USA Pro GRT #3 Plattekill, New York

May 28, 2012
by Dave Trumpore  
For the second week in a row the Pro GRT series took to the hills of the East Coast, this time at Plattekill Mountain in New York. Plattekill is one of the longest running bike parks in North America and has been holding races for over 16 years on terrain that has become legendary. It is steep, very steep, and covered in roots and rocks, the latter of which is probably the most unique as the rocks do not stay put. Rather the shale slides around under riders tires altering race lines constantly and giving the rider the sensation that at times they are more surfing the rocks than riding over them.

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Plattekill Shale at its finest

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The Pro GRT course did not disappoint in showcasing a variety of the terrain that Plattekill has to offer with a mix of steep rocky chutes, high seed sections, berms, jumps and roots though out. Riders were loving the track and saying it was flat out from top to bottom with no place to rest.

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US National Champ, Logan Binggeli takes on one of the steep rooty chutes at the top of the track

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East Coaster, Leif Lorenzen tries not to get lost in the twisty woods through the middle of the track

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Defending World Cup Champ, Aaron Gwin boosts the massive road gap approaching the finish.

While practice started out a bit wet and slippery on Friday, conditions improved through the weekend and by race time on Sunday the track was a perfect combination of dry roots and grippy brown dirt. The thunder storms predicted for the afternoon never materialized and the action went down under sunny skies and hot temps. Music was blasting from the lodge, Coolers of beer made their way up the hill for spectators, and the riders were flying down the course. You couldn't ask for a better vibe at race.

In the end it was a repeat of last weekends results with Aaron Gwin taking the win for the Pro Men, just ahead of his teammate Justin Leov. Phil Kmetz, Gavin Vaughan and Kevin Aiello rounded out the top 5. Lauren Daney had looked strong and confident of course all weekend and it was no surprise that she took the win for the Pro Women for the second week in a row.

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Aaron Gwin, first place Pro Men

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Lauren Daney, first place Pro Women

Another top quality Pro GRT is in the books and the staff at Plattekill didn't disappoint.

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Beautiful weather and a great course combined for a great turnout at Plattekill for the Pro Grt this year

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Logan Binggeli heads into the woods just below the speed trap

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POC sponsored a spped trap during Pro qualifying on Saturday and it was Lauren Daney taking the top spot for the Women, and Adam Morse for the men at 37mph.

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This poor berm saw a lot of abuse this weekend as it was the only thing holding riders onto the track as they entered the woods below the speed trap

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Plattekill local Geof Ulmer boosts the final jump before the finish line on his final run.

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Leif Lorenzen was sporting a shiny new turner and gear from One Industries

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Justin Leov heads into the woods

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The Voncooper/Yeti Team proved they are one of the fastest in the country with riders Phil Kmetz and Gavin Vaughan taking 3rd and 4th on the weekend

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Aaron Gwin cutting further inside on the last hip than anyone else with the finish line in sight. Another weekend and another win for Aaron Gwin.

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31 Comments
  • 12 0
 Best race photos I've seen in a long time. Good work!!!!
  • 3 0
 Thanks for the compliment. Feedback good or bad is always appreciated.
  • 2 0
 agreed, your killing it with this progrt coverage. Mtn Creek and This look awesome!
  • 1 0
 Thanks. Just trying to get people pumped on the US race scene, especially when it happens to be going down on the East Coast. Glad people like it.
  • 6 0
 Video from Voncooper Productions is on the chopping block right now and should be up no later than tuesday night.
  • 1 0
 Ya nice one gwin, how you like my road gap? I was the first rider (test pilot) to hit that years ago when it was constructed. Plattekill is the best warm up for windham. Those crumbumbs that missed this race going to be sorry.
  • 2 0
 Really nice pics, cant wait till the video.. Plattekill is awesome. Everyone should go at least once.
  • 3 0
 new fox 40,s on gwin,s bike?
  • 1 4
 just different stickers
  • 2 0
 nope .. new 40,s
  • 2 0
 new prototype 40's.
  • 1 0
 fox 40 2014
  • 2 0
 Way to go, Kevin!! Top 5!!
  • 1 0
 dose anyone know if uci dh world cup 2nd and 3rd is being shown on pinkbike ?
  • 1 0
 Why ain't Gwin rockin the carbon?They need people to buy the aluminum version?
  • 1 3
 Man do these photos suck, the writing is even worse! HA! Great job Dave on both, looks like I missed out on some more Platty goodness.
  • 1 0
 video in the works.
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