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News from Bishop

A few weeks ago, Marie, the race director for the Bishop High Sierra Ultramarathons sent out an email saying that there was still snow on the section of the course called “Edison Loop” which is a six mile loop from mile 17.4 until 23.4 during which you climb from 8,000 to 9,400 feet and then drop back down to 8,000. They were going to re-evaluate as the race got closer and decide whether to re-route the course.

Marie wrote the following in an email last night:

“Today we did a final inspection of the roads conditions on the Edison Loop. There is still a considerable distance of deep snow and ice, making it almost impossible for Aid Station Crews and Ham Radio operators to reach the Overlook Aid Station… After a 10 second discussion, we have decided that runners will run the Edison Loop with no aid. The distance is 6 miles from leaving Edison Loop to returning to Edison Loop. Runners should leave the aid station with plenty of fluids and calories, plus some warm clothing…”

And this was posted on the race website today:

“Edison Loop has a lot of snow, and will be useable, but there will be NO aid station at the Overlook this year… Plan on at least 1 – 2 hours for the 6 mile trek, with snow on the road. It could be cold and windy, despite being a clear and sunny day, so please dress accordingly… The weather forecast calls for mid 40’s to low 80’s, sunny with a light breeze in the afternoon. This will be a cooler year for the race, and the first time in many years that we have had so much snow on the Edison Loop.”

(I added the bold emphasis in both quotes.)

Deep snow and ice. Two hours for a six mile trek. Temps see-sawing between 40’s and 80’s during the race.

I’m thankful they don’t have to re-route the course and you never know what the conditions will be like three days from now, but an “interesting” race and course just got a whole lot more so.

Until I see the conditions on the loop, all time goals are officially out the window.