Submitted by Ean Jackson on 14 March, 2012 - 07:56.
The spring running of Mountain Highway Madness is alway unpredictable when it comes to the weather. There have been years when it's sunny, warm and no snow at all. Other years there has been snow from the start line to the top.
With 4 days to go before the start of this years' MHM, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
I've not been on the course this week and probably won't get the chance. I have been downhill skiing on Grouse Mountain, however. The top of the MHM course is roughly the same elevation as the base of the Olympic chairlift. There's been a lot of snow up there lately, and temperatures have been cool, so you can be sure you'll be running in it at least part of the way. Will it be deep powder, ice or wet and mushy? Probably all 3, so come prepared for adventure rather than a crack at the speed record!
The same weather folks are predicting sun for the run on Sunday, so bring your camera as it is stunningly beautiful up near the turnaround on Mount Fromme on a clear day.
Heads-up you are welcome to challenge the course in whatever foot gear you want. Yes, that means barefoot, in your huarachies, in your vibram 5-fingers, your road shoes, your trail shoes, with snowshoes, YakTrax or in your alpine touring or telemark boots, should you opt to try it in skis. You can even bring a boogie board, toboggan or green plastic garbage bag for the trip down if you want.
Several keeners have signed up for the ultramarathon (three (3) laps or more). To my knowledge, nobody has managed this on a snow year, so records may fall. (Note to keeners: be sure to duct-tape your shins as stepping on icy crust over powder snow has known to draw blood!)
Free beer to anyone who completes the 50K Chuckanut trail race on Saturday and at least one lap of Mountain Highway on Sunday!
Comments
Snow Year
The spring running of Mountain Highway Madness is alway unpredictable when it comes to the weather. There have been years when it's sunny, warm and no snow at all. Other years there has been snow from the start line to the top.
With 4 days to go before the start of this years' MHM, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
The weather forecast is for rain until Saturday with temperatures that could mean new snow on much of the MHM course. http://www.weatheroffice.gc.ca/city/pages/bc-74_metric_e.html
I've not been on the course this week and probably won't get the chance. I have been downhill skiing on Grouse Mountain, however. The top of the MHM course is roughly the same elevation as the base of the Olympic chairlift. There's been a lot of snow up there lately, and temperatures have been cool, so you can be sure you'll be running in it at least part of the way. Will it be deep powder, ice or wet and mushy? Probably all 3, so come prepared for adventure rather than a crack at the speed record!
The same weather folks are predicting sun for the run on Sunday, so bring your camera as it is stunningly beautiful up near the turnaround on Mount Fromme on a clear day.
Heads-up you are welcome to challenge the course in whatever foot gear you want. Yes, that means barefoot, in your huarachies, in your vibram 5-fingers, your road shoes, your trail shoes, with snowshoes, YakTrax or in your alpine touring or telemark boots, should you opt to try it in skis. You can even bring a boogie board, toboggan or green plastic garbage bag for the trip down if you want.
Several keeners have signed up for the ultramarathon (three (3) laps or more). To my knowledge, nobody has managed this on a snow year, so records may fall. (Note to keeners: be sure to duct-tape your shins as stepping on icy crust over powder snow has known to draw blood!)
Free beer to anyone who completes the 50K Chuckanut trail race on Saturday and at least one lap of Mountain Highway on Sunday!
Can you do a reconnasaince before Sunday?
Love to know ahead of time if I need snowshoes or yak trax!
See you Sunday 7:30!
Cheers,
Mike.
Duct taped shins?
That's brilliant! Thanks for the tip Jackson!!!