I started mountain biking with my husband this spring and this was our chance to actually go to a race together for the first time in a couple years. It was a new experience for both of us but something that we'll definitely try again in the future.

Race morning: packet pickup was offered during the week at a running store in Woodstock but since we don't live anywhere near there we opted for race morning pickup. We arrived at 6:45 which allowed us to get a coveted spot in the parking lot right next to the transition area. The parking area only fits 40 cars so this was a great advantage for arriving early. If you don't get there early there's 2 overflow lots up the road leading into the park. This was clearly stated in the pre-event emails and racers were encouraged to pack transition bags so they could just ride their bikes down the road to the park (since car drop-offs were not allowed). It didn't seem like anyone had a problem with this but, as I said, we got a good parking spot in the park. The pre-race meeting wasn't until 8:20 so we just set up some camp chairs and brewed hot tea while we waited.

As with most trail events, the event was low key. There were a couple tents from local shops as well as a massage tent and live timing tent. The park doesn't have any permanent bathrooms so there was a small bank of port-o-johns. Once you check in, you put a number plate on your bike (this is where the timing chip is located), and a bib on your shirt, and rack your bike anywhere you'd like in the transition area. This was probably the only part that was confusing to me because I'm used to triathlon transition areas where you have an assigned rack based on your number. Also, there were no volunteers in transition area so if you had questions or needed help during the race (which I did later), you were on your own. This is why I took a star from race management and aid stations.

Once you get your transition area in order you just wait until the pre-race meeting. The RD went over some basic rules, etiquette, order of events (the race categories went off in waves after the 5k trail race), and sponsors. Honestly, all of the information could have been done in 5 minutes but she was really long-winded and it took over 25 minutes. My husband and I wanted to listen to everything because we were first-timers, so this was really frustrating. We felt like there was no information in the meeting that we didn't already know.

The Race: both of us were in the beginners category so we started in wave 5, the last wave. Each wave had about 30 riders. Everyone was courteous at the start and it seemed like we all had good positions in the first mile. The first bike loop was on a fast, non-technical course so everyone spread out easily. This was well-planned since the second bike loop was on the more technical side of the park, with narrower trails, but everyone was already spaced out at that point so passing wasn't an issue later in the race. In fact, I rode most of the second bike loop by myself. The first 5.5. mile loop was on the Mill trails, which I consider beginner trails. Any obstacles were clearly marked and had ride arounds. The trails were wide enough for easy passing and the climbs were moderate. The second 5.5 mile loop was on the Avalanche trails, which are considered intermediate. The trails here are more narrow, have a lot more rocks/root elements, and some gnarly climbs. Considering this section also came at the end of the race, after a 5k trail run as well, it was particularly difficult. However, a more experienced rider, like my husband, would still consider this section pretty tame. Regardless, the park has great trails and the race really is great for a first timer. The 5k trail in the middle was non-technical, very runnable trail. Coming off the bike it did take a bout 1/2 mile for my legs to feel ok though. This is the same course for the stand-alone trail run. If you're considering a trail race I think this run course is also great for first-timers in that area. There was 1 small aid station on the run course with water and gu, no sports drink (boo). Also, and this is typical, no aid stations on the bike course so you need to carry your own fuel.

Overall: I had a great time and worked by butt off to finish this experience. If you've never tried it, mountain biking is a full body workout and I work really hard to get through it. I also had a technical issue that made the whole experience really difficult and borderline miserable at points. About 2/3 through my first bike loop the bolt on my saddle popped. I was carrying a multi tool and tried to tighten it but it kept coming loose, so I rode to the rest of the loop to transition in the standing position. After I finished the run leg I found some expert riders who finished already who helped me get it tightened (even they had some difficulty so I felt slightly better about myself). However, by time we got it tightened the saddle position was completely wrong, with the nose pointed upwards. For anyone who rides, you know this is really uncomfortable. Add this to the fact that the second bike loop had a lot for steep climbs and was more difficult, and I was pretty beat up by time I reached the finish. After mentally regrouping at the finish, I was really glad that I finished. I think with some more riding experience I can do better and have a more enjoyable experience next time around. Looking forward to it!

The second year of this race highlighted that this can be a great annual tradition, regardless of weather conditions. The race is sponsored by Big Peach Running Co and run by Orion Racing. Considering Big Peach is an exceptional running store with exceptional staff, it’s no surprise they put on a solid race. About a month before the race I ran a group run course preview at Big Peach just to get a long run in without doing it alone. The route was challenging but the organizers were enthusiastic and offered a registration discount in store. I decided to jump on the opportunity and use the race as a training run for my fall marathons.
The website and email correspondence leading up to the race were simple, clear, and provided all the necessary information without being spammed. They offered 5 days of packet pickup, rotating around town to the various Big Peach locations. They ONLY offered race day packet pickup for an extra fee of $15; 100% of this fee went to the various beneficiaries of the race. Even though participants represented 30 states, I’d still consider this a small, local race. As with smaller races, there was no expo. However, Big Peach had discounts available during packet pickup which is pretty much the same benefit you get at an expo anyway.
Race day arrived and the first major plus was the location of the start/finish area. Last year the race started at Underground Atlanta. Anyone from the area knows that it is not worth visiting the Underground. The new start area at Pemberton Place in Centennial Olympic Park is easily accessible via public transportation and there are plenty of paid parking options due to several popular attractions in the area (World of Coke, GA Aquarium, Center for Civil Rights). At the last minute I opted to drive downtown and paid $7 to park directly next to the pre-race area. MARTA costs $5 round-trip so the extra $2 was well worth it, especially considering how the weather turned.
The second plus for the day, which definitely earned an extra star, was the fact that there were real public toilets as well as port-o-potties available. The public toilets in Centennial Park are really well-maintained and we never waited more than 5 minutes. For those of us who like to use the toilet a few times before a race (just in case!), this was an awesome perk. Runners’ bibs were assigned to 5 different corrals. However, it was an open corral system so you could start anywhere you needed, i.e. with a chosen pace group. Pace teams were available in 15 increments and staffed by the awesome Big Peach staff. 15 minutes before the start they had a fun group warmup and then everyone placed themselves in the start chute. They did the national anthem, and then a countdown to an on-time start.
The course: After a short downhill through the start, the pack turns right and immediately up a long, steady hill. It was a quick reminder that not only is running in August in Georgia difficult, but adding the many hills of Atlanta makes it even more fun. The course was challenging, with the first 5 miles providing some long climbs. The second half of the course is still hilly but slightly less challenging. The course took you through some nice Atlanta highlights including, Turner Field, Old 4th Ward, the Beltline, Piedmont Park, and Ga Tech. Aid stations are at every mile, with Nuun sports drink at every other station. Nuun is a high quality electrolyte drink and not too strong on the taste. I’m very impressed they offered this instead of the typical, sugary alternatives. Bravo for that. Also, several aid stations provided Huma gels. Huma is a really tasty gel with a nice consistency. Again, better than what’s typically offered in races. Quality stuff. Finally, about halfway through the race they had PowerIce, awesome ice pops with electrolytes! These things are amazing, especially during hot races. Even though we didn’t have the expected heat it was still a refreshing treat.
Now’s a great time to talk about the amazing volunteers. Each hydration station was manned by volunteers from the local non-profits that benefited from race proceeds. They were well-organized, helpful, and enthusiastic. Despite thunder, and monsoon-like conditions for most of the race, these volunteers were high energy the entire time. Running with bricks of water on your feet is never easy but the awesome course support from volunteers and some brave spectators made the experience fun rather than miserable. Honestly, a cool summer storm was much more enjoyable than the expected heat and humidity. A race that’s still fun in spite of difficult conditions is impressive.
Back at the finish I collected the largest half marathon medal I’ve ever seen, a bottle of water, and a bagel. Due to the weather conditions they canceled the awards ceremony and most people, myself included, left immediately. I’m normally not a fan of driving to races, but having my car so close to the finish allowed me to dry off quickly and change before heading home.
Nicely done Big Peach. I think you’ve created another yearly race tradition.