2008 Shore to Shore Relay Stage Overview
Stage One – 76.2km
Description: The race begins in Port Stanley adjacent to the Main Beach. The course then heads North to Lake Line. The course follows Lake Line and then a short section on Iona Rd. and Thomas Rd. before joining onto Fingal Line. The course then follows Fingal Line through Port Talbot before heading off onto scenic Lake View Line. There are several challenging hills in the first half of the stage. The course then passes John E. Pearce Provincial Park and continues southwest on Talbot Trail and Gray Line. The course then moves North and parrellels Talbot Trail before return South towards the Village of Morpeth and the end of the stage. The Stage finishes in J.R. Smith Park in Morpeth.
Leg Distances: Leg 1 - 11.7km, Leg 2 - 14.3km, Leg 3 – 7.9km, Leg 4 – 10.5km, Leg 5 – 10.5km, Leg 6 – 9.5km Leg 7 – 11.8km
Strategy: Early on in the day it is important to keep your hydration levels up in advance of the hottest part of the day.
Supplies: Best location to purchase food and supplies is in Port Stanley is at the Port Stanley Food Market (291 Colborne Street - Phone: 519-782-3315). There are several gas stations on the way to Port Stanley from London/St Thomas. There is also a gas station, variety store and snack bar in Morpeth.
What else is in the Area: You can also take a ride on the Port Stanley Terminal Rail in a circa 1950s diesel locomotive. Hang out at the Beach in Port Stanley or visit some of the local art galleries.
Stage Two – 54km
Description: Stage Two Begins at J.R. Smith Park in Morpeth. Upon leaving the park the course heads to west to Hill Rd and the turns south towards Rose Point and Rondeau Provincial Park. Once the course reaches Rondeau Provincial Park the course head North, crosses over the 401 and heads towards the Thames River. Following Mull Rd and reaching River Rd at the 110km mark. The course then follows River Rd to Thamesville and the Stage Finish at the Westover Treatment Centre. The course is flat, but does gain elevation slightly as it moves away from Lake Erie.
Leg Distance: Leg 8 – 7.6km, Leg 9 – 9.1km, Leg 10 – 5.2km, Leg 11 – 7.6km, Leg 12 - 8.6km, Leg 13 - 8.5km, Leg 14 - 7.4km
Strategy: Teams will begin this stage in the early to late-afternoon. Be sure to stock up on supplies and gas before finishing this stage as many stores will be closed by the time the next stage begins.
Day vs. Night: The timeframe of this leg will be early to early-afternoon to sun-down.
Supplies: The Town of Morpeth is the best location for Food and Fuel (L & R Service - (519) 674-0359) directly on the early stages of the race route. Thamesville, which is the finish of the stage, is also a good source for Food (Thamesville Foodland – (519) 692-3917) and Fuel (Ron's Gas Bar - (519) 692-3856). Ridgetown, which is 5km North of Morpeth, is also another good source for supplies.
What else is in the area: Visit Rondeau Provincial Park and see Rondeau's Carolinian Forests; home to such southern species as Tulip Tree, Sassafras, Virginia Oppossum, Yellow-breasted Chat and the endangered Prothonotary Warbler. Visit the Chatham-Kent Museum. The collection includes artifacts from the War of 1812, a nationally designated Gray Dort automobile, several locally made horse drawn vehicles, and, of course, the world famous Sulman Mummy.
Stage Three – 61.1km
Stage Description: The course heads North from Thamesville towards the Sydenham River. Once the course reaches the Sydenham River it follows Grove Mills Line, Dawn Mills Line and Sydneham Line to the town of Dresden. The course cross the south branch of the Sydneham River in Dresden and then head north on Walnut St and then follows the Sydenham River's north bank. The course touched the north east corner of Wallaceburg before heading north, and then west crossing the north branch of the Sydenham River on Langstaff Line. The course then heads west on Pointe Line to reach the St. Clair Parkway and the Stage Finish at Brander Park just south of Port Lambton. The course is flat and fast.
Integral Stage Data: Leg 15 – 7.4km, Leg 16 – 10.2km, Leg 17 – 8.5km, Leg 18 - 7km, Leg 19 – 9.8km, Leg 20 - 7.5km, Leg 21 – 10.6km
Strategy: This is the overnight stage of the race. Ensure that you are rotating your racers so that some of your team mates are able to get some sleep. Be safe, avoid any injuries and just focus on making consistent progress.
Day vs. Night: The timeframe of this leg will be from sun down to early pre-dawn morning.
Supplies: The Town of Wallaceburg will be the best location for supplies for this stage. There is a 24hrs Sobeys (62 McNaughton Street - (519) 627-9911) for food. There are several gas stations in the area, but none that are 24hrs. There are several 24hr gas stations in Sarina.
What else is in the Area: There are several attractions in the area. There is a historic site near the race course. Rev. Josiah Henson Established a colony for enslaved persons & became popular as a main character in Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, "Uncle Tom's Cabin". Visit his home and other unique 19th Century buildings
Stage Four – 63.3km
Stage Description: The course heads north on the St. Clair Parkway passing several parks before reaching Corunna. The course then heads East on Roxeby Line. The course then turns North on Waterworks Rd starting the long northward track towards Sarnia. Exchange zones in this portion of the course are at major intersections and easy to find. Just before reaching Lakeshore Rd the course picks up the Howard Watson Trail and travels West along the trail towards Mike Weir Park. The course then crosses Lakeshore Rd and enters Mike Weir Park to the Stage Finish. The course is flat and fast.
Integral Stage Data: Leg 22 – 10.2km, Leg 23 – 7.4km, Leg 24 – 5.7km, Leg 25 – 11.6km, Leg 26 – 10.1km, Leg 27 – 10.8km, Leg 28 – 7.5km
Strategy: This is the stage where you come out of the night and into the light. Nothing feels better than seeing the first rays of sunshine after a night on the road. Use the cooler temperature to increase your hydration levels, but make sure to pack that extra layer for this the coolest part of the race.
Day vs. Night: The timeframe is this leg is from pre-dawn early morning to mid-morning.
Supplies: There are several 24hr grocery stores and gas stations in the City of Sarina. The point where the course crosses Hwy 40 or where it crosses London Line is a good time to head into Sarnia
What else is in the area: Enjoy a quiet morning in the many parks along the St. Clair Parkway
Stage Five – 76.7km
Stage Description: The course departs Mike Weir Park and travels along quiet residential streets, most notablely Old Lakeshore Road where the only thing between you and the wide open waters of Lake Huron is the beach! The course then passes through the hamlet of Errol and crosses Lakeshore Rd before reaching the Village of Camlachie. The course then follows a track the takes it East and North skirting around the Towns of Forest and Thedford. The course then follows alongside the Ausable River towards Grand Bend. The final leg of the course takes you right down the main street of Grand Bend before making the final turn into the finishing stretch! The course is mainly flat with a few gentle rollers through river valleys in the final 40km.
Integral Stage Data: Leg 29 – 8km, Leg 30 – 10.9km, Leg 31 – 10.1km, Leg 32 – 9.8km, Leg 33 – 10.4km, Leg 34 – 9km, Leg 35 – 9km, Leg 36 – 9.5km.
Any Activities: Post-Race Party on the beach in Grand Bend!!!
Strategy: In this the final stage, if there is any energy left to give now is the time to use it. The heat will build towards the final legs, so don't forget to stay well hydrated!
Day vs. Night: The timeframe of this stage is mid-morning to mid-day.
Supplies: There are several 24hr grocery stores and gas stations in the City of Sarina. There is also a Sobey's in Grand Bend (Open 8AM to 10PM) as well as several gas stations. There are also gas stations in the Towns of Thedford and Forest as well as variety stores.
What else is in the area: Visit the Grand Bend Motorplex for a great time. Drag racing at its finest! Nitro funny cars add excitement. There is also hiking in the Pinery Provincial Park, the Huron County Playhouse, Spas, Fine Dining, Mini Putt, Batting Cages and so much more.
