Races and Adventures

“The Spring Loop”. Just the mention of it brings shudders of delight and fear to Bimblers “in the know”. Several experienced Loopers had been unable to fit it into their schedule thus far this year, and a few novices were awaiting “expert” guidance.

To the best of my knowledge, only one Bimbler, Mr. Bimble himself, had Looped this year, and in Spring no less, which is not the common season to Loop, believe it or not. Several novices were interested, and at least one experienced Bimbler (that would be me) was interested and available. So, after wishes, needs, and schedules were all factored in, we came up with the following plan: El Toro, Spuds, and I would do the Full Spring Loop, while Ultra and Suds would do the Partial Spring Loop, version 2 (that is to say, the second part, not the first part). [Read more…] about Knocked for a Loop by the Spring Loop

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-And on the Seventh Day, while others rested, the God of Trails, said “nay, there is much still to be done. It is said they man is created in His image, but he shall travel on mine.” And He, creator of stick and stone, judge of all legs, shaper of twist and turn looked down on his work and upon the Earth He saw paths criss-crossing the land, broken by streams, littered with rocks and limbs and nose grinding hills and lo, he thought, man will still travel too easily. And he said “Let there be mud”. [Read more…] about There Will Be Mud: An Appalachian Tale

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The first time I ever heard about the Escarpment Trail run was from Mr. Bimble just a few months ago. He said you gotta try this one and I have extra applications if you want one. I checked out the website and was doubtful I would be doing it. But after some interactions with other bimblers I was a little more convinced I should give it a go. Lefty was sure he would get me to sign up. I emailed the R.D. and he said there are still openings but you should hurry up and mail it in. After some hesitation I mailed my entry form. Two and half weeks of waiting impatiently I finally received the word I was accepted. One problem is that I had rolled my ankle a few days before and I was determined I would be healed enough by the time of race day . [Read more…] about The born again trail runner

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There is nothing easy about taking on the Escarpment Trail 30k. Suds, Shelly Girl and I left from the Killingworth Traffic Circle at 4:a.m. We needed to make it to North Lake Campground in Haines Falls New York in time to catch the bus to the start. For the first hour there was torrential rain, which was not only difficult to drive in but made us all wonder if this was foreshadowing as to what the race would be like. [Read more…] about Left Turn at the Escarpment

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It all began in the Promise Land.  You know, the one in Virginia.  Ultra, myself, and Sandy Beauvis talked on our long trip down to the Promise Land 50K++ about her misadventures with her pacer in last year’s Vermont 100.  I believe it was Ultra who said you should pace Sandy at the Vermont 100 this year.  If it wasn’t him I’m sure he would have sooner or later, so we’ll leave it at that.  Pacing would be new to me, having only to worry about me in a race.  I was nervous.  To maybe be the difference in somebody’s race, a 100 mile race, good or bad, scared the ***t out of me.  I let the idea wallow without any definite answer. [Read more…] about Selfishness or Selflessness? Crewing and Pacing in Vermont