hard hill climb

[jeff]

Actually, the correct name for this Duke Forest race is Hard Climb
Hill which happens to be a forest road within the Korstian Division of
Duke Forest. On Saturday morning 108 soles made the hard climb up
that hard hill on Hard Climb Hill Rd. And some of our feet did the
feat twice.

The race commenced at the tee where Wooden Bridge Rd meets Concrete
Bridge Rd. For a mere five dollars the Carolina Godiva Track Club
accepted my race application and with just a short walk from Gate 23
off of Mt Sinai Rd I was soon at the start/finish line. The 50 some
souls gathered there were briefed on logistics. We all had the option
of running either 3, 7 or 10 miles, and we did not have to lock in our
decisions. We could make up our minds or change our plans while out
on course. With a honk from a vuvuzela we blasted off down and then
up and then down Concrete Bridge Rd for perhaps 3/4 mile before
hanging a left onto Hard Climb Hill Rd right before the bridge over
New Hope Creek. Didn’t get close enough to verify that the bridge
was, in fact, concrete. I can, however, verify that the initial
climb up Hard Climb Hill Rd was indeed hard, i.e., steep. Eventually
the grade softened and the 1.5 mile turnaround was reached.

With redbuds redbudding along the way, the double track forest road
allowed for easy rubbernecking. Much of the morning fog had
dissipated, although overcast conditions prevailed. Still it was
quite pleasant running on the well maintained lane. At times the
treadway included liberal applications of crushed stone, but for the
most part that traprock had been well tamped into the road surface.
My feet did not complain.

At the three mile mark, those of us continuing on veered left at the
start/finish line and headed off on a four mile total out and back
journey on Wooden Bridge Rd. This leg featured more ups and downs.
The main up came right after crossing the wooden bridge. Like the
Concrete Bridge Rd, Wooden Bridge Rd was obstacle free. No roots,
stumps, or rocks to spoil a pleasant run thru the forest. Before
too long the 10 milers were back at the start/finish line and
embarking on the final leg which was a repeat of the first leg. At
the eventual finish, be it 3, 7 or 10 miles, a delectable assortment
of refreshments awaited.

For some roadracer who might be reluctant to try a wild and wooly
trail run, The Hard Hill Climb might offer a crossover opportunity.
Virtually impossible to get lost on this course. In addition to the
runners, there were plenty of other hikers and strollers partaking of
the beautiful surroundings that Duke Forest offers. Definitely an
entertaining event put on by the Godiva folks. And the five buck race
fee is tough to beat.

A few photos here:

https://picasaweb.google.com/102115347612203174058/HardClimbHill#