Oregon Enduro 4 - Camas Race Report

Jul 16, 2013 at 9:20
by mike albright  
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The fourth race of the 2013 Oregon Enduro finds us invading the Yacolt Burn State Forest just over the border in Washington State. On Larch Mountain, just Northeast of Portland, Oregon sits a network of trails built to thrill. Because these trails are used by hikers, bikers, motos and horses this area is lucky to have the group called Cold Creek Mountain Bikers to limit conflicts and help build/maintain these trails.

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The race used five stages on two different trails, Cold Creek and Thrillium. While the trails of Larch Mountain trails may not have the beauty of the French Alps, they more than make up for it by delivering trails that challenge racers at all levels. The terrain here has been described as rugged, rocky, fast and fun and the race directors decided to designate this race as 'full-face-only' designation due to the potential for injury.

Curtis Keene The American Dream with a solid performance and 1st place overall. When asked about his recent trip to Europe to race enduro Curtis replied It was awesome Europe is proper enduro. It s full on it s World Cup racing on trail bikes.
  Curtis Keene 'The American Dream' with a solid performance and 1st place overall. When asked about his recent trip to Europe to race enduro Curtis replied "It was awesome, Europe is proper enduro. It's full on, it's World Cup racing on trail bikes."

Probably the most photographed area of Thrillium the diving board step-down leading to a variety of jumps and corners. Too bad it s through a clear-cut and not the French Alps.
  Probably the most photographed area of Thrillium; the 'diving board' step-down leading to a variety of jumps and corners. Too bad it's through a clear-cut and not the French Alps. Still, it's fun as hell. Rider unknown.

Chip Richardson from Snohomish WA enters the tricky shale rock section of stage 1 on the Cold Creek Trail. That s Mount St. Helens in the background. If you lived in the Northwest on May 18 1980 you know exactly where you were when this mountain first erupted.
  Chip Richardson from Snohomish, WA enters the tricky shale rock section of stage #1 on the Cold Creek Trail. That's Mount St. Helens in the background. If you lived in the Northwest on May 18, 1980 you know exactly where you were when she first erupted.

The group Cold Creek Mountain Bikers constructs and maintains these trails that are fun rugged challenging and accessible. Chris Johnston from Vancouver BC. was all smiles behind that full-fac
  The group 'Cold Creek Mountain Bikers' constructs and maintains these trails that are fun, rugged, challenging and accessible. Chris Johnston from Vancouver, BC. was all smiles behind that full-face

Ariana Altier from Chico CA with all systems go.
  Ariana Altier from Chico, CA with all systems go.

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  Dylan Wolsky strobed on Thrillium's step-down jump. Nomads Wolsky and Chris Johnston spent some time with me after practice on Saturday so you'll be seeing more of them here.

There was a lot of this going on. On the flat tire casualty list for the weekend bikes cars and even an ambulance.
  There was a lot of this going on. On the flat tire casualty list for the weekend: bikes, cars and even an ambulance.

Shimano s Joe Lawwill on The Cold Creek Trail drop. After the landing there is a loose right-hand turn that some had trouble with.
  Shimano's Joe Lawwill on The Cold Creek Trail drop. After the landing there is a loose right-hand turn that some had trouble with.

Naish Ulmer stretching the table and coming pretty close.
  Naish Ulmer stretching the table and coming close enough for me to move for the next rider

Pre-race Rider s meeting.
  Pre-race rider's meeting in the blue early morning light.

Nomads Dylan Wolsky left and Chris Johnston right hanging out late Saturday night with PB to catch some of the late-evening light
  Dylan Wolsky (left) and Chris Johnston (right) hanging out late Saturday night with PB media to catch some of the late-evening golden light.

8-year old Max Suffin may not have had youth class to race but that didn t stop him from practicing the tricky shale rock section of upper Cold Creek Trail. Not an easy feat here on 20 wheels where the rocks are constantly shifting underneath you. Max can frequently be spotted at Portland s Lumberyard bike park where his dad works.
8-year-old Max Suffin may not have had youth class to race but that didn't stop him from practicing the tricky shale rock section of upper Cold Creek Trail. Not an easy feat here on 20" wheels where the rocks are constantly shifting underneath you. Max can frequently be spotted at Portland's 'Lumberyard' bike park where his dad works.

The fun line on this hip.
  To hip, or not to hip? Why even ask? Zoe Taylor, 2nd place Pro Women.

The berms here remind me of alpine slides with steep entrances nicely banked turns and fast exits. Kevin Smallman letting it roll.
  The berms here remind me of alpine slides with steep entrances, nicely banked turns and fast exits. Kevin Smallman letting it roll.

Another angle of the step-down. Anyone else wondering why they didn t cut those expose trees
  Another angle near the start of stage #5.

Merican Radness. Hardtail Represent
  Merican Radness. Hardtails Represent!

Trail Thrillium Rider Dylan Wolsky during sunset shoot with Tom Teller getting footage.
We interrupt this broadcast for more Dylan Wolsky. Sunset shoot with Tom Teller getting footage.Check out his video of the race here

Liz Miller from the ODI Incycle team with a victory in the Expert Women category.
  Liz Miller from the ODI/Incycle team with a victory in the Expert Women category.

Michael Hutchison with full concentration.
  Michael Hutchison with full concentration.

Tyler Horton from Hood River had a mishap somewhere below here as he was seen with his wrist wrapped up.
  Tyler Horton from Hood River had a mishap somewhere below here as he was seen with his wrist wrapped up.

Most of the results are posted.
  Most of the results are posted. A few timing snafus stalled final results and delayed the podium presentations again.

WTB s Jeremiah Newman.
  WTB's Jeremiah Newman.

Mike Yartzoff picking his way through the shale section. It s a delicate mix of speed and balance to stay up. Shale tends to be flat so the rocks float like tectonic plates on steroids.
  Mike Yartzoff picking his way through the shale section. It's a delicate mix of speed and balance to stay up. Shale tends to be flat so the rocks float like tectonic plates on steroids.

Kirt Voreis tucked on his way to a very respectable 4th place. Given the technical aspect of the course and the amount of tabletops doubles step-ups hips and step-downs included it was assumed by many that he d be up there somewhere.
  Kirt Voreis tucked on his way to a very respectable 4th place. Given the technical aspect of the course and the amount of tabletops, doubles, step-ups, hips, and step-downs included it was assumed by many that he'd be up there somewhere.

Nathan Riddle with an 8th place this week. Mount St. Helens off in the distance.
  Nathan Riddle with an 8th place this week. Mount St. Helens off in the distance.

Tony De Cordoba on Cold Creek s drop.
  Tony de Cordoba on Cold Creek's drop.

You can really fly out of the berms on Thrillium. Joe Lawwill gets maximum enjoyment from his boost.
  You can really fly out of the berms on Thrillium. Joe Lawwill gets maximum enjoyment from his boost.

Daniel Walker boostin for the cameraman.
  Daniel Walker boostin' for the cameraman.

Curtis Keene roosting in front of Mount St. Helens on his way to the overall win.
  Curtis Keene roosting in front of Mount St. Helens on his way to the overall win.

Nomads Dylan Wolsky and Chris Johnston on screen take some time to do an interview with videographer Tom Teller of Teller Digital.
  Nomads Dylan Wolsky and Chris Johnston (on screen) take some time to do an interview.

Starting the final stage of the day.
  Starting the final stage of the day.

Jason Moeschler WTB navigating upper Cold Creek.
  Jason Moeschler (WTB) navigating upper Cold Creek.

Winner of the Pro Women category Jenny Konway.
  Winner of the Pro Women's category, Jenny Konway.

I heard the quote of the day from a spectator when Chip Richardson when by on lower Thrillium There s a lot going on there. Yep.
  I overheard the quote of the day from a spectator when Chip Richardson when by on lower Thrillium, "There's a lot going on there." Yep.

Chris Johnston with a sunset shot on Thrillium s step-down jump with Tom Teller getting some footage
  Chris Johnston with a sunset shot on Thrillium's step-down jump with Tom Teller in the danger zone.

Expert Woman Natalie Morris with Tom from Teller Digital upper left set up for footage of the drop.
  Expert Woman Natalie Morris.

The trails that the group called Cold Creek Mountain Bikers constructs and maintains are fun rugged challenging and accessible. Dylan Wolsky from Vancouver BC.
  Race Run: Dylan Wolsky from Vancouver, BC.

Neal Strobel taking an alternative inside line.
  Neal Strobel taking an alternative inside line.

When your trying to get equipment from one part of the trail you have to move as far as you can during the approximate 1 minute gap in racers. Sometimes riders come up quicker than expected and there s nowhere to go as was the case when Jon Buckell came upon myself and videographer Tom Teller.
  When your trying to get equipment from one part of the trail to the next you have to move as far as you can during the approximate 1 minute gap in racers. Sometimes riders come up quicker than expected and there's nowhere to go as was the case when Jon Buckell came upon myself and videographer Tom Teller.

Playing around on lower Thrillium during practice
  Playing around on lower Thrillium during practice

Joe Lawwill on the Thrillium trail during the 2013 Oregon Enduro Race in Camas Washington.
  Shimano's Joe Lawwill on the Thrillium trail

Pro Men Podium Craziness 1. Curtis Keene 2. Chris Johnston 3. Aaron Bradford 4. Kirt Voreis 5. Jon Buckell
  Pro Men Podium
1 Curtis Keene 00:25:17.654
2 Chris Johnston 00:25:55.167
3 Aaron Bradford 00:26:02.995
4 Kirt Voreis 00:26:05.279
5 Jon Buckell 00:26:15.532

2013 Oregon Enduro Series 4
  Chris Johnston gets nailed with a champagne bath by race winner Curtis Keene.

Pro Women Podium Craziness
  Pro Women Podium Craziness.
1 Jenny Konway 00:30:53.727
2 Zoe Taylor 00:32:04.262
3 Jennifer Johnson 00:33:18.482
4 Ariana Altier 00:45:28.778

Oregon Enduro Series 4
   Jenny Konway gets revenge on Zoe Taylor

Muscle Milk Team winners Fly Racing
  Muscle Milk Team winners, Fly Racing!

Podiums
  Podiums!

RESULTS

Pro Men
1 Curtis Keene 00:25:17.654
2 Chris Johnston 00:25:55.167
3 Aaron Bradford 00:26:02.995
4 Kirt Voreis 00:26:05.279
5 Jon Buckell 00:26:15.532
6 Jared Hobbs 00:26:19.406
7 Joe Lawwill 00:26:27.912
8 Nathan Riddle 00:26:40.186
9 Mason Bond 00:26:43.675
10 Dylan Wolsky 00:26:43.887

Pro Women
1 Jenny Konway 00:30:53.727
2 Zoe Taylor 00:32:04.262
3 Jennifer Johnson 00:33:18.482
4 Ariana Altier 00:45:28.778

Expert Men (19-39)
1 Jeremiah Newman 00:27:01.206
2 Tony De Cordoba 00:27:41.941
3 Michael Lilienthal 00:28:06.839

Expert Men (40+)
1 Doug Riipinen 00:28:29.051
2 Eirik Schulz 00:28:46.636
3 Ian Fitzpatrick 00:28:57.632

Expert Women (open)
1 Liz Miller 00:35:58.189
2 Karina Magrath 00:36:14.440
3 Sarah Tingey 00:37:24.910

Beginner Men (open)
1 James Gardner 00:24:29.559
2 Brandon Porter 00:24:39.588
3 Sam Schwartz 00:24:57.215

Junior Men (13-eighteen)
1 Louis Mollett 00:20:39.951
2 Winter Nason 00:21:32.005
3 Duncan Nason 00:22:24.876

Sport Men (19-39)
1 Colin Longmuir 00:22:07.381
2 Nick Felure 00:23:22.214


Race Video

Full Results: http://oregonenduro.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Camas_Overall_Results.pdf

www.mikealbright.com

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28 Comments
  • 4 1
 Awesome to have more happening in our back yard and on our trails! Yacolt not Camas! Killin me......
  • 3 0
 Awesome pics, and fyi, Mt St Helens erupted May 18 1980, not '81 Smile
  • 2 0
 thanks, long night!
  • 3 0
 i was a kid and was in White Rock BC and heard the sounds from the mountain erupting
  • 1 0
 I've got jars of ash from that eruption when it was falling all over central Washington after the eruption. Pretty sure they served as my "show and tell" topic in school for years.
  • 1 0
 my Nan had some small jars of it as well the dust cloud was huge , there was dustings of ash in Blaine and Bellingham as well from what i remember been a long time LOL
  • 3 0
 Love it, Thrillium is the best. NW for life.
  • 2 0
 Awesome job Jeremiah and Jason from WTB, and Mason Bond! So stoked to see you guys ripping it up!
  • 1 0
 Can't believe a dude rode a glory there but those trails are full on DH. Definitely saw a lot of big bikes there for an enduro race.
  • 1 0
 I was wondering about that too. The photographer mentioned going up to take more photos after practice, maybe someone just grabbed his DH bike for the photos?
  • 1 0
 That's what I was thinking. I definitely saw a few people on TR250s and Blindsides though and those are by no means "enduro" bikes but if I were to race right now my only bike is a freeride bike. Definitely interesting.
  • 1 0
 Thrillium is a full on DH course, riding an enduro bike at all on that trail is a feat in itself, it was built and designed for big bikes.
  • 2 1
 Nice article and photos Mike! Oregon Enduro in Washington.. gets me every time.. Haha
  • 2 0
 I want to try to get one of the Oregon Enduro races in California. I live in Yreka,Ca which is like 35 miles from the Ashland race.
  • 1 0
 Wish there was a Washington enduro series so I wouldn't have to travel so far to try out enduro racing. An EASTERN Washington series would be ever better!
  • 3 1
 There is a Washington Enduro series and it's amazingly well run with klller courses: www.cascadiadirtcup.org
  • 2 0
 The Cascadia Dirt Cup is a Washington based enduro series. cascadiadirtcup.org
  • 1 0
 I thought the CDC was more DHish..
  • 1 0
 The timed sections of the CDC courses seem DH inspired for sure, but the last one had 2000+ of climbing in the transition stages. This weekend's race out at Dry Hill has 2600' of it with no shuttles.
  • 1 0
 O haha, yeah Enduro for sure..
  • 4 0
 Even with one partial shuttle, CDC had the racers climb for all of there runs at Cold Creek. Depending on class, I think Oregon Enduro had 2 or 3 shuttles with only one short climb. Which one sounds more DHish? There seems to be a lot of debate on what Enduro is. Speaking with some of the racers, that have raced in Europe, it sounds like the Washington venues are more like the ones they experienced over there. This season in Washington, might be a game changer for Enduro racing in the Pacific North West.
  • 4 1
 C.C.M.B!! Represent!!
  • 2 0
 Awesome photos! tup
  • 1 0
 looks like a killer course , how much climbing is there ??
  • 1 0
 Almost none at all, unless you want to ride cold creek. You have to climb up a pretty steep logging road to get to it and its about a 20 minute climb with some insane views
  • 2 0
 cool thanx i,ll have to check the series out next season i just did my 1st Enduro last weekend and had a 8km hike to the start and then a another 3km hike up too stage 2 , and there was a fair amount of climbing , a little too much for my 40lb freeride bike LOL thanx again
  • 1 0
 Gnarly!
  • 1 0
 and not a single 650b bike was spotted that day....







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