This past weekend Phil and I traveled to Duluth for the third stop of the Lake Superior Gravity Series. I was beyond excited to have a weekend full of mtb fun after a disappointing Ore to Shore. We arrived in Duluth late Thursday night and crashed at our friends Ryan and Cary's house. (Thanks again guys!) The next morning started slow making it out to Spirit Mountain just in time for the lifts to open. Spent the afternoon riding the downhill course and taking a quick look at some of the enduro stages for the next day.
Phil convinced me (it didn't take much) to try hitting a step up jump. This was going to be key to having a successful downhill run the next day, and man I am glad I did it! Learning new things is one of the best feelings! Ah! I love riding chairlifts and blasting down the runs!
I might be hooked on downhill...
Phil convinced me (it didn't take much) to try hitting a step up jump. This was going to be key to having a successful downhill run the next day, and man I am glad I did it! Learning new things is one of the best feelings! Ah! I love riding chairlifts and blasting down the runs!
I might be hooked on downhill...
Saturday morning we got out to the race nice and early to get registered and prepare for the long day. And long day it would be, 90 degree heat, a 4+ hour enduro, followed by a downhill race! I kept my fanny pack full of Honey Stinger snacks, and Nuun! The Nuun was a HUGE help in the heat, even shared some with a fellow racer who was cramping at the top. Although the enduro turned out to be a success, earning the top spot on the podium, it did go as smoothly as I would have hoped. Turns out when Phil is starting right behind you a 30 second lead is not enough. Unfortunately I had to stop and let him by every run but one (he snuck by on a more technical line), but worst of all I slowed him down! He ended up second overall but I couldn't help but think what if I wasn't in front? Would he have won? We will never know... Oh well as Phil would say IIWII (it is what it is)...
Although I was feeling pretty exhausted from the heat I decided to still race the downhill and I am glad I did! Wow was it fun! The course was full of technical rock gardens, jumps, and berms! Unlike the enduro there was very little pedaling involved in this course. Both of my runs went smooth, hit the jumps I had practiced and rolled the ones that were above my abilities. Nothing like crossing the finish line shaking from adrenaline! Pretty excited to have shared the podium with some of my fast downhiller friends! I think it was my awesome new Podium Wear socks that helped my land that top spot.
I can see a Trek Session in my future ;-) I think I am hooked...
Thanks to all of the photographers out there sweating to get some awesome shots! R.S.W. Photography, Pete Stone, and Colin Johnson Photography!
Also a huge thanks to my sponsors: Trek Bicycles, Hayes Components, Answer, Sun Ringle, Honey Stinger, Nuun, Podium Wear, King Orchards, Power Tap, Manitou Mtb, and Frosty Treats!
I can see a Trek Session in my future ;-) I think I am hooked...
Thanks to all of the photographers out there sweating to get some awesome shots! R.S.W. Photography, Pete Stone, and Colin Johnson Photography!
Also a huge thanks to my sponsors: Trek Bicycles, Hayes Components, Answer, Sun Ringle, Honey Stinger, Nuun, Podium Wear, King Orchards, Power Tap, Manitou Mtb, and Frosty Treats!