The Two Bays Trail is a 55km return trip. I will be running it on the 7th January 2007 leaving Dromana at 7am.

As individuals we are within our rights to use the trails on the Mornington Peninsula. This is not an official race.

Every one will carry water and a mobile if possible. Water will be available in four locations on course, because of the out and back nature of the course there will be plenty of opportunities to fill up your bottle.

Food will be available at the halfway point from 10am. Faster runners will arrive just before the kiosk opens.

Here are some more details...

http://www.twobays.coolrunning.com.au/

Virtual, I'm sure you have told me this before, but how long would it roughly take to get to Dromana from, say the West Gate? Just speculating.

I have scouts out looking for accomodation as I type! Fingers crossed. Loved it in July, don't know how I will cope with warmer weather but hopefully I will find out if the accomodation comes through.

sounds good. Thanks Virtual

Can anyone tell me how far Blairgowrie is from Dromana in terms of km's and travel time? Also will there be anything for the family to do in Blairgowrie if I have the car in Dromana? It looks like the only accomodation available.

16.7km I some times run from Blairgowrie..

Lapdog, If you want a lift I can assist. I'll be in Blairgowrie.

Lap Dog, perhaps the family can drive with You to the start, and than take the car (if they are not after the beach day in Dromana) up to Arthur seat, there is appart from other things, big maize attraction, lots of fun for whole day for kids of any age, it is kind of botanical gardens type, there should be enough shade, there is cafeteria and tons of icecreams), another option is to drive to the mid turning point of the race to visit the
coast nature attraction there.

Anyone noticed Virtual's logo depicts a running man with "Hotham here I come". The running man looks burnt to a crisp - appropriate.

Thanks Rudolph for the suggestions. Virtual, thanks for your generous offer I have sent you a message.

There's a good chance I'll be up for this. Sounds like a beauty.

About 1hr 10min in traffic. Probably quicker on an early Sunday morning..

Yes, count me in. Given that I was going to be the sweeper in the second half of Bogong to Hotham, this is a very attractive alternative. Not sure that my old self could manage a double crossing these days but we will see how we go on the day.

Just a couple of days ago, Cape Schank was looking as spectacular as ever.

Another question that I am reluctant to ask: I don't suppose the fires at Arthur's Seat today will have any impact on our access to trails across the Peninsula in a couple of weeks time? Any locals got an update?

Fires at Arthurs Seat? I'm driving down that way later today [to cut some grass for Virtual!] so will find out more. It appears that our whole state is ablaze

Fire at Arthur's Seat now controlled

From ADW's link above ..



I suppose by the 7th Jan it may be open again. Boy a lot of smoke near my place today!

All, If the track isn't open by the 7th Jan we will be able to do the first few km on the road to the summit of Arthurs Seat then back onto the track at seawinds. This diversion will add about 500m to the out and back legs. The road is still quite steep but zig zags.

There is another trail to the summit which follows the chairlift. There are two alternatives for the first few km if the trail is closed on the 7th Jan.

We won't take any reckless risks, if PV have closed parts of the course we'll change our route to comply.

On a different note.

The 6.7km Portsea Twilight race is on the night before, Sat 6/1/07, at Point Nepean for the super keen who want to do the double.

I thought I'd give it a shot..

Here's the link

http://www.ausrun.com.au/start_to_finish/p...ight/index.html

Good news it's raining fairly heavily down here.

So we on?

is the trail going to be prepared for free skating or for classical Xcountry skiing.

Not sure which skis to get ready

nine degrees and rain since yeserday afternoon. a nice soaking. bring the gaiters...

Have fun guys, can't make it as I'll be at Gosford 12hr track. Certainly the weather is great in Melb for running some trails at the moment with the recent rain.

Hi there,
Any long range weather forecasts available?
Will there be something to record times at halfway point? I would like to start earlier than 7am (family!) in order to be back earlier.

Hi All

Is anyone thinking of doing just oneway? Had my first run today since Kurrawa, I think 55 km might make it a long day on how I run today. If there is anyone, they can drive my car back and I'II do the second half.

The trail is open and much greener as a result of the rain and cool weather we had over Christmas. I ran the hill up to Arthurs Seat yesterday to survey the damage from the fire a couple of weeks ago. there is a 60 metre section where the fire went through. the damage is minimal and lots of people using the track. I ran the course from Cape Schanck back to Dromana this morning and the course is in good condition. It was rather warm but managed to get through comfortably on two bottles.

in terms of the questions above.
* early start is fine
* I know of at least one runner (Mr Cassidy) who is planning on running one direction
* we'll get the locals to dump water out at Greens Bush and Boneo Rd and at the turnaround.
* Times can be taken at half way. but please take your own times and we'll collate them when it is all over.

it seems like the weather is getting warmer each day. plan for a warm one and if it is cooler then treat it as a bonus. No more Christmas cake for me. Cheers..

Hi all, The weather is looking good for next Sunday with a max of 24C forecasted.

The course is beautiful but it is long. add 50-60min to your six foot time and you'll get a fair idea of your 2Bays time.

I don't have a printer down here, please bring a copy of the directions from the website, there are links to a course map on the site as well.. The link to the site is in the first post of this thread.

I'll be shooting for 35min in the Portsea Twilight and six and a half hours for the 2Bays.

Made it back in one piece from the Gold Coast, and i reckon a nice little trail run will be a good way to start the the year. Vaguely tempted to do the same double as Virtual (sure there's a bit of bush around to camp somewhere rather than going there and back ) , not exactly my distance, but am feeling real fit with a fair bit of distance covered whilst on holidays (as well as a couple of runs with the Brisbane runners i spent alot of time up the Coast out in the, very ordinary , surf and on various bush trails as i'd admit that my stress management in the week leading up to Christmas did involve way more alcohol than i've had for years didn't want to start the year that way as i've got a helluva lot of non running things to sort out in the next month or so and frankly i'll always have a little bit of a battle with booze at times).
Weather forecast is now for 19 degrees, though that could be somewhat more userfriendly than the days leading up. I guess we had better check there aren't any fires between now and then though.
Hope to see quite a few runners on the weekend,
Kelvin

Hi all, The run starts tomorrow at 7am. The conditions should be cool. There is water at Roswbud (a tap) at 6km & 50km, at Greens Bush (14km & 42km) and at Boneo Rd (22km and 34km).

The kiosk at Cape Schanck will be open from 10am. There will be a bit of food from 9:30am. If you arrive before 9:30am try to conserve enough water to get back to Boneo Rd. The water in the toilets at Cape Schanck is bore water.

Make sure you have your map and instructions with you. The course is straight forward but there are a few corners where a map may be needed. If you do take a wrong turn it becomes obvious quickly.

It is a good time to reinforce that this is a run not a race nor an event just a bunch of like minded trail runners out for a good day of running.

We have one runner starting at 5am and a couple doing a single crossing. Please take note of your time and we will consolodate them after the run.

We'll see you at 6:50am tomorrow for a 7am start.

Virtual I will likely be driving over late tonight and staying somewhere appropriate in the mothership close to the start. If I sleep in bang on the side, will you?

Just back, and to be honest totally stuffed. I've put the pictures of the start in the Gallery, will put together a bit of a writeup in the next couple of days (as well as one on the Portsea Twilight 6.7K's yesterday. I know Whippet has the full results so i'll leave that to him, but very roughly, Fats was down from Sydney and won in 5:07, Bryan Ackerly (CR Ackers) was second in 5:28, 3rd (name escapes me from Ballarat was 3rd in 5:34), i was fourth in 5:37 (backing up from 30:02 last night), then it gets hazy as i was busy getting hot food into me at the coffee shop, i know Virtual did 6:55 (to follow up from his 31:30) and Whippet was a little in front. I know these results are pretty much less than useless, particularly with almost 20 starters but i'm not sure when next this will be updated,
Regards,
Kelvin

Yeah, I'm thoroughly stuffed as well. But not from the run, but rather trying to keep the Kombi on the road with the gail force winds there and back.
Results as best I can:
Tony Fattorini 5:07:42
Bryan Ackerly 5:27:46
Rob Gray 5:33
Kelvin Marshall 5:33
Andrew Hewat 6:18
Brian Harrison 6:29
Neil Rampling 6:29
Brendan Mason 6:55
Jun Okabe 7:25
Nick Thompson 7:45
Bret Butler 7:45

Amanda Underwood 41.3 km 5hrs

Not sure of any times for the 1/2 runners.

I'll elaborate on a great day out when I've unpacked the mothership but I can't go without starting the snake story. I was running with Brian and Neil in front of me and neither of them saw this 5 foot snake sliding across the narrow single track. Neil in front must have stepped on it as when I saw it it was arced up between Brian's legs when my scream alerted him and sent him into a bit of a dance. I just jumped over it's tail. By the time we got to the turn around it was at least 2m long and growing.

Many thanks to Virtual for "not" organising this run and Mrs Virtual for the aid station at the turnaround.

Hi all, Had to leave almost straight away to make a beeline for the airport. A great turnout this morning with 16 starters. Great to see fats and amjan in from Sydney and Flocky from the USA.

Well done to Fats for smashing the course record.

A couple of animal mishaps. I'm sure Whippet and Kelvin will elaborate when we see their accounts of the run.

Thanks to Kelvin for assisting with placing water and marking the course until midnight last night. Thanks to Mrs Virtual for the food and water at half way. Thanks to Whippet for taking the finishing times. Thanks to everyone for embracing Fat Ass running.

Congratulations to all who ran in the 3rd Two Bays Trail Run today.

Edit: Thanks Whippet. I'll add the halfway splits and post them when I get home to Sydney. And update the website for eternal reference.

Well done to all who ran yesterday. Special thanks to Virtual and Julliet who hosted the run. After a 3.45am start from Ballarat we were not sure what the day held for us. However we were not disappointed. What a great trail it is to run. Soft under foot and pleasantly cool and green after recent rains - lots of walkers out there enjoying it as well. The event was a smallish but very friendly affair, as all ultras are, culminating with some very welcome food and coffee in the local cafe - a pleasant chance to share stories of the road and encounters with the local wildlife. Some fairly agressive wallabies living out there...we await your story Kelvin.
I'm sorry I wasn't present to see Brian and Neil doing their snake dance on the outward leg. Great job Whippett in saving their bacon so that you could "whip" them on the run home down from Arthur's Seat...... they are sure you found one of Brendan's short cuts. Hope their discussions on the trail were enlightening! There was very little sensible converstaion from the two of them as they dozed and ate all the way back to Ballarat.

Congratulations to Fats - ran like a machine all the way, a top run. Well done all who took part once again. Catch you at Maroondah.

Pretty scary when nature turns . . er . . . wild. What I wouldn’t give to see that little dance on youtube

Looking forward to seeing some of those reports.

With no Bogong to Hotham race this year it was always going to be an unfamiliar start to my running year, so i'd some time contemplating just what i was going to begin the year with, having done the Gosford Coastal Classic in 2003 and Hobart Marathon in 2005 knew both were well and truly worthwhile runs but in the end decided i'd do the Fatass Two Bays Trail probably more for the reason it was on trails than anything else.
Having only returned from a rather wet and unsunny Gold Coast (i know we really need that rain but it was the time of the year for real beach weather ) on Thursday, hadn't actually put much planning into my preparation though realised that there was also a 6.7 K race down Portsea the night before, so decided that if i was going to do an unofficial run Sunday may as well do the double.
Certainly after a day in the mid 30's on Friday and a similar Saturday morning the thought of a race with a beach at the end was very appealing, so arranged to camp at Virtual's place on Saturday night and headed off that afternoon. Of course this is Melbourne, so 4 seasons in one day is very possible, with 35 degrees by my car thermometer when i leave home and half an hour later heavy rain and 20 degrees it was certainly no longer beach weather (unfortunately a stone chip on my windscreen i'd got on the Frankston freeway on the way down now developed into a crack so like the Mt Nebo Festive Fatass two weeks – and my dented boot and plastic bumper bar - prior it looked like this was going to be another very expensive “free run”, yes readers beware don't let me near your car !!!).
Finally got down to Portsea at 4:30 for the Twilight run, had spoken to Virtual a couple of times on the way down (less said about normal Mobile reception on the peninsula the better !) and it looked like i wouldn't be needing my tent so no need to stop off on the way and put it up before dark, was surprised to see a number of familiar Coolrunning faces as i went off to enter, Chilliman and the Lostboys (only proves i don't read threads about 6K races) and overall appeared to be quite a large field, although i'd admit to gritting my teeth and forcing a smile when pay a little over $5 per K for that race .
Was happy to use Chilliman's advice for getting a start near the front, but i'd never claim explosive speed from the get go and again that was exposed, certainly the scenery with the view across the heads to Queenscliff (and a ship passing through) was spectacular, but i was struggling running into a headwind and very much welcomed the turnaround, off along the beach for a K also was a good way to make up a little ground. Really had no thoughts on the time to expect (i guess really had simple 4 minute K's in my mind but this wasn't that sort of course), so was a little surprised to see the finishing clock with 29:5 just in front of me, just couldn't get there before it had turned over to 30 so 30:02 it was.
As far as i was concerned that was just my solid hitout for Sunday's event although on second thoughts it was only 12 hours before we'd be back out there again so possibly not my brightest idea.
Having caught up with a few Coolrunners post race, knew the plan was the Portsea Pub but looking at the crowd in front and the lack of parking around thought i was better off getting back to “Casa Virtual” and having a feed and a good nights sleep.
First of all, a little matter of giving the “Non- Race” director a hand with marking the course, certainly i'll hand it to him he knows the peninsula backwards in the dark, as for me well i can help lug water containers and hold a torch, but i'm no flour arrow artist at all. By the time of our last bit of course marking at Seawinds Gardens, there was a magical view all the way down the Peninsula – everyone must have had their holiday homes lit up - (probably only a couple of weeks per year there would be so many people down), and then back to Blairgowrie. Dinner was pretty much midnight, and really appreciated my bowl of pasta (thanks Mrs Virtual), but knew that my next start was only hours away.
With the change in weather and much milder conditions forecast, thought that instead of carrying my usual Camelbak i'd try carrying a water bottle (Brendan yes i still have that bottle holder will return when i next see you or by mail if you need before), meaning i'd need to put on a pocketed Biketop to have some pockets for holding food etc.
Hadn't really got that organised beforehand and when i was hadn't been able to print the course map, so was hoping that my memory of all the wrong turns (that i'd taken the last time) and also the trip around on the course marking would get me through (big if coming from me i know).
Anyway gave Virtual a lift in my car (or as i was thinking at the time “the remains of it”), so that Mrs Virtual would take theirs to the turnaround at Cape Schank as well as cake and cordial, and found there were another dozen or so runners (seeing the results are up i don't need to name them), although i also add CR's Kevin Cassidy and Robert Boyce (RB) who did the one way trip.
Couple of group shots on the beach side of the road and then back across for the start, steady climb up Latrobe Parade with Fats leading the way, followed by Rob and my partner from the http://www.upstreamfoundation.org/ Upstream 50 Charity Walk, Bryan.
Ended up running with Bryan for quite a while (not least because he had a map !!), but he was moving a little too fast by the time we'd crossed Browns Rd so happily let him disappear into the distance. Somewhere between here and Greens Bush, in a thickly scrubbed area, with plenty of BlackBoy plants, i'd heard quite a noise something moving rather quickly pretty simply first time i knew what it was it was past me. A rather large kangaroo (i'm pretty sure it wasn't actually aiming for me, reckon i was just in the wrong place at the wrong time), ran straight across the path and was close enough that it clipped my heel (i think with it's tail as it didn't seem solid enough to be body), enough for me to do a face plant. To say that i was a little shaken was an understatement, having not shaved this year so far at least my face was unbloodied – great solid stuff two week old stubble - but certainly my left knee was sore from the unexpected landing, and spent next few K's till we actually hit the cliffs very wary indeed. Was happy to see the water container at Greens Bush as though it wasn't particularly warm i'd finished my water bottle (okay after that shock i'd have preferred something a little stronger than water) by then, made sure i didn't take a wrong turn to Baldry's Crossing and was quite relieved to finally reach the safety of the cliffs on the way to Bushrangers Bay. Saw the three lead runners with about a K to go before the turnaround as well as passing the girl who had started early (again sorry for lack of names not sure how i remember mine sometimes), and was glad to see Juliet with water and fruitcake, now to see if i could make some ground on them on the way back.
Got a good feel for where the rest of the field were as i saw them all the next few K's, but then again it was me and the bush (and the thought in the back of my mind that the bush was out to get me), so was content to just keep going at a steady pace and hopefully some of the leaders would be coming back to me as they slowed. By Greens Bush, the day had cooled considerably and there was very refreshing drizzle, looked as though i'd get back with minimal water worries at least.
Still no sign of the leaders but was relieved to get out of the thick bush (and to my mind away from the homicidal roos), Maclarens Dam and the seemingly endless climb (even had time to unwrap a Muesli Bar i was moving so slow up it), and then the thin up and down trail to Seawinds (well with 300 metres) and then downhill to Latrobe Carpark.
Have to admit Latrobe Parade seemed longer than when going out (and this was downhill so should have felt shorter), but was rapt to see the finish 5:37 later.
Best said it was quite brisk when we finished, though i soon realised a knee high dip in the sea was the only way i'd get my dust and blood caked legs clean. After that bracing dip, the body was yelling out for coffee and hot food so for a change i gave it what it wanted. Great Cafe there, where we all got together and compared runs and plans for the following year.
Big thanks for organising this non-race and i have to admit it would make a brilliant official run (now all we need is someone who knows the right palms to grease at council ???? ).
A great way to start the year, me i'm off to put on at least 5 KG's before my next start, having spent a lot of time very active up the Coast (43 K's ay Binna Burra, 50 odd and Mt Nebo, the very tough 8.8 K's at Mount Warning as well as much time entertaining my cousins kids), was down to 60KG's at least 5 to 7 under my ideal race weight.

Kelvin
P.S. Having now got out my old book on Kangaroos looks as though a decent roo weighs a little more than me, possibly i should have been a little more worried about more than just a possible DNF if i'd been a second slower.
P.P.S Yes did make it back home with no further damage to the car

Four intrepid souls made the single crossing

Robert Boyce [RB]
Paul Ban
Suzy, visiting from the US [Flocky]
Kevin Cassidy

All arrived at Cape Schank together in about 3:15 to be greeted by Mrs Virtual and her medicinal and life inducing fruit cake.

Sorry I couldn't stick around until the finish...

Lap Dog (Kaye) was a single finisher. Just trying to figure out what time she did. Guessing 3:30..

12 Double (56km) starters
5 Single (28km) starters

17 not bad.

edit: Nice report Kelvin. Between you and Whippet you've got the animals frightened to death

Would have posted earlier but CR website wouldn't let me in!!! Thought I must have been disqualified from posting for bailing out at the Cape.
Had good intentions of participating in the Portsea Twilight Classic Saturday after arriving at lunch time Saturday, but sick child and injured husband prevented that. Also intended to start 2 bays at 5 am to fulfil family obligations Sunday. Husband refused to drive me down to start in the dark, so a 6 am start it was....almost. Couldn't find my sense of direction at the start and left about 6.15am, commented to Andrew that this was very concerning considering I had run it before.
Got hopelessly lost at Rosebud and wandered around suburbia for a while before stumbling onto the track again. Thankfully didn't get lost again because somewhere along the way I lost my map and directions.
Arrived at the Cape 3.45 after starting - 30 minutes slower than July. Is one direction quicker than the other??? Last time we started at the Cape and I arrived Dromana in 3.15 but was considerably slower on the way back, 6.40 all up.
My family were out walking at Bushrangers Bay, and after an attack of the guilts decided to bail out and join them (or was it too much Christmas cheer?).
After B2H was cancelled I lost the plot as far as training was concerned, and had done very little, so certainly wasn't in good form. I was thankful that it wasn't B2H and it was a very good lesson for next year if I want to participate - moderation over the silly season.
2 Bays is a great run. I don't know what other runs are organised down that way, but it occurred to me it would be a great place for a multi day event, some of you did 2 events within 24hrs.
Thanks Brendan for your organisation, please post any further runs down that way, I'm always interested. Amazed at the times some of you ran. Cheers everyone, have a great 2007.

Sorry to forget you in my list of single crossings,Lap Dog. I didn't realise you were out there due to the fact that you had hit the trail while I was still motoring down the freeway.

Having done several single crossings in training, I do believe that coming back to Dromana is the quicker direction. The long early climbs on the Dromana-Cape Schanck route takes a lot out of you but the opposite direction allows you to get a good rythm and pace and you make good time for most of the way

Sounds like a wonderful run, well done to all concerned.
Does anyone have a Garmin trace for the event, would be interesting to see a google plot of the run?

Hi all,

We've now got all the times for last weekend's 3rd Two Bays Trail Run in one place and can post them for comment prior to putting them onto the 2Bays website. Congratulations to everyone. Here are the times w/ first half and second half splits.

Well done Tony on getting the course record, as well as Bryan, Rob and Kelvin for all beating Scott Thompson's 2005 record (5:59).

The new course is longer than the the course we used over the past two years, in future we'll rebadge it as a 56km run.

One day this will be a big run. All of the authorities are very supportive but the compliance costs of staging an event due to the two road crossings will probably have a breakeven of dozens of runners, sooner or later someone will stage an event here. Until that happens we're happy to keep running informal fat ass type runs. Until next time...

Ultramarathon 56km, Out, Back, 56km
Tony Fattorini 2:30 2:37 5:07 Record
Bryan Ackerly 2:27 3:00 5:27
Rob Gray 2:33 3:00 5:33
Kelvin Marshall 2:40 2:57 5:37
Andrew Hewat 3:01 3:15 6:16
Brian Harrison 3:00 3:29 6:29
Neil Rampling 3:00 3:29 6:29
Brendan Mason 3:01 3:54 6:55
Jun Okabe 3:24 4:01 7:25
Nick Thompson 3:28 4:17 7:45
Bret Butler 3:28 4:17 7:45
Amanda Underwood 3:21 41.3km
Kaye Ervine 3:45 34km
Robert Boyce 3:15
Paul Ban 3:15
Suzie Spangler 3:15
Kevin Cassidy 3:15

Thank you to those who supported this run but didn't intend to run the full distance we know there are injuries and other committments that could have taken priority. The times above are not placed because this was a run rather than a race.

Thanks Brendan and others for making this happen. It's a great course with some lovely varied terrain and nice views. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet some well known names from the Victorian running scene, and the weather was pretty ideal. The directions, markings and water drop were all excellent and the start/finish location is good too: a nice sea breeze and a good cafe to refuel. I hope the even goes from strength to strength.