I arrived early to registered and check out the course, which starts with a quick lap around the perimeter of the gravel pit and out the paved access road to a hair pin 180 degree turn onto tight single-track. You exit this section by popping a table top into open farm fields, past a pond and back into single-track that rolled up and down, over stone walls and jumps weaving back and forth into a gentle double-track incline, perfect for passing, not unlike the Pinnacle. A slight sand pocket brings you at the only real hill climb to speak of, with H2O at the top and more single-track to the finish. Sprinkled throughout are some technical moves that take some time and finesse to master, so with four 5.6 mile laps they're manageable.
I was so engrossed in my pre-ride and missed my start. Got back to the car to load up on water, then up to the start/finish line and bolted, now well behind the pack. My biggest fear was blowing up before I could catch anyone. The heat and humidity would be the biggest challenge of the day. I started to reel in riders, but when you're so far behind there is no real confirmation in passing people outside your age group. By the fourth lap I had about had it. I was fighting off heat exhaustion with small battles of prickly heat, and decided to jump in the farm pond, a key decision. The forth lap I felt great and road strong until the last several tenths when my legs began to shut down. I got cramps where I 'd never had them before, but was able to hobble into the finish and toss my carcass on the heap of rotting expert riders piled before me. Talking with them confirmed my pain; everyone felt like shit and barely made it in.
Chatting with the promoters, after lots of food, water and stretching, some 30 riders DNF out of a small starting roster, only one because of mechanical problems. No ceremonies, everyone was too waisted.
Mainly because of attrition I earned a podium finish, but have paid with huge lactic-acid build up for the past several days.
This race is so worth your attention. These guys have really put together a fun course and a good introduction to the Rhode Island MTB scene.

Nathan.