Black Canyon Ultras – Training Run #1 (Nov. 23)

This upcoming Sunday, November 23 will be the first of three training runs in lead up to the February 14 Black Canyon Ultras. We will be breaking up the 100K course into three sections on November 23, December 21 and January 18. Each run will be minimally supported, minimally marked and point to point. We will have shorter options at each. Here is information for those of you wanting to join on this first training run:

Date:
Sunday, November 23, 2014.

Distance:
Mile 0 – Mayer High School Track
Mile 7.7 – Antelope Mesa Aid
Mile 12.9 – Hidden Treasure Mine TH (Water)
Mile 19.5 – Bumble Bee (Finish) Miles from Mayer High School to Bumble Bee

Time:
7:00am Meet just North of the bridge in Bumble Bee to carpool to start.
or 7:45am Meet at Mayer High School.

The run will start at 8:00am from the Mayer High School track.

Driving Directions:
Directions to Bumble Bee (end of run, park here to carpool to run start):
1. Drive north from Phoenix on the I-17 Freeway
2. Take exit #248 towards Bumble Bee / Crown King
3. Turn left and drive 2.1 miles on pavement (road descends downhill)
4. Turn right at the bottom where it turns to dirt and take Crown King Road for 3.0 miles and park just past the bridge on the left hand side of the road.

Directions to Mayer High School from Bumble Bee (we will carpool as a group):
1. Drive north on Crown King Road for 5.6 miles
2. Turn right onto Forest Road 259 and go 1.3 miles
3. Turn right staying on Forest Road 259 and go 2.8 miles
4. Continue straight onto Antelope Creek Road at town of Cordes and go 2.8 miles
5. Take right onto Duffers Drive and then go 1.3 miles
6. Turn left onto Spring Lane and go 0.6 miles through the town of Spring Valley
7. Turn right onto Mule Deer and the high school will be straight ahead

Format:
This is a no fee, limited aid, limited course marking training run. You must plan to be self sufficient in terms of navigation, personal safety and aid between stations. We will drop water at the Hidden Treasure Mine TH at mile 12.9 and have water and food at mile 7.6 (Antelope Mesa). Please study the maps in this post, utilize the posted GPS files and follow signage for the Black Canyon Trail.

Markings:
The course on principle will be unmarked. There is signage for the Black Canyon Trail at most questionable junctions, but we recommend studying and printing maps to bring with you. The front runners will be carrying some flour and placing some flour dots on the ground at important turns.

Post Run Gathering:
Bring a camp chair, some snacks and beer to share old school style!

Printable Maps: