Skyline-to-the-Sea Baby!

[thr3ee]

OK, so I am definitely jumping the gun on this one, but I kind of enjoy putting a little extra pressure on Sarah and Wendell ;D. Besides, I can't stop thinking about what a great race it would be.

This is one of the most famous Bay Area hiking routes and I think it would be an instant classic as a race. As a 50K it would rival Ohlone for its "epic" quality, but probably not be as difficult if run in the traditional direction (i.e. Skyline to the Sea).

I definitely think there should be a full 100K option because I think that 100K is a great distance and there aren't that many around. Besides, to cover the full trail, the 50K would need to be a one-way event so the logistics wouldn't seem to be that much greater other than the time. Furthermore, the 100K could start and end at the Ocean which is always a bonus. It would also share a certain quality with Firetrails 50/Golden Hills Marathon by having a short and long run start opposite one another, but finish in the same locale.

I am obviously excited about the possibility of this event. The full detailed maps are only available for order via mail. However, you can find a lot of information online including some rough maps at the following sites.

Big Basin:
www.bigbasin.org/trailmapmain.html
Castle Rock:
www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=538
www.parks.ca.gov/pages/538/files/CastleRockCGmap.pdf
Wikipedia entry:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyline-to-the-Sea_Trail

OK, if I haven't already got S&W groaning for ever mentioning the potential on the forums, what are other's thoughts? What can we do to help make this happen? What will it take to shut me up?

-Steve

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

Although I hate to encourage you (if I knew the answer to your last question, I'd be working on making that happen instead of typing this ), your thoughts are exactly the same as ours.

We were actually looking at our giant wall calendar this morning...

Sarah

[willgotthardt]

I also understand the trail has an abundance of properly shaped rocks and sticks.

Excellent idea, awesome trail.

[Make this a 'Double Pointer'].

Will G.

[andyb]

How about giving 50K runners the option of running one way, either up or down, OR an out-and-back starting at the beach? Would that be too difficult logistically?

I agree completely that there should be a 100K, as this trail screams for it in my opinion.

I am already getting excited for this one, and it doesn't even exist yet!!! How is that for some extra pressure? :-D

[leinfellner]

I would do it only if it is in Mid December and yellowjackets are frozen to death.
But who am I?

Norbert

[nightowl]

I think February would fit in my schedule nicely

Craig

[thr3ee]

cslagel said:

I think February would fit in my schedule nicely

Craig

It would make a nice warm-up before Coyote 2 Moons in March. However, a 100K too early in the year will make logistics more difficult due to weather and shorter days. I think most 100K races have something like 16hr cutoffs..

Let's see, you probably wouldn't want to put it too close to either Diablo or Lake Merritt. That knocks out April and May (which would also compete with Miwok).

I actually think that June/July is the perfect time for this race. That puts it before Headlands making it a goof warm-up race. Finishing at the beach is always better in summer. I'm not worried, but I understand that the necessary bee-venom acclimation may seem daunting to some.

That puts it after Headlands which is unfortunate, but mid-September seems to be a good time in the PCTR schedule. Plenty of time after Headlands for recovery and it would become a good warm-up fun for the SF One Day.

OK, those are my thoughts on timing. Now Sarah can really regret encouraging me!

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

Now Sarah can really regret encouraging me!

More than regretting that, I'm trying to figure out how you can know what we're discussing! Is our house bugged?

Steve, I'm going to say something to Wendell and you tell me what it is that I just said, ok?

Sarah

PS Needless to say, at this point, but we're currently looking at September.

[thr3ee]

admin said:

More than regretting that, I'm trying to figure out how you can know what we're discussing! Is our house bugged?

Steve, I'm going to say something to Wendell and you tell me what it is that I just said, ok?

Sarah

PS Needless to say, at this point, but we're currently looking at September.

Hey, I am in the internet software biz after all. By the way, you might want to have Aaron double check #5 on his math homework. It looks like one of his polynomials isn't in simplified form.

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

By the way, you might want to have Aaron double check #5 on his math homework. It looks like one of his polynomials isn't in simplified form.

Ha! Now I KNOW you're lying - Aaron doesn't make mistakes on his math homework!! ;D

[leinfellner]

Man! September is high season for the beasts!
You already shifted Big Basin to an earlier date because of this, right?
I'm out!!

Norbert

PS: You guys crack me up. Good one with the bugged house, Steve!

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

Actually, it appears that summer is the worst, with yellowjacket numbers declining in September:

Western Yellowjacket, Vespula pennsylvanica
This yellowjacket is a major pest species in California. It is primarily a scavenger and in the summer months adults are common around garbage receptacles in picnic areas. Nests are usually constructed in abandoned rodent burrows or in house walls and attics. Nests contain 500 to 5,000 workers and start to decline in September to October.

Plus with almost all 50 kilometers downhill AND yellowjackets chasing you, it'll be a guaranteed PR!!

Sarah

[leinfellner]

OK OK - I'll do it.
But only if Steve gets forced to use the early start option ;D

Wait - he will be ahead of me all the time anyway - I take the latter back!

Norbert

[katemojo]

PLease make it a Saturday- would love to run this trail. Inever have, and it sounds great. Great dialogue going on here...

[trailmomma]

ooh...I am *so* in. What a fun adventure!

Is there some sort of bee repellent we can wear? Or some sort of offering we can make to the powers that bee?