Pro GRT/NW Cup #1 - Dry Hill, Port Angeles, WA

Reading all these posts of races and checking out pictures has inspired me to give it a shot. So after a spur of the moment thought I found myself stuffed in the back of a buddies truck bound for Dry Hill in Port Angeles, WA. I figured that this was a good excuse to get out and take some pictures and check out my first race outside of the usual Crankworx shenanigans. Throughout the weekend all I heard was talk of the impending doom of rain that was headed our way supposedly drenching any hopes of a semi-dry race day. It was cloudy skies and tacky dirt all the way through the weekend up until half way through race day. Cat I and II racers got good conditions with bits of sun, pros weren't so lucky but they shredded none the less and clearly did not disappoint.

During practice Sunday morning, I got up the course to check out all the last minute adjustments everyone was making to their runs. Whether they were taking a practice race lap trying to pin it or contemplating new lines due to conditions, everyone was ready for a stellar day.


Bellingham local Nick Marvik sending it down the Cat I/Pro Course.


Cat I started off the race and I got some prime viewing for some of the gnarlier parts of the course. Some of the wooded sections were loose, muddy and by my definition sketchy. The consensus was that it was easier to ride down than walk up and down, I agreed. The Dirt Corps had a strong presence this weekend and lots of their riders were killing both the Cat I and Cat II courses. Cameron Hoefer racing the Cat I course before the rain came.


Cody Kelley out of Riverton, UT made the long journey to our neck of the woods to make his presence known.


After Cat I Men were done there was a break so I meandered over to the Cat II course where racing was about to begin. Now, I am not really one for uber technical section of trail. I am one of those riders who prefers wide open flat out hauling ass, the Cat II course fit the bill. Since this was my first time over to PA, I had no idea which trails were which all I knew was this one looked fun.


Bellingham's own, Jason Porter was out at PA to race for the first time and placed 5th! For all you people that aren't from Bellingham and don't know, it is impossible to find this guy in any other condition but STOKED! Way to go Jason.


Broken Spoke Racing's Garth Gourley making a good run down the Cat II Course. All of Broken Spoke Racing's riders were out to shred this weekend while rockin' the rugby style jerseys!

Later in the afternoon, it was time for the Pros to throw down and leave their mark on the course. The mens Pro division had just over 90 riders competing and each one of them were there to lay it down. Like I mentioned before this was the first time that I have been to an actual race and before this I thought I was making some real progress towards improving my riding ability. Well guys and gals, if you are ever find yourself in a place where you feel like you just picked up this sport, you are probably watching these pros making you say, "What the ****, did he really just do that?!"


We all had the pleasure of basking in the glory of a world champion this weekend. 2010 UCI 4X World Champ Jared Graves was on scene riding the DH sled this weekend and was quite possibly the one of the riders on everyone's "To Watch" list. Not to mention the rest of the Yeti Fox National and Factory Team killing it as per usual.


The winners of this weekend's race were definitely among the household names. Jill Kintner of Transition Racing and Danny Hart of the Giant Factory Off Road Team were the top dogs in their respective divisions. Of course, the talk of the town was the men's podium was swept by Giant with Danny in 1st, Andrew Neethling in 2nd, and Duncan Riffle taking 3rd. Looks like they are off to a bomber start this season!


As you can see, after the rain stated falling, the track got greased up and added an additional layer of gnar on it, of which didn't even phase Kintner as she plows through the Pro Course with authority.


Coming into the final turn most riders were trying to keep their speed up and pedal through the finish line strong. By the looks of it, Danny Hart is educating everyone on how to properly rail a berm! Using almost every inch of that Boxxer, I am pretty sure he left that turn faster than when he entered it. Danny cruised across the line with a burning 2:50.07! A full 2.5 seconds faster than his 2nd place team mate Andrew "Needles" Neethling.


Naturally, I am so inclined to offer up my congratulations to my buddy Nick Omta, Man of Victory take a moment to indulge on the sweet sandwich of success after taking the Cat 3 win!

Of course at every race there is one main section in which a majority of spectators gather to cheer on their favorite riders, offer fantastic words of encouragement and support...yeah right. On the other hand, this group took it upon themselves to take it to another level and offered an alternative method of support, specifically to the Pro Women.


Dawn Fidler of Speedy Beaver Racing out of Mt. Vernon, WA promptly ignores the crowd's best intentions.....and continues on her line.


Lo and behold even some of the photographers were wanting in on the party.

Overall, it was a killer weekend, and am stoked for the next round! Maybe this time I will even try my hand at racing. Get out, ride your bikes, and get STOKED!!!!!

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Racing and Events Pro Grt