First things first: This was a fun race. Several things made it memorable:

The area, although an hour away from Minneapolis, is fantastic. Red Barn CX is held at the Erickson Brothers Tree Farm in Taylor's Falls, MN. It's a great piece of land for an event like this. Planners are blessed with bountiful acreage with which to twist a race course through.

The race falling the day after Halloween means plenty of people still willing to doll up in their favorite costume and go racing. I'm not really a fan of dressing up for halloween events, but I found the will to join the other costumed riders. I saw the devil making a deal with a mormon in the Category 3, and a he-she tossing "its" hair while doing the barriers in the Cat 1/2 race. It made a great race even more fun and entertaining.

With my race completed, I headed for the grill, where I found a hotdog (free!) and a beer (also free!). Later, a crock-pot of chili appeared.

My sources tell me that the course is longer this year than last. Some have said it was too long. I personally liked the length, but could have gone for a smidge more variety. But really, that is why we go to other races - to sample what each course throws at us.

From the gun, the holeshot was a generous length and allowed the race to start fast. From there it continued to be fast. There was little elevation change on the course. Straight-aways, led to sharp corners, then more straight-aways. Dry conditions meant no mud. The flyer touted a run-up that "you won't forget". I won't. It was short, but steep. Worse, was that it came at the bottom of a steep descent with an awkward dismount. It was a nice touch. This race favored road racers more than mountain, as there was really no technical section.

Official headcount was 190 racers. Pretty good attendance for an out-of town race. Thanks to The Gopher Wheelman and County Cycles in Roseville. As always, thanks to volunteers who make it possible.

So, if you were unable to make this race, do the following: Punch yourself in the neck, then promise yourself you'll do this race in 2009. It' important.

For full race results, visit:
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http://www.mcf.net/mboard/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=785&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=10
For Photos go here:
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http://generation-outdoors.com/gobeta807/index.php/v/TCworley/Red+Barn/?q=gallery