b hamon

"...just ravings from a jaded mountain biker who thrives on technical and is looking for any advantage to compete against the roadies' power."
I know, I know. I had similar issues with the Barton course, but here's my take on it:
1. It was sunny and dry. If it had been raining hard an awful lot of our roadie brothers and sisters would've been crying out there.
2. Yes, there seemed to be an awful lot of pavement out on the back section. Since cyclocross courses are supposed to have at least a little paving I couldn't really complain about this; I just shrugged my shoulders, cursed my gearing choice and watched in awe as my roadie pals poured on the fast-twitch love.
..::sigh::..
3. The drop-down pretty much made up for my suffering out back. Especially when a shocking number of riders in my race elected to run down the thing (in dry weather, no less) rather than ride it. I bombed down, giggled with glee, neatly handled the muddy turnout, and for three seconds each lap I could pretend I was a serious racer. Worth the price of admission.
Even with all of that, Barton remains my absolute fave Crusade course. I cannot wait to ride it again next year.