Stage One - Umiti Pit to Cottonwood - TOTAL DISTANCE approx. 25 miles
The first section (stage) runs from Umiti Pit (north of Quesnel) to Cottonwood which is located on Highway 26, the main highway from Quesnel to Barkerville. At time of writing it is not possible to indicate exactly how long this stage will be as this is dependent on just where active logging will be taking place. We anticipate that the distance will be approximately 25 miles, a map of the confirmed trail will be available at the Participants' (Mushers') Meeting on Thursday evening.
This section of the trail will begin beyond the active logging on the 1700 (Umiti Pit) Road. The route follows the well-established Umiti-Ahbau Lake trail until the 21 kilometre (13 mile) point where it branches off to join the 600 Road at the 14 kilometre mark of the 600 Road. The route then makes a left hand turn on the 600 Road, running on what is hoped will be an unplowed logging road to the 17.5 kilometre mark where it branches to the right onto an unused logging road to join the unused 3500A Road which in turn joins the 3500 Road at the 4.5 kilometer mark. The trail then runs down the unused 3500 Road to the 1 kilometre mark where it branches left to connect with the new trail that has been opened up leading right to the Cottonwood Campground checkpoint, the end of the first day’s run.
This checkpoint is the site of an overnight campout for those who would like to camp overnight. (The campground has a large heated tent, outhouses, firewood will be available as well as water, access roads and parking will be plowed. All campers must be self-sufficient and prepared for winter camping). Note: At Cottonwood, participants will be guests on private property and are asked to treat all property and people with respect.
For those who do not wish to camp out, overnight, arrangements may be made to "bunk out" on the floor of the heated Cottonwood Community Hall or they may travel back to Quesnel.
The event is organized so that participants may leave Umiti Pit on the Friday any time between 10:30 and 12:30 p.m., giving lots of time to travel out to Umiti Pit following the 9:00 a.m. official sendoff in downtown Quesnel. Participants are asked not to leave before 10:30 a.m. so that trail safety workers and groomers may be out on the trail ahead of them. There will be lots of time to cover the route to the Cottonwood Checkpoint in the daylight.
It is important that all participants inform organizers when they plan to leave from Umiti Pit, volunteers will be in attendance at Umiti Pit to help and to see participants off. All participants must arrive at the Cottonwood checkpoint by 5:00 p.m. and in January, it is dark by about 5:00 p.m. As indicated, Cottonwood is accessible by road, just 18 miles (28 kilometres) from Quesnel, so participants can arrange to have their dog truck or support team meet them at Cottonwood.
Cottonwood House Events
The Cottonwood barbeque for all participants, handlers and volunteers is slated to begin at 6:00 p.m. and will take place in the specially-constructed Cafe Del Mar (also known as BC Place North)! Hamburgers and salad as well as something to drink will be provided, Those attending are invited to bring something more to share a la potluck. One featured event during the evening will be the Best Musher's Hat Fashion Show. Things will begin to wind down around 8:00 p.m.
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