Fifth roundย of popular enduro series takes riders just over the California border into Ashland, Oregon

Words and photos by Called To Creation; video by Sebastian Bauer and Mitch Nuyens

Beautiful temps and perfect trail conditions greeted racers on July 16 at the fifth round of the California Enduro Series โ€“ the Hope Technology Ltd Ashland Mountain Challenge put on by the dedicated crew with Ashland Mountain Adventures. Just over the California border in Oregon, Ashland provided pine trails for miles and solid elevation gain/descend for four stages of amazing enduro action.

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Kathy Pruitt splits through the trees on stage 3 during practice.

Riders weave through the moss-covered trees during practice Friday.

Riders weave through the moss-covered trees during practice Friday.

A rider rails through the green switchbacks on stage 3 during practice.

A rider rails through the green switchbacks on stage 3 during practice.

Cory Sullivan relaxes after his first stage race run at the top of stage 4.

Cory Sullivan relaxes after his first stage race run at the top of stage 4.

Nathan Riddle in the start gate on stage 4. He would finish 1st Pro Men.

Nathan Riddle in the start gate on stage 4. He would finish 1st Pro Men.

Scott Chapin looked quick in the rollers on BTI.  He would finish 4th in Pro Men.

Scott Chapin looked quick in the rollers on BTI. He would finish 4th in Pro Men.

The after race scene is always good at the Ashland Mountain Challenge.  Racers had a beer garden to drink from, a good salad with pesto pasta and raffle prizes all to look forward to at the end of the day.

The after race scene is always good at the Ashland Mountain Challenge. Racers had a beer garden to drink from, a good salad with pesto pasta and raffle prizes all to look forward to at the end of the day.

Van Life.  Scott Seymour and his family took two sprinters to the event from the Mariposa Ca area.  We caught up to them on Interstate 5 right as they passed Mt. Shasta.  Scott would finish 3 in the Sport Men Category while his Wife, Rachel, leads the series in Beginner Woman.

Van Life. Scott Seymour and his family took two sprinters to the event from the Mariposa CA area. We caught up to them on Interstate 5 right as they passed Mt. Shasta. Scott would finish 3 in the Sport Men Category while his Wife, Rachel, leads the series in Beginner Woman.

Speaking of Mt. Shasta, it really is an impressive site, with one of the largest rises in the U.S. it is a prominent geographical feature in the region.

Speaking of Mt. Shasta, it really is an impressive site, with one of the largest rises in the U.S. it is a prominent geographical feature in the region.

TRP Brake Zone winners were Ryan Gorman at 33.9mph for the men and Amy Morrison at 30.4mph. Amy and Kathy Pruitt were were just behind Morrison. through the zone.

TRP Brake Zone winners were Ryan Gorman at 33.9mph for the men and Amy Morrison at 30.4mph. Kathy Pruitt and Amy Openn were were just behind Morrison. through the zone.

Winners of the Rabobank KOM / QOM on stage 3: Pro Men: Ryan Gardner Pro Women: Adele Mery Expert Men: Nick Gallizioli Expert Women: Meave Dudley Sport Men: Trenton Guthrie Sport Women: Amy Oppen Beginner Men: Pete Schmidt Beginner Women: Rachel Seymour.

Winners of the Rabobank KOM / QOM on stage 3: Pro Men: Ryan Gardner Pro Women: Adele Mery Expert Men: Nick Gallizioli Expert Women: Meave Dudley Sport Men: Trenton Guthrie Sport Women: Amy Oppen Beginner Men: Pete Schmidt Beginner Women: Rachel Seymour.

Pro Women's Podium - 1st place: Adele Mery 30:28.5, 2nd place: Kathy Pruitt 30.38.5, 3rd place: Amy Morrison 30:54.4, 4th place: Essence Barton 31:40.4, 5th place: Janea Perry 32:03.8

Pro Women’s Podium – 1st place: Adele Mery 30:28.5, 2nd place: Kathy Pruitt 30.38.5, 3rd place: Amy Morrison 30:54.4, 4th place: Essence Barton 31:40.4, 5th place: Janea Perry 32:03.8

Pro Men's Champagne Shower - 1st place: Nathan Riddle 27:00.4, 2nd place: Ryan Gardner 27:06.5, 3rd place: Cory Sullivan 27:10.4, 4th place: Scott Chapin 27:19.8, 5th place: Dillon Santos 27:29.2

Pro Men’s Champagne Shower – 1st place: Nathan Riddle 27:00.4, 2nd place: Ryan Gardner 27:06.5, 3rd place: Cory Sullivan 27:10.4, 4th place: Scott Chapin 27:19.8, 5th place: Dillon Santos 27:29.2

Stay tuned for race results and a full recap. Join us August 27-28 for round six โ€“ and Golden Tour round 2 โ€“ the Northstar Enduro at Northstar California Resort in Truckee!

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