First round of the US National series is underway here in P.A. Huge turnout, several top riders in attendance, 5 former World champions (Minnaar, Bryceland, Rachel, Buhly, and myself), top world cuppers (Bryn, Luke Strobel, Stevie Smith, Gwin, Leov, Neethling, Ben Reid, Minnaar, Bryceland, Tracy Mosley, Rachel Atherton, Dan Atherton, Rando, Ruffles, Danny Hart, etc), USA's finest, and a grip of regional riders enjoying Washington's lovely terrain. Suppose this track here has a lot of similar qualities to Maribor as far as being high speed, rough , rooty, a bit wet, so Fox SHOX testing here before the first World Cup is quite beneficial. Also handy that Volcano kept everyone around too:) Pits here on Dry hill have never looked so factory, yet everyone is just hanging out, relaxing all cool. Catered burritos, Thai food, and campfire will do that. Awesome boost for the local scene and to prove to the Forest Service the value of these trails here. Quite a few media guys covering the event as well which will make this series grow all that much more; Sven for Vital, Pinkbike, JDD Designs, Ian Hylands, 'n more. This is the closest to home I have ever got to race mountain bikes, 3hrs:). N-Dub is super sweet, glad people are loving the trails. Rained this afternoon, so all the bumps are gonna get bumpier with one more day of practice and quali, race on sunday...