| Course Design | |
| ALL | The 2008 course is the exact same course it was in 2007. There are NO changes. |
| Terrain | |
| From the park's web site:
Tucked away in the rugged terrain southwest of Bandera is Hill Country State Natural Area, an undeveloped and secluded retreat. Approximately 40 miles of multi-use trails wind up grassy valleys, cross spring-fed streams, and climb steep limestone hills. Equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy exploring the trails. Primitive and back-country camping areas are available to equestrian and non-equestrian campers. History: Hill Country State Natural Area is located in Bandera and Medina Counties, 45 miles northwest of San Antonio. The 5369.8-acre site was acquired by gift and purchase in 1976 and was opened to the public in 1984. The bulk of the site was a donation from the Merrick Bar-O-Ranch with the stipulation that it "be kept far removed and untouched by modern civilization, where everything is preserved intact, yet put to a useful purpose." Flora/Fauna: The Hill Country State Natural Area is a scenic mosaic of rocky hills, flowing springs, oak groves, grasslands, and canyons. The terrain ranges from flat, broad creek bottoms to steep, rocky canyons up to 2000 feet in elevation. The West Verde Creek has several spring-fed streams, and tanks in the park provide several swimming holes with limited fishing for catfish, perch, and large-mouth bass. Spring water is available for horses, but people should bring their own drinking water. Wildlife: Large numbers of birds live in the park. Deer, armadillos, raccoons, ringtail cats, rabbits and rodents as well as various reptiles can also be viewed. In addition, several different plant communities reside in the park. Elevation: Up to 2000. Weather: Average January minimum 31, average July maximum 94, average annual rainfall 35. | |
| From Joe:
I was looking for a place to kick my butt into shape for Hardrock. After running here in 1998, I knew this was the best I could find within this distance from my home. This was and still is the place where I go to train. The course is all dirt, and as much as I hate roads, this suites me fine. Mater of fact, there are no paved surfaces in the park. The entire course is within this 5000 acre park. There are a few old abandoned jeep roads, but none are being used for auto traffic. The old roads that are on bedrock remain wide and clear, but most of the old jeep road are dirt and rock and have worn down to rough terrain and single track. Most of the park's trail system is single-track, which really suits my single track desire. The single tracks are as different as each part of the park. Some are hard bedrock, some are rough terrain, some are on a bed of loose rock, and some are dirt. Most of this place is a real joy to run while some of it is downright nasty. The area of the 8/9 loop is our least favorite and is usually only run to get the extra distance. We prefer to stay up in the hills, but the flat sections in between allow you some time to recover and regroup. History: There used to be a few other races here in years past. There was a 28mi race in January and then a small 100km in February. This race started in 2003 and has been much the same since it started. The 25km has changed routes just about every year, but the 100km and 50km have been much the same, with a few minor tweaks. Flora/Fauna: Everything in Texas stings, bites, or scratches: this includes the plants. The sotol cactus is the biggest problem on this course. You might not notice one or two tiny little poke holes, but a couple hundred might get your attention as the sweat runs down into them. There is also an abundance of prickly pear cactus whose needles are very long and nasty. The trees are short and scrubish, such as the mesquite. The bark is rough and the branches have thorns. There are also plenty of oak. Regardless, I would not idly brush against the branches, expecting them to move out of your way. Odds are good that they will push back and give you a scar for your rudeness. The plants in Texas demand as much breathing room as do the Texans. The creeks are usually bone dry but might have water in them. Depends on the recent rains. Some people might think they are swimming here, but I doubt the water gets higher than your ankles in most places. Wildlife: The critters that I have seen here are rattlesnakes, wild pigs, scorpions, porcupines, armadillos, and skunks. Most of the nasty ones such as snakes and scorpions are in hibernation at this time though. Elevation: Elevation is a non issue here with a max of 2000 ft. More attention is paid to the trails that are filled with rocks. Weather: Each year has been different, but it has never been very cold. It has been very hot, mildly warm, light rain and drizzle, and a wonderfully perfect day. Expectations of your perfect weather are wishful thinking. I hope you get lucky though. | |
| We have names for different parts of this park (some are the park's while others where invented by us) | |
| Lodge Loop | starts at the Shade Tree just in front of the Lodge, loops around behind the Lodge in a ccw direction, and comes back in on the corral side of the Lodge. Roughly 7 miles and some of the roughest and hilliest in the park. |
| Outside Loop | starts at Boyle's House on #4, gors up onto oine of the Twin Peaks, then continues ccw to Ice Cream Hill, down to Nacho's House, then back on the creek #7 to the Bar-O Camp. Roughly 8 miles. Has some very rugged sections and some relatively flat but twisted up sections thru sotol and creek bottom. |
| Inside Loop | starts and stops at the Equestrian Camp (CrossRoads) the cw loop includes the Three Sisters. The Sisters are the fun |
| 8/9 Loop | Starts at Bar-O Camp on #8 and around to Chapa's House and then onto the section of #9 trails, followed by the section thru the field and back into Bar-O Camp. Approx 8 miles. Mostly easy rollers. Mostly dirt but imbedded with rocks on the 8s moistly. Very easy when dry. Very tough shoe sucking mud when wet. |
| Shade Tree | Where #2a and #3 cross. It is just 50 yards off the road, within sight of the Lodge front porch, just across the cattle gate. It is a very shaded area, mostly by one tree. It is a wonderful place to sit and wait for your runner to come thru and only a 50 yard walk from the road. For both the 25km and the 50km, they are approx 2 miles from done at this point. |
| Bar-O Camp | This is where the ranger trailer is, also the overflow horse camping area across from the trailer. It is just behind the gate and just after the split in the main park roads. One road leads to the Lodge. The other leads to Nacho's House. |
| Equestrian Camp | This is an overflow parking area a quarter mile past Bar-O on the Lodge Park Road. #1 goes out one side of it and #6 passes just past the other side of it. Behind the parking area is the main Equestrian Camp area (213-thru-217) We reserve all these sites for the race and use this area for the CrossRoads aid station. |
| Chapas, Nachos, Boyles, & Lodge | These are the old houses that exist in the park. Nachos is used by the park rangers as a residence. Chapas has not been rebuilt but the barns behind it are in constant use by the equestrians. Boyle's is at the intersection of #4 and #4b and is also not livable. The Lodge is the only rental unit and our park headquarters. We use all these locations as aid stations. |
| Shady Grove | This is just out the back road behind the Lodge. Follow the road thru the creek and into the trees. Thats it right there by the first trail split. This is the 25km start for 2007. |
| Ice Cream Hill | s on T#1b. It begins with 3 dips in and out of deep cut creeks that soften you up before climbing the final strait up ascent along a fence-line. The descent is very rugged but not as long and then leads through a few wide sotol cactus gardens that tend to chop the legs up. |
| The Main Saddle | is the area just under the Sky Island. Many trails cross over in this location: T#5, T#5b, T#5c, T#6. |
| Sky Island | is one of the Twin Peaks just above the landmark we call 'The Main Saddle". T#5c loops around the summit and comes back the sane way. |
| First Big Nasty | is a hidden delight. It begins ate the intersection of T#4 and T#5 and ends in the Main Saddle at the Sky Island. Its a nasty bit of climbing and loose rock, but not too terribly long. |
| Lucky Peak | on T#3b. Is not the highest peak in the park but is one of the nastiest. Lots of loose rock on one side and a few steep ledges on the other side. |
| Cairn's Climb | on T#4a. This trail was made specifically for this race. It was created so that we could use a very good climb and some very rugged steps from one level to the next. |
| Boyle's Bump | on T#4b. This goes up the highest points on this course. The climb is not very technical, but then it just seems to go on for awhile. Great scenic overlooks from the top down into the park. The descent down to Boyles House is a long set of switchbacks. The only ones I know of in the park. |
| Three Sisters | on T#5c. Between T#1 and T#6, this short section of trail rides over the near naked summits of three peaks with a shallow saddle between each. Its not very tough, but because there is nothing around them and no cover, you are very exposed to the elements and also treated to scenic views in all directions. |
| The Field | is the area between the Equestrian Center and the main park road entrance. It is all very flat and wide open. There are a few trees but mostly it is all tall wheat grass. Because this area is all low lying flat land that abuts the creek, you can count on it to be very nasty when wet. Show sucking mud is very bad through here if you get a light run. Hope for none or plenty, but an all day light shower will make this very very nasty. |
