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National Champs at SolVista Bike Park

Threepointtwo

Monkey
Jun 21, 2002
632
0
SLC, UT
I loved the amateur course! It was way scary and tested the riders well - everything you could ask for to determine the national champs. There were go-arounds for anything that was really ugly so you just had to make your choices.

On another topic, did anybody catch the web site for the event photographer? They announced it a couple of times but I missed it.
 

davetrump

Turbo Monkey
Jul 29, 2003
1,270
0
Anyways, not to change the subject here, but on the original topic of the National Champs...

What was the consensus from the pros in regards to the 4X start? The gate right into a drop? I know that the start was changed at the last second by USAC, but I wanna know what the riders thought of it. Did they think it was great? Did they like it but think it needed some tweaking (in terms of positioning of the landing that is)? Or did they just hate it?
the usac thing is a bit of a cop out and there is more to the story... some riders really loved it, and a few who were put at a disadvantage (guys with strong gate) rally put up a fuss.

i personaly listened to one guy go around telling his buddies what they had to do in order to get it changed, usac told them it had to come from the riders so a handful pretty much got together and "spoke for everyone" which was unfortunate.

from what i could tell being up at the start was that a lot of guys were super pissed it was taken out due to the complaints of a few.

usac gets some blame for not making a firm decision the day prior, but rather telling riders what they would need to do in order to get it removed.. thus pitting riders against each other in a way that only makes for animosity... there were differences between the two gates, etc that usac was aware of but made no ruling until the last minute and it turned into a big issue.

I wont name names, but it really was just a few who are responsible... it was pretty sad to see
 

CRoss

Turbo Monkey
Nov 20, 2006
1,329
0
The Ranch
With how the gate was not working properly I can understand the call that was made. When the gate dropped sometimes it dropped slowly. If you had a good gate the gate would stop you. I saw this happen right before they more or less made the decision to not use it. The rider the gate dropped slowly for ended up falling and bailing over the bars down to flat ground below the landing of the drop. Close to a ten foot drop. He was lucky and was able to get out of his pedals and land on his feet but still ended up with a hurt ankle. When this happened they tried to run the gate with no lights or audio. This would have prevented riders from snapping the gate and getting caught if it fell slowly. I understood the officials did not like this since they wanted the gate to be similar to World Cups with full lights and audio. It was my understanding it was a combination of a gate not working properly and the drop that lead to the decision that was made.
 

jonKranked

Detective Dookie
Nov 10, 2005
85,562
24,182
media blackout
I was just gonna comment how I have more or less witnessed the same thing happen (not in regards to 4x, but getting a section of a DH course changed).

Dave, thanks for sharing the info. It's a shame to see a rule that was enacted to give the riders a voice in regards to courses abused like this. (at least that's my understanding of how the petitioning works)
 

Mulestar

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2007
1,061
0
in the dirt
Typical America...to be shocked and outraged when we aren't the best at something.

We already dominate tons of other sports...what's the big deal?
 
All around awesome event! Only real complaints seem to be coming from people that weren't there and just assumed things were dangerous due to the size etc.
In reality, all the courses were built with a lot of though and care. The big jumps in the Pro course were awesome! They worked really well, injuries were very few and far between. They were crafted for the speed we were carrying at that part of the course, as a jump in a race course should be. In all honesty the first two could of probably even been a tad bigger if anything.
The 4X was rad too! definitely built in a different style then what many are used to, but to me that is a really good thing, each venue should be a bit different. The pro drop start was cool, it worked well, unfortunately the gate though wasn't quite up to par, and that gave those against it a platform to protest on. It really was just a few that got it changed. No lights, no cadence would of solved the issue, but it didn't satisfy those with the strong opinions. In the end though I think its hard to say that the outcome would of been much different. We would of had some better material for the Media though, and the drop start would of been one of those things that grabed peoples attention and possibly brought some new fans to the sport. Traditional sprints out of the gate just aren't that exciting.
Congrats to everyone who through down strong runs! There was a big stacked field this weekend!
 

bpatterson6

Turbo Monkey
Jul 1, 2004
1,049
0
Colorado
Anyone know of Photo G's doing their thing this weekend?
I was looking for Friday afternoon Photos from Cat2 4x racing.

HeyLady (Chris Haderer) - Was she photo g'n? Or others?
 

mgy

Monkey
Apr 4, 2002
128
16
Morrison
Oh my big jumps! The Sol Vista trail crew always does a good job of pushing downhill racing to where it should be. As probably the oldest racer to hit those big doubles I will say that: A. I was scared but knew I had the skill to make them. B. Knew they were built well because they built the biggest gap I had done previously (38 feet? last year at the G3). C. When I finally sacked up and hit them they were really pretty easy. D. They were really, really fun!

The race was one above and below those jumps as most of us hit the jumps at about the same speed.

Here is to innovation and progression!
 

doc gravity

Monkey
Oct 25, 2004
152
0
highlands ranch, CO
With how the gate was not working properly I can understand the call that was made. When the gate dropped sometimes it dropped slowly. If you had a good gate the gate would stop you. I saw this happen right before they more or less made the decision to not use it. The rider the gate dropped slowly for ended up falling and bailing over the bars down to flat ground below the landing of the drop. Close to a ten foot drop. He was lucky and was able to get out of his pedals and land on his feet but still ended up with a hurt ankle. When this happened they tried to run the gate with no lights or audio. This would have prevented riders from snapping the gate and getting caught if it fell slowly. I understood the officials did not like this since they wanted the gate to be similar to World Cups with full lights and audio. It was my understanding it was a combination of a gate not working properly and the drop that lead to the decision that was made.
Of course they had a pro BMX light stand in place that could be used for either course. And there was a complete back-up air ram, start box with all relevant cadences, as well as generators and air compressors. If there was a mechanical problem, there were ways to address it. One of those ways would not seem to be switching the start of the course minutes before the pro qualifier when they had already been practicing the pro course start for 2 practice sessions. Really poor form....
 

spornographer

Monkey
Feb 19, 2009
246
0
44 pics and captions...so tired, but so stoked. haven't read much on here, but hope you all had fun. and if you didn't have fun, bummed for ya, but that's the beauty of america...freedom of choice, expression, opinion.

http://www.littermag.com/2009/2009-us-national-championship-weekend-44-photos/

(edit: some of the captions address the pro 4x gate and while i still stand behind the thought that it comes down to USAC not being diligent/responsible in offering input or approval on the 4x course from the beginning, riders need to be responsible too. i attended both rider meetings and not one 4x competitor expressed concern for OR against the pro gate. if any 4x riders actually did influence the USAC officials, for OR against the gate, it was done privately and individually and i think that is unfair to fellow competitors. the rider meetings are the public and official forum for course discussion and not a single 4x rider brought it up.

USAC did not say in their official statement that their decision was based on rider input, so if there is another part of the story or someone else to blame, they did not feel the need to address it.

DH riders went to the rider meetings and had input on decisions about the pro jumps, the go-arounds and the wind. the DH riders did their part...they cared and i think that's rad).


 
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erikkellison

Monkey
Jan 28, 2004
918
0
Denver, CO
44 pics and captions...so tired, but so stoked. haven't read much on here, but hope you all had fun. and if you didn't have fun, bummed for ya, but that's the beauty of america...freedom of choice, expression, opinion.

http://www.littermag.com/2009/2009-us-national-championship-weekend-44-photos/

This thread and your photos are making me want to race. Never done it (DH), and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be competitive, but man, y'all make it sound like so much fun! Thanks.
 

davetrump

Turbo Monkey
Jul 29, 2003
1,270
0
Oh my big jumps! The Sol Vista trail crew always does a good job of pushing downhill racing to where it should be. As probably the oldest racer to hit those big doubles I will say that: A. I was scared but knew I had the skill to make them. B. Knew they were built well because they built the biggest gap I had done previously (38 feet? last year at the G3). C. When I finally sacked up and hit them they were really pretty easy. D. They were really, really fun!

The race was one above and below those jumps as most of us hit the jumps at about the same speed.

Here is to innovation and progression!
gene, i was stopped at the big berm just below the jumps when you hit them for the first time... you sounded so pumped... great job. there were a lot of stories like yours at that race from people who knew they had the skill and stepped it up to try something new for the first time... lots of happy racers for sure
 

davetrump

Turbo Monkey
Jul 29, 2003
1,270
0
if any 4x riders actually did influence the USAC officials, for OR against the gate, it was done privately and individually and i think that is unfair to fellow competitors
unfortunately this was the catalyst behind it... and usac's lack of attention encouraged it.
 

gemini2k

Turbo Monkey
Jul 31, 2005
3,526
117
San Francisco
Craig Jeffers and I made the journey from Chicago and had a great time. The Cat 1 track was challenging and most important FUN, props to the SolVista crew. Both of us were mending previous shoulder injuries so we were unable to boost everything and are really bummed about that but look forward to hitting up everything on next year's track. I’m not sure what this web babble is about I guess we were to busy riding and enjoying the venue, we’ll be back next year!

Also, thanks again to John and the rest of the SRAM crew for taking care of us! You guys should make a trip out to the west coast sometime. Maybe during the winter?

J
Nice J man! You guys make it out to Windrock or US open this year?
 

1soulrider

Monkey
Apr 16, 2002
436
10
nor cal
A lot of them were people who pre registered and were injured prior to race... For some reason they were on the start list despite never picking up their number at registration... Another bunch had minor injuries on site, and afew got it a bit worse

Pretty standard and despite rumors earlier in the week the ambulance was not carting people away left and right
Actually, most of the DNS were due to injury. Of 134 Pro men, 99 made it to the finals & out of 18 Pro women, 13 made it to finals.
 

bizutch

Delicate CUSTOM flower
Dec 11, 2001
15,928
24
Over your shoulder whispering
So it was told to me that Gwin wouldn't even jump the last huck until his race run. That's some scary crap if a pro moto guy is having to take the quiet line until race run.

And why hasn't anyone mentioned that Melissa Buhl was so badass, she just went around them and STILL WON!
 

spornographer

Monkey
Feb 19, 2009
246
0
So it was told to me that Gwin wouldn't even jump the last huck until his race run. That's some scary crap if a pro moto guy is having to take the quiet line until race run.

And why hasn't anyone mentioned that Melissa Buhl was so badass, she just went around them and STILL WON!
i don't know where you get your information from...so incorrect. you sure do hate those jumps, don't you?

gwin was whipping and gooning the jumps all weekend. MANY times he said to me, "this is what downhill should be like, so it looks rad to spectators."
and buhl hit 1 (and maybe #2 as well, not sure) and then went around whatever she didn't hit.
 
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1soulrider

Monkey
Apr 16, 2002
436
10
nor cal
So it was told to me that Gwin wouldn't even jump the last huck until his race run. That's some scary crap if a pro moto guy is having to take the quiet line until race run.

And why hasn't anyone mentioned that Melissa Buhl was so badass, she just went around them and STILL WON!
Gwin was hitting the last jump in the days leading up to the finals, throwing some huge whips over it as well. Most of the top (male) pros looked comfortable over the three pack when it wasn't windy.

Buhl rules, no doubt.
 

stiksandstones

Turbo Monkey
May 21, 2002
5,078
25
Orange, Ca
So it was told to me that Gwin wouldn't even jump the last huck until his race run. That's some scary crap if a pro moto guy is having to take the quiet line until race run.

And why hasn't anyone mentioned that Melissa Buhl was so badass, she just went around them and STILL WON!
I saw some stills of Gwin hitting some jumps on his local trails out in the desert last year......HUGE....there is no way he did not jump the national champs gaps.
 

jonKranked

Detective Dookie
Nov 10, 2005
85,562
24,182
media blackout
i don't know where you get your information from...so incorrect. you sure do hate those jumps, don't you?

gwin was whipping and gooning the jumps all weekend. MANY times he said to me, "this is what downhill should be like, so it looks rad to spectators."
and buhl hit 1 (and maybe #2 as well, not sure) and then went around whatever she didn't hit.

As opposed to going under the jumps? :D


If it were true that Gwin wasn't hitting the jumps and saying he didn't like it, might have just been a mental game :clue:
 

bpatterson6

Turbo Monkey
Jul 1, 2004
1,049
0
Colorado
During the pro practice on Friday I watched Gwinn hit the jumps with ease.
He whipped it out huge over the first 2 and then Bar humped the 50ft +.
IT WAS SICK!!! :thumb:
 

Full Trucker

Frikkin newb!!!
Feb 26, 2003
10,484
7,530
Exit, CO
Butch, please just stop.

Your incessant disapproval of the jumps in question is unwarranted and annoying at best. It saddens me personally as you have always seemed to have an intelligent and positive persona online, and I feel that you are making a fool of yourself. I respect that you have an unfounded opinion that these features are unsafe and unnecessary, however every person I spoke with in attendance of the event completely disagrees with you. I understand that your opinion is just that: an opinion. However at this point I don't even believe you have factual basis for any of your arguments against the jumps. From a local pro, just prior the event:
http://joeyschusler.wordpress.com/ said:
The first practice on the track is tomorrow at 11AM. I have only had a look at the jumps on the dh track, they look really good.
The common consensus I heard was this: the track was well-built and tested the all-around rider, not just the rider who could huck the fastest and furthest. There were far more gems (thanks Klaus) on the track than just three huge gap jumps, and the spoils went to the rider with the most refined skills and fitness. Several pro riders at the event felt the jumps were actually the easiest part of the track, and I'm certain everyone I spoke with felt the jumps were a great addition to the track both for the riders and the spectators, as they helped create a buzz and excitement at the venue on race day that hasn't been seen in years at a U.S. National event.

[sarcasm]
But hey what do I know, being I was actually there and all.
[/sarcasm]

If you wish to continue your crusade by citing third-party "I heard it from a friend who" statements in such a public forum, you only have your own reputation to tarnish. I would emplore you to take a hard long look at what your issue really is and address it in a more constructive manner.

As for this statement of assinity:
Isn't that kinda the opposite of badass? No pro course should be able to be won if you don't hit all the features, IMO.
As I mentioned before, there was a lot more to this track than three big gap jumps. How much more, you ask? Well, over 2 minutes more. Gene Hamilton of www.BetterRide.net timed the jumps out from the first lip to the third landing at 9 seconds.

9 SECONDS!

With Gwin's winning time coming in at 2:11 and change, I would say that any racer disapproving of the jumps on this track had better get their priorities straightened out and start worrying a lot more about how they're gonna fit the rest of the track into 2:01 for the win.