Make Your Own Record on the Mt. Washington Auto Road on May 26th As Part of the 2nd Annual Alton Weagle Unusual Ascent Day
Alton Weagle Day 2011
Mt. Washington, NH- The Mt. Washington Auto Road will be hosting the 2nd Annual Alton Weagle Unusual Ascent Day on Saturday, May 26th as part of the kick-off celebration for the Road’s 151st operating season. The event will commemorate the many unusual ascents made on the “Carriage Road” since it opened to the public in 1861.
This spirit of fun and adventure was perhaps best captured by day’s namesake, the late Alton Weagle of Walpole. Weagle was a great advocate for safe and sustainable enjoyment of the White Mountains, who became known for awhile as “Mr. Mt. Washington”, thanks to his entertaining exploits during the 1950s. At various times he has run up the Auto Road barefoot, backwards and blindfolded (up and down) and he has pushed up a wheelbarrow with a 100 pound sack of sugar without setting it down; Weagle climbed up and down Tuckerman Ravine, along the Cog Railway and the Auto Road (30 miles) in 14 hours 28 minutes and even got married on the Cog Railway in 1955.
All of this follows in a great tradition of remarkable Auto Road ascents throughout history, which will be further shared and celebrated on May 26th. “Mt. Washington has always drawn a unique assortment of characters in search of personal distinction—some have been more serious minded than others, of course,” said Howie Wemyss, Auto Road general manager.
Meg unicycling
As part of last year’s festivities, several unusual “first ascents” were accomplished, including one person who made the climb on a unicycle, one on roller skis, a trio who Irish stepped danced their way to the top and one man who backed his vehicle from base to summit along the winding 8 mile road to the northeast’s highest peak. Several unique ascents are planned for 2012, including: 2 people riding tricycles; one Star Wars scout trooper; one man pogo sticking; a fireman in full fire fighter gear including SCBA and hand tool and a buckskin character going up in a go-kart, among others.
Those members of the public who purchase passes and drive up the road on Alton Weagle Day are invited to participate by wearing funny hats and sending in a photo of themselves going up the mountain, which will be posted online and be eligible to win prize passes for a later visit.
A special ceremony recognizing records set that day will take place at 1pm at the Glen House base building. Anyone else interested in participating with an unusual ascent of their own is required to contact the Auto Road at 466-3988 for schedules and more information.
Photos from 2011
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