^^
thats actually another very valid consideration, and it all comes back into the earlier mentioned lack of rest periods, eight laps, smog, and stiff competition trying to kill themselves to pass you.
i was thinking simply in technical chops, as in it is difficult to actually ride, not in race loop terms. There are a few recuperatory sections in our trails, even at the race there were some flats, so in that sense ours arent as difficult. thinking about it as a loop and taking endurance and speed into is key, but easily overlooked when you begin to compare swathes of dirt..
EDIT: and as an olympian, even hell should look easy to ride when you hit it
