Tuesday, December 15, 2015

PCT Run Saturday, December 19th @ 7 a.m.

PCT SURF Club run is this Saturday, December 19th @ 7 a.m. This month we will meet along Old Highway 80 just outside Boulder Oaks Campground. We will run south along the PCT towards Lake Morena. Out and back, so distance is up to you. Bring your own food/fuel, although if you go as far as Lake Morena (6 miles), there is water there.  

Directions: Interstate 8. Exit Buckman Springs Road. Turn right off exit. Go to the Stop Sign/Blinking Light and turn left onto Old Highway 80. Proceed east for 1.25 miles. You will see parking area just after crossing a small bridge.  

All are invited, whether SURF members or not.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Old West Trails Free Training Runs

Howdy Buckaroos & Buckarettes!
OLD WEST TRAILS “SNEAK PREVIEW” Training Runs
Followed by a delicious “Dutch Treat” social at the BRAND NEW campground Deli& Store!  (sample menu attached)  
 
Saturday, December 12, 7:30 am             16 total miles…featuring 1st half of 50K (out & back)
 
Saturday, January 9th, 2016… 7:30 am    18 total miles…featuring 30K & 2nd half of 50K (out & back)
 
“Sneak Previews” Open to all runners, as a complimentary courtesy….registration is NOT required!   BUT...registration is open  https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?eid=4105
 
Maps, diagrams, elevation profiles, point to point narratives, are available under “RACE INFO” at: 
http://www.oldwesttrails50kultra30kfunrun.com/   Bring copies to help you ‘find your way’….Only intersections will be sparsely marked on the “preview” runs. 
 
Both of the above “course previews” will have a water/cookie station at their midway turn around points…compliments of Shelter Valley’s “magic” volunteers and radio operators!
 
Both previews begin and end at our race venue: http://www.stagecoachtrails.com/
 
Stagecoach Trails Horse Camp & RV Resort
7878 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849          
Julian, CA 92036     RSVP:  racedirectoroldwesttrails50k@gmail.com
Follow signs in campground to Old West free parking location.

Matthew & Geezer Larry, RD's     RSVP:  racedirectoroldwesttrails50k@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

PCT Trail Run - Saturday, November 21st @ 7 a.m.

PCT trail group run this Saturday, November 21st.  Meet at Penny Pines @ 7 a.m.  We will run south along the PCT towards Desert View.  Out and back so you can go as short/long as you like. I will put water out at mile 6.  All are invited.  I hope to see you there!

Monday, October 12, 2015

PCT Run -- This Saturday, October 17 @ 7 a.m.

This is the first of what will be monthly runs along different sections of the Pacific Crest Trail.  Out-and-back—so distance is totally up to you—and easy to navigate.  All single track.  Fast or slow, the format is perfect for everyone, whether you're in training, tapering, or just wanting to have some fun. 

The PCT runs will be held the 3rd Saturday of the month, unless there is a conflict with a race date or something else comes up.  These runs are being sponsored by the S.U.R.F. club, but all are welcome to participate!

October 17:    Meet at Sunrise Highway parking area.  7 a.m.   We will be heading south on the PCT towards Kwaaymii Point. I will try to leave some water at Kwaaymii Point (a little over 6 miles out), but please be prepared to carry whatever you'll need.


Directions: I-8 East. Exit Sunrise Highway.  Left off exit.  Go approximately 20 miles.  Parking lot is on the west side of the road, just past mile marker 34.  From the north: Hwy. 78 through Julian.  Turn right onto Hwy. 79 towards Cuyamaca.  Left onto Sunrise Highway.  Parking lot will be on the right, shortly after mile marker 34.5.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Cuyamaca Loop 2 Last Chance

A few of us are going to run the 2nd loop of the Cuyamaca 100K this Saturday the 26th @ 6AM

If you haven't run this loop and are running in the race next Saturday I highly suggest that you join us if you are free. This loop comes at a time when its HOT, and your TIRED, for me knowing what to expect makes things a little easier to push through. I hadn't run this loop prior to racing Cuyamaca 100K and in hindsight I really wish I did!!!

Anyhow, the more the merrier, we will be meeting at Sweetwater parking lot to start running at 6AM
total mileage looks to be 14-15, and pace will be mellow to moderate, as we are still a little beat up from last weekend!

Shoot me an email if you are thinking of making it,  that way we know to wait for anyone
mwhalen@mrc360.com


Matt Whalen

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Mt Laguna Trail Marathon Course - Training Run on Sat, Sep 12 at 6:30 am

There will be a training run this coming Saturday (9/12) starting and ending at Red Tailed Roost parking for those not tapering for Noble Canyon 50K (the following weekend).  The run starts at 6:30 am sharp and we may break up into a few different pace groups.  Red Tailed Roost is located on Sunrise Hwy (S-1) at green mile marker 22.5 just across the street from the Mt Laguna Fire Dept.

The course will  follow the Mt Laguna Trail Marathon Course (www.runmountlaguna.com) including sections on the PCT, Noble Canyon, SD 100, and Big Laguna Trails.  The total distance will be 31 miles but there are several cutoff's at which to cut it short or turn around for an out and back.  Water will be available at the Penny Pines pump at miles 10 and 20.  It will again be very hot so be sure to bring ample water, electrolytes and food. 

This is a great training opportunity for anyone entered or considering entering the Mt Laguna Trail Marathon which is scheduled for Nov 8. 

No need to RSVP. 

Friday, August 7, 2015

Sunday run addendum

Jennifer Henderson has generously offered to be at the Sunrise parking area with water and ice for this training run.  This will be at mile 8.5ish.  Still another 11 back to School Camp after that with no water stops, so still recommending at least 2 bottles or a hydration pack.

Thanks, Jenny!

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Sunday 8/9 Cuyamaca 100k Training Run

Hi Friends,

I will be running Loop 3 of the Cuyamaca 100k course this Sunday, 8/9, starting at 6:30am.

We will meet at the Sweetwater parking area off of the 79, and run to the starting line in Camp Cuyamaca, before starting the loop.

It is about 1.5 miles to the start, the loop is 18ish, and then it is 1.5 back, for a total of just over 21 miles.  I hope to keep the pace moderate, and finish in 3.5-4hrs.

There is no water along the loop, though there is water at the start/finish in Camp Cuyamaca.  I recommend bringing a hydration pack, or a pack and 1-2 bottles if it is going to be hot.

I would normally add the 2nd loop after this, but I don't have the time this weekend.  If you do have the time and desire, I recommend adding on loop 2 to make it a 50k.

Please remember that you are responsible for knowing your way in the event that you are separated from the group.  Find the course description and directions here.

Hope to see you there!

Scott Crellin

Monday, July 6, 2015

Noble Canyon July 18, 2015

 
Riley Swift, Noble Canyon 50k 2009

We will be running an out-and-back along the main the Noble Canyon trail with the NC 50k Race Director. This run will start on the lower section of the course and will include all of the Noble Canyon trail.
When: Saturday July 18, 2015 launch at 7AM. No need to RSVP.



Total Miles: Approximately 22 total for this run; since it is an out-and-back you can turn around at any point and therefore run any distance you feel comfortable with. You could also add the loop at the top if you want to add the miles.
Water: We will drop some water at Pine Creek Road. Plus water should be on at Penny Pines (water at miles 3, 11, 19). Note the long stretch between water so be sure to carry enough.
See the Noble Canyon website for the course map, elevation, and miles. The race start/finish is at the Pine Valley Conference Center but this training run will start at the Noble Canyon Trailhead.

Description of this run: 
  • Head out on the main Noble Canyon Trail
  • After about 2 miles turn left and cross the creek bed
  • After about 0.7 miles turn right onto the “cutoff trail” and continue to the Pine Creek Road (dirt parking lot, water will be dropped here). 
  • Leave the parking lot by turning right down the dirt trail, then after about ¼ mile turn left to connect again with the main Noble Canyon trail. 
  • Stay on the Noble Canyon trail all the way up to Sunrise Highway (Penny Pines) then turn around and retrace your steps. Note that on race day, at Penny Pines you will cross Sunrise Highway and turn left onto the Pacific Crest Trail.
You are responsible for your own safety.  We will not be keeping track of where runners are on the trails and we encourage you to run in pairs.

See you on the trails.
Brian Gonzales
briang@cliffsandmeadows.com

Monday, June 29, 2015

Saturday 7/4 Hollenbeck Canyon

I'll be running a 12-13 mile loop at Hollenbeck Canyon this Saturday at 6:00 AM.  It will likely get warm out there, so starting a bit early.  All are welcome to join, but please note there is no water and little shade out there, so bring plenty of fluids. 

Here's the spot to park:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Honey+Springs+Rd,+Jamul,+CA+91935/@32.6705217,-116.8234193,160m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x80d968252de6d003:0x66adb0ab751f34c7

Hope to see you there.

Scott Crellin

Monday, May 4, 2015

San Diego 100 Training Opportunities for May 15-17

Posted by Zac Johnston (zacjohnston@sbcglobal.net):

A few of us (Rebecca Ocaine and Christine Bilange so far) are camping at Burnt Rancheria campground the weekend of May 15-17th.  We have reserved the last open site (#49 on Pinyon Loop) although a number of first come, first serve site are available.  Should there be interest for another spot or two, we can move our camp site the day we check in and get more camp sites.

Here are the details Friday night:

Settle in to camp, enjoy beers around camp fire.  I plan on arriving about 4:00 pm.

 Here are the details for Saturday:

Meet at 7:15 at Red Tail Roost, running at 7:30.
Run Meadows, Penney, Pine Creek, Pioneer, and then back.  I believe it's about 37.7 miles. 
Runners can cut this run short by returning at Penny Pines.

We will likely eat dinner at Pine House Tavern (http://www.pinehousecafe.com/)
Here are the details for Sunday.
Meet at Big Bend at 7:15, running at 7:30.
Run first part of course to Chambers and then back to cars.  People are welcome to go longer if they choose.

 All runners are welcome to run whether they camp or not.  Runners should be self-sufficient, carry enough water, and know the route (turn by turn directions are on SD 100 website.)

 No need to rsvp unless you would like to camp.

 To rsvp for camping, shoot me an email at zacjohnston@sbcglobal.net

 Look forward to seeing you on the trails.

Zac

 

Thursday, March 26, 2015

PCT Run - This Saturday, March 28 at 7AM

We will meet at 7 a.m. this Saturday, March 28, at the start/finish location for the PCT 50 on Old Highway 80, just outside Boulder Oaks Campground.  Out and back, so distance is up to you.  I will put water out at the 4 mile mark.

Directions: I-8 East.  Exit Buckman Springs.  Turn right off exit, then a quick left at the Stop Sign onto Old Highway 80.  Drive east approximately 1.2 miles (parallel to I-8).  Park across from the trail head.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Lost Boys 50 Upper Section 4/4/2015



We're checking out the last 20 mile of the Lost Boys 50 course. This will be a good opportunity for those running the race and also their pacers to see what they're in for!

All are welcome to join even those that are not planning to run the Lost Boys 50. Remember that each person is responsible for themselves, we will not be keeping track of who is where and we encourage runners to run in pairs.

    • When: Saturday April 4, 2015. Launch at 7:00AM
    • No need to RSVP
    • Total Miles: Approximately 20 miles (with a couple shorter options).
    • Water: Water will be dropped at West Mesa (approximately 6 miles into the run). So carry enough for the final 14 mile stretch.
    • Training Run Details: We will start and finish off the official course but 95% of this run will be on the official Lost Boys course. Leaving Big Bend we will head East until we meet Stonewall Creek Fire Road (mile 33.3 in the race). We will turn right here and follow the race course and loop all the way around to Marty Marshall trail (MMT). At MMT we'll continue straight to finish back at Big Bend.  See the Maps page for turn-by-turn directions of the course and especially the TRAINING RUN MAP.
    • You can cut the miles short in a couple places as follows:
      • When we arrive at West Mesa you can cross the highway then instead of continuing west on the LB50 course you can turn right (leaving the LB50 course) onto the West Side Trail. Stay right and follow the signs to the Paso Picacho Campground, then run north along the highway for a couple miles back to Big Bend. This option is a bit confusing so you should only consider it if you know the area.
      • A second option would be at the Milk Ranch Road aid station you can just stay on the dirt road heading east instead of heading up Middle Peak. This will cut out a climb and about 3 miles.
    • Where: Meet at "Big Bend." (AKA Milk Ranch Road). This is the big turn in Highway 79:
      0.8 miles SOUTH of the Cuyamaca Lake Store
      1.7 miles NORTH of Paso Picacho Campground
     
     

Let me know if you have any questions. See you on the trails.
Brian Gonzales, Lost Boys 50 Mile - RD
http://lostboys50.com/
briang@cliffsandmeadows.com
     

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Unofficial PCT50 Training Run

A few of us are going out to run the first 8 and essentially the last 8 of the PCT50 course on Sunday morning 3/15 at 8AM.

If you are free and looking for someone to run with we will be meeting at Boulder Oaks(start of PCT50) at 7:45 ish.

The pace will be average to moderate, and it is expected to get VERY hot, you should carry enough water to get through 16 miles.

No need to RSVP, unless you feel obligated to, I just figured I'd put it out there if people wanted to join, the more the merrier!!

Matt Whalen

Monday, March 2, 2015

Oriflamme training run this Saturday, March 7.  Meet 7:00 a.m. at start/finish location for the race (Sunrise trailhead parking area @ mile 34.2 on Sunrise Highway).  
If you Google Map “14833 Sunrise Highway, Julian, CA” you will get a pretty good idea of where the start/finish is located.

We will cross the highway and access the connector trail to the PCT, then head north on PCT for 3 miles until we hit Mason Valley Truck Trail, then turn right and drop down into Oriflamme Canyon.  Out and back so you can go as long or as short as you want.  There is no water on the course, so be prepared and carry what you need.

Let me know if you think you can make it.  Thanks.

John Martinez
RD, Oriflamme 50K

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Oriflamme 50K Training Run - Sat, Feb 7 @ 7:00 am

RD John Martinez announces Oriflamme Training Run this Saturday, February 7. Meet 7:00 a.m. at start/finish location for the race (Sunrise trailhead parking area @ mile 34.2 on Sunrise Highway).

If you Google Map “14833 Sunrise Highway, Julian, CA” you will get a pretty good idea of where the start/finish is located.

We will cross the highway and access the connector trail to the PCT, then head north on PCT for 3 miles until we hit Mason Valley Truck Trail, then turn right and drop down into Oriflamme Canyon. Out and back so you can go as long or as short as you want. There is no water on the course, so be prepared and carry what you need.

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Saturday, Jan 31 Training Run from Pedro Fages

Self Supported Training Run on Sat, Jan 31 starting at Pedro Fages parking area on Sunrise Hwy (S1) beginning at 6:30 am.  Pedro Fages is located at the 36 green mile marker on S1 (1.5 miles north of Sunrise parking area). The run will cover the last 20 miles of the Lost Boys 50 course and will include sections of the San Diego 100 course as well.  Total distance would be approximately 28 miles.

The run will reach 20 miles at Lake Cuyamaca and then there are 8 more miles to return to Pedro Fages.  If anyone wants to just do the 20, they could arrange for someone to drop a car at Lake Cuyamaca and then carpool to Pedro Fages for the start of the run.  There is no water resupply until you get back to Lake Cuyamaca so be prepared for 20 miles without aid. 

Maps of the last 20 miles to include turn by turn directions are located on the Lost Boys 50 web site.  Directions from Lake Cuyamaca (from Chambers) back to Pedro Fages are located on the SD 100 website. 

Moderate pace and no need to RSVP. 

Friday, January 23, 2015

Lost Boys 50 training run - Desert Section (Feb 28, 2015)





Save the date! 

Come check out the lower desert section of the Lost Boys 50 Mile course. All are welcome to participate, even if you are not planning to run the LB50.
  • WHEN: Saturday February 28, 2015. 7:00AM
  • WHERE: We will meet along the S2 highway just south of the Stagecoach Trails RV Resort (meet at the trail-head just south of green highway marker 21) Look for the yellow CAR LOGO on the map below for the meeting point. From there we will carpool to the start line of the LB50 at Pinyon Wash (which is at white highway mile marker 81 along Highway 78).
  • DISTANCE/RUN DESCRIPTION: From Pinyon Wash we will run approximately the first 15 miles of the course ending back at our cars along S2. The open desert stretch will be marked with ribbon but the dirt roads/trails will likely not be marked. Turn-by-turn directions and more detailed info about the run (including water drop locations) will be provided before the run.
  • RSVP: Yes, since we are carpooling an RSVP is required. Click here.
  • Check the training run page for more details as we approach Feb 28.
Hope to see you there!
Questions, please contact the Race Director:
Brian Gonzales
briang@cliffsandmeadows.com


Thursday, January 22, 2015

Old West Trails Training Run

Old West Trails “sneak preview” training run INVITATION.
Saturday, January 31st, 7:30 am, distance 16.1 mile
Registration for Old West Trails is NOT required to attend.  We ask only that you bring a warm smile, and any trail pals you may wish to invite.    ( and a pot luck snack for a post run social)  
You will run from point to point!  Hooray!  A water refill location complete with cookies will be present on the trail after 7.6 miles!  Hooray!  Shelter Valley’s finest volunteers will monitor your progress with their excellent radio communications.  Hooray!  After completing this preview run, you will have experienced the entire Old West course, and having run just over half of it!  Hooray!
Please arrive at the staging area ahead of 7:30 am, as we need to promptly shuttle all of you to the remote start location for this run.  
After completion, all runners are encouraged to attend a “pot luck social” at the Shelter Valley Citizen’s Community Center, on Hwy S-2. ( next door to the Fire Station).   You drive right past the Community Center and Fire Station before arriving at the staging area for this “sneak preview”.
Please arrive at the staging area ahead of 7:30 am, as we need to promptly shuttle all of you to the remote start location for this run.  
STAGING AREA/TRAILHEAD PARKING/ASSEMBLY:  (Exactly the same as last season’s preview runs) From Hwy 78 turn south onto paved county road S-2.  Continue south past mile marker 18, 19, 20, and mile marker 21.  At mile marker 21you will see Stagecoach Trails RV and Horse Camp Resort on your right.  Continue driving past the campground entrance for 1/4 mile….then turn left onto a wide dirt road, entering a large dirt parking area within 200 yards.  We will have “ribbons” decorating a bush at this left turn.  No facilities are present at this trailhead.
You are expected to bring a trail map, or course diagram, or point to point course description.  The preview run course is only being marked at major intersections.  If you come alone, then partner up with others who are attending.  These trail aids are available at the “race info” tab at:  
The training run briefing is as follows:  Arrive before 7:30 am!
All runners will leave their cars at the staging area, and be shuttled to the start of today’s training run (the race day location of Plum Canyon Turn Around Aid Station).
Please arrive at the staging area ahead of 7:30 am, as we need to promptly shuttle all of you to the remote start location for this run.  
The runners will then run south on jeep road (CRHT, California Riding & Hiking Trail) for 1.5 miles.  Then at roads end, continue straight into Plum Canyon following the CRHT and reaching the summit after yet another 1.5 miles.
Continuing south along the CRHT on single track trail through the basin, across two sandy jeep roads, before reaching the aid station at Little Blair Valley road (known as the Stagecoach Saddle aid station on race day).
 At this point you have run about 7.6 miles.  Turn left at Little Blair Valley Road, and remain on this “main” road for an additional 6.5 miles, arriving at what is known on race day as the Blair Valley Turn around aid station.   You have now run about 14.1 miles.   Caution: many “lessor” roads lead you ‘off’ the main road in both Little Blair and Blair Valleys.  Remain at all times on the ‘obvious’ main road.
A volunteer at this location will “send you over the SECRECT SHORTCUT” past the aid station on Little Blair Valley Road, and back to your car…some 2 more miles from this point.  You will see the staging area where your cars are parked, long before you even reach this aid station the first time.
While this may seem confusing, if you print out the aids from the website, bring them with you, and also this briefing, the ‘mystery’ will resolve itself …and get you to the potluck before the foods all gone!
Happy Trails, and keep safe out there! 
Geezer Larry, RD    rsvp   racedirectoroldwesttrails50k@gmail.com  

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Sycamore Canyon Training Run - Sunday 1/11/15 at 7:00 am

Sycamore Canyon Run - Sunday Jan 11, 2015:

Several of us are planning to run Sycamore Canyon this Sunday starting at 7 am from the parking area just past West Hills High School on Mast Blvd in Santee.  Single track trails with about a 26 mile loop.  You can turn early to shorten the course at any time.  Water available at 18 miles so be sure to carry enough to go that far.  Moderate pace.  No need to RSVP but we leave on time. 

Good luck to all who are running the San Diego 50 and Marathon this Saturday too! 

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Self Supported Training Run on SD 100 Course - Sat, Jan 10 @ 7am

Informal Training Run starting at 7 am (sharp) on Sat, 10 Jan 2015.  We meet at Big Bend parking area on Hwy 79 which is located .7 miles south of Lake Cuyamaca and 1.2 miles north of Paso Picacho Campground. 

The run will cover the last mile of the SD 100 course then start up Sugar Pine Trail and follow the first 12 miles of the SD 100 course to Chambers 1.  This will be a total of 13 miles to Chambers.  Those who want to head back to their cars have another couple of miles around the Lake.  Some of us will go on to Pedro Fages (8 more miles and then return) to Big Bend.  Total about 25+ miles.  Anyone can turn back when they've had enough.  Water will be available at Paso Picacho and Chambers.  No need to RSVP.  If unfamiliar with these trails, all the maps and turn by turn directions are on the SD 100 website at; www.sandiego100.com