Monster Energy Series at Beech Mtn Race One

Time to head to the "High Country" after a wet start to the season in the SE for the Bikes, Brews, and Views Festival and Race One of the Monster Energy Series at Beech Mountain Resort. Just as you likely are tired of reading about it, we are tired of writing about it, but this weekend would be no different. Weather would be the headline for the first round at the resort. From the densest fog we've ever seen to sun to rain, back to rain, then fog again..... stuck in a do-loop that just never seemed to end.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city life, Friday's drive north seemed to be on the up and up. Blue skies, lots of sun and a tad bit on the humid side. But would it last? That would not be a smart bet, as the entire east coast, Maine to Florida, has been experiencing record amounts of rain. I know a few kayakers that are stoked for CFS levels that are off the charts. The rest of us, honestly, have had quite enough already.

It's hard not to pull over and take in a few sites along the route up to North Carolina's "High Country" along US 221 into Linville Gorge and the Pisgah National Forest.

Fred's Mercantile Store, your only choice for provisions on top of the mountain without going down into the town of Banner Elk in the valley. Make sure to pick a locally fresh baked Tollhouse Pie, you won't be disappointed.

Saturday, most awoke to some sunlight breaking through the clouds. It's like Mother Nature was teasing us as we looked out the rental house at the resort. By the time the operation staff through the power the switch, some of the thickest fog we've ever experienced blanketed the mountain from peak to village. The next three images are from the same single lift ride, at the base, about mid point, and just shy of the lift house at 5,500 ft. Note, the ISO, F-stop, and shutter speed was NOT changed for each of the images. The kicker, it was not done..... it actually become more dense as morning passed by.




One of those strange moments, when you have a single cloud which is EXTREMELY dense backlit by the morning sun. NOTE: Once again, this photo is NOT photoshopped. Nicholas Cage? Neah........ Will Murray, a local NC racer, truly is the real Ghost Rider.

Andrew Mueller, SEI Yeti Racing, letting it hang a bit on the new upper part of the Pro Course he helped cut in. Nicely done guys, the upper section is SICK! Thanks to MotoMike, Mueller, KJ, Hunter, and anyone else that is still pulling dirt out from under their finger nails.

Josh Rogers, a newb on the GROM Racing squad this year, is still working back into the grove after coming back from broken collarbone. I'd say he's getting there, 3rd on the podium in Juniors behind the likes of Eric Vest and Jay Fesperman, and first in class. Make sure keep that black and gold jersey clean bro.

Just as the new part of the Pro Course intersected the old part of the Pro Course, although I am not sure it was intended to be that way, riders were "treated" to a mini rock garden. I think it was more of result of fresh dirt and all the moisture the area has been experiencing this season. Sure made things interesting and slowed slowed most down to a crawl. Some got it..... but most did not.

Looking for the training secret for a sure win? Maybe this is it? Geritt Beytagh gets in a Saturday practice whip on the course. Seems to be working for him and maybe we'll see others following suite.

Clicking past the 2:00 p.m. hour during Saturday practice, 45 minutes of heavy rain blessed us with its presence. Riders were not detered, after all, who's afraid of a mud slip and slide? Bikes instantly became 20 pounds heavier and the bike wash lines, I mean gear wash lines, stacked up 20 riders deep.



Need a break? No problem. Race One of the Monster Energy race series was complemented by the resort's annual Bikes, Brews, and Views Festival. A 5K Hash Run (with required beer drinking stations), a spectator voted "Best Brew", lots of treats and eats, and five kick ass local bands for your listening pleasure allowed riders to unwind after pounding in a dozen practice runs.

Always making the LONG ARSE drive representing the Flatland State of FLA, David Bethea must have encountered a problem, finishing last in Men's Cat 1 30-39. Not sure what happened, but I know he's capable of sitting on the podium. This is my fav class... it has all the local "old guys" that were the schnitzel Pros in their day.

Josh Standish celebrated his 18th birthday on the podium with the bronze in Men's Cat 2 18-29. Happy Birthday Bud!

Matt Adams, the event coordinator for the BMCC Super D series in Wilkesboro, NC gets heckled by those in the crowd fav, "The Rock Garden". The most epic moment of the weekend was when Andy Devault made his race run and the crowd "mimed" their cheers with mouths open and arms awaving, but not a sound could be heard other than the bike getting pounded by the rocks. Absolutely Hilarious!

Chuck Pitts recently bowed down out of the Pro class back to Cat 1. Don't take that the wrong way, he's still got lots of fuel in the gasser and he proved that taking the top spot in Men's Cat 1 30-39. NOTE: This photog is an old guy too and 10X slower than Chuck.... my point, one old guy can call another old guy and old guy.

Brandon Blakely was cruising to likely a podium spot in Men's Pro, but another 10 yards from this shot it wasn't in the cards on race day. Not sure what happened, but he went down hard with the lower back/side into a huge pointed rock. All signs point to he's A-OK, but he was slow moving at the awards. Hope all is well Bud!

1st Geritt Beytagh (Royal Racing, Urge, Trek Bicycles) 00:02:20
2nd Max Morgan (Team Billy Goat Bikes, Devinci): 00:02:30
3rd Greg Nelson (Team Billy Goat Bikes, Devinci): 0:02:34

Next up, Beech Race 2 on August 17 and 18, 2013. Need more info: http://www.beechmountainresort.com/index.html. Props to all involved to make what many riders think as a dream come true, a Bike Park (and Series) in NC!

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