Race Report: 2015 FrostBIKE

Mar 2, 2015

by Danielle Baker

Start Gate

I have to admit that it did feel a little crazy to be driving six hours away from the prime spring-like riding conditions on the coast to watch DH racers fling themselves down the slippery luge of a snow track at Silver Star Resort. It wasn't until the post-practice pub session on Saturday that I remembered - it's not always about the having the best riding, it's about who you are with. FrostBIKE is reunion of sorts, and in a year where attendance certainly was not driven but inaccessible riding elsewhere, it was even more evident that the folks who were there, were there for the good times.

The course was faster this year than past years, allowing racers to momentarily enjoy sending the last jump, before bailing or crashing into the finish corral fencing. Per usual, this was the highlight of the race for the crowd of fans who had gathered. There were decidedly less heckles from the skiers and snowboarders on the lifts this year, maybe they were envious that we were making the most of the lacking winter season, maybe they are less protective when there's no powder to be had.

The faster track also led to a few injuries - huge shout out to Silver Star Ski Patrol for efficiently and professionally tending to the broken ones. During a fifteen minute medical course-hold while the racers up top kept themselves warm with an impromptu slalom course and group skidding. . . is that a thing? While some notables took to the course on Sunday, the race didn't get 'serious' until the last handful of pros watched Anthony Evans charge out of the gate and pedal into the first berms. The win, however, would go to Remi Gauvin who almost simultaneously crossed the finish line, came off his bike, and rolled into a giant snowball.

Here are some photos of what you missed.

One of these things is not like the others.

Cat-Biking, almost as big as Cat-Skiing.

The course maintenance crew.

Rob 'Volleyballs' Venables getting loose.

There were more cheers than heckles from the lift this year.

Anthony Evans railing the berms in practice.

Slashing turns.

Kurt Sorge

A motley crew of riders and spectators alike.

Anthony was pretty happy about they way his bright kit came together and really popped against the snow.

Practice laps are more fun with friends.

Both feet on the pedals is an unusual sight at FrostBIKE.

FrostBIKE attracted some shady characters; Brett Tippie with Jonny Rockall and Andrew Shandro.

Throwing some style over the jump into the finish line.

Taking 3rd place nothing cold take Alison s smile away.

Taking 3rd place, nothing could take Alison's smile away.

Josh is from Whitehorse he felt right at home in the snow.

Josh de la Salle is from Whitehorse, he felt right at home in the snow.

Joshua Fultz-Veinotte hitting the finish line jump during practice.

The best views in the house.

Dilon Standidge clearly showing off for the crowd.

Skids are for kids, and Rob 'Volleyballs' Venables.

The biggest mental struggle of the race was exactly how fast to hit the last jump while still being able to stop short of the fence.

Scorpions are usually found in warmer climates, but seemed to be multiplying quickly at FrostBIKE.

Remi Gauvin hits the last jump into the finish line.

Remi took the win with a committed finish.

Have you heard the one about? Sorge looks like maybe he's heard them all.

Moonlighting as part-time models, the available Team Dunbar members unveil the 2015 Dunbar Summer Series shirts.

Tippie Games the things people will do for free stuff.

Dylan and his Dad Gerry take home some prizes for being the youngest and oldest competitors at FrostBIKE.

Top: Tippie Games, the things people will do for free stuff. Bottom: Dylan and his Dad, Gerry, take home some prizes for being the youngest and oldest competitors at FrostBIKE.

Surprisingly this is the not the teenage girl category - pro men Lee Jackson (3rd), Dan Simms (2nd), and Remi Gauvin (1st).

Dan Simms shares his winnings with the crowd, they weren't as appreciative as he had thought they would be.

Remi show's off his Fastest Time of the Day award, a Momentum dive watch.

RESULTS:

Can't wait to race? Only six weeks until the first BC Cup. You can register for the Dunbar Summer Series as of today!

MENTIONS: @sexley @bretttippie @dunbarcycles @SilverStarBikePark

Posted In:
Racing and Events Race Reports

Author Info:

daniellebaker
Member since May 10, 2007
235 articles

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47 Comments

23 2

mapko (Mar 2, 2015 at 15:13)

Video or it did't happen!

sexley FL (Mar 7, 2015 at 20:47)

www.pinkbike.com/news/video-frostbike-2015.html

20 1

livetomtb (Mar 2, 2015 at 17:17)

No fatties? I thought it was impossible to ride in the snow with normal tires!

shr3d (Mar 3, 2015 at 4:30)

They don't care if it's impossible or not, they just do it!

taskmgr (Mar 3, 2015 at 9:30)

fatbikes dont work on groomers/at high speed

13 3

Kyle201 (Mar 2, 2015 at 15:18)

Fun times!! Definitely have to go again next year. Too bad no pics of me and my buddy, rocking the only hardtails at the event.

chyu (Mar 2, 2015 at 18:55)

can't believe they didn't do it on a fat bike.

zshipowick (Mar 2, 2015 at 21:09)

A fat bike would be pretty useless on a track like this.

logcabm77 (Mar 3, 2015 at 8:03)

How so? Fatbikes do great in the snow. I did a race just like this one on the east coast and the guys on the fatbikes had a clear advantage in handling and control.

zshipowick (Mar 3, 2015 at 9:06)

On a course like this suspension and skinny spiked tires are your friend. A fat bike would just plane on top of the snow and slide around all unpredictably where a skinny spike tire will dig in and grip much better. Fat bikes are designed for putzing around mellow trails and paths on packed snow or sand at moderate speeds not going balls out down a ski run with ruts and holes all over the place!

taskmgr (Mar 3, 2015 at 9:33)

the first year we did it, there was a fatbike demo. those bikes dont work. you just slide around and have no control it was hilarious

logcabm77 (Mar 3, 2015 at 18:20)

@zshipowick The course that I raced was essentially identical to this one, in that it started out as a groomed ski-slope, and by the end of the day it was filled with huge bomb-holes and soft spots from everyone practicing. That is exactly the reason why you WOULD want a fat bike, because rather than cutting through the snow and slowing you down to the point where you either spin-out or go OTB, the fatbikes would just float over the top. It doesn't matter how far down your mud tires dig on a ski-slope cause i'm pretty sure your not gonna find the dirt/grass for some real grip. I have witnessed this phenomenon several times my self, and i can say 100% that on a good amount of snow, (and with equally experienced riders) that the fat bike will win every time.

And you really think fatbikes are only for putzing around mellow trails?? i think you should watch this www.pinkbike.com/news/can-you-freeride-a-fat-bike.html
Try to actually ride one in the snow before you just assume how they are going to perform.

sexley FL (Mar 3, 2015 at 20:10)

I fully hear that you firmly believe in your point of view, but as the organizer of the event I can confirm that Fat Bikes do not perform at this event. The bikes that have proven themselves as winners are using the thinnest mud spikes possible. With even the best rider the Fat Bike once up to speed 40KM and up was unable to slow down or turn when needed due to the tires riding on top of the snow. Fat Bikes are great and can be fun, but they have shown that they are not the right bike for this event if you want to win. @zshipowick @makripper

Bird-Man FL (Mar 4, 2015 at 7:29)

well thats it fat bikes are for the putzes.......problem solved!!!!LOL, problem now is do I qualify as a putz?

zshipowick (Mar 4, 2015 at 10:21)

Did i say fat bikes are for putzes? Obviously if you have the determination and skill fat bikes can be ridden and enjoyed anywhere in the right conditions, but there is no denying that what they excel at is indeed, putzing. As for assuming i haven't ridden one, thats where you are wrong and in my experience snow and weather conditions need to be near perfect for a fat bike to perform to its full potential. Too many variables to justify owning one for this guy. I'll stick to skis or studded up dh bike in the winter.

FlyingFysh (Mar 2, 2015 at 17:27)

Was a great event Found it one of the most difficult rides ever Can't believe the skill of everyone ,saw another level of riding through the corners

jamezyo (Mar 2, 2015 at 18:19)

Youngest and oldest riders! Lol no award for breaking the oldest rider??
What a jip!!

sexley FL (Mar 2, 2015 at 18:24)

The oldest racer walked away with a complete Mavic wheelset and the youngest with a new neck brace. Although they may want to switch going forward.

jamezyo (Mar 2, 2015 at 18:29)

They are both champs! Glad the old fella was able to walk away at all! (Without a walker) lol

anthony3vans (Mar 2, 2015 at 16:57)

Thanks for a rad write up Danielle, awesome support Rob and another bad ass event Exley!

danhillracer (Mar 2, 2015 at 17:29)

Didnt think it would be worth the drive from calgary but it definitely was!! Super sick event!

FlyingFysh (Mar 3, 2015 at 9:43)

I think for most part the fat bikes would be ok There was a lot of ruts and loose snow But if you want fast times you won't keep up to these guys Running speeds though loose comers like it was summer Still amazed

lalena (Mar 2, 2015 at 18:08)

Awesome! Really bummed I missed out. Danielle Baker, excellent photos as ALWAYS! Love the photo of Kurt Sorge.

RedBurn (Mar 3, 2015 at 6:56)

"Scorpions are usually found in warmer climates, but seemed to be multiplying quickly at FrostBIKE"
legend

DUB-DAWG (Mar 2, 2015 at 15:39)

so much fun coming back next year fersure

ryders (Mar 2, 2015 at 16:08)

Some practice day highlights in the video, Always a awesome weekend!
www.pinkbike.com/video/398212

WillCoates (Mar 2, 2015 at 16:13)

do the skiers not get anoyed at the riders for riding the slopes? does it not make the snow worse to ski/ snowboard on?

fenderdude345 (Mar 2, 2015 at 16:37)

The run was closed off specifically for bikes so there were no bikes in the actual runs

kurmo FL (Mar 2, 2015 at 16:41)

Someone should arrange a bus from calgary...

lightningskull (Mar 2, 2015 at 16:55)

Nice work on 3rd Josh

jakeguthrie (Mar 2, 2015 at 17:35)

All that snow and not a single fat bike! I like this

deeeight (Mar 2, 2015 at 18:51)

Surprised nobody Stickerized a Bucksaw or King Khan with their sponsor logos and ran a bike suited to the conditions

taskmgr (Mar 3, 2015 at 9:35)

fat bikes are useless at races like this. proof = from experience.

GiraffeInPurple (Mar 2, 2015 at 19:12)

Good times and vibes as always.

My race run was going good till a rut sucked me in

sexley FL (Mar 2, 2015 at 14:43)

Amazing!

bcolumbia (Mar 2, 2015 at 16:53)

I saw this event cause I had a ski race

RedBurn (Mar 3, 2015 at 6:55)

fire iridium lenses are so damn sexy

GnarsellusWallace (Mar 2, 2015 at 15:55)

wonderful

cbonnet (Mar 2, 2015 at 17:18)

Looks awesome!!!

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