Sunday, November 29, 2009

Red Rock 40 Mile Trail Run

As I headed down the dirt road towards San Ysidro Trail I whipped out my camera to take a photo of a runner headed up the steep hill. I asked if he minded if I took his photo and he responded, "why would you want to take a photo of me?" He responded this way knowing that he was the final runner in the race followed closely behind by the race "sweeper". I responded back, "anyone who does this race deserves to have their photo taken." In fact anyone who finished this race is a winner in my book no matter what time they crossed the finish line.


The race is the Red Rock 40 Mile Trail Run formerly known as the SB 9 Trails Race. It changed to the RR 40 because the recent fires closed trails needed to complete the race. This race started at Red Rock Campground followed trails along the backside of the mountain then headed up to Cold Spring Saddle then followed our front country trails to the Romero Canyon trail head.....and back again. Running sections of this race route is tough enough, as I did this day but the whole 40 miles in one day, unbelieveable. More on this race and results...
Dave



Steve Owens Looking Strong @ Mile 26


A Tired Runner Headed Out Of San Ysidro Canyon


Super Steep- San Ysidro Canyon Trails




Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Red Rock 40 Mile Trail Run- San Ysidro Aid Station Setup Help

Every year the 9 Trails Race brings out the best of the best of the craziest trail runners to Santa Barbara's Trails. This year, due to recent fires and trail closures the race got 5 miles longer than its already punishing 35 mile route and was renamed the "Red Rock 40 Mile Trail Run". It will start at Red Rock in the Santa Ynez Valley, climb up to Cold Spring Saddle then continue along the front country until it reaches the turn around at Romero Canyon Trail Head and back.

A big part of getting this race off the ground is due to volunteer efforts. I volunteered in 2007 and will again this year at the San Ysidro aid station. I will be hiking or biking in 10 gallons of water for the racers to drink as they pass SY Creek. If anyone wishes to help carry the H20 in on Friday afternoon or has a BOB trailer they are willing to lend that would make things much easier. Please email Dave if you are able to help.



Guillermo Medina leaving the San Ysidro Aid Station in the 2007 9 Trails Race

Monday, November 23, 2009

Volunteer Cyclists Needed For Canadian Bicycle TV Programme- Saturday, November 28th

Plans are being made for a Canadian TV show about biking in Santa Barbara. It's for the French-language travel channel Evasion, part of a series called "L'Amérique à vélo."

They will be filming in Santa Barbara area one day, Saturday, Nov 28th. They will film a ride, possibly into the mountains on paved roads, probably starting at 1:00 PM at their hotel. Details are being worked out. What they are looking for are some local volunteer cyclists to join their small group of riders for the filming. (It's a chance to burn off that Thanksgiving stuffing.)

I'll post more as soon as I hear. It will be an opportunity to be seen by 1.9 million Canadian TV subscribers to Evasion, and promote biking tourism in our area. I'll try to get a copy of the show after it airs in Spring 2010.

Contact Ralph Fertig for more info