Did this race last year and DNF'd it.  Horning's Hustle is held in the eastern foothills of the costal range about 30 mi / 45 min west of Portland.

Pre-race photo just before I left for the race Sunday morning.

Last year it was a mud pit.  Walked the bike 1/3 of each lap.  On top of that my bike was having shifting problems.  I gave up after 1 lap.

This year was also a mud pit.  I walked the bike 1/3 of each lap.  Again, my bike is still, even after trying to get it repaired at 3 different bike shops, sending the rear wheel to Mavic in New England to have it rebuilt and spending maybe ~$500-700 in small repairs and tweaks, it's still having shifting problems.  In any strong climbs, I cannot use gear 8-4 on the rear cassette or it will slip and skip.  Very frustrating.

I refused to DNF.

Finished in about 1:50 maybe 2 hours.  No idea where I ended up placing.  There was a good turnout, maybe 400-500 people.  I fought the bike more than the course and mental angst.

Post ride mud (minus all the mud I scooped out from the catchers mitt suspension pivot).

Observations:

• I need a new bike.  Not throwing anymore good money at this one.  Since I'm not locked into team, would be good to investigate different models.  Could wait until July/August and try demo bikes at Oakridge.  Also get opinions from guys when in Chicago in two weeks.
• Need more water.  Went through 2 24oz water bottles, one for each lap.  Bring extra gallon next race.
• Chairs.  Normally tote around 2 folding chairs for relaxing.  Don't forget them next time.
• As much as I have complained about the truck lately, it sure was nice to toss my muddy bike and gear in the truck bed after the race.  Also, the extended cab door which opens in reverse, makes a nice changing room and pee spot when open along with the driver door.
• Although the re-useable Hammer Gel bottle is environmentally friendly, I found it hard to squeeze out one-handed on the course.  Also, I only filled it 1/2 way.  I had to stop 2 times on the course to try and squeeze out as much as I could.  Fill it more or find another solution.
• Seriously think about skipping this race next year if it's going to be so muddy.  Walking 1/3 of each lap because the mucky, peanut-butter like mud, 2-4 inches deep is not fun.  Is it worth the 1 hour I spent afterwards at the hose at the house cleaning up everything?
• What is it with the courses out here?  Granted, I've only done 3.  More singletrack!  And btw, XC mountain biking doesn't mean ride straight up hill 1000 feet and then descend down a double track fire road.  Dumb.  Use switchbacks and single track during the ascent and descent.  There's tons of trees out here!  Make the singletrack wind through it.  You only did this for about 1/3 of the course and the 1000 foot climb up the gravel road sucked.
• I forgot how much I missed mountain biking.  I only raced once last year.  I missed the camaraderie and suffering you do with the other riders.  The banter and discussion out on the course.  I got a nice complement by a pro rider (as he was lapping me).
• As much as I wanted to throw in the towel after 1 lap, if felt 10 times as good when I finished.
• That's all I can think of for now...