By Robin Judkins ONZM
My Sea to Sky training regime of climbing a mountain on Banks Peninsula each weekend is working out a treat. Each weekend I climb the same vertical as I'll do in the event and each weekend I get the most amazing views!
So far I've climbed Mt Pleasant (499m), Mt Herbert (919m) and Mt Evans (703m).
This weekend which is Show Weekend in Christchurch, I'll climb Mt Fitzgerald (826m) from Puari Beach in Port Levy on Sunday. This could take about 6 hours return, as its not a track nor a route, its more of a ridge climb.
Over the next 10 weekends I'll climb:
- Mt Sinclair (841m) from Pigeon Bay
- Stony Bay Peak (806m) from French Bay in Akaroa (as an out and back to Otanerito Bay where you climb Stony Bay Peak twice)
- Carews Peak (794m) and Bossu (712m) from Wainui Beach
- Devils Gap (735m) from Peraki Bay
- Te Oka (685m) from Oashore Bay
- Kaituna Spur (807m) from Kaituna lagoon
- Remarkable Dykes from Ataahua on Kaituna lagoon
- Mt Bradley (855m) from Charteris Bay
- Cass Peak (545m) and Coopers Knob (573m) from Allandale in Governors Bay
- Lavericks (755m) from Lavericks Bay
I haven't settled on a running order yet and I might add or swap View Hill (762m) from Little Akaloa Bay.
Now here's some really important stuff about the weather and training:
River Warnings
In previous years runners have entered the Deception River valley even when heavy rain warnings were in place. One group needed helicopter rescue, after ignoring the advice of fellow runners.
These runners exposed themselves to great danger, and inconvenienced the local Search and Rescue community. Runners practising the course cannot rely on special treatment by emergency or Search and Rescue services. They are there for genuine emergencies.
Please don't enter the Deception if it is already high, rising or there are heavy rain warnings. Heavy Rain Warnings actually do mean "Heavy Rain Warnings".
Should we get a spate of flood events, try not to be frustrated at the lack of opportunity to practice (both the run and the river). If the hills become saturated and rain runs off quickly, the rivers respond even faster than usual to quite small rainfalls. Even wet weather below warning criteria can cause problems.
These rivers are dangerous. Specific weather forecasts for Arthur's Pass are available from a number of sources (www.softrock.co.nz, www.metvuw.com, www.metservice.com/national/index).
River flow and rainfall information is also available from a number of sources (www.ecan.govt.nz, www.wcrc.govt.nz).
Forecasts are also posted outside the Arthur's Pass Visitor Centre 24/7.
If phoning the Department of Conservation Waimakariri Area office for weather and track information, please ring after 9:30am. The office is open 7 days per week, opening at 8am and closing at 5pm until Christmas and then closing at 6pm after Christmas. Thank you.
Woodstock Access
If you or your support crew are driving to Woodstock to access the Waimakariri River please be considerate of other road users. We have fielded complaints from the local run holder regarding excessive speeds on the shingle road down to the river. Sections of the road are on private land. SLOW DOWN. Please be aware of other road users, vehicles, children, stock and pedestrians.
Please remember, inconsiderate behaviour may jeopardise future access for us and others.
Regards,
Robin Judkins ONZM
Race Director
Speight's Coast to Coast - 11th & 12th February 2011
