I rode the course up to the "skills portion" at which point I got off to walk. And it occurred to me, I can't walk this section 3 times (we do 3 laps). So, I either ride the darn thing or forfeit.

So I rode back up the trail a ways. Said a "hail Mary" and wished I had spiked my Endura with something hard . . . and then I went for it.

It ended up being very rideable. Scary. But rideable. I then rode it 6 more times in a row, until my heart rate started to come down some. And then I rode the entire course again, doing the skills section again as well.

I feel prepared. Now my biggest concern is the other racers.