| Author |
Topic: Harvest Stompede RR with pictures |
smpankowski
Cool Runner |
 posted Sep-22-2007 10:11 PM
   
The “Harvest Stompede” is a celebration put on by the wineries and orchards from the Suttons Bay area. The races for this event begin at Ciccone’s Vineyards. There’s a 5K and a 7 miler. Both have challenging hills, hair pin turns and breath taking scenery. Both events attract runners of all ages and skill levels. http://www.lpwines.com/wine/annual-harvest-stompede-vineyard-run-walk/ . After running the race the first time last year, I’ve look forward to the event all year. Before the race DW and I talked with Rodney, Chuck, Greg and his DW, Kris. The pre and post race fellowship are the best part of these events. Many cameras were being used. DW and I took pictures for strangers as they took pictures for us.  I’m the one in the ribbed Batman tank top. Registration and packet pick up was at the top a decorated hill with impressive views all around. 
On the way down to the starting line, we meet a couple who may be related to me. The young man was wearing a Spartan helmet and the young woman was taking a 6 ft inflatable monkey with her during the race.  The monkey is the one in the lei. I was more interested in having a good time that competing. RTB’s pictures influenced a decision to take the camera on the race and set a goal of a 10:00 mile. We took off running through the vineyard and yours truly broke out in “Heard it Through the Grapevine”. Most nearby runners joined in. Initially it was hard to pass any one and the first mile was 12:38. We finally got into some fields and was able to make up a min and a half by mile two. By mile three I was back on track and started playing with the camera.  . The upper right corner was ¾ of a mile away as the crow runs. As the crow flies it was much closer. The run through Black Star Farms was just plain neat. If they do not have a haunted walk there, they should.  . Then we began a hill. A big hill….. with bad intents. The top of the hill was at mile 4.4 with an aid station. The person attending yelled “Look at the view” to the gasping runners who were mostly walkers at this point. And I did. And so can you.  
After the hill, the rest of the race was less drastic. We’d run down rows of trees, turn hard and run back down the next row over. From the 6 mile mark, we could see individual vehicles where we parked but still had to cover distance by going up and down and back and forth. The finish was between rows of grape vines and though a trough of grapes. It’s the “Stompede” after all. Michelle (DW) Greg and Kris were cheering for me and Rodney was at the finish line. Final time 1:10:28. I placed 13th in my AG out of nearly 20. Rodneytook 1st, Greg and Kris 2nd in their AGs. After the run, DW and I picked up Table grapes, some deli items, a bottle of NA raspberry wine, a bouquet of mountain flowers, and had a picnic on the shore of the bay.
.... Before I forget, the monkey placed first OA in the Monkey Masters. ------------------
Have Fartlek - Will Travel, SteveP My User Profile [This message has been edited by smpankowski (edited Sep-25-2007).]
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kameele
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-22-2007 10:36 PM
Wow, the monkey really doesn't look his age  Congratulations on a great race and a RR on a level with your best. Very nicely illustrated, too. And I must compiment you on your planning to hit 1K miles at the end. I'm very impressed ( and jealous) So glad you could enjoy a pleasent respite from all the stress. Kevin
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choover
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 12:24 AM
Fun report, excellent photos, good times. You and the DW are adorable together. Your RRs are so enjoyable. Keep 'em coming!Did you happen to spot these two? 
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tselbs
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 06:07 AM
It sure looks like a pretty course, smpankowski. I agree that the pre and post race visits with friends (old and new) is a big part of races. Congratulations to you and your friends on good races.TomS ------------------
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Spareribs
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 06:25 AM
You have the site record for having the most fun at races. I enjoy your reports. Great pictures too. Spareribs
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mcsolar99
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 08:40 AM
hey, we saw that monkey at hood 2 coast. looks like she's recovered from the relay... but she's also had some sort of reduction surgery; probably improved her finish time. both soundrunner and i thought they looked fake anyway...
 everybody looks way too happy in the pics. what were they serving at the aid stations? [This message has been edited by mcsolar99 (edited Sep-23-2007).]
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JJJessee
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 11:04 AM
Running through sounds alot like heaven to me. Are sure that was Michigan  Great pics, sounds like a good days fun.
thanks for sharing
and congrats on the 1000 ytd
jjj
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RunsTheBitterroot
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 12:24 PM
Hi Steve, great job on your race. Nice photo's, looks like a really fun race! Larry------------------
"If you see a man running up a mountain trail in Montana with a fly pole attached to his back, you are probably lost. LDD
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roy c
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 12:47 PM
Hey Steve
That was an amazing report, the pics were cracker, what a fantastic race with a great time and well placed AG. Your wife looks like a number one supporter and nice toooooo.
Well Done
Roy
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evanflein
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 01:21 PM
Steve, your RR's are always so much fun. Thanks so much for posting the pictures, they really are great! Running through vineyards.... always makes for a good day. DW looks lovely and you look like a fun rascal! Truly a nice match. Thanks so much.------------------
evanflein
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piejones
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 03:10 PM
Beautiful scenery for an interesting race. Good report and great racing. Get DW a catsuit and you might be onto something.
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MarkGuy
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 04:37 PM
Steve, sounds like a bunch of fun. I can see why you looked forward to it all year. Great picture of you and your loving wife. You are both lucky. Beautiful pictures! (Yes, JJJ, that's what the other half -- the north half -- of Michigan looks like!)
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Sans Souci
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 05:59 PM
Yay for Mrs. P for suggesting you run this race. She's the Best. "The monkey is the one in the lei." Snork. (BTW, be sure to watch that monkey's driver. At H2C, that driver was scare-eeeee.) You should write a book, Steve. Really. Great RR, beautiful pics, hilarious descriptions.
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FlyingFinn
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 07:51 PM
Steve, you sure know how to have fun! I think I'd be tempted to sit down to take in the view in pic 6 rather than finish the race. You're a funny guy, and romantic, too. You and MrsBatman are both lucky.
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arf 1
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 07:56 PM
Steve, what a neat race! Congrats on running and you and your wife are a gorgeous couple.The photo of the running through the Black Star farms is SO cool. The scenery is stunning, but the best part had to be the after run picnic by the shore of the bay...what a perfect day. arf
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tomwhite
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-23-2007 08:05 PM
.........smp//...........just saw this...........what Great Pictures...............the captions were pretty good too............nice running....
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hollys4874
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 11:54 AM
Steve – I try to never miss one of your race reports, and this one didn’t disappoint. Great pictures and commentary of a fun race![This message has been edited by hollys4874 (edited Sep-24-2007).]
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La Tortuga
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 12:07 PM
I had to wait until I got to work so that I could see the photos. Very nice and worth the wait!!!Both have challenging hills, hair pin turns and breath taking scenery. Wonderful.
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Econo
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 01:54 PM
WOW!!! Awesome, Batman! Now, next year be sure to get a picture of the part where you run through the trough of grapes -- what fun!
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dshclio
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 08:36 PM
Great string Batman, you are looking good and running strong. You must be doing a race a week, up in the up North country, of TC. See you in the spring if not sooner Marathon Derrick.
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TheProFromDover
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-24-2007 09:28 PM
You win for best pictures!
Yeah yeah good run too.
craig
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Canfit
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2007 06:19 PM
Another great race and race report! Expectations are high for all your race reports. Great pics too... looked like a lot of fun. I haven't done a lot of smaller races, but the idea of picnics, parties, etc. sounds like a lot of fun. Usually, after a marathon, all I want to do is sleep!
PJ
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Lil Engine
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-26-2007 10:50 PM
Batman drinks raspberry wine? Who knew?------------------
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"I think I can, I think I can"
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vista129
Cool Runner |
posted Sep-27-2007 11:04 AM
Great pictures.......great report.........great racing.Thanks for sharing it all with us. ------------------
vista129
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