20 starters (plus late arrival Baldwin) turned out for the 8th edition of Bill’s Great Peak Ascent on a perfect July day – not too hot; not too cold. With the weather we’ve had so far this year, being too hot wasn’t much of a risk but too cold (and wet) definitely was. We had a good mix of Ascent veterans and first-timers this year making it our 2nd best turn-out ever. Thanks everyone for coming out!
Personally, I had a great adventure with Action Jackson as we scoped out a route up Mt. Fromme as a possible alternative for next year’s event. One thing is certain. We will need a different route down than what we took after losing the trail quickly and bush-whacking our way down, eventually coming out to Mountain Highway about 500m south of where we intended to be. The route up was great though so we’re ½ way there. After our escape to Mountain Highway, we continued up to Grouse Mountain, meeting new-comers Nicola and Reza on their way down.
Speaking of Nicola, congratulations are in order for her longest (trail?) run ever! Her previous longest run was a couple of times running the Baden-Powell trail from Lynn Canyon to Deep Cove. Well done!
Also worthy of note: Ryan Conroy set a new course record with a blistering time of 2:40. I think that’s about 15 minutes faster than the previous record set in the first year of the event!
11 participants made it to the post-race event at Mosquito Creek Grill in North Vancouver where, as always, we were treated to a free beer and great brunch food. Also, as in most years, nobody went home empty-handed in the free swag department – everyone got something including subscriptions to Trail Runner Magazine, water bottles, headwear and a shirt. A special thank you to all of our sponsors and Sibylle for organizing the swag.
Wildlife sightings for us included a black bear ½ way up the switchbacks on Grouse and a grizzly just below the peak (might have been in a cage) and a bazillion tourists on Grouse. I know it’s hard to imagine there were that many tourists but it’s true! I counted.
I know I said this last year but look for a modified course next year. At least some of the groundwork is now done.
Thanks again to everyone for coming out.
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Submitted by Ryan Conroy on 24 July, 2011 - 10:17.
Peak time was 1:32, total time was 2:40. Was cruising along pretty good until I bruised the ball of my foot on a sharp rock and coasted in stepping a bit too tenderly.
I ran a custom out and back for 60min, no garbage point - didn't see any...
Des also made it back home safe and sound . His total time was 1;23 for a total of 12.5 km or so. He also bent down to pick-up some trash and says the trail was pretty clean.
Comments
Thank You, Bill,
for an awesome run and some fine memories, today. Here are some of my highlights:
Forgot peak time
Peak time was 1:32, total time was 2:40. Was cruising along pretty good until I bruised the ball of my foot on a sharp rock and coasted in stepping a bit too tenderly.
Short and Sweet
I ran a custom out and back for 60min, no garbage point - didn't see any...
Des also made it back home safe and sound . His total time was 1;23 for a total of 12.5 km or so. He also bent down to pick-up some trash and says the trail was pretty clean.