Joe’s Rock Shox Golden State DH Race Report

Our trip to Mammoth started early Saturday morning.  The Policars and my family caravanned from my house in Corona all the way to Mammoth.  We had to get to Mammoth early enough for Priscilla to catch her XC race.  After a long week at work, the long drive was certainly relaxing.  At least six hours later we arrived at Mammoth.  The temperature was a bit nippy compared to our heat wave in So Cal.  Off the bat we were on the go getting Priscilla ready for her XC race. (Priscilla’s Race Report to follow later). 

Later that morning, RL & I suited up for our practice run.  At the parking lot we were joined by our teammate Wes and our other friends from the local racing circuit such as Sam Hill and Billy Ray Cirus. 

Heading up for practice.

The course was amazingly fast!  By far, it was the best course that I have raced/rode on.  It was definitely the longest and toughest for me.  Other than the long stretches of a singletrack, we were challenged with a rock-garden, pumice and finishing through portions of the Four Cross (4X).  With the time limitations we had a total of three practice runs. I was somewhat satisfied with practice but I was eager to get back on the course.  I couldn’t wait until Sunday’s practice.

With our families joining us on our trip, we didn’t have time to just “ride” the park so after practice we went to our condo and settled in.  We headed back to the resort later that afternoon for the XC awards then back to the condo for a relaxing evening with a great home cooked dinner.

Sunday, Race Day – RL and I headed to the resort without our families (they would join us later that day).  With RL pulling a trailer, parking was hard for us to find that morning, however we were able to finagle a spot in the VIP parking.  After suiting up, we met up with our other teammates.   I went up the lift with David “Mini-Mal” Sanderson.  He gave me a lot of advise and pointers that would be very helpful.  Too bad there was only time for one practice run.  Overall I was comfortable with my practices however the rock-garden section always plays into my psyche.

Waiting our turn

Race run – I was lined up behind Moe.  30 seconds after he starts, off I go. Rounding at the corner up top, I approach the first roller/drop…whoa – The Moe was laid out at the bottom… I have to admit I was scared S#!tless!!!  It happened so fast that I didn’t know if I was going to run him over and go OTB or had enough time to go around him.  Fortunately Moe was able to pull himself and his bike to the side and I was able to pass safely.  Onto the course I was trying to regroup mentally.  Everything was coming up so fast… coming up to the rock-garden I head to the right – wrong line.  The best line should have been on the left side, over the boulders that transitioned over smaller rocks to the bottom.  At the end of my line was a small gap that has a tree and rocks on each side.  Not enough room to go through or I can clip my pedals.  During practice I saw the better riders jump over this section – but I’m not one of those better riders.  I quickly dismounted over this section then got on my bike to ride the rest of the course.  The rest of the way felt good although being a long course, I was quickly tiring.  Somewhere in the 4X section, I heard the crowd yelling that the guy behind me was coming up fast.  Exhausted, but I pedaled the best I could.  I reached the Finish Line without being passed.  Whewwww, glad that was over!

Below is a video of my race run.  It’s not as fast as the others but you have an idea what we rode through.

pic by Jason Cleghorn

In the end I finished 5th place and made the podium.  Gratifying for a long trip and being up at Mammoth! 

This race also capped of the Rock Shox Golden State series.  Missing out on the initial race of the series, I didn’t think I qualified for the overall points.  Surprisingly I made the podium for the Overall with two of my teammates, Moe and Wes.

Overall Series podium.

I had a great time at Mammoth.  I can’t wait for next year.  I hope we have another series that includes this venue. I want to say thanks to our sponsors: KHS, Bike Commuters, Hoss MTB,  Evomo, Serfas, Ergon, and Spenco Gloves.  And a Special Thanks to our families, without them this trip wouldn’t have been possible.