Pro GRT Finals Roll In: 2017 Kamikaze Bike Games - Day 2

Sep 17, 2017

by Philip Beckman

The Kamikaze Bike Games served as the seventh and final stop for the Pro GRT Series, and it was KHS Factory Racing's Bruce Klein, the points leader coming into Mammoth, sealing the deal with authority for the Pro Men. As the fastest qualifier from Friday's seeding runs, the 20-year-old Altadena, California, resident was last down the hill, and he raised a collective gasp from the crowd by scorching down the steep and super loose Elevator Shaft and across the line with a time of 3:23.0. This topped the defending series champion, Shane Leslie, by 1.9 seconds. Klein's teammate Logan Binggeli finished third, reflecting the top three in the final series standings. Warren Kniss and Charles Frydendal would round out the men's podium.

Trevor Boldi notched a big win in the Junior Expert division. The YT Industries rider from Reno, Nevada, stopped the clock with a 3:31.5, just three tenths of a second ahead of up-and-comer Cole Suetos (Incycle). Fast qualifier Steven Walton (Commencal) had a couple of costly moments in his run to end up with third place with a 3:33.2.

None of the top three in the Pro Women's class made the trip to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, but they maintained their series standings with Angelina Palermo capturing the title ahead of Caroline Washam and Ella Skalwold. At Mammoth, Amy Morrison (Marin) did the deed with a 4:17.5, topping Essence Barton and Tasha Thomas. CJ Selig would join them on the podium.

Just another day in paradise.

Mammoth's Elevator Shaft is a daunting piece of real estate.

Danny Manning rips the Elevator Shaft during Cat 1 DH finals.

World Cup Series Champion Aaron Gwin signed autographs at the Troy Lee Designs booth. He did not compete at this year s Kamikaze Bike Games.

World Cup Series Champion Aaron Gwin signed autographs at the Troy Lee Designs booth. He didn't compete at this year's Kamikaze Bike Games.

All business in staging for the Lucas Oil Kids Race.

How many groms can say they have ridden with a World Cup champion? Aaron Gwin performs leadout duties for the Lucas Oil Kids Race.

Your reigning World Cup champ with Wooly, the Mammoth mascot.

The Sport Men 18-29 class Enduro fell to Evan Boardman with an accumulated time of 37:38.57 for his three stages around Mammoth Mountain.

Eric Rutherford gets stylish during Saturday's three-stage Beginner/Sport/Junior Enduro.

Junior Expert winner Trevor Boldi (YT Industries) rockets off the top of the Elevator Shaft.

Young Cole Suetos of the Incycle Racing Team was a solid second in a highly competitive Junior Expert field.

Amy Morrison (Marin) was the class of the rather thin Pro Women's class.

Super stylish Charles Frydendal (Giant Co-Factory) placed fifth at the Kamikaze Bike Games Pro GRT finale.

At just 20 years of age, Bruce Klein (KHS Factory Racing) is staring into a bright future.

Junior Expert winner Trevor Boldi front and center, joined by Cole Suetos, Steven Walton, Zach Mars and Titus Nicholson.

The Pro Women's podium (l-r): Essence Barton, 2nd; Amy Morrison, 1st; Tasha Thomas, 3rd; CJ Selig, 4th.

The Pro Men's podium, with winner Bruce Klein flanked by Shane Leslie, Logan Binggeli, Warren Kniss and Charles Frydendal.

Bruce Klein has got it going on. First on the day in Pro Men's Downhill, first for the season in the Pro GRT Series.

A large contingent of mountain biking luminaries took part in the Boogaloo eMTB activities. Top enduro competitor Evander Hughes notched the Pro win on a specially designed course adjacent to the Canyon Lodge expo. Cycling industry support was substantial.

No matter where one may stand on the topic of ebikes, there's no arguing the fact that they played a pivotal—and positive—role at this year's Kamikaze Bike Games.

The Boogaloo eMTB Pro race began with an impromptu LeMans-style start. Note all the smiles.

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66 Comments

58 13

wilsonians (Sep 17, 2017 at 8:07)

"Cycling industry support [of e-bikes] was substantial ".....NO SHIT. They don't care about trail access issues, they just want to sell more bikes. I am surprised that this was allowed since most ski resorts in the western US are to some extent on Forest Service land which does not allow E-bikes on trails....

11 6

E-ROG (Sep 17, 2017 at 16:12)

I do NOT have the answers regarding trail access, protecting trails etc. As I approach 40 in the coming month, having played sports at the highest level and been through serious knee surgery, I am blessed to still have the abilities to ride MTBs for hours on end with only minor pain. However, IF I had suffered worse injuries or had a muscular disability or battle field injury (for all my military brothers out there)...and eMTB was the only way I could still enjoy the sport I love...you see where I'm going. Again, I don't have the answers to the trail access Q's etc. but we should all be aware that as the years go on eMTB or straight MOTO may be all we can do physically. Hopefully I'm still pedaling at 70!

10 20

enduro29erHack (Sep 17, 2017 at 16:36) (Below Threshold)

Ebikes are here. Get used to it!!!!

15 3

iamamodel (Sep 17, 2017 at 17:45)

@E-ROG: I absolutely agree that ebikes are great for the elderly,injured, and disabled. I think the photo of the Le Mans start shows these guys don't have any excuses.

Nothing achieved easily was ever worth doing.

rewob (Sep 17, 2017 at 18:51)

And not all things fun need to be difficult.

E-ROG (Sep 17, 2017 at 20:50)

@iamamodel: Agreed!

adrennan FL (Sep 18, 2017 at 9:35)

the forest service is pretty lax with trail rules. a lot of moto trail is on forest service land

VPS13 (Sep 18, 2017 at 11:38)

@rewob: If you want ease of access, goto a bikepark. The beauty of trails where you have to work to ride them is it keeps traffic down.

rewob (Sep 18, 2017 at 11:52)

@VPS13: Nah. That's a blanket statement that's also bull.

VPS13 (Sep 18, 2017 at 12:11)

@rewob: How so? Shuttle trails get rutted out due to higher traffic as anyone can get a ride up to the top. Earn your turn trails see far less traffic as you have to ride up to ride down. Its a relatively simple concept...

Aydenebb (Sep 27, 2017 at 1:00)

@adrennan: good to see some places haven't been hit by the wave of "environMENTALists" trying to shut down all access to mountains.

wilsonians (Sep 27, 2017 at 7:45)

@adrennan: Yet they don't let us build any new mtb trails here in CO. And what they do allow to be maintained/built is required to be open to hikers and horses. Wooooo

adrennan FL (Sep 28, 2017 at 11:56)

@ianswilson815: I mean there are trails being built on forest service land, that while technically open to hikers and horses, I have never seen either on. Go to buff creek. tons of bike optimized trails that you will only see other bikers on. And that is just one example. And honestly, unless its a high speed jump trail, other user groups being allowed doesn't bug me.

wilsonians (Sep 28, 2017 at 12:01)

@adrennan: Well you also brought up another point, no bike specific trails. The fact that there are NO jump trails is another issue all together. Yes, there are trails being built, but they are built to suit everyone so they don't allow features to be built. Not really. Go to vancouver or squamish and let someone tell me that CO allows bike features to be built.

adrennan FL (Sep 28, 2017 at 12:07)

@ianswilson815: erie trails? those have some jump lines if i have heard right. grand junction (free lunch, pucker up, PBR, joe's ridge etc)? to name a few. they exist in colorado. correct not the same extent as PNW but it is changing.

wilsonians (Sep 28, 2017 at 12:09)

@adrennan: Haha cmon...Erie? Yes, you're right they do exist, you're right. Just difficult when taking trips to PNW and realizing the potential the front range has and recognizing that it is just refused by the powers that be. Yes its changing, but being 20+ years behind in trail building is disheartening. Ok, rant done!

41 4

Sshredder (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:54)

yeah just leave the E bike shite for some E bike Rag.
where are the cycle cross bikes?
the custom low riders?
hand built steel and titanium hard tails?
hell show some some BMX bikes .
but E bikes? no they dont belong on Pink Bike.
listen to the comments.

15 3

VPS13 (Sep 17, 2017 at 10:25)

Perhaps they will start 'modding' like the vape crowd and e-bike batteries start blowing up on people.

onterribleftw (Sep 17, 2017 at 21:30)

Everytime I see this on PB, I think of the statement someone wrote on here about how Thrasher knows their crowd and sticks with it. Pinkbike - please, resist the urge, divorce yourself from them, let it be. Hell, if you care that much then start up another website, but leave this home for us just the way it is and E-Bike free.

nozes (Sep 18, 2017 at 0:29)

Comments don't pay bills.

18 8

jgainey (Sep 17, 2017 at 8:34)

E bike racing? Oh, so they are now promoters of MOTO racing. That's just great

Fastfish11 (Sep 17, 2017 at 8:56)

If any of you have looked at the history of enginecycle racing all racing starts as soon as 2 manufactures have something to race eBikes, eMTB's are motorcycles electric motors make it that by its very definition at this point now all we can do is protect our trails. Maybe we should all be joining the Sierra Club and have turn against the bike industry so we can save our trail access in the west if we don't do something soon we will lose our access.

PinkyScar (Sep 17, 2017 at 8:54)

E bikes may just succeed in relegating mountain bikes to resorts and private land. The real challenge in an E bike race is trying not to wish you had a throttle. And more power. And yeah, I've ridden one. Trying hard not to believe these things on public trails is opening Pandora's box...

12 4

paul-bee (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:23)

Aaron Gwin and Groms! #ferdagroms

Hetman64 (Sep 17, 2017 at 15:01)

E-Bikes are for special people. Not meant in a bad way. I just don't really get the point of them. Sure it's pretty cool and innovative, but I'd rather push my DH bike uphill and get a workout than have some weird device attatched to my bike that only "assists" me as I pedal. I think It would be better to just spend the money on an Enduro mc and get an actual motorized vehicle. Not hating, just my 2¢.

a420ryder (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:06)

i have a hard time accepting it too, but i was actually there, and people had fun....and that's what it's about. i bet none of the people who previously commented were anywhere nearby

805MTNBKR (Sep 27, 2017 at 8:42)

Your right. The turnout was positive and people enjoyed it. The thing most people don't get it's not a free ride. Everyone who rode a eMtb up there got a workout.

laxguy (Sep 18, 2017 at 11:02)

Jesus christ, all your losers commenting about e-bikes, GET A LIFE! If you don't like them, ignore them. If you do like them, enjoy them! Otherwise just ride your fucking bike and lets stop sounding like a bunch of 13 year old girls arguing over ponytails vs braids.

valhallascott (Sep 18, 2017 at 0:16)

Shoutout to Cole Suetos - 16 years old racing 18 year olds, getting 2nd by .3 seconds with a time that would have put him in 11th in the pro class! Good job buddy!

AlexS1 (Sep 17, 2017 at 8:41)

E-bikes may be out selling top end conventional mtbs in Europe as can be observed on Lapierre's website. They have more e-bikes models than any other bikes!

mollow (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:25)

Lame attempt PB

WaterBear (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:49)

I don't know much about the different DH racing series, so go easy on me:

Why doesn't Bruce Klein race world cups?

11 0

mtbmaniatv FL (Sep 17, 2017 at 10:53)

He does. 20th at world champs

Krzymndyd (Sep 17, 2017 at 11:43)

kHs does not have a world cup Team. To much money

russthedog FL (Sep 17, 2017 at 14:09)

He had a few good results this year in the wc

Krzymndyd (Sep 17, 2017 at 14:18)

@russthedog: your are right. I wonder where all the funding is coming from for him to run the whole world cup. I know KHS has told other riders in the past that they could not afford to do it.

stacykohut (Sep 17, 2017 at 15:16)

hopefully bruce klein and dakota norton find a home on a factory team for the future. time for some teams to trim some dead weight and give the two young guns a chance.

Longroadtonowhere FL (Sep 17, 2017 at 16:09)

Yea. Two top 20 finishes at Wc's and 3 and crankworx to finish the year.

suspended-flesh FL (Sep 17, 2017 at 18:37)

Pivotal role? Because Bosch and Lucas oil were big sponsors? Most ravers didn't give the a second look.

suspended-flesh FL (Sep 17, 2017 at 22:35)

E-bike jibber-jabber ruined this thread about a DH race.

vinay FL (Sep 18, 2017 at 0:10)

Aaron Gwin seems such a cool guy. Wooly must be stoked taking that picture home!

cgdibble (Sep 18, 2017 at 7:28)

Sport Enduro did 4 stages on Saturday, not 3.

16 18

aaronpass123 (Sep 17, 2017 at 12:21)

What people don't realise is that e-bikes can be a way for people with disabilities or muscle deficiencies (like myself) to keep doing the sport they absolutely adore. They might'nt be the best option for you but stop being snobs, shut up and get on with it

12 3

stacykohut (Sep 17, 2017 at 15:18)

did you see anyone with a disability in that RUNNING lemans start?

aaronpass123 (Sep 20, 2017 at 12:38)

@stacykohut: Fair enough, that's not the best example what I'm trying to say. But you can't deny that it is a way for people with muscle deficiencies or disabilities to stay in the sport. It's a struggle for people like but what do you say we do? Give up the sport. You should understand that too Stacy.

stacykohut (Sep 20, 2017 at 16:50)

@aaronpass123: i understand hardwork, overcoming, adapting , and integration.

i don't undrstand mtb ebikes.

electric motorcycles and electric commuter road bikes sure............i get those two.

e mtb?...............whatever.

karoliusz (Sep 17, 2017 at 12:20)

How come Aaron Gwin is wearing a feather jacket, when even kids are in t-shirts?

chuchuna85 (Sep 17, 2017 at 12:36)

He was ill!!

mike-witzmann (Sep 17, 2017 at 19:12)

Bruce killing it

joelconaty (Sep 18, 2017 at 12:50)

Hey AaronMacklemore, Can we go ebiking?!

j-kite (Sep 18, 2017 at 17:54)

Ryan Boardman, not Evan. Come on now.

nfa2005 FL (Sep 17, 2017 at 14:28)

i have an Ebike, its a toilet and it flushes every time I take a $@# on it

suspended-flesh FL (Sep 17, 2017 at 18:38)

Ha racers not ravers I saw no ravers there.

JonyA (Sep 18, 2017 at 12:16)

left girl rider looks good

Grizzlycycles661 (Sep 17, 2017 at 16:30)

So if e bike racing is a thing is the world of racing going to start being more accepting of doping?

Y12Sentinel (Sep 17, 2017 at 18:00)

Your saying F-1 drivers dope the hardest?

rewob (Sep 17, 2017 at 18:53)

Are mental gymnastics more fun when they're that much of a stretch grizzly?

Crankmt (Sep 17, 2017 at 7:57)

E-bike racing???

Below threshold threads are hidden

12 19

nd831 (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:28)

Dang..e-bikes just ruining all trails... such a shame I mean I thought almost every single mountain biker who poaches illegal trails and state park property is what creates the negative outcomes of biking.. oh, and did you realize that pedal assist/e-bikes top out at about 15-18mph? Maybe you grom haters can't go that fast but most riders descend way faster than that on normal bikes. But hey, it's gonna be those poor older people that are riding e-bikes in hopes of gaining adventure in an easier way that will be the end of the world!

16 0

wanleggedwinston (Sep 17, 2017 at 11:34)

Sorry mate, I accidentally up voted you

nd831 (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:30)

I almost forgot!! So informative to learn that e-bikes are the same as Moto's! I totally didn't know that they were comparable to my 450, must be so much quicker and louder

nicolai12 (Sep 17, 2017 at 10:43)

In legal terms, they both are a form of mechanical transport. Because they sound different and aren't as quick is a weak statement at best. We both know that E-bikes can/are being modified to go much faster than 15-18mph. Pretty disappointed to see your comments here as a near fully supported Specialized rider. Hope you can participate in a more productive and thoughtful way in the future.

patrickbatemanworldtour89 (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:59)

Wow, e-bikes, okay. The race looked pretty sweet though.

3 11

a420ryder (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:03)

guess what dipshits!? they race Motos at Mammoth as well!

17 1

jrocksdh (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:16)

And it's reported on moto sites, not mtb sites.

10 1

TG-air (Sep 17, 2017 at 9:18)

At the Moto track outside of town, not the mountain.