The Nisene Marks event at Soquel is this Sunday, January 11. The forecast looks promising for a cool but dry run in the redwoods! We have received the go ahead from the park rangers, but in the event of heavy rain in the 24 hours before the event, there is still a chance of a closure. If that happens, check back here before the event.

Registration will be set up on the right side of Olive Springs Road, about 200 yards from the road end and (limited) parking. There is a pull out area where the registration table and beginner's clinics will be held. The path to the 39-minute slow walk to the Start is down the dirt road just behind registration.

On the way to the start you'll pass the finish area at 1.15 km (14 minutes from the parking, with 65 m climb), crossing four small streams on your way. Your feet will get wet; you may want to consider taking shoes off. Do not use the boat in the creek -- it is privately owned. From the finish, it is a further 1.60 km walk to the start, with 150 m more climb.

E-punch will be used on Orange and all the advanced courses, and the download station will be back at the road next to registration. Be sure to clear and check at the registration table, or in the Start area. After punching the Finish control and walking back across those four little streams, be sure not to forget to download!

Registration will open at 9 AM, and close at 12-noon. Because of the remote start and the 30-40 minute walk from registration, the last allowed start is extended to 1 PM. Courses close at 2:30. Beginner's clinics will be offered between 9:30 and 10:30 AM.

Carpool

Parking is limited to 35 cars, so we ask that you carpool whenever possible. If you must come alone or have room for others in your car, the Event Director would like to know who you are. He may ask you to pick up a rider at the carpool location in Los Gatos at a time convenient to you -- if the number of cars grows too large. Carpools will depart from the public lot just off Highway 17 in Los Gatos at the NW corner of Highway 9 and University Avenue. Take the Los Gatos exit (first exit after Lark Avenue), travel west on Highway 9 a quarter mile, cross University Avenue, and take the next right turn into the parking lot just before Washington Mutual Bank. The lot is signed "Free Unlimited Parking".

Directions from the South Bay: Take Highway 17 south 6.5 miles from downtown Los Gatos to Summit Road. Go south on Summit Road (cross Hwy 17) 4 miles, passing Summit Store on your left. Turn right onto Old San Jose - Soquel Road, go 6.9 miles. Before the bridge, turn left onto Olive Springs Road, go 1.3 miles to parking near the end of the road. Registration is on your right. Please respect the parking attendant's directions.

We look forward to seeing you there!

--Jim Waite, ED (408) 348-1282, jim_waite@yahoo.com
--Vladimir Gusiatnikov, CS

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