JA: Route sounds interesting. Based on USSMA web site, expert leg should take 2 or so hours. This route should take quite a bit longer. The LT will be relatively slow going, as it is not all that skialbe from MRG to ME. Although the website requires beacons, something tells me this will not be a requirement for this event. There really is no reason for them. That said, if I do not enter the event(and even if I do), I have no problem lending someone a beacon. Won't know until right before the event, we'll just need a place to hook at the end so I can get it back. My take is 30 min to the top of MRG for the fast ones. It would probably go up something basic (ie bunny). then 60 min plus over the LT, a quicky down FIS and and then the skin to the top of the lift is probably another 45 min, then the final ski down.

JA: If the route is not finalized, I might suggest LP base area to summit, over LT to CR. Down liftline, or rumble, over to cut over for Gatehouse, up North Lynx and down into SB and out at the bottom. This route gives numerous vantage points for spectators and doesn't hammer the MRG base area. I realize it is all SB, but an interesting route, with 2500 verts of climbing to start. Another option would be up from LP base to top of North Lynx, down into SB, SB to top of North via LFIS and then rim run, then over LT with a finish at the MRG or 20th hole. AHM

The route is pretty much set to start at MRG and the 20th is completely off-limits until the Co-op and/or MRGFoundation buys it from BP.

They say two hours for the experts and despite the challenges of the LT traverse to Northridge, it isn't out of the question. Figure half an hour to the top of MRG and then the numbers start to look right. These guys are flying and usually can transition from ski to skin in about fifteen seconds. I can't even get my pack off in fifteen seconds.

I am chatting with Egan this weekend about the race and will know more soon.

John

ahm wrote:

JA: Route sounds interesting. Based on USSMA web site, expert leg should take 2 or so hours. This route should take quite a bit longer. The LT will be relatively slow going, as it is not all that skialbe from MRG to ME. Although the website requires beacons, something tells me this will not be a requirement for this event. There really is no reason for them. That said, if I do not enter the event(and even if I do), I have no problem lending someone a beacon. Won't know until right before the event, we'll just need a place to hook at the end so I can get it back. My take is 30 min to the top of MRG for the fast ones. It would probably go up something basic (ie bunny). then 60 min plus over the LT, a quicky down FIS and and then the skin to the top of the lift is probably another 45 min, then the final ski down. JA: If the route is not finalized, I might suggest LP base area to summit, over LT to CR. Down liftline, or rumble, over to cut over for Gatehouse, up North Lynx and down into SB and out at the bottom. This route gives numerous vantage points for spectators and doesn't hammer the MRG base area. I realize it is all SB, but an interesting route, with 2500 verts of climbing to start. Another option would be up from LP base to top of North Lynx, down into SB, SB to top of North via LFIS and then rim run, then over LT with a finish at the MRG or 20th hole. AHM

The route is finalized, just so you all know.

It starts at MRG, climbs Antelope, crosses the LT, descends Rim Run-Lower Rim-Lower F.I.S., ascends Slide Brook through work roads, and then becomes separate courses for the recreational division and race division. From that point the rec racers climb the Village Run to the bottom of North Lynx, while the race division climbs up more roads to the summit of NOrth Lynx and meets up with the rec. div. via Birch Run. Both divisions then travel to a Valley House finish by taking Castlerock Connection-Header-Lower Jester-Coffee Run.

Avalanche equipment is required. This is per Life Link rules and is not questionable. We will cover this at the pre-race meeting on Saturday, February 4th.

The winning time for the race division will be around 2 hours, but some times (recreational division especially) will approach 5 hours.

You can refer to Life Link's website to registerhttp://www.life-link.com/sugarbush_registration.htm and email them or me for more information.

-TTT

Great info!

Quote:

The route is finalized, just so you all know. It starts at MRG, climbs Antelope, crosses the LT, descends Rim Run-Lower Rim-Lower F.I.S., ascends Slide Brook through work roads, and then becomes separate courses for the recreational division and race division. From that point the rec racers climb the Village Run to the bottom of North Lynx, while the race division climbs up more roads to the summit of NOrth Lynx and meets up with the rec. div. via Birch Run. Both divisions then travel to a Valley House finish by taking Castlerock Connection-Header-Lower Jester-Coffee Run. Avalanche equipment is required. This is per Life Link rules and is not questionable. We will cover this at the pre-race meeting on Saturday, February 4th. The winning time for the race division will be around 2 hours, but some times (recreational division especially) will approach 5 hours. You can refer to Life Link's website to registerhttp://www.life-link.com/sugarbush_registration.htm and email them or me for more information. -TTT

TTT-thanks for the info. The course sounds like a lot of fun!!!

I'm really bummed about the avi gear requirement though. If I can't borrow the gear from someone, I can't race. Anyone want to lend me their probe and beacon for the race? (I do have a shovel) I was hoping on entering the recreational division, but that threw me off. I don't know of many BC skiiers in VT who own a beacon.............

dave

Thanks for the clarification TTT.

Alot of VT bc skiers and riders own beacons, dj. Just because we don't necessarily use them much in-state, doesn't mean they aren't essential tools. Most everybody travels at some point, even if it is just to the Whites or the Daks.

I can rent/ lend two beacons and two probes for folks serious about racing that don't have the gear. I've got two shovels too. You can reach me at jatkinson at catamountrail.org or fluff at madriver.com. Give me a few days to respond. I am crazy busy for the next few weeks.

John

atkinson wrote:

Thanks for the clarification TTT. Alot of VT bc skiers and riders own beacons, dj. Just because we don't necessarily use them much in-state, doesn't mean they aren't essential tools. Most everybody travels at some point, even if it is just to the Whites or the Daks. I can rent/ lend two beacons and two probes for folks serious about racing that don't have the gear. I've got two shovels too. You can reach me at jatkinson at catamountrail.org or fluff at madriver.com. Give me a few days to respond. I am crazy busy for the next few weeks. John

I've got a shovel and may have access to an extra beacon. Let me know if it's needed.

Also, the Bush has a blurb about this event on their website (http://www.sugarbush.com/lifelink.aspx). You can email the dude at Sugarbush (Jim) or Life Link directly using links on that website.

Let's try to get as many locals at this event as possible!

-TTT

atkinson wrote:

Thanks for the clarification TTT. Alot of VT bc skiers and riders own beacons, dj. Just because we don't necessarily use them much in-state, doesn't mean they aren't essential tools. Most everybody travels at some point, even if it is just to the Whites or the Daks. I can rent/ lend two beacons and two probes for folks serious about racing that don't have the gear. I've got two shovels too. You can reach me at jatkinson at catamountrail.org or fluff at madriver.com. Give me a few days to respond. I am crazy busy for the next few weeks. John

John,

I guess my perspective of bc skiiers is rather limited to myself, friends, and family who have been trekking and skiing in the woods of VT for the past 20 years who have not used any avi gear. I stand corrected! I will note though that an avi beacon was our wedding gift registy at REI.. (but no one bought it!) So, it is on the shopping list, but not in the budget yet.

with that all said... you've got mail!

Thanks!

dave

John and TTT,

Thanks for the offers! I have sent John an email about the gear. I will be spreading the word about the race to my friends around the area!

dave

UPDATE ON EVENT

Life Link is going to waive the requirement of having a beacon/probe/shovel. Competitors should still wear a helmet (bike helmets are ok). The pre-race meeting is going to be pushed back from Saturday 2/4 to Sunday 2/5 immediately preceeding the race. The race will probably kick off around 10am at the base of MRG.

Now nobody has an excuse - everyone should compete!!

-TTT

NICE ! thanks for the update TTT!! Now if they'd only answer their phones/get back to me to confirm that they got my faxed entry form I sent in last week!
I'm psyched! This will kill me but at least it will be fun!

So.. who else is competing??!

Dave

Another article:

http://news.alpinezone.com/7554/

Greg wrote:

Another article: http://news.alpinezone.com/7554/

Couldn't have said it better myself! Oh. Wait....

So.... anyone besides myself (from here) plan on entering this race? I faxed my entry in 2 weeks ago!! (recreational class of course!)

dave

Just finished trimming my new skins. I am getting very psyced! Hopefully I will finish in under 12hrs