So my buddy conned me into participating in this event (I accepted anyways). It was a first timer for both of us. The Croom 35/50 Mile Challenge is not a race, but more of an endurance challenge in which you can choose of riding a 35 or the 50 mile option. We chose the 35 mile route just for exploratory purposes. Year 2020 marks the 26th year of this event and sadly, this is the first I've heard of it. The event starts with a riders meeting at 8am. Then right after that, you are off and going. To note, you are not timed, so basically you can start at any time you want. Croom is an extensive trail system with over 50 miles of trails in the Withlacoochee State Forest. It is mainly single track trails (and mainly flat trails), but along the way you will encounter elevation changes and climbs that's enough to get your legs burning and screaming from all the pedaling. The trails are nice and flowy, with a mixture of intermediate and difficult trails. Around Mile 23, you will encounter the most difficult trail called the Drunken Monkey, a trail Croom is popularly known for. To note, Drunken Monkey is part of the Croom Challenge, however you have the option to bypass the trail if need be due to its difficult, technical features. All in all, I really liked Croom. It is a well maintained, well managed trail system. My only takeaways from this event was, the Sag Stops (break areas) seems too far spread out. To break it down, the 35 Miler has two Sags (Sag stops at Mile 15, Mile 29). 50 Miler has three Sags (Sag stops at Mile 12, Mile 25, Mile 39). Also, I did not see much Trail Marshalls and Bike Doctors, as well as Sag Drivers to help in case you needed to be picked up or perhaps I may have missed them. Other than that, I enjoyed the Croom event. You are catered to a morning and post-ride meals for this event. All the staff and local people were just amazing and friendly. I'll be coming back here soon. read more

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