent hour and was watching the sun rise from the seat of my bike. Carson Valley through Gardnerville went fast and I had already done 50 miles well before noon. Then the hills started. I had forgotten about Simee Dimeh Pass between Carson Valley and Antelope Valley and at 5987 feet it was a slap in the face. The Walker River Canyon up to Devils Gate at 7519 feet was my first real grind. It was raining again but this time the elevation turned the wetness into a bone chilling soak. I clocked my 100th mile while on that climb and it knocked the wind out of me. My goal this day was to get to Bridgeport, but despite all the climbing I was still making really good time and only stopped in Bridgeport long enough to get something to eat. I pushed on over Conway Summit at 8143 feet which turned out to be a real kick in the nuts. I bulldozed through my 125th mile that day while on that climb. Then I rolled into the town of Lee Vining still an hour sooner than I was planning on riding that day. I thought about pushing on but I now only had something like 60 miles to do tomorrow plus Tracorum was setting the vibe around the Mobile Mart with their Gospel Thunder Funk. The thought of a beer, music and good heads kept me right where I was. After just one beer I walked up to the flag pole on the hill where I had left my bike and fell asleep listening to the band finishing up their last set. I had ridden 140 miles this day and was on the East Side! Great Day!

Day 4, Friday August 1st

Deadmans Pass and Sherwin Summit were tough this morning. My legs are tired and took a long time to warm them up. Got to Bishop by 1:00pm and got some food before riding on. At Big Pine I had some stomach issues and wasn’t feeling good but I had a huge climb, 4,000 vertical feet over 9 miles, to let me know what real discomfort feels like. It took me 3 hours to pull my 40lbs trailer up to the trailhead at Glacier Lodge. The climbs up from the valley floor are going to have to be taken seriously. I figured they were going to be a grind but they are more to reckon with than I had thought. It is amazing to be here right now, such an incredible ride and challenging journey. Tomorrow feels like a new chapter, a new mind set, a new playground. I hope I am ready.

Day 5, Saturday August 2nd

My alarm went off at 2:00am. Afternoon thunder showers have been predicted and I am in a hurry to get moving. It felt good to be upright and running across the Sierra trails. The sun caught up to me just before Sam Mack Meadows and soon afterwards was running across the talus up to the base of Thunderbolt Peak. I climbed the East Face (5.5) but approached it more directly by climbing up to a roof and traversing left (5.9) onsight and solo. I got to the summit (14,003ft.) at 11:00am just as a guided party was leaving. I climbed down from the summit block and started traversing south. I was feeling good up there and quickly climbed from Thunderbolt to Starlight Peak (14,200ft.) by 11:20 after passing another party of four. The climbing was super enjoyable and I was smiling as I topped out on North Palisade (14,242ft.) at 11:40am. There were three other climbers at the summit and when I told them of what I was trying to do their only comment was “That’s already been done before.” I didn’t know what to say in response I just nodded my head in agreement and quietly started toward my next peak. One of the climbers offered me some M&M’s as I was leaving which I had to decline in order to keep my trip self supported. My next peak was Polemonium (14,080ft.) and I reached the summit at 12:30pm. At 1:15pm Mt. Sill (14,162ft.) was the last peak I hit before descending down the western slope, climbing up Pot Luck Pass and taking off toward Cirque Pass. I ascended the southwest chute and found myself in a notch just south of disappointment peak with some ridge climbing still needing to be done before gaining the summit of Middle Palisade. The rock quality is so much worse than that of the peaks north of the Palisade Crest and any good feelings of climbing were soon replaced by gripping nerve shattering progress. I found myself on the top of Middle Palisade (14,040ft.) at 6:30pm. I descended the Northeast Face as quickly as I could and sprinted back to the glacier lodge trailhead. It was dark when I got back to my bike and I decided to sleep there one more night. My next trailhead wasn’t too far away and I wasn’t concerned. Six peaks done in one day! I’ll take it!

Day 6, Sunday August 3rd

It started raining on me at 3:00am I didn’t bring a tent so I got up, packed everything away and started down toward McMurry Meadows. The brakes on my bike started making a bad noise but it was too dark to see what was going on. It was just starting to get light as I started running up the creek toward Red Mountain Lake. As the day got brighter I realized that I could see less. It was completely socked in and the rain was a constant drizzle. Any idea I may have had to climb the Northeast Arête was completely gone. I started up the talus in the direction of Split Mountain’s north flank and had to do some climbing in order to get out of the lake basin. This is where things started to get real. I was climbing up a shallow gully that was flowing water. At one point I had to climb up a steep slab on its left side and was immediately horrified by the idea that I may have to climb back down this section. I got to the north slope of Split Mountain feeling like I had climbed myself into a trap but felt compelled to keep going. About 400 feet from the summit the rain turned to hail and my day went from miserable to painful. I was completely exposed on talus slope and had nowhere to take shelter so I kept moving towards to summit. I reached the summit (14,058ft.) sometime around noon and without stopping for even a moment I was running back down the slippery talus. I was able to run out to Tinemaha Creek and was happy to find a faint trail that took me back down to my bike avoiding all the difficulties that had spooked me on the way up. By the time I had ridden my bike back into the town of Big Pine the rain had stopped and the streets were dry. Upon returning to my bike I realized that my rear brakes were shot and I had been grinding away at the rim during my early morning descent from Glacier Lodge. This, I thought, was going to make tomorrow very interesting. After warming up and getting some food in me I started pedaling off up Hwy 168 and White Mountain.

Day 7, Monday August 4th

Summit of White. I really thought I was smiling when I shot this selfie!
Summit of White. I really thought I was smiling when I shot this selfie!
IMG_20140804_120822_573 (2)
Ditching the bike for my Monday Night Trail Teaser run to the summit!

I took my time getting going this morning. I underestimated how completely spent my legs were. I thought White Mountain was going to be a gimme. Although I really enjoyed the ride it took a lot out of me. The clouds blowing eerily through the Ancient Bristle Cone Forest and above that I was back in a cloud. Except for one glimpse I was afforded at the Barcroft Research Station during a break in the clouds I had no idea what my surroundings looked like. Most of the time I was limited to only 100 feet of visibility or less. White Mountain was a huge grind I haven’t been able to find one bigger in the United States. In fact the only thing that I can kind of compare it to was a day and a half climb I did in Columbia years back. The White Mountain grind is as good as it gets! I ditched my bike at the research station and in the spirit of the Donner Party Mountain Runners Monday Night Trail Teasers ran to the summit (14,252ft.) I did think that it was only going to be two miles past the station and was surprised when after four and a half miles I reached the summit. This was at 12:15pm. I ran back down to my bike the whole time anticipating riding the 10,000 foot descent without a rear brake. Plus I still had some more riding to do before this trip was done and didn’t want to blow through my front brake as well. I had met two hikers coming down from the summit, Jeff and his son Gavin. They were hiking all of the counties of California’s high points. I chatted with them briefly then continued running down to my bike. They caught up to me in their car as I was riding down the wet and now snowy roads leading away from the summit. I was using my foot as a way to control my speed into the turns. At first I was rubbing the heal of my shoe against the rear tire but it wasn’t long before I rubbed a hole straight through my shoe and had to resort to scrapping my heal along the ground, which is what I was doing when Jeff and Gavin caught back up to me. They followed behind me for a while and then passed me and stopped. I stopped as well and Jeff got out of his car. “What is going on with your brakes?” he asked and I explained to him my predicament. He laughed, shook his head and said that this is the most insane thing he has ever witnessed. Said it needed to be shown on YouTube or something then begged me to post on Supertopo. Before getting back into his car he offered me some hand warmers which I had to politely decline. The rest of the ride down was the same I would pick up a bunch of speed throw my foot down before a turn and slow down just enough to make it through. A few times the speed was just a little too much and I used my precious front brake just enough to safely get me through. By the time I finally made it down my arms were aching so badly from the washboard and rocky roads. But, man what a ride! I was behind schedule by the time I rode back through Big Pine and after dealing with a flat tire was only able to make it to the campgrounds just one mile up the Onion Valley road outside of Independence.

Day 8, Tuesday August 5th

The beginning of the day marked one week since I had departed on this journey. What I had already accomplished was mind boggling. It was this morning that I felt like the end was within my reach now. If everything worked out tomorrow I would be riding my bike to my final trailhead but first I needed to stay focused. I had two more peaks I needed to climb today and a huge approach. Because I had not made it to my trailhead the night before I still had a three hour bike ride that I needed to get out of the way. On the ride up Foothill road I could see the amount of snow that had fallen on Mt. Williamson over the last two days. This made me nervous. I didn’t start running until 6:00am and was way behind for the day. The run up Shepherds Pass was one of the highlights of the trip. A worthy run! Along the way I encountered many backpackers fleeing from the high country, coming down in order to dry out. It made me wonder what I was running into. After 11 miles I reached the top of Shepherds Pass and made my over to the north rib of Mt. Tyndall. My legs were so tired from biking up White Mountain yesterday and from running up to the pass this morning that I found myself moving very slow. I reached to summit of Tyndall Peak (14,018ft.) at 12:00pm with very little trouble. I descended down into the Williamson bowl and started up towards the east face. I quickly ran into a lot of snow and decided that the North Arête would be the fastest way to the summit. I traversed over and started climbing. Mt. Williamson was my favorite peak to climb on this trip. I had clear skies above me and to the west but the thermals were bringing wispy clouds up and out of the valley floor. When I got to the top of the west horn I thought I had reached the summit but I was in a cloud and couldn’t see the proper summit for a few minutes. When the cloud passed and I could see where I still needed to get to I was a little disheartened. I slowly climbed down to the east skirted around into a notch and climbed up onto the summit plateau. I made the summit (14,375ft.) at 5:00pm. The snow down the gullies that led back to the lakes in the Williamson bowl basin looked sketchy so I decided to try descending down the North Fork drainage. From the summit plateau I headed east until I found two gullies that led into the drainage I took the first one and had to do some 5th class down climbing. Looking back I could have avoided this by taking the second, wider gully. There was one more section of down climbing, some bushwhacking and a long trail-less hike out to the foothills that I then had to skirt in order to get back to my bike. I arrived back at my bike well after dark. I was hungry and tired and still had to ride about a half hour more before getting to my trailer. My idea was to climb the peaks that needed to be climbed each day and still have enough time to ride to the next trailhead. Thus giving myself a good launching point for the next day’s climbs. Up until this point I was able to keep to this schedule even if barely at times. This time I failed. Now I was going to have to add an entire day to the length of my trip. I was not too happy about this.

Day 9, Wednesday August 6th

My “active” rest day. I had fallen asleep again at the campgrounds just west of the town of Independence. I slept in until 8:30, casually got ready and ate before biking the 15 miles to Lone Pine. From here I biked up Tuttle Creek road to Granite View road to the Tuttle Creek trailhead. I got to camp around 5:00pm and was asleep by 6:00pm. Although I was not happy to have to “waste” this day it gave me some much needed rest and set me up for a more enjoyable last day.

The final hours, Thursday August 7th

I was up at 2:00am feeling super excited about my day! It is only four miles from the trailhead to the summit of Mt. Langley but it is a steep four miles. I tried to run what I could, but was reduced to power hiking most of it. The sun rose behind me as started up the avalanche gully that defines the northeast slope of Mt. Langley. I tagged the summit (14,042ft.) at 8:30am. I met a guy up there who was looking for a way down. I gave him my best suggestion and ran off. The running was feeling good today and I was really enjoying moving so quickly over the terrain between Mount Langley and Crabtree pass. At Crabtree pass I veered right and climbed up some 5th  class rock to the summit of Mt. McAdie where I was able ridge climb over to Trail Crest and the Whitney Trail. I was so happy to be running along this section of trail as it was another highlight. The trail was full of people and I was passing everyone. I made the slight detour up to Mt. Muir (14,015ft.) and stood atop it at 12:30pm, only a half hour later than I wanted to. I ate some lunch and then sprinted off again toward Mt. Whitney. At 1:20pm. I was signing the summit register and without taking a moment to look around was off again down the northern slopes and Mt. Russell, My final Peak! I was so excited. After the nerve-racking climbing I had found on Mt. Williamson two days before I had talked myself into playing it safe today. I had Diana waiting for me back at the trailhead and I wasn’t going to do anything stupid that might keep me from finishing and getting back to her. But I was feeling good! So as I looked at my options for Mt. Russell I thought about Mithril Dihedral but there was still a lot of snow melting up high and I thought the cracks might still be seeping. So I turned my sights on to the Fishhook Arête. The climbing was fantastic! It led me directly to the summit and at 2:50pm I stood on top of my final peak, Mt. Russell (14,086ft.)! I was ecstatic! But the clock was still ticking so I ran as fast as I could muster down the scree into the drainage that would bring me to the Whiney Portal. I made it to the trailhead at 6:13pm but for me I felt like I had to finish with everything I started with and that was with my bike some 8 to 10 miles away at the Tuttle Creek trailhead. So without stopping for even a moment I continued on down the Lone Pine trail and into the foothills. I made my way over to Olivia’s Ranch Road via a small cross country section across a drainage. Olivia’s Ranch Road wraps around to follow Tuttle Creek on the opposite side of the drainage from where my bike was. It was a steep embankment down to the creek and it seemed fitting to have to finish by scrambling up the other side. I reached my bike at 8:41pm, 9 days 20 hours and 41 minutes had elapsed since I had started at the base of Mt. Shasta. Diana was waiting for me with an Arrogant Bastard Ale, a huge smile and the news that she couldn’t make it all the way up here with her car and had to park a mile down the road. I grabbed my bike and started walking/riding it down to her car. About half way there the distinct sound of metal grinding on metal informed me that I had just lost my front brakes as well! Wow I can’t believe that I was finished. It was one hell of a ride and one that I will hold with greedy nostalgia forever!

9 days 20 hours and 41 minutes! Fastest Known Time for Self-supported climbing of all 15 California 14’ers and bicycling between all trailheads.

image (2)
Finished!!!!

Filed Under: Member News Tagged With: California 14'ers, California Fourteeners, Fastest Known Time, Sam Skrocke, Self Supported

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kurt Bahneman says

    August 15, 2014 at 10:34 am

    Nice one Sam!!! Great trip report of an amazing adventure!!!

    Reply
    • Gretchen says

      August 16, 2014 at 11:21 am

      Wow, Sam, this is beyond impressive! Thanks for sharing all the details, and congrats!

      Reply
  2. Betsy Nye says

    August 16, 2014 at 12:06 am

    Wow!Incredible!You are amazing!

    Reply
  3. Ken Lehman says

    August 17, 2014 at 8:54 am

    Sammy,
    Great job.You are the man!!
    Way to stay on it!!

    Reply
  4. Ben Hatchett says

    August 18, 2014 at 9:40 am

    Redlining the awesome meter!!!! Bravo!

    Reply
  5. Jenelle Potvin says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:29 pm

    Awesome trip report, Sam. Congratulations on your amazing accomplishment!

    Reply
  6. Dennis Trayner says

    September 15, 2014 at 12:56 pm

    Sam I got tired just reading about you trip. Saw your Mom and Dad 2 weeks ago, they look great. Sorry about your brothers baby, can’t imagine how they feel.
    Well good luck with your next adventure, PS I bought a 92 Corvette, not to old for that. Dennis Lapuck

    Reply
  7. jackie skrocke says

    September 22, 2014 at 11:57 am

    I can’t tell you how many people we have emailed this to and how much they enjoyed it. They also had no idea California had so many high mountains! I appreciate all of your writings and photos and am so inspired to read and reread and marvel at how much you have accomplished.

    Reply
  8. Ann Marie Sheridan says

    September 23, 2014 at 3:17 pm

    I’m bummed that I’m going to miss the talk tonight at Moody’s! So proud of you Samimal (Sam + animal). Looking forward to more rock climbing with you!!

    Reply
  9. seano says

    November 4, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    Nice work, especially given the lousy weather! Soloing the Fishhook at the very end earns mucho style points as well.

    Reply
  10. Jeff Fisher says

    January 28, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Hi Sam
    Jeff and Gavin here. Want to verify your story and put in our perspective on your trip up White Mt. on Aug. 4th as part of you total 14er trip. First of all I couldn’t find your write up on the web, did search, found something about your fete but not your write up. Didn’t help that I had misspelled your name. Had been telling my bicycle, hiking and peak climbing friends your story ever since we met you on White Mtn. But at a New Years party a friend asked if it was Gavin and I that was mentioned in an article he had read about bicycling and climbing the California 14ers. Then he told me about your article. A week later I asked and he sent me a link to the article. After reading your article it was interested to hear you have bicycled from Alaska to Argentina. And said something about other great adventures, which I am curious what they were?

    Anyway the night before White Mt. we spent in the night in the kiosk off of Hwy 168 on the road going up to the Bristlecone Pines and White Mt. (failed to pack a tent which was brought up by others later). When we got up in the morning people would stop wondering if they should pay. You must have passed on your bike before we got up or possibly had camped higher up the road from us. We ate and headed on our way. Still on the paved road below Schuman Grove we passed a bicyclist, I told Gavin ‘he is probably going up to Schuman Grove where the paved road ended and would turn around’. We kept on going got to the locked gate and started hiking. We followed the road past the Barcroft Research station all the way to the summit, not a bad road for hiking, but would be real tough driving it. The weather was mostly cloudy and drizzly, not a great day but not bad enough for us to bail and comeback another day. We spent a little time at the summit and headed down. As we were taking the road down we looked up a saw a guy heading straight up the slope. I wondered to Gavin if that was the same guy we had seen bicycling, coat was the same colors. We kept on our way, farther down as we were walking we look back and see the same guy running on the road behind. You caught up with us, we exchanged names and stories. Yours being to do all the California 14ers, self propelled by bicycle and self-contained by in 9 days. I can say we were quite impressed and wished you luck. We chatted for a few minutes, bid farewell and you were off and running. Gavin and I got to the car and headed back towards Big Pine. On the road farther down the weather must have been much worse than it had been for us on the mountain because there was hail on the road 2”+ deep in spots. We passed you, waved and kept on going. Thinking about how miserable it must be for you. Then we stopped at Schuman Grove to look in the visitor center. You must have passed as we were stopped there because we caught up with you again on the paved road below, foot dragging on the pavement, wobbling every time you went over a freeze bump. It looked pretty humorous, more so since I wasn’t the one doing it. We passed you and had to stop ahead to offer the hand warmers, figured you must be freezing your ass off after all the hail farther up the road. AND to find out what the hell was going on. You told us about your brakes and your improvised way of saving them, refused any ride and wouldn’t take the hand warmers, saying you were completely self contained. Said good-bye again. Said to Gavin ‘hope the guy doesn’t get himself killed’ or that we might read about you in the paper getting killed. I was relieved when I did read about your success that you had survived.

    9 days, 20 hrs. and 41 min. is very impressive. I sure you would have been less than 9 days if 1) your brakes and 2) the weather system that had been hanging over the Sierras for 5 days during the time you were on your trip. I can verify the lousy weather. Gavin and I had a permit Monday for day hiking Whitney. But Sunday evening the campsites at Whitney Portal had small streams running through them, the weather look ominous and the forecast weather was bad. So we bailed, thinking that White would be much more doable. Riding down from White Mtn. with all the hail built up on the road must have been difficult. We also had bad weather on N. Palisade after White Mtn. (we failed because of the size and experience level of the group). Snowed on us going down coming down off of N. Pal and rained half the way on our hike out the next day.

    Where did you camp Sunday night before White Mtn.? Keep us posted on any new adventures. Gavin and I are still working on the county highpoints. We also hope to bicycle across country next summer before he goes off to college.

    Jeff Fisher

    Reply
    • Sam Skrocke says

      January 4, 2017 at 6:24 pm

      Hello Jeff, it’s good to hear from you. I haven’t checked in here for quite a while and I am sorry that I am just seeing this now. How are you and Gavin’s bucket list coming along? If you two have the chance to ride across the country don’t hesitate it is hands down my favorite way to see a country. If you get this email me at samskrocke@yahoo.com I would love to hear from you.

      Reply
  11. Alex Gignoux says

    February 3, 2015 at 9:00 am

    Sam, I met you last weekend at the gorge. Once I was told who you were and what you have accomplished I had to dig into it. I am more than impressed, and honored to have met you. Can’t wait to read about your next journey! Alex Gignoux

    Reply
  12. Angel Mathis says

    April 17, 2018 at 10:32 am

    Fun read! So glad you documented it and shared it with the rest of us! I’m excited to share it through Boldly Went too! I think you earned the right to hold it with greedy nostalgia!

    Reply

Leave a Reply to Sam Skrocke Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Become a Member Today »

Subscribe to our email newsletter & announcements!

2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

trail race logo
Join us on Aug 5, 2023!
See race details

Connect in Person

Jun
4
Sun
11:00 am DPMR Summer Picnic @ Common Beach
DPMR Summer Picnic @ Common Beach
Jun 4 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
For more information, see: https://donnerpartymountainrunners.com/2023/02/dpmr-summer-picnic/
Jun
6
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Jun 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Jun
7
Wed
6:00 pm Trail Work: Emigrant Trail Scout...
Trail Work: Emigrant Trail Scout...
Jun 7 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Before we can do actual digging and repairing of trails, we need to scout them first to find the rough spots that need at little trail TLC. Join us on Wednesday, June 7 at 6pm[...]
Jun
8
Thu
5:30 pm Evening Speed-work with Martin B... @ Sawtooth Trailhead on '06 Fire Road, Truckee
Evening Speed-work with Martin B... @ Sawtooth Trailhead on '06 Fire Road, Truckee
Jun 8 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Evening Speed-work with Martin Benes @ Sawtooth Trailhead on '06 Fire Road, Truckee
Join local multi-sport coach and strength trainer Martin Benes for Thursday evening speedwork for runner’s of all levels. Meet at 5:30, run starts at 6pm sharp.  Workout will be about an hour and can be[...]
Jun
13
Tue
6:00 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Jun 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
View Calendar
Add
  • Add to Timely Calendar
  • Add to Google
  • Add to Outlook
  • Add to Apple Calendar
  • Add to other calendar
  • Export to XML

Connect Online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

See us on Instagram

dpmrunners

Hello runners! Greetings from our Pt. Mariah Marat Hello runners! Greetings from our Pt. Mariah Marathon race director, Chris Cloyd! Chris wants you all to know that DPMR is busy gearing up for this year’s event. One of the guiding principles of this race (and our club) is creating an inclusive environment for all, and we’d love to see all of you out there on August 5th to celebrate our sport. Whether you’re interested in running the full marathon, running with a partner to split up the 5 legs however you’d like as a relay, putting together a group of 5 to run the course as a team, or volunteering at our aid station or start/finish line we’d love to have you out there. Each runner on a team relay will only have a 5-6 mile segment, so runners of all ability levels and enthusiasms are encouraged to sign up! If you’re excited to join in but not able to run for whatever reason, you can come help as a course marshall, aid station supporter, or start/finish line volunteer and enjoy all of the energy of the event without lacing up your running shoes. 
This year’s course will feature more singletrack, zero pavement (yay!), and all of the best views and mountain summits from last year’s course. Of course, the course will include a trip out to the swing at Point Mariah and our whiskey-only aid station at that location. 
To learn more about the various options for running or volunteering at the event, check out the link in our bio.
Regardless of how much or little (or none) you want to run on August 5th, we very sincerely hope to have your company out at Soda Springs as we celebrate running, friends, and life in the mountains. Thank you all for making this event as special as it is.
Last call for the DPMR Member Summer Picnic! RSVP Last call for the DPMR Member Summer Picnic! RSVP by 5/31 using the link in our bio!
 
Join us for some fun on the trails before the picnic! We have two optional group runs planned. The first will be an 11-mile route starting at 8 am, and the second will be around 5.5 miles and start at 9 am. 
 
If you are interested in volunteering to help with the picnic, you can sign up now! Look for the signup genius link in our bio.  
 
Last but not least, if you're not yet a member, consider joining now for just $20 a year! This would give you access to fantastic events such as the upcoming picnic, as well as other benefits, such as discounts on races. Head to our website to sign up today!
 
#DPMR #unafraid #weloveourmembers #summertime #bbq
Meet DPMR Board Member Angela Stark.  Angela's pa Meet DPMR Board Member Angela Stark.  Angela's passion for running blossomed in her early years and has remained unwavering ever since. Her true bliss lies in trail running, particularly within the scenic Truckee-Tahoe region, which has hosted her most cherished events. While residing in Livermore with her husband, three daughters, and their goldendoodle Gigi, Angela and her family take every opportunity to come up to the mountains. Initially, Angela joined DPMR to connect with fellow runners in the area and subsequently became a board member in 2022. She derives immense joy from contributing to the cultivation of a strong sense of community and belonging through her involvement with DPMR. Amongst various activities, group gatherings hold a special place in her heart, and she eagerly awaits the upcoming picnic next Sunday, where she hopes to see everyone in person!
 
#dpmr #unafraid #community #summerpicnic #trailrunning #goldendoodles
RSVP for the DPMR Member Summer Picnic by 5/31 usi RSVP for the DPMR Member Summer Picnic by 5/31 using the link in our bio. 
 
If you're not yet a member, consider joining now for just $20 a year! This would give you access to fantastic events such as the upcoming picnic, as well as other benefits, such as discounts on races. Head to our website to sign up today!
https://donnerpartymountainrunners.com/join-now/
 
#DPMR #unafraid #weloveourmembers #summertime #bbq
Now this is one good looking group of runners!  I Now this is one good looking group of runners!  If you haven’t had a chance to come out yet, make sure to mark your calendars and join us for the LAST DPMR Newbies Run on Tuesday, May 23rd! Demos start at 5:15 and the run starts at 6pm.  Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, this event is perfect for you! We welcome all fitness levels and backgrounds, so don't be shy. It's all about having fun, making new friends, and celebrating our love for running.   
 
See you there! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ 
 
#DPMRNewbies #JoinTheFun #dpmr #unafraid
Meet DPMR Board member Renee Jacobs (the unstoppab Meet DPMR Board member Renee Jacobs (the unstoppable one in the photo)! Renee is a Bay Area transplant that has lived in Truckee since 2010. She and her husband (boyfriend at the time) moved to Truckee to be closer to the mountains they both loved! She joined the board in 2019 shortly after quitting her job as an architect and structural engineer to become a full-time mother. Joining the board has not only helped her rebuild a new community after a huge life transition, but it has also connected her to some amazing mentors in the DPMR community that have inspired and positively developed her athletic goals!
#dpmr #unafraid #onetoughcookie
Have you been on the lookout for an inclusive and Have you been on the lookout for an inclusive and welcoming trail marathon? Well, search no more because the Pt. Mariah Marathon is here to fulfill your dreams! This incredible event is happening on August 5, 2023, and it offers a multi-loop course that will take you through five enchanting segments of the breathtaking Royal Gorge terrain. And guess what? You have options! You can tackle it alone like a lone wolf, or bring your friends and form a relay team of two or five! The choice is yours! So, don't wait any longer. Lace up your running shoes and register today for an unforgettable experience! Link in bio. #TrailMarathon #dpmr #unafraid #royalgorge #getinspired
The DPMR Member Summer Picnic is just around the c The DPMR Member Summer Picnic is just around the corner! RSVP today! If you're not yet a member, consider joining now for just $20 a year! This would give you access to fantastic events such as the upcoming picnic, as well as other benefits, such as discounts on races. Head to our website to sign up today! Links in bio.
Meet DPMR board member Aude Hofleitner! Aude is a Meet DPMR board member Aude Hofleitner! Aude is a Parisian who went from strolling the streets in Paris to discovering road running in her 30s before getting the trail buzz! While she used to be a "city girl" she has completely fallen in love with the mountains, the trails and the DPMR community. She loves to read and has been featuring a Book of the Month in the newsletter (reach out if you have book suggestions!). She also helps with social media on Instagram (tag us if you want to be featured in our stories!). She loves the weekend Run & Brunch, because brunch is the best meal and it tastes even better after a long adventure! #dpmr #unafraid #bookclub #brunch
Last call for volunteers for THIS WEEKEND! Join us Last call for volunteers for THIS WEEKEND! Join us at the DPMR Canyons Endurance Runs aid station on April 28th and 29th.  We welcome all volunteers but we especially need individuals who are willing to stay up late and help provide crucial support to our runners during their toughest moments.
And that is not all!  When you volunteer at a DPMR aid station during any race, you’ll be entered to win a complimentary race entry for that event in the upcoming year.  But wait, there’s more!  The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into our grand prize drawing - Gratis Racing!  The lucky winner of the drawing will receive the  ultimate prize: free race entries for a whole year, valued up to $1000.  So why wait, sign up today!
Link in bio for more info. 
#dpmr #unafraid #volunteer #canyonsenduranceruns #gratisracing
Come join the fun at the Newbies Club Fun today! T Come join the fun at the Newbies Club Fun today! Tahoe Mountain Sports has arranged to have demos from The Northface and Oofos for the run today, Tuesday, April 25th that will take place at the Farad exit off I-80. Demos start at 5:15pm and the run will start at 6pm.  See you all there! 📸 Krissi Polentz
Meet Kathy Slocum, a member of the DPMR Board for Meet Kathy Slocum, a member of the DPMR Board for the past three years. Kathy is a versatile runner who enjoys both dirt and pavement, and recently ventured into triathlons 🏊🏻‍♀️ 🚴🏻‍♀️ 🏃🏻‍♀️, completing her first full Ironman last year. This year, she's set to tackle a half Ironman in Oregon and another full Ironman in Canada later in August. She’s running the Salt Lake City Marathon in April as a warmup 🤯. With all the snow this season, she’s spent a considerable time in the pool and on a bike trainer. No matter how many triathlons Kathy crushes, she always dreams about and looks forward to trail running. Last August, Kathy ran the inaugural Pt Mariah marathon which she described as "a great course, great people, and great fun." At the end of the day, Kathy’s biggest goals are to have fun, stay healthy and try new things. #yolo #swimbikerun #badass #dpmr #unafraid #ptmariahmarathon
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Footer

Run with Us

  • Group Runs
  • Code of Conduct

Race with Us

  • Point Mariah Trail Marathon
  • Racing Gnome Snowshoe Race
  • Castle Peak 100k
  • Discount Codes

Join Us

  • Membership Cost & Benefits
  • Join Us
  • DPMR Gear
  • Donate

About Us

  • About Us
  • Volunteer
  • Board
  • Contact Us

© 2023 · Donner Party Mountain Runners · Truckee, California · Website by Tahoe Web Works