Cohutta 100 (old post)

4-22-06 Inaugural Cohutta 100 Starting at the beautiful Ocoee Whitewater Center in Ducktown Tennessee, the course is a 100 mile loop around the Cohutta Wilderness Area in Cherokee and Chattahoochee National forests. Although the course starts in Tennessee, it winds down into Georgia and then back for an epic loop consisting of an initial 20 miles of great Tanasi single track, 65 miles of forest service roads and a conclusion of another 15 miles of fast, rolling single track to the finish. Rain was present that night, so the initial single track saw many shallow puddles and slippery turns; not a problem for my Cannondale and the Continental treads. Mid-way through the race, I found myself in good company with the lead group consisting of Mark Hendershot (Syndicate/Santa Cruz), Garth Prosser (BearNaked/Cannondale MTN Bike Team), an unknown rider (Independent Fabrications), and Peter Joski (Atlanta Pro Bikes). The group of five riders was to splinter after each stop and I lost contact with Mark H, and Garth P after the 4th stop. Going into the last section of single track, the race had taken its toll on the two leaders, as I finally made contact with them. It felt great to finish with the leaders and complete an epic day in the saddle. The race was very well run and the prizes first class. There were six full stocked drop stations, roughly 15 miles apart for the racers aids. Different bike shops from around the area organized each aid station. Had a great time and highly recommend this race to anyone interested in an epic and uplifting experience next season. I will be back. According to the promoters New Leaf Adventures this race will be part of the National MTB Ultra Endurance Series for 2007. Stats: Distance 100 miles, Time 7:49:43, Ascent 10840, average speed 13.1, 2nd place. Shey LindnerBear Naked/Cannondale Mtn Bike Team.