Underworld Cup 2013 Course Previews

681

lacykemp FL (Apr 23, 2013 at 9:05)

Dear everyone complaining about the "no new track" thing. Have you raced in many places? Lots of times you race the same course - and lots of times those courses suck. The difference here? These tracks are RAD. They are always rad whether you hit them once a day for a race run or 12 times a day. Be stoked and be grateful for all the hard work the NWCup crew dedicates so YOU can have a good time. The Underworld Cup is one of the best weekends on the calendar.
Oh and pass the WHINE when you're done.
Geez.

202

northwestdhdad (Apr 23, 2013 at 9:10)

Yes Mistress Kemp, may I get off my knees now? Or can you whip us some more! :-)

41

brobiwankenobi (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:19)

Good work Lacy!

20

jumpman2334 (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:20)

im just trying to save up some cash to make it up to WA! =/

50

ebxtreme (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:41)

Bravo Lace for saying it like it is! Looking forward to a great weekend.

30

simcik (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:50)

Well said LaceFace!

20

Pininator (Apr 23, 2013 at 20:40)

Lacy...you effing rule!

10

drop20 (Apr 23, 2013 at 21:57)

Haha i think the track looks great! Super stoked for this weekend!

12

Icculus19425 (Apr 24, 2013 at 9:28)

Track looks sick as always. I'll be there and racing my 29er...watch out GWIN

212

deeeight (Apr 23, 2013 at 9:34)

If people don't like the track, they don't have to attend...

40

Pininator (Apr 23, 2013 at 20:47)

Truth.

162

Georgy-Lowe (Apr 23, 2013 at 9:59)

imagine if the human eye picked up changes in light as slowly as contours do :L that would suck

70

clayxbmx (Apr 23, 2013 at 19:35)

I will be racing my first DH race ever this weekend, can't wait! Look for the guy on a Scapegoat wrapped around a tree about half way down.

20

twozerosix (Apr 23, 2013 at 22:16)

I did my first DH race at Port Angeles a few years ago. Great atmosphere, as many shuttled practice runs as you could stomach, and didn't kill myself on the Cat 3 course. The helmet cams especially on the Pro course don't give any idea of how steep it is. I flatted on the Cat 3 course, had to walk down, spent most of it on my ass. Its STEEP.

10

bstill30 (Apr 23, 2013 at 22:31)

Congrats!

50

aidy (Apr 23, 2013 at 9:59)

Looks like a fun track, most stuff over here is arse over the back tyre stuff. That looks like anyone could let loose and have go tho. However it does look a lot like a british trail centre descent

10

memphisraines (Apr 23, 2013 at 14:41)

i was thinking the same thing!.. its good to be able to get some speed and flow in a descent!.. but there was way to much sitting down and cruising for what we are used to in the UK for DH! We get that sort of riding at trail centres on short travel bikes

10

aidy (Apr 24, 2013 at 11:04)

Yeah its amazing how much tracks differ throughout the world. I dont particularly like steep stuff tho so this track looks like good place to play to me

10

robholio (Apr 25, 2013 at 12:38)

Trust me gents, the video does not do justice to the trails. There is plenty enough tech for anyone on that track. Every single pro that rides that course raves about it, including the Athertons (raced there in 2010 when Iceland's volcano was having fits).

www.pinkbike.com/photo/4947393

It's truly worthy of any rider.

20

olympicdirtsociety (Apr 25, 2013 at 22:01)

Didn't see any 29ers on track today.

50

Saidrick (Apr 23, 2013 at 11:41)

Between the Oregon 12 mile downhill and the trails I am seeing here, it's time to make a road trip up to Oregon and Washington.

30

NWProtective (Apr 23, 2013 at 18:31)

Come by the NWProtective tent Fri-Sun & check out some of our product but more importantly to grab a free koozie while supplies last (limit 1 per person). Keep your refreshments cold and concealed so nobody get's in trouble.

20

cheetamike (Apr 23, 2013 at 17:38)

what,s with the different courses ?? when i raced DH 10yrs back we only had one course that everyone raced on , i never did any races where they had different courses for different rider class levels , the only course i remember that had 2 sections for different levels was either Whistler or BlackCoomb they has a Canada Cup course and then the BC Cup course . none the less looks like a fun event where in WA is this spot ?? i,ll have to get my passport and check it out one yr .

10

northwestdhdad (Apr 23, 2013 at 18:07)

Port Angeles, WA! Come on down and enjoy the fun!

40

olympicdirtsociety (Apr 23, 2013 at 20:17)

We do a variety of courses so that people can build up their skills safely and while having fun.

10

deeeight (Apr 23, 2013 at 21:56)

local LBS sponsored XC series in the capital region 23-25 years ago, races were every second week at the same venue but the course changed each race. THAT was fun. Racing the same course every time, ok maybe if its a once a year thing but regular events over and over.... dull. So rider X kicks at on that course everytime. Doesn't mean he/she will be any good someplace else.

21

Daemongrad (Apr 23, 2013 at 15:10)

29er or no... they's still bikes dudes... Cat 1 looks flowy enough for 29er, though I doubt those quick switchbacks would go as well for them. Gwinny got beat by Ropelato on a 29er, then won on a 29er. Lets watch it unfold before the attacks mates. I just want to see some good race runs!!

10

Pininator (Apr 22, 2013 at 23:47)

Hahaha...I have a nemesis on the Roots and Rain site! Not sure if he's running Cat 1 this year, though. Will you be my nemesis, Mike??

Pumped - see you and everybody else this weekend!!

30

northwestdhdad (Apr 23, 2013 at 8:48)

Gladly, but one of us has to be within 3% of each others time to register. Cool site huh?

10

Pininator (Apr 23, 2013 at 20:37)

Very cool site. I remember looking at it not long after they set it up, but kind of forgot about it after a while. If I was more competitive, I'd be on it all the time!

My racing "goals" are to have fun and to roll away in one piece...results are irrelevant (unless it's against one of my homies). Oh, and try to not be DFL or DNF.

20

ebxtreme (Apr 24, 2013 at 11:16)

Always interesting to see how well my winter training regimen of trail building and beer drinking gets me ready for racing my big bike. Usually, not that well!

30

c25porter (Apr 23, 2013 at 6:30)

Very happy to be able to get redemption on the Cat 2 course after a lack luster first run, thanks for not changing it up!

10

RedRevolver (Apr 23, 2013 at 18:05)

You and me both man, I'm stoked to shred this time. And it should be a lot drier, no more tilling up rocks!

63

BDKR (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:32)

"Saddle up kiddies, it's time for a real DH race that won't be won on a 29er!"

ROFL!!!!

41

ambatt (Apr 23, 2013 at 12:47)

I got a laugh out of that one as well... It's about damn time.

10

Pininator (Apr 23, 2013 at 20:55)

I wonder how many pros read these comments and go "oh......challenge?!? I ACCEPT the challenge!". I wouldn't be shocked if some peeps bust them out on Thurs for a run or two just for a giggle. They'd be awesome on The Knuck, but once it got into the woods on Upper Pro.....yeah, gong-show.

20

Tlax88 (Apr 23, 2013 at 17:34)

i heard through the grape vein that some guy named matt walker is making some noise and is expected to surprise some of the top riders.

11

walkermj (Apr 23, 2013 at 21:11)

I'm not so sure that's true...

85

Capitanbikes (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:21)

Great track for a 29er looks fast.

92

northwestdhdad (Apr 23, 2013 at 12:08)

HAHA, not!

11

Fuglio (Apr 23, 2013 at 21:29)

I was thinking the same thing. Lots of good flow. No crazy drops into rock gardens. Looks like a better 29er track the sea otter!

10

robholio (Apr 25, 2013 at 12:56)

On that note, did they remove Justice and Bat Cheddar's step down from the Cat1 course? Didn't see them in the video.

30

shanespeed FL (Apr 23, 2013 at 20:05)

Looks awesome!
"Underworld Cup" is a great name

20

blades1986 (Apr 24, 2013 at 18:49)

I'll shred that piece with a 24in bike and beat all those 29ers just for a challenge.

10

Pininator (Apr 24, 2013 at 20:36)

Considering one of my riding buddies absolutely crushes runs on his 243 ht w/24" wheels, I could believe your statement.

1212

koreanboy (Apr 23, 2013 at 9:17)

"it's time for a real DH race that won't be won on a 29er!"

IMHO it still isn't proper DH track and can be easily raced on 6' travel 29er bike ...

173

phatone17 (Apr 23, 2013 at 9:29)

Do it then, bruh

93

northwestdhdad (Apr 23, 2013 at 9:38)

Sure you can roll down it on a 29r but you won't be anywhere near a podium step!

55

sngltrkmnd (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:02)

Put up or shut up, @koreanboy.

61

jrager (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:06)

Some of the Best Riders in the world disagree with you... I would love to see you roll through the chunder dome at full on race speed on a 29er! That would be epic!

63

northwestdhdad (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:08)

I'm pretty sure KoreanGirl was referring to the Cat3 course. :-)

45

brobiwankenobi (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:20)

Really? I have $500.00 that says koreanboy won't podium on a 29er..

30

Patsplit (Apr 23, 2013 at 10:31)

It looks like its got the 3F's: fun, fast and flowy. But not too crazy of a course. Lars is not even wearing his full face helmet for this ride.

40

warhorse (Apr 23, 2013 at 12:11)

Well... looks fun 29 or 26. I wouldn't win on either, but on that course, I suspect my time would be but the same or better on my Bandit 29 vs my DH bike.

10

Rider656 (Apr 23, 2013 at 16:08)

I'm running longer cranks 229er and larger 49er sprocket that should do the trick...

20

olympicdirtsociety (Apr 23, 2013 at 20:17)

So, have any of you used a camera before? If so, then you would know it takes off a few degrees of steepness. This is not a 29er course, and I have that first hand from someone who rode today, and knows a bit more than any of us.

20

Pininator (Apr 23, 2013 at 20:45)

@ODS - Was it Bart? I'd trust him if he said no bueno.

@Patsplit - Lars has ridden these trails at least 10,000x more than most of the rest of us put together. He was more-or-less just following Jill's tempo...which is still pretty frickin' fast. The one where Luke's following Bryn from the last race still gives me chills just pondering how they do some of the things they're doing.

30

olympicdirtsociety (Apr 24, 2013 at 5:06)

A couple guys with a big S on their jersey. Not Superman

10

Pininator (Apr 24, 2013 at 20:30)

Indeed, although I'm sure they'd be a respectable substitute.

20

SaltyPete (Apr 23, 2013 at 9:28)

Man, the cat 3 trail looks insane! super roosty berm sections too

10

Pininator (Apr 23, 2013 at 20:46)

I registered for Cat 1 this season, but I'm seriously tempted to slap some dh-tires on my Bass and sandbag the 3's!!

12

vernonjeff (Apr 23, 2013 at 12:58)

i kept waiting for something like a rock section, gap or something else. Looks like a pretty easy track you could pedal all the way to the bottom i think. the hard-tails and full suspension bikes should post similar times.

41

northwestdhdad (Apr 23, 2013 at 18:09)

Come see for yourself, its pretty easy all right, bring your klunker!

31

Pininator (Apr 23, 2013 at 20:59)

Compared to a "traditional" dh course, it's easier. It's easy to ride. Racing is a different creature - it's amazing how fast everything keeps coming at you - not much time to just sit up and take a breather. It's all-out until the finish and people are amazingly worked when they finish a 2.5-3 min race run.

10

vernonjeff (Apr 24, 2013 at 19:02)

cute.

11

robholio (Apr 25, 2013 at 12:47)

What's cute is how cocky you sound never having been there or ridden it. Humility comes swiftly at Dry Hill. You wouldn't be the first cocky guy to leave that course in an ambulance after talking like that. In the case of this venue, looks are very deceiving.

10

vernonjeff (Apr 25, 2013 at 18:20)

double cute. Your home track or something?

11

robholio (Apr 25, 2013 at 20:38)

Nope, but I have actually BEEN there to ride it.

10

vernonjeff (Apr 26, 2013 at 6:38)

really? Then why are you opening your stupid mouth. You just one of those guys that likes to start internet arguments over something you have no experience with? And no, i really doubt that trail has ever put anyone in the hospital. i think that is probably the point of it. And wtf is Dry Hill? Is that in the video or is this just completely random other trail you picked out of your ass? And how do you know i have never been there. You are making assumption,

10

teamtannon (Apr 26, 2013 at 15:44)

Never put anyone in the hospital? I respectfully disagree, my good sir - www.pinkbike.com/photo/8121274

10

vernonjeff (Apr 27, 2013 at 7:26)

ouch dude. that looks like it was a bad day. So that was on that run in that race?

btw i never said it sucked but it is a super easy looking course. Alot easier than alot of the race courses ive seen. im not sure who these ding dong are who take offence to that.

10

Schmitty (Apr 23, 2013 at 9:24)

See you between the tape! Let's race!

20

zer0c00l44 (Apr 23, 2013 at 13:02)

NICE!

21

laronjames1983 (Apr 23, 2013 at 13:53)

How do you know it wont be won on a 29er x

71

northwestdhdad (Apr 23, 2013 at 18:10)

Well the Cat 3 course is awaiting you buddy! Bring your Gary Fisher HiFly to the track!

43

Loucas (Apr 23, 2013 at 14:10)

Getting real tired of the 29er races

10

blades1986 (Apr 24, 2013 at 18:49)

Because I'm faster then you

10

ryderup (Apr 22, 2013 at 21:25)

very sweet.

10

bikeprox (Apr 24, 2013 at 13:02)

nice