194 replies to this topic

[terry]

A big thanks goes to 2p for going to so much trouble in getting the water drops around.

[EverReadyBunny]

Yes a huge thansk to 2P for making this one possible !! You are a star.

Best say it now as I might "forget" tomorrow after getting lost, drowning, freezing and been eaten by a zombie or whatever the next scene might be

Strangely enough I am looking forward to getting out on the trail and seeing what challenges it might give us. I have heard the scenery is fantastic.

Hopefully NO LEECHES. I will take zombies over leeches any and every day.

[Horrie]

You sound like you need help Allison.

See you at the Deviation tomorrow morning.

[EverReadyBunny]

I do need help and I blame it all on that C2K.

See you all there hopefully bright and early.

[Twopennys]

I only do it forthe adulation

Just left Explorers Tree(running late). A balmy 10 degrees, drizzle, wall to wall fog & dark as Hades. Hope Milov has fog lights

[rodthehornet]

Have fun guys and girls.  I am sure the climb up from Jenolan campground will be interesting in the wet.

[Twopennys]

Just completed the last of the water drops- currently standing at Moorara /Black Range intersection and about to drive back to the Deviation for nah nighs.

Thought of Milove as I was trekking into the Moorara/Luthers intersection - PT Apex barely made a dint in the thick swirling fog - glad I took a handheld as well.

Bring on the morrow

[plu]

Anyone know anything?

Plu

[Martin Dugdale]

A very quick and brief report. Runbare and I pioneered a new extension to Hellgate. we are naming it: The Kanangra Bounce.
this involves  turning right on the Mooroora Boss fire trail, running down the mountain and the turning at Kanangra rd and running back up the mountain to rejoin the Hellgate loop. it adds about 10 k and of course feels wonderful.

more tomorrow

[BlueBel]

Martin,
How is it that you were the last one in and your the first to do a race report.?

Horrie and i were very happy to hear last night that Max Payne saw you and Run bare out on the course and steered you in the right direction.

Throughout  the whole run i thought you were both in front and i was hoping to see you.What a shock to hear you weren't in yet when Slow Maniac asked us how far behind us you were.

We are VERY HAPPY you are both o.k.

As for lynda and i we completed the course in 9 hours 20 min.

And IT FELT SO GOOD I WANT TO DO IT AGAIN.

That was the most challenging course i have ever completed.It was amazing.

I am calling the course HELLGATE HILLS.

The rocky white rock down hill and the rocks that seemed to go down hill forever I found very scary but that's what i love about trail running there is no way out of it when your there- you just have to keep going and overcome your fears.

The ascent on the way to The Black Range was so loooong.Unbelievable.I have never been on such a big hill.I hope it's not the last time.

So the sense of achievement is so fun.

2p waited for Lynda and I at several parts of the course to steer us in the correct direction.

Thanks 2p.We spent a lot of the run together.Thanks again.The water drops were much appreciated also, as were my support crew of Tim and Horrie.

We made it in just before night fall, which is a shame really as we could have practiced using our head lights.

Thanks 2p for a very well thought out course and putting on the day for everyone.

Edited by BlueBel, 20 April 2008 - 08:36 AM.

[Thomas]

Nice to meet everyone yesterday. Thanks 2P for organising a great run. I ran with Tim for most of the day, thanks mate for the company and navigating up that hill to Oaky Camp. We made one wrong turn and ended up at some house in the middle of nowhere on top of the ridge. We starting fantasising about owning it as a weekender and how it would be easy to run up here after finishing the 6FT - yeah right.

We came across Milov on the Blood Filly Fire Trail still looking strong after starting from the tree at 1.00am and attempting the first ever Twelvegate - and as Tim said if he makes it he will reach legendary status. I thought the most cruelling part of the course was the run down to the river - it just goes on and on and smashes the quads, but then a nice cool off in the river then up to Black Range - I was in my own little world going up here so didn't find it too bad and then a the final cruise back to the Deviation finishing just over 6 hours. Awesome day out thanks again 2P.

Tom

[EverReadyBunny]

What a day for my first day back running trails !! Fantastic Trail.

Many times on that course I did wonder about it's origin. 2P how on earth did you find that course ?

Faboulous run and great company. Rain wasn't even too bad.

Thanks to Dutchie and SlowManiac for running with me. Dutchie let us drift ahead around 25km just before we headed down into Hellgate Gorge. SlowManiac thanks for waiting for me and the company I know you could easily have taken off here as well.

In hindsight I can't believe I asked SlowManiac as we were running along Blood Filly Rd if that was "it" and was the rest just a trail like this back to deviation. He gave me a very interesting look and reported that he thought there was a bigger hill than the one we had climbed out of Jenolan Caves.. and all I could say was good. I was thinking this isn't so hard what is all the fuss about. Well I soon discovered the course delivered the challenge I was seeking.

Didn't get lost (mostly thanks to Dutchie's map reading skills).

Max P and Milov what can I say you guys are insane adding more on to this run. Although that is one of things I like about doing these runs. It makes me feel sane. There is always someone doing something madder. I also think it was great to see the guys and gals trying out their packs for Northface and carrying more gear. I was a bit of a whimp and just carried a very light pack with 2L of water and some snacks.

Thanks heaps 2P I loved this run. Athough my quads thanks may be a little delayed. They are in shock this morning.

I can't believe everyone didn't want to do this run. It must be one of the best kept secrets.

[Spud]

Martin I'm assuming your extra kms were unintentional? As 2P says take every left after Blood Filly.  

I had a great run, found it very cold at the start with the rain coming down. I stupidly left my spray jacket at home so left  with Milov after arriving way too early at 6.50am.
Ran well to the Caves House in a record split, startling numerous roos along the way before hooking up with the trail along the river. The climb up to Oaky was as brutal as ever but I found the footing a lot better this year with the rain allowing my terrocs to bite into the mud for grip.
I did the same thing as Tim and Tom, emerging on a 4 wheel drive trail to a house before realising I topped out on the ridge too far left.Quickly picked up the proper trail and dragged my ass up Mt Whiteley, pretty much uphill all the way to Kanangra Rd. Once on the road I picked up the pace and looked forward to the wonderful Blood Fily trail. I was freezing though as the wind whipped up the escarpment to my right. At the water dump I struggled to peel the cover off the water container with numb fingers, I longed for my gloves. The run to the river was tough on the quads, however  the footing again was easier a result of the rain. The weather cleared momentarily affording views out and across the ranges, God's country, fantastic stuff. The cool water of the Jenolan River felt good on my swollen ankle (peroneal tendon flare up again). The next few kms up to the Black Range are as tough as the climb up Mt Bogong for mine. Relentless climbing with few switchbacks, I struggled a bit here, feeling the the 50km from Canberra last weekend.
Hit the Range and was pleased to find a good rythym again and run it out arriving at the campground in 5.41.
Just missed my 5.39 from last year but very pleased none the less.

Thanks again 2P for the water dump and organisation. This is a ripper run and one every trail enthusiast should try one day.

Edited by Spud, 20 April 2008 - 02:55 PM.

[Twopennys]

Will write more later - just nipped into Oberon to top up with petrol before picking up the water drops.

ERB - the originof the course is that I am a nerd and one of my hobbies is studying topo maps the rest is history (withsome help from Mr G and Fats who I bouced the concept off).

I was good to my word and finished in 9.53- extremely satisfied given how little running I've done over the last twelve months.

Can everyone please either post their finish time or PM me so I can keep a log of these training times for posterity.

Cheers, 2P

[Dutchie]

Thanks a million 2P,

Although I did start out regretting my decision to come along when we arrived at the freezing campground at 7am.
I even dared to think of pulling out before the start, especially on seeing Milov's white face and chattering teeth.
But everyone's crazy enthusiasm as they arrived made me think I'll give it a go.
I'd packed heaps of emergency gear in my bag including a GPS, garmin, warm clothes, plenty of water and food etc so I was covered for all eventualities.

2P thanks for the water drops. I didn't use the first one as I hadn't drank much and then got very panicy as I climbed up to the Black Range as I was very low and it was an absolute relief to fill up at the top. Thank you so much for the time and effort to put the water out so late on Friday night as I know how much driving that involved.

I had a great and very challenging day out in the mountains.
Thanks for your company ERB and SlowManiac I only wish I could have kept up with you for a bit longer.

And thanks Allison for coming back out to meet me along the Black Range and steeering me home.

Finsh time 7hrs 37mins very happy (30mins behind Allison and SlowManiac)

I'm now hurting in lots of new places and discovering painful muscles I didn't know I had!

Great to meet everyone although it was very brief before the off!

[Martin Dugdale]

The Kanagra Bounce,
well it started as before the night before at the campground, got there at about 6.00pm and started to make dinner, pre cooked pasta and chunky chicken soup, washed down with a few glasses of shiraz. was joined later on by 2P and Slow Maniac. slept in the car and woke at about 6.30 to find that Milov had already arrived.  after breakfast tried to get myself organised but ended up leaving behind half the kit I had assembled. but the important thing to me was testing my new icebreaker running top and Montane jacket. the question being could I run all day in a long sleeve top without overheating. this run was to be a semi dress rehearsal for North Face using the same gear and trying to pick a suitable  speed. So wde all set off from the Helgate tree and trundled off down the track. watched ERB and Dutchie dissapearing  into the distance and settled into a slow jog with Runbare ( who had completed the 50K at Canberra the weekend before). got down to Caves house had a short toilet break and were joined by 2P. he waited for Blue Bell and Linda, while we carried on. I am not sure if it was because of the rain or another year of training , but the mountain seemed easier this year and it only took us 45 minutes from the campground to the fire trail. the fire trail though was just as hard. got to the yellow ribbon tree and had to stop, think and consult the map before turning right. and so out onto Kanangra rd. another 2.5 k and there is Horrie, parked at the start of the Blood filly fire trail. I still had not touched my water, was carrying 2 litres, and did not need to top up. so off we go again  and at this point start paying attention to the time. at the 20 k mark we have been out for 4 hours so are moving at 5 kilometers per hour. this is my intended race pace so am happy. still feeling strong. onwards and easily picked the first left, then along the grassy track, down to the creek feeling good and start to descend  and check the Garmin, we have covered about 28k and we are still descending, start wondering, where is the saddle, bet never mind I like running downhill. we then spot something blue in the distance and what do you know it is two bottles of water. stop look at the map, if we are on track we should get to a gate right about now. about 200 kmetres down the road is the remains of a gate. OK  press on and we come t o a large grassy meadow, hmm strange I don't remember this and sure enough another kilometer down the track and we are back on Kanagra Rd. so after a brief cdiscussion of our alternatives, Runbare is in a fair bit of pain by now but for every gram of pain she has a kilogram of courage and so we agree to bounce back. Back up th mountain we go, when we get back to the bottles we find Max Pain  there as well, he tells us we have run off the edge of our map but  points us in the right direction after about another 4 k we find the fork in the road and turn right, back on track but moving very slowly now as we go along the saddle and up to the top of Moorora Boss, pick up a bit of speed on the descent and stop to wonder at the view at the strategic points and down to the river, once again Runbare crosses the river without getting her feet wet.
and then ther is the mountain, up up and more up, just like last year but this year with the later start time and the bounce  we are running late, we are only about half way up when we watch the sun set  and it is now  going to be a struggle getting to the top before dark. I did not pack a torch or headlamp and Run bare has a rather small torch so we eventually get to the gate at dusk and prepare  ourselves for the Black range after the first kilometer we see headlights. Slow Maniac has come to to render assistance. we accept the offer of a ride having covered 50 kilometers of severe terrain in 9 hours and 56 minutes, still on race pace.
today still feel good and capable of doing it again. the equipment was perfect. I can recommend the Icebreaker superfine GT long sleeve top. I was never too cold or too hot.

onward!

Edited by Martin Dugdale, 20 April 2008 - 02:48 PM.

[max payne]

2P

Thanks for a great day. You went well out of your way to accommodate us all - especially me. All that extra driving for two water drops for a single runner was truly appreciated.

As I was heading down toward Kanangra and starting to think that I might turn back I felt very guilty about the fact that there was one more water drop you would have to collect right at the far end of the course the next morning. But being out on that course by myself into the night and coming into Hellgate down "that descent" in the dark led me to turn around early. Also, the fact that I had come across a few creeks that were pretty deep and difficult to negotiate and I would have to ford them in the dark on my return was not a pleasant thought. So in the end it ended up being about 70km in 9.45 for me. Happy with that.

So unfortunately the BOTW course is not yet conquered. I'll have another go next year though, it's an awesome course you've got here 2P. The BOTW section (or the bit I ran) is very different to the Hellgate loop - relatively flat and extremely runnable (or shuffable I should say).

The best bit for me is the run along Moorara Boss up on that ridge. The views off to either side, rock formations and smooth trail - didn't even feel like I was running.

Martin & Runbare - thanks for the (unintended?) company out on the course  

Terry & SlowManiac - thanks for the company in the car.

Hope to see you all at TNF.

Cheers
Paul

[Twopennys]

Sorry - too lazy to do an edited short version for here so just copied the long-winded account from my blog.

Due to the fog putting out the water drops took much longer than I had planned - anyone who has driven through the Jenolan Gorge or down to Kanangra Walls might be able to appreciate what it is like in drizzle and absolute pea-souper fog.

One funny thing happened though as I was walking in the 700m from the Kanangra Rd to put down one of the drops for Paul. Switching on the PT Apex Pro was all but useless in the dense fog so I decided to take my Garmin PDA (loaded with topo's) so I didn't miss the right spot. Concentrating hard on where I put my feet and fumbling my way along the soaked track with the wind blowing rain into my face - when suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere a disembodied voice said "lost satellite reception" - fair dinkum I hit my head on an overhanging tree branch I jumped so high!

Anyhoo after my heartrate got down below 180 I carried on. Didn't much feel like putting out the last drop on Blacks Range but knew if I didn't do it, it would put me under pressure in the morning.

When I got back to the Deviation I was so wired from concentrating that I needed to read for an hour to wind down, so lights out wasn't till 1.00am - I slept like a baby.

Waking up at 6.30 I still managed to fluff about and had to rush my preparation - I didn't even count how many people were there (will have to wait for someone to post a start photo).

Horrie gave us a "ready-set-go"and we were away with Belinda, Lynda & I all trying to out-do each other with what we had forgotten to do and pulling up to set things right. In my case I'd forgotten to lube up, but once I'd done the decent with a finger tip of Vas I got going proper, promising the girls I wouldn't leave the Caves without them.

Really super-pleased with my run down to the Caves considering I'm 10kg overweight and have only run 130k's this year -arrived bang on 1.30 and had a natter with Martin,Run Bare and Craig (?) till they took off. Then Horrie and Tim turned up - I'd been idling for about 15mins and was starting to get seriously cold and told Horrie to tell the girls I'd meet them at the gate before the climb - just as I was about to set off the girls arrived.

I knew they would fiddle about for a bit so I just walked the 2.5k down to the gate - the girls arriving about 5 mins after I got there. "What up there"? "Yep" I swear Lynda is part Mountain Goat she just took off like there was no tomorrow. A bit later I had a bit of a chuckle when Belinda said "dare I ask - is it much further"? "No not really - we are about a third of the way up"!

We made good time up the hill as it is much easier wet than dry. Finally hit the Kanangra Rd and cruised up to where Horrie and Tim were waiting - a quick resup and we were on our way into Hellgate Country. I've said it before - I'll say it again - it's the most fun you can have standing up.

Played leapfrog with Belinda and Lynda as they were both stronger on the ups than me and eventually they got away when I had a pit stop. The descent was a bit of an anti-climax with the surface being nowhere near as treacherous as when it is dry - still gave the quads a good pounding though!

Gravity took me past the girls about halfway down and I mosied on down to the river.

After a bit the girls turned up and I just pointed them in the right direction and said "adios" - I had no intention of even trying to keep up with them. With my lack of training I knew to push was just to invite a cramp so I just ambled up that mighty hill. Suffered a bit of heartbreak when intuition made me turn and I saw my cap on the ground about 60m back. I briefly thought of leaving it but it was a Six Foot cap, dang nabbit so I had to go back. A bit later I took the "deadmans" suck on the Camelbak and ruefully looked at my handheld which was about a third full...

Eventually got to Blacks Range and headed for home. I could still walk strongly but could only raise a shuffle run on the downs. "Ahoy" from behind me and there is Paul informing me of Martin & Runbare's tale of woe.

It got dark, but I couldn't be bothered to get my headlamp out and just doddled on the best I could passing Slow Maniac in his car as he was riding to the rescue. (BTW thanks for picking up the water drop - saved me a trip this morning).

Shortly after everyone left it started to rain quite heavily and I reflected what a different place the Deviation was now compared to the bustle of runners and bushwalkers earlier in the day.

The hardest thing I did that day was strip off and pour cold water all over myself to have a tubs (I had to - I smelled like a polecat). Skins on, rugged up and cooked dinner - it was no use though - my core temp had dropped - so warming up a cup of water I went and got horizontal in the old MKI fartbag and concentrated on getting some feeling back in my hands and feet.

Had an ordinary nights sleep as I had to pee about 83 times - when I wasn't peeing I was trying to convince myself I didn't need to. Blah - morning came about 30 hours after I went to bed and drizzle had become steady rain.

Breakfasted with the local kangaroos and headed into Oberon for some petrol. Reverse trip to pick up the rest of the empties (and fullies - the coldness of the day meant people used very little water) and headed home.

Done.


Thanks for the company everyone - especially Belinda & Lynda - you are two very cheerful trail buddies.

Oh yeah - and Milov - I dips me lid!

Cheers, 2P

Edited by Twopennys, 20 April 2008 - 04:49 PM.

[SlowManiac]

EverReadyBunny, on Apr 20 2008, 09:36 AM, said:

SlowManiac thanks for waiting for me and the company I know you could easily have taken off here as well.

Oh yeah I could have easily have taken off   hehe!! I was just saving my legendary finishing kick (legendary cos no one has seen it!)

Firstly a massive thanks to 2p. Driving around to all ends of the Blue Mountains in the middle of the night in freezing rain and fog all for our comfort is a selfless act. Not to mention finding the route in the first place.

I almost didn't make it on Friday - the lure of the bright lights of Katoomba almsot proved too much but with a muttered 'HTFU' I pushed on and enjoyed camping.

Woke up to find Milov and must have offered him food and coffee about ten times he looked so cold.
Anyways soon we were off and I found myself running with EvereadyBunny and Dutchie. We stayed together until around 28k when Dutchie dropped back slightly. After one or two 'undulations' we made it to the seemingly endless Black Range Rd. Arrived at camp in around 7:10 - v happy!

Thanks for the company Dutchie and ERB - I felt realy safe with Dutchies excellent navigational skills! ERB how you have not got lost before I do not know. Maps and directions are for looking at, not just carrying around!

All in all an awesome day out!

Edited by SlowManiac, 20 April 2008 - 06:12 PM.

[tim]

It is a beautiful country out there, rain hail shine.  but beauty comes at a price.  It is a lovely meander down from deviation to Caves on fresh legs. Then you keep going past the six foot finish line and through the caves and around the river.  It is so lovely, this groomed little path with birds singing and life is so good.  then for some unexplained reason you have to turn right.  there is no trail and through leaf litter and fallen trees you clamber onward hands grasping at the ground to try to get to the top.  Things get civilized after that and it is beautiful along the ridge.  Even better along some leafy soft single trail until you meet Hellgate gorge.  From the top you can see the drop down to the depths of nadir.  but if you look across you then see the insane mountain top you must climb.  Down down down, quads burning, the soft sandstone track slipping underneath.  More down and then when you can not take anymore more rocky nasty trip over and smash your head on rocks down hill running there is a whole pile more.

Apparently nadir has a lovely creek and it is so nice to stop and cool your feet.

then it is up.  Owwww my legs are burning.  Up, i am out of breath.  Up, I wish I had a helicopter.  Ahhhh it had flattened I am at the top.  Oh no no no more climb and more climb.  Some how in one piece you are standing on Black range.  Ok run this and it will be over quickly.

On and on for the longest six kms.  

then it is over.

muddy and worn out.  Cold to the bone.  You stand there with a smile that goes on forever.  What a perfect way to spend a day.  Comfort is over rated!  trail running is sex.    dirty, wet and totally satisfied I collapse in my car.

[Twopennys]

tim, on Apr 20 2008, 06:25 PM, said:

It is a beautiful country out there, rain hail shine.  but beauty comes at a price.  It is a lovely meander down from deviation to Caves on fresh legs. Then you keep going past the six foot finish line and through the caves and around the river.  It is so lovely, this groomed little path with birds singing and life is so good.  then for some unexplained reason you have to turn right.  there is no trail and through leaf litter and fallen trees you clamber onward hands grasping at the ground to try to get to the top.  Things get civilized after that and it is beautiful along the ridge.  Even better along some leafy soft single trail until you meet Hellgate gorge.  From the top you can see the drop down to the depths of nadir.  but if you look across you then see the insane mountain top you must climb.  Down down down, quads burning, the soft sandstone track slipping underneath.  More down and then when you can not take anymore more rocky nasty trip over and smash your head on rocks down hill running there is a whole pile more.

Apparently nadir has a lovely creek and it is so nice to stop and cool your feet.

then it is up.  Owwww my legs are burning.  Up, i am out of breath.  Up, I wish I had a helicopter.  Ahhhh it had flattened I am at the top.  Oh no no no more climb and more climb.  Some how in one piece you are standing on Black range.  Ok run this and it will be over quickly.

On and on for the longest six kms.  

then it is over.

muddy and worn out.  Cold to the bone.  You stand there with a smile that goes on forever.  What a perfect way to spend a day.  Comfort is over rated!  trail running is sex.    dirty, wet and totally satisfied I collapse in my car.

That is gold Tim - no make that platinum!

Glad you sated your voracious appetite - and I thought you were only breathing heavy because of the climb

[Spud]

Hey 2P, when you did your recce last year, did you manage to stumble upon that house at the top of the ridge near Oaky Campground? It's pretty much straight up and just over the top.
BTW the trail seemed more discernable near the top of the ridge too, I realised this after my stuff up, doubling back and picking up the correct Oaky trail to Mt Whiteley. I reckon the course notes should be altered "keep right" instead of left when the ridge broadens?
Smashing run...too much fun.

[Twopennys]

Spud, on Apr 20 2008, 07:31 PM, said:

Hey 2P, when you did your recce last year, did you manage to stumble upon that house at the top of the ridge near Oaky Campground? It's pretty much straight up and just over the top.
BTW the trail seemed more discernable near the top of the ridge too, I realised this after my stuff up, doubling back and picking up the correct Oaky trail to Mt Whiteley. I reckon the course notes should be altered "keep right" instead of left when the ridge broadens?
Smashing run...too much fun.

There is a house to the left of the "yellow ribbon tree" - if there is another then I haven't seen it.

Interesting observation about keeping right... yesterday we stayed on the nose of the ridge all the way up and when the ridge broadened out we just followed the faint foot pad which trended to the left and picked up the fire trail (Belinda, Lynda what are your recollections?).... hmmm maybe it should be renamed the Hellgate Triangle!

[Martin Dugdale]

First Hi 2P
my apologies for not thanking you earlier, but you should not interpret our comms as:
Martin & Runbare's tale of woe.
I thought of it as an opportunity to run farther than I ever had before, and relished the opportunity in good company, so many thanks to you and Slow Maniac. at no .point did we approach woe or anything like it. We are trail runners after all

[Twopennys]

Just an expression Martin - no offence intended - as Paddy Pallin was fond of saying "never truly lost"!

If it is any consolation - having driven to & from the Deviation at least 12 times in my life - somehow when I left today I missed going either immediately left or straight over (both of which would get me to the main road) and went half right (as opposed to full right to 6') and ended up having to turn around and backtrack....

Cheers, 2P

[Thomas]

Twopennys, on Apr 20 2008, 06:18 AM, said:

There is a house to the left of the "yellow ribbon tree" - if there is another then I haven't seen it.

Interesting observation about keeping right...

Yep that's definately the one. It's not really right it's more straight on, but when you look at the map the left turn looks exactly like the one that you should take at Kanangra Walls Rd. It's not until you've made the mistake and look harder at the map that you realise that the scale of the actual is nothing like the map.

[SlowManiac]

Here is a picture of some drowned rats about to head off into the gloom!

Attached Files

•  Hellgate.jpg   1.3MB   70 downloads

[Twopennys]

Thomas, on Apr 20 2008, 09:09 PM, said:

Yep that's definately the one. It's not really right it's more straight on, but when you look at the map the left turn looks exactly like the one that you should take at Kanangra Walls Rd. It's not until you've made the mistake and look harder at the map that you realise that the scale of the actual is nothing like the map.

Well the map is 1:25,000.... so - um - yeah - the actual is much bigger - you get that with real life

As for the instruction to "keep left" that is for when the "trackless" part of the ridge is encountered. "Keep right" is for the "tracked" part - maybe that is where we are at odds....

[Twopennys]

SlowManiac, on Apr 20 2008, 09:23 PM, said:

Here is a picture of some drowned rats about to head off into the gloom!

LOL thanks SM - at least now I know how many started (+ one - ie you ) Hmmm note the one with natural insulation... everyone else has a longins on or at least a jacket and there is fatguts 2P in shorts and t-shirt

[Spud]

Twopennys, on Apr 20 2008, 09:35 PM, said:

As for the instruction to "keep left" that is for when the "trackless" part of the ridge is encountered. "Keep right" is for the "tracked" part - maybe that is where we are at odds....

Fair nuff, that makes more sense, actually I didn't have any issues here with Rod last year.
Notes are fine, I was just conscious of staying left up the ridge too early I guess.

Oh and I agree the descent to "hell' was indeed much more forgiving on the legs after the rain.

[Twopennys]

Spud, on Apr 20 2008, 09:46 PM, said:

Oh and I agree the descent to "hell' was indeed much more forgiving on the legs after the rain.

LOL - this years virgins don't know how easy they had it

[Martin Dugdale]

I am not a drowned rat, I was full of fried eggs, fried olive bread and coffee, feelin good

[RunBare]

Thank you 2P for all your efforts to get this run happening, that was a truly spectacular trail.  The water drops were greatly appreciated in particular.  Even the one meant for Max Payne which he kindly shared.

After last weeks 50k in hail, the rain was cold but not too much of a bother, and a good chance to test out some gear for the North Face next month.  We ran easily down to Jenolan Caves, where Craig who had come along for 'sane' trail experience turned around and ran back to the Deviation.  For the record, he said it was a fabulous run.

I then followed Martin up that hill/mountain with the slightly less than obvious path.  What incredible views.   Heading off down the trail, I became concerned that my pace would slow Martin too much, but he seemed happy for a long slow run, so on we plodded.  After many km had passed and it became evident that we may have chosen an alternate route, I recall saying "I don't mind how much futher we've run, as long as we don't have to go back up THAT hill".  Famous last words!!

We saw max payne at the water drop and double checked with him as to our whereabouts.  He kept us company for a short while before shooting off into the distance, with our message of possibly being slightly longer than planned.

We made up for our detour and picked up the pace a little in the section leading down into the Gorge.  Apart from the 6 or 7 times I fell over down the slippery slopes... (I really need to get used to this shoe wearing concept), this was welcome relief from the uphills.  Stopped once to remove a leech from inside my sock, who had sucked enough of my blood to nearly choke itself.

The view from the bottom of the gorge was frighteningly spectacular.  I felt I had seen something very special, seldom witnessed in this couch loving, relaxation seeking world.

Then came the understanding of why this place was named Hellgate.  I think I could count about 15 times I wished to die on that climb back up.  By now the 50k of last weekend and the extra kms earlier in the run were starting to bite me badly.  Martin encouraged me up that mountain, step by step at times.  To see the gate at the top was magic.

But not quite as magical as seeing headlights in the distance on the Black Range Road and finding out it was Slow Maniac.   My brain was set to finish the distance off if necessary, but my body was much keener on the ride.  Thanks for your help, it was more than generous.

Upon reaching the end and realising we had covered 50k in about 10 hours I felt quite satisfied.  I did feel sorry for the people on the train who shared a carriage with me on my trip back down to Sydney.  By this time of night most were youngsters dressed up and off for a night on the town in Sydney and here was I, filthy dirty, blood filled shoe, with my bags of gear beside me, dressed like a reject from a Paddy Pallin store, ravenously stuffing down vegemite sadwiches.  Ahhh good times

I can't wait to do it all again.

[otisr]

I was so keen to particapte as well, but my leave pass was pulled late, but did manage to do a good 11km cross country race in Newcastle for punishment.  Great reports for what sounds like an interesting run.  Great commeraderie - you get that and more with CR's.

For somebody contemplating doing the Hellgate this coming weekend, can you confirm the track is the same as on the Fat Ass  website, I am concerned about the wrong turns.  

[Twopennys]

otisr, on Apr 20 2008, 10:30 PM, said:

I was so keen to particapte as well, but my leave pass was pulled late, but did manage to do a good 11km cross country race in Newcastle for punishment.  Great reports for what sounds like an interesting run.  Great commeraderie - you get that and more with CR's.

For somebody contemplating doing the Hellgate this coming weekend, can you confirm the track is the same as on the Fat Ass  website, I am concerned about the wrong turns.  

It is all good - the instructions on the "detailed course" description hold true - the important bits are turn right at the gate (bar across the road at the Jenolan Campground) believe it or not that is the way

Don't worry about any pooncie intersections you may come to (there are 2 to the left) - just keep right once you hit fire trail - when you hit the Kanangra Road you will know it - it is NOT a fire trail but a fair dinkum secondary unsealed road.

Blood Filly is marked so - if not in neon then at least large and bright enough to obtain your attention.

Once you are on Blood filly just keep looking left - everytime you see a trail to the left, take it!

From there enjoy the ride!

Let us know how you go - break a leg

Cheers, 2P

Edited by Twopennys, 20 April 2008 - 10:59 PM.

[milov]

I have to admit that I am not really a fan of big ascents. I don’t like cold conditions either. And after 36 hours without sleep, many of them spent inching my way up steep hills through thick fog and rain soaked darkness I am well and truly wrecked. But though my body aches, there is a satisfied grin on my face. Twelvegate has been spanked!

I had done very little research on the Hellgate Loop, let alone the Twelvegate option. I had no idea that it had never been completed. The truth be told, the only reason I had put myself down for it was because I was in a bad mood at the time, and a long tough trail run will usually revive my spirits. So I organised my maps, guestimated my splits, put together my kit and provisions then headed off into a big unknown.

I caught the 9:10pm train from central arriving at Katoomba about 11:20. And the very first thing to hit me was the cold and the fog. I had originally intended to run in shorts, but the cold was so intense that I quickly changed into some long tights (the first time I had worn them in over a year). I thought about jumping into a cab, but then I reasoned that a couple of extra km’s won’t make any difference today! So I headed off to the Explorer’s Tree on foot. At 12:15am, with the rain pattering down around me and visibility was next to zero, I touched the tree and took off down the stairs. I remember at the time thinking to myself whoever coined the phrase “we pass this way but once” was obviously not a trail runner.

As the rain continued to patter, I reached the hollow tree at Megalong Valley Road where I placed my first food and drink drop for the trip back home. I have recently discovered a new drink by powerade called pre-sport which has added caffeine. It really works a treat, so half a bottle of the stuff was included in each my drop bags knowing that I will be needing a few ‘jolts’ along the way back home.

As the rain continued to patter I left the tree and continued towards the Cox’s River. It wasn’t long before I encountered my worst fear. Cows! I don’t trust cows. I am sure that they hold huge amounts of antipathy towards the human race and should they ever come across a lone runner on a dark and lonely trail the temptation to exact revenge must be great. And there they were! Herds of them blocking the trail. Their evil eyes glowing in the light of my headlamp. They looked at me. I looked at them. It was a Mexican standoff! But I knew that if I gave them long enough to ponder the situation they would have realized that I was really much smaller than they were and they would have attacked. So I took the initiative and ran at them yelling and flailing my arms. The cows scattered. But there were many more herds of them waiting out there for me. For the next couple of hours I was encountering them every kilometre of so. And thoughts of cows with evil glowing eyes lead to the obvious association with Satanists. And with the fog and the dark and the rain adding to the effect, it wasn’t until the eventual sunrise that I was released from my own personal Blair Witch Project Hell.

The other bane of my life was also out in force. One would have thought that there had been a significant enough drop of temperature of late to have taken out the spider population. But there were webs a plenty across the trail, most of them head high. I was forever wiping webs and spiders from my face, and they were especially thick when I crossed the swing bridge (I thought it was too risky to attempt a river crossing alone in the dark).

I placed my second bag drop at the Cox’s river (as the rain pattered around me), each one making my heavy pack just a little lighter. Then I began my first climb. Visibility was rapidly getting poorer and by the time I passed Pluvi I could barely see a foot ahead of me. I was making very slow progress in the fog and pattering rain. There were no cramp bears to be found on the Black Ranges that evening. But I suspect that is because they had been taken out by the voracious sleep monsters who were going to town on me.  I was seriously contemplating having a little nap on the side of the road! All the time I was struggling to keep my eyes peeled for the Moorara trailhead so that I could place a drop bag there. But it was to no avail. When I spotted Warlock trailhead and realized I had overshot the Moorara turnoff. It was disappointing to know that there will be no caffeine drink waiting for me some 10 hours later to provide the dutch courage needed to turn right and not left.

When I pulled into the Deviation campground (about 6:15) it seemed that nobody was up yet. Not wanting to wake anyone I sat under the sheltered map to eat my cold and lonely breakfast. But it wasn’t long until slowmaniac arose and I joyously joined him for some company and a cup of coffee that was pure magic! Then came Martin and 2P and eventually Spud, Dutchie and ERB showed up. Really feeling the cold Spud and I decided to head off straight away. For about 5 minutes I ran with Spud, but with no chance of matching his pace I waved him on.

The river trail beyond the Jenolan Caves was very pretty. And the climb up the spur was rewarded with enchanting views over the misty valley. Being in no hurry to head up to the top I paused to leave several cairns and stick tripods on the route in case anyone behind me was as uncertain as I was.

Navigation was far easier than I was expecting over the ranges, with 2P’s maps and course notes providing clear directions (sorry Martin and runbare, but if I don’t get lost then nobody else has an excuse to ). I had a brief chat to Max Payne as he past me at the Bloody Filly trailhead. Then Horrie showed up with Tim (I love watching team HorrieBell in action, they really know how to support each other!).

It wasn’t long until Tim Turner and Thomas came bounding past me. They both looked really fresh and I could see that they were enjoying their trail run. But it was very hard for me to watch Tim disappear down the trail ahead of me (I guess there has to be a first time for everything ). Then came Chopper and Terry. It has been a long time since I have seen Terry so upped my pace for about 20 minutes enjoying my longest stretch of conversation in what was going to be a very long day. As I could feel my batteries draining a little too rapidly I said goodbye and let them take off down the descent into the Hellgate Gorge. The run down to the Jenolan River was quite pleasant. I was pacing myself conservatively and had plenty of time to take in the spectacular views of rock faces and winding rivers. But after crossing the river (home to some of the most industrious wombats in the country) I realized that there was a price to be paid for the fantastic descent. The climb up to the Moorara Boss Ranges is brutal!

It was 2:20 when I reached the Black Ranges Road. That gives me a Hellgate loop time of about 8:20. I stopped for a tin of creamed rice which Terry had kindly left for me, then after repeating the mantra ‘I did not come here to DNF today’ several times under my breath I made the stern decision to turn right and not left.

My earlier conservative pace had paid off and I felt strong as I glided down towards the Cox’s River. I also had the added incentive of getting past the Megalong Valley before nightfall and that way avoiding any more confrontations with the cows from hell!

Terry had generously offered to support me on the return leg and he was waiting at the Megalong Valley Road when I got there about 5:15. For the first time in 17 hours I was able to ditch my backpack and I set off on the final leg carrying two handhelds. Shortly after passing the 5km marker, darkness descended accompanied by the heaviest rain of the whole journey. Though I was expecting a tough final climb, it wasn’t made any easier by the torrents of water gushing down the track. But when you are that close to finishing an epic and arduous trail run, there is not enough rain in the world to dampen your spirits! One foot in front of the other is all it takes to get too the top, and with a big smile on my face and a sudden burst of energy I breached to trailhead and sprinted to the Explorer’s Tree. It was 6:59pm when I finished. 18:44 is a long day at the office, and a mighty PW for 100km.

My final time is certainly soft. I had some sluggishness in my legs due to a fairly fast race performance the week before. I am sure it can be done a lot quicker, but the trick is to pace yourself or the final two ascents (Toorara and Nellie’s Glen) will get the better of you.

Having read the other reports it seems like everyone had a great experience out there. Thanks to all of you who I met along the way. It was a long lonely day for me and the brief moments of conversation really helped me along. Thanks so much Terry for the impromptu support. And a huge round of applause to 2P for the magnificent organization. Truly above and beyond the call of duty with the water drops/maps/course directions. Definitely got me thinking about BOTW next year!

And the bad mood that I was in before I begun… seems like long forgotten history!

[tim]

you bloody mad man!!

well done mate.  Such a tough run and you are the first.

[Martin Dugdale]

Well I told you that you were mad before you started but what a wonderful lunatic you are. that was a magnificent effort. well done

[max payne]

Milov

What a huge effort. Reading your report makes my feel embarrassed at the reasons I turned back from BOTW. I can't imagine how you summoned up the energy to turn right at Black Range after that ascent.

By the way, you looked super comfortable at Blood Filly. Would never have guessed that you had already run over 55km!!

Legendary effort.

Cheers
Paul

[Spud]

Awesome Milov, well done, it takes guts to make that right turn at the top of Moorara.Kudos mate!

[SlowManiac]

Well done Milov thats a super human effort! Great report too.

[Twopennys]

Huge congratulations Milov that is truly one gutsy effort.

To you goes the title of the Twelvegate Slayer

Cheers, 2P

[Thomas]

Twopennys, on Apr 20 2008, 07:35 AM, said:

Well the map is 1:25,000.... so - um - yeah - the actual is much bigger - you get that with real life

As for the instruction to "keep left" that is for when the "trackless" part of the ridge is encountered. "Keep right" is for the "tracked" part - maybe that is where we are at odds....

Very funny 2P. What I meant was that the turn that we took had the same features as the turn that we should have taken. i.e big left and then a locked gate. But the distances were obviously quite different. The real issue is that the road leading to the house is not marked on any topo maps so it looks like the next left. Anyway it's not an issue if you make the mistake you only loose a few minutes and one big hill.

[Thomas]

Milov, I kept thinking about how much guts you would need to make that right hand turn in those appalling conditions and having been out there for that long and especially knowing that everyone else was going left.

You've raised the bar - congrats.

[BlueBel]

Congratulations Milov, fantastic effort.You sure must have been in an angry mood.     

And maybe  some of those cows are really bulls and they taught you the secrets of charging.But i think you probably knew that already.

[Twopennys]

Thomas, on Apr 21 2008, 10:59 AM, said:

Very funny 2P. What I meant was that the turn that we took had the same features as the turn that we should have taken. i.e big left and then a locked gate. But the distances were obviously quite different. The real issue is that the road leading to the house is not marked on any topo maps so it looks like the next left. Anyway it's not an issue if you make the mistake you only loose a few minutes and one big hill.

Yep - I see the point now Tom. You are right, it isn't marked on the map but I do mention it in the detailed course description with an instruction to keep right at that point - perhaps I should freehand draw it on the map.

What puzzles me more is Spuds comment which I've interpreted to be about a house lower down?

Cheers, 2P

[RunBare]

Brilliant run and report Milov.  I've stored your cow scaring tactics away for future reference, they frighten me silly.

[Spud]

Twopennys, on Apr 21 2008, 01:13 PM, said:

What puzzles me more is Spuds comment which I've interpreted to be about a house lower down?

Cheers, 2P

Ok 2P, attached are two aerial shots, one in street mode and the other the satellite image.
You can see the property in the satellite photo. I overshot the top of the ridge and on a faint 4 wheel drive before realising my mistake and backtracking.

Hope this clears it up now?

 ridge.jpg   61.23K   26 downloads
 ridge_street.jpg   12.31K   21 downloads

[Twopennys]

Milov I wondered who the architect of the markers was - did you also draw the "R" in the sand before the river crossing before the gate? I liked your cairns and tripods but I was particularly taken with the arrow you made out of stones - nice

You might be mad - but you're a thoughtful nut

As for the swing bridge - I got so spooked by the spiders there once - there were so many I only got about a fifth of the way across before turning back. Nasty little blighters.

I keep thinking about your run.... awesome.

Edit: I initially posted this from my Blackberry and it went all weird.

Edited by Twopennys, 21 April 2008 - 01:49 PM.

[Twopennys]

Spud, on Apr 21 2008, 01:30 PM, said:

Ok 2P, attached are two aerial shots, one in street mode and the other the satellite image.
You can see the property in the satellite photo. I overshot the top of the ridge and on a faint 4 wheel drive before realising my mistake and backtracking.

Hope this clears it up now?

That clears that up - you are talking about a different spot to Thomas & Tim.

Wow - you really did overshoot - you must have gone almost directly left once the ridge broadened out and I'm guessing that the trail marked on the map peters out in reality before it does on the map (or is that faint you just sailed on over it).

Maybe I should change the instruction to "keep heading for the high ground but trend left to pick up the trail" or similar. If people go straight ahead once the ridge broadens out they will eventually pick up the trail - the "keep left" hint was designed so they would pick it up quicker and not have to trip over all the crap lying on the ground up there.

On the bright side - it makes that 5.41 look even better

Cheers, 2P