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Posted: 2/22/2020 8:00:00 PM EST

[#1]

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I'm going to suggest a Battle Buddies Senior division.

Got a nice 3 mile hike in. Good meeting you all.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:05:21 PM EST

[#2]

Sweet! Great job everyone. I'll post up in the main BB thread.

I need to know how this will work so let's work that out here....
Hike location: Allerton park in Monticello Il.
6 mile hike 2: RedbirdXX and TheRadBaron 45 lbs
3 mile provisional hike: 300Blackout and GreenDragon all carried 45lbs.
3 mile hike 300Blackout and GreenDragon all carried 45lbs.

AKRay, Did you just hike or did you hike with 35 lbs to make provisional qual?

@w9trb sorry we missed you as well.

Hopefully we'll have another hike down your way in a few weeks.

We've had 19 guys pipe up in this thread so we have a great start. I hope as the weather warms up, we continue to have more folks able to join in.

Folks piping in so far:
@Bishop3
@300Blackout_Drunk
@w9trb
@Slarti
@ReaperWaterfoul
@RedbirdXX
@Doorman63
@Muels
@bssrf4
@SleepingBirdDog
@TheRadBaron
@InterestedBystander
@Stopper
@HandyAndy
@JPD158
@RavenRavin
@garbageman
@GreenDragon
@BarrySuperHawk
@AKRay

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:06:43 PM EST

[#3]

Quote History

Quoted:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/79217/hike_jpg-1287335.JPG
I'm going to suggest a Battle Buddies Senior division.

Got a nice 3 mile hike in. Good meeting you all.

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@AKRay, Ben is asking if he can use hiking pics on the web site they are building...so 1. Do you mind if we push this pic to the main BB thread...and 2. Does anyone else mind?

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:12:17 PM EST

[#4]

Feel free to use any pics I post.
Hike only.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:13:55 PM EST

[#5]

3 mile provisional hike: 300Blackout and GreenDragon all carried 45lbs.
3 mile hike 300Blackout and GreenDragon all carried 45lbs.

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We were discussing this while we hiked and a question needs to be run up the chain...they did 6 miles with 45lbs., is there a reason it can’t count as that? Meaning is a provisional 3 mile hike required before one can start logging six mile hikes?

ETA- I’m fine with that and any other pics of me being used. Kinda annoyed I forgot to take any ):

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:21:01 PM EST

[#6]

I'll ask when I report up, but I think the bottom line is there has to be a total of 18 miles with two full 6 mile hikes spaced somewhere in there....so at the end of the day, I don't think it matters....I would say that they did a 3 mile provisional and then a extra 3 mile hike so they only have the two 6 mile hikes left. Redbirdxx and TheRadBaron now only have a 3 mile hike left, SleepingBirdDog and I have 1 six mile and then a three mile to complete. If we decided to be crazy and do 9 miles all at once, I think that would still count.

Either way, I'll bring it up to Ben when I report it in the main thread.

Again, great job everyone. As PO'ed as I am about missing...I'm still not feeling 100% and it's probably better that I didn't "spread the CV" (if indeed I am getting sick). We'll see how I feel later on this week. I'm up for a 6 miler this coming weekend as long as I'm healthy, but it would be local. We still have a lot of guys that have piped into the thread that I think will want to hike as their schedule allows so I think we'll have lots of opportunity....

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:40:11 PM EST

[#7]

Nice job, gents. Sorry I missed it.

Posted: 2/22/2020 8:59:51 PM EST

[#8]

If it doesn't matter, I'd rather use today as a 6 miler at 45#. I figured that I might have more opportunity to get in a couple of 3 mile hikes if I can get some locals to go.

If not, it's no big deal. I dont want to throw a wrench in the works.

My wife qualified with 3@35 today, as well.

She appreciated the swing by the cars to dump her pack so she could finish up the 6 miles with us.

Post the pic.

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:29:30 PM EST

[#9]

@GreenDragon,
Is your wife on Arfcom?

If not, I'll ask how they are going to track people that aren't on arfcom....

Posted: 2/22/2020 9:42:00 PM EST

[#10]

No, she's not registered, and she doesn't even lurk.

She hears enough about it from me that she doesn't have to.

Posted: 2/22/2020 10:21:39 PM EST

[#11]

I'm really glad I came up, flat land made all the difference time wise.

We definitely need to get some clarification on what our time today counts for, I saw y'all posted in the main thread already so I'm sure Ben will chime in about it.

It was really good meeting y'all, I think this can grow into something really impressive. It's a shame we're so spread out in the state.

I'm good with them using the pic.

Posted: 2/22/2020 10:24:02 PM EST

[#12]

I missed the hike, I was down in Florida going to several places in and around Orlando. Lots of walking!, but I know it does not count for anything relating to BB. Plus 1, for a Senior Division, I am 67 but still relatively healthy for outdoor activities etc. I have camped at Kickapoo (quite a lot of ticks along where I wandered). There is also nice Park near where I live (Walnut Point), but I am sure the trails aren't even three miles. So, I am open to whatever places everyone else knows about.

Posted: 2/22/2020 10:36:48 PM EST

[#13]

@w9trb

Is that the one over by tuscola, arcola? We go over to Arthur about 4 or 5 times a year.

Posted: 2/22/2020 11:56:44 PM EST

[#14]

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@w9trb

Is that the one over by tuscola, arcola? We go over to Arthur about 4 or 5 times a year.

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Just south of Monticello.
Link to park info

Posted: 2/23/2020 12:38:31 AM EST

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
I missed the hike, I was down in Florida going to several places in and around Orlando. Lots of walking!, but I know it does not count for anything relating to BB. Plus 1, for a Senior Division, I am 67 but still relatively healthy for outdoor activities etc. I have camped at Kickapoo (quite a lot of ticks along where I wandered). There is also nice Park near where I live (Walnut Point), but I am sure the trails aren't even three miles. So, I am open to whatever places everyone else knows about.

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I was pretty active while working. Retired now 62, started going to the gym in December. I'm in it to meet like minded 2A folks and sharing info. Couldn't keep up with the pace today, but I have no problem being the rear guard for the time being.
Oh and post 556.

Posted: 2/23/2020 7:39:19 AM EST

[#16]

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Just south of Monticello.
Link to park info

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Quoted:

Quoted:
@w9trb

Is that the one over by tuscola, arcola? We go over to Arthur about 4 or 5 times a year.

Just south of Monticello.
Link to park info

Allerton is just south of Monticello. Walnut Point is about 10-12 miles east of Arcola. It is a very nice Park, but not really large in terms of acreage. I go there often because I am only a few minutes drive from there.

Posted: 2/23/2020 7:43:27 AM EST

[#17]

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Quoted:
I was pretty active while working. Retired now 62, started going to the gym in December. I'm in it to meet like minded 2A folks and sharing info. Couldn't keep up with the pace today, but I have no problem being the rear guard for the time being.
Oh and post 556.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
I missed the hike, I was down in Florida going to several places in and around Orlando. Lots of walking!, but I know it does not count for anything relating to BB. Plus 1, for a Senior Division, I am 67 but still relatively healthy for outdoor activities etc. I have camped at Kickapoo (quite a lot of ticks along where I wandered). There is also nice Park near where I live (Walnut Point), but I am sure the trails aren't even three miles. So, I am open to whatever places everyone else knows about.

I was pretty active while working. Retired now 62, started going to the gym in December. I'm in it to meet like minded 2A folks and sharing info. Couldn't keep up with the pace today, but I have no problem being the rear guard for the time being.
Oh and post 556.

@AKRay Maybe we should start our own Senior Division? We could help each other build up stamina for hikes or just show these young whippersnappers that we didn't live to this age by giving up.

Posted: 2/23/2020 8:35:14 AM EST

[#18]

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Allerton is just south of Monticello. Walnut Point is about 10-12 miles east of Arcola. It is a very nice Park, but not really large in terms of acreage. I go there often because I am only a few minutes drive from there.

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If you plan something for that park, let me know. I'll couple that with a trip to Arthur on the same day. Plus, I'll be able to finish off the day at the Amish restaurant between Arthur and Arcola.

Posted: 2/23/2020 8:49:07 AM EST

[#19]

I'm good with the picture being used. That was a great hike yesterday. My favorite one yet. This one was in my neck of the woods so thanks to everyone that made the drive. It was good to meet new folks. We're getting a high quality group together.
I made some adjustments to the torso length of my pack and it was an improvement, though it's still chewing up my hip bones. It has a pretty minimalist hip belt so I just ordered some padded sleeves that go on the belt to give it a bit more substance. I think 45 pounds is on the upper end of what the pack is designed for so hopefully those sleeves help out.
I also made my first legal ham radio transmission to rear guard Ray so that was cool.
Here's a screenshot I grabbed. I started my track a few minutes before Redbirdxx did so it's a bit more accurate on the total time/distance. The max speed is from having to jog a bit to catch up with the group after nature called.

Posted: 2/23/2020 9:33:00 AM EST

[#20]

Yeah, I had some problems with my hip belt at well. Being the first time I wasn’t wearing a jacket, I got a lot more friction in that area. It got bad enough that I ended up leaving it unbuckled for the last mile or two, still have a small raspberry on each hip. Sooner or later I’m going to have to invest in something better than the $50 Amazon pack I’ve been using.

I also ended up with a nice blood blister on my toe, though It didn’t bug me at all during the hike.

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Posted: 2/23/2020 1:11:59 PM EST

[#21]

Hey, good news....From Ben in the American Battle Buddy thread...

All the milage 3 miles or over for a hike counts towards the 18 miles if the weight requirements are met.

So three 6 mile hikes is still an option, as long as you have 35lbs plus rifle or 45lbs sans rifle, after the initial 3 miles.

Qualifying provisionally before starting the road towards 3rd class is not required. A first hike that is to the 3rd class standards exceeds the provisional requirements and would automatically qualify them for provisional while also counting towards 3rd class.

The real purpose of provisional ratings is to build extra options for people who want to participate but are unsure of their ability to complete 6 miles to the 3rd class standard initially.

Posted: 2/23/2020 1:12:43 PM EST

[#22]

Heading in a different direction from the hikes, any interest in getting a group together somewhere to see if we can knock out the PT test? I know not everyone is planning on doing that but I think it’d be great if we can pull together the guys/gals that are and get it done.

edited to fix some autocorrect weirdness I just noticed.

Posted: 2/23/2020 1:16:30 PM EST

[#23]

Baby boy is 4 weeks old today! I'm hoping I'll be out there with you guys soon. Lack of sleep is taking its toll at the moment.
If it matters, I also have a Garmin unit that I use for hunting. Still a little unfamiliar with it as this was my first season with it and I didn't get out much.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

Posted: 2/23/2020 1:46:12 PM EST

[#24]

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Heading in a difficult direction from the hikes, any interest in getting a group together somewhere to see if we can knock out the PT test? I know not everyone is planning on doing that but I think it’d be great if we can pull together the guys/gals that are and get it done.

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Hell yeah. That's a good idea. Let's keep moving forward with the mission. I'm in.
Which branch of service test does everyone want to do? The suggested Navy test is the arguably the easiest of the three, followed by the Army, with USMC being the toughest. Oorah!
The TL/DR is:

Navy:
-1.5 mile run
-pushups
-situps

Army:
-2 mile run
-pushups
-situps

USMC:
-3 mile run
-pullups
-situps
(I just read that a Marine can now opt to perform pushups instead of pullups with a small penalty in scoring. This wasn't an option when I was in in the early-mid 2000's and frankly I think its BS)

Posted: 2/23/2020 3:18:16 PM EST

[#25]

I'll probably puss out and stick with the Navy test. After 30 years of roofing my knees are shot and running is not my friend. I'll do it and probably end up limping for a few days after, but the shorter the better for that.

Posted: 2/23/2020 3:24:21 PM EST

[#26]

I forgot who, but one of y'all was having a hard time finding molle straps to convert bags. Found em cheap here

http://www.gunnyssurplus.com/usgi-molle-shoulder-straps.html

And here's a really good write up on the conversion

http://libertytreeblogs.blogspot.com/2011/04/building-hellcat-hybrid-ruck-from-us.html

Posted: 2/23/2020 3:46:09 PM EST

[#27]

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I forgot who, but one of y'all was having a hard time finding molle straps to convert bags. Found em cheap here

http://www.gunnyssurplus.com/usgi-molle-shoulder-straps.html

And here's a really good write up on the conversion

http://libertytreeblogs.blogspot.com/2011/04/building-hellcat-hybrid-ruck-from-us.html

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That was me. I just ordered some, thanks. They up charge $9 for woodland camo and shipping was steep, but it allows me to do this project.

Posted: 2/23/2020 3:51:01 PM EST

[#28]

I should probably add the sit ups and push ups into my weekly routine, but the running portion is a piece of cake.

Posted: 2/23/2020 3:58:54 PM EST

[#29]

I posted up a YouTube vid of the guy doing the hellcat conversion in the BB thread where that was mentioned. Was much easier for me to understand what was going on as opposed to looking at the write up and pics.

Also, I'll go with what is required for the qual (navy). The rest can do as fitness level dictates. As I drop weight, I will do more....

Posted: 2/23/2020 3:59:38 PM EST

[#30]

While I didn't get the hike in yesterday, I did get some range time in today. Tried out the Range at 355. Pretty nice, first time I've shot there. Usually just go to Rink's since it's so close.

Posted: 2/23/2020 4:00:12 PM EST

[#31]

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I should probably add the sit ups and push ups into my weekly routine, but the running portion is a piece of cake.

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Says the runner! I need a swap to do bicycle instead of run....

Posted: 2/23/2020 4:01:59 PM EST

[#32]

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Says the runner! I need a swap to do bicycle instead of run....

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I hate short distances like that. I'm barely getting warmed up at the end of a 5k race.

Posted: 2/23/2020 4:10:38 PM EST

[#33]

The Navy test sounds good to me. Maybe shoot for some time in mid-March? That’ll give anyone interested a few weeks to brush up on areas where they might be lacking. We could also push it back a little farther if that would make a difference to anyone who might want to run it.

Posted: 2/23/2020 4:15:35 PM EST

[#34]

It was great meeting up with you guys and getting something accomplished.

Some take-aways from the day:
- my pack has reached its weight and volume capacity. It's designed as a 3 day pack, and I have it crammed for more than that.

-this is a short pack, and the waist belt doesn't sit down far enough to carry the load properly. I think that it would sit on a web belt or battle belt nicely, but pinching could be an issue.

-I have provisions to carry water on the pack, but it isn't accessible during a hike. This doesn't apply to these qualifying hikes, only when using bag as intended.

-i tried using regular sports tape with a telfa to wrap an existing blister. The tape was total garbage. Leukotape was suggested, but I couldn't find any locally before the hike.

-overall, I did like my pack, and I think that I can improve the fit. I also liked my liner sock, sock, boot combo.

Oh, and I need to make sure to bring a belt that fits so my pants aren't falling down during the hike.

Posted: 2/23/2020 4:20:14 PM EST

[#35]

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I should probably add the sit ups and push ups into my weekly routine, but the running portion is a piece of cake.

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I’ll do your pushups if you do my run. Teamwork.

Seriously, though, the Navy test looks pretty easy across the board when adjusted for age. I originally thought the time for the pushups/sit-ups was one minute and was thinking I’d might end up with a low but acceptable score, but two minutes? Not too bad, “satisfactory” should be within reach of anyone who’s reasonably active/fit.

For the 50-54 crowd-

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Posted: 2/23/2020 4:38:34 PM EST

[#36]

I don't think I've run since high school, I'm going to have to give that a whirl. I really like that this is pushing me to do things I normally wouldn't.

Posted: 2/24/2020 9:56:20 AM EST

[#37]

Regarding timing, I’m out 3/18-3/21, so I’d selfishly suggest we aim for a date after that. That should give anyone wanting to some time to warm their bodies up to the idea a bit of time to do so.

By then we’d also probably have more than a few guys qualified at 3rd class, so we could have a decent group jump to 2nd all together if we can get some decent attendance for the PT test.

Edited to correct dates I’m out of town. Got the wrong month, whoops.

Posted: 2/24/2020 5:31:00 PM EST

[#38]

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Regarding timing, I’m out 3/18-3/21, so I’d selfishly suggest we aim for a date after that. That should give anyone wanting to some time to warm their bodies up to the idea a bit of time to do so.

By then we’d also probably have more than a few guys qualified at 3rd class, so we could have a decent group jump to 2nd all together if we can get some decent attendance for the PT test.

Edited to correct dates I’m out of town. Got the wrong month, whoops.

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That's fine with me. It gives me a chance to bang out my hikes and train for the physical. As sad as it sounds, I think that I need to train a bit for it. My knees and running don't get along, so I need to convince my knees to play along with this program. I also need to drop a few lbs to meet the Navy spec for my height.

Posted: 2/24/2020 5:35:34 PM EST

[#39]

If any of you guys eat Mountain House for camping, they are on clearance at Walmart.

Clearance price is $7. Normal price is $8 or $9. That's not much of a savings. I asked the sporting goods manager for a further discount if I cleaned them out, opening the shelf space for immediate use. I got them for $5 each, that's a good price.

Posted: 2/24/2020 6:51:53 PM EST

[#40]

Mmm, I wonder if we’re going to be required to meet height and weight specs or just pass the PT test? The weight spec hadn’t even occurred to me. I think that’s a question worth asking and will do so in the GD thread. I’m personally right on the borderline and I have a feeling that could be a deal breaker for a lot of perfectly healthy guys.

For reference-

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Posted: 2/24/2020 7:45:23 PM EST

[#41]

Hey GreenDragon....ask away. I don't think there's a H/W req.....if there is my FAT arse won't make it....??

Posted: 2/24/2020 7:52:21 PM EST

[#42]

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Hey GreenDragon....ask away. I don't think there's a H/W req.....if there is my FAT arse won't make it....??

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You’re safe, LOL. Ben responded quick in the main thread, no height/weight standard for our purposes.

Posted: 2/24/2020 8:14:59 PM EST

[#43]

I'm still hanging around. I did a short weighted hike with my dog this weekend. If there is something this coming weekend, I'll try to make it.

Posted: 2/24/2020 8:34:18 PM EST

[#44]

I’d be in for something local this weekend.

Posted: 2/24/2020 8:52:44 PM EST

[#45]

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I’d be in for something local this weekend.

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Aye.

Posted: 2/24/2020 8:56:04 PM EST

[#46]

That’s three so it’s official. Slarti?

What do you guys think of checking out Waterfall Glen?

Posted: 2/24/2020 10:01:27 PM EST

[#47]

As long as I continue in the right direction, I'm good. I'd be up for 6 miles, or if we just do 3 that would work too. I'm going to try and go do 3 or 4 tomorrow....hopefully in the snow!!!!

Posted: 2/24/2020 10:05:04 PM EST

[#48]

On another note, there's a "Support President Trump" rally at 95th and Rt 59 in Naperville on Saturday 2/29 from Noon to 2:00 pm. They've been having these in the will county area and they've been pretty well attended. I'm going to try and go....

anyone else interested?