flag

Downhill Southeast Series, Race Three Report

Mar 22, 2016
by Jay Schultz  
While some on the World Cup chase have been below the hemisphere having some fun on the other side of the world in their off season, Neko Mulally and some of the best the east coast have been spending the past four weeks between the two states of Tennessee and North Carolina. Rewind three weeks ago; round one of the Downhill Southeast saw Luca Shaw (Pro Men) and Frida Helena Ronning (Open Women) stand on top of the podium at Trials Training Center in Sequatchie, TN. Week two, a break. Week three, we went back to the Volunteer state to Windrock Park where the Norwegians would sweep both top spots, with Isak Leivsson (Pro Men) and Frida Helena Ronning (Open Women). They each had a superb day in the mud taking gold. Week four, the series finale would take place 'local' to Neko (and most everyone else) just north of Asheville in Mars Hill, NC. Would the Europeans beat the locals on their own turf or would the Hendersonville resident (Luca Shaw) again find the edge he used at TTC to close out the series on top?

Bailey Mountain is located just about halfway between the small cities of Marshall pictured and Mars Hill NC. Any yet again you ll find two small communities that haven t changed much over time. The preservation of history is predominant in each.
  Bailey Mountain is located about halfway between the small cities of Marshall (pictured) and Mars Hill, NC. Just like round one and two, you'll again find two small communities that haven't changed much over time. The preservation of history is predominant in both Marshall and Mars Hill.

The Star Diner and gas station definitely takes you through a time warp. Like traveling back to 1950s America.
  The Star Diner and gas station definitely takes you through a time warp. Like traveling back to 1950s America. If you visit the area, take some time and go to Marshall. There's a mix of both old and new, as the town appears to be in the mist of a modern resurgence, at the same time preserving its history.

The city of Mars Hill is a small college town where Mars Hill University has been in operation under one name or another for 159 years. Do the math that means it opened in 1856. What was happening in the USA in 1856 1. The US flag only had only 31 stars on it at the time 2. Dallas Texas was incorporated as a city and 3. The American Civil War wouldn t break out for another 5 years. Note That peak in the background of the image that s Bailey Mountain.
  The city of Mars Hill is a (small) college town where Mars Hill University has been in operation, under one name or another, 159 years ago in 1856. What was happening in the USA in 1856? 1. The US flag only had only 31 stars on it at the time, 2. Dallas, Texas was incorporated as a city, and 3. The American Civil War wouldn't break out for another five years. Note: That peak in the background of the image; that's Bailey Mountain.

Though the local weather forecasters were public enemy number one in the eyes of the riders they seemed to have gotten it wrong Gee imagine that . There was the occasional cloud throughout Saturday practice but there were also lots of blue punching through those clouds. Bergen Khare Beech Mountain Gravity pictured.
  Though the local weather forecasters were public enemy number one in the eyes of the riders, they seemed to have gotten it wrong (Gee, imagine that). There was the occasional cloud throughout Saturday practice, but there was a lot of blue sky punching its way through those clouds. Bergen Khare / Beech Mountain Gravity pictured.

Henry Wilkins above with some early steeze to start out his morning at the top of the course a short section of trail called Welcome to the Jungle . Don t mind if he does.
  Henry Wilkins (above) with some early steeze to start out his morning at the top of the course, a short section of trail called 'Welcome to the Jungle.' Don't mind if he does.

The GROM crowd all eight of them that made up the 12 and under category pretty much stayed nose to tail for the entire practice session. Caden Hill brings up the rear of that GROM train on their first run of the day. At least he s got the right answer style in both his color choice and riding line.
  The GROM crowd, all eight of them that made up the 12 and under category, pretty much stayed nose to tail for the entire practice session. Caden Hill brings up the rear of that GROM train on their first run of the day. At least he's got the right answer, style; in both his color choice and riding line.

Zach Hutelin started out practice right. Not sure what part of the course or exactly what happened but he ended the day with a trip the local medical facility. Diagnosis two broken ribs a punctured lung and complete AC joint separation. Everybody send Zach those healing vibes. Get well soon buddy
  Zach Hutelin started out practice right. Not sure what part of the course or exactly what happened, but he ended the day with a trip the local medical facility. Diagnosis: two broken ribs, a punctured lung, and complete AC joint separation. Everybody send Zach those healing vibes. Get well soon buddy!

Meet the New Big Green Machine of Bailey Mountain. For the moment though there are long terms plan for lift assist the park relays on two ex-military M1078 Stewart Stevenson LMTVs to take you up the 926 vertical feet of ascent. Caroline Washam was just dropped into battle.
  Meet the new Big Green Machine of Bailey Mountain. For the moment, though there are long term plans for lift assist, the park relies on two ex-military M1078 Stewart Stevenson LMTVs to take you up the 926 vertical feet of ascent. Caroline Washam was just dropped into battle.

Great to see Brett Zook a former Gutbomber out in action. We ve recently been told that we are personally responsible for the break of the Gutbombers. Shame it really was a great group of old school downhillers and great bunch of guys. Brett is shown exiting Welcome to the Jungle and entering Jumanji the two trails that make up the course for the weekend.
  Great to see Brett Zook, a former Gutbomber, out in action. We've recently been told that we are personally responsible for the break of the Gutbombers. Shame, it really was a great group of old school downhillers and great bunch of guys. Brett is shown exiting 'Welcome to the Jungle' and entering 'Jumanji,' the two trails that make up the course for the weekend.

Upper Jumanji has recently been reworked into a machined flow section as pictured. Not to worry once you find your flow get ready for some loamy off camber madness that would slip the wheels right out from under you. Rider Angelina Palermo from Marian University s DH Racing Team.
  Upper Jumanji has recently been reworked into a machined flow section as pictured. Not to worry, once you find your flow, get ready for some loamy off camber madness that would slip the wheels right out from under you. Rider: Angelina Palermo from Marian University's DH Racing Team.

Enter the rock garden. Jason Gamble making it look eazy peazy.
  Enter the rock garden. Jason Gamble making it look easy peasy.

Looks pretty familiar.... a repeat of what we reported in the round two report at Windrock. Luca front and Walker Shaw back tuning those lines together during Saturday practice. Same story different race.
  Looks pretty familiar.... a repeat of what we reported in the round two report at Windrock. Luca (front) and Walker Shaw (back) tuning those lines together during Saturday practice. Same story different race.

Great and a shame both at the same time. Great to see Dakotah Wildcard Norton making the last round. Shame we couldn t see what impact he shoulda woulda coulda made on the podium for the first two rounds of the DHSE. You all saw the release and relationship he now has with Morpheus. Stoked to see what kind of damage he can do this season. More on this young man later in the year hopefully
  Great and a shame both at the same time. Great to see Dakotah 'Wildcard' Norton making the final round of the DHSE. Shame we couldn't see what impact he shoulda woulda coulda made on the podium for the first two rounds. You all saw the release and relationship he now has with Morpheus. Stoked to see what kind of damage he can do this season. More on this young man later in the year (hopefully)!

This is finish of the course and yes it is as steep as it looks. We can t say enough about this course for that matter all three of the courses that each make up the DHSE series. This is legitimate DH folks
  This is finish of the course and yes, it is as steep as it looks. We can't say enough about this course; for that matter, all three of the courses that each make up the DHSE series. This is legitimate DH folks!

For the most part you ve seen lots of the top names from the east coast. Least we not forget and must mention we did have two boys of Cali whom made the trip. Santa Cruz s Kiran McKinnon pictured and Trek Test Team Racing s Charlie Harrison. Guys you have something you need to do. What s that Go back to California and bring Gwin Logan Aiello KHS and others back with you next year. Neko built it now they must come
  For the most part, you've seen lots of the top names from the east coast. Least we not forget and must mention we did have two boys from Cali whom made the trip. Santa Cruz's, Kiran McKinnon (pictured) and Trek Test Team Racing's, Charlie Harrison. Guys, you have something you need to do now that the series is over. What's that? Go back to California and bring Gwin, Logan/Aiello (KHS), and others back with you next year. If you build it, they will come!

No caption really needed here. Charlie chasing Shane both at speed and pinned. So cool
  No caption really needed here. Like two F-22s in formation... Charlie Harrison chasing Shane Leslie, both at speed and pinned. So cool!

This one is for you Michal Grau. Two for one wink Kyle Grau Santa Cruz Bikes pictured making his way through the natural terrain of Jumanji. Ginormous rocks natural terrain the best tracks
  This one is for you Michal Grau. Two for one! (wink) Kyle Grau Santa Cruz Bikes pictured making his way through the natural terrain of Jumanji. Ginormous rocks + natural terrain = the best tracks!

Yeti Cycles Travelin Man Shawn Neer with another section of the rock garden on Jumanji. Straight pick your line stay off the brake point and shoot. Now go
  Yeti Cycles' Travelin' Man, Shawn Neer with another section of the rock garden on Jumanji. Straight, pick your line, stay off the brake, point and shoot. Now go!

Charlie Harrison spent some time out in Brevard with both Max Morgan and Neko Mulally back in October 2015. It obviously made an impression as he s back. We only wish he could have mixed it up with the boys in rounds one and two. It would have made the Pro Men field that much more interesting. In any case good to see him in North Carolina.
  Charlie Harrison spent some time out in Brevard with both Max Morgan and Neko Mulally back in October 2015. It obviously made an impression as he's back. We only wish he could have mixed it up with the boys in rounds one and two. It would have made the Pro Men field that much more interesting. In any case, good to see him in North Carolina (again).

Hendo s Luca Shaw sailing off The Bridge just before you enter the bowl and the last few hundred yards of the course before the finish. This was a popular spectator hangout easy to access as it was right off the shuttle road and there was no shortage action for their viewing pleasure.
  Hendo NC local, Luca Shaw sailing off 'The Bridge' just before you enter the bowl and the last few hundred yards of the course before the finish. This was a popular spectator hangout, easy to access as it was right off the shuttle road and there was no shortage of action for their viewing pleasure.

Each of the Pros kept the right amount of speed off the end of the Bridge as shown here by Phil The Thrill Kmetz. There was no shortage of Brap going on by those that were not able to keep that speed. Brap ... in this case we are referring to the rear tire tagging the underside of the saddle.
  Each of the pros kept the right amount of speed off the end of the Bridge, as shown here by Phil 'The Thrill' Kmetz. Every now and then you'd hear "Braap" by those that were not able to keep that speed. "Braap?"... in this case, we are referring to the rear tire tagging the underside of the saddle. Some of them were quite scary as they landed to flat.

Scroll up a few images specifically the image of the finish. This is the horizontal tape line lead in. Nice and loamy all off camber then swing right and drop in to the finish. Caroline Washam pictured.
  Scroll up a few images, specifically the image of the finish. This is the horizontal tape line/lead in. Nice and loamy, all off camber, then swing right and drop into the finish. Caroline Washam pictured.

Pivot Cycles Sean Leader carries plenty of speed off the Bridge to put him just in the right spot on the leader. Smooth as butter.
  Pivot Cycles', Sean Leader carries plenty of speed off the Bridge to put him just in the right spot on the lander. Smooth as butter.

Seth Kemp has been on fire lately taking the gold in both round one and two of the DHSE series. He had some new competition in the form of Jeff Hartsough from out west for the finale. Seth put up a good fight but it wasn t in the cards. He finished 2.4 secs back behind Jeff with the silver. 2-1 isn t a bad record.
  Seth Kemp has been on fire lately, taking the top spot in both round one and two of the DHSE series. He had some new competition in the form of Jeff Hartsough from out west for the finale. Seth put up a good fight but it wasn't in the cards. He finished 2.4 secs back behind Jeff with the silver. 2-1 isn't a bad record.

Yes there are two of them Max Morgan s that is. Poor Max he had to endure the mobile Heckle Rock Crew. They were making all kinds of noise. Max finished 25th in Pro Men.
  Yes, there are two of them, Max Morgan(s) that is. This poor Max, he had to endure the mobile "Heckle Rock" crew making all kinds of noise. Max finished 25th in Pro Men.

All Hail the Colonel Clealan Watts recently sold all it s DH gear but still rocks the single crown Devinci Troy. Who needs eight inches of travel anyway Certainly not the Colonel
  All Hail the Colonel! Clealan Watts recently sold all his DH gear as I believe he said was getting too old.Who needs eight inches of travel anyway? Certainly not the Colonel as he rocks the Devinci Troy! We should mention Clealan is 55 years old and still ripping it. What will you be doing at his age?

Ben Hobbs was another one that was rockin the single crown. At this point pictured he was absolutely flying Undoubtedly the fastest single crown on the day. He took 14th in Pro Men a great result. I thought based on what I saw here he would have been a bit higher in the numbers. Great run dude Seriously great run. It was fun to watch.
  Ben Hobbs was another one that was rockin' the single crown. At this point pictured, he was absolutely flying! Undoubtedly the fastest single crown on the day. He took 14th in Pro Men, a great result. I thought based on what I saw here he would have been a bit higher in the final numbers. Great run dude! Seriously great run. It was fun to watch.

Shane Leslie is still considered a regular in these parts even if he s an AZ transplant while he attends college. Shane finished 6th in Pro Men with a 2 01.526.
  Shane Leslie is still considered a regular in these parts, even if he's now an AZ transplant while he attends college. Shane finished 6th in Pro Men with a 2:01.526.

The fastest Junior 12U That would be fellow to me Greenvillian SC Ben Richter of Beech Mountain Gravity. Keep an eye Ben in coming seasons he s fast and the kid can boost Ben finished with a 2 29.311. Note That time would have been good for a 10th place in Amateur Men. I m telling you watch this kid
  The fastest Junior 12U? That would be fellow (to me) Greenvillian, SC, Ben Richter of Beech Mountain Gravity. Keep an eye on Ben in coming seasons, he's fast and the kid can boost! Ben finished with a 2:29.311. Note: That time would have been good for a 10th place in Amateur Men. I'm telling you, watch this kid!

She s 3-0. Norway s Frida Helena Ronning swept all three DHSE races in Open Women. She posted a 2 27.000 flat. Congrats Frida
  She's 3-0. Norway's, Frida Helena Ronning swept all three DHSE races in Open Women. She posted a 2:27.000 flat. Congrats Frida!

1.3 seconds was all that split the top three. Neko would be that three. In all seriousness we hope that everyone took the time to personally thank Neko and his crew for this series. We think you all would agree this one of the best series in recent history. THANKS NEKO
  1.3 seconds was all that split the top three. Neko would be that three. In all seriousness, we hope that everyone took the time to personally thank Neko (and his crew) for this series. We'd be willing to bet if you asked anyone at any one of the three events, this was one of the best series in recent history. Thanks Neko!

Twas Luca s day and Luca s series. 1 55.637 on the day over Dakotah Norton s 1 56.304 and Neko s 1 56.980. Congrats Luca
  Twas Luca's day and Luca's series. 1:55.637 on the day over Dakotah Norton's 1:56.304 and Neko's 1:56.980. Congrats Luca!

DHSE Finale

Juniors 12U:

1. Ben Ritcher 00:02:29.311
2. Chris Grice 00:02:48.062
3. Nicholas Wildrick 00:02:58.415
4. Sam Kahn 00:03:00.055
5. Ethen Heck 00:03:17.464

DHSE Finale

Women Open:

1. Frida Helena Ronning 00:02:27.000
2. Angela Palermo 00:02:30.623
3. Caroline Washam 00:02:32.449
4. Megan Hutton 00:03:19.250
5. Abby Hobbs 00:03:28.846

DHSE Finale

Amateur Men:

1. Jeff Hartsough 00:02:04.524
2. Seth Kemp 00:02:06.946
3. Black Stephenson 00:02:20.518
4. Will Murray (aka The Biggest Loser) 00:02:22.976
5. Joey Jackson 00:02:24.169

Josh Rogers of Asheville locally owned Team Billy Goat Bikes was the fastest Junior Elite in the Pro Men field they ran together . Not a bad pay for him with hundred bucks cash money. No doubt he ll be buying Team Manager and Dad Trent Rogers dinner on the four hour trip home.
  Josh Rogers of Asheville locally owned, Team Billy Goat Bikes, was the fastest 'Junior Elite' in the Pro Men field (they ran together). Not a bad pay for him with hundred bucks cash money. No doubt he'll be buying Team Manager and Dad, Trent Rogers dinner on the four-hour trip home.

DHSE Finale
  

Pro Men:

1. Luca Shaw / SRAM TLD Racing/Santa Cruz 00:01:55.637
2. Dakotah Norton / Morpheus 00:01:56.304
3. Neko Mulally / Gstaad Scott/Fox 00:01:56.980
4. Max Morgan / Worldwide Cyclery/Blue Sky Performance/Santa Cruz 00:01:58.991
5. Charlie Harrison / Trek Test Team Racing 00:02:01.002

DHSE Finale - Overall Series

The Beer is on Luca.... wait, he's not even old enough to drink yet. Going into the last race Isak Leivsson was at the top of the leader board after two races, but suffered AC shoulder separation just before the weekend. With Isak out, Luca was able to wrap it up and had a nice pay day by taking the overall three race series. Congrats Luca! Luca Shaw - SRAM TLD Racing/Santa Cruz - 66 pts, Neko Mulally - Gstaad Scott Fox - 60 pts, Dakotah Norton - Morpheus - 44 points.

Round 3 Full Results Here
Overall Series Results Here

Now for the Thanks. We have to give huge props to Neko and his closet companions for conceiving, planning, promoting, and executing this series. Right out of the gate everything really was just about perfect. Sure everything has its hang ups and unforeseen issues, but if you measure it by how many of those issues didn't happen, they knocked it out of the park. Thanks to each of the venues and each of those unsung heroes with ordinary names that made it happen behind the scenes. No doubt we'll leave someone out, but Thank You Logan Mullally, Carolyn (Mom) Mullally, Jamie Wilson, Pisgah Productions, Troy Roberts (TTC), Sean Leader (Windrock), Guy and Jennifer Miller (Bailey Mtn), all the sponsors listed below, everyone else that had a hand in the series that I don't have room to mention and most importantly EACH OF THE RIDERS for coming out and laying down the laps! A note to those out there, these were LEGIT Downhill tracks and if you currently run or plan on running a series, I'd be willing to bet if you ask anyone that was there, this is a model to follow. Neko mentioned the series will be back, so if you were on the fence about coming and missed out, climb on down off that fence and pencil this series into your schedule. Total blast!

Download the Trailforks App
Bailey Mountain Bike Park mountain biking trails

Downhill Southeast Series Sponsors:

Worldwide Cyclery
Scott Sports
Industry Nine
Shimano
Deity Components
Oskar Blues Brewery
El Azteca
Trucker Co
Mountain Khakis
Fox Shox
Suspension Experts


DHSE Sponsors


MENTIONS @WorldwideCyclery / @mtbmaniatv / @IndustryNineOfficial / @SCOTT-Sports / @deityusa / @shimano / @OskarBluesWNC / @foxracingshox / @suspex


Posted In:
Racing and Events


Author Info:
gojammedia avatar

Member since Dec 10, 2012
124 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
First Ride: Rocky Mountain's 2024 Altitude Has a Completely Revised Frame Design
76958 views
Thank You For Everything, Pinkbike
70825 views
How to Watch the 2024 Mountain Bike World Cup [Update: Staylive Offering Access in New Zealand, South Africa & More]
59560 views
First Ride: The 2024 Giant Trance X Advanced
49679 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
40287 views
Staff Ride: Matt Beer's NZ MTB Rally-Spec Ibis HD6
37603 views
First Ride: 2024 Yeti SB165 - Now With Mixed Wheels
36305 views
First Look: Marzocchi's New Super Z 38mm Fork
32904 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

20 Comments
  • 13 1
 Thank you so much for this coverage. We are blessed to have Bailey and can't wait to see how it grows and draws even more energy to this area
  • 6 0
 Best DH series in the South. Ever. Period. Thanks sooooo much to the Mullalays and all the crew. Special shout out to Ricky for the Epic Tacos from El Azteca and Mickey D for tireless support work all three weekends.
  • 6 0
 A great series and great coverage. Thanks for the pic and words, Jay, in spite of my lack of color and steeze! Now I can retire....again....
  • 3 0
 Lack of color, yes... but still turned out great. Did I just admit that? Just don't let that get around too much.
  • 3 0
 Looking good as usual Colonel
  • 3 0
 Great report Jay, it kills me sitting in Oz watching all the racing going on back in my stomping grounds in the South East. I think Motubutanes collarbone and that wet wet day at Windrock had something to do with the demise of the Gutbombers
  • 3 0
 Craig, WHEN you come back for a visit, you MUST plan on talking to Guy and Jenn about renting one of their V10s and taking a stroll down Bailey's trails.
  • 3 0
 Dakota Norton was filming with the Morpheus squad when I was riding there last month, was super friendly and throwing down way harder than I ever will, congrats to him on the podium and good luck in the upcoming season!
  • 3 0
 Personally responsible for breaking up team gutbomb?
You really don't think that do you?
  • 2 0
 Great write up and photos Jay! The DHSE series was a blast overall, and I am glad to make another appearance in a report
  • 3 0
 The Shaw brother are awesome, born rippers! Braaaaaaaaap!
  • 2 0
 Dirty south dh. Is where it is at!!!!! Only race I've seen better than these were world cups....get some!!!
  • 1 0
 Always love seeing NC getting some love! They've been stepping up their game in the mtb world.
  • 2 1
 COME UP TO VA NEXT YEAR!!!!!!! seriously we have some sweet trails up here!
  • 2 0
 see you for easter baileys.cant wait.
  • 2 0
 Great coverage. WNC really is a great place to be.
  • 1 0
 Gutbombers are forever. No human can break us apart.
  • 1 0
 AHHHH YEAAHHH THIS IS AWESOME WOOO!!
  • 1 0
 Great Coverage Jay!
  • 1 0
 ...and nice touch on the History lesson.







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.470040
Mobile Version of Website