131 replies to this topic

[TazDevil]

Please note that this post was March 2010. Obviously the Feb 2011 date has passed. Please go to brindabella100.com for the up to date pdf. Thanks.

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March 2010
After only a luke warm response from the Canberra running community regarding a 100 mile run within the confines of the town (mainly due to navigation difficulties), I have another proposal for consideration.

Bridabella 100       Big run, big hills, big views.  100 miles of reasonably easy to follow fire roads with only a little bit of 'single track' early on.  Fantastic scenery which showcases the Brindabella Mountains in Namadgi National park in the ACT: http://www.tams.act....i_national_park Only problem is that National Parks do not allow organised events on some sections of the proposed route (the last 46km is within Commercial Forest Plantations), but the activity of walking or running on any of the route is allowed.  There is possibly some scope to develop an organised event (I will be investigating this) but it could be very difficult to achieve or in fact impossible.  Hence the Fat Ass idea (at least for now).

Several ultra runners here in Canberra have given a big tick as far as the route is concerned (well, that's how I see it…   )  IMHO the route needs to have some 'X' factor -  a course runners would be interested in and possibly even repeating.  

Have a look at:
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/474756

For those of you not familiar with the area the map might not mean much, but the profile will certainly give you a clue as to the hilliness of the course….!  Elevation data from the web site is only a guide.  I am quite confident that +5625m/-5751m is exaggerated.  If interest in the run is expressed I will take out a couple of GPSs (with pressure altimeters) over the course for a more accurate determination of the route and its elevation gain and loss.  But rest assured there are big ups and downs….

There are several access routes by vehicle which are outlined in the Cue sheet on the left hand side of the screen. By car to Mt Ginini there is a stretch of dirt road which is good for 2WD vehicles in fine weather.  'Check Points' (only manned by someone you have organised… or have shared resources with etc.) are mostly at reasonable intervals – but there are some that are quite a long way apart.  Some of these CPs indicated in the link are not accessible by car but could be by mountain bike (except the one prior to Mt Ginini – Park rules forbid that particular area) or walking. There is still a bit of a question mark in the Vanity's Crossing area (between CP 11 and CP 12) due to the Cotter dam expansion further down stream – so some checking is still required for this last bit of the course. No shops in the area…

Much of the course is over 1000m in altitude so running the route in January or February would be quite reasonable.  The initial part of the course is lower down, but would be conducted early in the morning and if the day was forecast to be warm, even 30 degrees or more, up on the Brindy's would be lucky to reach much above 20 degrees.  Also, the descent on a hot day, for most participants this would be conducted in the dark anyhow – again a bit cooler.  Yes it can reach 30 degrees on the Brindabellas but that would be very rare indeed.  If the weather was forecast to be poor the proposed date would have to be cancelled – risk of hyperthermia is just too high and access by vehicles difficult.  Unfortunately the Mt Ginini weather station at 1759m in the Brindabella's has only been operating for about 4 years I think, so long term averages are not possible.  Feb '09 and '10 have had min/max temps average 8.9/19.6 and 9.4/18.3 degrees respectively and Jan '10 have had min/max temps average 10.1/21.8 degrees (note that Canberra not far away had its hottest January in 2010 ever recorded so Jan 2010 for Mt Ginini no doubt would have been a 'hot' average too).  Only the last 14 months of data from the BOM site is available:
http://www.bom.gov.a...04.latest.shtml
The other two or three years of data if you want it has to be purchased from the BOM…!  March is possible but there is a definite turn in the seasons by then and night minimums drop several degrees.  April is simply out of the question – too cold.

Timing is always tricky due to other events.  I am open to ideas.  Full moon was suggested.  What about 6am Sat 18 February 2011? Time limit 32 hours? (Sun 2pm)

Waddaya tink?  Would the Fat Ass pig fly?  Please feel free to provide constructive criticism and suggestions.  

Edited by TazDevil, 27 September 2011 - 10:58 PM.

[Mister G]

I'm very tempted, but perhaps make it a couple of weeks earlier so we can run 6Ft at full effectiveness.

The last 25 miles would be tough on already tired quads.

[sailaway]

Very interesting. Perhaps another one for the Grand slam stable.  The Brindabella range is awesome and should provide a top course for the 100miler. Not sure if the 32 hr cut off is sufficient to get most participants through in time.  Is it worth considering putting in a 100k'er as well?

[Ourimbah]

Hey TazDevil,Sounds a great idea..

Terry and I plus a couple of others ran part of the Hume & Hovell 3-4 weeks ago.

Warwick Hull (National Parks),one of the Senior men in charge of the Hume & Hovell came out and met us and was very interested in having an Event (80km,100km,100ml) ran over the course.

We were heading back down in Easter to run some more.You are welcome to come along for 1 or all 4 days.Warwick should be along for 1 day as well,I think you will find he is keener than you to have a run along his beloved Hume & Hovell.

[Jaxta]

I'd be interested in a 100km option and I echo the comment about the heat in January this year. The Brindy's are pretty warm in summer at the best of times, there's not a lot in the way of shade for a lot of it. How would you envisage the support aspect? Pretty hard to get in by vehicle!

I'm not aware of what was proposed for a Canberra City run but I would have thought there would be support for an extended version of the three peaks run down here, with Ainslie, Majura, Black Mountain, Mt Taylor, Stromlo and so forth ending/starting at Uriarra.

Greatly appreciate the work you've done thus far TazDevil, thank you.

[Spud]

Looks interesting Taz, gotta love new runs and particularly a point to point.
Great work!

[Nickelass]

Great idea.

Would be very interested in this and know most of the route well.  Would be hard to have any reasonable support in some sections unless access was provided by the Parks or somebody was prepared to cycle/walk in.

[TazDevil]

At this stage I would only be interested in a 100 mile option.  The run is a totally different experience if it were to finish at the 100km mark.  If Nat Parks were ever to approve the idea numbers would be limited so the idea would be to maximise the 100 mile entrant list.  Lots of assumptions here…

Re the weather/heat.  As I mentioned it does not matter if you run the route in high summer.  The temps are only averaging low 20s.  High summer in fact would be perfect.  So January is feasible to move further away from 6 Foot Trk.  But the date would have to be far enough away from Coast to Kozi, Narrabeen all nighter…. Who the heck runs all these events anyhow??  

[Mister G]

If you look at the BOM Climate Averages Page there are quite a few (now closed) weather stations not too far from the Brindabellas- above 1000m the average January maximum seems to be in the range 23-25. The highest temps in the area are 36-39. Hopefully not too many of those....

[Brick]

TazDevil, on Mar 10 2010, 12:00 PM, said:

Re the weather/heat.  As I mentioned it does not matter if you run the route in high summer.  The temps are only averaging low 20s.  High summer in fact would be perfect.  So January is feasible to move further away from 6 Foot Trk.  But the date would have to be far enough away from Coast to Kozi, Narrabeen all nighter…. Who the heck runs all these events anyhow??  

I have for the last two years.
Also Milov & Horrie did both in 2008 and Mal did both in 2009.
I think that is all.

And yes I am interested in the 100m.

Bit worried about lack of water on the course if it is real hot.

Edited by Brick, 10 March 2010 - 11:40 AM.

[TazDevil]

"I have for the last two years.
Also Milov & Horrie did both in 2008 and Mal did both in 2009.
I think that is all."

Ahhh, yes there are always some hard core souls out there....!!!  

From Mr G's link I drew out 6 years of data for Mt Ginini (below). But I could not find any closed stations up in the Brindy's in the ACT.

Mt Ginini 1760.0m AMSL
JAN Avg min/max   min/max  Rain mm    FEB Avg min/max   min/max   Rain mm
2005   9.2/19.3         4.9/26.6 20.8     8.3/17.2 -0.7/25.2      41.4
2006   12.0/23.5         5.0/30.0 68.8     9.8/21.8 1.0/27.0      12.6
2007   10.1/21.9         6.0/27.0 26.6     9.6/20.1   5.0/26.0      103.4
2008   10.0/19.9   3.0/26.0 90.0     6.6/15.8        -2.0/21.0      96.6
2009   9.9/22.0         1.0/29.0 79.4     9.0/19.6   1.0/29.0      17.8
2010   10.1/21.8        -0.6/27.9 37.0     9.4/18.3 3.8/23.4      112.0

I cannot format this into a readable table:  But for example in the 2005 row, Jan Avg min/max=9.2/19.3, Jan min/max=4.9/26.6 Jan Rain 20.8mm then 2005 Feb etc.

Therefore the averages for the last 6 years:
JAN 10.2/21.8 rain 53.8mm, FEB 8.8/18.8 rain 64.0mm

Note that in 6 years there was no temp recorded over 30 degrees. (at 1760.0m...!)

When other months are looked at the rainfall is during the wetter part of the year but this starts in september finishing about March/April anyhow - it is a difficult variable to predict!!

So holding a 100 mile run in the warmest months in my opinion is justifiable and preferable.  To restate - the early and lower part of the route would be run in the cooler part of the day and the end of the course for most runners would be conducted in the dark - again cooler.

"Would be hard to have any reasonable support in some sections unless access was provided by the Parks or somebody was prepared to cycle/walk in."

Yes, this is true, but I am confident this can be managed with pre event water drop offs in the more remote locations (4) - even by bike and on foot if necessary. Parks would not be providing any support - it would be up to us. Remember - Fatass concept at this stage.

"gotta love new runs and particularly a point to point."

Just to clarify, there is the out and back section to Mt Coree from Bulls head - about 30km return.

[RawAussieAthlete]

Sounds like a great course Taz.
I'm interested in the 100ml.
I remember people dropping in the heat with low water in the 2007 Brindabella Classic 60km, including Matt Robbie who I believe was in the lead until he got to the water crossing pretty dry, threw in the race and just stayed there for a long soak.

[Mister G]

Hey TazDevil,

Someone else has had a similar idea to you.

[damyanos]

Mister G, on Mar 31 2010, 10:36 AM, said:

Hey TazDevil,

Someone else has had a similar idea to you.

That one is already cancelled.

I'm in for the Brindy 100.

[TazDevil]

Brindabella 100

100miles or 100km

It's gonna happen... (if someone turns up!)

Here is the plan for next February 2012

brindabella100.com

I have done the route planning and some basic logistics planning. Have a read of the pdf and let me know what you think.

Edited by TazDevil, 27 September 2011 - 10:57 PM.

[TheRuns]

It looks like you've really put in the hard work with this one. Good on you. I'd love to run it. I've never done anything longer than a marathon and only one at that. I hope to line up on the start line, fitness permitting, for the metric option.

[Spud]

I like the look of this Taz, we are backend heavy with 100s, nice to have more early year options.
Good work!

[Blue Dog]

Excellent!
Are dogs allowed on the course?

[TazDevil]

Blue Dog, on 16 June 2011 - 12:44 PM, said:

Excellent!
Are dogs allowed on the course?

  Two legged blue ones are   but sadly not our four legged friends (National Park!)

[buzzlightyear]

Sounds awesome - I wonder if You can upload the pdf as an attachment rather than a link to an external Online storage portal
(Sorry the French who I work for doesn't like Online Storage..)

(Having not read the OFFICIAL "booklet" will this is a real event with Rules (No strolling, no Walking, So strollers, no hand holding across finishing line...and compulsory gears etc???

This Brindy thingy might be the missing Brother to 3 other sisters in the back end of the year.

[TazDevil]

buzzlightyear, on 16 June 2011 - 02:28 PM, said:

Sounds awesome - I wonder if You can upload the pdf as an attachment rather than a link to an external Online storage portal
(Sorry the French who I work for doesn't like Online Storage..)

(Having not read the OFFICIAL "booklet" will this is a real event with Rules (No strolling, no Walking, So strollers, no hand holding across finishing line...and compulsory gears etc???

This Brindy thingy might be the missing Brother to 3 other sisters in the back end of the year.

Buzz, defiantly no strolling or holding of hands...

brindabella100.com

Edited by TazDevil, 27 September 2011 - 10:57 PM.

[SlowManiac]

Nice going, looks like some thought has gone into it!

[Nickelass]

Well done.  Looks like a great course across lots of old tramping grounds.  Definitely interested.

[undercover brother]

nice one taz.

[TazDevil]

Very slight update. Nothing major (just some wording).

I would like to know people's thoughts re my cut-off time suggestions and date selection.

brindabella100.com

Edited by TazDevil, 27 September 2011 - 10:56 PM.

[CCor]

This looks amazing!

[BillyEssexBoy]

This looks fab, I am in 100k sounds great. I will be living in South Canberra by then so this is a home run for me.

[TazDevil]

Billy, on 02 August 2011 - 05:15 AM, said:

This looks fab, I am in 100k sounds great. I will be living in South Canberra by then so this is a home run for me.

It will be one heck of a "back yard" run!

  I have not heard much wailing or gnashing of teeth re the date. I would be interested to know people's opinions re the cut-off times, I am still thinking about those.

[JessicaJane]

Very interested. Have nothing in the calendar early on next year at this stage. Except maybe B2H. Great place to run, nice and close to home, would be keen to give the 100 miler a go.

[Arn]

TazDevil, on 03 August 2011 - 05:55 PM, said:

It will be one heck of a "back yard" run!

  I have not heard much wailing or gnashing of teeth re the date. I would be interested to know people's opinions re the cut-off times, I am still thinking about those.

Hi Taz,

I'll be in for 100-something as well. In terms of dates, Phil(lastname?) has been running the Canberra 12hr Fatass for the last couple of years at the start of February. Maybe coordinate with him to make sure you aren't competing for runners?

[TazDevil]

Arn, on 03 August 2011 - 09:58 PM, said:

Hi Taz,

I'll be in for 100-something as well. In terms of dates, Phil(lastname?) has been running the Canberra 12hr Fatass for the last couple of years at the start of February. Maybe coordinate with him to make sure you aren't competing for runners?

Thanks for the tip Arn, I have sent Phil an email. Was the 12 hour on this year? I could only find reference to the 2010 12 hour.

[Ultraphil]

Hi Taz,

Yes the 12 hour FatAss was on this year and it had quite a reasonable turnout.

Thanks for your email last night.  I have sent you a reply.  Sorry if it was clear as mud, but should definitely know soon.

Regards

Phil

[BillyEssexBoy]

Stick in the middle of January and call it "Bad-Brinabella " a bit of heat, a bit of elevation and a bit of a challenge !

[Bernie G]

very interesting.......

[TazDevil]

OK just a couple of modifications to the pdf, use link or attachment in this post.

I am struggling with the date. The Stromlo Running Festival has recently been announced for 17-19 Feb 2012 and incorporates the old Canberra Fatass 12 hour. Not sure if many 12 hour runners would be interested in a 100 miler anyhow? Or is that wrong...?

Please feel free to toss in some ideas in regarding a possible date, the pdf outlines most clashing events for the New Year.

Comments re the cut-off times in the pdf would also be appreciated.

I am also struggling building a web page, but trust me the information you need is in the pdf...!

brindabella100.com

Edited by TazDevil, 27 September 2011 - 10:55 PM.

[TheRuns]

I hope this goes ahead in 2013. I am moving overseas in January and won't be back until August. Great work with the planning and organisation.

[Arn]

Err.. why would you say that 12 hr runners wouldnt be interested in the 100miler? The 12hr is just our speed session

In regards to dates, you've noted January as too hot, but I dont think mid Feb will be much cooler. My suggestion would be late Jan/early Feb, perhaps clash with Cradle Mt which is very restricted in available places...

[TazDevil]

Arn, on 25 September 2011 - 07:52 PM, said:

Err.. why would you say that 12 hr runners wouldnt be interested in the 100miler? The 12hr is just our speed session

In regards to dates, you've noted January as too hot, but I dont think mid Feb will be much cooler. My suggestion would be late Jan/early Feb, perhaps clash with Cradle Mt which is very restricted in available places...

I like your date idea. 4/5th Feb 2012 maybe?

Any other thoughts on the date?

Any thoughts re the cut off times?

12hr speed session?

[TazDevil]

Here is the brindabella100.com web page (yup, one page). Please try not to laugh too hard, otherwise your sides will split...

Trust me, making this 'website' was an ordeal...

Any more thoughts on the date for the run?

Edited by TazDevil, 27 September 2011 - 10:56 PM.

[Arn]

Hey Taz, just had a closer look at the cutoff times and they look OK individually but perhaps as an entire race it might be tight. I might go on a few training runs around the area before Christmas and let you know how long it takes me. I'm a bit of a back-of-the-pack runner so I should be able to give you some realistic feedback on this!

Alpine challenge 100 miles: 7000m up/down in 48hrs
GNW 100 miler(173km): 6200m in 36 hrs
Glasshouse 100 miles: 2200m in 30hrs
Brindabella 100 miles: 5500m in 32 hrs?

[TazDevil]

Arn, on 28 September 2011 - 10:23 AM, said:

Hey Taz, just had a closer look at the cutoff times and they look OK individually but perhaps as an entire race it might be tight. I might go on a few training runs around the area before Christmas and let you know how long it takes me. I'm a bit of a back-of-the-pack runner so I should be able to give you some realistic feedback on this!

Alpine challenge 100 miles: 7000m up/down in 48hrs
GNW 100 miler(173km): 6200m in 36 hrs
Glasshouse 100 miles: 2200m in 30hrs
Brindabella 100 miles: 5500m in 32 hrs?

Arn, the elevation gain is 4700m. But I tweaked the times to make a total of 35 hours:

CP4 Orroral Trk Stn 1330 [30.7/30.7km 7:30 @4.1kph +1497m/-1199m]
CP6 1700 Cotter Rvr [19.3/50.0km 3:30 @5.5kph +478m/-384m]
CP8 2200 Mt Ginini Carpark [21.4/74.1km 5:00 @4.3kph +961m/-323m]
CP10 0200 Bulls Head [22.7/96.8km 4:00 @5.7kph +289m/-632m]
CP10 Bulls Head 0830 [29.3/126.1km 6:30 @4.5kph +759m/-766m]
CP13 Murrays Cnr 1430 [29.2/155.3km 6:00 @4.9kph +357m/-1128m]
FINISH 1700 [10.0/165.3km 2:30 @4kph +381m/-440m]
Total 35 hours.

[TazDevil]

4^th of February 2012 is looking like a goer. Is there anything obvious I might have missed? I would like to 'finalise' this so those that are interested can 'put it in their diary".

Has anybody else had a serious look at my suggested (slightly revised) cut-off times (in the pdf)?

I think I'll work on some written route instructions, hopefully this will supplement the GPS data…

The intent on the day is for some people to be posted at the cut-off CPs to keep track of runners and provide water at some of the more remote CPs (as indicated in the pdf). Drop bags could also be organised at the locations of the cut-off CPs. It will all depend of course on numbers of runners.

Sooooo, the $64K question: Is anyone seriously keen? Only four months to go!

[chilliman]

TazDevil, on 12 October 2011 - 01:00 AM, said:

Sooooo, the $64K question: Is anyone seriously keen? Only four months to go!

A bunch of us trail running Mexicans are seriously interested in the 100k option Taz, Feb the 4th fits in well.

Experienced the Brindi's first hand recently, loved every minute.

Late Sept, the view from Mt Gingera 1848m (approx 62k mark) looking NE.

[TazDevil]

Good to hear people as far away as Mexico will be fronting up...!  


After much deliberation, wailing, and gnashing of teeth...  Saturday 4th of February 2012 is now the date.

I hope to put up some more detail on the website, but the "Run info pdf" link on the site goes into great detail the route, timings etc. I've noticed the .gpx file links ("tracks" for GPS units) in the pdf do not seem to work, so I'll have to fix this up.


brindabella100.com

[buzzlightyear]

The Brindabella 100 will be a popular step up for those who were lucky enough to run the previous Brindabella Challenge.
The latter was a fantastic race with a history that rival SixFootTrack. Sadly due to its location and poor number participation, the Brindabella challenge is no longer in existance.

Great Taz you are going through some of the same route, esp that of Bulls head. I think this is a course that will smash some serious quads with the amount of down hills it have.

Might be a nice long run as a prep for 6FT!

[gogirl]

I'd be keen to give this one a go, sounds great!

[wadaye]

So it's fatassers are go. Looking forward to making the time available and joining in.

[Sir Runalot]

Mmmmm....looks interesting. That climb up Mt Tennent at the start has a Bogongesque (new word?) look about it. Seems like a Deep Space / Brindabella Classic combo, both of which I've done and loved. First weekend after school goes back may create problems for some - but where there's a will...

[psmith241]

Taz, me and a mate are keen as mustard for the 100 miler. I have done a heap of running along most parts of the course, and am particularly looking fwd to Bullen Range at the end.

I've run a solo 90km through that country before, and own a SPOT device, so should be up for it. The wife is always keen for the body to be found quickly for insurance purposes, hence the SPOT device.

Thanks for all the time you have obviously already put in to it.

See you at 6am on the 4th!



Paul

[Nickelass]

Looks great.  I'm in.  Great chance to revisit all my childhood haunts.  Haven't decided on the miler or not - may depend on the weather at the time.