The Survival Guide is back, and this time it’s the Mountain Challenge NCHSA race.

This race is formerly known as ‘Millers Creek’ and has been a part of the series for quite a while. This is also the same place where they have the SETRA Bootlegger Enduro. Don’t worry though, chances are you won’t see much of the enduro trail.

That's me at Mountain Challenge last year

Back in 2006 when it was known as Millers Creek, it produced one of the nastiest mud races North Carolina has seen in the past 10 years. There was one big hill climb that claimed a lot of victems. I opted not to race it, and I have never pushed, pulled and rode that many bikes up one hill. I’m pretty sure the race hasn’t gone back up that hill since then.

What can you expect out of the track? Well, typically you will spend the first half of your lap going up one side of the mountain, then the second half of the lap you will spend coming down the mountain.

There will be a couple of good hill climbs, but if you just stay on the throttle, you won’t have much trouble. There’s a few spots that can get kind of rocky, so be prepared for that. Also, if it doesn’t rain, this course can get really silty. The downhills can get really steep sometimes, so be careful there.

A lot of times there will be a grass track section added it. It’s pretty tight and twisty, so be ready to do some turning.

Last year’s race summer race there was pretty good. The track was overall pretty fast but had a couple of semi-tight sections thrown in for good measure.

If the rain holds off, it will probably be pretty hot and dusty, so be prepared for that. Make sure you’re already hydrating so you’re ready for Sunday.

Parking won’t be much of an issue here since the field you park in is pretty large and flat.

Lastly, if you want to check out some video action from the Mountain Challenge race back in April, here’s a quick highlight video!
http://www.vimeo.com/11118849

If you have any other questions about the race, feel free to ask. If not, good luck on Sunday and hopefully it will be a good one!