It was a Knee Knacker Weekend!

Saturday was the 25th Anniversary running of the Knee Knacker, Canada's knarliest 30 mile/50km trail event. It starts near Horseshoe Bay and finishes in Deep Cove, North Vancouver. It follows the Baden Powell Trail and has 8,000 feet of ascent and 8,000 feet of descent. This year Dave and I decided to buddy up and do it together. Neil was out there ahead of us completing his 8th Knee Knacker, this was my 4th and Dave's 6th Knee Knacker finish. Another ultra to take me closer to my goal of completing 50 Ultra marathons by the close of this year.

Dave and I crossing the finish line in 9.5 hours. It finishes in Deep Cove, a beautiful spot.

Sunday, we added a bit more insanity and headed out to the Hanes Valley to explore a route to Crown North 1, a new Peak added to the Bagger Challenge Event. The route has some very helpful chains to hang on to as you descend the wet slippery rock. Once we were in the vicinity we marked the trail we will attempt to ascend on fresh legs one day soon.

Descending on the boulder field into the Hanes Valley.

Craig and I, taking in the peace and tranquility of the Hanes Valley.  

Ascending the boulder field after exploring the route that will hopefully take us to Crown North 1.

Craig and I appear to be racing up the boulder field - who won? ;-)

We then carried on and bagged Grouse, Little Goat and Dam Mountain.

Craig (he was down from Kamloops for the weekend), Dave, Neil and myself.

 

Congratulations to all who participated in the 25th Anniversary of the  Knee Knacker. Well done Team Dodg (we were once 5 and known as Team Dodgy). Liza moved to Calgary, Craig has moved to Kamloops that leaves Dave, Neil and I to conquer the Bagger Challenge Peaks this year - go team Dod! For the Knee Knacker, Dave and I were team DO. And team DO did it. It was a good 50 km journey Dave - thanks for the company! We did well, sorry you met those dreadful black flies.

Next Ultra Event is Squamish 50 in August. Many days of Peak Bagging to do before then.