Five of us finished marking the snow section on the weekend. For those familiar with the course, we have moved the water stop on Black Mountain. We did this because we couldn't find the regular spot - it is under too much snow to be recognized! Please pay attention to the pink and black striped flagging tape as they mark the safest route through the snow. The rule of thumb is that if you have not seen a marker for more than 100 metres, stop and retrace your steps - you are off course.
Summer has finally arrived in Vancouver bringing sunny skies and warm temperatures. But be prepared for anything. You are running in the mountains!
Eagle Ridge to Cypress Bowl
The trail is clear to the top of Eagle Bluff. The new water station is 1 km past the Bluff
beside a small lake. Lifeguards will not be provided during the race, so no
swimming! The snow section is well marked and shouldn't provide any additional problems
besides exhaustion and sunblindness.
Cypress Bowl to Cleveland Dam
There are two creek crossings just after Cypress Bowl. When you hear the rushing water
take extra care. We have two experienced volunteers at the 2nd crossing. Observe all of
their instructions to get you safely over this snowbridge. Take care running across the
side hill to the top of Hollyburn. A slip here and you can wind up 3 metres down a tree
well! I find the downhills of Hollyburn a legal rush. The "Chute", the 2.5 km
downhill from Hollyburn to Skyline trail, has a couple of trees blocking the trail, so use
caution. There are five road crossings in the British Properties and only one of these is
marshaled. Cars have the right of way!
Cleveland Dam to Seymour Demonstration Forest
Through the parking lot, marshals will direct you across Nancy Greene Way, a major street.
Listen to their directions. Cars still have the right of way! At the top of the road you
will enter the Baden-Powell trail once again. Take care when passing the hoards of hikers
heading up the Grouse Grind. The Baden-Powell trail is a little mucky to Seymour
Demonstration Forest, but this week's warm weather should dry things out.
Seymour Demonstration Forest to Deep Cove
No special considerations to note on this section except for some bridge construction
before Hyannis Drive. There should be lots of hikers heading up the trail from Deep Cove,
so take it easy passing them, especially on the bouncy bridges!
Best of luck with your taper,
Paul Quinn
1999 Race Director
E-mail: pc.quinn@mbltd.com