2012 Northstar Pro GRT Images Day 1 PM

 

2012 Northstar Pro GRT Images Day 1

Red Bull Rampage Rides Again

Back in 2001, the Red Bull Rampage concept was conceived to serve one of the fringes of the blossoming mountain-bike movement. There were riders -- courageous, driven and a little crazy -- who were at once exploring new terrain, testing their own limitations and defining a new genre of the sport, and their riding style was not represented at all in competition. Freeride mountain biking was rapidly evolving with every insane drop and first descent, and Red Bull Rampage was on board to help push it even harder.

The inaugural event was a landmark in the sport's history and was followed by three more through 2004. If you won Red Bull Rampage -- or even survived the weekend with all your bones intact -- your reputation as a bad ass on two wheels was unassailable. Unlike events with a defined course and familiar obstacles, Red Bull Rampage let the riders determine their own route down treacherous cliffs; the more creative and risky the line, the better the score.

After 2004, the event went on hiatus, but the memories -- and the reputation -- grew in scale. The mountain-bike contest scene did evolve to address the changes in the sport, but in general it still lagged behind what the most progressive riders were capable of. As contest riders began to get pigeonholed into separate disciplines -- downhill, slopestyle, dirt jumping -- it was the freeride ethos that leveled the playing field. You needed skills in every aspect to survive a true freeride run, and the time came once again to prove who had the balls to get it done.

Red Bull Rampage made its return in 2008 with yet another epic gathering of the best mountain bike riders in the world. Anyone who believed the sport couldn’t progress further would have eaten their words on that dusty ridge near Virgin, Utah. Man-made “enhancements” graced the venue for the first time, but the main objective remained: find the most challenging lines down the mountain and ride them with style. Regardless of their background, the riders were all equal at the top of the mountain; equal in the challenge they faced to get to the bottom of it.

The next event was held in 2010, punctuated by Cameron Zink’s jaw-dropping 360 off a 40-foot drop. Every time Red Bull Rampage takes place, individuals push themselves like never before, collectively progressing the sport to a new level. The time has come again: On October 5-7, 2012, mountain biking’s best will return to southern Utah to climb the next -- or the next few -- rungs of the ladder.

Athlete selection criteria has been announced, and the aim has been to collect the best of the best, the top riders in many disciplines who own the skills to survive in the desert.

Zink and Brandon Semenuk, the 2010 and 2008 champions, will automatically be placed into the October 7 final. The top 12 finalists from 2010 are pre-qualified, excused from competing in the October 5th qualifying battle. Invites to the qualifier will go out to the top 12 ranked riders from the FMB World Tour, as well as the top two finishers at the Chatel Mountain Style in France in July. Red Bull Rampage serves as the final stop on the 2012 FMB World Tour.

More details will be available soon; outside of the actual event dates, clear some space on your calendar on Saturday, December 8 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET to watch all of the best action from Red Bull Rampage on NBC as part of the Red Bull Signature Series.

Aaron Gwin Skills Camp At Mammoth Mountain

Mammoth Mountain Bike Park is proud to welcome team athlete Aaron Gwin to the trails this August for his first ever Skills Camp. This three-day, two-night camp gives the intermediate to advanced downhill mountain biker a chance to learn the art of two-wheel speed from the defending UCI World Cup Overall Champion. Joining Aaron on the coaching side will be members of the ODI Development Team and Mammoth Bike Park Guides.

Who: Intermediate- Advanced Downhill Mountain Bikers

When: August 16, 17, 18

How: Call 800.MAMMOTH today to reserve your spot, this camp will reach capacity

Package Information (prices do not include lodging tax)

All-Inclusive

• Two nights trailside accommodations at the Mammoth Mountain Inn (double occupancy rooms)
• Three days of unlimited Bike Park access, lift + shuttle service
• All-access clinics and coaching
• Three lunches and a welcome dinner
• $999

Passholder Package

• Two nights trailside accommodations at the Mammoth Mountain Inn (double occupancy rooms)
• Three lunches and a welcome dinner
• $903

Day Package

• Three days of unlimited Bike Park access, lift + shuttle service
• All-access clinics and coaching
• Three lunches and a welcome dinner
• $801

Locals Package

• All-access clinics and coaching
• Three lunches and a welcome dinner
• $705

2012 POC Eastern States Cup Killington and Mount Snow

 

The POC Eastern States Cup Mountain Bike Downhill Championship Race Series completed Series race #7 this past weekend at Killington Resort, VT. The racers managed to miss the forecasted rainstorms all weekend, however it did rain hard Saturday night. Changing track conditions had racers trying to figure out tire combinations that would get them a win. A new steep off camber section of the track proved very challenging, especially with the conditions changing from dusty to muddy.

Racers that achieved a podium this weekend really earned it. Adam Morse took his second pro win of his career, Phil Kmetz finished second in his first race back from an injury, Killington favorite, Jordon Newth finished third in his first ever pro podium and Alex McAndrew secured his first pro podium with a solid fourth place finish. A special shout out goes  to Cat 2 19-29 first time racer Zach Cayton that won the POC Speed Challenge and set the fastest speed all day at 42 MPH. Additionally Andrew Wegiel won his first USAC DH race in a strong under 14 class.

The POC ESC visits Mount Snow for the third VT State Championship event, this coming weekend August 4-5, 2012. Mount Snow features the best and longest beginner trail in the east.. Mount Snow is methodically transforming the mountain bike park into one of the best in the country. Their next project was just started; it’s a top to bottom “slope style” trail that will please all the jumpers out there. Those trails are being added to the existing network of natural terrain trails.

Mount Snow put together for a great track a few weeks ago and more of the same, including the infamous “YARDSALE” section. Mount Snow cut a new trail from the bottom of the YARDSALE to the finish, filled the mud pit with boulders for a great new rock garden and added jumps and berms for the racers!

Mount Snow has a “Music on the Mountain” event going on Saturday evening, $35 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under, but The POC ESC will be offering all racers $10 off, if purchased at registration. The mountain is going to have lift service bringing people to the summit where a BBQ (included), cash bar, and “The Edd” a local blues/rock band will be playing.

Twenty-three women racers are in the running for the Loeka Women’s Challenge. The top 4 women will split $1000 at the finals in October. There are still a lot of races left to score points. Please check out al the details and standings at

www.easternstatescup.com.

Race Entry

Pro Men & Women $ 75.00

Categories 1,2 & 3  $ 65.00

Includes Lift Tickets for Both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday July 16, 2011

On-Site Registration 9am - 1pm

Course Practice 10am - 5:00pm

 Sunday July 17, 2011

On-Site Registration 8am - 9:30am

Course Practice 9am – 10:45am

Race 11:00

No Camping No Dogs No Alcohol

Please visit The Eastern States Cup Series at www.easternstatescup.com