Mellissa Buhl, AKA Buhly, has been one of my biggest competitors since we both started racing BMX as kids.
She just announced her retirement from full time pro racing , and will be heading off to medical school to be a doctor!!! So happy for her to a bright future, but she will be truly missed!!! Big send off in Vegas in a couple weeks. Sea otter and Usa events will not be the same without Buhly:( good luck friend!!!!!
SANDY, OR - http://oregonenduro.com/Stages 4,5,6,7 @ Sandy Ridge.
Today started out much like the past 3 days , with a climb up a paved road for about 2,000 feet to get to the start of stage 4. It's gradual, but constant 40- 60 minutes, then an additional 10-15 min of steep single track. Kinda sweet to get most of the climbing outta the waythough knowing the decent will be long and prosperous:) Thats how it's done in the N-DUB.
7 stages provides tons of riding, but it's a tricky getting enough practice to remember where you are going. Mission to get to the trails sometimes. This was my first enduro, fresh off a broken arm, so quite a big week of back to back riding/racing in the heat. Not hard, just a lot of saddle time. Maybe it's worse when you know someone has a key to the gate, and the road is prime for shuttles- just a different style I suppose. Something to do with the watershed up top? They did provide shuttles for the cat 2 and 3 guys in the morning, which was nice, but pros are tougher than that:) Think I saw 94 degrees at one point on friday.
Anyway, these stages at Sandy were a lot more skilled based, rather than yesterday's straight-line pedalfest. Lost of pumpy flowy stuff, but the grade wasn't that steep, so constantly putting in the hard pedals and using the Kronolog dropper post when it counted.
I had ridden Sandy before, and knew it was a good spot for me. Kelli Emmett has such incredible fitness that I had to go hard and make all the corners and pumps count. I won 3 out of the 4 stages today, but got a flat tire in the middle of stage 4 through the upper rock garden, and it took forever to change and pump it up to get rolling again. I lost 6-8 minutes right there. Watched 4 or 5 girls ride past me, so that was it. I still had a great time riding, and ended up 6th maybe? Think yesterday I got 2nd in two stages and won stage 3 as well. The strava battles were pretty fun too.
The hot tip on set up is to go tubeless and have a spare tube taped to the frame with the skinny co2 cartridge. I have never used one of those, so yeah, next time. Racing with a pack is kinda bumming, but at least you got all your spare crap and water. I went through a gallon of water per day. Nuun tablets are good too, they don't leave any residue in the bladder and you get the electrolytes.
On the racing front, Josh Carlson smashed it for the men. He pretty much killed the first stage by like 30 seconds, and maintained a gap from there on out. He's a solid rider, with some aussie flair. Keene took 2nd, even with a crash. There was this step up jump at the end of stage 5 that had a massive g out going in, he lost the front end in the G out and slammed his face into the vert lip, 25 feet away from the finish line too . Slaven 3rd - super local and pinned.
These races are slightly gnarly, wearing an xc lid going that fast. Something other than those ugly Urge enduro helmets need to be created for these events for safety and style. Where are industrial designers when you need em?
Not sure where enduro events are heading in the US, seems pretty raw still, but there is a niche, lots of participants, and everyone enjoys the riding when trails are good. They don't really time the transfers at these, so it's pretty lax. Ipad timing, press start whenever you show up. Timing beams are where its at, so hopefully they can get that going for next time to have less issues adding things up.
So many fit people at these things that you have never heard of. Trail riders lurking in the woods. Met a lot of new people, which was cool. Kind of an older crowd, mostly 30's. Quite a few industry people as well. Specialized guys were on a bit of a road trip to check these events out. Their boy Curtis Keene the american dream won a title in North American Enduro. Overall series for the oregon thing went to josh though.
Sponsors put some decent money into this series, based on the giveaways and fact that there were very minimal expenses to run this. Not much of a scene or media, Hard to watch too, just more about doing them to experience. And entering in a raffle to win a carbon nomad, go pros, teva shoes, forks, etc and other sweet prizes. I got some tasty Mojo bars :)
Here are the results. times are a little screwed up I think. They got Kelli's name wrong, so her first stage wasn't included or something. Dunno about the rest.
http://webscorer.com/race?raceid=3771
MT.HOOD, OREGON
Since I just started trail riding again, thought I'd check out the Oregon enduro scene. Norco loaned me one of their new Range Killer B 650B bikes, which is amazing, so I'm out monster trucking down some sweet hills in loose as hell oregon sand :).
Honestly, this event is not what I expected, but fun and challenging all the same. I did the Oregon Super D here last time, which was centralized at Sandy ridge, but the courses are a little different for the enduro (timed decents) and there are two venues split between two days. Didn't really know who was here till I showed up on the start line. Extremely mellow, not much visibility, no spectating, but instead lots of riding and hanging out at a central spot after the races. Plenty of Beer, subarus, dogs, etc. The racing isn't that chill though- Heart rate through the roof, constantly turning the pedals over when you feel like coasting. Hopefully I can pull some time on the tech bits, but it's a lot of fun basically racing a course blind, you have to know where to brake and where to push, which is hard to remember. Did 2 practice laps, one on the other venue, so not much memory.
Day 1 (today ) was up at Timberline. Start at the Lodge, and pin it about 10 miles total with 3 stages and transfers. First stage is loose sandy alpine, then into bombing straight rocky fire road, and mega pedalling. Climb for a tiny amount to transfer, then another shorter stage in the trees and through what seems like creekbeds full of loose rock and sand. Third stage is pinner , with some pumpy singletrack straight lines into hairpin turns, then another flat mega pedally section to the bottom.
Second day (tomorrow) is more tech, just because it is so dry and loose. Lots of pumps and flow. Rode the stages once. The marking wasn't as good as it could have been, so hopefully nobody gets lost. You gotta climb up a road 40 minutes to even get t
Just wanted to say congrats to Bryn. He looked confident and poised, plus hucked a few gaps. So proud:)
TEAM NORCO INTL. – World Championships - LEOGANG
Leogang, Austria – September 2nd, 2012 – Held in the scenic town of Leogang, Austria, Bryn Atkinson was at the 2012 UCI World Championships in full force representing Team Norco Intl. as well as his home country of Australia.
World Champs draws thousands of fans, tons of industry folks pooling in from Eurobike, as well as all the major media outlets. Bryn was looking sharp with a custom Green and yellow "Aussie" wrap job on his Norco Aurum (courtesy of Imagecraft inc.) and delivered an impressive 13th position at the biggest international racing event of the season.
The course had been beaten up by about 230 riders and 3 days of practice in rainy and cold weather. In some spots Ruts were as deep as the front axle and the texture of the soil was ever changing. Luckily race day saw perfect conditions and blue skies for a fair match.
Spectating was especially good at this event as well with the numerous beer gardens and big screens lining the course and keeping everyone captivated.
In the final, Bryn laid down a great run early on, occupying the hot seat for almost 30 minutes. With a few spectacular gaps, and poised form, he eventually finished 13th. Also worth mentioning; his time over the second sector of the course was 4th fastest! This being his highest place this season and heading into World cup finals, the Aussie is riding strong to break back into the top 10.
Bryn had this to say- "It's been a wild year for me and the team, I'm so happy that I could lay down a smoker for Worlds and be so close to the top 10! I knew my speed was there this weekend, my bike is working great and I was really into the wet, rooty, fast and jumpy track conditions. I'm excited so see the course in Norway next week, and finish the season in top form!"
Team Mechanic Alain Hall.
Photo Credits: Fraser Britton, Anne-Marie Ludekens & Colin Meagher
DOWNHILL RESULTS:
PRO MEN
1. Greg Minnaar
2. Gee Atherton
3. Stevie Smith
4. Mick Hannah
5. Sam Hill
...
13. Bryn Atkinson- Norco Intl.
Next up.. World Cup finals- Hafjell, Norway, and Oregon Enduro finals in Mt.Hood for Jill...
Team Norco International is supported by: Norco Bicycles, Crank Brothers, Fox, Shimano, Renthal, Maxxis, Five Ten, e.13, Dakine, Fi'zi:k, CaneCreek, Oakley, TLD helmets, Motorex, Alpinestars protection, Stan's Notubes, Jet Black Trainers, Park Tool.
####
Well, I am not at World Championships:( Thought I would be healed up, but to be honest I still haven't ridden a DH bike, and my arm gets really achey/ tired holding , Gotta take breaks. Right at 8 weeks, so thats pretty good I suppose, think bones heal stronger and faster without the hardware. Trail riding is right up my alley this time of year anyway, gonna do some enduros and photo stuff. Got some style goals as well that are coming around:) I got in a few A-Line runs on my modified Trail bike yesterday for a Cancer Charity event at Phat Wednesday in whistler:) Chainless and costumes plus a party= gong show, but pretty fun. Our fellow Norco rider Nick Geddes recovered from Leukimia, so he inspired this event, and actually won the series!! Team support:). Race was super fun!!! I enjoyed it so much getting to ride again. I didn't get the memo about the costumes, and felt like a bit of a jackass, but all good. Besides a rider pile up at the GLC drop due to costume error from ol spongebob, er, not hucking, all good. Haha. Some awesome costumes. Girraffe, Apes, lots of spandex, banana man, lots of bullet helmets, a tandem, mario and Luigi, a crate attached to the front of the bike with a cardboard et inside tucked under a sheet:) , so good.
On the world champs front,, Bryn is holding it down for our team in Austria, representing Aussies:) Track looks so fun! Few massive kickers! Neethling and Peaty have some sweet kits, Nice work!!! Good luck over there. First day of practice was today.
Feels like it has been forever, but I finally got back out on the trails to ride. This is the first week I have ridden our usual ripping decending trails, and the arm is feeling pretty good, still got muscle building to do but it's coming back. I'm at 8 weeks tomorrow:). Haven't touched my Dh bike since July 1, so I think I'll give it a go next week and see how it likes it.
Timing is a bit brutal with World Champs this coming weekend. Since I have had zero time in on my DH bike, I elected not to partake this year, but am aiming to be ok for Norway, will see after this week. Racing World Cups at the highest level requires 100% . Bryn is en route to Leogang, Austria, ready to shred for the team, and Represent Australia. Good luck little friend:)
Just wanted to wish everyone good luck. Can't wait to see how it goes down.
Last day of Crankworx. Kinda happens all really fast, then it's over. Aww. Lots goes on with 16 events over 2 weeks. It's hectic trying to fit in practice and the events. Most people are really pushing it to manage 5 events, plus the evening viewing of the photo contests, slopestyle, etc. Lake time, socializing, etc.
Final event of the weekend, and Bryn finished 6th in the Canadian DH race, which was really good with a stacked field. World Champs is coming up next in Austria, so some good time on the bike in Whistler to get primed up. Lot of people got injured though. Pom Pom broke a collarbone, and you just see a lot of fatigue or other crashes if there is no plan in place to keep things tamed back. Just so easy to do a hundred runs and clap out your bike and body.
I will not be going to Worlds, but should be good for Norway:)
www.crankworx.com has all the media coverage you should need.
WHISTLER, BC
So stoked to Win the Pumptrack challenge for the third time in a row!!!! Didn't know if I would be able to ride or race, but it worked out, and I had a ton of fun!! Pumptrack has Been on my calendar with 5 stars for the last 6weeks, had to do it, nice and smooth, no big hits:) COuple more weeks and can do more aggressive riding:) That was my 3rd mellow ride back. Got more strengthening to do before I am back to riding, forearm is having a hard time pulling up to hop curbs n stuff . 2 more weeks till the bone is "healed", but the plate is keeping things in tact. Dr said to start ramping it up, but no dh for awhile. No world Champs either:( All good, Norway awaits:)
This is old news now, but my pal Arielle Martin was the chosen one for the USA BMX Olympic team, but had a crash the day before leaving for london this year.
I went down to visit her in hospital a couple weeks ago. Man, talk about a devastating situation. 3 surgeries, busted liver and lung, no Olympics, and nothing she could do about it. The good news is that she is out of hospital and on her way back home!! Just wanted to say congrats for getting through no doubt the lowest of lows, luck will find you again friend:) On the mend. I made her this little liver poster:)
ESPN Photo
Wow, watching the Olympic BMX brought back some memories. I remember being in the start, and the nervous energy surrounding the whole event. The course looked beautiful with perfect weather and a full stadium. There were enough rounds to kind of get a feel for each rider and watch some different lines. Tons of crashes though, I don't miss that. Seems like all the media people focus on the carnage to keep it interesting to spectators. Easy way to make some headlines; scorpion into a roller. Few Kamakazi french moves out there as well, kinda had to hold my breath as one guy hopped the rocks inside the white line. You never know what is gonna happen or where the other riders are going to be, that's the game of it, ready for anything. Crazy that there were no British, French, or US medals. Quite a different story this time around.
For the Women's rounds, for sure that first semi was really difficult, stacked, but the whole field was really talented. Devastating to watch Alise go down after strong starts and incredible pull down the ramp. She said she was ok, but had a concussion. Good for Brooke to play is steady to get into the final, she has so much style:)
For the final, the favorites had a lot of pressure. I called Pajon ages ago, she just has the most talent and history of success. Caroline Buchanan looked really really fit and strong as well. It was a little sad to watch her not make the medals after being that dominant all day. Shanaze too, she has so much pressure again, it was a tough race.
You could kinda read what they were thinking on the Gate, but the calm confident person usually rises. I was wondering why Pajon picked lane 5. It gave her the space to focus on herself. She had the fastest times to the bottom of the ramp, so to get past the kink with a clear lane was smart. Caroline and Shanaze got boxed in on the inside by Latietia. Sarah Walker kinda struggled all day, but pulled out the silver when it counted. Like to think Bronze is the award for best battle:).
Strombergs was so calm, I could feel he was gonna win after the last semi, when there were lots of tense close moments, and he did all the right things to be in position and out of trouble. Lifetime of work put into it. Latvia had a full team this time, obviously doing something right over there, he is their only gold medalist- 2 total for these games so far. Wow. I wish someone would do a story on him in latvia to see what his life is like there. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMoQK1V48sA
Anyway, congrats to everyone who went, and the medalists. It is the most difficult task to be selected and compete at the olympic games. Everyone there has talent. Enjoy the wave for the next few months:)
Today was the time trial BMX event in London!!!. Seems like a really long time since the Beijing games, 4 years, but for London the sport is bigger than ever, with a beautifully landscaped technical course primed for action .
After about 6 years of Supercross history, most countries have it figured out with gearing, technique, training, etc. Leg speed is crazy to watch, but shifting never proved to be faster, keeping bmx equipment simple and solid.
USA, France, Australia, GBR, and the Dutch have really strong showings in cycling events. For BMX throw in Latvia, New Zealand, and Colombia to the mix as well. BMX has world wide participation, so it's cool to see the variety of colors, and fancy paint jobs. Think USA has the best looking kits, but I am also a little bias. Nike stuff always looks good.
Material science comes into play; light-weight tailored breathable gear for pedaling seems to outperform the standard moto kit. Well unless you hit the pavement, then I think the heavier material would be way better. All or nothing at that point anyway.
I got a little neardy trying to put in split points agains the clock to see who was faster where. Definatly in the girls TT, cutting the turns a little more inside was faster, especially out of the tunnel and going into the rhythm section. Last turn had a couple tenths to cut too. Caroline Buchanon has Mountian bike experience and looked to have her lines sorted in the corners, also set the fastest time. Pajon was actually the fastest in most spots. She lost some tenths in the last turn and rhythm section to the finish. Opposite with Latietia, she made up ground from the tunnel to the finish, cut inside real hard on the second turn which was way faster. Sarah Walker was really good too, but like a tenth slower down the ramp. There are a few girls who have caught up to shanaze's power down the start ramp, so it's gonna be good. Obviously a time trial is not the same as racing 8 people all together, but getting out first in the first 3 cranks and the bottom of the ramp will be super key.
The USA girls looked good too!!!. Alise Post has awesome starts, reaction times, and power down the ramp, and Brooke has the style and form on the jumps, so it's wide open for Friday.
In the men's race, it is so close technically, that is gonna come down to the power and the snap. I am a little nervous for the hip chicane thing, such a bottleneck with nowhere to go.Looks like that inside is it and it's tight to hold. Dunno. They had to boost to clear the jump before, so 3rd-8th may be wild and exciting. Dutch rider took the win with a dialed lap, but Herman, Connor, and Nic will hopefully have the power. The Haro bikes looked really good, BTW, my fav scheme- stealth. Connor looked strong smooth and poised, just one little mistake in the rhythm. French guy- Daudet was buttery smooth, and fast. Latvia champ was also looking good. Hard to tell till you get everyone lined up. I didn't do their stats. either way, should be exciting. See if we can get a sweep for USA this time.
Stevens Pass, WA - MTB US Grand Prix
Stevens Pass hosted it’s first ever mountain bike race this weekend, and it just so happened to be the NW Cup and MTB Grand Prix finals. Lots of National talent , as well as all our favorite locals from the N-Dub, all enjoying Washington's only bike park with a chairlift.
Opening the trails to the public late last summer, Stevens Pass has done a lot of work to open 2 sustainable trails for pro and amateur levels . Situated about an hour and a half east of Seattle, the turnout was pretty huge, drawing top riders as an easy stop prior to Crankworx up in Whistler.
With Blue skies and hot temperatures into the high 80's, the track was a dust bowl. High speeds and rocky terrain would keep the riders on their toes over the weekend. Bryn Qualified 3rd and finished in 4th- 1.44 off the win.
Bryn had this to say, "I put together a sick run, and really enjoyed the weekend.1.44 seconds is a pretty small margin between 1st and 4th, just goes to show that Stevens made a course for tight racing. "
DOWNHILL RESULTS:
PRO MEN
1. Luke Strobel
2. Mitch Ropelato
3. Neko Mullaly
4. Bryn Atkinson - Norco Intl
5. Austin Warren
Of course I was there for support:)
Bryn is in Val d'isere, France at the World Cup. Race is early tomorrow. Just wanted to say good luck!!! He got caught in a gnarly storm in qualifying 2 days ago, but is primed and ready for the big show. He was 40th? so just outside the top 30 for webstream coverage. Photo Vitalmtb.com
RACE REPORT:
Val d'isere – July 29th, 2012 – Round #6 of the World Cup was back in Europe in the South East of France. Val d'Isere is about 6000 feet above sea level, and the tight valley was open to changes in weather, sometimes by the minute. The track was different from what the World Cup has seen over the last few months; very narrow and exposed, with only one tree section at the bottom. New venues with variety give an exciting mix to the schedule.
With sunny hot conditions all through practice, qualifying would see a big change with wind, rain, and thunder unleashing some havoc on a handful of riders. Bryn just so happened to have caught the worst of it, in what a UCI official commented "was of storm of biblical proportions" for about 7 riders ranked in the 20's and 30's. Bryn would hold it together to qualify 40th, while others had a dry track by the end of qualifying. In the final he had a good run going, hitting 16th at the first split, and ultimately finishing 75th after going off the track and down into a creek.
Bryn had this to say "I felt the best I have on my bike this year, I was having a blast, and feel like i'm shredding again. I rolled the dice with a risky line in the last rock section and went off the track, but at least I went for it, and feel good about leaving everything out there."
VANCOUVER, BC
I suppose the one upside to being injured is that I get some time to do different stuff. Norco had their 2013 product launch this weekend in Vancouver for some dealers, and invited me and a few other Norco riders. I even said a few words in the Aurum presentation, little testimonial :).
THis was my first ever product launch for any bike company, and I was so impressed with the new bikes and all the people surrounding Norco. SHop owners, Sales reps, engineers, marketing, riders, etc. NORCO is a great brand, lots of long term employees- some 30 years, nice people, legit distribution, solid dealers, etc. They also literally had every bike on display from the catalog, like over 100 bikes inside the fancy hotel, felt a little like interbike:) The week is basically presentations for a few hrs each morning, afternoon riding/demos, then dinners and smoozing:).
I have done media camps with the magazine people, but this was educational and more social for me since I can't ride yet. Liked hearing Bike shop owners' stories. I had several days of looking at all the sweet 2013 demo bikes and just fantasizing about riding. The 2013 line up is going to impress a lot of people, the attention to detail and refinements of these bikes is top notch. Team effort, but the engineering team deserves a lot of credit, PJ and Owen. For me, their 2012 bikes that I have ridden (sight, Aurum) have incredible balance, clean lines, and they handle light and nimble, and it keeps getting better...
650B has hit the range and sight for next year,and have been getting insane feedback. All positive that I have heard. Had to try, so I rode down a dirt path, and admit that it was noticeably easier to climb and pedal. Team riders Mike Hopkins, Darcy, Hoots, and every one else were raving about it as well. Heal faster arm:) All I can think about is SST trail calling my name, adn the perfect flow and brown dirt.
Overall a good couple of days. It's nice to see the ins and outs of the bike world, and I appreciate all the different sides and people of the business. Learned all about how the bikes are made, the technology, price points, spec, folding moving blankets, etc. so it was really fun for me to be involved. Thx Norco .
Sitting at home watching US National Champs was not an easy thing to do. It looked like a lot of fun mudding out there in North Carolina, wished I was there, oh well, next time. Wanted to say congrats to the new US National champions: Gwin and Jackie for DH, and Neko and Buhly for slalom :) Go USA
All the Olympic hype in the media is unbelievably exciting leading up to the London Games!!. Following along as a fan is a lot different than competing, but it is fun for me to have both perspectives. With a week and a half to go, there is an embargo for individual athlete websites and stuff, but the quality of exposure from the last few months has been very high. Hours and hours of video profiles, athlete commercials, training vids, and captivating stories. Every single person going to the games has some kind of personal triumph as to how they got there, or a struggle, sacrifice, injury, etc. Trials were really intense and sometimes heart braking to follow- just a few highs and lows:). It's not easy to be an Olympian, obviously, so let the games begin and see how the chips fall.
Most of the BMX stories involve explaining what the sport is. Seems like everyone grew up with a bike of some kind, so it is relatable, but not everyone knows as much about racing. Freestyle BMX is pretty mainstream with the X-games and all the various superstars like Mirra, TJ Lavin, Hoffman. For racing though, the sport is still a bit unknown to most, only the die hard might know who Bob Haro, Greg Hill, and Gary "The Lumberjack" Ellis are.
I enjoy all the charts and breakdowns that media sources come up with, as well as defining the jargon. Bmx vocab needs it's own urban dictionary almost; wheelie, gate, hole-shot, snap, pimped, getting squirrely, nosing it in, casing, boost, overshoot, manual, pull manual, nose bonk, ramping, the kink, the one-two, tires, micro-knobby, helmets, goggles, single speeds, rhythm sections, step ups, hips, rollers, doubles and triples, pulling a snowman (8th), owning it, etc... Guess there is a lot to it if you have never seen the sport before, which makes the olympics the best opportunity to educate and reach so many people.
With 4 years separating the first ever games from now in BMX, all the athletes, coaches, trainers, cycling organizations, fans, etc really have an understanding of how the Olympics changed the sport, and the science and evolution that has come with specialized training. Bikes haven't really changed that much, probably a few new carbon pieces, or tire patterns, but for sure better athletes and tracks.
France was on the cutting edge for years with their tight technical courses, separating pros and amateurs, while America did have pro sections, there was still the little 5 year old that had to be able to roll through everything else. Supercross BMX changed the level of skills. The main difference being a 40 foot high start ramp and massive jumps.
Even the beijing track, after a year of riding other supercross tracks, was easy come Olympic time. In Chula vista at the US Olympic Training Center, when I lived there construction was being done to build a track. Now they have 2 supercross tracks, an ABA track, skills areas, etc. It's quite a sight!!! Bmx took over. Stoked that Donny, Mikey, and I did so well in China, to get the funding for the next generation of USA BMX.
I personally think after London, BMX will be one of the most showcased events, because it is so fast, exciting, technical, plus the people are humble and within reach to common folks. The rain delay killed prime time coverage from Beijing, so this time around should be better, if it doesn't rain:).
Shanaze Reid lives near London, so she is doing her part and drawing a lot of people in. It is so good to create heros and give the people someone to cheer for. Of course, I am fully supporting USA, but I still appreciate the global effort. To have a BMX racers on the doors of Holiday Inns, on Coke bottles, McDonalds cups is quite remarkable. I have a lot of positive Olympic memories, and love sports of all kind, so this is like Playoffs, world championships, etc all rolled into one.
Duthie Hill MTB Park- Issaquah , Wa
I feel lucky to live in a place where mountain biking is thriving. Duthie hill is one of the best places for people to work on skills and have fun. This weekend Kat Sweet of Sweetlines.com put on a 2 day Women's freeride event. One day of coaching, and one day of putting it all together down some of the jump/flow trails. She brought in about 20 Pro level coaches, and 45 women showed up to learn. Sold out!! Awesome. I just got home, but made it out for both days to support the cause. No riding cause of the arm, but cheering and helping. Kat is awesome as an instructor, so lots of success and improved riding.
here is a story from the Sammamish Review Paper. I even had a quote:) .. http://sammamishreview.com/2012/07/09/women-freeriders-make-their-mark-at-sugar-showdown
Jeeze. Getting hurt sucks, but luckily for me just a broken arm and a lot of bruises. 6-8 weeks seems like forever though, will see how the healing goes for mellow Crankworx events and World Champs. Windham. I crashed after the high speed road gap and step down section, lost the front end hauling ass out of that left hand turn after those jumps. Bum deal, dunno why or how it happened, was probably going faster than normal. My front tire felt a little funny from when I got on my bike after warm up, but didn't think it was anything.
I hit the ground straight to sliding on my head and shoulder, plus my arm somehow slapped the ground and broke instantly. I was out of breath just wheezing, then holding my arm from moving got off the course so they wouldn't red flag tracy. Then fainted. Sigh. I was going really well this week.
Poor Bryn was so worried when he saw me.He had to still race not knowing what happened to me.Just knew they were taking me off the hill and to the hospital. New York is far from Seattle, But realatively close compared to Europe,and in my own country at least. Ironic that this Albany medical center was the same hospital that Bryn got his Femur repaired at last year.I even had the same nurses:) surgery went perfect. Now I am home and got 6+ weeks to heal. That's it so far. Black eye looks sweet.Been called the coon.
TEAM NORCO INTL. – World CUP #5- Windham. NY
Thanks again to all our sponsors, and our mechanic Alain for doing an awesome job!!!!
Red Bull, NORCO Bicycles, Crank Brothers, Fox Racing Shox, Shimano, Renthal, Maxxis, 5.10, e*13, Dakine, Oakley, Fi:z’ik, Cane Creek, Motorex, Stan's Tubeless, Alpinestars, Tld, Park Tool, Cti, and eSoles.
FB- facebook.com/teamnorcointernational
FULL RACE RESULTS
1. Gwin 2. Stevie Smith 3.Gee Atherton 4. Danny Hart 5. Loic Bruni
WOMEN:
1.Rachel 2. Tracy Hannah 3. Ragot 4.Emile Siegenthaner 5. Pom Pom
Qualifying was yesterday in the dust, while today was a bit muddy. Lots of variety up here in quebec. o be honest, the track needed some moisture. Hopefully it dries out a bit though. Practice had some changes as far as holes and traction go. All the same though, riding is going well. Rained for the poor xc bandit men the last few laps. Downpour, so we were stuck under a tent staying dry for about 30 min :) DH Race day tomorrow.
Seeding I was 6th, bryn 47th. Gwin and Rachel took the wins.
Men - http://direct.coresites.mporatrons.com/dirt/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/42237_DHI_ME_Results_QR.pdf
Women- http://direct.coresites.mporatrons.com/dirt/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/42237_DHI_WE_Results_QR.pdf
