I barely arrived on time for my race at Afton on Saturday. Boogied to registration, decided how much to wear and quickly sprinted up the road to awaken the legs. No time to pre-ride, so instead, I quizzed a few people as we lined up. Seemed like everyone wanted to talk about the hill. I looked over my shoulder at it. A noiseless gasp escaped.

Sunshine sparkled as racers toed the line on Afton's amply diverse course. It had a couple tight turns, some sustained muddy spots, numerous barriers, an honest run-up, some sandy spots and some fast, smooth parts. Previous days of rain had softened the ground just enough to sink under the weight of passing riders and add a little slip and slosh to the low areas.

None of the aforementioned features were as influential as the hill though. After a few races, it became clear that the great, grassy mound was deciding the winners today. As riders approached the bottom of the climb, they were met with a natural, log barrier. This would prevent any pedaling up the hill, not than many riders, if any would have been able to. The grade was in the neighborhood of 25% and continued rising for about 75ft. Two plastic skulls mounted on stakes at the base of the hill, offered warning of much suffering to come.

Those who attacked the hill were rewarded with increased time gaps on their opponents. Paul McKinney used the hill to absolutely dominate the men's 45+ race. His jogging pace was the same at the top as it began at the bottom. Linda Sone used the same tactic to ride away from 2nd place, Linda Cooper. In the men's elite race, Dewey Dickey stormed the ridge and attacked the road to finished around a minute ahead of his opponents.

Don't let the long run-up scare you off of this race next year. It was a well-run event, with a great venue. As a bonus, race sponsor, The Bikery, provided Belgian waffles, apples, chili and a keg of microbrew.
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Image gallery:

http://generation-outdoors.com/gobeta807/index.php/v/TCworley/aftonCX/?q=gallery

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Congrats to the day's winners:

Men's Cat 4: Jordan Cullen (10-14)
Women's Cat 4: Jeanette Sample
Men's Cat3: Ross Fraboni
Men's 45+: Paul McKinney
Women's Cat1/2/3: Linda Sone
Men's Cat 1/2/3: Dewey Dickey