27 replies to this topic

[nickpb]

We're still going up regardless and will be doing a run somewhere.  

I see there are a few planning a 7 start from explorers tree to cox's and back.  (and I presume an ogle at the river).

It sounds as though the track is a bit of an unknown past Little River and may not be passable.

Any other fat asses planned?

[Jogger]

I am not going on the track on Saturday.

Colin expressed a view that if there are any issues on Saturday on the track affecting runners that were entered in the race, then it could still bring unwanted aggro to the race.
So I understand the official line is "please do not go on the race course on saturday".
I am happy to comply with that.

[CanadiangirlinOz]

I am also still heading there as we are flying down from Brisbane so have tickets, hotel, rental car and accomodation (not to mention the goodness of my mother-in-law babysitting the kids).  Would love to do some kind of trail run and whilst I understand (in theory) not going onto the official 6 foot track, I thought the 'safety issue' was with the river (and track access on the other side of the river).  Are there other safe options that we could run on between 30-40kms?  I don't want in any way to jepardise the future of the race but I've also spent close to $1,000 on this trip and still want to get in a nice trail run.  Some of us don't have the luxury of running in the Blue Mountains anytime we want.  Am happy to consider other trail options though if the view is to completely stay away from 6 foot.

[otisr]

I am also doing the same - heading with family to Katoomba for weekend.  Would love a run in the bush, so i will take hydration pack.  Dont know what other parts of the mountains have the same issues, so if there are any suggetsions for a 4 - 5hr out and back then i would be keen.

[Supersam1979]

I understand people's frustration at this and have first hand done similar things when the Canberra Marathon was cancelled 2 years ago and a group of great CRs (Deadcat, crowpower Slowmo, Chris and LindyK et al) came together for a 50KM regardless around the lake and using the bike paths.

This was hands down the best event I have been part of - no medals etc, but great atmosphere and community spirit. We got plenty naysayers telling us not to do it and threathening to call the cops etc and telling us that we would be in great trouble - none of that eventuated and we had a great day out meeting new people in the running community from as far afield as Adelaide and Cairns. But we did not have the bush element to deal with...

Six foot is different - a few weeks ago we did the first section and that was the day of the golf ball hail stones and used the bridge. The area was very waterlogged and we went very slowly. It was also the weekend where the SES fished out that lot that got struck by lightening.

We also did the back end 2 weeks back and there were fallen trees along the Black Range and across the end downhill section. The ground was very marshy and water logged and that was prior to the recent barrage of rain.

Bear in mind that the temps have not been that high in the area and the track will be very wet - think possibility of falling trees, possible mud slides etc.

Talking to those at the reception of the Caves House a few weeks back, they were very encouraging of the event and seemed very open to runners coming up and doing it year in and year out (obviously attracts loads of money etc), but I can see how these locals might similarly get abit antsy about things if runners get in to trouble this weekend. We will be staying away as we don't want to break any bridges that the organisers have been building with the Caves House and the locals.

Think of Colin's words and also be mindful of the good work that has gone into building bridges with the locals if you plan to go up and run regardless and hopefully we don't see anyone getting fished out on Channel Nine.

[nickpb]

Jogger, on 08 March 2012 - 02:27 PM, said:

I am not going on the track on Saturday.

Colin expressed a view that if there are any issues on Saturday on the track affecting runners that were entered in the race, then it could still bring unwanted aggro to the race.
So I understand the official line is "please do not go on the race course on saturday".
I am happy to comply with that.

If that's the official view I'm happy to stick to that.  My understanding was the risk and part to avoid was little river / alum to effectively caves road.
Any regular runners up there know any other runs.  Looking at peoples Garmin runs, Narrowneck is one option and there's another that loops from Katoomba down and back up to tablelands road at wentworth falls?  Does anyone know what they're like?

[JustinHD]

otisr, on 08 March 2012 - 02:44 PM, said:

I am also doing the same - heading with family to Katoomba for weekend.  Would love a run in the bush, so i will take hydration pack.  Dont know what other parts of the mountains have the same issues, so if there are any suggetsions for a 4 - 5hr out and back then i would be keen.

Good long options are to run out along Narrow Neck (SW from Katoomba), 26km return, plenty of hills, or the Kings' Tableland (south from Wentworth Falls along Tableland Rd, then along fire roads).  Up to 45km return or about 40km return if from the end of the bitumen / cnr of Tableland Rd and Kedumba Valley Rd.  Various side roads.  You could also head down into Kedumba Valley using the K.V. road.  MapMyRun can be used to plot these runs.

[Wokka]

Plenty of options guys, a long hit out (40-50 km - can't remember exactly but took me about 5-6 hours last time) is to go out Narowneck, off the end, back around through the Megalong Valley and then back up  Nellies Glen onto first 7 ks of the 6FT Really nice running with only 10 ks or so on dirt public road but little traffic. Another nice run of similar time but a bit shorter is a loop that takes in Kedumba Valley but I reckon the Jamison Ck might have a fiar bit of water in it and crossing it might be problematic ?

Don't underestimate how much water might be in Cks, I ran Andersons fire trail (Woodford to Wenthworth Falls) a few weeks ago and had an exciting crossing of Erskine Ck, avoiding the Cks with big catchments is advisable.

I'm sure others have other ideas and can firm up distances. A gem and highly recommended would be out NarrowNeck and out to the wilddogs - and return  would have to check exact distance but I reckon about 40 km round trip - awesome views and will avoid and substantial Cks as its all on ridges basically.

Based on advice from Colin to avoid Six Foot Track at all in the interests of protecting reputation of race some of these other options might be the go. I'm keen ! Forecast is for a pretty good day.

[randy]

Coordinating the training program for my 50 or so NRG runners who are disappointed about the race cancellation, we will also plan to avoid the SIx Foot Track itself but do a high-country bush & road route as a "peak training run" for Canberra or Mt Solitary. Avoiding river crossings will be key; 270mm of rain falling in the month of February hasn't left much absorption potential for the additional rain in the past week.

[knoddie]

As I arrived in Katoomba this afternoon, I just ran a short trail from Three Sisters to Leura Cascades and that track is VERY water logged, heaps of mud, making for a rather unpleasant run. 40km of that would not be fun.

[caleb]

Hi
How do we feel about the mt solitary 45 km (running wild run) loop?..
There are a few of us interested..
Will there be river issues though?..I have not run this one before?
What I do know is we need an epic social adventure!
thoughts.. suggestions..words of wisdom from wise owls? (Kevin/ horrie...)

[Spud]

Caleb. You will need to cross the Kedumba river before climbing up Solitary. Depending on rain in next day or so it can get dangerous to cross. Also both Jamison and Leura creeks could be high.

[caleb]

Thanks Spud...
That does put a bit of a spanner in the works..mmm anybody with any views on how crossable the river will be on Saturday?

[howcanhegosofast]

Perhaps it's best just to grab some supplies, head off and see where you end up... trips like these often end up being the most fun.

Or the old school version for those who can remember :
"Welcome to adventure. Would you like instructions (y/n) ? "

[CessnockRunner]

Anyone still up in the Hunter Valley I am trying to kick off a Fat Ass run on Sat instead. 46km following the Great North Walk with start in Newcastle out to Teralba & back then dip in the beach followed by beer o'clock at the brewery or Great Northern.

Refer to thread on Fat Ass forum.

Grahame

[Spud]

That's cracking piece of 'suburban' trail. Love the coastal section to the lagoon, enjoy!

[dJunk]

I'll be in for the Newcastle Fat Ass, as it sounds like the Blue Mountains are not very inviting for runners right now...

[ganabu]

Yep. I'm in. Let me know the details and I'll see you Sat.

[mburton]

Narrow Neck sounds like a good alternative, and will keep you fresh for the next ultra.

[whelan]

Hi Guys,

I will be in Katoomba for the weekend. Can you please keep me in the loop for a long distance run Saturday Morning? Im desperately disappointed but a run on Saturday morning might be some bit of comfort:-)

is this possible?

Thanks..

[otisr]

I'm in for a run Sat am.  If i wake early, run to Narrow Neck and back , maybe take another trail, i will still be back by the time the family is up and we can enjoy the mountain hospitality.  Might take the headlamp to get a real early start.  Suppose my GNW training will start early this year.  I don't often get down to the Blue Mtns so a few hrs in the wilderness is really tempting.

[nickpb]

Maybe for anyone who fancys a very scenic* (*subject to weather) 22km or so along Narrowneck, meet where Glenraphael Drive meets Cliff Drive @ 7.00am.  (just near where the marker is on the map)  

Should be back to spend most of the day with the family / enjoy other hospitality.  And still be in a fit state to still walk around.


http://maps.google.c...s 2780&t=h&z=16

Edited by nickpb, 09 March 2012 - 01:20 PM.

[Nova]

Is anyone interested in running from caves house?

[knoddie]

Nova, on 09 March 2012 - 10:56 AM, said:

Is anyone interested in running from caves house?

A few mates and I will be looking for a run from Caves House tomorrow. Anything in mind?

[DaveRobbo]

Just to re-iterate Grahame's earlier post, & for those haven't found the Newcastle Fat Ass thread as yet, its all go for a run in Newy...!

Still hoping to get there myself...


via CessnockRunner (Grahame):

"OK all, this looks like a goer. The 2012 Six Foot DNS Fat Ass lives.

7-7:15am gather for 7:30am start from Newcastle Ocean Baths carpark (there's a shelter or 2 near the kiosk).

I have a couple of google maps printed from Dave Robbos run last weekend to guide us if you're like me & wouldn't know the route. Dave Robbo is still hoping to weave some magic & join us but he'll have to be like the wife whisperer on that beer ad otherwise he'll be house hunting.

I'm not planning on any water drops out on the course but there is an endless supply of taps along the way.

If we do Daves full run out & back that's about 46km but being out & back will allow for anyone to shorten that distance if they want to suit their own training program.

Finish off with a swim, shower, beer or all 3 if that suits.

First official Fat Ass I've ever done so don't really know the protocols but happy for any advice.

See you there. All welcome

Grahame Vernon 0417700484   "

[whelan]

Hi Randy,

this NRG run, can you accomodate another runner by any chance as not sure if there are any other groups running tomorrow morning??

My number is 0406448544 - PS: any other groups are free to include me if possible as I am travelling regarless of the race being postponed.

Cheers..

[knoddie]

At Caves house and it is very very quiet. Haven't seen many if any likely runners, unless there was a large contingent from Japan taking part. My West Australian buddies Chris, Bruce and I will be going out for a trot from here in the morning. SMS or call me on 0457 149 169 if you are interested in joining us.

[Nova]

I have stop with family for dinner in Katoomba.  I am interested I. Running for caves house, perhaps back along the track to the black range.