Competitors Challenge Vermont’s Highest Mountain
 
Over 300 mountain bikers and runners will have a rare opportunity to challenge the terrain of Mount Mansfield during the Catamount Trail Association’s Race to the Top of Vermont on August 31st. Considered one of the toughest hill climbs in the East, world class runners and mountain bikers will join weekend warriors in their quest to be the first to the top of the famous Mount Mansfield Toll Road in Stowe, VT.

For seasoned racers, the goal will be to beat their rival competitors in head to head competition. Others will have only one objective in mind, to maintain their momentum on the 4.5 mile climb to the Toll Road summit. The shaded dirt road has numerous switchbacks over the first three miles, then opens to spectacular above tree-line views for the last 1.5 miles. Spectators and race officials will greet competitors when they reach the finish line, an impressive 2,550 vertical feet above the start.

The Toll Road will be closed to autos during the event, allowing participants complete access to the course. Racers will be treated to a post race meal, raffle, and awards following the event. Visit www.catamounttrail.org for race details and entry forms or call (802) 864-5794.

The Catamount Trail Association is a non-profit, member-driven organization that develops, manages, and conserves the 300-mile Catamount Ski Trail. All proceeds will go to protecting and conserving the last 90 unprotected miles of this backcountry skier’s paradise. “The Length of Vermont on Skis”

Has anyone received their race DVD that they purchased on race day? I tried to email criscresy@yahoo.com (the vidographer) but get an error message? Thanks.

They probably couldn't read your bib number. Supposedly there is a LOST & FOUND section, but I had no idea how to get to it. They only had two finish line pics for me. I was hoping for some course pics. The site where the pictures are hosted is awful. Brightroom does a much better job.

How come the pictures aren't coming up? I put in my bib number and they're not showing!!

http://www.sportstopphoto.com/

Cheer up, Ravioli! I understand there is an opening for resident yeti...
CThayer

On Jun 26, 2008, at 10:26 AM, QT - Ravioli wrote:

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Still looking for a ride down. It gets cold up here at night and this heat sheet doesn't provide much warmth. Let me know.

Edited by author 06-25-2008 10:50 AM
If you click on your name in the results, you will be taken to the photographer's web site. Last I checked, the photos were not there yet. Usually takes a week or so before they are available for these type of events. Be patient. Should be there by next Monday I would think. Nobody expects to actually look good, do they? :)

Actually, I just checked, and the link to the photographer's web site has now been taken out of the searchable results. Hmmm, not sure what is going on with that.

I can't understand why there has not been any posting of the photos. Pictures were taken by sportstop photgraphy but i can't seem to find it.

Saw photos on Granite State's site. Only the leaders. Google the race, 2008 results.

On Jun 24, 2008, at 10:57 AM, QT - Allan wrote:

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Saw lots of photos being taken during the race. Assume these are for sale, but don't see any info on the website. Does anybody know who the vendor is, and whether the photos are up yet?

Thanks.

Congrats on beating 2 hrs! I knew I was out classed when the
daughter of an apparent mother-daughter team celebrated the half-way mark by skipping!
Thanks for the company.
Charlie

On Jun 23, 2008, at 1:52 PM, QT - aabend wrote:

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Anyone know where we can see photos from the race?

You're an animal, Charles! Nice to meet you. Great race!

Aaron

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi Matt, sorry I missed you. Finished in 2:16, refueled a little and headed down Lion Head. Passed some other racers (3, one woman) above Tuckerman's who had changed into boots. Made HoJo's at 1:01, road at 2:02, and start at 2:26.(times from summit) That last road bit no fun, but Raymond was lovely in spots, like running on a balsam
pillow. I almost missed the junction. It's way closer to HoJo's than one would think, and I had just got into cruise mentality when I happened to notice the back of a white sign. Passed it and looked back, and sure enough, "Raymond Path." Just the kind of neglected trail I like. Deduct view time and I might have had positive
splits! Anyway, together we'd all have missed the turn, as I am easily distracted. Glad you had a good one.
Charlie

On Jun 23, 2008, at 9:51 AM, QT - Matt wrote:

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Sorry I didn't catch up with you Charles, saw the roaming note and left it at that. Hung around at the top cheering a while and saw a bunch of hikers heading down so went off myself for a run down the trails. Luckily avoided breaking an ankle but of course missed the turnoff for Raymond and ended up running back on the road from Pinkham. Hope all had a great time!

I am full now. Giving rides to Paul and John.

Edited by author 06-20-2008 04:15 PM
I have two spots in my car for a ride down. Please reply to ashokcd@gmail.com or call me at 603.969.1389.
I am running the race and my friend (Mahesh) is driving up to the summit. We will be at the parking lot at 8 AM on Sat.

Haven't been to start. Digital roam here at HQ hotel,so expensive calls. no email at my motel. Have arranged ride for bag, likely to return via raymond path unless we can prearrange a ride from Pink Notch TH to race start.
charlie

On Jun 20, 2008, at 2:23 PM, QT - Matt wrote:

< replied-to message removed by QT >

hi - my ride has also bailed and i could use a ride down - anyone able to take another runner. I will finish up at around 1:50 or so - thanks - barry

bbock@bhchp.org or 617-869-1629

I am looking to carpool with someone from the Merrimack, NH area Saturday a.m. If you are interested call (603)493-6041 or email gary.gustafson@fmr.com. My car or yours.

Weather reports cite a chance of severe thunderstorms this afternoon/evening that should dry out in the valley for tomorrow. Up higher could be wet, but one never knows. Temps ~46 at the summit today.

Hoping to escape work soon and apparently hunt down a ground tarp for my tent, or perhaps make this a car camping event :)

I've got your number Charles and will try to call if I get up to the mountain and have service. Otherwise I'll be looking for hardy hikers at the start.

Edited by author 06-20-2008 02:11 PM
  My ride is now gone, so I am also still looking for a ride down. Hope to finish around 2 hours. Please email me at: nhpatriot@roadrunner.com Thanks...

hey I could use a ride down 651-746-9543, should come in around 75 minutes. John

Laura H, Thanks for the offer, but but wife made contact with Tiffany and her fiance. Sounds like you will have no problem finding riders down. Thank you. Ben

Edited by author 06-20-2008 11:20 AM
Hi still looking for a ride. My email is keyesp@gmail.com. My cell is 917 434 7344. I am traveling up this afternoon.

Many thanks

Paul

I too am still looking for a ride down. I will plan to be at the mountain early enough to find anyone needing another rider. Or you can call me (may be sketchy service though) at 978-394-4767. Lets have a Great Run!

I just discovered the forum and would really appreciate a ride down the mountain. I should finish in 2:15-2:30. I can be reached anytime at mpassmor@yahoo.com, during the day at 508-306-6269 and in the evening at 413-636-1771. And of course I'll be checking the forum all day. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

CJ, I have room for 1 more, Ill bring you too.

Hi procrastinators. I've got a car to bring down and only 1 passenger. I'll be happy to bring you and your wife as well. Give my cell a call (413-230-0157) today so we can make arrangements. I'm happy to carry any extra clothes, etc you may want at the top too, so maybe we can plan on meeting at the bottom of the mountain prerace.

I'm looking for a ride down the Mountain after the race. I'm even willing to let you drive my Nissan Xterra up and down the mountain. Please let me know if anyone can help me. Please call. 617-290-2216.

CJ Norgaard

Husband and wife procrastinators looking for a ride down. Should finish around 1:50. Benbiskovich@msn.com

I will be driving up and my fiance plans to finish around 1:45. Please call 617-460-5312 (Joe's cell) if you need a ride down. We will be heading up to NH this afternoon. We're new to this so if you need a ride let me know how we can find you!

Looking for a ride down. Plan on finishing around 1:45.
E-mail: mpreardon16@comcast.net

i am new to this event, so i just realized that i have to arrange a ride down.
here's the deal: my girlfriend will be driving up either way, but i don't want to pay the fee.

i plan to run somewhere between 67-74 minutes. we would love to bring a few extra bodies back down the mountain.

i'll be arriving in new hampshire friday around dinner time. contact me any time before then 303-717-1918/ mikethebusboy@aol.com

michael l. brouillette

Hi Steven,

Thanks for your call, as luck would have it, someone called me right after I emailed you and I no longer require transport.

I'm sure there are plenty others in need so best of luck in filling your car.

Thanks,

Stephen


< replied-to message removed by QT >

Looks like we've filled the spot in our car! Good luck all!

I have room for one possibly two for ride down and up for any spectators.
First timmer and projected time to finish is 1:35-1:50, but who knows.
email me at stevenricci33@aol.com

Looking for a ride down for one (me). Had a ride lined up but they changed their plans. I should finish about 1:20, same as last two years.
Thanks in advance! Brett btr22@hotmail.com 603-858-2393

My ride has changed and looking for lift down earlier.
Figure will be in 1:30 range and like to get back down soon after finish
Thank you
tuf1961@aol.com

Hi Looking for a ride down. Estimating a time between 2-2.15. Please contact me on keyesp@gmail.com

Thanks

Paul

Hi There, Two runners seeking a ride down. We will both likely finish in just over 2 hours. Please contact me at 617.877.6201 or stephen.sorrow@fmr.com

Matt, you should have my cell (802 379 0233). I'll be at Friday registration/dinner, so of phones work, let's connect that way. If not??
Charlie

On Jun 19, 2008, at 7:50 AM, QT - Matt wrote:

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Still in for the hike and camping out Friday night to be all earthy-crunchy. The Pinkham Notch workers (volunteers?) said Lion's Head was clear to hike when I spoke to them Tuesday, so should be able leave the spikes at home. Now if the weather will play nice we'd all be more comfortable, not that we do these things for comfort.

I need ride down mountain. Finish in 2 hrs plus. Actually hope to hike down Lion Head (Matt, are you still doing that??) but my drop bag needs a ride to the top and I need a vehicular option for
descent just in case - driver gets my road ticket in any case. Best reply to cwthayer@mac.com. Tx. charlie

On Jun 19, 2008, at 4:44 AM, QT - Paul Corrigan wrote:

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Hi everyone,
I'm still looking for a ride down the mountain after the race.
I've down Washington twice and expect to finish around 1:45.
E-mail me at corrigan@beeline-online.net.
Thanks,
Paul Corrigan

I am looking for a ride down the mountain, possibly for 2 runners. We are looking to finish sub-1:30.

Please email at markengerman@yahoo.com

Thanks!

  I am all set for a ride. Thanks Tadd.

   I am also still looking for a ride down. Hope to finish around 2 hours. Please email me at: nhpatriot@roadrunner.com. Thanks...

Thanks to all that replied. I am all set w/ride! Thanks Amy! :)
Good luck to all.

By the way no seatbelt counts at auto road just weight limits as listed below by AMW. - and they use the honor system. (I called the auto road and spoke w. someone to get this info)

Anyone interested in carpooling from Boston area/metrowest on Friday afternoon/night, returning right after the race? (My car or yours.)

Please respond to aabend@gmail.com.

Aaron

One of my passengers backed out on me, so I have room for 1, and probably 2 people to take back down. I'm hoping to finish in under 1:30 and would like someone in that neighborhood if possible. Email me at arose13@msn.com by the end of day Thursday if you're interested. Thanks.

Our open spot has been filled, Thanks Jason.

Thanks Rosalea, I'm looking forward to Saturday. Best wishes to all the runners! Tom

Edited by author 06-18-2008 05:00 PM
I'm still trying to find a ride down - hoping to finish around 2 hours. Thanks!!!

Dave

lauberhorndwg@gmail.com

One Runner looking for a ride down. E-mail drgcs@yahoo.com Thank You!

The open spot in our car has been taken.

We (2 runners and a driver) have room in our car for one (1) person.One of us will arrive a bit before 2 hours while the other will be nearer to 2:30.
email- duffy.bruce@ns.sympatico.ca
phone- (902)860-3591 Wednesday night, leaving home at 6:00am Thursday morning.

if you can stomach my wife's driving i have room for a couple runners or a runner and significant other. hit me on email brillo5k@yahoo.com

I have room for one in our car if anyone is interested. Hoping to finish around/under 2 hours.

fforster@us.ibm.com

We have room for one in our van if anyone is interested. Projected finish time is about 2 hours.

taddtruscott@gmail.com

Thanks for all the responses it looks like I'm full. If anything changes I will let you all know. Good luck everyone on Saturday.

I still have one spot for a runner to ride down! (Tom, I tried emailing you but your email address didn't seem to work.) I'm hoping to finish in around 1:35
My email: rosaleak@gmail.com

From the Mount Washington Auto Road Website:

Vehicle Limits


Safety considerations dictate that some vehicles cannot be permitted on the Auto Road:

• Acura, Honda, Jaguar, Saturn and Sterling autos with automatic transmissions must show a "1" or "L" or "S" on the shifter to be allowed on the Auto Road.
• Maximum wheelbase on any vehicle: 161 inches (This excludes most club cab pickups and limousines).
• Maximum width on any vehicle: 80 inches including mirrors.
• No Hummers, except H-3.
• No trailers, RV's, campers or oversized vans converted to RV's.
• No mopeds or scooters.
• No dual wheeled vehicles.
• No pickups with permanent additions that extend wider than the cab (campers, rack bodies, or very wide mirrors).
• Some former police cars and taxis have the 1st gear locked out and cannot be allowed on the road.
• No Lincoln Continentals 1969 or earlier.
• No bicycles.

Weight Limits:
These are approximate numbers used as guidelines. Weights (in pounds) include passengers and luggage:

• Full size car or wagon: 900
• Mid sized car & compact cars: 800
• Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager prior to 1996: 600
• Dodge Caravan, Plymouth Voyager 1996 and newer: 900
• All other mini-vans: 850
• 3/4 or 1/2 ton van, pickup or SUV: 900
• One-ton van or pickup: 1050

There is a link on mountwashingtonautoroad.com that specifies weight limits exactly.
Dave- I think I'm all set for ride, but I am going to checke weight limits by calling auto road today.( I will post what I learn for all- if it helps)

Thanks to everyone for your replies to my post below. I found a runner to take the last spot in my car. Good luck!

Hi, I need a ride down the mountain. Projected finish time of 1:35. Thanks, Tom

t9cross @ comcast.net

Hi Emily,

Here's my info:

Dave Griffin
lauberhorndwg@gmail.com
(203) 525-0201 cell

Still looking for a ride down - thanks!

Dave


QT - Emily wrote:
>
>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

I have plenty of room for two runners down the hill.

glenn_obey@hoo-doo.com

I'd be really careful - "Your vehicle must also have space for the 3 runners without exceeding weight limits." is what it says, but it does not specify the limits from what I could find in a quick look...

I saw the posting referencing "enough seatbelts" and that suggested overloading. I had a Town and Country Van last year and it was practically smoking with 4 people. The car could have handled 7 with seatbelts but I was advised that this would far exceed the weight limit.




< replied-to message removed by QT >

I could use a ride down. I should be at the top in around 75 minutes. email jkswain@colby.edu thanks

My car is small but am only planning for 4 people, will this exceed the weight limit?

Note - do not plan on cramming a lot of people in a car. The weight will be the issue. Your brakes will be smoking even with just 4 people (including the driver), and even if you stop half way (as you should). I think they have a limit on the number of people you can take anyway...

Aaron

< replied-to message removed by QT >

I have space for one runner on the way down, will be cramped but everyone will have a seat belt. e-mail j.sheridan@careway.ca

I have space for one runner on the way down, will be cramped but everyone will have a seat belt.

Cars are full. Thanks folks!

Edited by author 06-17-2008 11:49 AM
I need another runner who needs a ride down to fill a car - anyone need a ride down? I can be accommodating with finish times, so don't worry about that. We would have to meet up on Saturday morning to meet and exchange the auto pass (and bag for the top). Please email me if interested at ablane@tighebond.com.

My car is full with David B and Kevin P. Thanks

I need one more runner that needs a ride down... I am guessing that the slowest runner will be finishing around 2 hours. Any takers? Email me at janetcyg@yahoo.com

I will need a ride down the mtn as my prior ride commitment has evaporated.

I expect to finish 1:30 to 1:40, (Whiteface time listed a few entries below) but longer will not be a problem.

Thanks,
Hank Schiffman

Ben Burd
Hi. Trying to contact you. The e-mail keeps bouncing back and the phone is not correct. Please contact me to arrange meeting for your bag and car pass. I will be at the Dinner on Friday and maybe we can meet there?
Sincerely
Dolores Rosen

Hank,
Thank you for saying hello!!
You inspired me to push myself the last part of race.
I will look for you to say hello.
DB

Dave- whats your contact info?

Hi folks,

I'm an approximage 2:00 hour finisher based on past years - looking to send a small bag of clothes up and then get a ride down. I'll be at the Eagle Mountain House picking up my number, etc. on Friday late afternoon to give you my runner's pass for the Auto Road -

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!!

Dave

I can take two people down the MT. I would like you to have a finish time of about 1:30, or so. bpine@thehill.org
We could meet in the main tent by the trophies.

Hello everyone,

I am looking for one person that needs a ride down. My wife and 2 kids will be heading up so i have room for myself and one other coming down. Please email me at henrysacco@hotmail.com

Henry

Hi Dennis. That was a great finish on Whiteface with you, me, Kim and the headwind:

25 Dennis Brinkworth 47 M Buffalo NY 1:21:32
26 Hank Schiffman 58 M New York City NY 1:21:36
27 Kim Douglas 38 F Honeoye Falls NY 1:21:42

You had the most gas in the tank. Mt Washington should prove interesting. I hope to be wearing my orange with blue maple leaf Central Park Track Club singlet. Good luck and may you get your ride down lined up quickly.

Hank

Edited by author 06-16-2008 09:06 PM
I am still looking for a ride for me (runner) from top. And husband to ride up w/ someone in your car.
My time should be around 1:45.
we'll pay auto road charge.
egallant@metrocast.net
1-603-455-0601 cell

Still looking for a ride down. Can also provide a car for a driver. 609-683-1446 or VasselliMD@aol.com Thanks Toiny

Hi,
I'm looking for a ride down the mountain after the race. I've done Mt. Washington twice and hope to finish around 1:45. My e-mail is: Corrigan@beeline-online.net.
Thanks

Hi,
Looking for lift down the mountain. Thought I would run down but have been advised not great idea.
E-mail tuf1961@aol.com.
Finished whiteface 1:21 range so figure 1:30-1:40 frame complete and can head down after
Thank You

Hiking/running down can still work! After some calls around it looks like the Dolly Copp campsite (big place a couple of miles north of the auto road)should have plenty of openings. A nice quiet night in the woods would be a good prelude to this race... a stormy nor'easter with plenty of bears might be more appropriate though. Going to be taking Lion's Head down to Pinkham Notch and enjoying the scenery before running up 16 to the start. I can be reached on hotmail at slugmanx2 for those who might want to join in and make a plan ahead of time.

There are three of us - looking for separate or together rides down (or someone to drive car up). Can anyone help? We have left this very late but we originally planned to run down. Now realize that is not such a good plan!!!! mfinn530@aol.com. Our slowest member will be 2

I have a full car now! Thanks to those who responded. Good luck!
jme@bhgrlaw.com

I have a car and a driver - looking for a runner to bring down. I can be reached at 603-569-1970 or elisaekstrom@hotmail.com Thanks!

I have the ride. Thank you for those who called.

I am hoping to find one or two runners to bring down the mountain, or a ride for me and one other. I am running, and my boyfriend would like to go to the top. So I need another runner to bring down in our car, or someone who would ferry my sweetheart to the top and both of us down. I am guessing my time will be about 2:15 (a first timer). My email is jme@bhgrlaw.com, my numbers are 303-402-1600 (wk) and 303-905-9361 (cell). Good luck to all.

I've have already found two runners. If you haven't heard from me you should continue trying for a ride.
Thanks Scott Harris
Good Luck to Everyone

My husband would like to ride up w/ someone to watch race. Then bring me down. (2hrs expected)
Does need or have room for a spectator and runner? We are willing to split auto road fee.
contact at : egallant@metrocast.net

I have room to bring down one runner. Please email me at: katsrus7@verizon.net

Edited by author 06-15-2008 10:51 PM
My parents will be driving to the top to watch me run, and we're looking for a runner to take back down the mountain. I'll probably finish between 1:35-1:45. Email: Rosaleak@gmail.com

I have room for one rider. I'll be bringing two of my guys down after the race. They should be in around 1:30. I'll gladly take someone down who is finishing around that time or so. Get me at work tomorrow at Patrick.R.Good@Boeing.com. My cell is 610-256-7623. Good luck Folks -- wish I was running with you. Pat

I am looking for a ride down and expect to finish in 2 hours. Thanks for your consideration. dwhitney@empireventurepartners.com.

I am looking for a ride down, expect to finish in 2 hour range. I can be reached at pdicecco@ipr-us.com or 508-883-8904

>Anyone have recommendations on shoes for the race.

If you normally wear racing flats for 5K or 10K races, wear racing flats. The non-paved sections are like an extremely good gravel road, there is no trail per-se. They have paved another section of Mile 6 this year too so the unpaved sections are down to a long stretch between 4.5 & 5.5 with a few other patches.

The only drawback to racing flats would be if you have problems with your achilles or calves when running uphill in racing flats then avoid using them for the race as this one you will be putting more stress on them than a typical flat race.

All of the elite runners wear racing flats.

Hi Scott I'am looking for a ride back down to if you have room let me . thanks Dennis cell 1 978 360 1899 or email denflan@comcast.net -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: QT - Scott H. <qtopic-41-idMpQZGZVRMC9@quicktopic.com>
< replied-to message removed by QT >

Sorry wrong email
It should be:
syd01 at comcast dot net
type the address the normal way at=@ dot=.
I have room for 2 riders down.
email me at

Hi,
Looking for a ride down, should finish in the 1:30's.
K.Pascoe@juno.com
Thanks! Kevin

I barely recall the unpaved sections - it's a road not a trail and even where it is not paved it is fairly even. Also, those sections are at the top of the run. Not sure what kind of time you're shooting for (and power to you if it matters)- but I'd pick something comfortable to walk in!

Aaron

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Anyone have recommendations on shoes for the race. My thoughts are a racing flat will be the least weight to carry up and will offer a thin midsole so as not to roll the ankles. Cons would be the conditions of the unpaved sections. Would they prove to be too rocky for a flat and, in the case of rain, slick/muddy? All of this from a Mt. Washington virgin! Comments welcome based on anyone’s past experience.

Looking for a ride. Expect to finish in 1:45 - 2:00. Please e-mail me at Allan_Ludgate@monitor.com

Thanks.

Scott, I tried sending you an email at syd01@comcast.com and it bounced. I am looking for a ride down if you still have room try sending me an email at dipallina@excite.com

I have room for 2 riders down.
email me at
syd01 at comcast dot com
type the address the normal way at=@ dot=.

I am looking for a ride down, planning to finish in 1:45-2:00. Please email at drosania@gmail.com or leave a message at (603)767-0158

I have space for one, possibly two runners in need for a ride back down.
Please email me at chris@buddy-board.com

I have space for one rider. Plan to finish 2 hours.
murrajo@netzero.com
207-650-1183

Looking to catch a ride down. Forgot to leave my contact info. Email me at aroot2@roadrunner.com

Looking for a ride down - planning to finish in 1:50

I have a car - if you have a driver we can find some passengers...

Email me at aabend@gmail.com

Aaron

Looking to catch a ride down with a driver needing passengers. Last year I ran just under 1:40. Expect I'll be near to that again this year.

OK,, roommate, you're on. Just show up at the Motel before 9 or we can try to connect at checkin (Eagle Mtn Inn) via cell.
On Jun 13, 2008, at 2:27 PM, QT - aabend wrote:

< replied-to message removed by QT >

I am interested ... please let me know.

Thanks!

Aaron
aabend@gmail.com

< replied-to message removed by QT >

I have room for one back down. Preferably finishing aroun 1:45 or 2 hours max.Leave an email. sang@stompmachine.com

Thanks,

Jaime.

Anyone have a driver/Extra spectator who wants to go to the top?

Take my car up and I can drive down with 2 other runners.
Contact me to set this up.

Aaron

Aabend@gmail.com

If anyone has a spot on teh way down, I would be interested in carpooling. Please let me know benjamin.quick@fmr.com if anyone has space.

Thanks,
Ben

Aabend, that's 45 each. Then there may be a bit of tax. You were the first responder, so its yours if you want it. cwthayer@mac.com and cell 802 379 0233.

On Jun 12, 2008, at 9:34 PM, QT - aabend wrote:

< replied-to message removed by QT >

" Need a ride down for first time runner of The Mountain. Hope to be done around 2 hours. Thanks. email: _{nhpatriot@roadrunner.com}

I'am looking to get a ride back down, do not know what my time will be but will finish. you can email me at denflan@comcast.net thanks.

If you are looking for a roommate I might be interested. Does that mean 45 each or do they charge per person?

< replied-to message removed by QT >

Russ, it may be noon that the road opens at the top but I'm about 97% sure that it's 12:30. The reason I say this is you will start seeing your first cars coming up on about Mile 4 or 5 and you wouldn't see them until much later if they weren't starting until 30 minutes after you started your descent.

King size bed available (one of two) in my motel room, Covered Bridge Motor lodge, Jackson, the motel closest to the start. Non-snorer preferred, cost sharing appreciated. This decadent runner opted not to camp, but at $90 am having second thoughts....

I am driving/attending the Mt. Washington race solo... and, this is also my first time running it. So, I would love to carpool/grab a ride back down after the race. I am not sure if I want to hike down or not, but, I am also not opposed to it, as well.

If anyone could give me a ride back down, I would really appreciate it! The best way to reach me at this email address: murphy.beth77@gmail.com, or, call my cell, 802-318-3451.

Thanks, looking forward to the climb!

Beth

i will either have room for two (2) runners to take down, or (preferred by me) would like to hike/walk down. i see there are some groups hiking down. while scenery might be cool, i am mostly just interested in getting down as cheaply and easily as possible. well, maybe not easily. a vigorous hike would be good! please email me information on hiking down, or if you can just walk down the auto road. if you need a ride,let me know as well. i would prefer to hike, but that depends on my driver.

thanks.

eric ashley - antisepticsoap@yahoo.com (preferred communication)

Thanks for the tip David, I've done Lion's Head down when I hiked it a few years back so that the leading candidate now. I went up Huntington's once with a group of non-athlete co-workers. Didn't realize how fun it would be when we started; the semi-serious hiker friend who picked the route neglected to mention it was one of the hardest east coast trails. I did most of it barefoot until the upper sharper rocks and pulled others in our group up parts, but not sure I'm crazy enough to try going down that one this time.
 
Basically I'm open to any survivable route that has some good views and won't get me fined. Perhaps it will end up on the recommendations of the staffers that day. Definitely going to want clothing sent up, and I'll beg the kindness of strangers, perhaps plying them with my ride ticket so they can drive for free. Right now I'm thinking that about the only ways I'd need a ride down would be injury or blizzard, though a blizzard could be fun...

I'll try to print up a sign or something for hikers or we could pick an area to meet before and after the race, might as well make it a party right? Or you can just look for me; I'll be the tall skinny runner-looking guy.

Charles and Matt: There are 2 options for hiking down to Pinkham Notch other than via Tuckerman Ravine. Lion Head Summer Trail should be open and Boott Spur Trail's less strenous, but takes longer. You can forget about going down Huntington Ravine Trail. I also hiked down after the race 2 years ago, and took the Lion Head route. Be safe and have fun hiking down! David A.

that sounds right - i finished in 2 even last year but no cars had started down...

< replied-to message removed by QT >

PK, the website says the road is closed at the BOTTOM until 12:30. Are you sure it is closed at the top too? Runners that finish in 1:30 (not me!) will have to wait an hour at the top?

Matt, let's try to combine descent. Safety in numbers. Definitely think Tuck's will be the preferred route, but if ride back to the finish from trail head is possible, Jefferson Notch involves the least loss of elevation. I hate road running but excel at steep down hill trail running (not much else, and even that may fail me after the ascent...), but we'll need clothing delivered to the summit and back-up ride if weather is hostile. Or would the race be curtailed (again) in that event?

Nix that, looks like parts of Tucks are closed till the ice is gone. I'll dig around or call Pinkham Notch and figure out a route, otherwise the road as a last resort.

Anybody else want to join in for the hike down? As I said below I'm thinking of avoiding the road. As much as I'd like to cheer people on the way down, it's bike week in NH and I don't want my memory of the mountain drowned out by the sound of the motorcycles.

Depending on the shape of my quads it might be a brisk pace but would certainly hang out with others if anybody is up for it. It's about 4.2 miles down Tucks and 2.5 miles from the Pinkham Notch main trailhead to the auto road, and hey, it's all downhill from the finish line :) I'd think that with livable weather I could be back to the start in around 2 hours without much pain (ok, say 3). It's looking like Tucks would be the best one to take as it is probably least demanding on already taxed legs, plus it's better traveled if help is needed.

Another possibility if a group joins in is to have a car parked at Pinkham, but I think if we make it that far, the last road bit would be easy.

Need ride down, slow (senior) runner. Or update on Lion Head or Tuckerman's trail conditions.
Thanks.

Edited by author 06-12-2008 04:08 PM
/m184
>Anybody know if the Cog Railway is a viable option for a ride down after the race?

Just fyi, the Cog Railway leaves you on the opposite side of the mountain when you come back down.

>Does anyone know at what point cars are allowed to start taking riders down >the mountain?
>Is it at 12:30 or as runners finish and cars fill up?

Cars are allowed to start going down at 12:30. None before then.