Better late than never, DH racing has finally arrived at the Idaho Velopark.  Saturday, December 5th, was the inaugural down hill race on the newly created "intermediate" dh course.  The race was put on by Volunteer Director, Brad Nelson, and Event Director, Cynthia Gibson.  The race was considered a "practice event", used primarily to get a good idea for course times and overall race organization.  The race went off without a hitch as everyone who attended was treated with ample practice time, an on-time start, and an overall great atmosphere despite of the crisp winter weather. 


The race was a "best-of" two run format.  At the end of the first round, Team Joyride's, Bobby Unser Jr III, took the hot seat with a lap time in the 1:34 range.  Ian Fitzpatrick trailed by four seconds and I was a two seconds off Ian's time, in third position. 


I was first in line for the second lap, and only managed to improve my time by about a second.  The flat, pedally track quickly put me in the pain cave, which is sad considering its short length.   It was a good wake-up call for me, however!    Young Unser was the next rider down, and his time as a fraction slower, but his first run time was fast enough to keep him in the hot-seat.  Fitzpatrick managed to shave a couple seconds off his first run  but not enough to give him the lead.  The remaining riders were not able to break the top three, placing Unser, Fitzpatrick, and Vega on the podium in that order. 


If this race is a sign of things to come, then we can look forward to an extremely fun 2010 race season at the park.  In less than two years, the park coordinators, designers, and volunteers have built a truly World-Class venue, in an urban environment, making participation and spectating easy and fun.  Huge thanks to Cynthia Gibson, formerly of the Knobby Tire Series.  Cynthia will hopefully be the park's new Event Coordinator.  If so, be prepared for a great time next season!

The Results:

1	DH Race on Saturday, Dec 5
2	Place	Name	Time
3	1	Bobby Unser	1:34.25
4	2	Ian Fitzpatrick	1:36.06
5	3	Phil Vega	1:39.40
6	4	Doug Riipinen	1:40.84
7	5	Ian Butler	1:43.24
8	6	Sean Barnes	1:44.22
9	7	Max Dolar	1:44.93
10	8	Brent Moshmann	1:47.59
11	9	Jackson Negri	1:51.17
12	10	Austin Nelson	1:51.65

Here are a few more images taken by Semi-Pro Photog, Toby Biery.  Enjoy!


Austen Nelson in a speed tuck. 


Anyone got a clever nickname for this momentum robbing flat section?  It doesn't look like it's gonna give
Max any problems. 


 Ian 1.



Ian 2

Joyride just received the first batch of Bike Park Beans, the box smells delicious!  Unfortunately things fell through with our first local vendor causing the delay, but there are some great benefits from working with our new vendor, Kinetic Coffee.  You'll be glad to know that Bike Park Beans are now Certified Organic beans that are roasted in small batches and immediately packaged and shipped for freshness.  We will always order in small quantities ensuring maximum freshness.  Second - after a few concerns about the price, we have decided to lower the price of a 12oz bag to $9.99, from $11.49.   We realize times are tough, hopefully this will help.   For those who previously purchased bags at the higher price, you will receive a discount with your next in-store purchase at Joyride.  Just let us know.

Bike Park Beans can be purchased in store, or on-line at - https://joyride.worldsecuresystems.com/_product_58873/Joyride_Bike_Park_Beans_Coffee.  50% of the proceeds are donated to the Idaho Velodrome And Cycling Park.


The first bag of "Bike Park Beans".

 

Some of you may be aware of our idea to raise money for the Idaho Velodrome And Cycling Park by selling coffee, some of you may not.  Either way, we hope you will support this fundraiser so we can see our cycling community flourish.  There isn't another bike park like ours anywhere, so we must not take it for granted.  It's up to us to make sure the park continues to thrive. 

Please click below to place your orders and find out more:

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Nothing is quite as great as watching a kid fall in love with love with bikes!  This will be a great event to come out and support, especially if you have children or know one who you'd like to pass your skills on to.  Details below: