6th Annual North Routt Coureur des Bois

45 km Marathon & 90 km Ultramarathon Cross Country Ski

It's Out There

Sunday March 14, 2010

Brought to you by the Steamboat Springs Nordic Council and the Steamboat Lake Snow Club

Major Event Sponsors: Smartwool, Hammer Nutrition, Madshus Ski and Sysco Denver

 

 

 

 

 

The 6th Annual North Routt Coureur des Bois will held on Sunday, March 14th, 2010. The NCAA Ski Championships will be held March 10-13 in Steamboat Springs.  Since many of the volunteers and much of the equipment used at the Coureur des Bois will be occupied for the NCAA’s we are moving the event to Sunday.  Hopefully some of the college athletes will stick around for an extra day to have a little fun and stretch out those tired muscles.

Back Ground

This year will be the 6th annual running of the North Routt Coureur des Bois.  The trails that are used for the Coureur des Bois are made up of Colorado State Park trails at Steamboat Lake State Park, United States Forest Service trails through the North Routt and Medicine Bow National Forests and special easements through private property.  For just one day each year all these trails are marked, connected and  machined groomed specifically for cross country skiers.  No course changes are anticipated for 2010.

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 historic communities of Hahn’s Peak and Columbine, around beautiful Steamboat Lake and through the backwoods of the North Routt National Forest allows the modern day cross country skier to have a unique frontier experience combined with a quality cross country race event.

The Race Courses

Both the 45k and 90k are challenging single loop courses.  In addition to the obvious physical challenge of skiing 90k, changing conditions can also present the skier with technical 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 extremely challenging experience in a white out blizzard.

The 45k and 90k will be groomed for both skate and classic track

Every effort will been made to keep the courses open and in the best shape possible on race day.  Not only will the 45 km and the 90 km loops be groomed and marked before the race, but we have the capacity to groom for skating as needed during the event.  

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 .  We have never had to change the course due to weather or poor snow conditions.

Aid station supplies: All aid stations will have water, Hammer energy drinks, gel and bars, chips, cookies, hot soup, fruit and other nutritional support (varies by station, but pasties, sandwiches, etc..).  For those over 21 years of age, there have been reports of free  full service outlaw bars at a couple of the distant stations.

CUT OFF TIMES FOR THE 90K WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.  THIS IS FOR THE RACERS SAFETY.  There are no cut offs for the 45k

a.      Feed #1, Steamboat Lake Visitors Center:  

1.      Set up-7:30 am

2.      Shut down- 9:45 am. 

3.      90k cut off time 9:30 am.  That gives you 1:30 to do the first and easiest 13.5k.

b.      Feed #2, Little Red Park junction 500 and 550

1.       Set up-8:30am     

2.      Shut down- 12:00 noon.

3.      90k cut off time 12:15  .  That gives you 4 hrs to do 27.5k.

c.      Feed#3, Wyoming Border on 550

1.      Set up-9:15 am     

2.      Shut down- 2:15 pm. 

3.      90k cut off time 2:00 pm. That gives you 6 hrs to do 48k.  If you are over the cut off you will be sent back to Columbine via snowmobile.  The next section of the course includes a 1,200 ft climb and high elevation.  If you are taking 1:15 to ski each 10k to this point you need to go to SLO and have a beer and chilly.

d.      Feed #4, Summit Divide Trail

1.      Set up-10:00 am 

2.      Shut down- course clear

e.      Feed #5, Farwell Pass (Live Free or Die)

1.      Set up-9:15 am 

2.      Shutdown- 4:30pm

 

45 km Race Course Description

This description is intended to be an overview.  It is our responsibility to groom the course and mark directions and hazards, it is the skiers responsibility to ski carefully and with in your limits.  Remember the distances on these descriptions are approximate.  For best results look at the maps and profiles along with this overview.

The "short” course is 45 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 Feed/Aid #1, 14 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: Hahn’s Peak to Little Red Park Aid #2, 15 km

Cross 129 and head north.  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.  A trail bypasses the parking area so no ski dismount is required as there was in 2005.

Once you are on 550 you will gradually climb for several kilometers until you reach the course high point.  From here you will descend for almost 5 km to the Little Red Park Aid station at 30 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 #2 to Farwell Saddle (Live Free or Die) Station #4 to Finish Line, 16 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 is the Mark’s Family Aid station #3 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 description is intended to be an overview.  It is our responsibility to groom the course and mark directions and hazards, it is the skiers responsibility to ski carefully and with in your limits.  Remember the distances on these descriptions are approximate.  For best results look at the maps and profiles along with this overview.

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 and Medicine Bow 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.

There are cut off times at critical aid stations, Hahn’s Peak Village out, Little Red Park out and Wyoming State Line.  Specific times will be posted later.  There is a time limit for the 90k of 10 hours.

Section 1: Start line at Steamboat Lake to Aid #1 at Hahn’s Peak Village, 14 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 #2, 15 km

Cross 129 and head north.  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.  A trail bypasses the parking area so no ski dismount is required as there was in 2005.

Once you are on 550 you will gradually climb for several kilometers until you reach the course high point.  From here you will descend for almost 5 km to the Little Red Park Aid station at 30 km 

 

Section 3: Little Red Park Feed/Aid Station #2 to Wyoming State Line Aid station #3, 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 Continental Divide Aid Station #4, 12k

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 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 4: Continental Divide Aid Station to Farwell Pass (Live Free or Die) the Mark’s Family Aid Station #5, 16k  

            From the Continental Divide Aid Station #4 you descend to Big Red Park, do some rollers and then enter Little Red Park.  At Little Red Park you turn left and head up Farwell Pass.  This is about 2-3 k, but steep.  At the top of Farwell Pass you will be at the Mark’s Family Aid Station #5.

 

Section 5: Farwell Pass #5 to Finish at SLO, 11 km

From Feed/Aid #5 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: Sunday March 14th, 2010

Start time for 90 km Race: 8:00 AM

Start time for 45 km Race: 8:30 AM

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

REGISTRATION

·        The following items are required:

o       Entry fee: See chart below.   

o       Colorado Outdoor Recreation Search and Rescue (CORSAR) Card ($3.00):

§         You are encourage to purchase a card a head of time at a state vendor  - RECOMMENDED

§         You can purchase when you pick up your race packet at the Steamboat Ski Touring Center - RECOMMENDED

§         You can purchase a card at the CORSAR desk near the check in area on race day – NOT RECOMMENDED

o       Post race meal: All racers are welcome to a free post race buffet refreshments included.

·        Registration is by distance and technique:  You may change your event or technique up to 48 hours before the race date, but at time registration information will be turned over to the timer and no changes will be allowed.

Registration Fee: 

Race Event

Entry Fee

 

Before February 16th

After February 15th

Enrolled Students*

90 k

$   80.00

$   95.00

 $ 65.00

45 k

$   70.00

$   85.00

 $ 60.00

 *Applies at any time to students currently enrolled in a legitimate school, either high school or college.

 

Register options and instruction for the NRCD 2010

1. Register on our web site at Race Registration .  NOTE, THERE IS NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR REGISTERING ON-LINE  - RECOMMENDED

2. Go to: www.steamboatxcski.org, click on the "COUREUR DES BOIS" tab.  Click on “Entry form for 2010”.

Print clearly and carefully!  Forms may be mailed in, faxed or dropped off.  All instructions, locations, address and numbers are on the registration form.

 

Register deadline is on March 13th at 5:00 PM or when the race entries have reached the limit.  Maximum number of racers for each event will be 150 (300 total). 

Early registration ends February 15th, 2010

 

Race packet pick up:

 

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.

§         You are encourage to purchase a card a head of time at a state vendor

§         You can purchase a CORSAR card at packet pick up at the Steamboat Ski Touring Center at packet pick up

§         You can purchase a card at the CORSAR desk near the check-in area on race day at the Steamboat Lake Visitors Center

Age Group, Divisions and Prizes: 

45k and 90 kilometer race event: All racers must be 18 years of age or older to compete in 90k event

  • Age Groups:
    • 29 and under
    • 30-39
    • 40-49
    • 50-59
    • 60 and over (new this year)

 

*      Unique trophy and new top line race skis for male and female winners of the 45k and 90k

*      1st, 2nd and 3rd place medals for top three finishers in all events as well as all age divisions.  These are unique hand casted medals created only for the Coureur des Bois. Smartwool sweater embroidered with the Coureur des Bois logo

*      Both BAP and Smartwool clothing items embroidered with the NRCB logo can be purchased.  Look for instructions on your confirmation letter. 

*      Over $20,000 in gifts, prizes and give aways.

*      $250 cash award to anyone breaking an overall course record for the 90k and $150 award for breaking the 45k record (see records below)

 

Race Officials
Race Director: Daniel Smilkstein
Phone: (970) 879-5916
Email: dsmilkstein@earthlink.net

Chief of Course

Dave Mark/ Hugh Newton
Phone: (970) 846-8066

 

Timing:

 

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.

EVENT SPONSORS List – Many more to be listed

Smartwool

Sysco Denver

Hammer Nutrition

Madshus Skis

Steamboat Ski Corp

Vermont Country Store

BAP

Steamboat Resorts

Ski Haus

 

TOKO Wax

Wal-Mart

Safeway

City Market

B&K Distributing

 

Award Sponsors

 

SPECIAL THANKS:

Hahn’s Peak Village

US Forest Service

Colorado State Parks Service

Routt County Search and Rescue

Steamboat Lake Outfitters

All volunteer aid station and course supporters

 

Course Records:  As the field has grown age groupings have been added.  Every effort has been made to locate accurate times for current age groups.   If you find any results that do not appear accurate please contact me at dsmilkstein@earthlink.net

Course Records:

 

From

Time

Year

Overall 90k Skate

 

 

 

 

Scott  Oberbreckling             

 

Dillon, CO

4:16:57

2007

Sarah Konrad           

 

Laramie, WY

5:27:02

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Overall 90k Classic

 

 

 

 

Scott Oberbreckling                    

 

Dillon, CO

7:23:38

2009

Nikki Kimble  

 

Bozeman, MT

7:06:15

2009

 

 

 

 

 

Overall 45k Skate

 

 

 

 

Michael  Brothers

 

Monument, CO

2:05:11

2007

Sarah     McCarthy

 

University of Utah/Steamboat

2:40:09

2007

 

 

 

 

 

Overall 45k Classic

 

 

 

 

Christian Coe

 

Fairbanks, AK

2:51:39

2008

Marie Delaney 

 

Boulder, CO

4:10:13

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Age Group Records 90k:

Freestyle/Skate

 

 

Gender: Age group

Age

From

Time

Year

Male: 18-29

 

 

 

 

Nikolai Anikin

28

Duluth,  MI

5:26:12

2009

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE: 18-29

 

 

 

 

Natalie Dawson         

28

Anchorage, AK    

 6:30:29       

2009

 

 

 

 

 

MALE: 30-39

 

 

 

 

Matt  Zak                                                  

33

Rhinelander, WI

4:45:45

2007

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  30-39

 

 

 

 

Molly Zurn

38

Reno, NV

6:29:00

2007

 

 

 

 

 

MALE:  40 – 49

 

 

 

 

Scott  Nielson    

42

Salt Lake City, UT

4:37:44

2007

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  40 – 49

 

 

 

 

Kirstin Ames              

43

Steamboat Springs, CO

6:11:43

2005

   

 

 

 

 

MALE:  50 – 59

 

 

 

 

Dawes    Wilson   

53

Vail, CO

4:42:36

2007

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  50 - 59

 

 

 

 

Debbie Hakansson

51

Truckee, CA

6:35:12

2007

 

 

 

 

 

MALE: 60+

 

 

 

 

Ralph Johnson

60

Truckee, CA

6:38:16

2009

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE: 60+

 

 

 

 

Sharon Crawford

63

Frisco, CO

9:29:00

2009

 

 

 

 

 

45K Age Group Results

 

Freestyle/Skate

 

 

Gender: Age group

Age

From

Time

Year

MALE:  18 - 29

 

 

 

 

Paul  Rose          

18

Steamboat Springs, CO

2:22:31

2007

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  18 - 29

 

 

 

 

Maria Grevsgaard

23

Boulder, CO

2:41:46

2008

 

 

 

 

 

MALE:  30 - 39

 

 

 

 

Michael Brothers

35

Monument, CO

2:05:11

2007

                           

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  30 - 39

 

 

 

 

Kristen Bergquist  

33

Steamboat Springs, CO

3:31:10

2007

   

 

 

 

 

MALE:  40 - 49

 

 

 

 

David    Knoop     

48

Park City, UT

2:23:00

2007

   

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  40 - 49

 

 

 

 

Marianne   Osteen  

47

Steamboat Springs, CO

2:49:59

2007

                       

 

 

 

 

MALE:  50 - 59

 

 

 

 

Tom   Sain         

50

Breckenridge, CO

2:36:24

2007

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  50 - 59

 

 

 

 

Kari Distefano

 

Telluride, CO

2:59:52

2008

 

 

 

 

 

MALE: 60+

 

 

 

 

Gil Barbier

65

Steamboat Springs, CO

3:40:20

2009

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE: 60+

 

 

 

 

June Lane

62

Truckee, CA

3:39:03

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Age Group Records 90k:

 

Classic

 

 

Gender: Age group

Age

From

Time

Year

Male: 18-29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE: 18-29

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MALE: 30-39

 

 

 

 

JOHN TWA

36

LAFAYETTE  CO

9:20:40.3

2009

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  30-39

 

 

 

 

Nikki Kimble

37

Bozeman,  MT

7:06:15

2009

 

 

 

 

 

MALE:  40 – 49

 

 

 

 

Scott Oberbreckling

45

Dillon, CO

6:10:45.1

2007

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  40 – 49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

MALE:  50 – 59

 

 

 

 

BRUCE GREIG

50

BOULDER  CO

9:21:35.6

2009

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  50 - 59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MALE: 60+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE: 60+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

45K Age Group Results

 

Classic

 

 

Gender: Age group

Age

From

Time

Year

MALE:  18 - 29

 

 

 

 

Christian Coe

 

Fairbanks, AK

2:51:39

2008

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  18 - 29

 

 

 

 

Marie Delaney

 

Boulder, CO

4:10:14

2008

 

 

 

 

 

MALE:  30 - 39

 

 

 

 

Kyrill Kretzschmar

34

Steamboat Springs, CO

3:07:25.2

2009

                           

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  30 - 39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

MALE:  40 - 49

 

 

 

 

Murray Selleck

49

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS,  CO

3:47:16.1

2009

   

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  40 - 49

 

 

 

 

Denise Snow

55

DIVIDE,  CO

4:56:34.6

2009

                       

 

 

 

 

MALE:  50 - 59

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE:  50 - 59

 

 

 

 

Sherry Pitt

54

DENVER,  CO

5:05:47.2

2009

 

 

 

 

 

MALE: 60+

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FEMALE: 60+