Unfortunately I missed practice on Wednesday, as I was banging out some last minute helmets for Bryn Atkinson, the newly formed Decline Team America team, as well as spraying up some orange paint on Andrew Neethling’s lid.  So with that said, I didn’t arrive til about mid-afternoon Thursday.  There really wasn’t too much to report on… though it would have been nice to have gotten some shots.  The overall layout of the course was pretty the same In past years.  However they did build up the top jumps a great deal – bigger hits, bigger lips!   There are a few other  new jumps & obstacles to deal with, but in an overall  sense, it’s generally the same course… just vastly improved!

Today’s DH practice was pretty straight forward.  Riders were getting used to their new rides & scoping out the best lines … at least until the thousands of riders get a hold of it… then it’ll be completely different line choice!

As I reported earlier on “The Wire”…  Bryn Atkinson had a good digger splitting open his chin.   He’s  doing just fine, but just had to get about a half a dozen stitches in his chin.  He also scratched up  his new THE helmet painted by Dylan Dean Designs (had to give him a poke abut that since I’ve gotta touch it up! Haha)   There weren’t too many other injuries to speak of (at least not that I know) but riders had their fair share of diggers, trying to attack the course.

One notable absence is Cedric Gracia.  I haven’t looked into it, but this is the first year in as long as I can remember that CG hasn’t been in town for the ‘otter.  Not sure  if he just wants to get his wrist 100% for the World Cups, or just elected not to come. 

With Fabien Barel’s departure from Kona to Moonraker, I not a huge shock that his team wasn’t in attendance, but still feels a bit weird not seeing Fabien around either.  Fabien’s constantly on the DH podium, if not winning the event altogether. 

Speaking of Kona, Tracey Moseley is also not in town.  Jared Graves is spending time back home in Australia still preparing his bid for BMX in the Olympics.  Jill Kintner is here at ‘otter, but only as a superfan.

There were a stack of movie premiers happening this weekend, but the one on everyone’s mind was the highly anticipated “F1RST” movie by Clay Porter.  The who’s who of the MTB was there to watch & support the movie.  Although I’ll follow up with a movie review in a feature article down the line, I can’t pass up the opportunity to give props to Clay.  This was one of the finest mtb movies I’ve seen in a while & his filming is phenomenal.  I was actually into the music this go around & the editing has much improved since his last movie (which I was pretty critical about).

Yes, this proves it... Sam Hill did ride this weekend!




Even Canadians can go fast in the California sand.
 

Team Yeti / Fox Shox has one of the best looking kits on the race scene (even if I am a little bit biased)


Lars Sternberg


Luke Strobel


Rachel Atherton is a good bet for the women's victory in both DH & Slalom!


Syndicate "Newbie"


The lone Morewood rider - Geritt Beytagh.

Ben Furbee


Dan Atherton


Even as stylish as he is, Neethling got a little razzing from fellow riders for having the #1 plate.


Brad Benedict having a little fun with the crowd




The "Young Gun" on the powerhouse Syndicate team - Josh Bryceland.