Cleveland Dam to ??? return

"Out of the kettle & into the fire", as they say… or in this case, it was "into the ice chest".

Due to an already congested trail leading to Deep Cove (the annual Iron Knee race), we opted to switch our training runs & meet at the Cleveland Dam parking lot in order run the opposite way towards Cypress Mountain. Anybody who looked up at the hills in the previous days would already have figured out that there would be some snow o the trails. The question most people had was “How much?”. It turns out that Craig Moore knew. He’d taken the initiative to scout part of our route the day prior & discovered that there was a whole lotta snow that started at the top of the Hollyburn Chute. During his pre-run briefing, we were advised of the conditions & the potential for some route finding difficulties higher up & it was suggested that some modification to our course might be in order. With several options to choose from, everyone was advised to group up & head out, Craig then abandoned us & went home to kick his feet up & watch Magnum P. I. reruns.

As the group of 40 runners headed up the trail & through the British Properties, groups started to form. Much to everybody’s relief, the forecasted rain held off & we were even treated to some sunshine as the day progressed…quite a change from last week’s humid & blustery conditions.

Wendy Wong, one of many first time Knackerers was well prepared for the task ahead as she was dressed in layers & had ample fluids…perhaps last week’s soaking was still fresh in her mind. Most runners seemed curious enough about the snow on the upper part of the course to carry on up the Chute, while a few opted to veer off & onto the Skyline trail & put their time on drier (more runnable) sections of trail.  Monty led a group of regular speedsters off the front.

I wound my way up with Loger Aure & Rod Hatfull…oddly, the same two with whom I ran this same run last year…& we managed to keep ourselves entertained by chatting about everything from training methods, to police encounters (not our own), & wild animal attacks (don’t ask).

When we hit the snowline, it was actually quite a relief to discover that the surface was quite compacted & that there was very little potential for post-holing…though a few did manage to find themselves thigh deep in spring slush. As we made our way towards the Ranger Cabin, it was apparent that the various groups had opted for almost as many variants in the way they headed up the trails. With the Vancouver 100 coming up in less than a week, Roger, Rod, & I attempted to do a little reconnaissance by following the Baden Powell proper on the far side of the lake, but the conditions made it fairly difficult…especially since there is a nice new wide path carved just a few feet away from the slop. We continued up to the ski path & eventually wound our way to the Warming Hut where we decided to turn around. A few others made the same decision, but it was clear from the footprints that some had carried on higher. Among them, August & Imre opted  to get to the top of Hollyburn Peak & take in the magnificent views… probably the best route choice of the day…I swear I heard August yodeling as I made my way down the mountain.

The descent was a riot. As much as a burden as the snowpack can be on a climb, it is equally forgiving on the descents so one can really let 'er rip. Soon enough, Rod & I were blasting down the ski runs & into the top of the Chute. Carrying a bit too much speed, we had to do some fancy footwork in order to avoid the obvious postholes that pocked the final 100 feet of snow. I suspect that by race day the snow will be gone, but this section always demands absolute focus & respect as the roots, rocks, & drops of the Chute have claimed their fair share of distracted runners.

As we flew down, the sun made an appearance & the air was noticeably warmer but the task at hand was to watch the footing & keep the fuzzy side up. This is many runners favorite part of the trail as the Chute gives way to a loamier & windier track. If you are in the zone, it can seem almost effortless & one loses complete track of time…unless of course, one comes to a crashing halt (another benefit of handheld water bottles, by the way… they make great crash pads).  Laddie Hannam seemed to be in that zone… perhaps she was thinking of her upcoming trip to Prague?

When we finally made it back to the Cleveland Dam parking lot, it seemed that everyone agreed…despite the route taken…that it was one of the more memorable training runs (in a good way!). A few were concerned about the status of the snow on race day, but judging from what we saw… & if the imminent forecast for the week is any indication… there shouldn't be an issue of snow on race day… unless, of course, someone backloads a Zamboni at Panorama Park.

Recover well…eat yer greens…drink lotsa water… & get ready for next week's run (& cross your fingers for great weather).

Glenn Pacé

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