Clambake - Run & Picnic - Sunday August 24, 2008

It's almost time for the famous Strider's Run and Clam Bake! Please come and join us for a beautiful run through the redwoods of Big Basin woods down to the coast at Wadell Beach. It's a short walk from there up to a beautiful bluff overlooking the ocean where we will enjoy clam chowder and shared munchies.

Volunteers

We're looking for a couple of volunteers to provide the 'rolling aid station'. This involves providing an aid station at Waterman Gap, China Grade and Big Basin Park HQ. You'll be reimbursed for the supplies. You'll be busy from 7am until 11am - however it isn't arduous. Being good at waiting is the key skill. You'll need a larger vehicle (people carrier or SUV) to carry the supplies and a table for the station. Interested? Contact the board: board@stevevenscreekstriders.org.

Everybody - Runners, Volunteers and Family

Please let Lina know your plan and your email/phone number no later than Saturday August 16. You can do this using the web form: click here or using the clipboard at club on Saturday morning.

We hope you'll figure out the carpools without involving Lina. However, she will provide you (on request) with the list of runners and contact information to help you contact each other.

Runners

There are three running options available:
18 miles: from Saratoga Gap to Big Basin;
12 miles: from Big Basin to the beach;
30 miles: from Saratoga Gap via Big Basin to the beach!.

Start Times:
18/30 miles: Early start -- Leave Mike's at 6.00am for a 6:30am start at Saratoga Gap
18/30 miles: Regular start -- Leave Mike's at 6.45am for a 7:15am start at Saratoga Gap
12 miles: Be at Big Basin at 10:30am.

Carpooling and Transport

The transport arrangements in previous years have involved perplex logistics. This year, all runners starting at Saratoga Gap (18 and 30 miles) will meet at Mike and Wanda's House which is near Stevens Creek County Park. We aim to minimize gas useage. We will have two starts at Saratoga Gap: 6.30am and 7:15am - a 'slower' and 'faster' group. Both groups should arrive at Big Basin about 10.30.

Non-runners and family members may meet at Big Basin Headquarters at 10:30am to greet the 18 and 30 milers. 18 milers will need a ride down to the beach or can drive a 12 mile runner's car to the beach. Sounds confusing? It is, but it always seems to work out somehow! Again, please try to coordinate amongst yourselves to ensure nobody is short of a lift into or out of Big Basin!

And of course, if you only wish to come for the beach picnic, well that's just fine of course. You should plan to be at Wadell Beach around noon. We'll be finished around 3pm.

The Picnic

Now....what to bring? You will need your own beach equipment (towel, sunscreen, etc.), your own table wear and drinking cups and drinks, and something to share for a potluck contribution (salads, pasta dishes, desserts are good). Clam chowder will be provided....and it's home made by Bill and Penny! No canned stuff here!! Runners should bring a change of clothes/something warm to put on as the bluff can be chilly and a little overcast sometimes. We need to use the toilet facilities at Wadell Beach, a short walk from where we are feasting and relaxing. Bring Frisbees, footballs and other beachie toys, too....if you have the energy after those runs!

The cost is $8.00 for a member, $10.00 for non-members to help cover the expense of the wonderful chowders provided. Please pay before the event date, this helps to make sure our lovely cooks get reimbursed! You can give your money to any Board Member on Saturday morning or mail a check to our P.O. Box. Thank you for your timely payment.

Please email any Board Member with questions and we will do our best to answer them to help make this a fun event. It always is! Hope to see you there!

Maps and directions for the course: click here.
Photos from 2006: click here.

Striders at Big Sur in 2007.
Thanks to Big Creek Lumber for the use of their beach property.