Photo Epic: U.S. Collegiate Nationals

---

Study? Nah.... It's Time to Race

---

USA Cycling put out the call for America's fastest college students to converge on the High Country of Western North Carolina October 24-26 for the U.S. Collegiate Nationals at Beech Mountain Resort. With three days of Short Track Cross Country, Cross Country, Team Relay, Team Ominums, Downhill and Dual Slalom, 24 National Titles would be handed out amongst 50+ schools. As most of Pinkbike readers only likely care about gravity fueled racing, there were some big up and coming names sprinkled in the two collegiate divisions……… Shane Leslie, Alex Willie, Walker Shaw, Logan Mulally, Max Morgan, JD Swanguen, Becky Gardner, Ariana Altier. Don't worry we'll show some spandex love too.... PB tighty haters are gonna hate.

The Smokies - I can never get enough of what Beech Mountain has to offer during sun-up or sun-down. If I lived up at altitude, I would get up early and stay out late for each and every rise/set…… that is assuming the mountains are not tucked in the mist of the visible mass of liquid droplets (clouds) which seems to be the case more often than not. Twas not to be this crisp Friday morning, the Smokies wouldn't disappoint.

Best and Brightest the Stars and Stripes Has to Offer - USA Cycling put out the call for America's best college athletes to travel east to the High Country of North Carolina for their chance at taking home a jersey adorned with red, whiten blue and a chance to be called a "Collegiate National Champion."

A Butt Load, I Mean Buss Load - We don't need any stinkin' trailer? Certainly Lindenwood University Cycling crew doesn't….. they'd rather charter a fifty person passenger bus and fill the luggage compartment with rubber, carbon, aluminum and protective gear.

Not Wasting Any Time - The first starting gun went off at bright and early (let's not forget a bit chilly) for the Men's Division 1 Short Track Series. Sepp Kuss, University of Colorado Boulder, took the holeshot, lead lap 3, 2, 1, and on he went to his gold medal.

A Developing Trend? - It seemed that there was a developing trend in taking the holeshot. Holeshot = Gold Medal? Cypress Gorry of Brevard College leads the Men's Division 2 Short Track pack up the climb of lap one just 45 minutes after the start of the Men's Division 1 race…... Question is, would he stay there? Are you a betting man?

Maybe It's the Dreads? - What's the secret to Cypress' success? Was it the holeshot or was it the Dreads? He's on his way to the gold in D2 Short Track for Brevard College. I say dreads, only cause I myself would love to grow some out myself…. dang day job!

Time for the Ladies - Time for the first event for the Women……. Division 1 Short Track. All eyes were on Kate Courtney of Stanford (pictured in red), the favorite in any pedally MTB competition.

Mid Pack Division 1 - Erin Wilson, Colorado State University (332), and Brittany Parffrey, University of Texas-San Antonio (320), in the mist of the climb of lap two in Division 1 Women's Short Track. They would finish in the (relative) order pictured, 22nd and 23rd respectively.

The Skyhawk's First Weekend Medal - Sofia Gomez Villafane, of Fort Lewis College, on her way to the 3rd spot on the podium in Women's Division 1 Short Track.

First of Many - Could this be the first medal and NatChamp title of the weekend for favorite Kate Courtney of Standford University? I'd take that bet as well. She was on fire! She must have eaten her Wheaties Friday morning.

The D2 Power House - The start of the Women's Division 2 would have Brevard College's Allison Arensman taking the early lead. She'd stay there for the three laps making it a BCC sweep for both the Men's and Women's Short Track Races sharing National Championships titles with her teammate in Men's Cypress Gorry.

Now the Fun Starts - You all had enough of the Spandex for the moment? Now for what we are all used to (myself included….. no offense intended, but I don't like to pedal myself). Downhill practice opened up at 11:00 a.m. Friday for a 4 hour window before seeding started at 3:30 p.m. Alex Willie, representing the University of Colorado Boulder this weekend, takes it easy on lap one slowing pulling together those similar lines he laid down back in July during Round 5 of the Pro GRT series.

Shredding Schroeder - Jason Schroeder from WAYYYYY out west, San Diego State University, also finds his happy place lines. On this Friday he'd seed 6th. We'll see how West Coast riders prevail in these East Coast style tracks….. that age old discussion always seems to come up every year.

The Sea of Shimano Tape - Daniel Frentzel of Western State Colorado University finds his way through the tape maze at the top/open slope section of the course.

Home Sweet Home - Though Max Morgan has "relocated" to the northern states and the University of Vermont, he still calls the Southeast and Beech Mountain "home sweet home." Coming off a win here back in July at the Pro-GRT, could pull a repeat performance? He'd seed 3rd setting himself up with some confidence heading into the final round in 24 hours.

Third Fastest Seed in D2 - Ian Turner representing the Leopards of Wentworth Institute of Technology (aka Loco Racing on any other given summer weekend) would lay down a run good enough for the third starting spot in Men's Division 2.

Getting Steezy - UConn's Dan O'Connor getting a bit steezy and not disappointing this photo opp during seeding. Dan put down a seeding run earning the lucky number 13th fastest time of the day in Division 1.

Someone Please Give That Boy a DH Bike! - I know that Cody Phillips of Lees-McRae College is a sponsored rider and focuses his effort on XC, but I stand by my statement that someone needs to step up and give that boy a DH bike. With a full time focused DH effort, he'd be one heck of a force to reckon with. I know that's not what he wants, but.... I still think it needs to happen. Take the challenge!

That Face! - Not sure how to read the face of Jacob Smith from Lindsey Wilson College. Is that a pucker face, a face of pure stoke, or a face saying "I am gonna kick your friction arse"?

Brake Checking Not Required - The trail crew decided to make some minor changes to "The Hip" and quite frankly this photog really likes this changes. I hope they'll carry those changes over into the Beech series in 2015. It's not so much of a hip anymore and is somewhat of a straight shot before you enter the flow section of the lower course. Now you can just point and shoot. James Averill of Western State Colorado University showing how it's done.

Nothing But Wind and Hub Engagement - Andrew Fortini of Fort Lewis College tucking as he flies off the edge into the G-out before the Hip. This pic does this spot zero justice. If you are a spectator and want the best appreciation for speed, this is your spot. I love the sound of wind and hub engagement. Andrew seeded 16th.

Men's D2 4th Seed - Ryan Burney of Wentworth Institute of Technology had a good seeding run..... 4th fastest time on Friday in Division 2.

NAU or ODI Specialized? - Is this young Shane Leslie of Northern Arizona University or seasoned Shane Leslie of ODI Satellite (Specialized), or possibly both? This weekend I guess that would be the Shane Leslie of NAU. Either way, always good to see Shane tearing it up. He and Alex Willie spent a lot of time chasing the rear tire of one another throughout the weekend. Shane would seed 4th in prep for the big day in Men's Division 1.

Mr. Swanguen - It's prob been about 12 months since I've seen JD. Dude you need to spend a summer on the East Coast and start running the East Coast race circuit. If anything, just because you are a blast to watch and shoot on race weekends….. totally selfish I know, but heck I don't care. JD put down a good run and seeded 2nd in Men's Division 1.

Chase'n It - Chase Hines of Marian University trying to lay down the best he could for seeding.

Fastest D1 Woman - Becky Gardner was back in typical fashion representing the Skyhawks of Fort Lewis College. I didn't find this out until Tues (4 days later) but she apparently cracked some ribs sometime during the day on Friday, rode through the pain to seed first in Women's Division 1……… and keep riding all weekend. How'd she fair? Keep reading……… Super Woman! Nothing but respect Becky! Nothing but respect!

Can Anyone Beat Him? - Home turf advantage? Maybe, maybe not…..... either way Phil Kmetz is just plain fast. Nuff said. He seeded with a 2:07.901, 4 secs up on JD Swanguen (and 5 secs up on TQ Logan Mulally in Division 2). Nice run dude!

---

Nuff Playin, Time to Make it Count

---

The "Not-So" Emerald Outback - After making the 830 foot climb from the base of Beech Mountain Resort up to 5506' (a total of 5 times or 5 laps mind you) riders would spend about 2 miles of each of those laps in the Emerald Outback trail system. It looks quite different in the fall months compared to the summer months with not so much "Emerald" color this fall weekend. Each of the above seven photos were taken in the Emerald Outback during the Men's Division 1 and Division 2 Cross Country Race. Both divisions had repeat performances of the short track series with Sepp Kuss of the University of Colorado Boulder taking the gold in D1 and Cypress Gorry of Brevard College doing the same in D2. Can you say Domination?...... Note: Pay a visit to the Emerald Outback the summer months, it's a beautiful place to get lost in. Thanks also to Christopher Herndon for the walk through the Emerald Outback and pointing out all the features for photo opps, he knew that place like the back of his hand. Thanks Christopher.

Another Day, Another Discipline - A young man of many tricks, Walker Shaw, was competing in every discipline he could. Men's Cross Country got underway at 8:30 a.m. and Walker laid down some serious miles on the mountain over the weekend in Short Track, Cross Country, DH, and (eventually) DS. I can only imagine how many calories he burned and replenished in the 3 days on the mountain. He's a Machine, and a colorful one at that (or would be).

Could We Have Another….... - As expected Stanford's Kate Courtney is out of the gate first for the big race of the weekend, Women's Division Cross Country. I am telling you there's some voodoo kinda magic going on with the holeshot thing. Could the heavy favorite keep that spot and pace for five laps? We shall see.

Just Off the Podium - Emily Shields of Lees-McRae College was just out of medal contention in 5th, about ten minutes off the pace of the leader.

What's in the Water at Stanford Anyway? - Stanford's Women's Cycling must be doing something right. They have the heavy favorite in Division 1 and another top ten rider in Kaylee Blevins (pictured). She finished 9th, about thirteen minutes off the lead pace.

...... Why Yes We Can Have Another - After five laps and what was pretty much not even the same time zone as her closest competitor (up by 4 minutes), Kate Courtney (Stanford University) doesn't even look phased after taking the gold in Women's Division 1 Cross Country. Go for five more laps Kate? Congrats, back to back Collegiate National Cross Country Championships (2013 and 2014).

And Then There's the Hole in My Theory - Leave it to Allison Arensman of Brevard College (Bib 152, Blue and White Jersey) to shoot a hole in my holeshot theory. She started mid pack in the Women's Division 2 Cross County Race, but wouldn't stay there for long. It would be double performance for her as well taking both the Short Track gold the day before and Cross Country gold on Saturday. Hey, new theory..... win Short Track = win XC?

Ok, Let's Get Back to It - Zach Graveson of Fort Lewis College kicks it back off for our final round of DH coverage. Picture here in what turned out be shortened practice session before the final round. Fast forward a bit to when it counted, Zach flatted about three quarters the way down the course and was forced to settle with an 18th in Men's Divison 1. Bummed for you Bro. Like you said, that's racing. You can ride along with Zach on this race run below, he must have gotten the flat at about the 2:00 mark.



Spectators Missed out - Most of the spectators congregated downstream from this section of the course. With a course change from 2013 and the bypass of the "infamous" rock garden used last year, this was probably the nastiest part of the course. Def had the most roots and biggest rocks. Cody Scott of Western State Colorado University finished the day in 14th Division 2.

I Am An American Airman - ...... or he will be anyway. Since it's breed into the blood of the Air Force ("speed" and "danger"), I am surprised that we don't see more riders from the our military services compete and do well in Downhill racing. Sean Daigle of the USAF Academy aimed high and finished 26th in Division 2. Still cool to see our any of our service men and women represented in our sport, whatever that facet may be.

Mr Willie - Alex Willie, the University of Colorado Boulder, had a heck of a run when it counted and good enough for the silver in Division 1. He shaved almost four seconds off his seeding time, yet still ended up being three seconds off the final pace. Either way nice run and you've got to he happy with that medal.

Not the Result I am Sure He Was Looking For - Fresh off Max Morgan's first World Championships in Norway, he was looking for a good showing at CollegiateNats. He seeded well, but finished 12th in Men's Division 1 for the University of Vermont. Not sure what happened as I didn't get a chance to touch base with Max at the end of the weekend. Maybe a crash, flat or mechanical.... I am sure he wasn't happy.

25th On the Day - Tom Bitner, San Diego State University, finished 25th in Men's Division 1.

Flying High - No Braking checking into the G-Out for Nelson Monge from University of California-Santa Barbara. He literally flew into the approach to the hip.

3rd When It Counted - With a stacked field (implying he's one of the riders that stacked the field), Jimmy Leslie (University of Vermont) took home the Bronze medal in Division 1. He's got to be stoked with that result.

Braking Bumps - You can't see them from this angle, but that long right hand sweeper is one of many of the same lines the resort uses frequently for his summer race series. It's gotten pretty rutted in this season and the braking bumps have grown in size and depth. SO MANY people made the littliest of mistakes on this sort shoot and end of going wide left. James Lucchesin, University of California-Santa Barbara, is pictured.

He Didn't Get the Baggies Memo - Don't you think that JD looks good in tights? HOT! (just kidding dude!)

The Heckle Zone - Poor Angelina Palermo trying to stay focused through the "Fan Zone." She couldn't have been too phased by all the racket, she finished in 4th in Women's Division 1 for Marian University.

She Did It Again - Meet your back to back (2013/2014) Women's Division 1 Collegiate National Champion! Becky Gardner of Fort Lewis College laid down a 2:36.549....... and if you didn't read the previous captions, with cracked ribs nonetheless. SUPER WOMAN! In my best, or should I say worst, Aretha Franklin impression, R-E-S-P-E-C-T Becky!

Looks Like He Can't - ….. Phil Kmetz of Lees-McRae College can't be beaten that is. And he was even 2 seconds off his qualifying time with 2:09.145 and still took Gold in Division 1. Nice Run Dude and Congrats!

Fastest Woman on the Mountain - Ariana Altier representing California State University-Chico, took home the Gold in Division 2 and also posted the fastest women's time of the day with a 2:34.766. She also gets to take home the ever-so-coveted title of the "Photo of the Weekend" with my personal pick out of the thousands of frames I captured. Not that I am biased or anything, but I think that's worth more than the stars and striped jersey and gold medal combined!

No Stranger - I guess you could say that home turf might have given Walker Shaw a bit of an edge. No matter how you peel it back, it was a heck of a run and was great to see Brevard College on top of the Division 2 podium with the Gold.

"Rider's Ready.... Random Start..... BAM!" - And the gate drops for the Dual Slalom action to begin.

Early Morning Light and Shadows - DS practice started before the sun had time to roll out of bed….. it was freggin cold and the wind must have been gusting to 40 or 50 mph. At 0730, you only had an hour and fifteen minutes to punch through as many laps as you could before you put your two qualifying runs in, one red, one blue. Alex Jerome of local App State is pictured.

Nathan Labecki - Nathan Labecki of Marian University made the qually cut and finished 28th at the end of the day in Division 1 DS.

Hawks Fly in Pairs - Zach Graveson and his un-named Skyhawk teammate splitting the course. Changes from what most of us remember from a similar Nationals a two years ago here at Beech Mountain. From start to about mid course the lanes follow themselves, but then split and mirrors one another. I think I can speak for a lot of the locals that use Beech as their summer stomping ground, I hope that the staff keeps this course open in 2015. (Nice job MotoMike, Terra Tek Trails!)

Another Lucky Number 13 - Jason Blodgett of Marian University would finish with the lucky number 13th spot. It's October/Halloween, just too bad it wasn't a Friday. Spooky!

Commence the Qualifications - Qualifying got under way. Brett Donohue of the University of Colorado State University, Bib 78, edges out Brady Kiss of Lindenwood University, Bib 129, in the upper part of the course.

Jimmy!!!!!! - Good weekend for Mr. Leslie representing the University of Vermont, bronze in DH and silver in DS. Congrats Bro! Hope to see you shreddin more next season my friend!

Fastest Q - Logan Mulally laid down the fastest time of the day in Men's Division 2 (and the second fastest time in all divisions behind Phil Kmetz). Logan would finish 2nd overall in Division 2 DS for Brevard College.

Team Mesa - Colorado Mesa University teammates Adam Degemann (257) and Gerald Ives (262) qualifying together. They would end up very close in those respective positions at the end of the day, Gerald in 20th and Adam in 22nd.

The Energizer Bunny In Disguise - Yep, she's still going. I am sure she might not have known the extent of the injuries, but I am sure she felt the pain. Becky was able to secure the bronze for the Skyhawks in Women's Division 1 DS.

The Twofer - I am willing to bet that even though Walker didn't medal in the pedally competitiions he was definitely feeling the stoke for not only taking Men's Division 2 DH gold, but also nabbing the gold in DS as well. Congrats Bud!

We will see everybody back in about twelve months, only this time at Snowshoe Bike Park. A bit premature, I know…… but a suggestion to those that are planning on going to the 2016 Collegiate Nationals……. bring WARM clothes. It is COLD up in West Virginia in October. Brrrrrrrrrr! See you then!

All results for all disciplines and divisions can be found here:
Full Results via USA Cycling