The same thing that I said last year, "the stages keep getting better and better at this venue". For the fourth year in a row Kodiak Tough is starting the regions enduro race season in January. This is the season opener, Return Of The Zombie Goat, hosted at Flat Rock Ranch near Comfort, TX. The venue is an iconic destination to race, a lot of seasoned riders from Texas have history racing cross-country here. The series has proven how large the scene in our region is, pushing over 300 participants. Since last year, there were four trail additions that the Kodiak Tough crew built. The great weather combined with a massive community of racers, this event embodies what southern enduro is.
Practice day included ducking trees and roosting turns. Austen Bickford drove from Colorado Springs, Co. He told me some stories about racing at FRR over 10 years ago when they would race multiple disciplines in one weekend- cross country, downhill and super d.
Huber works as a Tech Rep for our territory, the last I saw him was at the bike shop in Arkansas. It was great to see him at our events again and helping everyone out. This season Shimano has committed to be at every SET race for neutral support.
Revolution Mobile Bike Repair had their work cut out for them with all the repairs that were needed throughout the weekend.
The Reefs are locals from the hill-country. These guys were determined to get the party started on Friday evening, playing their best rock-and-reggae, and then race the next day!
Everyone was kept up by straight-line winds that ripped through the campground throughout the entire night. But just like the weather had forecasted, the weather Saturday and Sunday turned out being great.
Carson Lange made a statement by dominating the series last year. He kept it low and fast over the diving board jump on Stage 1, showing his objective, win.
Traveling from NWA and riding for one of the Arkansas enduro teams, Gravitas- Grant Lampson battled his way to the top step of the podium. I am stoked to watch how the series will unfold as he competes with another fast junior, Landon Doty.
Javier Zuniga is from Austin, TX. He is still a junior. After some big results last year, he's choosing to step up, to race for cash instead of trophies.
This photo does a pretty good job showing the speed.. and Nathon Roszczewsi shows how to approach the flat landing below when you're hauling ass.
Club Ride apparel representative, Scotty, mixed up some Margaritas before rallying everyone to start the nighttime festivities. Later, CR sponsored some prizes to a track-stand competition winner.
Will from Trail Labs did a phenomenal job at tuning suspension for racers that wanted to dial in their bikes for the race. I heard some great stories from riders that couldn't believe the performance that was unlocked.
Matt traveled all the way from the East Coast, bringing along his latest product development, MUUL- and the MAYDAY KIT.
The beers gone, sorry, we drank it all.
These guys... showing they can not only get on the podium but do track stands and high jump too. (Drew Hartman- pictured left. Scott Countryman- pictured right)
Jordan Scheiderich sending it during the long jump competition.
Scott Countryman showed that there is a balance of finesse to power. He was one of the few that chose to race on a hard-tail.
Bicycle Experience- Colorado Springs, Co.
The stage Pucker gets its name for a reason. Jank is fun most of the time. But how do you feel about tree-gate jumps, off-camber rock, and blind gravity cavities while your racing?
Transition breaks are allowed in enduro. cheers.
Cowabunga was one of the new additions to the race this year- built by Jagged Axe Trail Design. Typically in the past, some of the stages have to be custom designed to serpentine into a full run. The new jump line will be a permanent enduro stage at the ranch- it was one of the most favored stages.
Katie Brewer traveled from NWA for her second season of the SET. The 'Pro Women's' field hit record participants at this event. Nearly matching the Pro Men class, and helping the event grow to over 300 riders.
Stage 8 on Sunday started with a technical entry through rocks that lead into this A | B option. Chase Smith shows how to hop the tree root that is the A-line.
Nicki Kalb waiting patiently to drop into one of the final stages.
Racing for Kodiak Tough, Ryan Choate kept it clean all weekend and slayed this berm on the stage 9- Speed.
All The Way Down was the final stage, it incorporated every environment of the ranch- fast, rowdy and raw.
Cheers to Tupps, and bike racing.
Raffle prizes are abundant. Thanks sponsors!
Sometimes even the media guys win something! Andy Lai shows his excitement winning a Box Components bar and stem combo during the raffle.
Pro Women Cindy Abbot- 22:07
Christina Smith- 23:10
Fiona Dougherty- 23:41
Brittany Parffrey- 23.48
Ten'e Blair- 23:55
Pro MenCarson Lange- 18:50
Scott Countryman- 19:10
Chris Grose- 19:23
Marc Thierry- 19:34
Tyler Livesay- 19:40
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