Introducing the Bagger Challenge to the BCMC.

The challenge was started in 2009 by a small group of ultra runners in Club Fat Ass. Of course, we all know that mountaineers have an advantage at this sort of thing so I've been enjoying giving them a run for their money since 2011. How many of the 66 peaks can you climb in one season? Get to know the North Shore like you've never known it before! Sometimes we run but mostly we hike and scramble.

The challenge has an early season that runs from March 19th to June 24th when only a subset of the peaks are available. Runners don't do well on snow so these are the more accessible peaks. The main season goes from June 25th to Oct 28th when everything on the list is eligible.

The official facebook group and leader board that shows the current standings as well as the complete peak list and various stories of loss, suffering, and adventure is here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/baggerchallenge/ . As you climb peaks you add yourself as well as the initials of the peak you've climbed to the leader board. You have to update the leader board within 3 days of climbing a peak, no sandbagging! :-) There is no requirement to be an official bagger challenge participant to join this event but it is a free competition.

I'll be posting a number of challenge trips this season.

The first is a relatively easy Seymour sweep covering De Pencier Bluff, Pump (1st pk), Tim Jones (2nd pk), Seymour (3rd pk), and Suicide Bluffs. It should take about 6 hours. Bring your lightweight hikers and gear. It's not too critical on this one but generally the lighter you are, the faster you are. Here's my streamlined bagger kit: http://millsoft.ca/maurer/BaggersGuide/kit/. It would be advisable to bring an ice axe or poles and micro spikes or crampons for the traverse around the north side of Tim Jones. I haven't been up this season but the crossing can be messy at this time of year.

I prefer going into the backcountry on bluebird days so will not restrict these events to weekends. Weekend versions can be added by those that feel so inclined. You don't have to be a runner to join this event but you do have to be fit. We will be moving at a fast pace.

Distance: 9.8 km
Time: 6 hours
Gain: 791 m

Photos
Bill https://goo.gl/photos/vVknSWTSUFJCFpM96
Michelle https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=948240355294028&id=100003242174540