Southern X 2012

January 28, 2012

Dahlonega, GA

February 25, 2012 Thomas Turner (Jamis Factory Team) and Cherly Sornson (Team CF) took the top spots in their respective categories at the 50 mile Southern Cross Ultra CX race in Dahlonega, GA today, both in dominant fashion. The conditions were perfect ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂa gorgeous, sunny day with a slight tinge of briskness to it due to strong winds. There were as many bare legs as warmer-clad ones out there. The course was dry but not dusty thanks to recent rain. Rain that only left a few, scattered frozen puddles as its calling sign. In both the men's and women's races moves were made early, separation occurring on one of the early climbs. By aid station one, Turner and Sornson were in very similar positions, both minutes ahead of the competition...looking like overly-comfortable-soul-crushing-machines. When Turner came back through the aid station area for the second time, after about 18 more miles, he had only increased his ridiculous gap. Behind Turner, Stephen Hyde had separated himself from the chase group comprised of Charlie Storm, Zack Morrey, and Brian Toone. Chasing Sornson, but not quite in her rear view, were Shannon Greenhill, Andrea Wilson, and Paula Burks. Selene Yeager looked good early on but ended up suffering multiple flats, which seemed to be the theme of the day ÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ either you got no flats or you got five flats. There were definitely some gnarly rocks jutting out of the gravel road descents, laying in wait to hatchet-chop all those skinny cross tires if the riders weren't attentive. Roger Masse (Trek 29er Crew) took the single-speed win and Gerry Pflug (Salsa Cycles/No-Tubes/Top Gear) took the 40+ win while also finishing 8th overall. For the complete story...watch the interviews! We'll also have sweet Miniature Boogie Van follow-can footage from some of the hairball descents, Contour HD helmet-cam courtesy of Ernesto Marenchin, and other highlights. Saturday February 25th, Dahlonega, GA COURSE DESCRIPTION Hard. There will be steep climbing, descending, a couple mean run-ups, and a handful of barriers. Do not underestimate the difficulty of this event. The weather, if nasty, can add another element of difficulty. The course mileage is ~50'ish with the largest percentage of it on gravel roads. There will be one TOPEAK support/aid station. You bring your supplies (MUST FIT IN ONE GALLON SIZED ZIPLOC BAG OR SMALL COOLER- NO SPARE BIKES OR WHEELS) if you want to use the drop and we will transport them to and from the aid station. We'll also have some basic fluids and snacks there (typical Aid station food) as well as a Joe Blow pump, a workstand, and some Topeak tools. There may or may not be a mechanic available to help so don't rely on that and be prepared to work on your own bike. We are not responsible for missing drop bags. The course is the same as the 2011 50 mile course. Cutoffs: If you don't make it to the Aid station for the first time (up FS77) by 12:30pm a volunteer will take your timing tag and you will be directed to take a shortcut back to the Finish. If you don't make it to the Aid station for the second time (up FS58) by 2pm a volunteer will drive you back to the Finish. Register here: https://www.bikereg.com/Net/14192

Southern X 2012

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