Race Report: Downhill South East - Round 3 Beech Mountain

May 28, 2019 at 18:00
by Burke Saunders  
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The Downhill South East was started four years ago by Neko Mulally to serve as a training ground for world cup races. Sparing you the details - in those four years, it has become quite the series and is no longer your local-yocal race scene. The talent that shows up ranges anywhere from your average rider, to first-time racers at the age of 7, to your top 10 World Cup pros, to the people you hope to be when you're their age. This past Memorial Day Weekend, opening weekend at Beech Mountain was no exception with a course that featured lots tight turns, line choices, fun features with combinations of technical sprinkled in to keep you on your toes. That goes without saying - line choice was very important.

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Junior Lilly Driver dancing through the top rocks

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Fun and games with Dak Norton

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That rock garden entrance from the top of the track...At speed with Gnarly Mulally himself.

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Pro Women's winner Susan Curtin committed during practice

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Max making moves through the dark woods

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Gotta love that the DHSE events not only cater to pros but keep in mind the youth and building the sport around the good time that it is, no matter your age
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Party laps turned all the way up

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Those corners...

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...One after another.

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Then into The infamous rock garden

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Steven Ceballos hastily tip-toeing through the quarter mile long rock section on his way to a solid 3rd place Pro Mens finish

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Pick your poison through the rocks
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Not as easy as it looks

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Keeping speed through this...

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...For this

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Pro moto rider, Anthony Rodriguez, mixing it up this weekend and giving DH racing a go for the first time

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Seems like he got the hang of it pretty quick...(check the results)
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Pro men's winner, Dakotah Norton, seemingly on cruise control through the rocks

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Out of the darkness straight out on the high speed ski slope section(s)
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Ben Richter absolutely layed out

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Every second counts...

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Neko's youngest brother, Colin(left), coming back after an early-season injury to take the win
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Pro Men's & Women's podium
For full results click here

Mentions:
Downhill Southeast
Beech Mountain
Burke Lawrence Photography

As always - Huge thanks to Neko, the Mulally family, Mickey, and everyone involved in making these awesome events happen! Good luck at Fort Bill and 'till next time!

Author Info:
BurkeSaunders avatar

Member since Jun 18, 2018
7 articles

9 Comments
  • 1 0
 Highlight of my 2019 season! Such a great time!! Thanks for all the rad photos Burke! Add this event to your “must-do” races!
  • 2 0
 Rode there once ,worth a try , I heard they are getting better all the time
  • 1 0
 Indeed. Deasonbuilt trays, extended season, and Ethan Q and All Out Trail Designs are digging new trail as we speak. He has a project at Snowshoe going on as well.
  • 2 0
 Burke...did Dakota land on you after you took that shot?
  • 3 0
 Beech is cool.
  • 1 0
 Thanks Ross!
  • 2 0
 Anthony Rodriguez trying some DH racing? Pretty cool!
  • 1 0
 Thanks for all the content and for supporting the park!
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