The Wild Steelhead

The WILD STEELHEAD begins its epic run...

And now for something totally different! In our 16th year, the "McClassic" is transformed. The Wild Steelhead takes an uncompromising ONE-WAY line from Riggins to McCall, ID. The main event is a 105K (65 mi). We are working on a shorter option, but it will likely be a 35K/22 miler, also one way. Here are some ideas we are playing with as we lock everything in with the land managers. We are all in but still some decisions and red tape in the way. I have been toiling hard on this one for a few years and I am excited as I have ever been for a race. Let's dive in...

1. Crews, pacers and Muling...YES! Our long race will allow pacers from about halfway to mule your kit!!! Why should Leadville have all the fun? There will be fairly long stretches between aid stations, so a crew and pacers are recommended. We are considering making a crew mandatory unless you have long ultras in your resume. We will clarify the requirements soon.

2. The 105K...We are planning a start at Island Bar near Riggins, ID and a finish at Gordon Tiitus Lot (aka Goose Creek Falls Trailhead) near our home of McCall, ID. It is looking like it will have around 15-16,000 climb and 11,000 descent. The principal climbs are a 7,000 footer at the start and a 5,000 footer late in the race and of course some smaller rollers along the way.

3. One way race = PREMIUM LINE BUT A LOGISTICAL CHALLENGE. We are arranging bus transport from Titus Lot to the starting line. You may also have crew drop you off at the start. This is a destination race, so bring a crew and make it fun. All crew spots will be along Goose Lake Road, the main artery running north to south along the course.

3. For the shorter race, we are leaning on a 35K/22mi one way race from Island Bar to Cleyburn Trailhead running concurrently with the 105K. This means you will need a ride from the finish at Cleyburn Trailhead back to McCall or your vehicle at Titus Lot. It is a 60 minute/24 mile forest road drive from the Titus Lot to the Cleyburn Trailhead. Seems like a lot of logistics for a 22 miler? Thankfully, it might be the best 22 miles on Earth. About 7000 climb and 1000' of descent.

4. Mandatory kit? Probably. For the 105K, we are planning on having 4 aid stations (3 of those allow crew) and a few water stations. We like the idea of crew zones (like Mogollon Monster does) where crew may use pullouts along forest roads to render aid. This decreases congestion at trailheads. The first 22 miles will only have a water station. Plan on carrying a mini flask filter and lots of calories. There will be lots of water flowing in July in the mountains.

Plenty more to come. See you in July!