Okay, this is what XC should be -- first 5 miles was up a forest road and wasn't sure, I liked that, but after that, it was AWESOME. A few patches of snow on the first part of the trail and a few downed trees, but otherwise really great LONG XC ride with some really long descents! NTS: bumpy ride, wishing I had FS for this one coz peddaling over bumps isn't fun, especially after tired. Packed 94 oz of water and didn't drink it all left maybe 12 of that, ate one sandwich and one gu, didn't need the rest of my food--after my breakfast at the Huckleberry Inn. The aerotek undershorts were a little uncomfortable (wondering if just plain lycra shorts would be better for these long pedally rides) the temperature must have been near 80? and having 3 people all with GPS and paying attention really helps! used the Dakota for nav and prefer it to the phone, but had the phone on too for verbal cues. oh, and carrying a copy of the map and cues is helpful!