15 replies to this topic

[David Hatfield]

Summer is finally upon us (Thursday forecast for clear skies and 80 degrees) and it's about time to commence the 10th running of the Tour de Goose. This year's tour consists of 8 stages over 9 days, culminating with a barbe in the park.

Stage 1 is the tradition Fairview Open (a.k.a. King and Queen of the Hill.)

Where: The stage starts at the corner of SW 20th & Jefferson, one block west of the Goose Hollow Inn. (There will be someone at our regular meeting place at the corner of SW 19th & Madison to direct people to the start.)

When: Registration is from 5:45pm to 6:00pm. The race will start shortly after 6:10pm, as soon as we have all our ducks in order.

Course: "Sprint" from SW 20th & Jefferson to Fairview Blvd along the regular Goose run route. About 2.1 miles with a 650 foot elevation gain. The course will be marked with flour for those not familiar with the route. After we all get to Fairview, then things will revert to a normal Goose run and we'll head up to Pittock and back.

Who: Everyone who wants to. If you don't want to race and just want to do the regular Goose run, that is fine. And you can spectate or volunteer (see below). But I encourage everyone to "race", no matter what speed. With 8 stages in 9 days, slow and steady may win the Tour.

Cost: We are asking for a $5 contribution to help offset our expenses, but your contribution will get you tickets for the post-run raffle (see Loot below.) Also, if you BYOB (Bring Your Own Bib from another race, that is), you'll get another raffle ticket. (Wearing a race number will help the finish-line crew know who is racing.)

Points: In each stage of the tour you earn 50 to 100 points. 50 for last place (the Lanterne Rogue) up to 100 for first. In this stage, points are awarded separately by gender (but we will all run at the same time... and if any female passes Karl Choltus [rumored to be making a comeback], don't expect him to take it lying down ;-) )

Loot: If the spirit of competition is not reward enough, then be advised that there will be several opportunities for tangible loot. First and foremost, at Fairview the Polka Dot Jerseys will be presented to the first male and female finishers. But don't get too attached to them; these will serve as the leaders jerseys and will be awarded to the overall champions at the end of the Tour. There will also be a Hunger Games preme during the stage 1. The prize will be a delectable treat from Saint Honore Bakery. The preme won't be based on speed, but I can't say any more at this time, so come down Thursday to find out. Once we return to the Goose Hollow Inn we will raffle off goodies from our sponsors (see Cost above.)

After Party: After the run (about 7:30pm), we will return to the Goose Hollow Inn for food, drink, raffle, preme presentation, and exchange of pleasantries.

Course Records: According to our historians, the course records are 13:19 for men (John Dimoff, 2004) and 16:21 for women (Erin Skourtes, 2005), but I have a suspicion that the latter may have been lowered. If you can correct me, I'll give you a bonus point.

Volunteers: I am looking for 3 people, and one water jug full of ice water with cups. Two people will work the finish line (car needed, or the ability to run uphill fast carrying a jug of water) and one person for "coarse" marshal. (This person is to yell profanities, preferably in French, at anyone straying from the course.) If more wish to help, we can find other things. Respond here or PM me, if you want to help or have a jug. If you do help, I'll slide you 50 points towards the overall competition (but don't tell anyone.)

Tour Info: See this thread for general information on the Tour.

In the News: Here's a Running Times article about the Tour de Goose.

Tips: When you're doing calisthenics in preparation for the Tour, you may wish to listen to the French National Anthem for inspiration.

Vive le Tour! See you Thursday. (I'll update this post if there is late breaking news, i.e. I left out crucial information.)

[EROCK]

According to the archives, I ran a 13:3X in 2008. If I run within a minute of that this year, I'll be surprised.

[Jeff M]

Excellent post Monsieur Hatfield! I'm in!

[Steve]

Great post David! Now we just need more posts about the other Stages! (Hint hint, Steve!)

[BrianH]

Do we get another raffle ticket if we bring our own finishers medal?
:-)

[Steve]

No, but you get two extra raffle tickets if you bring one of those cool Red Goozard cutouts that I've been handing out the last month or so!

[David Hatfield]

Still looking for 3 volunteers and a water jug.

2 people for the finish line (need car, stop watch, backup stop watch, and cell phone), and 1 person to be course marshal. That no one has stepped forward yet has me psyched 'cause it must mean everyone wants to do the race!

And would someone bring cups and a water jug filled with ice water? This is for the finish line.

Thank you

[BrianH]

No, but you get two extra raffle tickets if you bring one of those cool Red Goozard cutouts that I've been handing out the last month or so!

I didn't think about being able to make the Fairview Open, since we'll be gone during the main week of the Tour, so I didn't take any of the VERY cool Red Goozard cutouts :-(

[Steve]

Hey On-The-Fence Volunteers! Did you know that by volunteering for an event instead of competing, you will earn 50 Tour Points? That's as much as the last place person! So if you can't run for whatever reason, but still want to participate, sign up to help out!


David -- I talked to Gary Adams tonight at the Fulton and he is a probable (but not 100%) for volunteering. He doesn't have a car or a cell phone, but I think you can still use him. And if you don't get enough volunteers, I will forego the race and volunteer myself.

[markiemo]

David - if you can use me as a volunteer I can help tonight but I will be biking over to the start so I will not have a car.

Let me know if you can use me.

Still looking for 3 volunteers and a water jug.

2 people for the finish line (need car, stop watch, backup stop watch, and cell phone), and 1 person to be course marshal. That no one has stepped forward yet has me psyched 'cause it must mean everyone wants to do the race!

And would someone bring cups and a water jug filled with ice water? This is for the finish line.

Thank you

[David Hatfield]

David - if you can use me as a volunteer I can help tonight but I will be biking over to the start so I will not have a car.

Let me know if you can use me.

Yes, I would appreciate help on the course. Come to the start (SW 20th & Jefferson) between 5:45pm and 6:00pm and I'll give you an assignment. Thank you

[Jeff Huber]

I'll be at Fairview to time and video the finish in-case of disputes. Heather maybe too - although she has to pickup Higgins from doggie daycare at the same time so I'm not sure.

I'm going to go right to the top of Fairview so call me at 503.936.7187 to start the race.

I'm expecting to witness multiple sub 14s.

[Kate]

Nice turnout and fast racing! Way to kill that hill, all!!! Excellent evening to open the Tour.

[Joe D.]

Fun times! Thanks Steve T. and David H.!

[David Hatfield]

Thanks to everyone who helped out.

Highlight of my run up the hill was the group (of hikers?) that had congregated around the drinking fountain by the tennis courts. They parted when I approached and encouraged me on as I ran through. (We should where race numbers more often. :-) )