Just did a course check and planted 20 litres of water and Gatorade out at the aid station #1 and #2, and another 20 litres at the top point on the course. Everything is a go-ahead for tomorrow morning.
For those worried about snow levels up top, there is one section about 150 meters long and 2 smaller sections of 20 or 30 meters AND THAT'S ALL. The entire lower courses around the 2 lakes are free of snow and in great shape.
Not sure if we can count on sunny weather like we have had the last 3 years, but at least it won't be too hot for running. Ha-ha...
Seeya all bright and early tomorrow -- er at the crack of 9:30 AM or so.
Cheers Pete SS (event host).
Ps For aprez run bevies, the Golden Spike Pub has a section set aside for Club Fat Ass runners, from 1:30 pm till 5:30 pm. They have another big group coming in after us at 6:00, but I didn't figure that would be a problem. We should be out by then.
Ran, our code monkey, rigged the Confirmation page, so that we can keep count who is from Vancouver/North Van (I hear Pemberton falls in Ean's territory, right PembiDon) and see if Ean is reaching his quota. Thanks, Ran.
Submitted by karenramel on 22 March, 2009 - 20:43.
Hah I should probably expect that not many (if any) of these cool events are below 10km in distance... however as a runner-wanna-be in the making (taking a 5K clinic right now)...
Approximate distance/time for this? (Understanding of course that I can start any event and simply go my 'own' time/distance - but that isn't very self-motivating...)
Karen, you asked on a more hidden thread where this run takes place. Please check out he agenda page http://www.clubfatass.com/events/RunToTheClouds/agenda There are descriptions on how to get there plus a google map.
As Sibylle mentioned, officially there are 10, 13.5 and anything "up to" 25 km routes. The 10 K is as simple as can be - one lap of Buntzen Lake, cutting across the new bridge at the south end and the suspension bridge at the North end, and staying on the trail closest to the lake the whole way around. The extra 3.5 km addition is pretty cool as it adds on "lesser Buntzen" or Trout Lake (as my old BC Hyrdo map calls it) to this main lake route, and if done correctly takes you by my aid station twice as you figure 8 around the lower then upper lakes. That alone is worth the extra 3.5 km, even if the beautiful trails don't get you smiling.
I mention this as there has been some chit chat down below in the comments about "not finding out where the short cuts are... Well, I assure you that unless you want to swim across a lake somewhere , there really isn't any shortcuts on these 2 routes.
Why I mentioned anything "up to 25 km" is once the keeners have done the figure 8 around the 2 lakes, the games really begin. The route then starts UP challenging climb on Academy Trail finally spitting out on the upper power line road up on Eagle Ridge, but then CLIMBS AGAIN up to the top tower before returning back to the lake and the official finish. For people wanting to do more than 13.5 but less than 25, it is basically an out and back route up there, so turn around anywhere you want and keep track of your mileage for the results sheet.
Of course, anyone can short cut any part of this route should they please, but then... as Club Fat Assers know, you have to live with your concience on that one. We won't officially penalize you for running too far, but if you are questing out for the full "Run to the Clouds" 25 km distance, there is the 2 top towers that must be touched before heading back down to the gazebo and finish line to fufill that distance. By the way, that top tower is up there at over 1450' of elevation - quite probably still in snow... and almost a 1000' above the lake level. No freebies on that last 12.5 kms!!
So Karen (and others) I don't know if I have fully answered your questions, but don't let the routes get you worried. Just come out and have some fun! You will do fine.
Submitted by Baldwin Lee on 23 March, 2009 - 18:22.
Pete, my comment on the "shortcuts" applies to other "club" that I'm with. Y'know, the drinking one with the running problem?
And just to confirm: having been on the Eagle Mountain Section as of last Saturday, there is definitely a lot of snow leading up to the power station and if you don't mind getting your knees wet (which is actually quite refreshing after hoofing up Academy and Eagle ridge trail) you should be fine.
This event has a 10km, 13km and 25km option - and yes, you can always turn around after a certain time for a custom distance...or run walk and enjoy the scenery for the 10km? Who cares if you take 2 hours? It's all about being out there and having fun. Since ActionJackson is probably running the 25km, I will aim to run/walk the 10km with my kids.
To find out more about the event follow the links to the event website above.
Submitted by Ean Jackson on 12 March, 2009 - 21:46.
Yes, you read that correctly.
If you show up to the Run for the Clouds and you are one of the first 36 to hale from Vancouver, I will give you a nice, cool, craft ale.
For the record, my definition of "Vancouver" is rather loose.
Say you were having a sleepover on the International Space Station. You look out of the port hole and there just above Seattle, is a big blob of lights. I'd say that blob of lights would be Vancouver, Canada while the much smaller blob of lights to the south of Seattle would be Vancouver, Washington.
While Coquitlam could technically be considered part of that Vancouver (Canada) blob of lights, I think the proud citizens of the host city of the 2009 Run to the Clouds should be set apart from the rest of the rabble because they are special.
Which brings us back to the question of how to make sure that fine craft ale has your name on it...
I propose that all comers ponder my definition of "Vancouver" before they sign in to the Run to the Clouds. To note for visitors from farther afield: I believe Gregor Robertson (the mayor of Vancouver) often welcomes guests to Vancouver with the honorary designation of "Vancouver citizen for a day".
I won't question your judgment call about what constitutes "Vancouver". In other words, if you say you are from "Vancouver" when your Event Host greets you at sign-in, the beerski is yours!
PS Baldy, yes you can use the "forward to a friend" feature below and Facebook to distribute to all of your pals in the Hash House Harriers =;-)
You know, when that gauntlet was thrown down about "just bringing the same number of runners from the shore that we bring to your New Years Day bash", I didn't think you would stoop to bribing them with beer and getting flexible with new North Van city boundaries to get your numbers up... ?!?!?
but hey... for a free beer, I'm going to suggest all my local friends sign up as from Vancouver or North Van too... May as well all go have some fun at the aprez party.
It's all good Ean, get em out any way you can. The more the merrier!
Submitted by Baldwin Lee on 12 March, 2009 - 22:37.
Although it's to safe to say I had more than my fair share of beer already.
Jackson, it's kind of pointless to forward this via Facebook as since Scrabulous has been taken off the board (pun intended) I don't really use FB anymore and yes Sibylle, this is why I don't respond to invites to CFA via FB.
Besides, considering that this is where the Apr 4th Hash is going to be, I don't want the pack to figure out where the shortcuts are when I set the run live.
But does a runner from Burnaby who often runs on the North Shore count as a Vancouver runner coming out or a Coquitlam runner ..... or just his own weird little entity?
... I'd say "a runner from Burnaby that often runs on the shore" should just come on out and run as a runner from Burnaby and have some fun!! Don't give Ean the satisfaction of thinking he is bringing another runner out from North Shore... Make him bring his own runners.
There has been some good banter here on where our runners are coming from or where they should sign up from etc, as far as I'm concerned EVERYONE is welcome.
A few of you may have to sign up as coming from North Van just to help out Ean if he doesn't pull through on his "gauntlet thrown down" discussion and get a whole whack of runners out from North Van for this one, but really..... it's all good. I'm just stoked if you come on out to run it :)
Ha...the one writing about "fellow Vancouverites" is actually a North Vancouverite...it's getting very complicated. Lets just all go to Coquitlam on the 28th to join the Coquitlam group and run to the clouds.
Hi fellow Club Fat Assers... Pete SS here - event host for Run to the Clouds.
Just a quick update for you.... the Run to the Clouds course is in great shape. The bridge is back in at the South end of the lake so our original figure 8 route around Buntzen and Lesser Buntzen (or Trout) Lake from a few years ago is back in play.
There still may be a bit of lingering (or new) snow on the route, but much of the trails are in excellent shape. Note: this run has less mud than many other trail runs in the Vancouver area as the trails are quite groomed and gravel topped.
With 3 run length options this year, no excuse not to bring out other family or friends for a great run. Hope to see you all out in a few weeks.
Submitted by Ean Jackson on 7 January, 2009 - 13:13.
So, Pete, let me get this straight:
you host a CFA run (Run to the Clouds) and I host a CFA run (Vancouver New Years Day)
your run starts in downtown Coquitlam and goes up into bear country, mine starts in downtown Vancouver and goes into the wilds of Point Gray
it's been sunny and warm for the Run to the Clouds for the past 3 years, where the NY Day FA50 is always cold, rainy, snowy, blowy or all of the above
you and a boatload of friends from Coquitlam get up with hangovers at the crack of dawn on NY day, drive an hour in to Vancouver, run up to 50K, support all of the runners in my event with an awesome mobile buffet and all go home happy
you want me to do better than that?
Yikes... A tall order.
What would it take for me to up the ante, as it where? Given the remote trails, I can't call you on the sag wagon. How about a couple of volies for the start/finish? All I have to do is wear my sunglasses and the Big Guy will bring on a deluge of rain. I definitely am up to the challenge of rallying at least 13 fellow Vancouverites for an early-morning convoy out to Coquitlam. (You will see that I've already signed up: 13 to go!) Raise you there. Is there free beer at the Run to the Clouds? A swim in Bunsen Lake at the finish?I'm a lame old fart, so I can't race 'ya.
Yup.... you got some of the first part right... actually the Run to the Clouds starts at Buntzen Lake, does a creative figure 8 around the main lake and the smaller lake at the North end, then "heads off for the clouds" straight up Eagle Ridge -- up to a wicked view point, then returns back to lake level and the finish line.
There hasn't been too many worries about bears and with the long cold winter and the low snowpack this year, I think they will be still all curled up, so no sweat there...
BUT YES, a bunch of us come out to your wet or snowy event, it's high time you North Van and Vancouver folks found out that Buntzen Lake is really only a short hop-skip-and jump from the shore. Once you come out, you will want to come back, I know that.
So Ean, I'd say maybe leave your sunglasses at home as we would all much prefer another sunny day than more rain (or worse - snow).. BUT FOR SURE I'd love to see you rally at least 13 fellow runners that may not have checked out this run before. Come on out and have some fun.
I WILL guarantee you all some great super worthy trails, and spectacular views. I'll even promise you an aid station in the middle of nowhere with lots of treats to make your day (we use mountain bikes to shuttle in the goodies). The best part is, as this aid station is positioned at the narrow point on that figure 8 you get to run by it again a second time and grab more of what you liked the first time.
Hmmm, what else can I promise?? How about for all of those runners that haven't had enough winter yet, there may even be some snow left on the trails for you to prance around in. Oh yeah, I got one.... That there IS a VERY COLD lake about 100 feet from the finish line to take a dip in at the end of your run! Is that enough??
So, come on out and have fun.
Seeya there! Pete SS
Note: The route was kinda screwed up last year as the south end floating bridge was taken out, but it is all fixed up and back in place, so it is GAME ON. Cool lake route with a butt kicker hill to seperate the women from the men (I say this as all the women in my run group pretty much all kick my ass).
Comments
Car Pool from North Van?
If anyone from North Van is looking for a ride, give me a call at 604-904-6554. Plan to leave at about 7:45.
Run to the Clouds -- Tomorrow !!
Hey fellow Fat Assers,
Just did a course check and planted 20 litres of water and Gatorade out at the aid station #1 and #2, and another 20 litres at the top point on the course. Everything is a go-ahead for tomorrow morning.
For those worried about snow levels up top, there is one section about 150 meters long and 2 smaller sections of 20 or 30 meters AND THAT'S ALL. The entire lower courses around the 2 lakes are free of snow and in great shape.
Not sure if we can count on sunny weather like we have had the last 3 years, but at least it won't be too hot for running. Ha-ha...
Seeya all bright and early tomorrow -- er at the crack of 9:30 AM or so.
Cheers Pete SS (event host).
Ps For aprez run bevies, the Golden Spike Pub has a section set aside for Club Fat Ass runners, from 1:30 pm till 5:30 pm. They have another big group coming in after us at 6:00, but I didn't figure that would be a problem. We should be out by then.
Jackson's Saloon
Hey Pete,
Getting worried? Want to double down on that bet?
I'll bet some of those folks from "Vancouver" might like to enjoy their cool ones while soaking in the view out on the course.
Maybe I could sponsor an aid station? I could bring cans and run with them on the long course up to a romantic lookout spot? Shotgun city!
Of course, I would haul them out again, but would I get Club points for each of the empties I collected?
Has Ean reached his Quota yet?
Ran, our code monkey, rigged the Confirmation page, so that we can keep count who is from Vancouver/North Van (I hear Pemberton falls in Ean's territory, right PembiDon) and see if Ean is reaching his quota. Thanks, Ran.
Distance for this event is....?
Hah I should probably expect that not many (if any) of these cool events are below 10km in distance... however as a runner-wanna-be in the making (taking a 5K clinic right now)...
Approximate distance/time for this? (Understanding of course that I can start any event and simply go my 'own' time/distance - but that isn't very self-motivating...)
Cheers from downtown Vancouver
Karen, you asked on a more
Karen, you asked on a more hidden thread where this run takes place. Please check out he agenda page http://www.clubfatass.com/events/RunToTheClouds/agenda There are descriptions on how to get there plus a google map.
Distance and shortcuts??
Hi Karen (and others),
As Sibylle mentioned, officially there are 10, 13.5 and anything "up to" 25 km routes. The 10 K is as simple as can be - one lap of Buntzen Lake, cutting across the new bridge at the south end and the suspension bridge at the North end, and staying on the trail closest to the lake the whole way around. The extra 3.5 km addition is pretty cool as it adds on "lesser Buntzen" or Trout Lake (as my old BC Hyrdo map calls it) to this main lake route, and if done correctly takes you by my aid station twice as you figure 8 around the lower then upper lakes. That alone is worth the extra 3.5 km, even if the beautiful trails don't get you smiling.
I mention this as there has been some chit chat down below in the comments about "not finding out where the short cuts are... Well, I assure you that unless you want to swim across a lake somewhere , there really isn't any shortcuts on these 2 routes.
Why I mentioned anything "up to 25 km" is once the keeners have done the figure 8 around the 2 lakes, the games really begin. The route then starts UP challenging climb on Academy Trail finally spitting out on the upper power line road up on Eagle Ridge, but then CLIMBS AGAIN up to the top tower before returning back to the lake and the official finish. For people wanting to do more than 13.5 but less than 25, it is basically an out and back route up there, so turn around anywhere you want and keep track of your mileage for the results sheet.
Of course, anyone can short cut any part of this route should they please, but then... as Club Fat Assers know, you have to live with your concience on that one. We won't officially penalize you for running too far, but if you are questing out for the full "Run to the Clouds" 25 km distance, there is the 2 top towers that must be touched before heading back down to the gazebo and finish line to fufill that distance. By the way, that top tower is up there at over 1450' of elevation - quite probably still in snow... and almost a 1000' above the lake level. No freebies on that last 12.5 kms!!
So Karen (and others) I don't know if I have fully answered your questions, but don't let the routes get you worried. Just come out and have some fun! You will do fine.
See you all there Saturday, Pete SS (event host).
Didnt mean to cause THAT much of a fuss.
Pete, my comment on the "shortcuts" applies to other "club" that I'm with. Y'know, the drinking one with the running problem?
And just to confirm: having been on the Eagle Mountain Section as of last Saturday, there is definitely a lot of snow leading up to the power station and if you don't mind getting your knees wet (which is actually quite refreshing after hoofing up Academy and Eagle ridge trail) you should be fine.
Hi Karen, This event has a
Hi Karen,
This event has a 10km, 13km and 25km option - and yes, you can always turn around after a certain time for a custom distance...or run walk and enjoy the scenery for the 10km? Who cares if you take 2 hours? It's all about being out there and having fun. Since ActionJackson is probably running the 25km, I will aim to run/walk the 10km with my kids.
To find out more about the event follow the links to the event website above.
Free Beer for Vancouverites!
Yes, you read that correctly.
If you show up to the Run for the Clouds and you are one of the first 36 to hale from Vancouver, I will give you a nice, cool, craft ale.
For the record, my definition of "Vancouver" is rather loose.
Say you were having a sleepover on the International Space Station. You look out of the port hole and there just above Seattle, is a big blob of lights. I'd say that blob of lights would be Vancouver, Canada while the much smaller blob of lights to the south of Seattle would be Vancouver, Washington.
While Coquitlam could technically be considered part of that Vancouver (Canada) blob of lights, I think the proud citizens of the host city of the 2009 Run to the Clouds should be set apart from the rest of the rabble because they are special.
Which brings us back to the question of how to make sure that fine craft ale has your name on it...
I propose that all comers ponder my definition of "Vancouver" before they sign in to the Run to the Clouds. To note for visitors from farther afield: I believe Gregor Robertson (the mayor of Vancouver) often welcomes guests to Vancouver with the honorary designation of "Vancouver citizen for a day".
I won't question your judgment call about what constitutes "Vancouver". In other words, if you say you are from "Vancouver" when your Event Host greets you at sign-in, the beerski is yours!
PS Baldy, yes you can use the "forward to a friend" feature below and Facebook to distribute to all of your pals in the Hash House Harriers =;-)
Wow, anything to win a bet...
You know, when that gauntlet was thrown down about "just bringing the same number of runners from the shore that we bring to your New Years Day bash", I didn't think you would stoop to bribing them with beer and getting flexible with new North Van city boundaries to get your numbers up... ?!?!?
but hey... for a free beer, I'm going to suggest all my local friends sign up as from Vancouver or North Van too...
May as well all go have some fun at the aprez party.
It's all good Ean, get em out any way you can. The more the merrier!
Pete SS
Anything to win a bet?
All's fair in love and war, brother Pete.
The question is, will you and the other Coquitlamites (is that what you are?) sell out for a cool Sleeman's Cream Ale after a nice run?
Does it count if I say I'm from the Metro Vancouver area?
Although it's to safe to say I had more than my fair share of beer already.
Jackson, it's kind of pointless to forward this via Facebook as since Scrabulous has been taken off the board (pun intended) I don't really use FB anymore and yes Sibylle, this is why I don't respond to invites to CFA via FB.
Besides, considering that this is where the Apr 4th Hash is going to be, I don't want the pack to figure out where the shortcuts are when I set the run live.
Where does Burnaby fall into this ?
But does a runner from Burnaby who often runs on the North Shore count as a Vancouver runner coming out or a Coquitlam runner ..... or just his own weird little entity?
The mind boggles ...
Hmmm, good one ?? But....
... I'd say "a runner from Burnaby that often runs on the shore" should just come on out and run as a runner from Burnaby and have some fun!! Don't give Ean the satisfaction of thinking he is bringing another runner out from North Shore... Make him bring his own runners.
Ha-ha.
Seeya there !
We welcome ALL CFA runners !!!!
Hey guys,
There has been some good banter here on where our runners are coming from or where they should sign up from etc, as far as I'm concerned EVERYONE is welcome.
A few of you may have to sign up as coming from North Van just to help out Ean if he doesn't pull through on his "gauntlet thrown down" discussion and get a whole whack of runners out from North Van for this one, but really..... it's all good. I'm just stoked if you come on out to run it :)
Seeya soon,
Pete SS (event host)
Ha...the one writing about
Ha...the one writing about "fellow Vancouverites" is actually a North Vancouverite...it's getting very complicated. Lets just all go to Coquitlam on the 28th to join the Coquitlam group and run to the clouds.
I'm pretty sure we just represent Burnaby....
Although, when I held Bonkfest (which is still being finalized....REALLY) I was a runner from Burnaby organizing an event in Squamish.
Come and play !!
Hi fellow Club Fat Assers... Pete SS here - event host for Run to the Clouds.
Just a quick update for you.... the Run to the Clouds course is in great shape. The bridge is back in at the South end of the lake so our original figure 8 route around Buntzen and Lesser Buntzen (or Trout) Lake from a few years ago is back in play.
There still may be a bit of lingering (or new) snow on the route, but much of the trails are in excellent shape. Note: this run has less mud than many other trail runs in the Vancouver area as the trails are quite groomed and gravel topped.
With 3 run length options this year, no excuse not to bring out other family or friends for a great run. Hope to see you all out in a few weeks.
Cheers Pete SS
Run to the Clouds Challenge
So, Pete, let me get this straight:
Yikes... A tall order.
What would it take for me to up the ante, as it where? Given the remote trails, I can't call you on the sag wagon. How about a couple of volies for the start/finish? All I have to do is wear my sunglasses and the Big Guy will bring on a deluge of rain. I definitely am up to the challenge of rallying at least 13 fellow Vancouverites for an early-morning convoy out to Coquitlam. (You will see that I've already signed up: 13 to go!) Raise you there. Is there free beer at the Run to the Clouds? A swim in Bunsen Lake at the finish?I'm a lame old fart, so I can't race 'ya.
What are we betting, anyway?
Run to the Clouds Challenge...
Hey Ean,
Yup.... you got some of the first part right... actually the Run to the Clouds starts at Buntzen Lake, does a creative figure 8 around the main lake and the smaller lake at the North end, then "heads off for the clouds" straight up Eagle Ridge -- up to a wicked view point, then returns back to lake level and the finish line.
There hasn't been too many worries about bears and with the long cold winter and the low snowpack this year, I think they will be still all curled up, so no sweat there...
BUT YES, a bunch of us come out to your wet or snowy event, it's high time you North Van and Vancouver folks found out that Buntzen Lake is really only a short hop-skip-and jump from the shore. Once you come out, you will want to come back, I know that.
So Ean, I'd say maybe leave your sunglasses at home as we would all much prefer another sunny day than more rain (or worse - snow).. BUT FOR SURE I'd love to see you rally at least 13 fellow runners that may not have checked out this run before. Come on out and have some fun.
I WILL guarantee you all some great super worthy trails, and spectacular views. I'll even promise you an aid station in the middle of nowhere with lots of treats to make your day (we use mountain bikes to shuttle in the goodies). The best part is, as this aid station is positioned at the narrow point on that figure 8 you get to run by it again a second time and grab more of what you liked the first time.
Hmmm, what else can I promise?? How about for all of those runners that haven't had enough winter yet, there may even be some snow left on the trails for you to prance around in. Oh yeah, I got one.... That there IS a VERY COLD lake about 100 feet from the finish line to take a dip in at the end of your run! Is that enough??
So, come on out and have fun.
Seeya there! Pete SS
Note: The route was kinda screwed up last year as the south end floating bridge was taken out, but it is all fixed up and back in place, so it is GAME ON. Cool lake route with a butt kicker hill to seperate the women from the men (I say this as all the women in my run group pretty much all kick my ass).
Sign up and see ya there everyone!