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Date: August 31 – September 1, 2024
Event: Kings and Queens of Mt. Abram
Venue: Mt Abram Bike Park
Bike: Kona Process 153 – 27.5

Format

Stage 1 – George’s Jungle

Stage 2 – Yellowjacket

Stage 3 – Grease Slapper

Stage 4 – Super Chicken

Stage 5 – Whiplash

Stage 6 – Pinball Wizard to Rock Bottom

Race Day

From the start something about today’s race felt different. Missing was the anxious knot in my stomach and increased pulse. Present was a sense of community. Calm. And so, it remained throughout race day. Chill vibes and positivity. My wife and baby daughter Winnie in attendance to cheer me on which was amazing! Am so proud to have had them there watching me do what I love. Mt Abram did a great job turning a negative into a positive by creating this event. Because their Main Side chairlift has been out of service for repairs this season, they could not hold the annual Mt. Abram Downhill race which features the enduro-style trails that descend from the summit. Thus, it was decided to race on all six trails that have remained open this season. In fact, there were two different categories; a 3-stage race and a 6-stage race. I raced in the 6-stage. Due to the light atmosphere the race felt more like party laps or freeriding rather than the typical pressure so common on race day. For me there were two crux stages. George’s Jungle (Stage 1) and Yellowjacket (Stage 3). George’s because it was newly opened and I only had one practice lap and Yellowjacket because there are two sectors wherein line choice is critical. The remaining stages I was familiar enough with that I was confident in my ability to ride them well. George’s Jungle came and went and due to the pedaling involved and fresh morning mud did prove to be the most difficult of the day because of its slippery berms and flat corners. A beautiful trail though and lots of fun! I felt solid on each stage. Remaining mindful of pace and good technique I was able to shred my way down each stage with very few unexpected surprises. Good flow and terrain reading kept me off the brakes and chiseling toward a podium finish on the day. Without a doubt it was the fastest race I’ve ever done in terms of duration. All said, the race in its entirety began at 9:00 and was complete for me at 12:00 noon. Easy! Awards were at 1:00. During the break my family and I did some spectating, some socializing, and some well-deserved refueling.

When awards time finally came I was excited to learn I had earned a 2nd place on the day! Although 80 seconds behind the 1st place finisher, I was a respectable 30 seconds ahead of the guy in 3rd. A nice little place to land and a great result to end my competitive season on @TeamBikeman !

Thanks again to all the crew Bikeman.com and the mechanics at Bath Cycle and Ski. Without you I could not do what I do. This result is for all of us!

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