Race Report: Downhill & Enduro in Frederick, Maryland - Sheduro 2021
The Frederick Watershed has emerged from being an underground, locals-only riding spot, to a main-stay and popular destination in the mid-atlantic. Building off of the success of two successful enduro races in 2018 and 2019, and a by-year in 2020, 2021 came and went off without a hitch. This year's edition gained enduro's older, rowdy brother for the weekend -- downhill. With a weekend full of gravity racing, people traveled from all over the region to enjoy the gems in these woods.
Donathan Williams testing his moves in morning practice. Photo: Korey Hopkins
Downhill race director Zane Bard giving guidance on the flow of the race to a crown of racers during the racers meeting. Phil Downell raising his bottle one time, for the homie. Photos: Korey Hopkins
Ross Rankin gets to claim being the first racer to drop into the course. Photo: Korey Hopkins
Cathy Reidel has trouble containing her excitement on racing downhill close to home on one of the tracks opening jumps. Reidel would finish on the podium twice this weekend Photo: Andy Burnett
Alanna Casey eyes her next move in the techy rock section. Photo: Darrell Walker
Grant Raum railing the top of the steep rock slab. Photo: Mike Anderson
U19 rider Gavin Shum deep into the steep rock garden that would claim many riders during the day. Gavin ended the day second in class. Photo: Korey Hopkins
U19 rider Travis Stevens taking a break on his way to a fourth place in class. Photo: Korey Hopkins
It's a little rocky. Jonah Freedman making light work of his local playground. Photo: Korey Hopkins
Alejandro Riofrio giving a recap on what was going through his head during one extra loose moment he had on track. Photos: Korey Hopkins
Celebrating the accomplishments of the day are always in order after a big race. Photos: Korey Hopkins (left) & Mike Anderson (right)
After an evening to celebrate the first successful sanctioned downhill race, gears shifted from shuttling to pedaling. An overnight storm created some spicy conditions to start the day for enduro racers after a spell of dry weather and subsequent dry trails.
While it looks like plenty of timing chips, there were not enough to cover the waitlist after the event sold out several days after registration opened. A good problem to have. Photo: Korey Hopkins
Racers discussing race strategies for the day. Or discussing which beer they enjoyed better from the sponsors. Who knows. Photo: Korey Hopkins
Wheelies are excellent leg openers before a long day of racing in the woods with friends. Photo: Korey Hopkins
Overnight precipitation mixed with rocks, roots, and dirt would bring havoc to racers on stage one. Based on spectating and racer feedback throughout the day, I would be surprised if anyone rode it without dabbing. Photos: Korey Hopkins
Even with being tractionally challenged, racers still did what they needed to get through the flat and technical rocks on the opening stage. Photo: Anupa Chacko
Enduro race director Dan Green sweeping the race course. Just ignore the timing chip, he wanted to ensure he moved swiftly and efficiently on course. Photo: Anupa Chacko
Some long flowy sections are thrown in to break up some of the techy rocks Photo: Korey Hopkins
Whether it is strategically placed rocks or strategically placed rollers, if you build it, they will boost it. Matt Clements (left) and Brian Caffrey (right) collecting air miles. Photos: Korey Hopkins (left) & Mauricio Campino (right)
Levi Shum levitating over rocks. Photo: Andrew Mueller
Oh, aight. Photo: Korey Hopkins
After a long day of sliding over rocks and roots, recognizing those at the pinnacle of their craft was required. Congrats racers! Photo: Korey Hopkins
A bounty was placed on one of the stages for the fastest time of the day. Justin Gregory, runner-up in the open men's category, managed to snag the bounty and free beer shower. Photo: Korey Hopkins
Local races like this would not be possible without the support of the community at large. It took years and more people than we have space to thank here that have helped lead the way to riding and racing on proper gravity tracks on public land here in Maryland. Pictured here are just some of the volunteers that happened to be hanging around the podium, but it is by no means a complete photo. Photo: Mike Anderson
Cya next year, everyone! Photo: Korey Hopkins
Downhill Results
Enduro Results
Big thanks to the sponsors of this event:
Thorpewood
Greenstone Trailcraft
Trek
Gravity Soul
Tifosi
Black Ox
Vittoria
Industry Nine
Kannavis (Community supporter)
Author Info:
Member since Oct 12, 2013
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such an amazing day in the woods with the boys. history was made….