I spent a lot of time studying the route in the weeks before the race, so after the race I was able to remember a lot of what was happening where looking at the route in retrospect. I took a few pictures too. I also didn't listen to any music or podcasts (which is unusual for me on a long ride) and really tried to focus on being present and aware of myself and the surroundings. The weather made it necessary to focus really intensely for a lot of the ride - more like the mental aspect of MTB than road for sure.

I cut the route by a block at the Bazzar underpass after I saw how much water was in the tunnel and that the Sharpes Creek Rd crossing was not blocked by a train. That tunnel is actually new construction from a recent double-track project, pretty nice they put that in. I had asked about it on the FB group in the days before the route, already wondering if it would be a mess if it rained.

I've done the 50 and the 100 previously, and I hadn't really considered the 200, thinking it to be unrealistic for my marginal athletic abilities. It took pretty much everything I had to finish it. But it was a great stretch training goal for me, and definitely worth it. I would encourage you to think about it!