Registration - Fluffy Bunny

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Thank you for registering online and in advance.

This is a Club Fat Ass (CFA) event, so we adhere to CFA event management guidelines and privacy policy. Please complete the whole form. Your personal information is required in case I need to contact you... or your next of kin! Also, to make sure I spell your name right in the results. The other information helps me to plan any aid or post-event activities. Please help me to host a safer, better event by registering early and by notifying me if you can't make it. I'm constantly looking for ways to improve, so please share your thoughts or questions with me in the Suggestion Box below. After you click on "Submit" below, your registration details will be confirmed.

Geoff Palmer
Your Club Fat Ass Event Host

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Results

Backgrounder

Event Home | Registration | Agenda | Course
Background | Thanks | Results | Contact | FAQ

First the name. Back in the day when I was training for the Canadian Death Race, the wife of a training buddy didn't much like the sound of "Death Race". So to his wife, the race became known as the Fluffy Bunny Trail Run. While this race doesn't quite match up to the Death Race, it is no walk in the park so I thought this was an appropriate title. Also, I thought that the folk who don't always do the max distance don't get enough credit at races. So for those doing the 8km "Extreme Punishment 8 km Run" this will sound much more impressive to coworkers than the "Fluffy Bunny Trail Run"

I have done quite a bit of training on these trails and thought it would be an excellent place for a Club Fat Ass event. For those who choose the Full Fluffy Bunny Run, the trail will be tough but the views at the top will be well worth the effort.

The Glory

• Tough course for the long run - tough name for the short run
• Beautiful scenery

The Differences

This event follows the guidelines provided by Club Fat Ass for safe and successful, informal endurance sports "parties":

• It is free for Club members
• It is hosted by a Club member
• It is small and informal. Guests should come prepared for the weather and the terrain and not expect aid or course marking. They should expect to follow detailed written course instructions
• It is environmentally friendly. We aim to leave our route in better shape than it was before we passed though.
• It is as much about the camaraderie as the competition.

Guests at the event download from the Internet directions based on natural and physical landmarks. As with orienteering, those who aren't familiar with the course will pause frequently to consult the written directions, giving a slight competitive advantage to those who have trained on it. Course directions are available year 'round on the agenda page of this website and we encourage everyone to enjoy the route as often as they please throughout the year.

Detailed questions and clarifications specific to this event are provided in the Fluffy Bunny FAQ.

 

 

Thanks!

Our hope is to make this event totally self-supporting. In other words, do all of the organization beforehand and also participate. This would be an impossible dream without a lot of behind the scenes help.

If you'd like to support the Fluffy Bunny in some way, we'd love to have you onboard. At the very least, we can promise you a place on this Thank You page! Please contact us with your thoughts on how you'd like to participate.

Many thanks to:

North Shore Athletics: Thanks for the drawprizes. NSA is also offering you 10% off any regularly priced inventory when you mention in the store that you are a Club Fat Ass member.
TrailRunner: Thank you for the 2 gift subscriptions to your popular magazine as draw prize. Also for offering members of Club Fat Ass a special discounted subscription price
KINeSYS: Thanks for the assortment of body and sun care products to keep all participants protected from the elements.

 

Club Fat Ass A big thanks goes out to all the people who make Club Fat Ass the great club that it is. Club Fat Ass helps the race with web hosting, online registration and coaches us on how to host a safe, fun, environmentally-friendly event.

 

 

 

Agenda

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Saturday 2 August 2008
5:30am	Get up. Check the weather. Print off your route instructions and make sure you know how to get to the start
6:30am	Meet at White Spot for pre-run breakfast (see address below).  There will be no post run meal so if there are any prizes they will be awarded before the run.
8:00am	Arrive at the parking lot by the warden's office near the beach at Buntzen Lake park. The gate doesn't open until 8 so don't get there too much before then.
8:05am	Check in with Geoff
8:28am	Pictures!
8:30am	Start your run
9:30am	First people finish
2:30pm	Possible first Fluffy Bunny racers finish
6:30pm	Possible last Fluffy Bunny racers finish.

How to get to the start (Buntzen Lake South Beach Parking lot)

• Find your way to Port Moody, BC.
• From where St. John’s Street meets the Barnet Hwy, take IoCo Road North
• IoCo Rd. will turn into Heritage Mountain Blvd. There is a sign to Buntzen Lake here. Continue on Heritage Mountain Road until you hit the traffic circle
• Take the first exit out of the traffic circle onto David Street. There is a Buntzen Lake sign here
• Go left onto Forrest Park Way. There is a Buntzen Lake sign here.
• Take an immediate Left on Aspenwood Dr. (it’s going to look like you are heading into a residential area here…. Your just going to have to trust me… this is the right way)
• Aspenwood will turn into East Rd. Follow East Rd. for about 2km then make a right onto Sunnyside Drive.
• Sunnyside Drive will take you directly to the Park. Follow the Park Rd. to the South Beach parking lot and look for me (Geoff)… I’ll be wearing my black Club Fat Ass t-shirt and I drive a silver/grey sunfire.  I will be at the south end of the parking lot.   

What to Bring?

• Come equipped for the distance you are going to run and plan to be self sufficient for food and water (keep in mind if you are doing the 35K you could be out there for more than 6 hours so bring at least 3 litres of fluids).
• Print out and bring your course description/maps (put them into a ziploc bag so they don't turn into mush)
• Cellphone (although most of the park does not have cell service).
• Towel and change of clothes. Don't expect a shower, but you might want to consider a post run swim in Buntzen Lake

Pre-Event breakfast

• Because of the wide range of times and distances I am not planning a post run gathering.  Instead, I am going to have a pre-race breakfast.  It will be at 6:30am at the White Spot in Port Coquitlam.   3025 Lougheed Hwy (close to the corner of Westwood and Lougheed).  Because there is no post run gathering, if there are any prizes they will be awarded during the pre-run breakfast.   

Course

There are several different routes and distance options. The Buntzen Lake trail system is generally well marked, but it is your responsibility to print out the maps and familiarize yourself with the course you choose to run. Note the average times for each run... these are not exaggerations!!! Be sure to be prepared for your distance keeping in mind there will not be access to water along the way.
 

 Start for all routes 

•  Start at the trailhead at the southwest corner of the main parking lot.
  
•  Head South until you hit the floating bridge.  Cross this bridge.  The end of the bridge is where the groups will break off.
  
• There are a few separate trails between the parking lot and the bridge.  Stay on the "Buntzen Lake Trail".  All main intersections are well marked. 
  
• We will all be together for this part so just follow the person in front of you! 
  

The Extreme Punisher Run (approx. 11K loop, be prepared for 1 hour)

General Directions: 

• On the map on the link below it is # 4 Buntzen Lake Trail.
  
• This run follows the Buntzen Lake Trail all the way around the lake.  The trail is very well marked.
  
• When heading from South to North (on the west side of the lake), stay on the main trail and follow the Buntzen Lake Trails signs. 
  
• When heading from North to South (on the east side of the lake), stay on the main trail. You should always be between
  Powerhouse Road
  and the lake on this section. 
  

Specific Directions (note:  all distances are approximations):

• After the bridge, turn right onto the gravel road.
  
• Follow the gravel road for about 1 km until you get the very end.  At the end, there are two trailheads right next to each other.  They are well marked but be sure to take the one labeled "Buntzen Lake Trail".  There are several trailheads on the road between the bridge and the end of the gravel road.  be sure to stay on the gravel road until the end (there is also a building at the end of the road.  When you get to the building you are at the correct trailhead).
  
• Follow the trail for about 4 kms.  There are no other main trails that intersect with the Buntzen Lake Trail until you are at the north end of the lake.  There are a couple of secondary trails that intersect, but stay on the main trail.
  
• After the 4 kms, you will hit a T-intersection.  Go right (left = Lakeview trail).  It is well marked. 
  
• Suspension Bridge in 0.1 km.  If you are doing the 11km, cross the bridge and turn right towards the beach on the other side.  If you are doing the 25km, cross the bridge and turn left down the gravel road.  If you are doing the 25 km, go to the Run in the Park Directions now. 
  
• Pass the outhouses on your left, the beach on your right, the creepy house on the left, then the water tunnel on your right.  Take the trail up to a gravel road (this is powerhouse road) and turn right.
  
• Immediately after turning right on the gravel road there is a trail head for the Buntzen Lake Trail.  Just follow the signs. 
  
• After approx 1.5 kms there will be a trail to the left.  go straight (follow the signs)
  
• After another 1 km, there will be a fork.  Go right (to the left will be a bridge).  Keep following the Buntzen Lake Trail signs. 
  
• In 0.1 km there is a T intersection.  Go left (right = viewpoint).  Keep following the BLT signs. 
  
• After about 1 km you will be back at the south beach.  Pass the dog off-leash area on the right.  There is one point close to the parking lot where there is one trail left, one straight and the off leash dog area to the right.  This is the only unmarked intersection.  Take the middle path.
  
• In 0.2 kms there is a fork.  Go right. 
  
• In 0.1 km you are back at the parking lot.
  
• Congratulations!!!  You have completed the Extreme Punishment Run!
  

The Whoa Nelly Run (approx. 15K, be prepared for at least 2 hours...3 for the average runner)

 General Directions:

• Out on the Diez Vista Trail (# 6) back on either the Buntzen lake trail (#4) or the Lakeview trail (#8)500 meters of elevation gain
  
• From the parking lot head south until you get to the floating bridge. When you get off the floating bridge start going up and keep going up
  
• There are a couple of marked intersections…. Just follow the signs
  
• There are many switchbacks. Be careful not to miss any of them.
  The trail is well marked with orange flagging tape (no, I am not breaking the Club Fat Ass pact to not mark the trail… it was there to begin with)
  
• Get to the top and enjoy the many views… unless it’s cloudy… in that case, enjoy the clouds.
  
• Head down until you hit the road. Again keep your head up for the orange markers
  
• If you are heading back to the parking lot at this point, make a right on the road and then a right on the Academy Trail…. Stay on the Academy trail for about 1 km until you get to the North Beach.
  
• If you want to take the Buntzen Lake trail back see the Extreme Punisher course description.
  
• If you want to take the Lakeview trail back (which is a really deceiving name because from what I remember there are really very few views!) stay on the Academy trail and it should hit the Lakeview trail. Specific Directions: 
  

• After the bridge, go straight up the trail.  You are now on the Diez Vista Trail.  Start climbing!
  
• In less than 100 meters, you will hit a junction.  Go right.  Follow the signs.
  
• In less than 400 meters, you will hit another junction.  Veer left through the gate.  Follow the signs.
  
• There is a series of intersections after about 2 km.  At the first intersection, go straight. About 20 meters later go left, and then make an immediate right.  This area is well marked; stay on the Diez Vista Trail.  You are on the right track if you have to go under a pipe within about 50 meters. 
  
• In less than 1 km you start the switchbacks to the top.  There are two ways to the top.
  
  • Way #1: The easiest way is the switchbacks.  It is decently well marked. The only slightly confusing part is at the top.  There is a left turn that you have to take that is slightly hidden.  Luckily, if you miss it, there is a sign (10 meters later) that says “S Beach View (Loop)”.  Do not pass this sign.  Turn around, and from that direction it is quite easy to see the intersection.  After taking the hidden left turn, you should see a “Cima Amaneces” sign in about 100 meters and a Diez Vista sign about 20 meters after that. 
    
  • Way #2:  If you miss one of the switchbacks you will take the B line to the top.  A bit shorter, but it is very steep.  It is easy to find yourself on this route because even though it is not marked with orange flagging tape, it is very well traveled.  Follow the trail right to the top.  Soon you will get back to the Orange flagging tape.  You will get to the “hidden left turn” from the opposite direction, so you will take that turn right.  So behind you, there will be a sign that says “S Beach View (Loop)” and in front of you there will be a sign that says “Main Trail Int”.  After taking the right turn, you should see a “Cima Amaneces” sign in about 100 meters and a Diez Vista sign about 20 meters after that. 
    

• Follow the trail for a couple of kms past 2 very nice overlooks (great photo spots).  About 500 meters after the second View Point, there is a fork in the trail.  Go left.  Just follow the orange flagging tape. 
  
• Pass several more view points over the next couple of kilometers. 
  
• There is a point where there is a very steep down, followed by a 100 meter flat section.  At there end of the flat section you come to a T intersection that is unmarked (one of the only unmarked intersections on the trail).  Go left.  You should soon see some orange markers again. 
  
• About 1 km after the T intersection, you will hit a dirt road.  If you are doing the 35 km, go left (and now go to the 35km directions).  If you are doing the 15 km go right (and continue reading on).
  
• Follow the road under the power lines and turn right onto the Old Buntzen Lake trail about 50 meters after the power lines (follow the signs)
  
• 500 meters after turning onto the Buntzen Lake trail, there is a junction.  From here there are 3 ways back to the car. 
  
  • Way #1:  Lakeview Trail:  At the junction go right.  This trail is a little longer with more climbing.  You will add a couple of kms to the distance if you go this route.  I don’t have specific directions as I have only been on this trail once.  However, it is marked on the map, and I seem to remember it being well marked. 
    
  • Way #2 and 3:  Buntzen Lake Trail West Side or East Side:  This trail is relatively flat, but technical at some points.  At the junction, go left.  In 100 meters you will hit another junction.  To return on the West side of the lake, go right. To return on the East side of the lake go left.  The west side is a little longer and a little more technical. 
    
  • Way #2 (Buntzen Lake Trail West Side):  Follow the trail for about 4 kms until you hit a dirt road.  Turn right and follow the dirt road until you get to the floating bridge on your left.  Head back to the parking lot the way you came. 
    
  • Way #3 (Buntzen Lake Trail East Side):  Follow the Extreme Punishment Run Directions starting from “Suspension Bridge in 0.1 km”
    
  • Congratulations!!! You have completed the Whoa Nelly Run!
    

  The Run in the Park (25K, be prepared for 6 hours without access to water)
  

  • Take the Buntzen Lake Trail to the North Suspension Bridge (see Extreme Punisher run for description to this point.
    
  • After the Suspension Bridge, turn left on the dirt road (11 km runners will be going right)
    
  • Head North up the Road.  Shortcut Option: You can take the Swan Falls Junction trail up.  The Swan Falls Junction Trailhead will be about 200 meters up the dirt road.  I have never done this trail, but I'm told it is very steep (including parts with ropes to hang on to).  There are no other junctions on the map, and I assume it is well marked.  Take the shortcut at your own risk!
    
  • If you are going to do the full 25km, head north on the road past the Swan Falls Trail junction.  Continue North on the road.  There should be two forks.  The first is about 500 meters past the Swan Falls Trail Junction.  Stay left here.  The second is about 300 meters later. Go right here (if you cross over a giant pipe, you have gone too far).  Head north on the road for about 2 km until you get to the Dilly Daly Trail head (it is well marked on the road).  The trail is again marked with Orange flagging tape.
    
  • Go up. Way up. Just because it feels like you have been heading up for ages don’t think you are lost.  It will take most people over two hours of climbing to get to the top. In fact, you are more likely to be off the trail if you are not climbing.  Follow the orange flagging tape. 
    
  • Before you get to the very top, there is a junction that is not very well marked (at least it wasn't well marked last time I did the trail).  You must go right here.  If you miss this turnoff, the trail will level out and you will eventually get to a boulder field.  If you hit the boulder field you have gone to far.  Turn around and go back.  Like most junctions, it is impossible to find in one direction and obvious in the other direction.  Keep a lookout for the junction. 
    
  • Once you get to the top continue following the orange flagging tape.
    
  • You will pass the Swan Falls Junction.  Go straight here. 
    
  • Continue on the trail for several kms.  There are no trail junctions until you get to the lakes.
    
  • Take whatever route you would like around the lakes.  Every time I do this part I take a different route. They are all quite nice, and they will all lead back to the main trail. 
    
  • After the lakes, you will pass a junction that will take you to Coquitlam Lake.  Keep going straight. 
    
  • Keep following the trail down, down, down. You will hit a T intersection at the bottom… go left.
    
  • Continue for about 1 km until you get to a bridge… cross the bridge
    
  • Continue for about 1 km until you get to the road… turn left at the Road towards the yellow gate
    
  • Turn right after the gate into the parking lot where your car is.
    
  • Congratulations!!!  You have completed the Run in the Park. 
    

  The Fluffy Bunny Trail Run (32-35K, be prepared for 8 hours without access to water)
  

  • Take the Whoa Nelly Direction until you hit the dirt road at the north end.  Go left here. 
    
  • Pass 2 junctions on the road to the left, pass over a giant pipe, take the next road left. 
    
  • Follow the Run in the Park directions starting from "Head north on the road for about 2 km until you get to the Dilly Daly Trail head (it is well marked on the road).  The trail is again marked with Orange flagging tape."
    
  • Congratulations!!! You have completed the Fluffy Bunny Trail Run. 
    

  Helpful Links
  

  • Trail Descriptions
    
  • Trail Maps
    
  • There are also full color maps at the Parking Lot. Best to grab one before you head out.
    

FAQ

Q:	I've never done a trail run before. Is this a good place to start?
A:	Yes and no. The Buntzen Lake loop is a great place for a first Trail Run as it is only 11km and relatively flat. The Diez Vista and Dilly Daly Trails should probably only be attempted by experienced trail runners… but hey… who am I to tell you what you can and can’t do?
Q:	Can I run less than 11K or more than 35K?
A:	Heck yes you can. If you want to run more than 35K, you will get special recognition as a certified glutton for punishment. We strongly recommend you have a pacer for any distance over 50K and that you carry a cell phone so you can call someone to pick you up when you expire.
Q:	How tough is the course?
A:	The Buntzen Trail Loop is “relatively” flat and is not too tough…. if you are trained for it. The Diez Vista and Dilly Daly loops are very tough with 600m (a couple thousand feet) of elevation gain on each one. Only the tough will survive the dreaded Fluffy Bunny Trail Run.  Expect to take at least 6-7 hours on the full 35km route.
Q:	Do I really need to print off the course instructions and bring them with me?
A:	Yes. Without the detailed instructions or an intimate familiarity with the route, you stand a very good chance of getting lost.
Q:	What if I get lost?
A:	You shouldn't get lost if you refer to the course instructions where you are faced with a choice of direction. If you do feel you are lost, ask someone. If you always get lost, bring a cell phone just to be sure.  If your cell phone doesn't work, go back the way you came until you know where you are.  If that doesn't work, sit on a rock and wait for the bears... I mean SAR.
Q:	Do I get credit for any time I spend off-course?
A:	Are you kidding? Getting lost is a rite of passage for Club Fat Ass. Most of the time, you can blame yourself for not paying attention. If you do find an obvious mistake in the course directions, point it out to the Event Host at the finisher party for a free beer!
Q:	Couldn't you mark the course like just about every other race I've ever been in? It's a pain to pause and read instructions.
A:	Club Fat Ass events are supposed to be different than every other race you've ever been in. As an Event Host, we have to commit to not putting chalk/flour on the ground, hanging surveyor tape in the trees, painting rocks with arrows, putting up signs or doing anything that might leave a trace of the race. Besides, having to read written course directions tends to slow down the faster runners.
Q:	How accurate are the course distances?
A:	Take the distances with a grain of salt. The distances are taken from the trailhead pamphlet.
Q:	This event is free, but for Club Fat Ass members only. How do I get into the club?
A:	There is no hazing ceremony like the Hash House Harriers! Runners, walkers, hikers, triathletes, adventure racers, mountain bikers and anyone else interested in having fun in the great outdoors is welcome and can register online for a nominal fee. You have the option of signing up for the annual membership (includes a funky tech shirt) or a single-day membership (note: please sign-up online and in advance of the event for either membership)
Q:	Can I wait until the last minute and join at the start?
A:	Yes, but we prefer you don't. You will not be allowed to take out an annual Club Fat Ass membership on the day-of-event, so you won't get a cool t-shirt. Last minute registration makes it very difficult to organize and coordinate the event. Remember, if you are not yet a Club Fat Ass member, you will need to sign up for a membership first and then register for the free event.
Q:	It's a free world. What's to stop me from just running the course.
A:	Nothing...in fact, we encourage you to run the course often in training! We prefer that you do not 'bandit' the course on event day, however. If you insist, please don't take any of the aid intended for members. You will not get recognition in the results or be eligible for any draw prizes and you'll have to wear a black patch over one eye at the party. Furthermore, you won't be allowed into future events until you come clean with past membership dues.
Q:	What is the 'Rule of the Trail'?
A:	If you pack it in, you can pack it out. (That means don't you dare litter!) Leave nothing but your footprints on the course. We strongly encourage you to pick up any trash you find along the trail and to present it to the Event Host at the finisher banquet. There may be a recognition award for the person who packs out more than they packed in. The punishment for littering is death….. or a disappointed head shake… whatever the situation warrents.
Q:	What if I have to heed the call of nature?
	There are washrooms at the Start/End point of the race. If you need to heed the call of nature while on the trail, try to go 10 feet of the trail and at least 100 meters from a water source. Also try to bury it if you can.
Q:	What should I bring on race day?
A:	Whatever you figure you will need given the weather, the distance you propose to run, your physical fitness on the day and your plans for after the run. Some thoughts are on the event agenda. Weather. Click here for a local forecast Distance. Since you are an experienced endurance sports athlete, you should know what you need. Water and food is an issue, so we recommend you carry at least 2 large bottles of fluid and plenty of trail chow. Fitness. Since you are an experienced endurance sports athlete, you should know what you are capable of. If in doubt, take it easy and go a shorter distance. Après run. Bring a change of clothes for the after party. You may not get a chance to shower… don’t worry about it… we will all stink!
Q:	I am supposed to be self-sufficient because there is no aid provided. Can I get a friend to come out and give me food and drink along the route?
A:	Yes but once you start on the trail accessing it from other places can be tough. Best you be ready to be self sufficient.
Q:	Can I bring my friends and family to the finisher party even if they didn't run or volunteer?
A:	Absolutely!
Q:	Are there any trophies, prizes or other hardware or freebies?
A:	If you assume there's no aid, no course marking, no t-shirt, no enthusiastic spectators and no prizes or freebies of any sort, you might be pleasantly surprised. Best you plan to show up at the finisher party!
Q:	When will the 'official' results be available?
A:	We hope to have the results up on within 24 hours of the finisher banquet. We will also distribute the results to major local and national ultrarunning communities.

Contact - Fluffy Bunny

I welcome your comments, criticisms, feedback and questions.

Please be sure to read the the Agenda and FAQ section of this website first, as this is where I've tried to answer the most frequently asked questions.

Geoffrey Palmer - Your CFA Event Host

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