My name is Jake Arens, but you can call me Sidetrack. I’m a disables hiker, and an advocate for Cerebral Palsy research. My ability to walk is a miracle. I honor that privilege by walking as much as I can. AT class of 2022 and TEAR 2024 (currently attempting). I also love writing, deep conversations, long hugs from old friends, and the watching the dust float away when rubbing dried mud off my furry legs.
Posts
What’s With Trail Names? – Becoming Sidetrack
According to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, nearly 3 million people hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail each year. With such a teeming mass
A Phased Approach to Training For A Thru Hike
Most folks attempting to hike the entire Appalachian Trail will fall into two camps: Those hiking themselves into shape, and those who have already
Why I’m Re-hiking 200 Miles
Why I’m Starting Over In my last post, Why I'm Attempting an Appalachian Trail Thru Hike…Again, I outlined my reasons for hiking again, even after
Why I’m Attempting an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike…Again
Face to Face with Failure It was 35 degrees, and the rain pelted my face, hiding the tears. My fingers ached with the cold, I could barely feel my