Has anyone ever thought of running or creating a 100 mile trail race from Whistler (or area) to Squamish?
What would this course be? Trails, route, places for aid etc?
I'm
not thinking about being an RD for this, but I am thinking about
running if a course existed (next summer). I was thinking something
like Comfortably Numb (25km), some Lost Lake trails (??) connecting to
the Cheakamus 50 course if possible (50-60km) and then Stormy course
(67km) which is close to 160. Does this make sense and could this all
be connected?
Comments
a meeting over beer
If there is a group of us that would seriously look into this than I would be more than happy to offer my place in Squamish for a get together. It seems that there is interest from Van and Whr people, so SQ seems to be a perfect compromise...my compromise is that I'll put up with all of you for an evening! Hey, I'll even provide a beer for everyone!
GR
recon and get together
Hey
ultra wh-sq
I’ve looked at the Indian Arm forest road up to Squamish as a way of taking this race start to Vancouver, without involving the BP and Howe Sound Crest! Then we can go up 9 mile hill…..
Then, I’ve talked with an ex Park ranger friend about how we might cut from here (Jackson’s folly!) over to Little Diamond Head and behind Garibaldi to G Lake, then up past Black Tusk, over Musical Bumps…..
It might just be possible…particularly with the way the glacier has receded….this high altitude route is clearly the higher risk…but the more interesting one. Going on the West side of Garibaldi is almost impossible….maybe take the Chekamus challenge bike route up past the salt sheds and then try and cut in east of H99 prior to Garibaldi Lake, and pick up Black Tusk/Helm Creek…
I think that 2006 should involve one or 2 weekends of fully distance reconnaissance…say an “A
I'd be in for some recon for
Whr 100
Boys, your talking bout my stomping ground here and no one bothers to ask!
Whr to Pemby can only be linked via the railroad tracks, outside of that you are on Hwy from the Northern side of Comfy Numb until the parking area for Nairn Falls, there are some trails off the hwy along the way, but only small loops like the Shadow Lake interpretive walk. From Nairn Falls you can link into Lumpy's Epic which is a run similar to C.N. in terms of scenery and difficulty, but probably only 15k? To link along the hwy is a good 18-20km of road.
From Whr to Squamish, you would have to follow the same route as the C.C. / S2S course. It'd be great to start off on C.N., there are some really nice trails through Lost Lake, and Mark and I have a very scenic and challenging 17k (approx) circular route in Function Junction that would lead you directly onto the logging road / trail heading south to Squamish.
It's possible, as an 'under the table' run. I tried to organize a CFA event in Whr last year and the paper work and time consumption was beyond belief. They are also pretty strict on events in the area and they are very good at paying attention to what is going on around town. Unless you were prepared to put the time in, it would definitely have to be low key.
Whenever it does happen, consider me in, and I hereby volunteer my girlfriend as support!
Gary
Whr 100
Whistler 100
Gary, Dom, Ean,
In 2000, I approached landowners and land managers in Whistler with the intent of creating a course where racers had options of doing 50k, 100k or 100 miles in total.
The idea was to take advantage of the incredible hiking routes of the area which could make this the most spectacular ultra in the world. The first expected obstacle was BC Parks which absolutely refused access to the Black Tusk area under any circumstances, but said they might allow me to use the Musical Bumps if I agreed to undertake an impact study prior to receiving permission. With these two destinations effectively removed from the possibilities ( I cannot afford such a study), I felt that any other trails that I could get access to were of lesser appeal. Perhaps the idea of having an ultra at Whistler will be popular based on the attractivity of the name. However, I felt that with the trophy areas out of reach, any other routes available at that time were not what I had in mind for an ultra that has such fantastic potential.
The good news is that BC Parks has loosened up on its access policies lately. Perhaps the time is ripe for another kick at the can. I would be happy to share my notes, thoughts and experiences with anyone interested in making this happen.
Kevin Thomson
Whistler 100
Yo Dommer,
I looked into this a few years back. I figured it should start in Whistler and be an out and back to Squamish. To get the distance in, it might have to go north first toward Pemberton and use some of the Cheakamus Challenge bike course.
I know for certain that Kevin Thomson (same guy who scoped out a race on the Sunshine Coast Trail and who lent us his trail guide) spent a fair bit of time trying to figure this one out. I think he ran into some issues with the city of Whistler and liability. I'll give Kevin a heads-up on this discussion and maybe he can add his 2-cents.
Whistler 100?
Dom,
Someone was looking at a 100 for Whistler four or five years ago. I think the course was all going to be in the Whistler valley area but it never got pulled off.
I'm not sure if you can link the Pemberton valley with the Whistler valley on trails. If so, it would probably have to go through northern Garibaldi Park which might be a little ugly. Using the existing mountain bike routes is probably the better idea and finish off in Squamish.
I think another attempt to put this on would be a great idea... especially since you're volunteering to be the inaugural RD!!
Whistler 100