California Enduro Series Round 2 Recap: VP EnduroFest at China Peak

06/25/2014

High elevation race puts the “endure” into enduro
Words by Michele Lamelin, Photos by Called To Creation

Loose dirt and chunky rocks set the tone for the race. Jackie Harlow made short work of the course for a 3rd place finish in Expert Women.

200 racers converged in the Sierra mountains near Huntington Lake for the series’ second stop—the VP EnduroFest at China Peak Mountain Resort in Lakeshore.

Running at high elevation, the event featured a course that put the “endure” into enduro, with arduous transfer climbs (no lift access!) and technically demanding timed downhill stages on chunky, dusty and loose terrain. The 7 mile course for beginners and juniors included 1500’ of climbing and 2 downhill stages, while all other categories took on 14 miles, with 3000’ of climbing and 3 challenging descents.

The three day event featured camping, meals, live music, an outdoor movie screening of Arrival, sponsor expo area, and the infamous bonus stage 4—a refreshing plunge into a nearby swimming hole.

A $5000 purse went to the pros and all winners received spectacular prizes courtesy event and series sponsors. All racers received free lift access for their next visit courtesy China Peak Mountain Resort.

Pro Women Podium
1 Amy Morrison (Mike’s Bikes)
2 Rachel Throop (GT/SRAM/Kenda/Troy Lee Designs)
3 Jackie Swider
4 Christine Hirst (Cycleworld)
5 Lauren Gregg (FOX)

Pro Men Podium
1 Jeremiah Newman (Felt/WTB)
2 Jeff Kendall-Weed (Team Ibis-Retro Cellars)
3 Jon Buckell (Incycle ODI)
4 Scott Chapin (Santa Cruz)
5 Casey Coffman (Felt/VP/Kenda/SR Suntour/Smith)

FULL RACE RESULTS
SERIES STANDINGS
SERIES SCHEDULE

Marin Bikes Mount Vision C-XM8 raffle
Proceeds benefit California Enduro Series
FOX 2015 36 fork raffle
Proceed benefit Stafford Lake Bike Park and Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz flow trail project at Soquel Demonstration State Forest

Jeremiah Newman (Felt/WTB) pinned through the soft steeps to a 1st place pro mens win. — Jeremiah Newman (Felt WTB) pinned through the soft steeps to a 1st place Pro Men win.

Amy Morrison (Mike’s Bikes) crushed the stage 3 tech gnar to a 1st place pro womens win. — Amy Morrison (Mike’s Bikes) crushed the stage 3 tech gnar to a 1st place Pro Women win.

No lift access to the top on race day. Riders climbed. And climbed. Then climbed some more.

Another excellent showing of juniors at this round of the series. Nicholas Gallizioli (Scotts Valley Cycle Sport) railed the course for the win in his category.

Jeff Kendall-Weed (Team Ibis-Retro Cellars) made it look easy. — Jeff Kendall-Weed (Team Ibis-Retro Cellars) made it look easy on his way to 2nd place Pro Men.

Riders who excel at navigating highly technical terrain were in their element on stage 3. James Bradley charged his way to 2nd place in his category. — Riders who excel at navigating highly technical terrain were in their element on stage 3. James Bradley charged his way to 2nd place in Sport Men 50+.

Bottom line, a fine day of enduro. Just ask Moby. He'll tell ya all about it. — Bottom line, a fine day of enduro. Just ask Moby. He’ll tell ya all about it.

06/25/2014

byASJ Staff

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