Race Report: NW Cup Round 8 - Stevens Pass Bike Park

Sep 13, 2018 at 13:22
by Casey & Scott  



8 rounds, 6 venues, 4 states, 1 season. This past weekend, the NW Cup took to Stevens Pass Bike Park for the final race of the season. As the weekend began, the weather was Brisk and the air was clean. In the sun it was hot and in the shade, it was chilly, like a true fall morning. Come nightfall, the clouds and the wind rolled in. Riders camps went soaring across the parking lot and the rain turned the road to mud. Saturday brought fog and even colder temperatures and then the warm sun returned by Sunday morning. Along with the weather, the atmosphere changed as the weekend went on. This race, in particular, was unlike any other in the series because it was the start of a tradition that would continue for years to come. Posted among the resort were posters honoring Declan Ervin as the race weekend was dedicated to him.

With a time of 04 04.56 Rebecca Sasten finished on the podium for the fourth time this season which gauranteed her the number two spot on the podium for the overall. Cat 2 Women 0-18.
With a time of 04:04.56, Rebecca Sasten finished on the podium for the fourth time this season which guaranteed her the number two spot on the podium for the overall. (Cat 2 Women 0-18.)

Ray Dotterer the Nuun representative at each race found time to practice and race this weekend. Fortunately it was all worth it. Dotterer found himself on the top of the podium with a time of 03 40.95 nearly five seconds faster than the rider behind him. He also found himself on the podium for the overalls. Cat 2 Men 40-49
Ray Dotterer, the Nuun representative at each race found time to practice and race this weekend. Fortunately, it was all worth it. Dotterer found himself on the top of the podium with a time of 03:40.95, nearly five seconds faster than the rider behind him. He also found himself on the podium for the overalls. (Cat 2 Men 40-49)

Laps with friends is the best way to finish the season.
Laps with friends is the best way to finish the season.

Simon Turner breaks through the trees and bounced over the roots during his race run. Cat 2 Men 40-49
Simon Turner breaks through the trees and bounced over the roots during his race run. (Cat 2 Men 40-49)

Michael Wieser Cat 1 Men 30-39
Michael Wieser shows off a new way to rock the race plate. (Cat 1 Men 30-39)

Practice paid off for Saylor Jackson as she finished with a 05 38.73 placing her in third place. Cat 3 Women 11-18.
Practice paid off for Saylor Jackson as she finished with a 05:38.73, placing her in third place. (Cat 3 Women 11-18.)

In his first season as a Junior Expert Louie Blair fought hard among riders. Although Blair was unable to find himself on the podium he put down a clean run and finished with a 02 44.78. Cat 1 Men 0-18.
In his first season as a Junior Expert, Louie Blair fought hard among riders. Although Blair was unable to find himself on the podium, he put down a clean run and finished with a 02:44.78. (Cat 1 Men 0-18.)

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Finishing his first season in Pro Men Dylan Brown held his own and finished with a 02 30.57 placing him in the top 10. Pro Men
Finishing his first season in Pro Men, Dylan Brown held his own and finished with a 02:30.57, placing him in the top 10. (Pro Men)


With overalls this weekend, the riders put everything on the line to pull out as many points as possible from this last race. For some, this meant a rough crash and a possible serious injury, and for others, it truly paid off. For the first time, event coordinators allowed racers to drop two of their lowest scores rather than just one. This meant that after this race, some results changed dramatically. One would think that the overalls would be secured by the final race but that is definitely not true.


After dominating his category all season long and claiming the number one spot in the overall Peyton Pitts had an unfortunate crash which led to a broken collar bone and two fractured ribs. Heal up Pitts Cat 2 Men 0-14
After dominating his category all season long, and claiming the number one spot in the overall, Peyton Pitts had an unfortunate crash which led to a broken collarbone and two fractured ribs. Heal up, Pitts! (Cat 2 Men 0-14)

In his first race Ethan Evans finished his run in 04 55.56 only 0.4 seconds longer than the racer ahead of him. Cat 3 Men 15-18.
In his first race, Ethan Evans finished his run in 04:55.56, only 0.4 seconds longer than the racer ahead of him. (Cat 3 Men 15-18.)

Harry Head sent the final drop on Berserker during seeding on Saturday. On Sunday Head fell to the bottom of the pack and finished with a time of 02 38.76. Pro Men
Harry Head sent the final drop on Berserker during seeding on Saturday. On Sunday, Head fell to the bottom of the pack and finished with a time of 02:38.76. (Pro Men)

Adding some style to his race run Colin Koeberle threw in a small whip to his race run. Koeberle finished with a time of 05 05.43 placing him in the top ten of his category. Cat 3 Men 11-14
Adding some style to his race run, Colin Koeberle threw in a small whip to his race run. Koeberle finished with a time of 05:05.43, placing him in the top ten of his category. (Cat 3 Men 11-14)

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Even the staff can find time to take some laps during the busy race weekend.
Even the staff can find time to take some laps during the busy race weekend.

With few races under her belt Emma Artz fought for her spot on the podium and finished with a 05 44.05 putting her in third place. Cat 3 Women 11-18.
With few races under her belt, Emma Artz fought for her spot on the podium and finished with a 05:44.05 putting her in third place. (Cat 3 Women 11-18.)

Working on his starts during practice on Saturday paid off when Will Wilson put down a time of 03 32.92. Only 0.9 seconds off of the podium. 3rd 4th and 5th place were all within .9 or less of each other. Cat 2 Men 0-14
Working on his starts during practice on Saturday paid off when Will Wilson put down a time of 03:32.92. Only 0.9 seconds off of the podium. 3rd, 4th, and 5th place were all within .9 or less of each other. (Cat 2 Men 0-14)

The kids find ways to entertain themselves while waiting to race.
The kids find ways to entertain themselves while waiting to race.

Although Eben Kiehl is coming off of a podium finish at Whitefish Montana he was unable to put down a clean run and finished with a 02 32.93. Pro Men
Although Eben Kiehl is coming off of a podium finish at Whitefish, Montana, he was unable to put down a clean run and finished with a 02:32.93. (Pro Men)

In one of the biggest categories of the race with 21 riders in total Joseph Mantis had tough competition. After all riders had finished Mantis found himself in the middle of the pack with a time of 03 46.23. Cat 2 Men 0-14
In one of the biggest categories of the race with 21 riders in total, Joseph Mantis had tough competition. After all the riders had finished, Mantis found himself in the middle of the pack with a time of 03:46.23. (Cat 2 Men 0-14)

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Kevin Neidorf worked on his rock garden lines during Saturday Practice. Neidrof finished with a 03 36.32. Cat 2 Men 19-29
Kevin Neidorf worked on his rock garden lines during Saturday Practice. Neidrof finished with a 03:36.32. (Cat 2 Men 19-29)

Ezra Northern Cat 1 Men 0-18
Just missing the podium, Ezra Northern finished his race run with a 02:35.02. (Cat 1 Men 0-18.)

Rounding out the top 3 Ryan Robles finished his race run in 03 26.53 only 0.5 seconds off of first. Cat 2 Men 19-29
Rounding out the top 3, Ryan Robles finished his race run in 03:26.53, only 0.5 seconds off of first. (Cat 2 Men 19-29)

Chane Dustin took laps on the cat 2 course Slingshot Wookie during practice on Saturday. On Sunday Dustin ended up on the podium in third place with a 04 48.46. Cat 3 Men 19-39
Chane Dustin took laps on the cat 2 course, Slingshot Wookie during practice on Saturday. On Sunday, Dustin ended up on the podium in third place with a 04:48.46. (Cat 3 Men 19-39)

Although she faced troubles in her seeding run Autumn Parham came back fighting in her race run. With a 02 50.09 Parham was faster than all of the Junior Ex Women and Pro Women. She also finished in first in both the race podium and overall podium. Cat 1 Women 0-18.
Although she faced troubles in her seeding run, Autumn Parham came back fighting in her race run. With a 02:50.09, Parham was faster than all of the Junior Ex Women and Pro Women. She also finished in first in both the race podium and overall podium. (Cat 1 Women 0-18.)

Dominating both seeding and the race Chris Wharton finished with a 02 26.96 which would put him in 6th place in Pro Men. Cat 1 Men 0-18.
Dominating both seeding and the race, Chris Wharton finished with a 02:26.96 which would put him in 6th place in Pro Men. (Cat 1 Men 0-18.)

Ryann McCracken absolutely domintaed her category with a time of 05 15.92 a mere 23 seconds faster than the rider behind her. Cat 3 Women 11-18.
Ryann McCracken absolutely dominated her category with a time of 05:15.92, a mere 23 seconds faster than the rider behind her. (Cat 3 Women 11-18.)

When a fellow rider crashers people are always there to help if they can.
When a fellow rider crashes, people are always there to help if they can.

In his first race of the season William Trice put down a 04 07.52 over a second faster than the rider behind him. Cat 2 Men 40-49
In his first race of the season, William Trice put down a 04:07.52, over a second faster than the rider behind him. (Cat 2 Men 40-49)

After seeding in fourth Tyler Bommarito dropped a spot with a time of 02 31.78. This is Bommarito s third podium of the season. Cat 1 Men 0-18.
After seeding in fourth, Tyler Bommarito dropped a spot with a time of 02:31.78. This is Bommarito's third podium of the season. (Cat 1 Men 0-18.)

After taking a break from racing this season Luke Strobel came back and found himself in 3rd place with a time of 02 24.24. Pro Men
After taking a break from racing this season, Luke Strobel came back and found himself in 3rd place with a time of 02:24.24. (Pro Men)

Cole Goodnight struggled to find the quickest lines in his race run causing him to finish with a 03 49.93. Cat 2 Men 15-18.
Cole Goodnight struggled to find the quickest lines in his race run causing him to finish with a 03:49.93. (Cat 2 Men 15-18.)

Although the first place rider was 10 seconds faster Jobe Androckitis put down a 04 52.09 and finished in second place. Cat 3 Men 11-14
Although the first place rider was 10 seconds faster, Jobe Androckitis put down a 04:52.09 and finished in second place. (Cat 3 Men 11-14)

FInding herself on the podium at each NW Cup she has made it to Layla Billowitz did it again this weekend with a time of 05 45.43. Billowitz came in first during the race and second in the overalls. Cat 3 Women 40
Finding herself on the podium at each NW Cup she has made it to, Layla Billowitz did it again this weekend with a time of 05:45.43. Billowitz came in first during the race and second in the overalls. (Cat 3 Women 40+)

Nick Weinstein set up fo the shark fin on Berserker during his race run before heading into the woods. Weinstein with a time of 02 55.40 was unfortunately not quick enough to finish on top. Cat 1 Men 19-29
Nick Weinstein set up for the shark fin on Berserker during his race run before heading into the woods. Weinstein, with a time of 02:55.40, was unfortunately not quick enough to finish on top. (Cat 1 Men 19-29)

Kyle Hanley kicked up dust as he headed into the woods on Slingshot Wookie. Cat 1 Men 30-39
Kyle Hanley kicked up dust as he headed into the woods on Slingshot Wookie. (Cat 1 Men 30-39)

Brandon Hanenberg and Amy Seymour headed into the woods on Rock Crusher looking for the best lines. Although Hanenberg finished mid pack with a 05 15.34 Seymour finished in third place with a 06 16.08. Cat 3 Men 11-14 and Cat 3 Women 40
Brandon Hanenberg and Amy Seymour headed into the woods on Rock Crusher looking for the best lines. Although Hanenberg finished mid-pack with a 05:15.34, Seymour finished in third place with a 06:16.08. (Cat 3 Men 11-14 and Cat 3 Women 40+)

Ethan Lieb leaned into the final corner on Berzerker during seeding. Lieb put down a 02 28.50 which places him in the top ten of Pro Men. Cat 1 Men 0-18.
Ethan Lieb leaned into the final corner on Berzerker during seeding. Lieb put down a 02:28.50 which places him in the top ten of Pro Men. (Cat 1 Men 0-18.)

Cody Parsons took morning practice laps Saturday morning after the weather caused the dirt to change. Friday the trails were dry and dusty but after the rain storm Friday evening the trails were damp and loamy. Cat 2 Men 0-14
Cody Parsons took morning practice laps Saturday morning after the weather caused the dirt to change. Friday the trails were dry and dusty but after the rainstorm Friday evening, the trails were damp and loamy. (Cat 2 Men 0-14)

Ansel Higgins of the Krispy Kreme Factory Racing team took practice laps on Rock Crusher before putting down a time of 04 56.44 on race day. Cat 3 Men 15-18.
Ansel Higgins of the Krispy Kreme Factory Racing team took practice laps on Rock Crusher before putting down a time of 04:56.44 on race day. (Cat 3 Men 15-18.)

Photo provided by Patrik Zuest.

Although Ella Erickson seeded first she struggled to hold on to it in her race run. Erickson finished in third with a 03 01.47. Cat 1 Women 0-18.
Although Ella Erickson seeded first, she struggled to hold on to it in her race run. Erickson finished in third with a 03:01.47. (Cat 1 Women 0-18.)

Sean Stewart flew through the trees and bushes just before the finish on Slingshot Wookie. Cat 2 Men 30-39
Sean Stewart flew through the trees and bushes just before the finish on Slingshot Wookie. (Cat 2 Men 30-39)

Bryce Henrikson was lucky enough to get in a lap without the fog up top on Saturday morning. Henrikson finished with a 05 08.06. Cat 3 Men 11-14
Bryce Henrikson was lucky enough to get in a lap without the fog up top on Saturday morning. Henrikson finished with a 05:08.06. (Cat 3 Men 11-14)

With help from her coach Mica Erickson took practice laps on Rock Crusher to prepare herself for the race. Erickson finished with a 05 59.86. Cat 3 Women 11-18.
With help from her coach, Mica Erickson took practice laps on Rock Crusher to prepare herself for the race. Erickson finished with a 05:59.86. (Cat 3 Women 11-18.)

Ian Robinson sends it on the upper shark fin during his race run. Robinson finished with a 02 40.78 only 0.2 seconds behind the rider ahead of him. Cat 1 Men 19-29
Ian Robinson sends it on the upper shark fin during his race run. Robinson finished with a 02:40.78, only 0.2 seconds behind the rider ahead of him. (Cat 1 Men 19-29)

Cat 3

Taking the win in her first downhill race Brooke Whipple finished with a 05 18.05 5 seconds faster than the competition. Cat 3 Women 19-39
Taking the win in her first downhill race, Brooke Whipple finished with a 05:18.05, 5 seconds faster than the competition. (Cat 3 Women 19-39)

Matthew Sugg was unable to put down a clean run and finished with a 04 21.26 putting him near the bottom of the category. Cat 2 Men 0-14
Matthew Sugg was unable to put down a clean run and finished with a 04:21.26 putting him near the bottom of the category. (Cat 2 Men 0-14)

Sporting his baby Wood Skinner couldn t help but show the cutie off to the NW Cup crowd.
Wood Skinner couldn't help but show the cutie off to the NW Cup crowd.

Fighting till the end Sarah Olsen dominated the Pro Women category throughout the season. This weekend she found herself on top of the race podium and overall podium. Pro Women
Fighting till the end, Sarah Olsen dominated the Pro Women category throughout the season. This weekend she found herself on top of the race podium and overall podium. (Pro Women)

After finishing in first in seeding Carson Eiswald did it again when he put down a 02 20.62. Although Eiswald did not make it to every race his multiple this season gained him enough points to finish third in the overall. Pro Men
After finishing in first in seeding, Carson Eiswald did it again when he put down a 02:20.62. Although Eiswald did not make it to every race, his multiple this season gained him enough points to finish third in the overall. (Pro Men)

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After finding time to practice each day Braden Delzer put down a clean run placing him in the top 10 of his category. Delzer finished with a time of 03 40.69. Cat 2 Men 0-14
After finding time to practice each day, Braden Delzer put down a clean run placing him in the top 10 of his category. Delzer finished with a time of 03:40.69. (Cat 2 Men 0-14)

Although the winner wasn t there to accept the helmet friends of the recipient accepted the new helmet gifted my Fox Head for him.
Although the winner wasn't there to accept the helmet, friends of the recipient accepted the new helmet gifted my Fox Head for him.


For full results from the race click HERE

• Round 8 (Finals) of the NW Cup
• September 7, 2018 – September 9, 2018
• Stevens Pass Bike Park, Skykomish, Washington
• Cat 1/Pro rode Berserker to Finish
• Cat 2 rode PBR to Slingshot Wookie to Finish
• Cat 3 rode PBR to Rock Crusher to Finish
• 328 riders


Stevens Pass Bike Park mountain biking trails


In honor of her son Traci Ann Ervin raced her first downhill race on Sunday. Although Traci registered late in the season she was still able to wear a version of Declan s race plate 1178. Cat 3 Women 40
In honor of her son, Traci Ann Ervin raced her first downhill race on Sunday. Although Traci registered late in the season, she was still able to wear a version of Declan's race plate, 1178. (Cat 3 Women 40+)

The people in the NW Cup are often described as being a family. Sadly, the family lost one of their own this past January, Declan Chase Ervin. A talented young man that was taken too soon. To celebrate his life, the race was renamed to the Declan Chase Ervin Memorial Race and included events in his honor. After seeding on Saturday, all riders from every category gathered at the top of the mountain. Led by Declan's younger brother Spencer Ervin and finished by his mother Traci Ann Ervin, the large train of riders descended down Rock Crusher for one final lap of the day. Spectators remained silent until riders went by and cheering spread through the crowd. To follow, there was a potluck in the RV parking lot where families gathered to tell stories and eat delicious food.

On Sunday, the celebration continued after the race. Prior to podiums, there were two awards given out in honor of Declan, the Run What You Brung and the Hard Charger Award. The Run What You Brung was given to Cullen Paille. As the recipient, Paille received a Fox 40 Fork from Fox, and TR 500 from Transition, a wheelset from Spank, handlebars and a drive train from Full Speed Ahead, and Fly Racing along with other sponsors gifted him a kit. To select the winner of the Hard Charger award and panel was put together to discuss and select the person that was most deserving this year. The rider that was selected was Junior Ex rider, Chris Wharton. As Declan was the 2017 overall champ, it was only right that the 2018 overall champ be gifted this honorable award. For winning this award, Wharton's name will be placed on the trophy just below Ervin's. The trophy its self will remain in a glass case in the Stevens Pass Resort for years to come and each year a new rider will be added to the trophy. Both the memorial race and each reward will continue each year to ensure that Declan's memory will never be forgotten.


The winner of the Run What You Brung award Cullen Paille thanks Randy Ervin Declan s father.
The winner of the Run What You Brung award, Cullen Paille thanks Randy Ervin, Declan's father. The award will be gifted to a new rider at the NW Cup finals each year.

The winner of the Hard Charger award Chris Wharton held up the award on top of the podium for all to see. His name sits below Declan Ervin s and names will continue to be added each year below Wharton s.
The winner of the Hard Charger award, Chris Wharton held up the award on top of the podium for all to see. His name sits below Declan Ervin's and names will continue to be added each year below Wharton's.

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Junior Ex Women Podium Left to Right Ella Erickson Autumn Parham Sydney Haberman.
Junior Ex Women Podium: (Left to Right) Ella Erickson, Autumn Parham, Sydney Haberman.
Junior Ex Men Podium Left to Right Matt Mangano Spencer Ervin Chris Wharton Ethan Lieb Tyler Bommarito.
Junior Ex Men Podium: (Left to Right) Matt Mangano, Spencer Ervin, Chris Wharton, Ethan Lieb, Tyler Bommarito.

Pro Women Podium Left to Right Britney White Sarah Olsen Kerstin Holster.
Pro Women Podium: (Left to Right) Britney White, Sarah Olsen, Kerstin Holster.
Pro Men Podium Left to Right Demteri Traintfillou Luke Strobel Carson Eiswald Jason Eiswald Nikolas Clarke.
Pro Men Podium: (Left to Right) Demetri Traintfillou, Luke Strobel, Carson Eiswald, Jason Eiswald, Nikolas Clarke.



Kerstin Holster was assisted by one of the Sweet Line girls. She remained very popular among the young girls throughout the season.
Kerstin Holster was assisted by one of the Sweet Line girls. She remained very popular among the young girls throughout the season.

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West Coast Racing sure knows how to celebrate a podium.

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Sometimes the overall trophies fall apart in your hand. But don't worry, Scott and Casey had him covered.

Last year Spencer Ervin finished second to last in the overall while this year Ervin finished second in the overall honoring his brother s legacy.
Last year, Spencer Ervin finished second to last in the overall while this year, Ervin finished second in the overall, honoring his brother's legacy.


Junior Ex Women Overall Podium Left to Right Sydney Haberman Autumn Parham Ella Erickson.
Junior Ex Women Overall Podium: (Left to Right) Sydney Haberman, Autumn Parham, Ella Erickson.
Junior Ex Men Overall Podium Left to Right Ethan Lieb Chris Wharton Spencer Ervin.
Junior Ex Men Overall Podium: (Left to Right) Ethan Lieb, Chris Wharton, Spencer Ervin.

Pro Women Overall Podium Left to Right Sarah olsen Kerstin Holster.
Pro Women Overall Podium: (Left to Right) Sarah Olsen, Kerstin Holster.
Pro Men Overall Podium Left to Right Carson Eiswald Demetri Traintfillou Nikolas Clarke.
Pro Men Overall Podium: (Left to Right) Carson Eiswald, Demetri Traintfillou, Nikolas Clarke.


For all photos from the race click HERE.


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Member since Nov 6, 2008
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4 Comments
  • 6 0
 My son was in the photo sitting on the ground after a bad crash breaking his collarbone. I have to give a big thanks to the amazing staff of Stevens Pass for helping him off the mountain. NWcup staff was awesome as always and time will heal and be back for more. Its awesome to be part of such a great community. You guys are doing it right
  • 5 0
 What an awesome write up! It’s great they used the event to bring support to the family and friends of a loved one lost. Way to go NW cup, stevens pass bike park, and all the companies that got behind supporting this!
  • 2 0
 Great coverage. Really proud of the NW Cup team and all the sponsors involved for putting together some awesome ways to remember a fellow rider and racer. Hell of a season and these guys are always looking for ways to make it better.
  • 3 0
 Another great write up. Thank you NW Cup, Steven's Pass







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