Check out some fantastic photos from Saturday and photos from Sunday, from our official photographer Ray Schmidt. If you would like higher resolution versions of the pictures, email phantomcourier (at) hotmail (dot) com
Check out photos by Ray Schmidt posted on the Mt. Sharkfest page.
The Smith-Dorrien Spray Lake road is in good shape with some muddy and pothole sections.
IMPORTANT! All racers registered for Alberta Cup #8 on Sunday, March 28 must enter their teams into zone4 (free of charge). This is so we know who is on which team. Please click here.
The course is in excellent condition. There was some precipitation earlier today, but no accumulation. The course will be set tonight.The road is generally good with some muddy/washboard sections. There is some snow on the access road but mostly a gravel surface and should not be a problem. Watch for sheep and deer on the road.The weather calls for a 40% chance of showers in early evening and then clearing, with a low of +1C. Saturday will be a mix of sun and cloud, turning sunny near noon, with a high of 12.
Conditions at Mt. Shark are very good now.All the courses we plan to use for the weekend were groomed on Tuesday. They will be groomed again Friday evening for the Saturday races, and Saturday evening for the Team Sprints on Sunday.There will be variations in snow conditions between sunny and shady sections. A few centimeters of new snow is possible tonight, then it is expected to clear out tomorrow PM for the weekend. So the stage is being set for two great days of competition.The Smith Dorien road is mostly bare and dry. The access road up from Mt. Engadine Lodge is in good condition. Today the grader was pushing back the snow on the sides of the access road to make the steep hill just after crossing the bridge as wide as possible.All entries are in, and final preparations underway including the RMR work party at Mt. Shark tomorrow. We have started a list of “singles looking for a partner” for the Team Sprint on Sunday, that will be available at the Team Captains meeting tomorrow night 7:00 PM BWTC, then carried forward to the race office (ABC Trailer) at the site. Team members must be confirmed by 2:00 PM on Saturday.We’ll have another update tomorrow evening.Looking forward to seeing everyone at Sharkfest again.Rocky Mountain Racers
Sharkest RegistrationRegistration is open and expected to fill up more, now that many are back from the Nationals in Whitehorse. Many have registered already for the last races of the year.So wind it up one more time for the traditional mass start by category races on Saturday. Then on Sunday it’s the new 2 person Team Sprint Relay—find a partner and go for the gold, or a whack of great draw prizes from our local sponsors. These include sporting equipment from Lifesport and Trail Sports, Gord’s Running Room, Campione Cycles (2 x $200 gift certificates) for your cross training, a $500 gift certificate from Engadine Lodge, and many more.Snow and Road Conditions UpdateThere has been lots of snow over the last couple weeks, over 60 cm, with the latest dusting of 5 cm yesterday! The forecast for the area is sunny with some cloud, and highs of 8 C, so bring your suntan lotion.We will update the here with road conditions into Mt. Shark on Friday night, and Saturday morning by 7 AM, if we receive any significant updates from Volker Stevin road and maintenance staff.Remember to arrange car pooling if you can, and be aware of the road conditions if you are driving from Canmore to Mt.Shark. Skiers coming from the Calgary area are advised to take the Highway 40 route then Smith Dorrien Hwy. Expect snowy winter conditions from Mount Engadine Lodge to Mt.Shark parking lot, so have your vehicle equipped accordingly with decent winter tires or leave it home and car pool.Other Reminders:
Find the race notice on the Mt. Sharkfest page, and registration is available on zone4.ca. Also, check out the details on the team sprint race on Sunday.
Thanks for attending the 12th annual Sharkfest. We look forward to seeing you all again!
Photos have been added to the Photo Gallery and the full galleries by Colleen Wenzel and racing photos by Ray Schmidt are available.
The Mt. Sharkfest page has a new update with some important reminders (March 17).
Looking forward to seeing everyone at Mt. Shark once again – our 12th annual Sharkfest.
The Smith Dorien Road and the Mt. Shark access road are in good shape. Snow conditions are very good and the trails were groomed Monday night. Also the stadium was set as it will be for the weekend, so if you can get up to the site – enjoy!
The weather forecast at the moment looks very promising.