Truckee, CA – September 30th, 2012 Think this is the 6th year of the Tara Llanes Classic benefit race. The TLC began as a fundraising event to help Tara cover her injury costs, but now is focused on helping others and raising funds for Spinal cord research. (Portion of funds go to: The Christopher Reeve-Irvine Research Center, Center of Restorative Exercise- C.O.R.E., and the Tara Llanes Road to Recovery)
Northstar resort is a pretty fun place to ride, not too steep but lots of loose dirt and rocks etc. For this particular race, they combined like 3-4 trails to make a really long dh-ish race. There is one lower trail that is super rocky n tech- stiks n stones, but the rest is really pedally , and uphill sprints at the start. I tried both my dh and trail bike and ended up racing my trail bike with a dropper. There were 2 sections that were a little Harry through the rock gardens.
Quite a good amateurs turnout. Couple big pros, Neethling, Voreis who took a slam the other day and isn't racing , Matt Condro, grame Pitts, Tim krentz, Haderer, Kyle Warner, Pro joe, me, etc.
Honestly just had a lot of fun riding at the bike park, some hidden trails near by, the new bowl-y public pump track next to the BMX track , etc. Sombrio Pump track. They even had a bonus race on the pump track worth $250 to the fastest 2 laps (kyle warner won). I was a second off:( he rips .
Our homie Luke from 5.10 lives in Tahoe, so good times hanging out, learning the scene. There is a woodward west here in Tahoe too, think its open in winter for skiers n stuff too, yeah all good.
It was really important to me to be able to show support for Tara as an old race rival / friend who has been through a lot and is raising money for good causes. More people need to put this event on their list. Solid industry support from Giant, Northstar, Shimano, fox, leatt, Sombrio, 5.10, etc Good raffle prizes too- carbon nomad, fox 36, bike racks, go pros, etc
Neethling and I ended up winning, but everyone was a winner. Good Job to Tara and her crew!! Well run event, lots of fun, fun riding, etc. I drove 13 hrs straight the next day to get home. My biggest solo drive, but well worth it. Bryn was sick and couldn't make it, but he was there for Tara in spirit:) c ya
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