I took the bus to the start line an hour before the race. It was pitch black out there at 6:30 am. I warmed up by doing a couple of miles and got in a long bathroom line to empty everything before the start.

The race takes you along the American River Bike from Folsom Crossing down to the Fish Hatchery. At the Hatchery, you turn to head back up toward the finish in Old Town Folsom. The start and finish are not at the same place. This felt like a fast course for me — perhaps because of the scenery. This is a great training run for CIM!

I wish there were more water stations along the way. And there was no event photographer — even at the finish.

Overall, this was a fun course! I had a great time … even with the huge climb at the end to the finish.