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Since the first time I have heard of the Spring Loop, I have been trying to get out of running it. As it turned out the times it had been run by other Bimbler’s I had not been able to go. For a short time I thought I might see how long I could hold out from getting roped into running it. Deemed by Ultra to be the significant mental and possibly physical challenge to training for long distance events it seemed fitting to run the Spring Loop before Hellgate. It also happened that the best date for me to run it was on my birthday. So on Nov.14th I ran my first Spring Loop!! For the 2 weeks leading up to my momentous run, Ultra and Forrest battered me with the difficulty factor mentally and physically, the hard climbs, the “are your ready” questions… I continually came back with strong positive comments. I had a feeling it was finally the right time to run this thing! With a plan in mind, Forrest as my guide and Hillary to meet us at West Cornwall Rd, which by the way is the only place in the whole day I knew where I was (well and the General Store), off I went. We started at 5:20 in the dark morning with headlamps, the only part of the trail I missed in daylight was up to the first road. We made it back to the car just as it might have been time for headlamps again at 4:55 pm. I felt great all day so all those positive thoughts paid off! I am going to skip it all now except to tell you it was a BEAUTIFUL day with AMAZING scenery. Those of you who have run the Spring Loop already know this and those who haven’t run it… well, you should!
Highlights / Notable Mentions (AKA Top 10):
1. Magical Section: WOW!
2. View from the Magical: Forrest pointing out all of the mountains we had to get to climb up and down before even getting to Hillary at West Cornwall Rd… me saying “STOP! Don’t tell me anymore.” way too much to digest that early in the morning!!
3) Water Sections: Particularly one section right after meeting Hillary, I really wanted to get into the stream!! I’d also like to spend time sitting IN all those waterfalls, so very cool.
4. The bridge on the AT is now officially open. No need to cheat anymore, for those of you who know what I am talking about.
5. The LEAVES… oh my gosh, slippery and thick, sometimes up to the shins pushing leaves along the trail, definitely added the most difficulty to the run.
6. The General Store: Yeah! Fuel: Gatorade and Apple Pie by Hostess 🙂
7. Ghost Stories of Dudleytown: Have to explore that more!!
8. Cathedral Pines: Hugging Suds Tree
9. Mohawk Mountain Climb: Beautiful View from the Ski Lifts
10. RUNNING! More running than reported to be had. I had thought I would spend more time climbing than running. But there were many long sections of great running.
OOOOOOOOOOOOOO I get it, O is for 40! Seriously, thanks for the report Loopy, great to read about The Spring Loop and your challenges as you prepare for Hellgate. I have only done the first bit through the magical section, I wish to see The Cathedral Pines!! Nice!! Great photos too!
Loopy –
Congrats on completing the famous ‘spring loop.’ I hope someday to have that experience! I am so happy you had a great day on the trails. What a perfect way to spend your Four-O! Amazing photos as well!
sg
Awesome accomplishment Loopy et all. As Shelly Girl wrote, what a great way to spend you 40th B-day. Happy B-day by the way! Knowing what an ultra girl you are I am very happy that you have added this to your list of accomplishments! Thanks for the report and Good luck at HellGate
Hey Loopy
What a terrific way to spend your birthday, trapsing through the woods and hills of northwest Connecticut. It is quite scenic though, isn’t it! I will be nice to run again some time, don’t you think? But before we plan the next Loop you have a date with the devil down south, so you better focus on that first. Thanks for the nice read, which stirred my own memories of the hallowed trails of Mohawk.
P.S. HBB! (Happy Belated Birthday!)