Video: Flat Out Racing at Drag 'N' Ride 2022

Words: MTB Enduro Nation

Sunday 6th November 2022, a very fortunate sunny day at the end of a rainy week, unaware to many, but epic to a few, was an adrenaline-filled event which took place overlooking the heart of the city of Port of Spain, in Trinidad and Tobago.

MTB Enduro Nation, driven by the desire to develop the sport of mountain biking, took the initiative to host an event some may consider to change the future of mountain bike races. An event that will be remembered by those that supported it. An event that left you feeling like a kid on Christmas morning opening that big box under the tree to reveal that jaw-dropping present that you always wanted.

It was a day to earn your climbs, enjoy the speed, and literally leave your opponent eating your dust. "No mercy", as one kid said to another before the start of their race. It was a day of mountain bike drag racing: Drag 'N' Ride - King of the Mountain.

Ready! Set! Go! Side by side, two riders would leave the start line and proceed downhill along one of the steepest, most gnarly trails in the country. The winner was whoever had the most guts, focus and determination to reach the bottom of the trail before the other.

Racers faced opponents in a knockout format after being placed into classes based on qualifying times. This allowed every rider of varying skills the opportunity to compete against another of similar skill level.

The competition was so tight, riders were literally racing elbow to elbow, trying to find the best possible line to get the lead. The pressure was great, greater than the pressure that the toughest enduro and downhill tyres could sustain. You could feel the breath of your opponent, hear the sound of small stones being thrown onto the down-tubes by the tyres of your opponents just behind, lurking, ready to pounce like predators stalking their prey.

It was a day of amazing races and fun, despite the fact that tears were shed, bruises bandaged and frames broken. Even the sun started to hide behind the horizon, nervous but excited, peeking from behind the evening clouds knowing what was about to come next. The winner from each class ascended the trail, as the smell of sealant from the day gone still in the air, for one final race, to determine the best of the best, who would earn the honor to be known as The 2022 King of the Mountain.

As Sir Edmond Hillary and Tenzing Norgay conquered Mount Everest in 1953, Mr. Tyriq Springer now stands victoriously at the summit of Breezy Hill, ready to shred and defend his title at the next MTB Enduro Nation King of the Mountain Battle.

An event this great could not have been done without help and support. Therefore, MTB Enduro Nation would like to thank the following: HOTT 93, Kevin Ramlogan Event and Tent Rentals, AV Concepts, HUB Apparel, Razac ICE, Bikeit TT, AMCO, Tobago MTB Tours and Trail Logic TT.

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