Kirt “Ricochet” Lewis has begun the Calendar Year Triple Crown
Kirt Lewis, a Virginia native better known as Ricochet among his fellow hikers, has been battling through snow-covered trails in the Southern Appalachians as he attempts to complete the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail within the 2025 calendar year.
Ricochet began hiking during the pandemic, overcoming significant challenges to complete the Appalachian Trail in 2020. In 2021, he hiked from Mexico to Canada along the Continental Divide Trail, encountering more hikers than he did the previous year on the AT. By 2022, Ricochet had earned his Triple Crown by completing the Pacific Crest Trail.
You can follow Ricochet’s 7,000+ mile journey more closely on his YouTube Channel, where he shares updates like Appalachian Trail Day 1 Of The Calendar Triple Crown 2025.
Who are you, and what’s your "why" for attempting the CYTC?
I’m a 41-year-old, self-described "washed-up thru-hiker" from Narrows, Virginia, with a degree in Exercise Science. I’m attempting the Calendar Year Triple Crown because after earning the Triple Crown, my restless mind started searching for the next level of challenge. This feels like the natural progression.
Describe your training and preparation.
To prepare for this long journey, I’ve been doing weight training three to four times a week and cardiovascular training four to five times a week.
What gear are you taking?
Here’s what I’ll be using:
Z-Packs Duplex Tent
70L Arc Hall Z-Packs Backpack
Enlightened Equipment Sleeping Bag
Synthetic Jacket and Pants to handle the cold, early-season weather
Therm-a-Rest Sleeping Pad
What obstacles do you foresee?
The biggest obstacle I foresee is dealing with off-season weather. I’ll be starting the Appalachian Trail months before most thru-hikers and will need to move quickly to avoid getting snowed in out west later in the year. The desert sections will also be hot, and water sources may dry up. But I don’t dwell on the future too much—I take it one step at a time, because with any big, meaningful challenge, every step counts.
What are some of your past achievements that might help you in your CYTC attempt?
I’m essentially retracing my steps. I’ve done it before, so I know I can do it again—just faster and, right now, much colder.
What drives you to persevere in the moments you want to quit most?
My desire to grow as a person and become my better future self is what keeps me pushing through tough moments. Here’s to the Calendar Year Triple Crown 2025—LET’S GOOOO!!!
What’s your favorite comment from someone you’ve told about your attempt?
My favorite comment is, “You’re never gonna make it.”
