First time attempting the entirety of the Holyoke Range/Seven Sisters and it was killer! This route is by far the most technically challenging and rugged course in New England, with crazy vertical climbs and descents (where you literally have to monkey down some sections), high single-tracked ledges that follows the M&M Trail/NE Trail, and spectacular views of the Connecticut River Valley. Also worthy of noting is that the Range consists of unique micro-climates, rare plant life, cool geological formations, and an anomalous east–west orientation. Cool, huh?
I started the run with Rufus Chaffee, but he succumbed to the day's surprising heat and humidity, and turned around before Long Mountain. I felt very strong and energetic for most of the run, but not completely fresh since I ran the Tully Loop FKT Trail two days prior to this. I carried all food and water, but I did take water from Rufus on the way back because I ran out and there are no bodies of water easily accessible on this course. Moving time was 5:10 because I kindly waited for my partner to catch up, but elapsed time was approx. 5:45. Will be back with fresh legs on a cooler day to improve my time because I am a glutton for self-punishment :).