2011 Desert RATS Trail Running Festival 25 Mile Race Report

This is a 25 mile loop course in the desert mountains outside of Fruita, Colorado. The trail has over 4,000 feet of climbing on mostly single track on the Kokopelli’s and adjacent trails with incredible views of the Colorado River through horseshoe canyons. The April 16th race began at 6:30am with temps in the high 30s and partly cloudy with about 40 fifty milers and over 150 twenty-five milers.

(The starting area)

The start was up a 1.5 mile road until it reached single track that switched back up 600 feet to one of the high points of the race and then back down to the first aid station. After about 2 miles of climbing on single track, the course began an 8 mile section where it ran along the horseshoe canyons. Not only is this a great area for trail running, it is a must do trip for hikers and mountain bikers. In this section, with out knowing it, the trail zig-zagged up the canyon. (Note there are videos below that may take a minute to load)

(Video in first half mile)




(Coming off the first climb)

(This and the next video are of the horseshoe canyons)

(13 mile aid station)

(This is a good view of the horseshoe sections and where the course zig-zaged above)

As you climbed up the next level you could see the trail and runners below. Eventually the trail moved north and back down to the 19.1 mile aid station before 2 mile climb up a road before finding more single track at the very top of the mountain. At this point once again, the view was of all the trails below and the Colorado River on a two mile section running on top of the mountain.

(Mile 17ish moving north toward I-70 and the last aid station)



(This is the very top section at mile 22ish)

The last two miles was a fast two mile switch back descent back to the road and then to the finish. This was where a few of the 50 milers were beginning their return trip in the opposite direction.

In conclusion, I finished in 4:35:05 and then enjoyed some Mexican food and visited two of the local breweries. I would highly recommend this well supported trailrace.

Ryan Martin’s 2011 Run Through Time Marathon Salida Colorado

If you are looking for an early season marathon or training race to prep for the summer ultra running season this is a great destination. It takes place in mid-March in Salida Colorado. The course has 6 miles of trail, 8 miles of Jeep road, 11 miles of dirt/gravel, and only 1.5 miles of pavement. As for elevation change is has a 4,950 ft assent and 4,950 ft descent

(The following 4 pictures are of the start area)

(some elite runners below including Nick Clark and Geoff Roes)

The race begins at the old rail track across the Arkansas River near downtown Salida. After a sharp up clime in the first half mile and the quick pavement section the race has a long steady 2000 ft climb up the dirt/gravel road into the foothills above the city to the highpoint at the 10.4 mile aid station and then returns down the same road to mile 13.6. This three mile section if fun for a runner spectator (myself) to watch some the some of the greatest ultra runners in the country fly past on their downhill.

(This about mile 4 on the long dirt/gravel road)

(Views of the Collegiate Peaks)

(Video of Geoff Roes doing the race as a training run)

(The beginning of a steep climb to the 10.4 mile turn around)

(near the top of the climb looking back at the above picture)

(View from the top)

(Video from the top)

After a quick bottle fill at the 13.6 mile aid station the course turns to jeep road that winds up and down numerous hills until it begins a more aggressive down hill with great views of the Collegiate Peaks and the town of Salida.

(Between mile 15 & 18 on the jeep road)

At mile 20.1 aid station, the course switched to the new single track trail that had some great technical sections for the first three miles and one steep climb.

(next two videos and pictures are of the new single track sections mile 21-24)

The last four miles of the single track was mainly a gradual descent to the track and only 1/3 mile to the finish. In the end I was the last sub 5 hour finisher at 4:57:52 in 63rd place.

This was my 5th trip for this race (one year I did the half), and I would highly recommend it to anyone for a great training race, wonderful views, well organized , and it nice to see some of the best ultra runners in the country. When you are done with the race, be sure to enjoy a craft beer and a wood fired pizza at Amica’s.

Ryan Martin’s 2011 Mt. Cheaha 50K Race Report

The Mt. Cheaha 50K trail race, which is part of the Montrail Cup, is located near Oxford AL, which is between Birmingham and Atlanta. We arrived in Birmingham on Friday, and after exploring the city, we drove to the race check in. To ensure a good race we had our ritual pizza and a beer which helped us have a good night sleep.

The next morning we were off by 4:50am to Starbucks and then to the finish line for a bus ride (on a caged sheriff bus) to the start. We had perfect weather with sun, temps in the mid 40s, and no wind. Most of the race would be on the Pinhoti trail which is an Appalachian Trail connector from Alabama.

The beginning was great with the trail being covered in pine needles and rolling hills with the company of lots of racers. I was especially happy with my pace on this first part since I made past the first aid (Chandler Springs 3.34 miles) before a train crossed the path and delayed some other runners.

Following the second aid station we had a switch backing climb to a point with some great views of the surrounding hills/mountains. Before we hit the third aid station we were on a fast moving road for about a mile (see video at the bottom of the report).

The next section of the trail was the most challenging and different from western trails. Much of the forest is covered with leafy trees that had fallen on the trail and made it difficult to determine the true trail condition. Underneath the leaves in the next two sections were rocks that were obstructed by the leaves and I had no desire to twist my ankle by trying to go too fast.

For scenery the sections between the Hubbard Creek aid station (mile 18.37), and departing the Lake Chinnabee aid station (mile 21.97) were my favorites. The first part was running along a stream followed by several rolling hills until the descent where we crossed the Chinnabee creek. After a quick out and back, we ran a above the Chinnabee creek overlooking some great summer swimming holes. After a few miles, we reach the Skyway Motorway which was a road that lasted for several miles until we reached the Lake Cheaha aid station (mile 27.9).

After a bottle fill and trash drop it was the last leg of the race to the top of Mt. Cheaha. The first mile was the most challenging with a very steep climb with some scrambling to the top. At the top of the climb, we still had about 1 to 2 miles of running before the finish. In the last stretch, we had some pavement running as we past the summit of Mt. Cheaha before a final section in the woods to the finish. My time was 6:39:24

Personally, I started with an aggressive pace since I had not done a long run since the North Face 50k in December but I had start slowing down about mile 15. This still worked since my goal was to push hard to determine my current conditioning.

In conclusion, The trails were clean, scenery great, well organized, and nice people. I would highly recommend this race.

Below are four videos at various point through the race:

Winter Cross Training 2011

The months of January and February are my off months (except one 50k). I will torture myself on the treadmill and take advantage of trips to Phoenix and Austin for trail running. I try to maintain about a 35 mile week and most importantly Ski Season!

I could take pictures of the treadmills yet I think some of my ski videos are more entertaining.

2010 San Francisco Northface Endurance Challenge 50k Championship

The Northface San Francisco Endurance Challenge 50K Championship is held in the Marin Headlands just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. They hold numerous events including a 50M, 50K, Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K (something for everyone). This is our 4th Northface event and they are all worth the trip. They are very well organized, near metro area and in great natural location. This 50K race has 7 major climbs totaling over 13,206 feet of elevation change on single track and fire roads.

7am Race Start Myself Ryan and then my girlfriend Kelly below.

The Starting Line

Starting Video

The run to Muir beach winds along the cliffs overlooking the Pacific. The picture below is the muddy fire road that drops down to Muir. The weather was mostly cloudy with start temperatures in the upper 40's. We had drizzle and light rain half the time with light winds especially in the exposed areas.

Video along the ocean cliffs

The next three pictures are between Muir Beach and the Boodjack aid station at mile 14. This is the longest climb of the race yet I was able to run most of it due to the many switchback (see 2nd picture below).

Approaching Bootjack (Below)


The next 3 pictures are my favorite part of the race. It is on the Bootjack trail in the Muir woods. The trail is mostly technical single track on steep down hill with tree roots and rocks.

Muir Woods Running Video

This is the muddy trail heading back to Tennessee Valley. With the added rain and additional runners it was like running in a pig pen uphill.

Last Video

Final ocean view

Second to last hill (1.5 miles to Tennessee Valley)

View towards Mill Valley off the 101 as I climb the last hill of the race.

Kelly on her last half mile of the race. She beat her previous time from two years ago.

Yea, we had some laundry after the race.

This was a very fun race that I am sure we will do again. We able to enjoy the sights and challenges of the run and then enjoy the sight of Northern California. If you are a wine drinker you are real close to Sonoma. Yes, as a craft beer drinker I did visit the Gundlach Bundschu Winery but quickly went to the Lagunitas tap room. Also, we did the night tour of Alcatraz.

Kelly and I both felt good about our times on the race. She set a PR and I came in 53rd place with a time 6:10. I had no blister or banged up toes thanks to my La Sportiva Wildcats. Finally, congratulations to Shipmate, Paul Terranova from Austin, for his 2nd place finish.

November Colorado Front Range Brewery Tour 2010

November is one of my favorite months to visit local Colorado breweries because there are few races and ski season is not up in running. This years tour was done on two weekends. The first in Colorado Springs and two weeks later we went to Fort Collins.

Above is the highlight of the trip, New Belgium Brewing. See below for details.

Rocky Mountain Brewery – Colorado Springs: We discovered Rocky Mountain Brewery at the Great American Brewing Festival in September. The samples were good enough to encourage a trek to the Springs to try the brewery first hand. RMB is located at 625 Paonia Street, by Peterson AFB. We ordered a sample tray which included their Blonde, Amber, Smoked Hefe, and IPA. The blonde, amber and IPA were above average; you have to enjoy smoked beers to enjoy the smoked hefe (I hate smoked beers). The brewery itself is in a warehouse which could benefit with an interior upgrade. Food can be ordered from a trailer outside. Ultimately, unless you live nearby, I would suggest seeking their beers on tap at a local Old Chicago.

The following three pictures are of RMB

Bristol Brewing – Colorado Springs: We have been going to Bristol since before we moved to Colorado in 2005. We stop there on our journeys to or from NM or TX and this is a great stop to grab a growler to go. They have been around since 1994 and we enjoy all their beers. Kelly enjoyed a Beehive Honey Wheat and I enjoyed a Mass Transit Pale ale. If you visit their tasting room you can enjoy tacos or free pretzels served in dog bowls. It is at a convenient location at 1647 S Tejon ¼ west of I-25. http://www.bristolbrewing.com/

Tap Room in Bristol

Trinity Brewing – Colorado Springs: Trinity is a newer brewery located west of I-25 on Garden of the Gods Road in a well utilized warehouse. They have a patio that wraps around the building with good views of the foothills. They have good food, beer, and atmosphere. Along with their house beers, they always have good selection of other craft beers from around the country. They are generous in their free samples so you can get a good taste of their beers. We enjoyed the Sauna Wit and the Flo IPA. Be sure to enjoy their Belgian Fries! http://www.trinitybrew.com/index.php

Next three pictures are of the Trinity Tap Room

Breckenridge Brewing – Breckenridge Colorado: I have made previous posts for the main Breckenridge Brewery in Denver. The original 1990 brewery in Breckenridge is still up and running with the mainline beers and occasionally a local small batch. If you are on vacation or just up for the day skiing (what we were doing), stop by. They have $2.00 pints and half price appetizers during happy hour. http://www.breckbrew.com/food/locations.html

Two ski pictures and the Breckenridge Tap room

That's me below

New Belgium Brewing – Fort Collins: Two months ago when I made my November reservation to go on the New Belgium Brewery tour, I assumed that there would be another few weeks before peak ski season. I was wrong. We began our journey grudgingly leaving Breckenridge at 8:00 am to make our 11:00 am tour time.

The tour began in the old 100 barrel brew house where we learned about the history and we saw the original pilot brew system that started it all in 1989. I will omit the history lesson because it is a major part of the tour. Our tour guide, Bernie, took us from the old brew house to the new 200 barrel state of the art system with included samples on each stop. What makes NB unique is its history, culture, dedication to the environment, and their advocacy to brewing and the community. After working 5 years, employee owners will go on a Belgium brewery tour, and after 10 years, they get a tree named in their honor and a one month sabbatical. As for their beer, everyone is great and one can enjoy up to four free samples in their tasting room which is open Tuesday through Saturday. http://www.newbelgium.com/

Tap Room with an owner employee serving tasters

seating area

cool bikes for decoration

Shrine to St. Arnold the patron saint to brewing

Bernie our tour guide in brew house 1 with a bunch of Okies on the tour (lots of wasted samples)

notice the table is made out of bike rims

Dress made out of Fat Tire cans

The original pilot brew system that started it all

The new brew house see the bike wheels hanging from the ceiling

The new bottling line below

New fermentation tanks

Inside the bottling line

After 1 year of work employees get a cruiser bike. Notice the tread

We all got to ride on the employee cyclone slide

Our final two samples

Christmas decorations

Fort Collins Brewery – Fort Collins: After leaving NB we drove ¼ mile to the new Fort Collins Brewery and tried a taster tray. They just opened a new expanded operation and tasting room. They have a broad selection of beers and good atmosphere. http://www.fortcollinsbrewery.com/

The new brew equipment at Fort Collins brewery

Tasting tray made out of pine beetle kill wood

Odell Brewing – Fort Collins: This is the home to my favorite IPA (remember I am the Running Hop Head). All their beer is amazing and they are active in coming up with new styles. Last year they expanded their brewing operation and tasting room. They are located just a half mile from NB and this is a must stop if you take the trip to Fort Collins. Their sample tasting trays are $4 but if you are a member of the American Homebrewer’s Association, the sample tray is free. As of now they only distribute to 7 states so rest of the country will have to wait to enjoy this Colorado classic. http://odellbrewing.com/home

Outside the new expanded brewery and tasting room

The main mash tun and brew kettle

The famous 5 barrel system where they try new beers

Our tasting tray

Hop shaped bike racks!