Last week I traveled to McCormick, SC on Strom Thurmond lake (not making that up) for the Xterra Hickory Knob off road triathlon. Well, it took a while to find it on the map but it is about 4 hours northwest of Charleston on the Georgia border somewhat near Augusta , GA. Yeah, it’s that hard to find. Assuming it would be a good idea to make the effort for an early season tri I navigated the sideroads and eventually found Hickory Knob State park, my home base for the next 36 hours.
Race morning it poured rain….I mean POURED. Setting up was a mess. Swim starts and goes well as does the trail ride on our mountain bikes. Was neck and neck with the leader in my age group until we started the run. Did my best but this guy was FAST on foot. Took 2cnd and about 50th overall. Not a bad day considering the weather at start and how greasy the red clay became after the rain. Well run event despite the location. Bad part was driving back to Charleston after the race. STIFF.
Love the Xterra series no matter the location. Try off road tri racing if you can. Two races in Michigan and others just across the border in Indiana. Who knows, you may find your way to Maui and the Xterra World Championships in October!!
2 Comments
Great Job at the race, and I have to note I see a pattern developing. Fisk Knob Time Trial, Hickory Knob Xterra… if you bag Nub’s Nob on your return to Harbor Springs you will have summited the 3 great (K)nobs in one season. Quite the addition to your palmares.
Going for the Knob trifecta