Details on the 100km Buff® Long Course are being rolled out for the 2015 version of the Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race (BPMR).
“The Buff Long Course is a full-day challenge that will leave you worn-out but satisfied,” says co-race director Jack Van Dorp.
“We rise before the dawn,” Van Dorp continues, “ride the bus at 5:30 am to be on the water for 6:30 am, paddle around an island in the early morning light, and climb the escarpment 4 times on the first ride bike ride, which also has an optional technical section with a short ride and “hike-a-bike” for non-expert riders. The run that follows features technical Bruce Trail terrain, open meadows, shoreline, and a gut-busting switchback climb. Then it’s back on the bike for another ride before switching to another escarpment and shoreline trail to the finish line in Wiarton.”
All told it’s about 16km paddling, 60-66km biking, and 22k of running. Racers can compete as a solo, tandem team with a friend, or get up to 5 friends together for a 5-stage relay.
“This grueling 100-106km race course attracts adventure racers from across North America,” boasts Leigh Grigg, co-race director, “but we certainly cannot pull this off without our 140-strong volunteer army, most of which are from here on the Bruce. Judging by the support we get from volunteers, it’s evident that the friendly people of the Bruce Peninsula are really calling this event their own. We as organizers never take that for granted.”
In fact, volunteers will receive the same merchandise piece & post-race race meal as the racers this year to celebrate the 5th annual BPMR. Many of the volunteer roles are along the Buff Long Course, and/or helping with the associated gear transport.
“A ton of gear is moved on behalf of the racer,” continues Grigg. “Bikes get loaded & unloaded a couple of times. Boats get loaded, strapped down and then unloaded at least once. Gear bags, paddles, safety gear all have to be itemized & delivered where the racer needs it. All the gear is handled with the utmost care by our volunteers. We have have awesome volunteers who step up and usually say my favourite three words: ‘whatever you need!’ The majority of our volunteers have now assisted in all five incarnations of the race, and if they haven’t it’s usually because they took a year off to race.”
In addition to the loyal following of volunteers, eight racers have now also signed up for all five years. Every year the race makes a custom Buff® design that features the Bruce Peninsula in some way and includes it as a racer gift. Buff® Canada marketing director Gaby Munz is very excited to be a part of the BPMR for the 5th time in a row.
“Supporting this great event has been always a pleasure for us and we can’t wait to add another customized design to the BPMR BUFF® Collection,” says Munz.
The exact route continues to be secret year after year because of a commitment made to the approximately 60 landowners, without whose cooperation this unique course would not be made possible. There are some new tweaks to the route for 2015 so that the best racer experience is achieved. That being said, it uses substantially the same land. Hints to the routing get leaked now and then, and it’s known that much of the running takes place on the Bruce Trail and in Neyaashiinigmiing.
Cape Croker Park, located in Neyaashiinigmiing, has some of the Peninsula’s most beautiful landforms and wildlife within its boundaries.
“Cliffs and fields, marshes and the clean water of Georgian Bay make the park’s atmosphere enjoyable for not only the serious wildlife expert but also for those who just want to relax and enjoy some solitude,” writes Carolynn Wright, Excecutive Assistant with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
On August 8th however, all eyes will be on the lead pack of adventure racers to see who will win bragging rights at BPMR 2015.
For more information visit www.brucepeninsulamultisportrace.com The BPMR also has a 25km Suntrail Course which is geared to everyone. Early Pricing for the event ends at midnight on Sunday May 17, 2015.