I didn’t think the trails were technical other than the Shenduro. I wouldn’t say I hated it, it just wasn’t very fun. Seriously, who wants to climb on gravel then 2 track for 2:30-3:00, the death climb was so boring.! There are few rocks in my Midwest and it’s mostly roots and sand. Also, we don’t have long climbs, 4 mins is considered a long climb.
Maybe I’m just used to the Lumberjack 100 as it was my first MTB 100 and it’s 95% single track (9,000 ft climbing) with flowing descents. There is basically no hike-a-bike unless the course gets wet. They run it opposite direction on odd/even years so it mixes it up. I guess I thought/hoped 100s were all like this but it seems like that’s not the case.
I can’t recommend any MTB 100s because I haven’t done enough. If you want the hardest race in the eastern part of the US I’d say try Marji Gesick 100 in the upper peninsula of MI. It’s similar to Shenandoah 100 but harder.
If you’re looking for a fun 100 the Lumberjack is that but it’s not technical at all. Also it’s 3 laps so you’re riding the same trails, but at least it’s mostly trails.