Photo Epic: Blue Ridge Pumptrack Challenge

Blue Ridge what? Why do we care? That's an easy answer…… after the hustle and bustle of the "regular" season, it's now time to wind down and just have some plain fun. What better way to do that then at your Grassroots events. Conceived by Asheville, NC local Ryan Taylor, the Blue Ridge Pumptrack Challenge sponsored by Billy Goat Bikes would be a three race pumptrack race series held in as many weeks. Riding the wave of momentum built by Red Bull Dreamline, round one would take place the next day in downtown Asheville at Industry Nine. Week 2, we'd head out to the grounds that Red Bull and Oskar Blues Reeb Ranch/the Bike Farm built for the race 2 of 3. Then wrap up the series at the Kolo Bike Park. Again, why pay attention? Well as you scroll through some of the images, you'll notice some big names sprinkled throughout the text, Mr. "I don't always have a top five at worlds, but when I do, I do it chainless," Neko Mulally, Junior SRAM TLD Racing Brothers Walker and Luca Shaw, Riding Forward/Santa Cruz International Supa-sta Iago Garay, former US National Champion Geritt Beytagh (the name might ring a bell when you think of Morewood's past). That talent alone taking part in this series says something about the integrity of what Ryan and crew are trying to produce in the series. Check out the action as it went down over three straight weekends in the Asheville area in the month of October.

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Keeping It Local in the Off Season - Round 1

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It's Gonna Be Like This Ya'll - Joe Haley (left, Industry Nine) and Ryan Taylor (right, event organizer) give the low down of how things will be. I think they were both QUAD-stoked! Not sure where that came from and exactly what it means, but I have a feeling Ryan has filed the IP rights/copyrights for the prefix of "QUAD-". I could retire with a penny for every time I heard it from Ryan on Sunday.

Mrrrrrr. Annndddeeeerson (in my best Hugo Weaving voice) - Good to see Sam Anderson at a local event, even if it was just for a short time. Seems since he's graduated from UNCC last year, got a job, become all "professional" and stuff we haven't seen to much of him or his crew as of late. Don't be a stranger my friend, you are good people…… you and the crew.

All Healed Up? - We briefly saw Luca during practice at the last round of the Beech Mtn DH Series and he was out supporting the local scene. Hope we'll continue to see him locally more in the future before things get fired up for the 2015 season. He was solo (without brother Walker, as Walker had a Brevard College Regional race to compete in).

B-Dawg - When he wasn't judging big air, best trick or working on the course, Brandon was laying down some laps. We won't let the cat out of the bag just yet, but it seemed it would work for him in the end........ when you scroll down you'll see what we are talking about.

Last Minute TLC - After practice was over, the crew decided the last corner on the track before you started your second lap needed some love so that riders could keep some of that speed. I quick load of dirt from the backhoe and the crew was a scrambling, a spreading, and a stomping.

Ummmmm? - Not sure what this means about Brandon (left) and Evan's (right) relationship????? SOOOOO MANY comment opportunities here. MUST RESIST, MUST RESIST…… kidding guys, kidding.

Sick Tricks = Moar Pics - After practice and some quick course work, it was Intermission time…… well sort of. 30 minutes of play time to lay down as many tricks and big air attempts as you could, judged by none other than the 69 Crew. This dude (three pics above) was killing it run after run after run….. simple equation sick tricks = moar pics.

Dreamline Inspiration - I asked Neko what he was doing or trying to do, he said he was inspired by what he saw at Dreamline and wanted to give it a go himself. Though he seemed to not be as graceful as the Red Bull boys......... It almost ended badly. It looked like his shorts got caught by the seat which made a heck of a noise and he ended up flat landing it on the top of the jump. You had to be there as this pic does it NO justice, but it was hilarious.

I Must Have Missed It - By the looks of this shot, it's kinda hard to believe that Luca Shaw didn't win the Big Air Contest (and no it's not camera angle or the fact that it's fisheye). Joe Haley ended up going higher, so said the judges..... I must have missed that one. I did notice that Joe was straight boosting the jump in his attempts. At least Luca keep some style in his (no offense intended Mr. Haley).

Time to Get Your Pump On! - Qualifying is over, now it's time to lay down your best in a two lap total time. Eliminations rounds start now!

Trey Was Pinning it - Trey Cassell was on it all afternoon. Good enough for a podium? I am not a betting man, but I'd take that bet.

Giving Some Tongue Action - Chuck Pitts, another one that believes that tongue doesn't create drag.

Been a Bit Scarce - Since announcing is "retirement" last year, Gerrit Betaygh has been a bit scarce in 2014......................... (shhhh, I heard a NASTY rumour the day before at Red Bull Dreamline from a source that will remain nameless, but sounds/looks like Hgyateb Tirreg. To whomever you are, you are secret is safe with me).

The Pratt Pack - Jacob Pratt starts his first of two laps. The overall time, sum of two laps, would count.

The Skipper - Evan Scott Voss, aka the Skipper because of his signature Captain's hat (at least that's what I call him), tucking for every ounce of speed and millisecond he can muster.

To Horn or Not to Horn, That is the Question - This will be the LAST photo of the Khares unless I start seeing the infamous Shrimper Heckling Horn. There is no event too big or too small for that horn and it's not an official bike even without it. Just sayin' (Hint Hint Shrimper and Noelle). Bergen Khare pictured.

Mr I Can Do It All - Joe Haley not only is in charge of Domestic Sales at Industry 9, he's a heck of a rider in all disciplines, XC, DJ, DH, Tricks. I bet most of you didn't know that he's also got to Collegiate National Championships to his name. That's right, he's the 2000 Division I Men’s Dual Slalom and 2001 Division I Men’s Downhill NatChamp under the Lindsey Wilson banner. Definitely one of NC's local legends and don't tell him he can't do anything.

Round One POD - My photo pic for Round One goes to Matthew Purcell. It was overcast all day with a few sprinkles, but the degree of light even with the Gray skies changed every minute. The equation for light, shadows, and rider placement was just about ideal at this moment in time. Thanks Matt! I appreciate the opportunity to record the moment. (OK, the contrast/shadows are turned up a bit, but me likes either way).

Winna Winna Chicken Dinna - I tried to get the event organizers Ryan Taylor and Joe Haley to force Neko to run chainless just because, but to no avail. I just wanted to have our own little version of his World's run. Oh well it was worth a try. He prob would have still won either way, chain on or chain off.

Drum Roll Please - Top three Pro Men for round one…. 1. Neko Mulally, 2. Trey Cassell , 3. Brandon Blakely

Round One Results

12 & Under Kids:
1st - Ben Keely
2nd - Lucas Schultz
3rd - Ben Cowan

Am Juniors 13-17:
1st - Owen Witcher
2nd - Clancy Loorham
3rd - Bergen Khare

Am Men:
1st - Jeremy Raney
2nd - Trey Richardson
3rd - Calhoun Clark

Open Women:
1st - Bernadette Merriman
2nd - Scout Clark
3rd - Becky Bashton

Pro Men:
1st - Neko Mulally
2nd - Trey Cassell
3rd - Brandon Blakely

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Back to Dreamline, Sort Of - Round 2

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Round Two of the series took us to a place most of became familiar with just a week ago (since the pics were taken). The Bike Farm (aka The Oskar Blue REEB Ranch) was alive with a couple thousand spectators and 32 of the best BMXers in the world. This weekend was a bit more low key and a bit more local with all riders focused on the pump track, which pretty much the parking lot for NBC Sports during Dreamline weekend.

The Farm - The Bike Farm / Oskar Blues REEB Ranch has been getting lots of exposure and good press lately…. and rightfully so. If you've been thinking or planning a trip with your buds, we'd suggest you start your online planning here. From onsite camping, lodging, bike tours, etc, etc. the Bike Farm can help you out any way you need. Look for a Pinkbike exclusive story on everything this place has to offer very soon.

Dreamline? Part 2? - Brandon Blakely and Evan Scott Voss spent a couple of hours before things kicked off building their own mini version of Dreamline with an addition to the Red Bull course. Just a little hip to make things a bit interesting for the big air and best trick contest. Bottom pic, Joe Haley (Industry Nine) comes to tidy things up and make sure the booter doesn't come apart during launch.

JT's Back - I haven't seen JT Linville (bib 56) in what seems like a year, or maybe it's been longer than a year. He's running the train during open practice.

A Few Less People - Not nearly as many people as just seven days ago for Red Bull Dreamline, but the goods were and will be there for a while, noting the big booter in the background used by the Red Bull riders.

Both of Them - We missed Walker Shaw at round one due to a Collegiate commitment, but at round two we'd have both the Shaw boys in attendance, Luca and Walker (pictured).

OK, This is the LAST - OK this is the WILL be the last pic of PUMPKIN SPICE, aka Bergen Khare. That puts it at 4 events in the past three weeks I've been to and NOT ONE of them have seen the appearance of the infamous Khare horn. No horn = no more pics!!!! Come on now Shrimper, WTH!

Not Much Opp for Boosting - The pump track at the Bike Farm isn't much for boosting, but don't tell that to Kevin Burkhead as young Bergen Khare looks on in the background.

Looking For His Second Win in as Many Weeks - Neko Mulally was back looking to make it his second win in two weeks. He looked like he was taking it easy during practice….. nothing, his taking it easy is still 3X faster than anything I can lay down.

In and Out of the Shadows - Since the event didn't start til noon on Sunday and this being the Fall season so close to daylight's savings time, that meant that the race went into the late afternoon casting some great shadows and light pockets on the course. Afternoon sun is the absolute BEST!

I am Iago - After a few days earlier in the week of riding what Pisgah National Forest has to offer in terms of XC with his buddies from the Midwest, Iago Garay choose to make it a long weekend and hung around to have a pumping good time. At the end of the day he'd finish 5th out of 26 total Pro Men. Good to see you and the Riding Forward crew down in our neck of the woods and hope to see more of you in the 2015 racing season, whatever the discipline might be.

Third in Kids 13-17 - Corey Thompson would end up taking the third spot in Kids 13-17. Nice run!

Another Long Time No See - Zach Kuss is another one we haven't seem much of lately. Not sure I am blame him though, he's got a pretty good play ground right outside his door at home. With that, is there a need to go anywhere else? Good to see you bud!

Quick Turn - Humming, Coming At Ya!

The Improvised Half Pipe - What do you do when all the Red Bull Dreamline folks have long gone home and the jumps still stand? Improvise and you have an instant half pipe for some sick tricks.

POD Round 2 - Sorry I didn't catch his name, but since he's got the Halloween no. 13 home made number plate, we'll simply call him Mike Meyers. Mike gets my choice for Picture of the Day for Round 2. Sorry dude for no name retained in my brain

Big Bag of Tricks - The canvas was yours to do what you wanted with. From top to bottom, Luca Shaw, Evan Scott Voss, and Mr. Mike Meyers (aka I didn't catch his name) sure had some sick trickery.

If You Build It You Must Jump It - Though Evan Scott Voss prefers the little wheels while he's putting as much air between himself and the ground, he's definitely not a newb in the big air and trick department. Never disappoints!

No Fear - I wish had no fear myself when I was this age. Lucas Schuldt ain't afraid of nuttin! He was 6th out of a large kids category of 20 riders.

I See You Ben! - The little Richter, Ben, is growing up to be one heck of a ripper. Lately it seems he's been winning everything he enters. He was fastest in Kids 12 and Under. BTW, you should see this young man kill it on a DH course. He's definitely one to watch in coming years.

Witcher Wins 2-0 - Owen Witcher on his race run, after laying this one down he'd be 2-0….. undefeated in the series thus far.

Mr. Sycamore Cycles - Wes Dickson, owner/operator of local bike shop Sycamore Cycles (and one of many series sponsors) is a regular at all local road and off road bike events. Of course he always brings the "kid"…. aka his daughter Hannah.

Blake Stephenson - Since we are so close to the Brevard College (just a couple of miles away) a number of the BCC crew were out including Blake Stephenson.

Walker's Qually Run - Walker Shaw was looking REAL REAL Pinned and Quick. Watch out fellas!

The Jury - As the each finished with their runs, the others in the "Open Men" class lined the exit and gave their best criticism of their peers. Pictured from left to right: Asher Blackmore, Evan Scott Voss, Brandon Blakely, Luca Shaw, the top of Walker Shaw's head, Neko Mulally tucked back there somewhere, Zack Kuss (purple), and Nick Mileti.

Thunder Joe Haley - Joe was definitely quick, but honestly I don't think he was pushing it. He was just out to have fun and give the other guys a chance stand on the podium. I could be wrong (have been many times before, haha!). BTW, I've been meaning to ask. Someone need to tell me the story behind the "Thunder" prefix next to Joe's name?????

Not Quite Enough - With an impressive win at Industry Nine and round one, could he make it 2-0?………… Not this round, twas not quite enough, and he'd have to settle to for the second spot.

Today Would Be Walker's Day - Today the quickest time for Round 2 would go to Walker Shaw. Neko took round one, but with he and Walker both being forced to miss the last round due to a schedule conflict with Collegiate Nationals, the third round and ultimately the series would be open game.

Round Two Results:

Kids 12 & Under:
1st - Ben Richter
2nd - Landon Miller
3rd - Ben Kealy

Am Juniors 13-17:
1st - Owen Richter
2nd - Clancy Loorham
3rd - Corey Thompson

Am Men:
1st - Ivan Graudszus
2nd - Matthew Purcell
3rd - Matt Thompson

Open Women:
1st - Bernadette Merriman
2nd - Kate Bagnal
3rd - Becky Bashton

Pro Men:
1st - Walker Shaw
2nd - Neko Mulally
3rd - Luca Shaw

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It's Over Already? - Round 3

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Unfortunately the final round of the three race series fell on the same weekend at the USA Cycling Collegiate Nationals just a short hop, skip, and a jump away at Beech Mountain. This reduced the turnout numbers as the Mulally's, Shaw's and a few others had other obligations (as did I on assignment for Pinkbike, though I was able to make it in time to catch the final heats of the final round). Nonetheless, as expected, a good time was had by all.

Wave to the Crowd Geritt - The man in charge of the herding the youngins at the start, none other than local Asheville legend Geritt Beytagh.

Kids of All Ages - The best thing about the Blue Ridge Pumptrack Challenge ™ is that it is open to all riders, of all ages, of all skill levels….. even those racers of tomorrow on push bikes today. With a little help of Bernadette Merriman for some uphill momentum, this little ripper killed the course.

Of the Clan Loorham - Those of the Clan of Loorham made the trip from Georgia for each round. Clancy (pictured) using those inherent BMX skills on his way to a 3rd place finish in Am Juniors 13-17.

A Few Misc Images Miscellaneous Images from Round 3.

The Face of Focus - Head Down, Eyes Up = Chuck Pitts is 110% focused on the prize.

The Sides of Betyagh - Geritt was making it look good and making my job easy. The reward? A couple of good images (the two above), at least in my opinion.

The Face is Worth More than Words - Bernadette Merriman took the Women's open class….. other than that, with that face, I'll leave it up to the readers to come up with their own caption. Love it!

Thunder Joe - Finally Thunder Joe Haley would sit on the top of the podium. He had the best time at the end of the day in Pro Men. Congrats Joe!

POD Round 3 - Though Geritt Betyagh had to settle for 3rd on the day in Pro Men, maybe getting my personal pick for Picture of the Day for Round 3 will make up for the loss. Letting it all hang out, including the tongue.

Kids 12 & Under:
1st - Charlie Grice
2nd - Cannon Miller
3rd - Collina Gage

Am Juniors 13-17:
1st - Owen Witcher
2nd - Bergan Khare
3rd - Clancy Loorham

Am Men:
1st - Mike Calhoun
2nd - Ed McElyea
3rd - Gabriel Hargett

Open Women:
1st - Bernadette Merriman
2nd - Becky Bashton
3rd - Noelle VanDoren Khare

Pro Men:
1st - Joe Haley
2nd - Jack Ritchie
3rd - Gerrit Beytagh

That's it for the 2014 Challenge. Ryan Taylor tells me this quick and dirty thrown together series was a just feeler to gauge interest and gain intel for future improvements. The series will be back, bigger, and better in 2015 with dates spread out over the year (not compounded into three straight weekends), additional venues across GA, NC, SC and the Southeast region, new sponsors which likely equates to bigger and better prizes, and much much more. I've said it before, sure I enjoy a National level or World Cup event just as much as you do, but there's just something special about local grassroots events with your buds. An all around good time no matter how you spin it, at least in my opinion. See you back in 2015!

Now, this photog needs a break. 3 weeks, 5 events, I am beat. Don't call me, I'll call you…… I'll be out on the trail myself, after a nap.

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