In September 2025 Dale Sanders will begin his second Appalachian Trail thru-hike. In the month leading up to this adventure, Dale is seeking support shuttle drivers as well as donations towards covering the costs of a brand new documentary, about this amazing feat. After all, Dale will be 90 years old when he steps out on the trail.

Base Camp On Wheel’s Shuttle Drivers Info

Dale's Appalachian Trail (AT) vehicle shuttle drivers program is likely the most important volunteer position that Dale will be needing. He's seeking drivers and a support team for sections of the trail, to drive his Base Camp On Wheels  to the end of each day, allowing Dale to sleep in comfort and then continue refreshed the next day.

Am I a good fit for being a Base Camp On Wheels Shuttle Driver?
You and family must decide if volunteering for a week (or longer) to drive an old truck camper through the rugged back country of the AT connection roads is for you. To help one find these answers, please read on.

Can I select the dates that I want to volunteer? 
In most cases, the volunteer shuttle drivers will be able to select the dates they would like to volunteer, in ideal circumstances relieving the previous shuttle driver on Sundays. Sundays will be day off trail, a “0” milage hiking day for Dale, further simplifying logistics.
Date selection will aid location planning and while efforts will be made to stay on schedule, things do happen out on the trail. Dale of course cannot guarantee against something happening he has no control over but we will let you know if the dates you selected are available and the proximate AT Region/ State you will be shuttling the BCOW (Basecamp on Wheels!).
We shall keep any incoming shuttle drivers informed of progress and any likely change of plans.

What will I need to do on my first day?
We will need a photocopy of each shuttle drivers State Driver’s License and ask each to sign a simple release. Dale’s Insurance will cover most accidents that could potentially happen while driving the BCOW. Sorry, but in the event of an accident, driver pays any fault deductibles that Dales’ insurance company may require. You may be able to get fault related insurance from you existing provider to cover these deductibles.

What will each day be like?
Shuttle drivers will daily drive the BCOW up-trail to the selected destination. Please arrive at this planned location before Dale does.  Some creativity may be required as detail road conditions may not be known until you drive on them. On some sections there will be no roads close enough to reach without spending at least one night out. In these cases, Dale and anyone hiking with him will have to pack for one night, two days or more, in the woods on the trail. When the vehicle is parked, text a photo of its location to Dale. This signals Dale on the trail not to worry and also essential information to give authorities if the vehicle is stolen or broken into.  

How will I know where to go?
Dale and Jonathan Biebesheimer* will work with you on details where you will be driving to each day.  To help on your end, we recommend you download the Far Out Guides App.. The Far Out trail mapping service will be the official tracking map Dale will be using. Learn how to use it. You can purchase the entire bundle or less expensive designated sections only. Trail milage, way points, AT parking and existing AT cross roads are must-know details . But if you opt out of making this purchase, Dale will have a second phone with app you can use during the hike.         
* To reach Jonathan, See below “Who do I contact and apply to for potential shuttle driver consideration” below for contact for Jonathan’s contact info. Dale will also have SPOT Tracker on his backpack. The trick is - for him to remember to turn it on just before departing BCOW in the AM and turn it off when he arrives at his daily destination in the afternoon. so you may need to remind him!. The SPOT tracker shows his current location every 5 minutes, this will be valuable to you as shuttle driver.

Can I do some sightseeing during the day?
Yes! When driving through towns you will also have many options to enjoy the commercial and free amenities of being close to the trail. Many scenic sights, overviews, restaurants, museums and tourist spots to visit. The perks of being a shuttle driver pay dividends here. No one will be waking you up early AM - you will set your own daily routine. This should make for many fond memories, living the life of a hiker and tourist at the same time.

Should I bring my own vehicle?
If possible, drivers are encouraged to bring their own vehicle and a second driver along. That way their personal vehicles can also be shuttled each day along with BCOW. Simplifies shuttle driver logistics. If your vehicle is equipped with sleeping options that would be even better.

What if I can’t bring my own vehicle?
If you are flying in you will have to figure out how to get from the airport to the trail. If you have a plan that’s great. If not, Trail Angels are a great source for inexpensive travel, all through out and near the trail.

Who will pay the BCOW gas cost?
Dale will pay BCOW gasoline cost, normally sufficient to cover daily shuttle expenses. Up to $100.00 / week. His truck camper can also be used for side trips, with Dales’ approval. The team crew member making the request will be responsible for paying the extra milage cost.  

Places to Camp, Stay and Sleep:  Where will I sleep if I’m a Base Camp on Wheels Shuttle Driver?
While on the trail, overnight accommodation in a commercial hotel, motel, hostel, or cabin will be a rare treat.  Even the use of campgrounds will not be encouraged, unless they are offered free or directly located at the daily trail head. Sleeping near BCOW, at road crossings, is simple and easy. Usually, around the trail, through hikers can sleep in vehicles just about any where it’s legal parking. But there may be exceptions. Sometimes we will just have to play-it-by-ear. A best option is trail head designated parking. Our mapping service will show these parking areas. Sleeping near the trail head, ready to hike out the next morning is best in every way.

Will I need to bring any sleeping or camping gear?
You will not need to bring a tent, sleeping bag or hammock, unless you want to. Both will be available in the BCOW. But, if you have a second driver, you should bring sleeping gear for them. Only problem - sometimes setting up tents or hammocks, at trail head parking lots and at cross roads, is not officially allowed. But, most times those magic words. “I am a Thru-hiker leaving early AM” work. Or, if all else fails, one can sleep in the camper truck, which has a built-in bed where the back seat was.  Another option, if not too cold or raining - Cowboy Camping is an option. Just sleep under a tree to keep the dew off, or in very dry conditions, under the stars works fine. If all else fails - stay awake all night, use my bed in early AM, sleep til noon and shuttle up… LOL
Don’t worry, when the time comes, the crew will figure all this out. Dales motto, always look at the positive side: A good adventure, good laughs and good experiences starts with a positive attitude. Now… if someone offers free accommodations, it’s been rumored that it will be hard for him to turn sweet deals down!  Private home and hostels for overnight stays have many benefits like good food, a place to take a bath, wash clothes and other hiker needs. Plus enjoy good camaraderie. Some hostels, B&B’s, motels and hotels will give free or room discounts. Also Dale is hooked on Caramel Frappes and just maybe, on the way, you will pass a Starbucks or McDonalds.!

Meals on the Trail and their Preparation: As a BCOW Driver will I be helping with food prep?
Dale will be extremely busy with hiking logistics, photo screening, interviews, socializing, personal logistics, preparation for the next day’s hike, etc. With the “hikers midnight” being sundown, Dale won’t have much time for cooking. Eating good meals is vital. Shuttle drivers will be requested to make this happen, for dinner meals anyway.
A typical Day: Breakfast: Dale can fix his own breakfasts.
Lunch: In most cases, Dale will be eating pre-wrapped sandwiches, fruits (dried & fresh) and snacks on the trail. Chocolate milk, Boost or other similar drinks work well as mid day snacks.
Dinner: Shuttle drivers will be ask to prepare most dinners for two to four people. Usually, in camp, anytime between 5:00 - 6:00 PM. Eating out occasionally, especially when there’s a meal sponsor.

Where will I cook dinners?
Dinner meals can be prepared inside or outside the BCOW, at private homes or pickup and / or delivered from a local restaurants. A propane two burner stove, with solar powered refer and Microwave, all cooking all utensils, with spics and seasoning will be provided along with tables and chairs. There is also an awning on the camper for cooking / lounging during inclement weather.

Who will pay for the cost of making or picking up dinners?
Food Cost: Dale has budgeted $100.00 / week to cover his dinner cost as detailed above. Budgeting will be necessary. Other food cost, like snacks, drinks and extra dinner(s) cost will be the applicable individuals responsibility. If anyone would like to contribute funds for foods, direct to the shuttle driver, that would be greatly appreciated.

Re-supply Needs: What will I need to do to help with re-supply needs as a Base Camp on Wheels Shuttle Driver?
Shuttle drivers will be asked to shop for re-supply items; cost of these items will be paid by the person placing the order and re-imbursed by Dale. In the case of extra travel needed to find a store in remote locations, Dale and Jonathan will need to be informed to budget for extra costs.

Other Logistics needs/ Info What will I need to do on my last day?
Drivers will be provided with letter stating trail locations and details corresponding to your start and ending dates you drove the BCOW. When finished with your section, you will be ask to sign the Guinness World Records book, the organization requires this info along with your name, dates, contact information and locations where you moved BCOW. Yes, the volunteer drivers will double as Guinness witnesses.

Who do I contact and apply to for potential shuttle driver consideration?
We have a Shuttle Driver Coordinator named Jonathan Biebesheimer. Jonathan was a key player in several aspects of the Mississippi River Film “GreyBeard”. His experience, knowledge and enthusiasm will be greatly appreciated. Potential shuttle drivers and other volunteers can reach out with an application email to Jonathan: [email protected]

What to include in the application email
The application is simple: Just eMail your Name, address and two forms of contact information, along with a brief summary of factors for us to consider when making shuttle driver selections. It would be nice to have a photograph of you, but not required.  If you have any physical issues that might make things complicated this would be a good time to make it known. Most sections of the AT are not accessible.