Bike 4:40:00 [3] 22.3 mi (4.8 mph)
shoes: Peri
The unknown crux of the race. This came as quite the surprise, and I think we kind of loved it. After downing some cold sodas from the TA, we took the road to a technical downhill trail which was a blast. Back on the road for an 800' climb as the day was heating up. The clue for CP36 was old trail, and boy was it ancient. Chris happened to see the flag from the road, which keyed us in to the trail. Trails marked on the map were paths that the RD had actually traveled on and could be roads, trails, deer paths, or virtually nothing. What we thought would be a quick 3.5k singletrack section was actually an almost 2hr bike bash through rhodo, where we perfected yet another new discipline, rhodo surfing. We lost the trail for a bit at the halfway point through a saddle but found it again on the spur that would take us down to the creek and eventually to the road. Once down in the creek, we found it easier travel to wade through sometimes above knee deep water with a current than continue through the rhodo. This has to be the most physical 24 I've ever done! With relief, we hit the road, still with 80-90min of race left. We grabbed one quick foot CP at the Zip Line TA and then rode to the finish. In hindsight, we could have gotten 1-2 more there, but without credit for 16 and/or 20, CP0 still beat us by 3 CPs. We had a quick run through downtown BR for bourbon shots then crossed the finish. So great competing against our CP0 friends and catching up with ppl at the post race party, complete with a decent live band. Good Nuff came in a bit late, so we finished 2nd on the day. For such a bike intensive race, this one sure hurt! Love love racing with Chris and Glen.
Side note: the RD's post race video stated that misplaced CPs are a part of AR, and if everything went smoothly, it would be a marathon. For perspective, Honolulu Marathon $45, Blue Ridge AR $290.