The two weeks in the middle of July is the self-titled "silly" season which means two big regional races, Pro GRT rounds 4 and 5, back to back. The span of eleven days, eleven hundred miles of asphalt in front of us, across five states, two individual trips with two and a half days "off" between venues. I've been told I perform best when I am busy and I actually find it pretty damn fun running around like a chicken with its head cut off. We start off in Snowshoe West Virginia, drive back to South Carolina (home) for two and a half short days, and then wrap it up in Western North Carolina at Beech Mountain Resort. This photo epic documents those "Two Weeks, Two Races." Part One =
Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
Friday - Play Day
Shoes Come in Pairs - All too often it seems we tend to get so wrapped up in running either the 800 feet of Basin DH Trails or the 1500 feet of Western Territory DH trails, we never have or make the time to see what else Snowshoe Mountain Resort has to offer. That would not be the case this trip.... no matter how much it pained us to give up a day of the DH goodness, we suffered through the withdrawal symptoms, busted out the trail bikes and put in some trail riding for a whole new perspective of place we've been visiting for years. What did we find? The other Shoe, gems we never knew existed in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. Not to get to the punch line with the first paragraph of the first section of this epic, but the takeaway here is...... just don't bring your DH rig, bring that trail bike too. It's well worth the added baggage and set aside some time to get out and explore the rest of the trails in the area.
What's Green Snow? - The Carolina's (where life keeps us occupied during the week), does have its fair share of snow during the winter months. But "snow" during the summer months? And "green" snow (so the locals call it)? Not something we see too often 400 miles south of West Virginia. The moss (aka Green Snow) really made this ride that much more enjoyable.... the scenery was simply beautiful and welcome change to what we are used to. Heither Schultz kicks of an early day of XCing in the "Fingers" trail system at the north end of the Snowshoe Mountain Resort.
The Top of the World - After a warm up we made our way south through the village and to the opposite end of the resort. Although not stamped, the USGS marker is placed at the highest point on the Cheat Mountain ridgeline at Thorny Flats, 4,848 feet. Not sure if the $250 fine has scared people away from stamping the elevation numbers in the marker or not. Come on now USGS, I have to use Google to get the elevation?
Pure Isolation - Wanna Get Away? Just a hair over a mile buried in pure isolation from the village is the Sunrise Backcountry Hut. If mingling with the black bears and deer as opposed to your downhill brothers and sisters is your thing, this place is definitely for you.
Green Snow AND Pine? - Like the Green Snow wasn't enough of a pleasant change in the scenery, Pine made the backdrop that much more beautiful. Before you say it.... yeah I know, I need to get out to the west and northwest states. Michael Dart and Heither Schultz play lead and follow through the backcountry in route to our next stop, the Fire Tower.
Made It - After several years of just seeing a silver spec on the horizon from across the ridge..... finally we are up close and personal with the Fire Tower. Honestly, when you get up close to this thing you wonder if it's going to blow/fall over. Does seem like much of a sound structure and a lot smaller than I expected it to be.
The 5 Story Climb - Up and up we go, up the four flights of rickety old wooden steps up to the 10 x 10 box in the sky. Unverified, but we were told the tower was originally constructed in Randolph county in the 1920s as the Rich Mountain Fire Lookout tower. Snowshoe purchased from the state of West Virginia in 1999 and it was relocated the 50 miles from Rich Mountain as an attraction for those that like to venture out.
As Far as the Eye Can See - From the village this view is obscured by the Cheat Mountain Ridge line. Heither Schultz enjoys the view as far as the eye can see to the east. I am told on the clearest days you might just be able to see Harrisonburg, WV, a good 30-40 miles away. The Cass Scenic Mountain Railroad can easily be heard and steam from its stack is not hard to spot from this perspective.
So That's We Look Like? - Flip around 180 degrees, turn west, and look back to see where we came from. The Village and Basin Territory look quite different from this angle.
Enough Sightseeing, Back to Riding - Sightseeing = Check. Time to get back on the bike and start the descent down to the lake. "6000" Steps it is, supposedly named by a trail worker whom counted his steps from the ridgeline to the lake along the old logging railroad bed now disguised as AM goodness. Lead the way Dart!
Heither's Got the Motion - After a painless pedal out to the tower, it was time to for the descent the 800 feet back to reality.... and most importantly some fuel and beverages. 6000 Steps is a lot of fun, with a taste of everything, a steep start, high speed flow, techy rocks and roots. Recommended to all!
Shaver's Lake - For the winter's it's used to aid the slopes should mother nature not cooperate. For the summer months, it all flows downhill and offers ladies, gents, and children of all ages something to pass the time while their significant others get there shred fix. Swimming, SUP boarding, etc., whatever you need to keep the others in your party busy while you lay down the laps.
Time for Fuel and Brew - Make a run down the Basin Territory, Cross Country ride along the ridge, let the soon to be GROMs play on the beach, then fuel back up at the "Boat House"..... then do it all over again.
Saturday - Dial It In Day, Round 1
Time to get up early, head out to the course and get to work...... oh how I have missed being buried in the woods shooting between the tape.
Nothing in Front of Me - 0900 was open practice for Pros and Cat 1s in prep for seeding at 1400 that afternoon. Time to dial it in and look for every fraction of a second. As soon as USAC officials gave the A-OK at the strike of 9:00 a.m., riders started their morning warm up.
Stacking the Deck Part 1 - Specialized seems to recognize the idea of building the future of its downhill program. I'd say the deck is pretty stacked..... on one hand you have the Shaw brothers and the other there is support to the ODI Satellite team with riders such as Shane Leslie (pictured).
Stacking the Deck Part II - Luca Shaw leading the Junior World's points. Need I say much more? Great to see Luca still rippin' the trails he grew up on as a GROM. All those in WNC and the surrounding areas are so stoked to see a local "Hendersonvillian" on the world stage.
The Infamous Gap - Cupp Cake Road Gap is just a few yards down the course making a popular spectating spot and probably the most photographed feature on the course. Roy Benge/Juniors making it look so easy.
Max is Faster and Faster and Faster - I've personally known Max Morgan going on 4 years now from previous ties to a local SC/NC based team. Max has stuck with that team since and over that period he continuously improves his game race after race. He was looking good on Saturday practice and quallied 2nd after Seeding.
Master's Master - Julian Cabreana is running the 50+ Master's class and doesn't show any signs of what some of the PB reader would call old, dad, etc. I'd be willing to bet he's got better skills than some of the GROMs out there. Don't complain young grasshoppers, you will probably wish you can be shreddin when you get to be over the hill.
I Need Another Pair of Shorts - I swear contrary to what Josh Coit says, that boy only has one pair of short. Seems like for the past two years now every shoot I take of Josh, he's got the same pair of shorts on. Saw him later that evening for a bike film viewing and yep, you guessed it (looked like) the same pair of shorts. Though he did say he does have two pairs. SURE JOSH!
Images of Upper Hair Ball - The three previous images in order show the Upper Hair Ball. All racers shared this part of the course before the split of Lower Hair Ball (or the steep rock garden from hell) for Pros and Cat 1 only and Lower Pro DH for all other categories.
Don't You Know I am Loco? - The Loco racing crew are always out at Snowshoe events, same great group of guys and gals, same location race in race out. Ian Turner getting low over the Lower Hair Ball Rock Drop at the end of the rock garden.
Airborne Creed - Airborne Bicycles was out in pretty good numbers at this event. From the factory, Josh Patton (pictured) and Trevor Gay where out, along with I think I say at least two, maybe three private folks running the Pathogen. Say what you want, but I really like what Airborne has matured into what they are today.
Sunday - Throw it Down Day, Round 1
GROMmates The 'legendary" GROM Racing name has gotten significantly bigger this season with some added teammates and new faces to carry on its development legacy. The "veteran" Jimmy Leslie finished with the lucky number 13th spot in Pro Men with a 04:20.31.
More Loco - Some more "Crazy" Ian Turner during the race day morning practice session. Better get those lines dailed, just a couple of hours before it all counts. Lay it all down or go home!
Just a Bit of Rotation Maybe? - The younger Mulally shifting his weight as he gaps the second rock drop on Upper Hair Ball. He finished 16th in the field of 27 Pro Men.
Nipping at Shane's Heals - Charlie Harrison was nipping at Shane Leslie's heals, just 0.7 sec off the top spot in Juniors. So so close.
BCC Crew - Blake Stephen, one of the Brevard College Cycling Crew made it out with. Watch out for this team of folks this season. I spent USAC Collegiate Championships with these folks, they a definitely a force to be reckoned with, not to mention they are adding some HUGE names in the discipline of Downhill very soon.
Young Mr. Grau - Snowshoe resident Kyle Grau just missed the top 10, out 0.31 sec behind Alex Willie. Oh and, someone needs to tell Dad to get up in the morning! Haha! (kidding Michal, nothing but love brotha!).
Style is Control - Who says race runs can't include some style? Style is control, right? Tyler Smith took the top spot in Men - Cat 2 - Senior - 19-29 with a 04:37.84. I can see this dude, moving up to Cat 1 very soon.
Into the Shadows - David Kahn rounded the berm in the open sunset and into the Shadows of the canopy. He took the silver in Men - Cat 2 - Junior - 18 & under with a 04:34.19.
A New Line? - Jason Bohl, amongst a few others, took the right outside line into the woods from Cupp Cake. Most typically power over the rock over the left. Not sure which was faster, but I didn't notice some of his few Juniors taking the same choice. He ended up 9th in Juniors.
Kevin Was Kooking! (with a K) - He might be running Master's but Kevin Liebig sure was moving. He powered through the berm into the woods with enough momentum it almost through him over the edge of the berm. It was enough to take the top spot in Men's Cat 1 - Master - 40-49. Nice Run.
The Pitts Special - Graeme Pitts looked like he was flying on the upper part of the course. Not sure if he had a bobble or not, but in the end his run didn't seem to come together with the time I am sure he wanted. He finished 18th with a 04:25.87. We sat right next to him, Amanda, and the crew during dinner that evening and I should have asked the question.
Women's Runner Up - Amanda Batty finished 16.38 secs back taking the second spot. Either way, I am sure she was stoked to take home a paycheck after a weekend of racing.
Women's Winner - Lauren Daney was looking fast and it was enough to take the top spot and tie for the points lead in the series. She took the highest spot on the podium with a commanding 05:17.65.
The Max Speed - Though Max Morgan was 8 seconds off Neko blistering time, it was still good enough for the second spot on the podium, a $600.00 check, and top 5 in points. Max's growth continues, he's got a busy remaining season in front of him with attendance at the next three races on the world stage, MSA, Windham, and France. Best of Luck Bud! You might not be able to see or hear it, but know that everyone in the SE will be glued to and yelling at the computer and TV screens.
The Fastest Time Ever - Neko took the top spot with the fastest time lap ever recorded at Snowshoe, just about cracking into the 3:00 minute mark with a 4:00.47. Park Record = CHECK, next goal, we want to see the digit 3 at the front of that lap time. Who's up to the challenge?
Moving into the next week and next Round, the chips currently have fallen here. No doubt that Neko and Lauren will be at Beech in a few short days defending those points. The question is will we see some of those big names this week that decided to forego the round at Snowshoe to lay down the challenge?
2014 Men's Individual Standings (after round 4 of 6):
1. Neko Mulally 130 pts
2. Aaron Gwin 120 pts
3. Kevin Aiello 113 pts
4. Logan Binggeli 82 pts
5. Max Morgan 50 pts
2014 Women's Individual Standings (after round 4 of 6):
1. Lauren Daney 100 pts
1. Alison Zimmer 100 pts
3. Rae Gandolf 97 pts
4. Elinor Wesner 65 pts
5. Kristen Courtney 60 pts
Never Two the Same - You never miss the opportunity to take 30 minutes at the end your day to sit down and watch a Snowshoe sunset. Guaranteed to never be the same twice. Some of the best colors and view on the east coast.
Tues to Thurs - Processing..... Processing....
Down Time - Back to reality for 2.5 days. 8 hour days of working for living follow by editing images and typing blogs after normal business hours til it's time to tuck in and do it all over again Thursday evening.
Stay tuned as about this same time next week, we'll publish Part II of our "Two Weeks, Two Races" after a trip a bit closer to home,
Beech Mountain Resort. Well share some riding, some racing, same content, different East Coast Location. See some of you out there in the thick of it!
What's Green Snow? - The Carolina's (where life keeps us occupied during the week), does have its fair share of snow during the winter months. But "snow" during the summer months? And "green" snow (so the locals call it)? Not something we see too often 400 miles south of West Virginia. The moss (aka Green Snow) really made this ride that much more enjoyable.... the scenery was simply beautiful and welcome change to what we are used to. Heither Schultz kicks of an early day of XCing in the "Fingers" trail system at the north end of the Snowshoe Mountain Resort. 
I didn't choose the superpower; it chose me.