Fluidride Cup #3 @ Mt. Hood Skibowl
If you haven’t made your way to a Fluidride Cup at Mt. Hood Skibowl, you’re missing out on a real deal downhill course. This past weekend, the ‘long course’ was run. For all participants, that means ~1,500 feet of vertical drop. For Pros and Cat 1, it’s a 4-5 minute course, for Cat 2 and Cat 3 it’s an 8-10 minute course. Word on the street was that the Cat 2 and 3 courses were a ton of fun and worth every penny. From firsthand experience, I can tell you the Pro and Cat 1 course was it’s gnarly self with Cannonball rewarding those that refuse to use the brakes and the Ridge and Rock Garden sections rewarding those that can simply pin it in the rough.
As seems to always be the case with Fluidride and Hurricane Racing at the helm, the race went off without any glitches. Petr Kakes was once again ensuring accurate timing, Simon Lawton was seen with a hammer in hand ensuring course markers were appropriately placed, and Mike Estes was the ever steady voice of the event. Extra props to Fat Tire Farm and especially Fluidride for their additional contributions to the Pro Purse and raffle giveaways.
One thing that continues to hold true over and over and over… when you’re hanging out with friends at the races, it’s funner (that ones for you Kole). It’s especially true when we get more of the 529 members out to a specific event. At our annual kick-off gathering in March, we had over 15 people at Budu Race #3 @ Soaring Eagle. Post-race, there was over 5 people, from team members to non-team members, that mentioned how cool it was to hang out with everyone. This past weekend was yet another example. With the exception of a couple gravity team members that are headed to the US Nationals at Sol Vista (Go Uncle D and Chase!), the rest of the team was in attendance. Quite frankly, it’s also good to see some of the other teams in regular attendance. A shout out to Team Robot/Krunk Shox for providing a 529 canvas on Saturday night.
Last but not least, the results. With 4 entries across Pro, Junior Ex, and Cat 1 30-39, we put 4 out of 4 on the podium. Congrats to Nate Marsh on winning his 2nd race of the season. Given he practices at least once a month due to current work demands, it’s pretty impressive stuff. It was also great to see Kole Wetherell, our resident Junior Ex and single stud (take note ladies), finish 3rd overall. I believe that’s his first podium in Junior Ex and comes after a tough race on the same course just two weeks ago. Good stuff for sure. Then you’ve got Eric Loney, resident 529 Pro and all around short guy, who qualified 2nd behind Mikey Slyvestri and went on to take home 4th place. Rounding out the crew was Clinton Fowler taking 3rd place in Cat 1 30-39. On Saturday, Clinton was seen unsuccessfully trying to move a vw-sized boulder with his left-hand and handlebar, not a bad rebound come race day.
That’s a wrap.
Check back next week to get the scoop on 529′s annual Seattle to Portland ride. A mixed crew from the road team, xc team, and gravity team will be joining forces for what’s sure to include some (mis)adventures.
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