I'm probably a lower end Cat 2 XC racer as far as skill set goes and a lower end Cat 3 XC racer as far as conditioning goes. I'm also from the midwest and riding a Trek Stache 8 hardtail. Just to give you an idea of what kind of person is giving this review.

The ride was incredible. If you're anywhere around the place, even just passing through, make sure to stop for this ride. Expect the following:

The first 1.5 miles will be pushing your bike up brutal rocky uphills unless you sold your soul to the devil for demigod-like riding abilities and conditioning. There's no way around it: it just sucks. But it is worth it many times over. Incredible flowy and awesome downhills for a significant part of the entire trail. Unbelievable views. I found myself just smiling and laughing throughout the ride. After the first series of descents there's a period of long, gradual climbing. Nothing like the beginning, and certainly rideable, but just be warned it will wear on you. A granny gear would be wise to have unless you're in good shape, just for the sake of saving your legs for the rest of the ride.

Blowing yourself out before the end would not be wise: the last 3 miles of downhill are intense and dangerous if you have the jelly legs. So take rest stops to eat and keep the engine cool. Stop at the last intersection before the downhill for a break. Food, water, etc. You'll need it. It took us 6 hours on a fairly warm late June day for the whole ride. Had one of my comrades not had quad cramps we would have made it in 5-5.5 hours. I took 2 liters of water (plus whatever ice was in the CamelBak) and a 20oz Gatorade and was perfect (6', 200 pounds, 29 years old). Also ate like 4 granola/energy bars.

There were a few big trees down, but that was hardly a major problem. After the initial march we only walked one or two other times.

You can easily get lost. There are some running apps that people have used while riding the trail that has pretty much mapped it out. Download one of these apps and activate your GPS to make sure you are following the prior person's path. It saved us once (we missed a turn we even knew was coming up on a downhill section) and gave us piece of mind on the many intersections we came across. Phone service is questionable out there, but we never lost the GPS signal. We used Runtastic and paid to download the map so it wouldn't disappear once we lost cell service. Well worth it.

Ran a little higher tire pressure per Clay's recommendation (bike-whisperer at Angel Fire Resort Bike Shop) and it paid off (around 25-27psi). Hardtail can do it, but it sure made me sore. Full squish would be best.

In short, do not miss this ride if you have any chance of doing it; but prepare accordingly. But it did kind of make me hate everyone who has regular access to it...