FRIDAY: Bimble and I drove up to Vermont on Friday evening with the bike hung on the bike rack at the rear of the truck. It rained the whole way up and all I could think of was “that poor bike, it’s getting all wet!” Being that it was not even my own bike, I had borrowed it from Hardware who graciously lent me hers since it was much lighter than my own, I felt a needed to protect the it from anything harmful. We arrived at the Brandon Motor Lodge and took the bike inside and all our belongings and quickly settled in with a small cup of wine. Ahhh! We slept in and just relaxed well into late morning the next day. What bliss! [Read more...]

The Leadville 100 is described as the Race Across the Sky. Last year it felt like the sky was wrapped around your neck; low cloud, rain, hail, snow and lightening. This year the sky was kinder; big, bright and warm temperatures. Even better, this year I finished after only making it to mile 77  the year before. But then I had the four L’s and the elements of success on my side; life, love, laugh, luck and Lead Will. For the first time I also had the company of a pacer, which turned out to be a pain in the neck but before you gasp and wonder how I could be so ungrateful, read on and I’ll explain why. [Read more...]

I have to admit that I was nervous to join this run. Because my pace is slowest of the group and it was going to be wicked hot. Lots of talk of this “Spring Loop” coarse created some excitement for me to get involved. We made some plans and were sure I would be joining Ultra for a partial of the Loop.

We got to the trailhead a little early so we headed out in the car to find the “Full Loopers” We found them at a road crossing and so we decided to join them for a run thru Dean’s Ravine. A beautiful fern canyon with cascading waterfalls and huge hemlock trees. This was a nice warm-up run for what’s to come. [Read more...]

“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...]

Early last week I got a reminder email from the RD about the upcoming MMD 50k (Magnus Gluteus Maximus).  After a brief “oh shit” moment, I made plans to take the weekend off from work and get myself out  into the White Mtns… [Read more...]