The XXC course begins on 617 (paved), about one mile south of The Pines camp. The trail climbs Bald Mountain approximately 2 miles, turns left on the ridge gravel road 179. After one more mile of predominate climbing, the course takes a sharp right down the newly restored "Hair-raiser" trail, which is 1800 feet down in less than two miles (including the butt-puckering-scrabble-skid). Upon reaching the dirt road 229 (a.k.a. Mill Creek Rd.) hang a left, traveling about 5 miles along the valley floor. The road climbs and deteriorates into nice and rocky, rutty, mountain bike stuff before reaching a small summit, then slightly descends through mud holes and over cool jumps until reaching the intersection of 180 at Bald Mountain's end. Guess what? Now it's time to climb again, 1600 vertical in about 2 miles (that seems like 5). At the intersection, take a right, which is actually 180 continued. After another short rise, the dirt road BOMBS back down to 617 just short of the MAIN CROSS COUNTRY starting area. Take a right onto the pavement, then left into the start area. Keep on going, but now you're following the main race course (see the separate map). Follow the arrows and tape until you reach the farm You're done, approximately 41 miles later!