Chabot to Las Trampas... and Back!

This past weekend was time for another long run in the training program: 22 miles.  We like to turn each long run into an adventure by finding new parks to explore.  Luckily, Sarah Lavender Smith posted a blog about her run in the EBMUD territory between Lake Chabot and Las Trampas just in time and we decided to give it a try.  We altered her run a bit and decided to run up and over Rocky Ridge into a staging area in Las Trampas to refill our Camelbacks.  The infrequently used trails provided a remote experience (we didn't see a single soul until we reached Las Trampas), but was a bit more technical than we were used to.  Even though we were paying close attention to the trail, we missed a few turns.  We tripped on branches and slipped on piles of leaves and mud constantly along parts of the Ramage Trail.  I would not suggest running this trail after recent rainfall unless you enjoy slipping and sliding.

After the run, I was surprised to see that the total elevation climb was over 6k feet!  It was certainly a tough run, but the only long, strenuous climb that I remembered was the path up to Rocky Ridge from both directions.  (The twin peaks that you see on the elevation chart.)  The rest of the trail profile was bumpy with very limited flat stretches, so the "bumps" must have really added up.

Overall, we had a successful run and brought the right amount of water, electrolytes and nutrition this time.  We encountered a few other "technical" issues, however, which were not trail-related...

Lessons of the day: 

1. Don't keep your car key in the same pocket as your GUs/snacks.  It can easily fall out unnoticed, resulting in a disappointing end to your awesome run.
2. Make sure to turn your cell phone off while running to prevent roaming from draining the battery.  This makes for a double dose of disappointment.
3. Don't keep a backup cell phone locked in the glove compartment unless you are sure that Lesson #1 has been thoroughly learned.  Now you are SOL.

What an adventure!

Our out-and-back route from Chabot to Las Trampas.

Whew.  Over 6k feet of climbing.

Be careful at this post.  Ramage Trail is straight ahead.

An example of the trail condition.

It took us awhile to figure out that the trail continues past the ropes.

Making my way up one of the many mud slides.

Cows along Ramage Trail.

One of the many obstacles along the way.

Yes, this is actually the right direction!

Mossy, green trails on the way to Ramage Peak.

Some areas were trickier than others.

Ramage Peak!

A vista of EBMUD territory.

A vista on the way up to Rocky Ridge.

We found several cute salamanders, like this one.  We raced him up the hill.