~ 2012 EVENT Courses Info & Maps
This endurance athletic event will come to Kaslo on September 28, 29 & 30th, 2012. A 3 day Festival of Suffering for mountain biking & trail running enthusiasts. Set amidst the spectacular scenery of the Selkirks in an area steeped in history, challenge yourself to complete one event or Pick Your Pleasure and compete in multiple events to see if you can be the overall greatest sufferer! All races will finish in downtown Kaslo in front of the historic Kaslo Hotel overlooking spectacular Kootenay Lake.
There will also be a kid’s event taking place on the Kaslo River Trail. Kids ages 13 and under will have the option of biking or running down the Kaslo River Trail on the side closest to town. They will start from the bridge and leave one at a time at :30 second intervals. 8 & under will complete the 2k distance, 9-13 yr olds will complete a 4k course.
NEW FOR 2012: The Monster Enduro and Sufferfest Hoodies are BACK by popular demand! Course changes for the bike races to eliminate the ‘Access Trail’ and addition of more flowy single track (don’t want to disrupt a riders flow...). 14km XC MT Bike race is added, younger age categories for the 10k run & 14k bike. Plus addition of THE LOONIE TOONIE, destined to be notorious!
Courses Info & Maps
**Please note, all areas of the course are habitat for bears, cougars, deer, elk, moose, grouse,
woodpeckers and much much more... please take caution.
FRIDAY, September 28
SATURDAY, September 29
Kids Race • 100K Galena Ghost Ride • 45K Buchanan XC MT Bike • 14KM XC Mountain Bike
SUNDAY, September 30
50K Cody Claim Run • 25K True Blue Trail Run • 10K True Blue Trail Run • Monster
KIDS RACE - Saturday, Sept. 29
8 & under: Starting at the pedestrian bridge at the west end of the Kaslo River Trail, kids will leave :30 seconds apart, starting with the bike riders. It is a 1.8k gradual descent along a wide forested trail following the Kaslo River. It ends at Railway Ave, a dirt residential road which turns into 5th Street, and then a right turn on Front Street with the finish line in front of the Kaslo Hotel. Marshals will be stopping traffic at highway crossings and downtown streets will be closed to traffic.
9-13 years old: Same course as above with an additional 2k. Racers will turn right at C Ave and right onto Kane to travel under the highway and onto the River Dike Trail and follow the same finish as the adult races.
Start Times
TBD
Please arrive at the top of the River Trail (New Denver Hwy Parking lot)
at least 20 minutes before the 1st Racer Start Time for your age group.
100K GALENA GHOST RIDE - Saturday, Sept. 29
Map Here
Rumor has it that the ghost of Lucky Cunningham still rides this historic route and can be spotted atop his large chestnut saddle horse in ‘old time’ clothing, vanishing into the mists of Carpenter Creek. Please report any sightings of ghosts to the race director! Thank you.
The ultimate cross country mountain bike race! This course is epic and has a little of everything to challenge every rider! From fast flowy single-track to technical ascents & descents. Plus a 1100m climb over a mountain pass with breathtaking alpine vistas. 100k of trail, no loops, the course is vastly varied. This course will challenge you physically & technically all with the added attraction of historic intrigue and panoramic views!
Part I: 0-48km New Denver / Sandon Loop
This first section is all SWEET SINGLE TRACK with some technical spots but mostly very flowy beginner / intermediate! NEW: Starting in New Denver - riders will complete a loop (Sandon rd, H-road, Alamo Wagon Rd) and back to New Denver. There is a 1km technical descent just prior to entering the village of New Denver. Then off to Sandon via the Galena Trail, a very enjoyable ride up the dramatic Denver Canyon where you will need to take a cable car to cross Carpenter Creek! You will be passing through historic old ghost towns, descending through lush forests and passing by some very steep drop-offs, exercise extreme caution on this section of the course.
Part II: 48-71km Sandon to Retallack
(Jackson Basin)
One heck of a tough climb! Leaving Sandon, the 10k, 1100m ascent immediately begins. Pass through the ghost town of Cody (1230m), then travel up along an ATV trail with loose rocks, steep grades & tight switchbacks to the summit of Jackson Basin at 2213m. Worth all the work are the incredible alpine views and fun, fast descent down to Retallack. The 1st third of the descent is technical with loose rocks, steep grades and will take some skilled line choices. The descent is long and could be very cold in October, please be sure to bring along extra warm layers to put on at the top.
Part III: 71km-92km Old Wagon Road / Monster
Mostly non-technical double track, FAST, windy and undulating. Approximately 3k is along logging roads. This section you can get up some serious speed, but be cautious as there are some rocky, loose sections that jump up at you really quick. The last few kms will be along the lower portion of the Access Trail and down the bottom of the Monster. This is not overly technical and there are ‘go-arounds’ for all the stunts.
Part IV: 92km-100k Monster / South River Trail
Final stretch, descend down to Hwy 31A along Kaslo River for 3KM. Then for a fun, single track descent along the Kaslo River Trail South (moderately technical). Final 2KM is flat along the Lakeview Trail and up to the Finish Line.
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AID STATIONS: This course will have 4 aid stations supplied with water, electrolyte drink, gels, fruit and snacks. There will also be 1st aid and basic bike supplies/tools available. The course will be well marked, and road crossings are marshalled, however, the remainder and majority of the course is self-marshalled. So please know the course in advance, watch for the signs, and bring the map.
GEAR BAGS: There will be a check-in at New Denver for your gear which will be available again for you when passing back through New Denver at the 30k mark. Bags will be labelled with your number, and volunteers will have your bag ready for you at the aid station as you pass.
EXTRA LAYERS: The descent from Jackson Basin is long and could be VERY COLD in late September. Please be sure to bring along some extra warm layers to put on at the top.
Shuttles NEW: You must pre-book your shuttle time to reserve a spot. There will be shuttles available Friday evening (time TBA) and Saturday morning 5:45am.
Race will depart from New Denver at 7am. If you would prefer to sleep an extra hour, there is lodging available in New Denver. You will have 11 hours to complete the course – finish line closes at 6pm, roads will be reopened and marshals will be removed from the course. Finishers after this time will not be official. There will also be official cut-off times at checkpoints, at which time you may be removed from the course if you do not pass by in the specified time.
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45K BUCHANAN XC MT BIKE - Saturday, Sept. 29
Map Here
COURSE CHANGE: 2 loops of the True Blue Rec Area before departing for South Fork, and the ‘Access Trail’ has been eliminated. Technical, rooty, steep. This is for the experienced rider who wants the challenge of a narrow, winding, mostly single track trail with challenging climbs & descents. The race starts on Front Street in front of the Kaslo Hotel and departs for the Kaslo River Trail. Riders climb up the north side, cross over the Trailblazers Bridge and a long climb to the True Blue Rec Area via the Interface Trails. Complete 2 loops of “Straight Face”, “Destiny Ridge/Sourdough”,”Sleepy Hollow” & “Spanish Moss”. Then off to South Fork via a challenging climb & fun descent along a logging road to join the 100k riders and finish the loop by completing the lower section of the Access Trail & Monster, a 3km stretch of HWY and back along the River Trail South and Lakeview Trail.
This course has 2 aid stations. One in the True Blue Rec Area that will be passed three times and an additional aid station at South Fork. Aid stations will be supplied with water, electrolyte drink, gels, fruit & snacks. The course will be well marked, and road crossings are marshalled, however, the remainder of the course is self-marshalled. Be sure to watch for signs & obey marshals along the course. It is also recommended to bring along the map provided.
14KM XC MT BIKE - Saturday, Sept. 29
Map Here
Intended for the beginner or someone who just wants to give Suffer Fest a try! It will still be challenging with a lot of elevation gain / loss, but not overly technical. Some sections may require some skill to ride, but walking with your bike is always an option.
This course consists of 2 loops of 7km, passing through the start/finish area in downtown Kaslo at the half-way point. The loop will start with a gradual climb up the Kaslo River Trail North. Next, cross the River Trail Bridge, with a steep climb up to the ‘Interface’ trails. Once at the top, enjoy a 2km loop along a relatively flat bench before the descent along the Kaslo River Trail South with some technical aspects. Final 2km flat along the Lakeview trail and up to the finish area. There will be 1 aid station available with food & water at the half-way point in downtown Kaslo.
50K CODY CLAIM RUN - Sunday, Sept. 30
Map Here
Named after the original Ultra Trail Run of the Kootenays!!! As the story goes ‘...a couple of prospectors back in September of 1891 by the names of Eli Carpenter & Jack Seaton discovered a rich outcrop of galena ore, high on the mountains above what would later become Cody. Lies and trickery began and they turned on each other, and thus only the 1st back could stake the claim. So forth the Race ensued. Carpenter took the long way around via Nelson & the Slocan River. Seaton gathered a group of men together, later to be known as “The Noble 5” and took a route high across the mountains from Kaslo. The Noble 5 got there first and staked all the rich claims on the ridge just before the snows of winter. When Carpenter finally arrived, the prime ore body had been claimed. He got nothing.’
In remembrance of ‘The Noble 5’ & to experience an epic journey in the Kootenays, take part in the 50k Cody Claim Run. The route is a challenging, varied course along scenic single-track trails through cedar-hemlock forests. Sometimes with views of Kootenay Lake, others hugging the banks of the Kaslo River. The race will consist of 2 different 25k loops. 2nd loop uses alternate trails with approx 5 km in overlapping trails from the first loop. The first loop includes a gruelling climb up ‘No Brakes’, the 2nd loop which is the same as the 25km course, is more undulating through the True Blue Rec Area. The route is tough, rarely flat, with a lot of elevation gain/loss. The course is mostly single track, of varying degrees of difficulty, some are rooty & rocky, others fast and flowy. All trails have been cleared and are in great shape for running. These trails are not heavily used and you will feel the isolation and rugged nature of our terrain – a true Kootenay experience!
The race starts at 6am, 1 hour prior to sunrise, so a HEADLAMP is mandatory. The sun rises at approximately 7am when runners pass by the 2nd aid station.
Gear bags can be left at check-in to be available after completing the 1st loop and passing through the finish area.
SAFETY NOTE: You will pass several checkpoints & aid stations along the way with radio contact to race headquarters and Search & Rescue will be alerted of the race and its route in advance. Every effort will be made to keep you safe, however, please be aware this route is in true Canadian wilderness with real dangers and hazards. Please be fully prepared for the adventure! You are in bear country, it is recommended to carry along bear spray.
The course will be well marked with directional signs, km markers, cones & flagging. Follow all signs Marked “50k” for the 1st loop. 2nd loop follow the 25k course. Marshals will be stopping traffic at all road crossings and downtown streets will be closed to traffic. There will be several aid stations along the course fully stocked with water, electrolyte drink, gels, pretzels, cookies, salted boiled potatoes, oranges & bananas. You will have 9.5 hours to complete the course – finish line closes at 3:30pm, roads reopened and marshals removed from the course. Finishers after this time will not be official. There will also be a cut-off at the half – way point. You must finish the 1st loop in 4.5 hours to be able to start the 2nd loop.
25K TRUE BLUE TRAIL RUN - Sunday, Sept. 30
Map Here
All racers will be starting in downtown Kaslo. Begin with a gentle climb up the Kaslo River Trail North, cross the bridge and ascend up to the Airport with some steep climbing via the Interface Trails. At the True Blue Rec Area complete the Sourdough / Destiny Ridge Loop, Sleepy Hollow, Spanish Moss and then connect on to the 10k course by completing the River Trail South & Lakeview trail to the finish-line.
The route is tough, rarely flat, with a lot of elevation gain/loss. The course is mostly single track of varying degrees of difficulty, some are rooty & rocky, others fast and flowy. All trails have been cleared and are in great shape for running. These trails are not heavily used and you will feel the isolation and rugged nature of our terrain – a true Kootenay experience!
SAFETY NOTE: You will pass several checkpoints & aid stations along the way with radio contact to race headquarters and Search & Rescue will be alerted of the race and its route in advance. Every effort will be made to keep you safe, however, please be aware this route is in true Canadian wilderness with real dangers and hazards. Please be fully prepared for the adventure! You are in bear country, it is recommended to carry along bear spray.
The course will be well marked with directional signs, km markers, cones & flagging. Marshals will be stopping traffic at all road crossings and downtown streets will be closed to traffic. Runners will pass several aid stations along the course fully stocked with water, electrolyte drink , gels, pretzels, cookies, salted boiled potatoes, oranges & bananas. No cut off times.
10K TRUE BLUE TRAIL RUN - Sunday, Sept. 30
Map Here
Starting near the beginning of Bjerkness Rd at the Kaslo Airport, the course consists of mostly single and some double track dirt trails cutting through Cedar Hemlock forests. Course starts with a short climb through forested trails, then begins its long,undulating descent along the banks of the Kaslo River. The final 2k are flat following along the Kootenay Lake shoreline and up Front Street to the finish line.
Marshals will be stopping traffic at highway crossings and downtown streets will be closed to traffic. Aid stations at 1km, 3km, & 6km. Aid stations will have water, sports drink & gels, pretzels, boiled salted potatoes, bananas & oranges.
No cut-off times.
MONSTER ENDURO - Sunday, Sept. 30
Map Here
FULL FACE HELMET & FINGERED GLOVES MANDATORY
Back by popular demand...the MONSTER ENDURO! Leaving from Downtown Kaslo, riders will need to make their way up to the top of the Buchanan Lookout via the Kaslo River Trail, Hwy 31A and a series of logging roads. Then back down the 9.9k/1,380m descent along the southeast side of Mt. Buchanan on the legendary Monster Downhill trail, which comes complete with steeps, jumps and all the technical sections you can handle. If you can get your eyes off the trail you will enjoy spectacular views of Kootenay Lake and the Village of Kaslo.
After surviving The Monster, a short descent along a logging road takes you to HWY 31A for a 3km pedal along the highway. The final section of the race will be down the Kaslo River Trail and into downtown Kaslo to the finish line in Front of the Kaslo Hotel. Marshals will be stopping traffic at highway crossings and downtown streets will be closed to traffic. There will be a handmade wooden 10ft drop with tranny (and a bypass) just prior to the finish line.
2 separate helmets may be used (XC or DH) and switch may be made in gear up zone at the top of the mountain. All gear to be worn on the downhill section MUST be carried at all times by the rider.
**In the case of extreme weather or more than 1-2 feet of snow, the race start will be moved down to the 7 Mile Road access. (1/3 of the way down the Monster)
Pick Your Pleasure! Create your own challenge by participating in more than one event. All racers completing multiple events will be recognized and entered to win special prizing (TBA)!
Some Suggestions:
Director’s Pick 100k Bike – 25km Trail Run – Monster Enduro! Prove you are the Ultimate Sufferfest Athlete taking on all 3 disciplines in 2 days.
The Hauck 100k XC Bike – 45k XC Bike! Bike 145km of amazing trails all in one day...go straight into the 45k race as soon as you cross the finish line from the 100k! Current Record Holder: Travis Hauck 9h14m (2011)!
Endurance Junkie 100k Bike – 50k Trail Run! You love the long drawn out crap and are willing to suffer both on your bike and on your feet! Current Record Holder: Peter Findlay 11h25m (2011)
Leland’s Challenge 100k Bike – Monster Enduro! You love your bike and are willing to sit on it for hours on end 2 days in a row.
