58 replies to this topic

[Cl@rkey]

****THIS IS THE START OF THE 2011 THREAD, SEE END FOR 2013 COMMENTS ****

I've mapped out a bit of a mystery tour, its approx 30km and will loosely follow the route here
Likely to be some variation around Olinda (west side), Inverness Rd & the route from Silvan to Olinda, but you will get the idea....

It will go through some areas that are not generally the most popular when the Dandenongs are mentioned, but still some great running. A loop course that will follow firetrail, street, aqueduct, pipeline, forest trail, lots of variety and very little will be flat.

Absolutely and totally self supported, navigation will be assisted but no promises. (I will get a 'major decisions' cheat sheet together though) and an improved map my run route before the day (after checking a couple of possible changes)!!

There is water available at Silvan, Olinda, Mt Evelyn, plus at the rest stop near the Doongalla Homestead, it is a tank that says don't drink, but I've never had an issue in the many visits I've had & with all the rain water probably best quality its ever likely to be (approx 12km, not shown on this map, as route will be revised through here)

No plans for run pace, just keen to get back into the trails / hills for an outing.

At this stage the plan would be for approx 8am start.
Ideally starting at Silvan would get the biggest climb out of the way early, but alternative start locations could be Olinda Reserve, Mt Evelyn Reserve or even Montrose. If you are interested then please indicate a preference and we will go with the majority. Post your intentions or send me a message.

There may even be the option to hang about for a picnic / BBQ lunch afterwards, again depending on start location etc.

Edited by Cl@rkey, 06 March 2013 - 09:57 PM.

[Tony123]

Great idea Cl@rkey.  I'm in, I love running the trails in The Dandenongs.  I like the idea of getting the climb over and down with early.  8am start is fine by me.

[rohan]

can-i-run-with-my-dog?, can-i-have-a-support-crew-on-mountain-bikes-accompany-me?, can-you-give-me-a-lift?, i-know-it's-fatass-but-will-there-be-timing-chips?goodie-bags?bag-minding-service? I've-just-done-C25k-is-this-suitable-for-me?

[lyricnz]

Oooh, that sounds fun, but I'm terrible at hills. No, seriously. Walking. That 300m climb would KILL me.

[Tony123]

rohan, on 18 April 2011 - 04:04 PM, said:

can-i-run-with-my-dog?, can-i-have-a-support-crew-on-mountain-bikes-accompany-me?, can-you-give-me-a-lift?, i-know-it's-fatass-but-will-there-be-timing-chips?goodie-bags?bag-minding-service? I've-just-done-C25k-is-this-suitable-for-me?

You forgot the most important question, will it be accurate?  If its 200m longer than 30km you get a refund.

[rohan]

Tony123, on 18 April 2011 - 04:07 PM, said:

You forgot the most important question, will it be accurate?  If its 200m longer than 30km you get a refund.

Are you making promises on behalf of the large organizing corporation?

[russell2pi]

I've only been running for 5 days and can run 1km without stopping, do you think 8 days is enough to prepare for this to complete and get a good time and could I please have a training schedule please?  

[KevM]

rohan, on 18 April 2011 - 04:04 PM, said:

can-i-run-with-my-dog?, can-i-have-a-support-crew-on-mountain-bikes-accompany-me?, can-you-give-me-a-lift?, i-know-it's-fatass-but-will-there-be-timing-chips?goodie-bags?bag-minding-service? I've-just-done-C25k-is-this-suitable-for-me?

I've never organised an event but that is very funny
In the same day - that's up there with - "Would you like a system whereby every child gets a prize?" - my work mate thinks I've lost it, laughing at a screen

[Kathymac]

Sounds good, Cl@rkey. I'd be keen on joining you on Tuesday - although I probably will need that cheat sheet as I am likely to be kilometres behind you!

8am at Silvan sounds good to me.

[Tony123]

rohan, on 18 April 2011 - 04:17 PM, said:

Are you making promises on behalf of the large organizing corporation?

Yeah, I'm making decisions on behalf of the committee, and I'm not even on the committee.

[maryclaire]

rohan, on 18 April 2011 - 04:04 PM, said:

can-i-run-with-my-dog?, can-i-have-a-support-crew-on-mountain-bikes-accompany-me?, can-you-give-me-a-lift?, i-know-it's-fatass-but-will-there-be-timing-chips?goodie-bags?bag-minding-service? I've-just-done-C25k-is-this-suitable-for-me?

Can I wear an i-Pod?

Sounds great but I will be away - have fun and please post future similar intentions!  I am having Oxfam-team-training withdrawals...

[DianeE]

Sitting here and actually laughing out loud!  Love your work Rohan et al!!

Just what I needed after a crappy day.

D.

[Cl@rkey]

Firstly, the committee has decided that a quorum of 3 is sufficient to lock in the start location of Silvan Reservior, Stonyford Rd off Monbulk Rd.
Not 100% sure what time the gates open, so if they are open we will meet in the parking area closest to the toilet block.
If they are closed, we will meet in the outside carpark, on the left side just down the hill from the entrance.


Here are some FAQ, more details to be added to the website within 10 days

can-i-run-with-my-dog?  Sure, but I'll not be responsible if the rangers don't like it, or for the actions of any runner your dog trips up, and your dog must be self supported also
can-i-have-a-support-crew-on-mountain-bikes-accompany-me? Of course, but make sure they have paniers fitted, I'm sure others would like to use this service you are providing, and I suggest having a back-up rider also, this course is not for whimps
can-you-give-me-a-lift?There will be a shuttle service leaving from Lilydale at about 7.15am, hurry seats are filling fast, only 4 seats left
i-know-it's-fatass-but-will-there-be-timing-chips? Sorry, no timing chips but I reckon I can cover some Pringles, will they be ok instead?
goodie-bags? Yes, you will need something to carry your supplies for the self supported run, but most people use camelbacks, waist packs or fuelbelts
bag-minding-service?Yes, comes free for all shuttle service passengers
I've-just-done-C25k-is-this-suitable-for-me?I'm a big believer in achieving whatever you put your mind to, I'm sure you can do it, but I appreciate the heads up, I'll put some special instructions for you in the cheat notes ;-)
I've only been running for 5 days and can run 1km without stopping, do you think 8 days is enough to prepare for this to complete and get a good time and could I please have a training schedule please? You will be fine, with all the hills there will only be 1km sections we can run anyway....your cheat sheet will be on yellow paper
Can I wear an i-Pod? Yep, but the forecast is for sunny weather so I'd recommend using some sunscreen also, just in case
will it be accurate? This course has been certified to PGG standards, which is only marginally less than PDA standards. Of course if anyone not satisfied all entry fees will be fully refunded, plus a voucher for double your entry fee from our sponsors
every child gets a prize? Any child that is involved in making sure there is a BBQ lunch ready when we get back will definitely get a prize!!

[Emrun]

It's been a good long while since I've done a long hilly run through the Dandenongs on an Easter long weekend.

I'll see how I pull up after my (flat!) 36km on Sunday but I am pretty keen.  Kathy Mac I'd be shuffling along at the back too and with a map and a reasonable knowledge of the area should be able to navigate ok so if I am there I'd love the company.

[Cl@rkey]

lyricnz, on 18 April 2011 - 04:05 PM, said:

Oooh, that sounds fun, but I'm terrible at hills. No, seriously. Walking. That 300m climb would KILL me.

Don't worry about that, there will be plenty of walking the uphills.
I'm planning on enjoying myself, not smashing myself....

[RobHall]

I am pretty sure I will be there, I will try to con the cook into coming along later with the kids for the bbq.  Just 2 days ago one of the kids was dagging me to go back to Silvan Dam so how can she say no to him.

Will long socks be compulsory?  I noted that a member of the winning TW team has adopted them....probably much to the dismay of the bearderd burbler member of the team.

[Tony123]

RobHall, on 19 April 2011 - 04:59 PM, said:

I am pretty sure I will be there, I will try to con the cook into coming along later with the kids for the bbq.  Just 2 days ago one of the kids was dagging me to go back to Silvan Dam so how can she say no to him.

Will long socks be compulsory?  I noted that a member of the winning TW team has adopted them....probably much to the dismay of the bearderd burbler member of the team.

Long socks are fine, as long as you wear boardies as well.

[DianeE]

Still laughing!

Hoping to join you - just depends on how the hammy is behaving

D.

[pbig]

very tempting if I can get away... even though it is a bit close to the "not the prom" razorback run.

[Kathymac]

pbig, on 19 April 2011 - 09:54 PM, said:

very tempting if I can get away... even though it is a bit close to the "not the prom" razorback run.

I figured 3 days of taper would be good enough for me...

[chilliman]

Sounds like a good run Clarkey, unfortunately I'm away over Easter.

If you want me to email the Trail Running Victoria group with the details, let me know.

Have fun.

[Cl@rkey]

Sure Chilli, send out the e-mail. Just suggest they check in here as the day approaches, to grab the revised map and cheat notes. I need to head out and check a couple of the 'transition' trails. This run is a linking of several of my regular routes, so a little unsure about a couple of sections so want to sight them before sending others that way....

Also, looks like Mrs C will be coming to Silvan with the kids to have lunch once we are done - depending on weather - so feel free to plan to hang about afterwards.

[BJ]

Sounds like a fun day out Clarkey, Caz and I will be there.

[DianeE]

My 2c worth... after 8k-ish, continue down Range Rd and on to Dandenong Creek Trail through to the top of Ch 10 track.  You then have a ~200m detour to Doongalla for toilets etc, or straigh onto Zig Zag track.  One of my favourite trails through there.

D.

Edited by DianeE, 21 April 2011 - 08:52 AM.

[lyricnz]

Great as this sounds, I got an offer to go scuba diving with a leggy blonde. Heheh.

Edited by lyricnz, 21 April 2011 - 09:44 AM.

[DianeE]

Also thinking that I will probably take a 'shortcut' back to the start from Kalorama and only cover 20-22k on Tuesday if anyone else wants something a bit shorter

D.

[Cl@rkey]

DianeE, on 21 April 2011 - 08:46 AM, said:

My 2c worth... after 8k-ish, continue down Range Rd and on to Dandenong Creek Trail through to the top of Ch 10 track.  You then have a ~200m detour to Doongalla for toilets etc, or straigh onto Zig Zag track.  One of my favourite trails through there.

D.

Thanks Diane, its the one section I am most unsure of. I'll go and have a look over the weekend so any 'navigational aids' are accurate as possible.

And of course variations are entirely possible for those who want to have an outing of different durations.
Another would be to head straight back to Silvan when we hit the pipeline track, rather than taking the tour of Mt Evelyn Aqueduct, that would take off a few extra km.

[Emrun]

DianeE, on 21 April 2011 - 09:48 AM, said:

Also thinking that I will probably take a 'shortcut' back to the start from Kalorama and only cover 20-22k on Tuesday if anyone else wants something a bit shorter

D.

As it happens the first thing I did when I looked at the map was to try and work out a short cut to bring it down to around 22km.

It's pretty likely that I'll be there so I'll be looking to trim a bit off too.

[DianeE]

Cl@rkey, on 21 April 2011 - 10:25 AM, said:

Thanks Diane, its the one section I am most unsure of. I'll go and have a look over the weekend so any 'navigational aids' are accurate as possible.

And of course variations are entirely possible for those who want to have an outing of different durations.
Another would be to head straight back to Silvan when we hit the pipeline track, rather than taking the tour of Mt Evelyn Aqueduct, that would take off a few extra km.

No problem Clarkey.  If you haven't run that one before and want to scout beforehand, it may be easier to start from Doongalla, go up Ch 10 track then you turn right onto Dandenong Creek Trail and run it in reverse.  Beautiful trees and great ups and downs along this one!  It finishes at Basin Olinda Rd, but if you look opposite,  you will see a small trail continuing through the trees which will take to through to Range Rd.  Of course you could just run on Basin Olinda Rd but that's not as much fun!  Have a look in the melways - its a bigish trail thats clearly marked.

D.

Edited by DianeE, 21 April 2011 - 02:16 PM.

[Caterpillar]

Tony123, on 18 April 2011 - 04:07 PM, said:

You forgot the most important question, will it be accurate?  If its 200m longer than 30km you get a refund.

or it could be renamed the 30.2km mystery run.  

[Geej]

Great idea Cl@rkey.....I love running in the Dandenongs, as do most others. I reckon I could be a 50% chance for this one given that we've got a newborn.  I really am in need of a good run.

Has a time Ben firmed up? I'm all good with an early start.

Diane, I'm liking your idea of a 'shorter' option so, if ok, I wouldn't mind taking this option.

Cheers,  geej

[Cl@rkey]

Looks like there could be a good sized group turning up.

Geej - 8am at the Silvan Reservoir Park is the start time.

Parks Vic website suggests the gates won't be open until 8.30am, but I'm sure I've seen them open before that previously.
If the gates are open we'll meet inside the park, carpark nearest the toilet block.
If the gates are closed there is a carpark just down the road a bit on the left side.

[biggers]

I thought seriously about doing this run, but given the extra distance from my place (Balwyn) compared to Ferny or Doongalla, I doubt whether I'd get a leave pass. Ah well, I can always try ...

[Cl@rkey]

Almost ready to go for Tuesday. 2 recce runs completed & the course is coming together beautifully. Changes from the first linked map include a more scenic route from Silvan to Olinda. Improved pathway from Olinda - thanks to some advice from Diane & Pasty. Just one more recce to re-confirm a trail i have run & can navigate but no idea how to describe it for the notes, or which tracks it uses by name.

Given the feedback, I'll also put together some course shortcuts and alternate sections which may suit some runners.

Also checked with a local ranger and the carpark is unlikely to be unlocked before 8am, so we'll use the Grey Gum Carpark on the LHS of the road just after it turns to dirt.
As for afterwards, the BBQ facilities are pretty ordinary, so it will be a picnic lunch for our family gathering. (a few extended family are coming for an outing)

Looking forward to it all.

[Geej]

Cl@rkey, I'm out for Tuesday.  Unfortunately my left knee is continuing to give me grief over any distance over about 8kms.  I've made the decision to pull the pin not just or this but the next 6 months.......it's going to kill me.  I'm back on the MTV for winter so anyone want a ride pm me!!

Weather is looking good for Tuesday after a cold start so hope it goes well for you all!!

I'll continue to lurk and post over winter and hope to volunteer at some events this year time permitting

Cheers  geej

[Tony123]

I'm still in, see everyone tomorrow.

[Cl@rkey]

OK.... here is the revised map as best as I can put together MAP HERE

As you can see it has become slightly longer than planned, but in course checking (felt it was the responsible thing to do), there had to be some changes.  However, in the cheat notes I have listed a number of options that people can take to either adjust the distance and/or the difficulty.
I have done this in order to provide flexibility.
 Dandenongs cheat notes.doc   35.5K   39 downloads

The course as mapped is a tough outing, with a couple of long climbs getting to Olinda, then followed up with another long climb getting up from Doongalla to the TV towers. These come with the corresponding downhills!! Apart from those, there is not much of the course that is flat, mostly up or down. The flatest bits come nearer the end.

So please check out the options and take them if you think that they will help you enjoy your run more. In every case, they fairly quickly rejoin the mapped course.

One option in particular was made for the simple reason that Parks Vic have a sign on the track entry to say it is closed. It would have been my preferred option had the track been officially open.

Please feel free to send me any questions, I'll be checking in until late tonight, or call me on 0403 819 390



So to confirm:
8am START (means meeting earlier....) at Grey Gum Car Park (LHS down from the Silvan Res Park entry).
Fully Self Supported - bring all you need for yourself, including fluids / carriers / food / maps / notes / first aid.
Bad jokes will be provided free, as will a smile and a hearty cheer when you finish.



If anyone that is thinking of a shorter run - and will be taking shorter routes than suggested here. Please add some comment on your possible adjustments for others to consider.


And to make it easy for anyone that does know the area well, here is the tracks list.
Track 18 - Track 13 - Georges - Barges - Rifle Gully - KC - Mathias - Sequoia - Dam Rd - Chalet Rd - Monbulk Rd - Range Rd - Range Track - Dodds Track - Doongalla Estate Rd - Channel 10 track - Zig Zag - Kyeema - **unsure** - (LEFT DOWN 1km past cairn) - Fireline - Old Mountain Rd - Old Coach Rd - Browns Rd (cont. over Mt Dandy Tourist Rd)- Inverness Track to Inverness Rd - Blakiston Rd - Wilkilla? (not labeled) - Pipeline - Mt Evelyn Reserve - Glenholme Rd - Borang Rd - Aqueduct Rd - Monbulk Rd - Priestly Rd - Mt Evelyn Aqueduct Walk trail - Hunter Rd - Pipeline - Olinda Creek Rd - Grey Gum Gully track.

Edited by Cl@rkey, 25 April 2011 - 02:54 PM.

[RobHall]

At what km's are there water taps? .....our houses that you can duck into their gardens and use their garden taps

[Cl@rkey]

Water at 8.5km, but better water at 10km, at the Olinda Reserve.
Then 13.5km  - but this is signed as untreated creek water from a tank. I've used it several times, but runner beware (as always)
Probably water somewhere between 19km and 21km from a front yard tap, but not 100% sure.
Water at 24.5km at the Mt Evelyn reserve.

Toilets at 8.5km, 10km, 13.5km, 14km, 24.5km, plus any one of the big trees and bushes we pass by.....

[RobHall]

Thanks, perfect, hate carrying water for the first 10km when you don't need it

[M12]

Can't run that far, but considering Mountain Biking this course tomorrow at some stage....

[pbig]

Kind of sad I won't be able to join you, but a rare opportunity to dive HMAS Canberra is too good to pass up. Have a great run Clarkey et al, it looks like being a cracker of a day for it!

[DianeE]

Unfortunately I'm out.  "Mum" duties tomorrow morning means I don't have time to get there and back (and run!)

Looks like it will be a beautiful day out - maybe a little cool to start with - so I hope you all have a fantastic run

D.

[lyricnz]

pbig, on 25 April 2011 - 10:53 PM, said:

Kind of sad I won't be able to join you, but a rare opportunity to dive HMAS Canberra is too good to pass up. Have a great run Clarkey et al, it looks like being a cracker of a day for it!

You're diving the Canberra today?  Me too!

[Tony123]

What a great run!!  Th weather was perfect, life doesnt get better than a run around Mt Dandenong with friends on a cool Autumn morning.
I ended up cutting it a bit short, and finished with 28.7km.  

Thanks for organising the run Clarkey.

[Emrun]

Thanks Clarkey, it was a gorgeous morning to be in the Dandenongs and I thoroughly enjoyed my skinny ass version.

Although 3 months of training for a flat road marathon certainly showed today    and despite my protestations to the contrary it was nice to see everyone waiting for me to haul myself up Blackhole and KC tracks.

Hope the rest of the outing was enjoyable for y'all

[RobHall]

Fell over twice and possibly broke my toe. Other than that twas a great day out. Although I have gait envy watching both tony and clarkey's running style. Love not having to navigate. Thanks for organising clarkey

[Kathymac]

Thanks to Cl@rkey for organising both the run and the perfect weather to enjoy an interesting and varied route.
I would never have been bold enough to tackle those trails on my own.
Thanks also to Emrun,Tony123,Peggy,BJ,Caz and Rob for the company and for waiting at track junctions so this little anchor didn't have to consult the map. Special thanks goes to Rob for the added entertainment - that was a spectacular acrobatic display towards the end of the run - hopefully your toe isn't as bad as it looked afterwards.

And I guess because the course distance came in exactly as advertised, we are not entitled to that refund...

Yay! Now I can enjoy my 3 whole days of taper.

[skydemon]

Thanks for the course Clarkey, myself and a mate ran it last weekend in around 4:30 with an extra couple of k's chucked in due to a wrong turn at Grey Gum track (oops!). It's definitely a good workout!

[Cl@rkey]

Kind of cool that someone used the maps etc so many months after the original use.
I'm glad you liked the course and the area, no doubt you found it a bit like a rollercoaster up there too.

A bunch of us were in the area yesterday morning, very wet, even after the rain stopped.
First time I've had to deal with leeches in the Dandenongs.....