Santa Barbara 9 Trails now the Rose Valley 33 Mile Endurance Run

9 Trailers, It’s official! As a result of the recent Tea Fire and trail closures in the Santa Barbara Front Country, the 2008 Santa Barbara 9 Trails 35 Mile Endurance Run has been moved. All athletes entered in the 9 Trails Run are now entered in the Rose Valley 33 Mile Endurance Run. The Rose Valley Run will be held on Saturday, November 29^th. Starting at 7:00AM - east of Ojai on Forest Route 6N31 / Rose Valley Road, near the Rose Valley Campground. This challenging course is part of the Coyote 2 Moon 100 Mile Trail. Perfect blend of dirt road and steep single track trail. You are going to love it! A course outline, schedule of events and directions can be found here.

I realize that this new event may not work for all of you. Please contact me immediately if you plan not to attend. If I do not hear from you, I will assume that you are in. This information will help us as we prepare to purchase perishable foods for the aid stations and finish area. I also know that this may not be the ideal solution for everyone, however the choice was cancel it or move it. We choose to create a brand new alterative event and move it. It has not been an easy task but it is now complete and it is time to run. Extra special thanks to my coyote brothers, Stu Sherman, Mark Wineke, Howard Cohen, Bill Kee, Chris Scott and my wife Beverly.

Here are a few things that you need to know.

1. Directions to Rose Valley are on the site. Allow 60 minute drive time from Ventura.

2. There is plenty of parking at the start finish area. You will need an National Forest Adventure Pass to park anywhere in Rose Valley. You can purchase an Adventure Pass at the Shell Station on Hwy 33 in Oak View on your way to the run (Oak View Shell Station 905 Hwy 33, Oak View CA. Cost is $5.00 per car. If you do not have a pass, you may be issued a $5.00 citation at Rose Valley which you may pay through the mail later. But, better to purchase one in advance.

3. Runner check in / packet pick up starts at 5:30AM

4. Mandatory pre-run meeting at 6:45AM

5. Start 7:00AM

6. No crew access at bottom of Gridley Trail.

7. A final instruction email may follow next week.

8. At this time, it is far too early to talk about 9 Trails 2009. Just know, that I will do everything possible to return 9 Trails back Santa Barbara next year. Stay tuned.

Forward this email to anyone you know who is in the run but may not be on this email list. Please contact me if you have any questions or suggestions. If not, see you there.

Rose Valley 33 Mile Endurance Run - "the cat’s meow"