So you want to run the Bluff?

Race is rapidly approaching, if you are thinking about running the Bluff, now is the time to log on to the internet or put pen to paper before registration closes on October 6, 2008.

There will be NO RACE DAY REGISTRATIONS!

The Bimbler’s Bluff 50k

 “… exactly what you think it isn’t …”

26th Ocober, 2008 - 8:00 am
Guilford Lakes School, CT

Race information and course details for the Individual Race and Goat and Gazelle Relay (pdf format) 

Register on-line at or by mail (pdf format entry form)

Need a relay partner?

I’ve been approached by a couple of runners interested in the relay but who do not have partners. If you are in the same predicament, let me know and I’ll try and pair you up with someone.

It would be helpful if you could indicate whether you prefer to run as either the Goat, Gazelle or don’t particularly have a preference. Read more

Bluff Volunteers Wanted

If anyone is interested in helping out during all or part of the Bluff, I will appreciate any available support. The race is starting at 8 am, so a couple of hours before that we will open registration. There aren’t going to any new registrations on race day, just number collection and confirmation of attendance. The course has to be marked (mostly the day before) and as much as possible on the day, cleared after the last runner. There will be 4 aid station locations:

1: Route 80, will be visited twice
2: Bluff Head will be open between 9 and 11 am (approximately)
3: Braemore will be open between 9:30 and 12 (approximately)
4: Rene Way open between 10 am and 3 pm (3 pm being the 7 hour cut off)

The finish will need to be manned from 12 until 6 pm (or earlier if everyone has finished).

At least 2 aid stations already have volunteers from Carlson Craft Brewery and Beauvais Printing and a third is provisional. I hope we’ll be able to have a Bimbler’s Station handing out plenty of ‘BS’ and encouragement as well!

If you can help out in any way, please email me at: jerry(at)mrbimble(dot)com.

Bluff 50k Entries

 With just 23 days left to enter the Bluff at the pre-race entry rate and the past week has seen a small flurry of entries. Not only have we received the first female entry but Fatboys Running became the first team to sign up for the Goat and Gazelle Relay. Read more

Another Bite of the Bluff

There will be some more Bluff Biting taking place tomorrow, July 26th. There is a planned “traditional” start, which will start at the start (Guilford Lakes School). There is also a non-conformist start, starting at the Rockland Preserve. There may be a third starting location at the monastery. If everyone runs clockwise, we may never see each other.

First wave is planned (gulp!) for 5:30. That’s AM. Really.

Distances and enthusiasm may vary.

Flat-out lie

Word about the Bluff 50k seems to be getting around, but from feedback there is a hint that the course is perceived to be flat because it is in Connecticut. Well, I can’t claim that is has mountains or death defying descents but the term “… exactly what you think it isn’t…” really isn’t a bluff! Read more

Bluff Course Maps

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!

New England National Scenic Trail

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

Biting the Bluff with time to spare

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!

Taking Small Bites Out Of The Bluff

While enjoying coffee, tea and muffins after what was a really warm and beautiful trail run around the lake at Cockaponsett, the requests for training runs on The Bluff course poured in. Sunday dogs runs will be held at various locations along the course so that the course can be experienced in sections. For those of you who have never visited The Mica Ledges, The Bluff or gotten a “fun nun run” from the Monastery, you won’t want to miss out on these opportunities to sample The Bluff in sections. Read more

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