2006 North Routt Coureur des Bois

42 k and 90 k Cross Country Ski Marathon

and Ultramarathon

It's Out There

Saturday March 18, 2006

Brought to you by Habitat Construction of Steamboat Springs, the Steamboat Springs Nordic Council and the Steamboat Lake Snow Club

 

Back Ground

North Routt Coureur des Bois: Coureurs de bois [kOOrOr´ des bwA] or woods runners, were a group of savvy backwoods French Canadian traders who operated in defiance of the French government during the 17th century. Their skill and toughness in traveling during the winter and trading with the Indians was legendary, but their outlaw status and independence branded them as a menace to New France in the Canadian frontier. This race though the backwoods of the North Routt National Forest allows the modern day cross country racer to have a unique frontier experience of their own.

TITLE SPONSOR

This year Mike Roberts of Habitat Construction of Steamboat Springs is the Title Sponsor.  Mike’s beautiful, innovative, creative and energy efficient homes are located through out Northern Colorado.  Mike is not only the founder and owner of Habitat Construction, but also a dedicated avid multisport athlete.  If you see Mike at the starting line make sure to thank him for making this race possible.

We are also fortunate to be sponsored by several other fine businesses including our major prize sponsor Smart Wool.  Prize donations and support have also been provided by BAP, Honey Stinger, Big Agnes, Ski Haus, B&K Distributors (post race adult refreshments), Fischer Skis, Nature Valley Granola Bars, Red Bull, Accelerade and Endurox.

The Race Courses

Both the 42k and 90k courses are challenging.  The 90k, in addition to being a physical challenge, can present the skier with both technically and environmental challenges.  Skiing along the Continental Divide Trail at almost 10,000 ft is an unbelievably beautiful experience in blue bird weather and an unbelievably miserable experience in a white out blizzard.

NOTE: Contingency courses have been set up if either poor snow conditions or excessive snow conditions occur. Contingency maps will be posted a couple of days before race day if needed .

42 km Race Course Description

This is intended to be an overview, but does contain important information that will help in race strategy and point out caution areas that you should be aware of.  Remember the distances on this description are approximate.  For best results look at the maps and profiles along with this overview.

The "short course" is 42 km over hilly and moderately technical terrain. There are some good climbs and fast descents. Total vertical climbing is about 2,840 ft.  Don’t underestimate this course!  It will get you tired!

 

Section 1: Steamboat Lake Start Line to Hahn’s Peak Village Feed/Aid 1, 13.5 km

Start Just across the parking lot from the Steamboat Lake Visitors Center.  The course is the same as the 90k.  You will circle Steamboat Lake in a clockwise direction arriving back at the visitors center where you will cross HWY 129 and head for Little Red Park.  This 13+k look is mainly rolling hills and meadows.  A couple of short steep climbs will be encountered.

Section 2: Little Red Park Aid around Dead Mexican Loop, 14 km

Head north of the line.  Go a couple of k’s across a meadow then start the Columbine climb (about 1,000 ft in about 5 km).  At the top of the climb you will have a fast, but very safe and wide open down hill to the Columbine Cabins.  A volunteer will be checking bibs and times at the point that the trail turns right and parallels the road. 

At Columbine Cabins you continue down hill for 2 k until you reach the Columbine Parking area.  Depending on recent snow, you may be skiing or walking/jogging about 200 meters until you hit trail 550.  Volunteers will keep you informed.

Once you are on 550 you will gradually climb for several kilometers.  Once you hit the high point you will descend for almost 5 km to the Little Red Park Aid station at 28 km 

Get a good feed and then head right (east) across Little Red Park to 509 where you will turn right and head up Farwell Pass.

Section 3: Little Red Park Aid station return to Finish Line, 14 km

Once you turn right off of Little Red Park you will start climbing after a couple of k.  There is a steep 2k climb gaining several hundred feet.  At the top of the pass there will be a limited aid station to help get you home.  From this aid station it is roughly 1,400 ft of descent in 10k with a couple of very short steep ups and one very gradual climb, the rest is obviously down.  When you are almost back to Hahn’s Peak Village you will turn left across a large meadow to the finish line at Steamboat Lake Outfitters.

 

 

90 km Race Course Description

This is intended to be an overview, but does contain important information that will help in race strategy and point out caution areas that you should be aware of.

Remember that all the distances in this description are approximate.  For best results correlate this overview with the course maps and profiles.

The 90 km course is highly challenging and should only be undertaken by skilled and fit skiers. The total climbing is around 6,500 ft.  The course runs through a remote area of the Routt National forest with part of the trail being on the National Continental Divide Scenic Trail.  While all of the course will be expertly groomed, there will be long stretches where solitude and great views (assuming no storm) will be your only company. Snow mobiles may be on the course so stay aware.  You will be required to carry appropriate clothing, food, water and gear to keep warm and fed in the case of emergency.  Aid stations are located about every 15 km and will be well stocked.

Section 1: Start line at Steamboat Lake to Aid 1 at Hahn’s Peak Village, 13.4 km

From start line at Steamboat Lake heading southeast you will go clockwise around Steamboat Lake.  The entire loop is rolling with only one short steep climb about 4k from Feed/Aid 1 at Hahn’s Peak Village. You will pass to the left of the Visitors Center and just right of the Start Line where you will cross 129.  There will be people to control traffic, but still be aware of traffic on this road.  This road crossing may require that you remove your skis, but you will be informed of this race morning.

Section 2: Hahn’s Peak Village Aid station to Little Red Park Aid station, 14 km

After crossing 129 you will go through the finish area and be at the Hahn’s Peak Village Aid station.  Stock up for the climb ahead.  Go a couple of k’s across a meadow then start the Columbine climb (about 1,000 ft in about 5 km).  At the top of the climb you will have a fast, but very safe and wide open down hill to the Columbine Cabins.  A volunteer will be checking bibs and times at the point that the trail turns right and parallels the road. 

At Columbine Cabins you continue down hill for 2 k until you reach the Columbine Parking area.  Depending on recent snow, you may be skiing or walking/jogging about 200 meters until you hit trail 550.  Volunteers will keep you informed.

Once you are on 550 you will gradually climb for several kilometers.  Once you hit the high point you will descend for almost 5 km to the Little Red Park Aid station at 28 km.  The cut off for this check point is 3 hrs and 45 minutes (11:15 AM).  If you are over the cut off you will be directed right across Little Red Park to the 42k loop.  For everyone under the cut off time who wish to continue on the 90 km, you will head left at Feed/Aid 2.

Section 3: Little Red Park Feed/Aid Station 2 to Wyoming State Line Aid station, 22 km

Get a good feed and then head north on 550 toward Whisky Park.  Your next 22k starts with some gentle rolling terrain followed by a long enjoyable downhill, and then a long gradual up hill which will bring you to the Wyoming State Line and beyond the ½ way point.   Get a good feed and rest here, because other than a short down hill you will be doing over 1,000 ft of climbing with out much of a break up to the Continental Divide Trail. 

Section 3 cont: Wyoming State Line Feed/Aid Station 3 to Little Red Park Feed/Aid Station 6, 28k

Out of the Wyoming Feed/Aid you climb for about 1,000 to the top of the Continental Divide Scenic Trail.  At the top of the Continental Divide Trail you still face some steep rollers, but it is all worth it because the next stop is Carley’s Good Time Feed and Espresso Bar.  You may want a double espresso or two for the 1,300 ft descent back to Little Red Park Feed/Aid 5.  Actually the down hill is long, but should be in good shape and is not too steep.

Section 5: Little Red Park Aid station return to Finish Line, 14 km

You then head left on to the 509 for a burley hill.  Not real long but steep and at this stage it will feel plenty tough. From Feed/Aid 6 at the top of the climb, it is almost all down hill to the finish, but is it still 11k so pace yourself.  Initial part is a little steep, but after that gradual down hills most of the way.  You will encounter a couple of very short steep climbs and one very gradual longer climb.  Just before Hahn’s Peak Village you will be directed left through a meadow to the finish area in front of Steamboat Lake Outfitters.

Dates, Times and Place

Date: March 18th, 2006

Start time for 90 km Race: 7:30 AM

Start time for 42 km Race: 8:00 AM

Start and finish: Steamboat Lake State Park Visitors Center . Directions are available on the Steamboat Lake web page.

REGISTRATION

Registration Fee:

Race Event

Entry Fee

 

Before February 1st

After January 31st

90 k

 $                  65.00

 $                 80.00

45 k

 $                  50.00

 $                 65.00

 

Register options and instruction for the NRCD 2006

1. Go to http://www.eventsonline.ca/events/nrcb/  and register directly on-line

2. Go to http://www.active.com click on "Individual Sports" and then enter “North Routt Coureur des Bois” in the "Find an Event" window.

3. Go to: www.steamboatxcski.org, click on the "COUREUR DES BOIS" tab.  Click on “Registration form”.

Print registration form, fill in information and either:

1. Mail to: 

NRCD c/o Steamboat Springs Nordic Council

PO Box 775401

Steamboat Springs, Colorado 80477

 

2. Drop off at the Steamboat Ski Touring Center on Club House Drive (970-879-8180)

 

Register deadline is on March 12th at 5:00 PM or when the race entries have reached limit.  Maximum number of racers for the 42 km race is be 175 and maximum number of racers for the 90 km race will be 125.

Early registration ends January 31st, 2006

 

Race packet pick up and purchase of a CORSAR CARD can be done either at the Steamboat Ski Touring Center between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on March 17th, 2006, or at the Steamboat Lake Visitors Center between 6:00 – 7:15 AM on RACE DAY, March 18th, 2006.

 

The Forest Service and Search and Rescue require that all racers have either a current Colorado State fishing license, hunting license, ATV or snowmobile registration or a CORSAR card. All of these cards provide coverage if an evacuation or rescue was required. If you already hold one of these card you are all set, but you must have it with you to show the race officials when you pick up your packet. If you do not have a valid card you will be required to purchase a CORSAR card for $3.00. These will be available at the Steamboat Ski Touring Center and the Steamboat Lake Visitors

Center.

 

Age Groups and Awards (Male and Female Divisions)

90 kilometer race event: All racers must be 18 years of age or older to compete in this event

·         Top three finishers over all

·         Age Groups: Top three finish places

·         18-34

·         35-49

·         50 and over

 

42 kilometer race event:

·         Age Groups: Top three finish places

·         29 and under

·         30-39

·         40-49

·         50 and over

 

Finishers Awards:

·         90 kilometer event: All racers under 10 hours get a unique "90k" finishers medallion

·         42 kilometer event: All racers under 4 hours get a unique "42k" finishers medallion

Race Officials
Race Director: Daniel Smilkstein
Phone: (970) 879-5916
Email: dan@steamboatxcski.org

Chief of Course

Dave Mark
Phone: (970) 846-8066

 

Timing

Birgitta Lindgren
(970) 879-8180
mailto:xcski@springsips.com

 

Cancellation Policy

If this event is canceled by the organizers (Steamboat Springs Nordic Council) for any reason, racers who have registered will receive a full refund.

If a registered participant decides to cancel for any reason they may not get a refund, but upon notification of the race organizers (Steamboat Springs Nordic Council) they may transfer their registration to another racer.