Once a year the freeride course on Beacon Hill in Spokane, Washington lends its rock faces and dry eastern forest dirt to a downhill race. Unlike last years race, this race had near perfect conditions, zero scandals, and smiles for everyone. It wasn’t all perfect - let’s see, Saturday was hot and very dry. For those of us not used to sun stroke, dangerous even. But then it rained early Sunday morning and drizzled during the morning’s activities making the dirt perfect!
There was a very noticeable lack of Pro riders. Meaning there were zero of them. I’m sure many were easily attracted to races elsewhere. (Nudge, Wink!) There have been so many new opportunities this year. But, that too was perfect! This race was about the next batch of racers. Guys like Jimmy Bass and Kyle Thomas. It was their time to rip it up and throw down the top times. Guys like the Sammamish Syndicate’s Blueberrys (Evan Gilsdorf, Tyler Gilsdorf, and Harrison Phelps) ,or, the Wheel Sport East racers all sporting their new Ultra Hip 08 Jerseys. Don’t leave out West Coast Racing, Twenty 6, Bicycle Buttler, Dirt Corps, and Bones Over Metal. All Grassroots organizations. All very eager (Greg Wall, Brian Guse, Josh Stark) to participate in some tree bashing, dirt moving, rock blasting action.
This race was about the grassroots of racing. There were a few old dogs (Matt Patterson) in there teaching a thing, or two. Or, in my case, being schooled again. Mostly it was about the young racers. And it was about racing and the fans we all are for the sport in which we compete. Bones Over Metal!!!!
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