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UPDATES from '08

A Here to There, LLC event

TOPICS TO DATE: Gear Drops, Odds and Ends, Ground Transportation, Basic Rules, Food, Route, Registration/Weekend Schedule/another Odds and Ends, Parking

15 January 2008

Hey all,
I'm in the middle of sign-painting and it dawned on me that I hadn't talked about parking for the weekend.  It's pretty easy:

-  Best is to pull through the gate and park in our back.

-  On Hwy. 152 - just make sure your vehicle is completely off the pavement.

-  We're just about 1/2 mile from the BarberShop and less than that from Enchanted Villa.  If you want, you could walk down.

-  We have one set of neighbors, on our west side.  They're old and a little cranky.  Please keep the area on our side of the road in front of the cabin clear of vehicles.  We want to keep the neighbors calm and the finish area open.  There should be no cars in front of the mail boxes or in front of the neighbors'.  

Thanks! susan


15 January 2008

Hi all,
This will be quick.  Today I am painting signs for the course and doing other prep...not long to go now!

- CELL PHONES - those who have them in Hillsboro find the best reception just outside the cemetery.  There will be no cell phone access once you're on FS 157 and it's spotty at best on Hwy. 152.

- COURSE MAPS - I drew a new one yesterday, it's on the website.  You'll also receive one at packet pickup.  You should be able to tell, but just in case...the map is not to scale.

-  WEATHER - is looking really good for the weekend.  We're to have a bit of a cold snap for the next couple of days but much warmer temps. by Sat. and Sun.  The sun is shining right now - no clouds at all.  I'm thinking we'll end up in the 50s by late morning on Sun. but count on it being cold at the Start.

-  SHIRTS - they've arrived!  There's enough room to walk around in the studio and in the cabin, but barely!  It's definitely Ghost Town time.

That's it for now.  I think I've covered just about everything I can think of by now.  If you have a question, this is no time to be shy.  I look forward to seeing each of you on Sat. (or before).  Bon voyage!  susan

 

14 January 2008

Hey all,
Thank you to everyone who answered the question about finish time. When I started the Ghost Town I made a decision to see that every aid station was open for evrey runner, no matter how early or how late that runner might arrive at the station. After contact from a couple of runners who have some very fast recorded times at other events, I wanted to make sure Station 7 was up and functioning in plenty of time should either of these individuals register. Remember, I'm a walker, so speed intimidates me!

Okay, turning to event business and info. I thought it time to send you the schedule for registration and for the weekend.

REGISTRATION

Registration will be only slightly different this year. Since a good number of you ran last year, you might not need a full info. session so I've streamlined the process a bit (maybe a lot?).

Thurs. and Fri. arrivals - I'm planning on being on the property all of Friday. Feel free to wander over when you want - just not before 10am. Even though I won't be sleeping late, I appreciate being fully showered and dressed when I first meet you! You can bring your gear drop bags then or on Saturday.

Saturday - Starting at 10am you can register throughout the day. I'm going to try and move you through registration quickly. If you have questions, or want to hear a little more about the course and what to expect - there will be info. sessions at: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, and 7pm for the late arrivals. If you are wanting a speedy registration, I recommend arriving no later than 15 min. before the info. sessions.

Registration involves picking up your packet, your shirt, signing your liability waiver, and soaking up the atmosphere. You are welcome to hang out as briefly or as long as you wish.

***Gear drop bags must be in the studio no later than 7:15pm Sat. night.

***You must come to registration yourself. I love meeting your family and friends, but only you can sign your waiver.

***It is important for me to get to the pasta meal on time. I am a bit persnickety about schedules and time. Please respect the fact that I need to eat too. Registrations will be "on hold" from 4:30pm to 7:00pm. A sure way to see my grumpy side is to show up between these times.


WEEKEND SCHEDULE

Fri. - 10am - 5pm rolling registration
Portopotties are delivered sometime - there will be 3 - 2 out front, 1 near the back fence
Dinner at 6pm for those in town
late arrivals can register after dinner or on Sat.

Sat.- 10am - 4:30pm rolling registration
info/Q&A sessions: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 7pm
breakfast and lunch available at both cafes in Hillsboro
pre-race pasta buffet at the BarberShop - 5 to 7pm
late arrival registration - 7pm
last chance for gear drop bags - 7:15pm

Sun. - I'll be up at 4:30am, cabin open at 5:00am - light foods, hot beverages available
5:45 to 5:55am - bib tags collected
6:00am - the start whistle blows
12:30pm - cutoff at Station 4
4:45pm - cutoff at Station 7
6:00pm - race ends, bbq begins

ODDS AND ENDS

There will be food all day at the finish line. It is meant to take the edge off your run and tide you over til the bbq.

Those of you camping on my property, get here early for the spot of your choice. Please watch out for our little plum tree - we planted it 3-4 years ago and it's survived so far. We would prefer to keep it around for the future! Matt will be on hand to help guide you if needed.

It's 50 degrees or more right now. Things are looking good for the weekend.

Joan Nashelsky has already volunteered, and runner Pete Stevenson is going to earn some volunteer hours toward a future 100 miler. If anyone else has family or friends willing to pitch in, good volunteers are always appreciated! Let me know if there's anyone I can add to my list.

Door prizes will be at the pasta meal only this year. Your family and friends are eligible, so if you want them in the "drawing" be sure to put their names in while you're at registration.

Bring your questions. My mind is full right now and bits of info. float in and out. If you ask, then you might be reminding me of something that has escaped an update!

The cabin is amazing - stacks of boxes of food items and Gatorade. The freezer is full. The fridge is nearly there. My studio has boxes of goodies from Clif and Larabar. Coupons and flyers are in somewhat tidy piles. All are waiting the goody bags which I've been told are ready for Matt to pick up down in TorC when he takes the dogs to the kennel.

We're just about ready and I, for one, am getting excited. It's going to be a great weekend!
Travel safely, and I'll see you shortly! susan

 

Route - 12 January 2008

Hey all,
We just returned from looking at the route once more.  There are a few changes that will be made to the appropriate page on the website - the one named "Course Map."  I hope to get a new map drawn before too long with the goal of getting it on the website.  I'll also print some for you to get with your packets. Here are the basics to know about the route and how it will be marked:

- There will be signs on 152 indicating which way to turn when you reach FS 157.  Station 1 will also be at that junction.

- There will be no mile markers this year.

- There will be a large sign on the right side of the road indicating the parking area for your support people.  The parking area is on the left side of the road, opposite the sign.

-  Station 2/6 - There will be a big sign for both your out and your back.  There will be traffic cones so you don't somehow miss the sign.  There is a change from what has been on the website and from what is on the map.  When you see the signs, the aid station will be 1/10 mile up the drive to the old stone bldg. that has no roof.  Bill and Nolan will be there.  Follow the cones.  Always follow the cones.  You must go up to their station, check in, come back out and get back on 157.  YOU WILL DO THIS BOTH ON YOUR OUT AND YOUR BACK.  If you fail to check in at their station you will be DQd.  This is essentially now spur #1 and #3.  It is important that you use the drive and skip the temptation to cut cross country from 157 to the station.  You would then be running a 38.1 or so instead of a 38.5!

-  The Forest Trail - there will be a sign and several cones.  When you are coming back down the trail and are nearly at the end, follow the cones to rejoin the main route.  This is Spur #2.  Maree will be at the bottom with the medical station.  It's personnel-efficient for me to station her there rather than at the top of the following hill.  YOU WILL ONLY GO UP AND DOWN THIS SPUR ONE TIME.  When Tom checks the last of you through at the too, he'll be coming down the trail and removing the cones.  That's a good clue that you're done with that trail!

-  Station 3/5 - at the N. Percha.  FS 157 actuall turns RIGHT to cross the creek.  There will be an aid station here.  There is a small Forest Service sign and Matt will put a cone under that sign as he drives through in the wee hours.  You can run straight up the road here, but that is where the creek is wide.  If you go to either side (last year we encouraged to the RIGHT) you can either jump over the creek or use the natural stepping stones.  

-  Station 4 - is at Cave Creek, the end of FS 157.  This is tough driving.  It can take as long as an hour to go 4 miles.  Matt leaves our place at 5:00 am to get there ahead of you.  Last year he and GAbe had to move downed trees.  He will be leaving traffic cones wherever the road forks or if he thinks you might get confused about the direction.  ALWAYS FOLLOW THE CONES.  If the cone is on the right fork, go right.  doh.  Last year we used signs but one blew over.  Matt had Gabe to help, but this year he won't.  Securing all the signs would really slow him down.  So follow the cones.  

THIS STATION HAS A CUTOFF OF 12:30 pm.  

The beauty of the cones is that they are non-directional.  If you see a cone, it doesn't matter if you are on the out or the back, simply stick with it.  This will save me numerous hours of sign-painting and trying to remember which way the arrows are supposed to point.  It will also save us incredible number of hours after the race as we won't have to go back removing lots of signs.  

Now you're on your return.  You'll go back through Station 3/5, past Maree at the now-to-be-ignored Forest Trail Spur, back up the spur to Bill and Nolan at Station 2/6, and finally to the junction of Hwy. 152.  

TURN LEFT - downhill

There should be a sign.  I fear that if we put a brand new orange traffic cone on the hwy. when the volunteers from station 1 leave, it will be missing by the time you are on the return.  So look for the big arrow.  Or remember to turn left and go downhill.

Station 7 - was not there when you came through the first time.  It'll be on the hwy. about a mile or so below where you've turned LEFT.  This is the last aid station.

THERE IS A TIME CUTOFF AT THIS STATION.  You must be here by 4:45 pm in order to make it to the finish line by 6:00 pm.  This is to get you safely in before dark.  If you've maintained a 3.02 mph pace you will be just fine.

                                
The finish line is at my property.  The time limit for this event is 12 hours.  If at any time you've chosen not to go forward or have failed to meet a cutoff, my volunteers will bring you out when they close their station.  So, if you stop after Station 5, don't make it to station 6 - stay put and when 5 closes, they'll pick you up.  

I hope the weather is perfect and you each have a great race.  

Today, it's still beautiful.  There was no snow on the route, only at higher elevations.  There was a patch or two of ice, but very small and easily navigated around.  The creeks are very low.

Next up - regisrtation and the weekend schedule.

I'm counting down the days now!  Cheers! susan

Food - 09 January 2008

Hey all,
Angela did as promised and we've now got the menu for the pre-race pasta meal. It's available on the website under "Sat. night's supper." Angela did tell me that if anyone wants to have the fettucine with the veggies and sauce but not the chicken, that's going to be possible.

Please note - there are going to be some door prizes given at the pasta meal only. You must be present to win. Family and friends are also eligible if they are at the cafe.

Food other than at the pasta meal:

Friday night's supper - 6:00 pm at my place for anyone arriving on Fri. - menu still to be decided but think "simple but hearty." If you've not already let me know you're going to join us, please do so. I have Marty, Gina and Trav, and Jim Fox on the list. Thanks!

Sat. - you're on your own for breakfast and lunch, pasta meal at the BarberShop at 5pm.

Sun. - pre-race:
-tea, hot chocolate, coffee
-fruit - at least banana and apples, maybe more
-banana muffins
-bagels
-maybe and this is not a promise - hot apple crisp - MAYBE - it depends on how early I get up and if there's room in my fridge for this to be pre-made and just waiting for the oven


Sun. - aid stations - most of the predictables - may be at some but not nec. all stations:
-water, gatorade
-PBJ sandwiches
-goldfish crackers
-pretzels
-m/ms
-my own Arctic trail mix - walnuts, almonds, craisins, choc. chips
-peppermint patties - ths small ones
-rice crispy treats
-boiled new potatoes and/or broiled sweet potato slices
-bagels
-apples
-bananas
-last year i was told someone had a private stash of oreos that were then spread with peanut butter - sounded good so I'm planning on some oreos
-prob. some other things I'm not thinking of right now - I'm going over my previous lists tomorrow

Sun. finish line spread - this is to take the edge off your run and tide you over until the bbq
-juices
-hot beverages same as breakfast
-homemade cornbread (you can spread it with any or all: butter, honey, peanut butter, jelly)
-homemade soup - two crocks - one vegetarian and the other with some meat - prob. a sweet potato -version of Hallelujah soup - very hearty
-my deviled eggs - no mayo, just olive oil, garlic and curry (rebuilds the system)
-fruit
-cheeses - cheddar and colby for sure, who knows what else I might come up with
-again...the list will grow


Sun. post-race bbq -
-hamburgers with all the fixins including green chiles - you choose your own "extras"
-Garden burgers or equivalent for those who eat plant-based diets
-grilled tofu for the same
-Marge's vegetarian beans
-cold rice salad (includes craisins, walnuts, goat cheese, olive oil
-grilled or broiled salmon (if available)
-possibly grilled veggies, but this depends on space and time
-dessert will be courtesy of Maree from the Enchanted Villa
-other side-dishes provided from the volunteers


If you really need a particular soda at the end of your race - best to bring your own stash - you can put it in my fridge - I recommend tagging it with your name somehow.

If I'm missing something that you crave when you run or after, please let me know. I will begin shopping this weekend with the possibility of another trip into Las Cruces sometime next week. Remember it's 75 miles each way for me to get the goodies, so if you give me items for the list that I think are suitable, it's best to get them added now.

Hopefully no one will go hungry! Cheers! susan

 

Basic Rules - 09 January 2008

Hey all,
It's nearly 70 this afternoon, but there's a haze in the sky and the breeze is a little more than "gentle." I spoke with Jan Seeley of Marathon & Beyond magazine this morning...she's sending a box of things for goodie bags and also some cool door prizes that will be given away at the pasta meal. Angela has promised me a price today on the pasta meal...keeping my fingers crossed!

Marge Myers (her husband Tom greets you at the top of the trail spur - next to the old mine) has done an amazing job putting a personal touch on the five special awards. You'll see them when you come to registration.

Race shirts have been shipped - now I know it's getting close!

And so I guess it's time to discuss rules. Most rules are written as "Don'ts" but in the spirit of the Ghost Town I'll try to write them as positives. I'll also try to keep them short and sweet.

- The race starts at 6:00 am, my property. That is the only start time. It is also the only start location.

- Support crews are allowed up forest service road 157 as far as the designated parking area. There will be a big sign. They are allowed to park anywhere between my place and the designated parking area as long as they pull off the pavement on Hwy. 152. There are several good turn-outs along the way, including a big parking lot at the old bridge about 1.5 miles from my place.

- This is a footrace - keep your feet on the ground. Catching a ride for even a short stretch is something other than racing on foot.

- You must (and this is really really important) check in at every station. There are 7 full-service stations. There will also be someone at the bottom of the forest trail spur and Tom will be at the top. This year I will collect the tabs at the bottom of your bibs so that I can check to make sure everyone starts together and you're all accounted for. Please know your bib number. It is counter-productive to call out the wrong number as then we think you're missing. Trust me when I type that we will all be happy if all are accounted for. Search parties are expensive and can be ornery if we discover you are on the route and simply forgot your number. So remember your number and make sure you are "checked through" at the start, the 7 full stations, and the bottom and top of the forest trail spur.

- Aid stations are for people with bib numbers.

- The route is for people with bib numbers. People running on the course who are without numbers are called "bandits." Our route's personal ghost, P. Luis, was shot for cheating at cards. Enough said.

- Wear your bib number where it is visible or easily tugged out of a pocket/pouch.

- Keep it fun, keep it friendly, and keep it safe!

That's it. Pretty straightforward and I think I managed to get the rules written without a single "Don't!"

I'm starting to make lists of what food will be served when and where. If you have any special dietary concerns - NOW IS THE TIME TO SPEAK UP - The first shopping expedition is this weekend.

See you in 9-10 days! susan

 

GROUND TRANSPORTATION - 07 January '08

Hey all,
 
It's stormy out...all day grey skies with episodes of rain but the winds have dried the ground once again.  I did my miles on the treadmill as a result, and then I spent the day doing odd deskwork jobs and fun stuff for the Ghost Town.  The Liability Waivers are printed, stapled, and waiting for your signatures.  The finishers certificates are also waiting your finish times.  And, I just designed and printed the coupon for your discounted hot mineral soaks at the Artesian.  Piles of such items sure give the studio that "Ghost Town" look.

At lunchtime I ran to the front cabin.  I had the noon news on in the background as I prepped my salad and I was a little disconcerted to see that several schools in the northwestern part of NM had closed because of weather and road conditions.  The weatherman asked folks to stay home and not drive if possible.  

Naturally, I've not been able to get roads, traffic, and assoc. thoughts out of my head ever since lunch.  So here's the scoop on driving into Hillsboro:

- As of today there is NO road construction to bother you as you approach the junction of I-25 and Hwy. 152!!  

-  Unfortunately, the local Hillsboro gas station stopped filling their pumps sometime around Labor Day.  There is no fuel for your car/truck/camper up here.  The closest gas station is at the Lakeview RV park back down at the junction with I-25.  Please don't drive up 152 on less fuel than you will need to get back to the interstate.

-  Race day you can park your vehicle in my property or along 152 (as long as it is completely off the pavement).  I will have a container for keeping your keys in the cabin - you can pick them up when you've finished your run.  If you are staying in Hillsboro, and don't mind an extra half mile - you can but don't have to walk from the BarberShop and the Enchanted Villa.

-  This will surface again in an update about rules but here it is for good measure: IF you have a support vehicle, the vehicle is not allowed past the designated parking area on Forest Service 157.  Don't worry, the sign will be big as will be the parking area.  This rule is for everyone's safety, including the driver of your car.  If your supporter tries to sneak further up the route, you will be DQ'd.  There are simply too many blind curves and hills to have cars deep into 157.  And, I do not run vehicle rescue should your driver not have 4x4 and break an axle, suffer a flat tire, or simply get stuck.

Travel safely one and all.  Just think - 11-12 days and you'll be here.  Oh, that reminds me, Angela called with the menu for the pre-race pasta buffet.  My salivary glands were having a great time as she read the menu to me over the phone.  I'll have an email for you in the next day or two about food.  She should have a price for the buffet by then.  

That's it for now.  Hope all is well with each of you! susan

 

ODDS AND ENDS #1 - 06 January '08

Hey all,

-Matt was on the road at 4:30am yesterday to get Gabe to the airport. Our youngest is now working at a ski resort in CO. It's a bit of a jolt having him officially "launched." Matt will still probably build a fire to keep warm down at Station 4, but don't expect the aroma of a pound and a half of bacon sizzling over the open fire in my best skillet this year.

-Without the smells of Gabe's campfire breakfast, we went to Cruces yesterday and picked up extra boards. I'll be painting signs this week: signs for stations, signs with directional arrows, and any other signs I can think of that might prove helpful.

-HOUSING AVAILABILITY
: I spoke with Angela this morning and a room has opened up at the BarberShop Plaza motel. Give Angela and Steve a call at (575)895-5283.

-PASTA MEAL: Angela said she should have the menu and price for me today or tomorrow. Cool  the next update may be "FOOD!"

-Weather: yesterday we hit 70. Today we should at least reach 60. The big storm that slammed the west coast is moving our way. Even as I type I can see the clouds banking over the Black Range. We're supposed to get what we get of this storm starting this evening and over the following 24 hours. Maybe this is it - the one big storm of the winter. Maybe we'll have perfect weather for the Ghost Town on Jan. 20. Maybe. As is the norm...the wind is up as a prelude to the storm's approach.

That's it for now. Let me know if you've questions or concerns. Cheers! susan
 


GEAR DROPS - 03 January '08
- Gear drops are for items you wish to have waiting for you along the route.

- Bring your gear in bags to packet pickup on Fri. 18th or Sat. 19th. They should be ready for tagging with your bib number (which I will provide you). Items are your choice - clothing, gels, beverages, etc.

- One bag/runner/appropriate station - if you want items at the three stations receiving gear drops, please bring them already sorted into three bags.

- Bags are your choice. Some use actual gear bags like gym bags and many use plastic grocery bags. It's entirely up to you, but if it should happen to rain or snow, you might want a waterproof bag for your stuff.

- Gear bags are sent out to the stations BEFORE the race begins, so please do not come to the starting area on Sun. morning with your gear bags. My volunteers pick the stuff up on Sat. night late or quite early on Sun. Once the volunteers have headed to their stations that's it. Matt leaves as early as 4:30 am for Cave Creek. No other vehicles get back that far during the race. So think ahead and the rest is easy.

- This is an out and back course so you will pass two stations twice: 2-6 and 3-5. These are both gear drop stations. So is Station 4 which is the turnaround spot. Station 3-5 is practically right at the N. Percha, but the creek does run between Station 3-5 and Station 4. Last year I think everyone was able to cross the creek with dry feet and so far we've less water than we have had previously. If you are concerned about wet shoes and socks, pay attention to these locations. If you leave Station 3 dry, cross the creek and end up with wet feet, it's just over 4 miles to Station 4. Thing is, you will have to cross back across the same creek on the way out, landing at what will now be Station 5 immediately after the N. Percha. It works out to be just shy of 8.5 miles roundtrip from the first time you cross the creek to your return crossing. Have I lost you completely? Hope not.

- Now, gear drops are so you can have supplies waiting for you. Just so you know, you can leave gear at any station. Make sure one of the volunteers has your bib number so your stuff can be tagged. Once the station closes for the day, all gear will be brought back to the finish area. If you are planning on leaving fairly quickly after finishing the race, you might keep in mind there's a chance your stuff won't be back yet. Some stations close early and others will close late in the afternoon. Plus it's a bit of a drive out. Course conditions are such that it takes nearly 45 min. to drive the 4 miles from the N. Percha to Station 4. Just because Matt closes around 1:00 pm doesn't mean he'll be back to the finish in 20 minutes.

- If items are left untagged, they end up in Lost and Found. I do my best to let you all know what's hanging about and it's up to you to ID your stuff. I will ship non-consummable items. I do not ship your extra Red Bulls or instant oatmeal as those are things easily replaced. Please remember, freight is not cheap and I would prefer for you to gather up your good before you go.

Future updates will cover:
- slight changes to the route
- some basic rules
- packet pickup
- meals/food

All updates can be found on a new page under the Ghost Town button.

Hope you found this helpful and not the cause of worries or a headache. Weather today was cold in the morning but well into the 40s by 10:00am, sunny and calm throughout the day.

Let me know if you've any questions! 17 days and counting down...susan

This event is sponsored by Here to There, LLC which organizes and promotes walks, treks and runs of varying lengths in beautiful places.

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