It was the first annual (I know that's dumb when people say that but this event was great and it will absolutely be back for years to come) Southern X Epic cross race. It was held at Mulberry Gap which is just outside of Ellijay, Ga. It was upper 40's and raining when we started and the rain did let up but it was still quite treacherous conditions. We took a "true cyclocross" loop on the grounds of Mulberry Gap to start which included a creek crossing, 2 run-ups, a paved short hill and a muddy tall barrier.
I had decided before the race that I just wanted to have fun and not ride my guts out. I knew that I had a better chance of enjoying it if I stayed with my friend Adam for accompaniment and to not overexert early.
After the cross elements, we descended a gravel road that was beside a beautiful stream that was almost tempting us to stop and just look around. We were toward the back of the riders just knowing that the climb would be long and difficult so we figured that we'd probably grab a huge chunk of the field going up it. and that's precisely what happened.
We hit the bottom of the gravel road climb that was pretty steady with it's grades for the first 3-4 miles. The road conditions were nice and we were riding a nice tempo and passing people like they were standing still!
After a good 30-45minutes of solid climbing, we started thinking, this will be over in a bit, but no way! The road got steeper and sloppier and it became brutal! There were times where we were in our 36-27 and barely turning over the pedals. It was nasty. We hit some dense fog up towards the top of the ridge that was 20 yards or so of visibility. I must have said 4 or five times, "this has to be the top". When we finally did hit the top, a guy that we had passed earlier caught back up to us and I made the decision that I didn't want anyone to pass me for the rest of the ride. So he and I went down the descent together.
It was a cool descent! The gravel roads were relatively dry and the only real issue was that my brake levers were rather difficult to get to in the drops. I lost the guy I was with, a little more than halfway down and proceeded to catch 3 more people before the "wall".
When we came back to Mulberry Gap, they had us scramble up this hillside that was never intended to be scaled. It would have been difficult without a bike on your shoulder much less after 3 hours of riding in the mud and rain! I caught one more guy before the finish. It was a blast! Next year I know I'll ride a bit more aggressively at the beginning and see how I can do.
Thanks to all those who put on the race and for those of you who didn't come, get ready for next year! You will love it! Check out the recap on cyclingnews as well.
Also, we went to Poole's Barbeque after. It was nice!
