2015 Blue Ridge Battle Pumptrack Challege

Racers came from Georgia and beyond for round 1 of the Pump Track Challenge.


Racers lined up early for registration, then on to the track for practice. The event designed to be family friendly, having catagories for anyone able to straddle a bike.


Representing Endless Bikes Co.- Shanna Powell, Defeet International-Mandy Loorham, Asheville-Becky Bashton.


After the adult practice, the course was opened to the Little Rippers. Usually the first hump (mountain in this case) was the toughest for the little rippers.


After a few mountains, depending on your size, it was smiles for miles.


After a couple rounds of practice and the racer's meeting, it begins.


Each racer is given a qualifying run.


After qualifying , the fastest moved up to the first round. Racers were divided into groups. The top three from each group would move up. Down the front, over the rollers.


Turn number 1.

Out of the turn and over the rollers on the back of the course.


The 2nd berm turn must have seemed like miles away.


Jeremy Raney on the rollers heading up the back side.


Justin Mitchell on the backside of the course heading into the berms.


Mid-day brought about the usuall rain storm. The race was paused momentarily after the Jr. Ripper Class finished up.


Shelter from the storm.


As soon as it came on, the rain ended and Industry 9 was out drying the course.


Will Washam, the MC for the day, gets out for a test spin with a little help from Fred Schuldt.


Not only do they turn out some of the best wheels in the world, but why not lunch?


After the rain break, the course opens again with a few practice laps and back to the final rounds.


Caroline Westray coming out of turn 1.


Josie Ritchie on the backside.


Josh Patton on his way to the finish line.


Becky Bashton finishing her run.


The final event of the day was the longest manual, best combo contest. Alex Dawson's manual down the front and around the first berm would grab him the win.


Round 1 ProMen. 1. Josh Patton 2. Alex Dawson 3. Trey Cassel.


Pro/Am Women 1. Josie Ritchie 2. Caroline Westray 3. Allie Aldelson


Amateur Men 1. Jack Pratt 2. Bryan Curneen 3. Gabriel Hargett


Amateur Junior 1. Owen Witcher 2. Burgen Khare 3. Christopher Grice


Rippers(10-12) 1. Christopher Grice 2. Ben Kealy 3. Lucas Schudlt


Jr. Rippers (9 and under) 1. Paul Kealy 2. Caz Kimsey 3. Sage Tanner

More images from the first Round of the Blue Ridge Battle Pump Track Challenge can be found here:
iconmediaasheville.smugmug.com/Events/2015-Blue-Ridge-Battle-Pump-Tr/n-FcbfdT/

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