Day 1 and 2:
After 6 states, 30 hours of driving and multiple encounters with jack rabbits on the highway, we finally made it to winter park, home of the inaugural Crankworx Colorado. On the trip along with me is Mike Reid shooting photos, and Geoff Gulevich, whose riding in the contest. We left on Monday evening from North Vancouver BC and got here this morning early, the trip was pretty rushed and rough. Hopefully I'll get some solid riding in the bike park to make up for the drive.
The course is one continuous line down the mountain that starts out with a rather large step down into a quarter pipe. Next up is a step up onto a ladder bridge that has so far proved to be extremely challenging. The ramp leads to a Berreclothe style wall ride between two ladder bridges. After this is a set of two jumps, and a step up onto bridge that leads to a quick pedal up the side of the hill, where a long ski jump style step down awaits to finish the course.
We got up in time for practice, after some quick maintenance to Gully's rig he was ready to rip. There wasn't many riders out during practice today, and the weather wasn't cooperating-sending us dark clouds and gusty conditions all day. The winds lead to sketchy riding by everybody, but during the lulls in the wind, the riders were able to get a feel for the course. Not many highlights from today; only one person sent the big drop at the top, coming up short, and there was some good riding down on the set of jumps below. Jamie Goldman and Andrew Taylor definitely looked the strongest out there.
Practice and qualifying for the slope style are happening earlier rather then later, in hope that the winds are calm in the morning. So stay tuned for updates throughout the day as well a few special rider interviews on the event.
Thanks.
Words by Ross Measures.
Photos by Mike Reid
Check Mike's whole
album HERE.