418 replies to this topic

[trailpuddin]

Hi everyone,

I'd like to propose the 30th Aug 2008 as the date for doing the Blue Labyrinth.  The link to the page on the fat ass site is: http://www.coolrunni...nth/index.shtml (Many thanks to the original authors!).

If I'm reading things correctly the 45km pikers option doesn't go over Mt Solitary.  I might look at a route of similar distance that does the traverse.

Given this is the first time I've ever organised a fat ass run all guidence, ideas, input are welcome (in short Help!   )

[Spud]

Busy time of the year trailpuddin but if I'm free that weekend I'm keen.
Nice one getting it up on the calendar, it's a fantastic run.

[RunBare]

Would love to do this one, but Trailwalker is on that weekend.  It's high on my list of 'things to do'

[Tim 2]

trailpuddin, on May 21 2008, 02:53 AM, said:

If I'm reading things correctly the 45km pikers option doesn't go over Mt Solitary.  I might look at a route of similar distance that does the traverse.

If the long option is approx90km and the short option 45km then a start on kings tableland and doing Mt solitary and Federal pass and Jamison valley fire trail will give you approx 45km. If the entire event started at kings tableland and had a two loop structure people could use cars at kings tableland to resupply and eliminate the need for a waterdrop.  Just some thoughts as i'm unlikely to be there on that day but still intend to do the course late june early july.  Given the nature of my work at the moment it will probably be a solo thing on a weekday.  I'll let people know when i'm going but it's likely to be short notice.

Good luck and welcome to the dark side of fatass

Tim

[rodthehornet]

Tim's run would be spot on - a little bit of everything to suit everyone.  You could use the water spring at Scenic Railway to fill up packs.

For the people that havent used the Sublime Ridge Fire Trail during the day, the views under the 3 sisters and further down the trail looking back at them are great.

Anyone after a longer option could do the Inger/Andersons loop which is 33km.

[Tim 2]

rodthehornet, on May 21 2008, 03:32 AM, said:

Anyone after a longer option could do the Inger/Andersons loop which is 33km.

Or do Mt Solitary twice

Did i really say that?  People will start to think i'm mad/obscessed/who knows what else.

Tim

[Spud]

Tim 2, on May 21 2008, 07:36 PM, said:

Or do Mt Solitary twice

Did i really say that?  People will start to think i'm mad/obscessed/who knows what else.

Tim

Sounds logical to me Tim.

[Paul Every]

I have always wanted to do the Blue Lab but that isn't a good weekend. It clashes with both Trailies and Caboolture 24hr/48hr.

[trailpuddin]

Paul Every, on May 21 2008, 07:48 PM, said:

I have always wanted to do the Blue Lab but that isn't a good weekend. It clashes with both Trailies and Caboolture 24hr/48hr.

I'm not across the calendar of events so I am absolutely happy for those who are to suggest any alternate date. Any suggestions?

[Spud]

trailpuddin, on May 21 2008, 08:09 PM, said:

I'm not across the calendar of events so I am absolutely happy for those who are to suggest any alternate date. Any suggestions?

How about July 5th or 12th?
Or later in Oct (more daylight) 4th or 11th?

[trailpuddin]

Spud, on May 21 2008, 08:21 PM, said:

How about July 5th or 12th?
Or later in Oct (more daylight) 4th or 11th?

October is probably looking better than July.  The 4th Oct is the long weekend.

[Spud]

trailpuddin, on May 21 2008, 08:44 PM, said:

October is probably looking better than July.  The 4th Oct is the long weekend.

Gold Coast marathon is on that weekend but sod them I say.  

[Tim 2]

Spud, on May 21 2008, 04:48 AM, said:

Gold Coast marathon is on that weekend but sod them I say.  

Gold coast is my least favourite marathon and thus not going this year.

At this stage none of those suits me except maybe the 5th July.  Don't make a decision based on me, I'll turn up if i can or find some other time which suits me to do it solo.

Tim

[scurry711]

12 foot is on in August as well is it not?

[Spud]

scurry711, on May 21 2008, 10:37 PM, said:

12 foot is on in August as well is it not?

Yep Scurry, the day before C2S usually.

[trailpuddin]

So where does that leave us in terms of dates?
11th October?

[Beaver]

I want to knock this one off.

What is the track like up and over Mt Solitary and onto ruined castle?

11 October could work at it will be a good long run to do before tapering for GNW.

[Jogger]

I forgot to mention when the thread was alive last time - the whole blue lab starting from woodford is a long bloody way. Much better to start at the water board gates near queen vic hospital/kings tableland and run the mt solitary, ruined castle, leura forest, and back to complete the loop.

I ran this once with Mister G and boy1nder in approx 10hrs. Running from woodford makes it a 14-17hr run.

Even though I am a pike-a-saurus I might well be interested if you start from the waterboard.

[pipi]

Beaver, on Jul 21 2008, 03:52 PM, said:

I want to knock this one off.

What is the track like up and over Mt Solitary and onto ruined castle?

11 October could work at it will be a good long run to do before tapering for GNW.

The navigation is probably a lot easier going East to West.  The climb up Solitary from the river is mainly an open spur that is steep and slippery in places - the traction is not a problem if you are going up.  The decent of solitary involves lots of rock hoping and down jumping - lots of fun.  The climb up the ruined castle from the west is very steep - but the trail is well travelled.  The decent of the ruined castle is a moderate slope and should be taken at high speed.  There is a trail the whole way which some would call a highway but others describe as over grown and difficult to follow.  Probably wise to take a map, especially as the multiple trails near the camping areas on Mt. Solitary can be confusing if you loose your sence of direction.

The reason why it easier going East to West is that spurs are very easy to follow if you are going up and you will normally finish at the right spot even if you started in the wrong spot - unless you are near a river junction.  However, it is very easy to loose a trail when decending a spur, and consequently end up on a different spur to what you had intended - especially when it is an open dry spur like the one on Mt. Solitary.

[Beaver]

Another idea for a run - Glenbrook to Jenolan Caves

via - Woodford - QVH  - Mt Solitary - Narroneck - Medlow gap - Mitchells Creek Firetrail - 6FT to Jenolan.

Plenty of water stops.

[trailpuddin]

I was up that way on the weekend and again thinking about this.  I'm in if starting from the waterboard gates.  Its finding a weekend that works for a few people that seems to be the challenge.

[Spud]

I'm still up for the 4th or 11th Oct.
Full Monty or as Kev suggested start at QVH.

[Brick]

Spud, on Jul 21 2008, 08:09 PM, said:

I'm still up for the 4th or 11th Oct.
Full Monty or as Kev suggested start at QVH.

I am a possible  maybe for the above dates.
The QVH idea sounds the best.

[trailpuddin]

Spud, on Jul 21 2008, 08:09 PM, said:

I'm still up for the 4th or 11th Oct.
Full Monty or as Kev suggested start at QVH.

Lets lock in the 11th Oct.  What next? Should we get a list of interested people?

[rodthehornet]

trailpuddin, on Jul 22 2008, 07:25 PM, said:

Lets lock in the 11th Oct.  What next? Should we get a list of interested people?

We just need some direction in our life, and we wont get it from a compass.  Set the course, find some maps, meet at 7am, and pick a date.  Maybe factor in a water drop if we need it and the runners will come from far and wide.

I am in for the QVH option.  11th sounds good, with a week break between Sydney Marathon and Fitzroy Falls.

Hornet

[Martin Dugdale]

Sounds good to me

Edited by Martin Dugdale, 22 July 2008 - 08:03 PM.

[Spud]

Ok so:

11th October
Start time: 7am
Location: QVH, King Tablelands Road.
Distance: 60kms or so, shorter pike out options at Katoomba.
Aid- None, bring your own, a camelbak will do, water available on the Federal Pass near the Scenic Railway.
Maps: Sketch maps available here.

Edited by Spud, 22 July 2008 - 08:18 PM.

[rodthehornet]

Spud,

Good work.  Are you saying the loop is 60km??? 3 sisters to QVH is about 18km, so working the rest out would be around 40-45km by my very rough reckoning.

Really looking forward to going over Mt. Solitary.


Hornet

[Spud]

rodthehornet, on Jul 22 2008, 08:54 PM, said:

Spud,

Good work.  Are you saying the loop is 60km??? 3 sisters to QVH is about 18km, so working the rest out would be around 40-45km by my very rough reckoning.


Hornet

Not sure Rod, was just a guesstimate, probably less maybe 50km?
Not fussed will work it out later, main thing is it's a solid hitout before GNW100.
Beats driving up the coast to do GNW recon.

Mt Solitary is magical.  

Edited by Spud, 22 July 2008 - 08:58 PM.

[Jogger]

photos from the exact same route:
http://www.coolrunni.../explore4.shtml

[Spud]

Fond memories running this with you Kev back in 2003, my second fatass run after Brisbane Water Bush Bash earlier that year.  

[Beaver]

In.

[Martin Dugdale]

I have just found out that a conference that I have to attend in Perth  concludes on the 10th so am not sure if I can get back in time for the 7.00 start.  leave pass might not be forthcoming either after a week away. so maybe I will have to solo this the week after. all hints and route notes gratefully received

[trailpuddin]

Martin Dugdale, on Aug 11 2008, 08:50 PM, said:

so maybe I will have to solo this the week after. all hints and route notes gratefully received

I'll probably still be running it a week later say hello as you go past  

[Beaver]

Nice bit of reading here:

Fatass Freeze yer nuts off

hmmm.......

[WolfRoss]

Count me in for this one.  I did it a few years ago in very hot conditions and a fly followed me all the way up Mt Solitary.  (I wonder if its descendents are waiting for me?!)  It's a very picturesque run/amble for me, and any others willing to accompany me at my slow ambulant level.

I can also help out with water drops at the bottom of the stairs from NarrowNeck and at Leura Forest.
Is it definitely locked in for October 11?

Ross

[trailpuddin]

WolfRoss, on Aug 18 2008, 08:04 PM, said:

Is it definitely locked in for October 11?

11th Oct is locked in.  Good to hear there will be someone at the back of the pack with me.  I'm not sure how the water drops work - I'll defer to one of the experienced folk for an answer to that one.

[rodthehornet]

We are staying down the bottom of the escarpment all the way around arent we????

A bit of work pack muling water down onto the trail at Golden Staircase and the water spring near the scenic railway is only a bit further along the trail.  2 litres in your pack at the start should get you to the spring, and that is around halfway.  If you fill up there, that would give you 4L for the trip which I think would be ample.

Having said all that, if you feel energetic the day before, who are we to argue!!!

Rod

[trailpuddin]

rodthehornet, on Aug 19 2008, 09:34 PM, said:

should get you to the spring, and that is around halfway.

Hi Rod,

I pretty sure the route stays at the bottom of the escarpment.

Can you drink the spring water as is or do you need water purifiers / filter?
TP

[rodthehornet]

Yeah mate, there is a sign that it is drinkable spring water.  The water is constantly flowing from the pipe they have set up.  Whenever I have ran past it is flowing well.  I have drunk from it a few times and no issues.  Others in our group have drunk from it as well with no problems.  

Worst thing that happens is you get there and it is no good, you take the scenic railway train to the top, fill up, train back down and continue on - put a couple of bucks in your pack for the fare, but I dont think it will be a problem.

Rod

[WolfRoss]

I could extend myself here on the Friday before the Blue Lab run, and pack mule 2 water containers: one to the bottom of the Golden Staircase and another to Leura Forest.  This would ensure a ready water supply if the spring water resource doesn't work out.  Anyway, October in the Jamieson valley may be coolish/warm, so hydration may not be too heavy.

Ross

[Reddog]

" BUMP'

Thought I'd remind everyone as there has been a lot of GNW100 training talk.  Not long til Oct 11,  I will commit after Fitzroy Falls Marathon!

[Spud]

I'm still up for this.

[rodthehornet]

Spud, on Sep 18 2008, 04:01 PM, said:

I'm still up for this.

Me too.

[Innes]

I am def in for this one as well

[Beaver]

Still keen.

[Jogger]

I am very likely in for this.

[milov]

Well there is this 400 track metre race in Adelaide in early October which I am considering... but I could do BL instead... or both!

milov

[CoolwalkerDavid]

milov, on Sep 19 2008, 05:08 PM, said:

Well there is this 400 track metre race in Adelaide in early October which I am considering... but I could do BL instead... or both!

milov

sounds interesting Milov - Adelaide you actually won't actually travel anywhere so it won't take out too much will it?

If I can still move after Adelaide I might come up and say high!

David

Edited by Coolwalker David N N, 20 September 2008 - 04:20 PM.

[vstaR]

rodthehornet, on Aug 21 2008, 09:32 PM, said:

Yeah mate, there is a sign that it is drinkable spring water.  The water is constantly flowing from the pipe they have set up.  Whenever I have ran past it is flowing well.  I have drunk from it a few times and no issues.  Others in our group have drunk from it as well with no problems.  

Worst thing that happens is you get there and it is no good, you take the scenic railway train to the top, fill up, train back down and continue on - put a couple of bucks in your pack for the fare, but I dont think it will be a problem.

Rod

As an update, I was at Scenic railway on Saturday. Spring water pipe at the Coal Miners display is flowing well, and perfectly drinkable. In fact, a few in our group decided that the flowing pipe water was actually better tasting than the bottled water we'd purchased prior to heading up to Katoomba, so tipped out and re-filled.

You'll need more than a couple of bucks if you want to head up to the main building - it's $10 one way or $19 return on either the cableway or railway. To 'spend a penny' you'll have to spend a 'lobster' - a very expensive toilet stop!

So guys, is the best estimate still that it's around 45-50k's and 10 hrs? I've wanted to do Mt Solitary and Ruined Castle for years.

Edited by vstaR, 22 September 2008 - 10:57 AM.