Race Report: 2019 Cascadia Dirt Cup Round Two - Post Canyon Enduro
Following on the soaking wet heels of the season opener, the Cascade Dirt Cup made its way across the border to treat racers to a weekend of fun in the sun. Nestled deep in the Hood River Valley and surrounded by acres of vineyards and orchards, Hood River is truly where the mountains meet the sea. It's the mountain town that all mountain towns dream about growing up to one day become. The idyllic landscapes surrounding the town beckon you to the world-class trails sitting just outside the city limits. Just a short pedal from downtown, the Post Canyon trail system is host to 92 miles of pristine single track, a robust playground for mountain bikers and moto traffic alike.
Riders filed their way up to the start of stage one with little sense of what lies ahead. Thursday and Friday brought a torrent of rain down upon the red clay trails of Post Canyon leaving riders to wonder on Saturday, were they in for hella slick, or hero grip? Kyle Bickford, Pro Men.
You guessed it. The Cascadian contingent was welcomed to the south expanse by quite possibly the best dirt we've had the pleasure of riding. Mystery rider taking advantage of Borderline's earned turns.
Robert Frost once said that "Freedom lies in being bold." and that's cool and all, but we think it lies in Logan Wetzel (Transition Bikes, CLIF). #BaldEagles #TobyKeith #Loveitorleaveit
Eric Olsen's ride-or-die got a handlebar ride on course Saturday. Sometimes it's the simple confidence that comes from companionship that gives racers that extra boost to the finish line. In this case, propelling Eric to a sound second place finish on the Pro Men's podium.
There are better things to do than watch TV. Case in point. It was a great day to play bicycles with friends.
Melina Glock was out the gate like a shot.. trying to out-race our media crew making puns of her last name (Expert Women).
A sprint out the gate on stage one was a rude awakening for some of the racers. While Jake Hightower nailed the gate start, Michael Yates nailed his face. Slipping a chain isn't funny, and this one left the homie with a likely broken arm. But in true probably-will-be-pro-soon form, it was all grins and a see-you-in-6-to-9-weeks attitude. Heal up Michael, by your count you promised to be at Yacolt - we'll be expecting you.
The man, the myth, the legend. It was great to have you out with us this weekend Colin. You know, in case Jameson didn't tell you. (Jameson Florence, Expert Men. Colin Meagher, The Legend, with the lovely Nikki Rohan.)
Joshua Kahn let it all hang out on the longest stage of the race, securing himself the 8th fastest stage time in his category (Pro Men).
Post Canyon is famous for its balls-to-the-wall-flat-out-foot-out-tongue-out-guns-out buff red dirt single track that's been packed down and sculpted out by thousands of passes from bicycles and motos. But don't let that fool you, there's still tech. The rocks on Hidden kept the medical staff busy as riders played pinball trying to find their lines. Jonah Brinkerhoff with the focus (Junior Expert
).
Race Cascadia runs a pretty formal event, so when Bonnie Burke heard that the Post Canyon Enduro had a dress code, she put on her finest Canadian tux and raced it straight to third place in Pro Women, plus held the second fastest time through the rocks.
Despite the best efforts of the competition, there was not a lady around who could keep Hannah Bergemann in sight and off the coveted first step. Making her way down from the great north of Winterfell... I mean Bellingham, Hannah came prepared to leave her mark on her home trails.
While Slaven rode the party train to a great time, Aaron Bradford took it off the rails to a 3rd place Pro Men finish (Shimano, Transition).
Danica Fife (Left) and Erin Roe (Right) show what the expert ladies can pull down Borderline.
Mickie Wilkinson demonstrating a study of textbook posture on stage 5. Let's be real though, he's in high school. He's probably better at studying than anyone else reading this article. Needless to say, it paid off. 2nd place Junior Sport 17U.
Fly little bird, fly. Nate Hoch, Pro Men.
The youth are the future. Wyatt Parker (left) and Kai Shays are both in the Junior Sport 17U category and punching far outside their weight class. Watch out you fast folks, once these little dudes bulk up (or maybe before??) they'll be pushing you off the podiums.
Speaking of usurpers, have you met Louie Blair, Junior Expert 17U racer? This kid's gunning for you too.
The trails at Post are fast, and don't allow for riders to make up much time on their competition. Nonetheless, though the game of cat and mouse still finds a way.
HARDTAILS ARE ALWAYS COOL. But skin suits? Only if your plate is #420. James Wood is fast. Fast enough to take 2nd over Kelly Wood. They say they're not related, but we'll really need to see Kelly in a skin suite to be sure of that.
Your Hardtail Podium: Philip Roland, James Wood, Kelly Wood, Clint Hensley, Andy Springer
It's no secret that mountain bikers love their vans, especially in Hood River. So when the demo Van from the lovely folks over at VanDOit rolled into the race venue it immediately caught all the eyes, and the ogling didn't let up all day. Racers will be thrilled to hear that VanDOit plans to make a lot more appearances at the races this season.
Start 'em young and irresponsible. Some of the Junior Expert boys learned the ol' bottle in the spokes trick this weekend. It never gets old. *** Disclaimer, this was soda. Clearly.
There can be only one winner.* (*Some conditions may apply, see rules and regulations for details. One winner per place, per category. In the event of a tie, Highlander rules apply. I.E You must fight until only one remains. You are safe only on Holy Ground. No one will violate that rule. It's a tradition.)
Atta Girls 1.Hannah Bergemann 2. Kim Hardin 3. Bonnie Burke 4.Ingrid Larouche 5. Caroline Jarolimek
Way less enduro than you. And faster to boot.
Atta Boys 1. Mike Lee 2. Eric Olsen 3. Aaron Bradford 4. Logan Wetzel 5. Torsenn Brown
We get all kinds of request, but this one really tugged at the ol' heartstrings. It's the people that make the races. Thanks for playing friends.
Another race, another dollar. Rather, another five thousand dollars. The Cascadia Dirt Cup is built around the premise that trails don't build themselves, and that's why at the end of every CDC race a donation is made back to the organizations that make these trails happen. For this event that's the Hood River Area Trail Stewards (HRATS) that we want to thank and donate to support their hard work and efforts that make these trails possible. Thanks, HRATS for keeping it real and oh, so RAD!
Ladies and Gents, your victors. Could you find happier groms? We couldn't.
Race results, series standings and racer photos are available online at racecascadia.com and www.rootsandrain.com. NEXT UP: CDC Round 3 Capitol Forest Enduro 6/1 in Olympia, WA.
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to be fair though, the Columbia River is pretty much at sea level at that point and there's plenty of coastal influence.
I missed the race due to injury, and I want to go full enduro on that
Also, great to see the Colin shots, his spirit is undeniable!