SttS question about Gazos Loop

[czuleeg]

Does anyone know if the 50K uses the Middle Ridge Rd to the Dool Trail loop (the "Gazos Loop")?

This extra loop is designated in purple on the event map and as Orange in the Course Description.

But I am not clear as to whether 50K or marathon uses this option.

Am I correct in assuming that the 50K will use both the "Gazos Loop" and the "Bypass on Sunset"?

[thr3ee]

The Gazos loop is only on the 50K course. It is basically the extra mileage that makes it a 50K. I'm not sure what the "Bypass on Sunset" is.

Here's a quick description of the Gazos loop:

You head right up the road out of the aid station. Then you turn off after a mile to go up a steeper little trail (Drool) to connect with the Middle Ridge fire road. Middle Ridge is mostly up, but sort of climbs in "humps" so there are occasional respites from the climbing. After a couple of miles you head down the aptly named Meteor trail (one of my favs for flying downhill). Meteor connects back to the SttS trail down near the road which then rolls up and down back to the aid station.