Join along as we follow Trail Butter Pro, Willie McBride, on his year of adventure. To celebrate turning 40 this past March, Willie's set out to complete 40 adventures before turning 41 on March 17, 2023. We'll be tracking Willie's progress (and sending him all the good vibes) over the course of the year, we hope you enjoy these updates and invite you to send him positive energy all year long.
"This year, for my 40th year of life, I wanted to go all-out and celebrate life, movement, and people, especially after the past 2.5 years of the pandemic. I decided to not just do a few awesome adventures but 40 instead, spread out over the entire year--from March 17th, 2022 to March 16th, 2023--and use my efforts as a way to fundraise for Big City Mountaineers and a cause I care deeply about.
Throughout the pandemic, Big City Mountaineers has reflected upon the transformative power of a personal connection with the outdoors. Now, more than ever, BCM’s work to break down barriers to outdoor access is helping to ensure the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of young people across the country."
40 for 40 Update #1...
1 of 40
Doing the Catalina Traverse and the LA Marathon back to back was a neat way to really juxtapose natural and urban environments, and celebrate them both. It was powerful to experience solitude one day and being among thousands of runners the next. Variety is the spice of life :)
Adventure #1 Theme Song: California by Delta Spirit
2 of 40
LA Marathon
Road marathons are tough and hard on the body but the collective energy of the 16,000+ runners (and countless spectators!) made it possible to dig deep and push through. Truly inspiring and beautiful to see so many runners of all ages, paces, body types, etc.
Adventure #2 Theme Song: Brightside by The Lumineers
3 of 40
Three Sisters Traverse (hut-to-hut cross country ski route)
This 2 night, hut to hut traverse was about slowing down and enjoying the winter backcountry with a good friend. Less miles, more time to relax and soak in the wilderness and simple existence of staying in a backcountry hut.
4 of 40
Gorge Waterfalls 50k
Gorge Waterfalls, coming back after a multi-year hiatus, was a sort of reunion of the PNW trail community and it felt great to reconnect with some many friends as well as to be back on the beloved trails of the Columbia Gorge.
Adventure #4 Theme Song: Home by LCD Soundsystem
5 of 40
Full Bright Angel Traverse, Grand Canyon (47 miles Rim to Rim to Rim via a historic variation)
Ah the Grand Canyon, truly one of my very favorite places on this planet! It is so powerful, so spiritual, so impactful in ways that are hard to even put words to. A dear friend and I spent a full day traveling across the canyon and back, adding to an already challenging adventure by taking a rarely traveled historic trail to the North Rim (Old Bright Angel trail).
Adventure #5 Theme Song: Sedona by Houndmouth
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Make a donation to Big City Mountaineers in support of Willie's 40 for 40 challenge HERE
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