C93

[snowmonster]

This question is directed to Cannon regulars or those who know Cannon history: There was an article in this month's Powder which mentioned the revival of the C93 race trail. It mentioned that C93 was currently made up of 4 different trails. What are these trails and where does/will C93 run? Thanks for the info!

 

[riverc0il]

Never heard of C93. 1967 World Cup Mens Downhill went top to bottom and they used Tramway (or was it Vista?), Bypass, Extension, and Avalanche with the bottom part of Avalanche cut to the road by the lake to meet the Downhill requirements. They used Paulie's for one of the other events. I don't remember that downhill having been run since. There was some rumor mongering on AZ last year about FSC footing the bill for improvements to get a downhill or Super G course on Skylight to Lower Hard or something crazy like that. FSC footing the bill for Baron's Run "improvements" is still a current topic.

 

[snowmonster]

Thanks, Riv. That sounds like it. Here's a portion of the article titled "Slope Restoration:"

"Now, 45 years later, there is talk among members of the long-standing Franconia Ski Club, a stakeholder in Cannon history since 1933, to restore the 1967 downhill run as a venue for speed events in the East. The course known as C-93 was a compilation of four trails strung together with the start pushed above the tram station and the finish stretched practically onto the highway through Franconia Notch to meet F.I.S. requirements."

The article's author, Meghan McCarthy McPhaul, was also the author of that recent book on Cannon history.

 

[Abubob]

Doesn't McPhaul's book show that coming down Tramway to Avalanche?

 

[Meghan]

C93 is Vista Way (from above the Tram station) - By-Pass - Extension - Avalanche.
Women's SL was on Paulie's.

 

[wawawawawa]

Awesome picture of cannon.

 

[snowmonster]

Thanks for the information, Meghan, and welcome to the boards!

Follow-up question: where is Killy's Corner?

 

[Meghan]

The photo is from the 1967 WC program. There's a sketch of the trails showing pitch, length, etc. (page 112 of my book), but I didn't think it would reproduce well here.

Killy's Corner is that wicked turn from Extension onto Avalanche -- it's nearly a right angle, and racers would be going at a good clip there!

 

[SIKSKIER]

Definately Vista Way-Bypass-Extension-Avalanche.First time I've heard of the course running past the bottom of Avi towards 93.Im looking into that one.

Hey Meghan,is your brother Bill and dad Red?

 

[Meghan]

The World Cup was before I-93 came through the Notch. Route 18 (of three-mile hill) used to go on the mountain side of Echo Lake -- you can see remnants of it in the photo. Downhill course was pushed practically onto the lake for length.

And, yes, Red's my dad (was a gatekeeper for the women's SL in '67), and Billy is my brother.

 

[SIKSKIER]

Holy cow.I know your brother well.I also rented a house from your dad 30 years ago on Upper Brook Road in Bethlehem.Small world.

 

[Puck it]

The old road is the road that leads to the park headquarters. Correct?

 

[SIKSKIER]

The old road is the road that leads to the park headquarters. Correct?

That is correct.I might be wrong Meghan but I thought Rt3 went by the mt side of Echo Lake and not Rt18.I know 18 goes down 3 mile hill but I thought that it was Rt3 where the old Profile hotel sat.

 

[Puck it]

That is correct.I might be wrong Meghan but I thought Rt3 went by the mt side of Echo Lake and not Rt18.I know 18 goes down 3 mile hill but I thought that it was Rt3 where the old Profile hotel sat.

I think you are right. Old rt. 3 went through the notch.

 

[snowmonster]

The photo is from the 1967 WC program. There's a sketch of the trails showing pitch, length, etc. (page 112 of my book), but I didn't think it would reproduce well here.

Killy's Corner is that wicked turn from Extension onto Avalanche -- it's nearly a right angle, and racers would be going at a good clip there!

Thanks again, Meghan. I am enjoying your book, by the way. Congratulations on it!

By the way, you might want to hang around these boards for a bit. Cannon-related issues crop up every now and then. I think having a resident Cannon historian might help put some perspective into the debate.

 

[DoublePlanker]

Great book Meghan. I really enjoyed reading it. The picture of the WC course is great. I think that picture is on the wall in the Cannon summit lodge.

When I was a kid, my family had a house on Upper Brook Road across the street from Red.

 

[Meghan]

Here's a quote from the 1967 WC program, in a section written by Sonny Macaulay (long time Cannon patroller) about all the changes made to the DH course for the race: “In order to lengthen the course and attain a greater vertical drop, a four hundred foot extension has been added at the foot of Avalanche which brings the finish line onto the old Route 18 between the Zoomer Chairlift and the Tramway Valley Station.” ... Not sure if Route 18 and Route 3 merged in the Notch before the Interstate came through.

Thanks for the nice comments on the book -- glad you've enjoyed it (snowmonster and DoublePlanker).

As for Dad's Brook Rd. A-frame -- I remember the place, barely. And Dad has his "Red's Beds" sign hanging over his work shop now.