Bimblers Sound Race Info

Click here to view maps of the Bluff course. Also watch the Bulletin Board for annoucements regarding Bite of the Bluff training runs for an opportunity to try sections of the route with people who think they know the way!

The route of the Bluff will follow parts of the ‘Triple M Trail’ otherwise known as Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett. In January 2008 the House of Representatives passed the   New England Scenic Trail Designation Acton January 29, 2008 by a vote of 261 to 122, which will result in an amendment to the National Trail System Act to designate the Monadnock, Metacoment and Mattabesett (MMM) Trail System as the New England National Scenic Trail. [Read more…] about New England National Scenic Trail

A sizable bite of the bluff was completed yesterday and despite the hot, humid conditions everyone who we believe started returned to their cars. The run wasn’t without it’s moments though, we lost a dog over the edge at Bluff Head. No-one saw him go but we heard the rustling as he sped to the base of the cliff and just as the decision was made to start heading back down, the poor animal reappeared on the trail, exhausted from a hasty bushwhack back to his master. Then the owner, already nursing a knee injury, slipped and ended up sitting in a bog. From one angle it looked like he had slipped up to his neck in mud but his body was simply covered by foliage.

The northern loop of the Bluff course is tough, without wishing to sound as if I’m hyping it up, the course does include some significant sections of elevation change, very technical stretches and under the tree canopy it is easy to lose your sense of direction, causing you to question if it will every end. Yet despite this, the course has many interesting features including mica rock formations, several creeks, ponds and of course spectacular views from the Bluff itself. Later in the afternoon, Guthrie bumped into a local runner who mentioned he had also been running parts of the course and described it as ‘intimidating’. I hope the experience doesn’t put him off, the route is meant to be challenging but at the same time managable. The event is intended to not only provide a test of the runner’s ability but to make runners aware more aware of the many great trails we have around Guilford. As we munched on banana following yesterday’s ‘bite’, the conversation also turned to the demands of the route. When I first mapped it out I thought an 8 hour cutoff would be sufficient, I’ve always managed to comfortable complete it within 6 hours, but when other Bimbler’s tried it I upped the limit to 9 hours, after yesterday they convinced me that 10 would be a more realistic upper limit.

The goal is to create an opportunity for success, the unique finisher award we are planning will not be devalued by the longer time. It is great to hear that runners are out sampling the course, as it proves that at least one objective of the race is being realized. I just hope that they will now move on to accept the Bluff challenge and sign up!

Runners looking to experience a long distance trail race but who are not confident in being able to complete a full 50k may enter the Goat or Gazelle Relay. For the relay, teams of 2 runners will complete the Bluff course that has been divided into 3 sections. The Gazelle will run the first and last section, this route is generally less technical than the mid-section; while the Goat will cover the more ‘mountainous’ middle portion. Teams must nominate who will participate as the Goat or Gazelle at entry. Switching roles after the race has started will not be permitted. The cut off times stated for the individual race shall also apply to the relay. [Read more…] about Goat or Gazelle Relay