Bear Mountain Challenge 2004 DH

The Bear Mountain Challenge 2004 came to a close on a sunny Sunday evening after a weekend of mud and rain. Almost 500 competitors participated in the event making this one of the largest races in the country. The organization, presentation and the course, as in previous years, were impeccable with the lead roles from Corey Adsit, Darren Butler, Brian Eller, Gavin and many others.When it was all said and done the top time of 4:02 was posted by Norco's Shaums March, followed closely by Brant Lyon and Chris Dewar.

The Pinkbike Elite Men were in form led by Stu Couper with a time of 4:15 in 13th place, followed by Mike Van Herk #16, Dan Eheler #20 and Ryan Yastremsky DNF. Ryan won this race last year but on his run this weekend the floating brake came off and fell into his wheel ending his run.

On the Womens side it was Giant's Danika Schroeter with a large gap over Brook Baker, Jenelle Cassidy, and Pinkbike's Pip Parr. Kelli Sherbinin was still out with a broken arm she suffered in a previous Canada Cup at Bromont.

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This was also the first race to assemble the Pinkbike DH team. Still incognito due to a crucial missing bike part, the most fun team on the circuit was there with the 27 foot trailer, tents, gas fireplace and a 10 rider crew.

Hey Derek dont forget to put on your chain

Hey is that a Sinister R9

Of course everyone knows that the toughest category is the Master Expert 30+. In this division it is not enough to just come out and race. You have to dress the part, and the winner must buy beer for the losers.

Is this the BARE Mountain Challenge

Should you win, like Gary Jackson did this weekend, you also get a little reminder that show boating is not allowed, and you get tossed in the lake after receiving your medal and prize money.

Lets see if you want to win next race

Medal wasnt heavy enough

In this category, Pinkbike's Radek Burkat limped down to a 5th place finish while Pinkbike's favorite for the category Derek Roque bettered his last place finish in the previous race, with a second last at #16. Derek once again was spotted giving an interview while trying to put his chain back on in the first corner of his race run.

The only podium for the Pinkbike DH Team this race came from ripper Issac Jenkins who entered the hardtail category and after 3 crashes and reports of unbelievable speeds, came in first. Wait until next race to see what he can do on a Sinister R9.

Pinkbike's Photographer Russ Day was on hand at the race all 3 days taking 100's of photos. He is currently air brushing all your pimpled faces and photoshoping your lack of style to make you look like this. (Look for your photos on Pinkbike later in the week)