99 Screaming Lemur Epic
July 18th, 1999, West Lake Tahoe
Okay guys, I came to my senses and realized 100 miles in the foothills
in midsummer is a bad idea. So here's a good idea instead. Be the first
on your block to do a sweet 55 mile VeloSapiens epic. This is not a race,
far from it, but rather an all-day back-country ride. I'll have some maps
and detailed instructions. Additionally, one or two confusing spots should
be marked with a colored ribbon or with rock "ducks" for those that get
separated from me. Plans are for cokes/gatorade, fruits and burritos (we'll
vote on the best burrito joint in south tahoe, if there is one), and my
lovely wife has agreed to bring them to the approximate halfway point at
loon lake.
The Route
The route uses much of the legendary Blackwood Backwood race course, and
incorporates all of what Bob Ward calls "The Loon Lake Death March". Bob
exaggerates a little, but the route is rugged and technical and involves
around 9000' of climbing according to Topo! (see profile)
but probably less in real life because it's really hard to trace a route
straight, and those little jiggles sometimes add quite a bit of altitude.
There is some portaging required here and there, the amount of which is
dependent on your skill at negotiating large boulders. This is great fun
for a technically skilled rider. I expect it to take 6-8 hours at a vigorous,
but not suicidal pace. Shortcuts are available. (see map).
Details
Date: July 18, 1999
Start Time: 8:00 am
Start Place: Hwy 89 and General Creek Campground (Sugar Pine
Point state park, about 10 miles or so south of tahoe city)
Cost: If you want a burrito and stuff, kick down $10 in cash
to pay for food and drinks and gas to have my wife drive them to Loon Lake.
Support: Food and water at Loon Lake (about halfway). I'm guessing
a full camelbak and a water bottle should suffice, but if you're slow,
or drink lots, you may need more water, or a filter. Bring plenty of snacks
(power bars, trail mix, pizza, whatever). My intention is to get a menu
and take custom burrito orders for each rider for the lunch stop.
Awards: None, didn't you see the word "bootleg" in the title?
Bring your own beer, and I will too.
Camping: Available at General Creek campground, Blackwood canyon
and various other spots in the area.
More information: call (707) 887-1236 (eves) or (707) 793-8300
x3507 (days)
Additional Notes: Join us on Saturday the 17th for Mr Toad's
wild ride, and an evening by the campfire for pre-race carbo-loading. Details
on the web soon.
Important
Note: Camping at sugar pine may be hard to come by.
I'll post a note at the message board (i hope they have one) at sugar pine
on saturday so you'll know where to find me. I'll be staying friday night
in truckee, at phone (530) 587-0288
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