MX missions

Been putting in quite a bit of time out on the little 150r lately, enhancing the ol skills, enjoying the forest. Pretty awesome to live out here in the blue mountains, just so much open space. Anyway, I didn't really take too well to mx tracks cause of all the jumps, but am loving trail riding missions. Got kinda thrown into the deep end on a 5hr group ride the other day, but survived, and am gaining ground on development:). The 150r has seen a lot of new experiences with river crossings, mud bogs, hill climbs, ruts, etc. I'm no pro but having a bit more fun. Think i've advanced from Newb to intermediate:) Bryn is awesome, so I have something to aspire to, and a friend to help pull me outta the mud:)

Merry Xmas 2010

Christmas at our place this year, so just been getting ready for that. Gonna have a pretty sweet ping pong tournament, some Peach sangrias among other things, bbq, family + friends, presents, and a scraggly pine christmas tree. NBA Lakers vs Miami is on in the States xmas day, but we are a day ahead, so miss that show. I'm more excited for Lakers vs spurs anyway:) Hope everyone has a happy holiday season.

Not much other news to report, except Bryn almost rode over an australian copperhead today in the trails.  And the Galah, pictured above is one of my favorite critters over here. Always in pairs, red bellies.

National Champs?

I didn't really hear this news, but I guess USA National Champs is splitting up the Cross Country and gravity events. XC bandits will be in the lovely town of Sun Valley, Idaho for the next two years while they have yet to announce where DH will be. Nice place, close to home kinda, 6,000feet, chairlifts, all good things,,, seems pretty weird not to have DH there as Sun Valley would be an awesome venue, but I am all for separating disciplines. www.bikeradar.com

Cairns

CAIRNS, AUS Here are a couple pics from our trip to Cairns. Tropical and green, but very very hot n sweaty in the far north rainforest. 3 day roadtrip each way. Lots of riding, early mornings, swimming, etc. Rode; 96 Worlds track, Kuranda, 5 tracks on Copperload, and smithfield.  Jacobs was there, so he did some riding with us:) but there were quite a few friends up there into mtb. It was the biggest mtb spot in Australia at one point after all. Tracks here were pretty unique as far as steepness, roots, wait-a-whiles, rocks even. There is a big variety in terrain up there, guess that's partly why Bryn lived up there for 3 years. Anyway, nice to be home.

Tazzie National Round

I wasn't there, but Hobart, Tazmania had a national round on the weekend. Big congrats to Ricky Boy, who got his first ever national win, and Jr.Atkinson- Rhys, for taking the bronze!!. It had been raining a bunch the week leading up to this event, but was bone dry for the finals according to my sources:)Here are the Resutls from MTBA

Elite Male DH 1 Rick Boyer  3:10.51 2 Shaun O'Connor 3:10.71 3 Rhys Atkinson  3:13.92 4 Dave West  3:14.66 5 Timothy Eaton 3:14.96 6 Aden Wyber 3:15.58 7 Kaine Cannan 3:16.38 8 Nathan Rennie 3:16.51 9 Jesse Beare  3:17.71 10 Marcus Fairbanks 3:18.49 11 Cillian Kennedy  3:19.00 12 Robert Armstrong 3:19.84 13 Ben Cory 3:20.98 14 Criag Yates 3:21.24 15 Jarrah Davies 3:21.49

Under 19 Male 1 Troy Brosnan 3:08.71 2 Brandon Yrttiaho 3:10.49 3 206 Phillip Piazza 3:12.83

Mega roadtrip

TOWNSVILLE, QLD, AUSTRALIA The forecast was predicting massive rains in the mountains, so we decided to head north and visit Bryn's stomping grounds in Queensland- Townsville and Cairns. Get back to his roots after about a ten year hiatus. Rain seemed to follow us all the way up the coast though, and it is now extremely hot n humid. Australia's drought is pretty much over and into flooding. Figures.

Anyway, the drive is like the same as doing Vancouver to San Diego, except on a lot of single lane highway crappy roads.  Big days, but we stopped in Byron Bay- home of the most delicious Chai tea, and Bundaburg- home of the best ginger beer:) All about the small things I suppose.

Bryn is a bit of a pinner on road trips, but I like to make the most of each place, so balanced out with stops, mini hikes to stretch, etc.

Reunion time. So after seeing the house Bryn grew up in, and all the little bike routes along the way, we also rode some of the DH trails he dominated as a wee lad. Pretty obvious why Bryn is so smooth through rough rocks, plethora here, razor sharp too. Met up the the crew that inspired him so much as a kid as well, Andrew Roberts and his wife Cass, among others. All the pieces sorta come together when you visit who you once were.

Cairns is the spot where I think he really became a dh'er though. Was once a Big scene there, sort of orchestrated by Glen Jacobs. Jacobs is there now, so we've timed it perfect. Gonna check out the '96 Worlds track, see the reef, find a minjin, live off mangos,,. Those sorts of things.

Having had a similar childhood always on bikes, there are a lot of differences between countries and how people's environment dictate the paths you choose. I didn't know anyone when I was a kid who rode dirt bikes or mountain bikes, just always BMX, but the same missions through neighborhoods, same inspirational ditches/ jumps. Guess it was no mistake I lived only 10 minutes form a track, and it's no mistake that Bryn grew up at the bottom of some pretty epic hills with a crew of dedicated xc/ dh mountain bikers.

Next stop Cairns.

link to triple j

Here is the link from my radio interview on triple J. It's fairly early on in this clip. Enjoy... http://abcaustralia.net/triplej/thedoctor/podcast/

NEWTON'S NATION DH

Bit different story with the weather today for finals, as it poured all night n day, causing our nice little mt.panorama track to become quite a slippery adventure down the hill. I must say the competition in elite men was pretty amazing. Guess the $2060 just for the win brings em outta the woodwork. (the pic obove guys weren't standing in order).

I Started the day on dry tires to practice my sliding, but ended up on my ass, and put one spike on the front, cause someone , huh hem- Bryn, accidentally grabbed a minion instead of the other spike. Bryn was dialed though, he had the two cut spikes and something to prove today.

So many riders backed out and went home, pretty weak, but I guess aussies aren't used to mud, and without the proper set up, it was quite slippy. Not good for the promoters either, they cancelled all the other activities and events at the festival, bmx, skate, scooters, concerts etc. Just luge and the Downhill were running. I thought luging down pavement would've been a bit of a death wish, but all clear.

Anywho, With my one spike, I fishtailed my way down the track, not a stellar time, but enjoyed it and came out $750 richer. So much changes with a little moisture; lines, bike prep, warming up even when you are freezing cold, bringing extra gear, staying warm, making yourself push hard in  uncomfortable conditions, sliding around, saving it, finding the edge. Nice that we live so close, got to sleep in our own bed, make breakfast, etc. It was like any ol day of training, except, sam and all the other guys were there making it feel pretty official.

In elite men, I only got to see the last 5 come out of the start, first turn was grassy n muddy but no crashes. Kovarik had a wild ride, no spikes, grass chunks flying, slipping all over, cased the first jump. So that goes to show it was tricky for everyone!! Ben Cory looked extremely solid at that top point, as did bryn. I knew it would come down to them to beat sam who was sitting in the lead for a bit. Didn't see Sam doing much practice this weekend, but he is always a threat, obviously.

Little Rhys killed it for 5th, beating out some top riders on his dry tires. he's riding so well. Our little family cleaned up today:)

What else? dunno, except it just took an hour and a half to power wash the shit outta our gear- bikes, helmets, socks, goggles, etc. Can't ever escape the rain it seems...

DH FINALS 1. Bryn Atkinson 2. Ben Cory 3. Sam Hill 4. Brandon Yrttiaho (u19) 5. Rhys Atkinson 6. Kovarik

QUALIFYING: BATHURST, NSW, AUS Atop Mt.Panorama, a small dh course spanning 1min 20+ has drawn some of the world's top talent. Newton's Nation is a big music and gravity festival, so there is a lot going on including this dh race. Somehow this one off event managed to pull together one of the best prize purses in Australia, and with that brings good racing. Sam Hill, Bryn, Kovarik, Rennie, Ricky Boy, Ben Cory, Etc just to name a few.

I made a little movie from seeding with my Contour HD helmetcam-  JILL'S MOVIE. Pretty fun little track, high speeds, natural terrain with jump features and rocks. It sort of reminds me of sea otter with the dirt and scenery, but a lot lot better, no uphills, fast speed, and chill atmosphere.

Kovarik posted the fastest time in qualifying by 4 tenths over bryn. I posted fastest ladies time. Sam and I went earlier than everyone else, He had some engagement at the Aussie supercross down near sydney, and I was the only lady that wanted to do a seeding run. SO yeah, the track is getting blown out as we progress, hot n dusty. Could change though.. .

Triple J radio interview

"Triple J will be holding a phone interview with BMX, 4X and DH legend Jill Kintner, live from Newton’s Nation! Tune in at 3.10pm Friday to hear the interview" That is all. http://www.newtonsnation.com.au/newsItems/56

So I will be on the air to speak about the festival this weekend at Newton's nation. Nice how they said I was already a Downhill legend:) Anyway, hopefully I don't let them down, or get bleeped :).

Cory Nastazio is gonna be there for the BMX comp they said, maybe you'll hear him too, I'll say hi to him for you guys. Aussies love Americans:)

Reading through the info , there is a razor scooter comp. You see millions of groms in oz dominating the skateparks, but this is a new level, comps:) Custom bars, colors. I'm for sure gonna have to see what it's all about. crazy.

CTI custom

Big thanks to CTi, for helping me out with such quality custom Knee braces!! Just got a fresh pair for moto riding this offseason!!. I have spent a lot of time wearing knee braces in my day, having ruptured both my ACLs. Did one when I was 16 from soccer, and the other a couple years ago during my Olympic experience. These guys got me through what could have been a disaster. The custom Stars and Stripes knee brace  won the bronze with me and is hanging on my wall:).

Anyway, I have tried a bunch of braces and highly recommend CTi based on comfort and performance. Bryn and I use them every week, for our Dirtbikes. Don't even notice em on after awhile. So if you have any issues with knees, or just need braces for protection, look up Ossur to find CTi Custom braces.

The art of Racing in the rain

Just finished this book, and would rate it in my top 3 of all time. It is a great story and very clever:) Here is a little summary , Check it out... http://www.garthstein.com/arr/ "Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver. Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn't simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life's ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny's wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoë, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoë at his side.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, The Art of Racing in the Rain is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life...as only a dog could tell it. "

Newtons Nation @ mt.panorama

BATHURST, NSW AUSTRALIA Next weekend, (Nov 26-28) is a big 3 day 2 night gravity/music festival at Mount Panorama, which is about an hour and a half from where we live. 5k prize purse for the downhill MTB race, so not too shabby. Big enough to draw Sam Hill, Bryn , Ben Cory, and a bunch more....

From the website: "Showcasing the best of skate, BMX, mountain biking, wake, luge, scooter and parkour, this unique event will focus heavily on spectator participation; from interactive skate parks to Parkour training and rides, this adrenalin filled weekend is not for the faint hearted! Nowhere in Australia has this combination of action sports and live music come together in such a sensory overload."

http://www.newtonsnation.com.au/

Lookout

Down the road from us....still blue:)

Morgan's Coffee

I know this is a big call,,, but I feel having lived in Seattle most of my life, and travelled the world, that I have a grip on what a good cup of joe tastes like. Morgans coffee is my favorite hands down. Roasted in Australia on a Portuguese machine, Morgan's handcrafted coffee is a delicious brew. That's my Aussie hot tip of the week:) www.morganscoffee.com

AUSSIE LAND!!!

We are out!!!. Off to backwards land,,, where spring is in the air, and summer will shortly follow. Haven't been to our house there since last March, so looking forward to seeing if the Blue Mountains are still blue:). Hard to leave the ol family behind in Seattle :( but they know we love them and have work to do to for next year. Packed up 7 bike boxes, 2 gear bags, helmets, etc. Try taking half a year's worth of gear and spares. Yikes. Had a bit of good fortune at United, could've been a $1400 luggage bill that we managed just $800. Gotta do these things. Spend money to make money right? Anywhoo, see you on the other side. JK

Final NW Mission

It was pouring so hard the other day, that we thought blue skies could be found east of the mountains at one of my favorite trails- Kachees. Bit of a mission, hour and a half drive or so to get to the trail, but no rain. Unloaded at the top of the mountain, with an epic view of Mt.Rainier, Kachess lake, and a rad steep rocky ridge. Had to do some hiking in the snow, front wheel dives into snow are pretty fun for awhile but it's quite tricky going in a straight line in snow. So with wet snowy clip shoes, we hiked for probably 30-40 min. Once we dropped a bit of elevation, it was amazing. Stream crossing were a higher than the last time I went there. Cougars had stomped in prints along the trail too, which scared the bejesus out of me!! as the third member of our crew-out the rear it's not a nice feeling. Didn't see to many creatures scurrying around as decoys, but we all made it with our power in numbers theory, so whatever.

Luke, Bryn, and I had so much fun, once we got to actual dirt, there was incredible traction and shredding. This trail is nice and rugged, lots of roots and some nice tech turns and gaps.

Our last big push, leaving for the next 5 months, so this was the only bit of snow we will see this year. This trail is probably snowed in till about june of next year, till then...

magical covert.

Defgrip Studio is live..

One of my best pals- Harrison, who runs Defgrip.net, is art director for MacNeil BMX, did the branding for the movie First, among other things,,, has moved to New York city and started up his own design studio. defgripstudio.net . If you want a sweet web or graphic designer on your side, he's the man:)...

Underground halloween Slalom...

RENTON, WA Some of our local friends built a slalom track out near the xc trails, so for Halloween the Go Huck Yourself guys had a little underground, $5 best lap slalom race for a bit of of fun.

They also sponsored the BBQ, and beverages, so with about 30 riders and additional fans all dressed in their finest costumes, we had ourselves an awesome time. Dunno how the rain held off all day, but Travis was stoked cause his bear suit would've weighed about 20 pounds extra and effected his times:). Bryn has been riding just a little bit, thumb is healed, so he was clocking quick times.

The timing system was quite clever... Made out of mobile radios, laser beams, plus a crappy laptop with excel, it was dialed. mountain bikers + electrician skills= pretty handy:)

Lots of good costumes, only one casualty (snapped a collarbone), and plenty of riding. The unlimited run format counting best times made the day a lot easier but much harder too. Easier cause less pressure and the dirt dried out, but Each run was about 50 seconds with a couple flat pedally sections, which was a big effort:)

Bryn won with a 49.2, Travis Erikson took off the bear suit and managed 2nd with a 50.24, and I got the bronze with a 50.67. Keith and trevor rounded out the podium. Super official:) anyway, I had a great time, should've put more effort into my leprechaun outfit, but you know. later..

Thanks to AJ and the GOhuckyourself guys...

http://www.gohuckyourself.com/2010/10/17/biketober-fest-bermsled-race/#more-2001

Pickleball

I think the name is kinda letting it down, but pickleball is probably the most fun sport ever!! It's like miniature tennis using wooden paddles and a whiffle ball, on a badminton sized court. We have been having mega marathons lately. Pretty good side hobby to run around, have fun, and do something that doesn't involve getting muddy and wet. This sport was invented in seattle and is quite popular at our gym, but actually takes a lot of skill and strategy.

Best dirt in the world...

Yeah, that's right. Fall in the N-Dub is epic. 2 1/2 weeks left to enjoy, then off to Australia for another summer...poor us. Bryn's hand is almost healed.