Word is that the Elk Meadow/Bergen Peak race has been cancelled for
this Saturday.

Instead, let's run at the Elk Preserve (T=3, P=2-3, N=3)**. This is
one of the prettiest (and least known) runs in the area.

Directions: Take the Evergreen Parkway, hwy 74, exit 252 from I-70.
Take hwy 74 about 7 miles, through Bergen Park, past Elk Meadow, down
the hill, towards the lake. As you are coming down the hill before
the lake, just before the road curves left, veer right onto the short
frontage road, then turn right at the Stop sign onto Upper Bear Creek
Rd. About 6 miles up the canyon, the road curves left (south) and
goes over a rise. Just over the rise, turn right onto a dirt road.
The road is fairly smooth and wide. About 2 miles up the dirt road,
veer left onto another dirt road. There should be a sign to the Elk
Preserve there. If you miss the turn and go straight, the road ends
in about 200 yards. Go up the road about 1.5 miles. You'll pass the
Elk Preserve gate. Just past that, the road becomes very steep. Park
at the top, by the bathroom.

Route: The run starts up the road to the left, around the gate. The
dirt road goes over the hill, winds down to the creek, then up
through the trees. After ~1¾ miles, you come to an open meadow.* Go
right heading uphill. After another ¼mi or so, veer onto another
trail (if you miss this turn, just continue on the road for a while,
then turn around and return the same way to the start). The new trail
stays fairly wide, up and over the hill, then becomes narrow and
steep as it drops down. At the bottom, you'll pass through a grassy,
and possible marshy area. There should be a log across the creek.
Then, look for a trail junction and go right.* It can be pretty
overgrown here and the junction may be a bit tricky to find. If you
curve left and start heading into the trees (south), turn around and
head north. The trail follows along the base of a hill on the left,
drops down a rocky trail, then crosses a creek at a bridge. After the
creek, the trail climbs steeply, then through the fence to the road.
Go right on the dirt road for ~1.5 miles, mostly downhill, back to
the start. The total loop is ~7 miles.

* We'll regroup at several key spots.

For more info on ERC, go to
http://www.geocities.com/Colosseum/Lodge/7018/index.html


** Trail Rating - 1-5 scale, 1 being the easiest.
T = technical difficulty (rocks, narrow, curves, etc.)
P = physical difficulty (length, steepness and number of climbs)
N = navigational difficulty (ease of following the routes)