Clemson Freeride's 4th Annual DH Race

Jan 25, 2010
by Brad Collins  
We're at it again! For the 5th consecutive year, Clemson Freeride will play host to yet another DH race on February 27th, 2010. For those of you who have been to our course before, you know what to expect: massive berms, doubles, huge tables, the "cheese wedge" and of course our giant wall ride. Last year's race was a huge success with well over 100 riders turning out.

With prizes for each class as well as one of the lowest entry fees around, why would you not race!? Full details inside,
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The race is open to absolutely anyone on any bike so long as it is in a safe working condition. Below we see Noah, probably the most famous racer at the trails! And yes, he hits the wall ride.

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As you may have guessed we don't have a whole lot of elevation available to us here in Clemson, so we work with what we got. However, we are fortunate enough to have access to the Clemson Experimental Forest as well as the ability to build sustainable stunts and lines on this land, and for that we are grateful!

If you're skeptic about driving to South Carolina for a DH Race (I know, it sounds weird) I URGE you to check out this video by ZfH Productions:

Clemson DH

by zfhproductions
Views: 14,978    Faves: 60    Comments: 17

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The race format is pretty simple. You get two timed runs. Your best time will be your overall time. Last year was our first year doing the chainless run and considering it's great popularity you can expect to see that again this year. We do have prizes for everyone that podiums and usually a few things we can throw out to the crowd.

photo

We want to see double the riders this year but we also know the economy is in the tank. For that reason we have kept the race fee to a minimum of $25. That costs way less than the new set of tires you got for Christmas!

Also feel free to check out the Clemson Freeride web page for more pics, vids, and general info! Thanks for checking us out and we hope to see you at the race!

I'll leave you with a few photos for the road:

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81 Comments
  • 3 0
 I'm thinking about driving down from Pittsburgh to do this race. 2 questions. 1. Judging by the video and previous course times it doesn't look like one would need a full on 8" bike. Could I get away with a 6" bike? 2. Will there be a 4X race also? It looks like there is a 4X course on site.
  • 1 0
 1st question: You are right, a 6 inch bike will usually do just fine. The racers who finish at the top always have a mix of 8inch and 6inch bikes so either will do.

2nd question: What you saw was our dual slalom course and due time constraints and trying to keep this event in one day, we will not be racing it. You're still more than welcome to ride it if you feel the urge!
  • 3 0
 Cool man. I was thinking the same thing. Driving from Pittsburgh and riding my 6.5" bike.
  • 1 0
 Here you go man, if you're still headed our way!

COMFORT SUITES
118 Interstate Boulevard
Anderson, SC 29621
864-622-1200

Mention Clemson Freeride group rate and you will get the room for $69. This also includes the breakfast so its a solid deal! This hotel is in Anderson and about 20 minutes from trail but the drive is very simple.
  • 3 0
 I moved to Bellingham, WA for better riding but Clemson, SC is one of the few places I miss over there on the East. Wish I could have made it, that place is awesome. If your driving down from the northeast for the race, you gotta hit up windrock while your there too.
  • 1 0
 We really have a great course in Clemson and it is worth the drive. We have been putting a lot of hard work into the trail to get it ready for the race, so come out and see the improvements for yourself. You'll be sorry if you don't.
  • 1 0
 1) the bluegrass video WAS awesome... what was the name of that song? and 2) I looked at the race results from last year, and I think you should be banned from the beginners category of any DH race if your last name's "Atherton."
  • 1 0
 Pretty sure the "bluegrass" song you're looking for is The Golden Banjo by Phontaine. I believe it was from Roam.
  • 1 0
 The best bikes are medium travel bikes and if you've got a hardtail, you can smoke this course too. It's such a fun trail that one year I took my wife's 13" $300.00 hardtail and raced pro. Finished right with all my buddies on their 4x and trail bikes in top 20.
  • 2 0
 Note to Pinkbike posters: Include the country and province/state/county in your posts. This is an international site. You may know Wales, UK or South Carolina, US like the back of your hand, some of us don't...
Thanks.
  • 1 0
 Sorry man, you're completely right! I wrote this blog not really sure if it would make it on the homepage. However, I did mention that it was in South Carolina and that it was in the city of Clemson as well as to check out our webpage for directions: www.clemsonfreeride.com.

If you're worried about getting to Clemson, Google it. If your worried about getting to the trail head, send me a message and I'll help ya out. Also, on race day there should be some large poster-signs leading you from the University to the trail parking.
  • 1 0
 I've been to this race 3 times now, and it's definitely not one to miss. The course is not super technical (medium travel is fine), but it's SILLY fun. Like one of the most fun trails I've ever ridden. I'll be there for sure, riding and hopefully shooting some video.
  • 1 0
 So pumped about this race! It was sick last year, which means it can only be better this year. I got the OK from my surgeon to race as long as I have my brace on, I can't wait for that dang thing to finally be shipped!
  • 1 0
 I'm not familiar with the Clemson Freeride event, bit this entire thread as well as that vid' just seem damn fun. Which is what it's all about for me! I wonder how long of a trek it'd be from NYC...
  • 1 0
 Dude... you just made my day! That's exactly why I tried to get this posted... trying to get the word out to people who other wise have no clue we exist. BTW, Googled it... NYC to Clemson is right at 12 hours. Bring some friends and make a three day weekend out of it!
  • 1 0
 If you drive from NY, I'll pay for your entry fee, Pind-It.
  • 1 0
 COMFORT SUITES
118 Interstate Boulevard
Anderson, SC 29621
864-622-1200

Mention Clemson Freeride group rate and you will get the room for $69. This also includes the breakfast so its a solid deal! This hotel is in Anderson and about 20 minutes from trail but the drive is very simple.
  • 1 0
 I was there watching and cheering last year and ran the course slowly for fun. This year I'm excited to actually race the course. Is registration going to be cash, the day of, or is there a website to pay it in advance?
  • 1 0
 cash or check, day of. We like to keep it simple and cheap.
  • 1 0
 25$ cash the day of. Registration starts around 8 and goes to Noon. After 12:00 we will no longer accept any more participants, please get there on time!

Edit: dang it man... beat me to it again... what the heck.
  • 1 0
 If I show up in SC on Thursday night will the course be open on Friday to ride? Weather here in Pittsburgh is pretty weak right now. I will be fiendin' to ride in 50° temps! Let me know! I'd like to ride all day Friday before the race if possible.
  • 1 0
 Yeah dude! The course will be open all day Friday. Chances are that you will see a lot of us out there doing some last minute work though, so there may be something temporarily closed for a couple of hours tops. We plan to have all the digging done in advance so we don't have to worry about it turning to complete slop. For those of you making the long drive, I am getting in touch with a Comfort Suites that is about 15-20 minutes from the course. I have a buddy who works there and I'm working on getting a bit of a deal. I will post back after I talk with them tomorrow.
  • 1 0
 COMFORT SUITES
118 Interstate Boulevard
Anderson, SC 29621
864-622-1200

Mention Clemson Freeride group rate and you will get the room for $69. This also includes the breakfast so its a solid deal! This hotel is in Anderson and about 20 minutes from trail but the drive is very simple.
  • 2 0
 PINKBIKE mad props! my jaw dropped when i saw this on the main page, great job covering these local races
  • 2 0
 I am thinking about making the trip as well. if my wife does not give birth by then I am going to be there!
  • 2 0
 Whoop whoop... Clemson race is on the front page.... Can't wait to race. Should be bringing a few buddies with me.
  • 2 0
 I love CLEMSON Freeride!!! Awsome Race and Fun Trail!!! Can not wait for the event!
  • 1 0
 Man I want to go! Maybe if I can convince my parents about a "Campus Tour" I can. Hehe. Keep on going with with what you guys got going on up there.
  • 1 0
 Hey snackboy, just because my last name is Atherton doesn't mean I have been racing very long Smile I'm getting good fast though.
  • 2 0
 Great Race, Fun Course, Good People. I went last year for the first time and will def be heading up again!!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 holy sh!@ that's awesome...i used to race there in undergrad the 1st year it was built...fun course, great guys!
  • 1 0
 hopefully I can make it i really want to do this race! what exactly is the trail? is there an office or is it just a trail you go on?
  • 1 0
 I am not sure what you're asking... if you mean where is the trail, there are directions on our webpage. There is no "office" or anything of that sort... just park and ride.
  • 1 0
 okay that clears it up
  • 1 0
 can wait. i have seen the videos and im pumped. i am planning on going up friday and riding some too. the trail looks amazingly funn
  • 1 0
 Time wise how long is the course? Also can you only ride at Clemson during races? When will the course be open to practice?
  • 1 0
 The course is about 1:30 - 1:55 in length, depending on your skill level. The course is open to the public year long, but we ask that you not ride when it is wet to prevent damage to the trail. Practice will be held from 8am until 1pm the day of the race, but come out anytime and check it out prior. There should be plenty of people riding that Friday afternoon before the race.
  • 1 0
 The fastest pros make it in just under a minute thirty. The average racer finishes in around 1:40 - 1:50. The Clemson DH course is open at all times of the year. We ask that you respect our trails by not riding when its sloppy wet, not digging without the assistance of someone in the club, and packing out what you pack in. Parking during the winter is a little different (because they close the gates) but not hard to figure out. (We will have the gates open on race day)

The course will be open to practice every day including race day until just before the race begins. Be aware that we are doing course work so you may get there one day and a section of the course might be unridable. Just skip that part and enjoy the rest!

Edit: Damn, Wilson beat me to it...
  • 1 0
 Will there be any shuttle service and if not how long is the shuttle up to the top of the downhill run?
  • 1 0
 No shuttle service. We are only charing $25 for the race fee so to do shuttles would be a huge loss for our club. Shuttling is technically possible but we do not recommend it. We have a fire road that runs straight back up to the top. No cars are allowed on this trail only bikers (aka hikers carrying bikes). If you were to shuttle it would take about just as long as it would to walk because you have to go way around. Everyone who rides this course walks it and there aren't that many complaints.
  • 3 1
 lol almost everyone on the vid. have Giro Remdy helmet!!!
  • 2 0
 Can't wait to race! Hope I don't come in last Smile
  • 1 0
 what are the conditions like down there in February? is it gonna be freezing and wet?
  • 2 0
 I mean... it changes all the time. Right now it is about 55 and a wet from heavy rains yesterday. We are hoping it will be on the dry side but there is no telling. The averages for Clemson on Feb. 27th are: High-60 Low-35. Pulled from weather.com. As far as rain goes... its hit or miss. We hope it misses.
  • 2 0
 awesome! Ill definitely try and make it down then
  • 1 0
 We practically have a year long riding season. Its actually more uncomfortable to ride in midsummer than midwinter. Come on down- its a blast even in the rain.
  • 1 0
 im stoked. if i make it it will be my first downhill race, which has always ben like a dream...
  • 1 0
 wow i want to go to this, all my family lives in green ville but i live in northern maine, sucks for me.
  • 2 4
 looks sick. I really wanna go. whats the beginner class like? Im pretty fast but no wehre near pro. I can hit 6ft drops atleast and probably clear that road gap. would that be unfair to do beginner?
  • 4 0
 You can chose for your self but if your race time is worthy of the class above you we will most likely bump you up automatically... no sandbagging! I would probably recommend the intermediate class. If this is your first DH race then you may be fine to do beginner... because you are just that!
  • 1 0
 Awesome, thanks for the info. Any camping available at the location?
  • 1 0
 There is no camping allowed in the Clemson Experimental Forest; however, I hear that there is camping not too far away. I know that lake Keowee has some spots and I am sure that lake Hartwell should as well... your best bet is probably just do a little google searchin.
  • 1 0
 Any word on the Comfort Suites and any other hotel deals?
  • 1 0
 Yes Sir! Spread the word!!!

Call:

COMFORT SUITES
118 Interstate Boulevard
Anderson, SC 29621
864-622-1200

Mention Clemson Freeride group rate and you will get the room for $69. This also includes the breakfast so its a solid deal! This hotel is in Anderson and about 20 minutes from trail but the drive is very simple.
  • 1 0
 Looks like a lot of fun! Wish I could be there...
  • 2 2
 looks fun, only a little bit too for from my door :-p
  • 1 0
 ill be there
  • 1 0
 Is there a pro class?
  • 1 0
 Yes, it is Expert/Pro as one class.
  • 1 0
 Thanks. I hope to make it down.
  • 1 1
 will you be doing summer races? and go gamecocks
  • 3 0
 If we do you're no longer invited. The invitation will read: CLEMSON FREERIDE SUMMER DH RACE - OPEN INVITATION - NO GAMECOCKS.
But in all reality we will probably not have a summer race. If we do it will not be near as big or have many (any) prizes because we rely on our members to help set things up. Lots of our riders leave Clemson for the summers, thus making it very difficult to organize and run an event.
  • 1 1
 what happened to the video with bluegrass in it? it was soo much better
  • 1 0
 What's the walk 15min?
  • 1 0
 About that, or less... 10 maybe.
  • 1 0
 Can't Wait!!
  • 1 0
 What about Thursday?
  • 1 0
 Yeah dude... every day unless it is raining or still soaking wet. If it's that wet we will still race but would prefer people not mess it up before race-day.
  • 1 0
 I'm super stoked for this race! can't wait to see how many come out and participate.
  • 1 2
 that looks so awsome! great filming and tune, goes perfectly! looked like an awsome day.
  • 1 0
 be there
  • 1 0
 I'll be there!
  • 3 4
 where is this ok
  • 1 0
 Clemson, South Carolina.
  • 1 0
 I wish my University had its own DH course....We have an "experimental forest" too but its too flat for DH
  • 1 0
 4 hour drive from nc....i will be there!
  • 1 0
 can't wait!
  • 1 0
 sounds sick I wish I lived closer.
  • 1 0
 where is it?
  • 2 0
 Really? Read the first comment... the one you posted under.
  • 3 0
 oh......sh*t







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