Fluidride Cup #2 Superpost
"Downhill Gravity Racing is alive and striving this weekend!" exclaimed Fluidride Owner/Racer Simon Lawton. "270 Racers from Canada, Idaho, Colorado, Northern California, Oregon and Washington." He reviews. A smile of great accomplishment comes across his face as he prepares his team for the weekend. Discussion quickly turned to the Dual Slalom as the pits were starting to make bets..........
Lots of pictures and video clips to show the action that went down! (DH Racer Pun)Arriving in Port Angeles Washington Friday May 9th.
Carl Warren, Robholio and myself make the event site at 5pm, we quickly meet videographer Miles Sullivan then we immediately goof off by unloading the hardtails to play on the Dual Slalom course. We literally enjoyed ourselves for a good hour but the attention turned to "walking the DH course' for inspection of the new sections they added for both Pro/Experts and Sport classes.
We put the bikes away and "inspected" the new section called "Justice", a very technical steep left off-camber about 80 feet in length with huge roots, a small 2 and a half foot rock drop on loose thick shale rock. The track then zigs-zags down to the old step-up (which was taken out) making it 'simple for all', the course was basically the same from there if you attended race #1.
![photo]()
![photo]()
![photo]()
We all retreat to our lodging for dinner and preparation for a weekend of racing. Many racers spent the evening working on bikes and others partake in vices of the liquid sorts. I figured the ones that worked on their bikes 'wanted to podium' and the onces that drank and smoked 'wanted to have fun'. A perfect recipe for a fun event.
Saturday May 10th Sign In/Practice and Dual Slalom Event
We arrive back at the Dry Hill Event site to meet up with Rockgardn Sales Rep Vic Sandrin, he beats the rush to registration and prepares for practice. There's a long line building so Robholio and myself patiently wait our turn. Pre-registering saves you time and money which left me with just having to sign the liability waiver and paying a $40 fee for DH (Dual SL is another $20). This becomes very surreal for me because within an hour my weekend changed. Signing that waiver means you're your own judge out there on course and when you fail (god forbids it to happens to anyone)- you're the one paying the price. Read what you signed!
With our fee's paid and # plates in hand (if you're a new racer) we all excitedly head to our pits to suit up. After walking the new section last night called "Justice" I knew it would be smart to wear an upper body piece for practice (and race). Geared up, bike ready, we head to the shuttle line for our first run of the day. Miles decides to come with me to see the track. We load up in the Budget Rental Truck for 15 mins of wobbly, almost domino falling ride to the top. It's a short walk to the start platform where everyone gathers and prepares for a run. Miles and I wait for a few racers to clear out, then we both agreed it was time to roll.
What I'm about to write in this article is going to give most of you a huge 'doggie-downer' type mood, but please stick with me. I learned a valuable lesson that needs to shared.
I lead Miles (my trusty riding partner) out of the gate and we pedal halfway down the first straight, coasting into the first right turn that drops quickly into the first jump. I remember how calm I felt, I was overly relaxed and when at decent speed I line up for the first jump. My bike kicked up like a Bronco at a rodeo and at 30+ MPH, 4 feet off the ground it pitched me "over the bars" and I got spanked. I remember everything in super slow motion, my right arm ended up taking most of the impact. I'll say this from here on out- ROCKGARDN ARMOR SAVED MY LIFE! I tumbled pretty far, my bike bounces off my thigh saving my new Brodie Devo from any and all damage. Pain is reeling everywhere and when I move my right arm I felt the classic crunch of bone on bone. Added to my misery is the worst case of roadrash I have ever received. Can you say SPANKED?
Miles quickly attends to me and clears my bike off the course. George Smith and I believe it was his grandson arrive next, they stop to see if I needed any help. I replied yes to get Medical help. This is the moment were your either screwed because you don't have any 'health insurance' or you achieve a piece of mind knowing you have the insurance covered. This was now something I once took for granted, but it has literally saved me and my new family from financial peril. If you're racing DH without insurance then your playing a game of 'Russian Roulette', if there's anything I can direct you all too- it's getting your bases covered by having it. Excluding Canada, we all wish we had your healthcare system.
I personally want to thank Coast Guard EMT Mike for stabilizing me, Shaun of the Olympic Dirt Society for getting me to the hospital and Lars Sternberg for jumping in the ambulance to see if I was OK. Huge thanks to everyone who assisted and Miles for handling one ugly situation. I ended up getting some meds, a few xrays, a weak prognosis which made me ask to be splinted up and kicked out. I needed to get to my surgeons at home was my "Get out of Emergency" card. Although I ended up returning to the race venue to focus on 'reporting' since I could not race and I made it in time for DUAL FREAKING SLALOM!
Dual Slalom began with a 2pm qualifier which allowed everyone to get one good rip without racing anyone. Most likely the racer you lined up with is in another class, once you get seeded then its head to head elimination. And now to paint in your heads a description of the course:
Out of the covered start platform and down a 30 foot ramp into 3 break-a-way gates into the first side by berms. An off camber right turn with water bar airs you into the next right turn, over the first tabletop, into a 'snake' of 5 bermed out turns, over a step up roller, through another off camber section with 2 more gates, you enter the last hard left berm, one more step-up roller to an off-camber turn which sets you up for the final straight shot of decently large gaps to double to a finish line. Its average time is 30 seconds from start to finish.
![photo]()
Dual Slalom Results
Pro/Semi Pro Men
1st Lars Sternberg Fluidride/Ironhorse
2nd Casey Northern Fluidride
3rd Ethan Mutoli Rotec
4th Ben Storrar Sobe/Cannondale
Pro/Semi Pro Women
1st Leanna Gerrard Cannondale
2nd Katie Holden
3rd Chelsea Stevens
4th Lesley Simpsion
Senior Men
1st Bradford Tibbs
2nd Luciuno Worl
3rd Josh Carruthers
4th Zach McDonald
Jr Men
1st Marcus Watson
Jr Women
1st Cheyenne Smith
MOTHERS DAY, SUNDAY May 11th DOWNHILL
Now all of you know I'm busted up-right elbow is broken, my entire right side has a wicked road rash that is firing like molten lava and too boot it's Mothers Day. When I left my home in Hood River Oregon, my wife emphasized how disappointed she was that a race was scheduled today and her last words to me were of course "be safe!". Once I got hurt, I was on the phone to tell her the news. So its been 12+ hours of calls to see how I'm doing and walking around for another full day was not the words she wanted to hear from me. I look back as I write this and I'm thinking "Why did I stay?" and without any regrets I say "To watch some racing!".
So going from 'racer to journalist' in one misfortunate crash I immediately walk to the finish line base area to talk racing. I got lots of looks from the shuttle line and even more 'Get Wells!" but it was hard to escape the "Oh man, what happened?" I simply replied "I got spanked on 'White Knuckle' on the first jump." I will never forget what Fluidride and Olympic Dirt Society's Casey Northern said as he confessed "I fear going down right there!"
That's when I get a long list of downed racers. Most where victims of the new 'Justice' line and I was shocked to hear Dirt Corps Chase Jones was added to the list. I wish all 11 racers (me being the 12 total) a very speedy recovery.
So without anymore delay, I'm stoked to introduce the Shovelpick Productions video shot by Miles Sullivan of the Fluidride Cup Downhill and Dual Slalom- Enjoy!
![photo]()
![photo]()
![photo]()
Here are some great Black&White shots by Carl Warren:
![photo]()
![photo]()
![photo]()
Out on the course, the best place for witnessing carnage was on 'Justice'. Many people made the walk to get a decent eye on the 'most exciting' part of the track. Let me tell you how awesome it was to watch racers come down one by one and by the massive noise generated by the crowd each racer received a bit more adrenaline on the spot. A few racers had the 'Grave-digger' moment and pulled off amazing saves where a small hand-full gave the gallery a reason to cover their eyes.
![photo]()
Agnes reaction after seeing her BF Phil Weiring go out of control as he was leaving 'Justice'- He claims he crashed which I still refuse to accept.
![photo]()
Here's a funny sequence of me showing Pablo and Lars the Casey Kauffman crash into the tree.
![photo]()
Well all good days must eventually come to an end and this race goes down as another great race. Most mill around the base area, either talking about their runs or patiently waiting for the massive raffle/awards to start. I opt to hit the road and miss the podium shots knowing somebody would get the Pro Mens podium but no. I did find the ladies podium here and after race hairstyling here.
To get a full list of results go here.
Miles was already an hour out when I collected Robholio and Carl for the drive home. We all had a buzz from the race. Witnessing our friends and competitors give it their best against the clock was a great memory. A stop for some food and fuel provided the energy to drive the 5 hours home. I ask Robholio how he placed and he confessed he was the caboose of his class but since he was recovering from a broken leg he had the look of 'racing is in my blood' again. Which brings up a great point of the old adage "if you fall off the horse, you have to get back on" and he had a sense of accomplishment. Meanwhile Carl starts shoving pics in my face (yes, I'm driving) and is like a little kid with a playboy. We arrive back home in Hood River, Oregon by 9pm.
![photo]()
Once home I immediately contact a surgeon and get his opinion on my arm damage, it took a total of 8 days to finally get looked at by Dr Mark Buehler, Oregon's Best Hand Surgeon who has the most experience repairing this type of break. On the 9th day at 3pm, I went under, I'm currently in my 6th day of repair and I'm a bit stir crazy, but the big picture is this- I had an accident and thanks to the people that love me, I had insurance. My hospital estimate so far for repair is at 30K, that's a huge # for enjoying an activity you love. So the lesson or advice I'm trying to instill from my mis-fortunate crash is please don't race without it. Especially on races on or around 'Mothers Day!'
![photo]()
Next race, I'll be walking around and ringing my cowbell as my season is over, I've 'penciled-in' a goal to run the last race in Sept, but I have to get my wife to support it. I have to get her trust back or I'll have to live with unfinished goals and I don't leave anything unfinished. Looking forward to the next race and cheering you all on!
In review of the Fluidride #2 SUPERPOST I can't forget to point out the crews that made the event possible. Petr Kakes, the man behind Hurricane Racing provides the best timing operation that can easily rival a World Cup event and his staff handles everything with a smile. All the hard work the Fluidride staff does to assist from Lars getting the sponsors to the shuttle drivers moving hundreds of racers for 3 days to all the local vendors that provided pizza/coffee refreshments. My favorite crew was the EMT's and Ambulance Drivers that were on site to assist the downed riders. And I can't forget the Olympic Dirt Society for all the new work they did even on Saturday to remove a tree for safety. Huge thanks to all sponsors (forgive me if I failed anyone!)
-Mike Estes, postcanyonloc
Fluidride
Hurricane Racing
Maxxis
Fox Racing Shox
Transition
Republik MTB Apparel
Stevens Pass
Lots of pictures and video clips to show the action that went down! (DH Racer Pun)Arriving in Port Angeles Washington Friday May 9th.
Carl Warren, Robholio and myself make the event site at 5pm, we quickly meet videographer Miles Sullivan then we immediately goof off by unloading the hardtails to play on the Dual Slalom course. We literally enjoyed ourselves for a good hour but the attention turned to "walking the DH course' for inspection of the new sections they added for both Pro/Experts and Sport classes.
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
We put the bikes away and "inspected" the new section called "Justice", a very technical steep left off-camber about 80 feet in length with huge roots, a small 2 and a half foot rock drop on loose thick shale rock. The track then zigs-zags down to the old step-up (which was taken out) making it 'simple for all', the course was basically the same from there if you attended race #1.
We all retreat to our lodging for dinner and preparation for a weekend of racing. Many racers spent the evening working on bikes and others partake in vices of the liquid sorts. I figured the ones that worked on their bikes 'wanted to podium' and the onces that drank and smoked 'wanted to have fun'. A perfect recipe for a fun event.
Saturday May 10th Sign In/Practice and Dual Slalom Event
We arrive back at the Dry Hill Event site to meet up with Rockgardn Sales Rep Vic Sandrin, he beats the rush to registration and prepares for practice. There's a long line building so Robholio and myself patiently wait our turn. Pre-registering saves you time and money which left me with just having to sign the liability waiver and paying a $40 fee for DH (Dual SL is another $20). This becomes very surreal for me because within an hour my weekend changed. Signing that waiver means you're your own judge out there on course and when you fail (god forbids it to happens to anyone)- you're the one paying the price. Read what you signed!
 |  |  |  |
With our fee's paid and # plates in hand (if you're a new racer) we all excitedly head to our pits to suit up. After walking the new section last night called "Justice" I knew it would be smart to wear an upper body piece for practice (and race). Geared up, bike ready, we head to the shuttle line for our first run of the day. Miles decides to come with me to see the track. We load up in the Budget Rental Truck for 15 mins of wobbly, almost domino falling ride to the top. It's a short walk to the start platform where everyone gathers and prepares for a run. Miles and I wait for a few racers to clear out, then we both agreed it was time to roll.
What I'm about to write in this article is going to give most of you a huge 'doggie-downer' type mood, but please stick with me. I learned a valuable lesson that needs to shared.
I lead Miles (my trusty riding partner) out of the gate and we pedal halfway down the first straight, coasting into the first right turn that drops quickly into the first jump. I remember how calm I felt, I was overly relaxed and when at decent speed I line up for the first jump. My bike kicked up like a Bronco at a rodeo and at 30+ MPH, 4 feet off the ground it pitched me "over the bars" and I got spanked. I remember everything in super slow motion, my right arm ended up taking most of the impact. I'll say this from here on out- ROCKGARDN ARMOR SAVED MY LIFE! I tumbled pretty far, my bike bounces off my thigh saving my new Brodie Devo from any and all damage. Pain is reeling everywhere and when I move my right arm I felt the classic crunch of bone on bone. Added to my misery is the worst case of roadrash I have ever received. Can you say SPANKED?
Miles quickly attends to me and clears my bike off the course. George Smith and I believe it was his grandson arrive next, they stop to see if I needed any help. I replied yes to get Medical help. This is the moment were your either screwed because you don't have any 'health insurance' or you achieve a piece of mind knowing you have the insurance covered. This was now something I once took for granted, but it has literally saved me and my new family from financial peril. If you're racing DH without insurance then your playing a game of 'Russian Roulette', if there's anything I can direct you all too- it's getting your bases covered by having it. Excluding Canada, we all wish we had your healthcare system.
 |  |  |  |
I personally want to thank Coast Guard EMT Mike for stabilizing me, Shaun of the Olympic Dirt Society for getting me to the hospital and Lars Sternberg for jumping in the ambulance to see if I was OK. Huge thanks to everyone who assisted and Miles for handling one ugly situation. I ended up getting some meds, a few xrays, a weak prognosis which made me ask to be splinted up and kicked out. I needed to get to my surgeons at home was my "Get out of Emergency" card. Although I ended up returning to the race venue to focus on 'reporting' since I could not race and I made it in time for DUAL FREAKING SLALOM!
Dual Slalom began with a 2pm qualifier which allowed everyone to get one good rip without racing anyone. Most likely the racer you lined up with is in another class, once you get seeded then its head to head elimination. And now to paint in your heads a description of the course:
Out of the covered start platform and down a 30 foot ramp into 3 break-a-way gates into the first side by berms. An off camber right turn with water bar airs you into the next right turn, over the first tabletop, into a 'snake' of 5 bermed out turns, over a step up roller, through another off camber section with 2 more gates, you enter the last hard left berm, one more step-up roller to an off-camber turn which sets you up for the final straight shot of decently large gaps to double to a finish line. Its average time is 30 seconds from start to finish.
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
Dual Slalom Results
Pro/Semi Pro Men
1st Lars Sternberg Fluidride/Ironhorse
2nd Casey Northern Fluidride
3rd Ethan Mutoli Rotec
4th Ben Storrar Sobe/Cannondale
Pro/Semi Pro Women
1st Leanna Gerrard Cannondale
2nd Katie Holden
3rd Chelsea Stevens
4th Lesley Simpsion
Senior Men
1st Bradford Tibbs
2nd Luciuno Worl
3rd Josh Carruthers
4th Zach McDonald
Jr Men
1st Marcus Watson
Jr Women
1st Cheyenne Smith
MOTHERS DAY, SUNDAY May 11th DOWNHILL
Now all of you know I'm busted up-right elbow is broken, my entire right side has a wicked road rash that is firing like molten lava and too boot it's Mothers Day. When I left my home in Hood River Oregon, my wife emphasized how disappointed she was that a race was scheduled today and her last words to me were of course "be safe!". Once I got hurt, I was on the phone to tell her the news. So its been 12+ hours of calls to see how I'm doing and walking around for another full day was not the words she wanted to hear from me. I look back as I write this and I'm thinking "Why did I stay?" and without any regrets I say "To watch some racing!".
So going from 'racer to journalist' in one misfortunate crash I immediately walk to the finish line base area to talk racing. I got lots of looks from the shuttle line and even more 'Get Wells!" but it was hard to escape the "Oh man, what happened?" I simply replied "I got spanked on 'White Knuckle' on the first jump." I will never forget what Fluidride and Olympic Dirt Society's Casey Northern said as he confessed "I fear going down right there!"
That's when I get a long list of downed racers. Most where victims of the new 'Justice' line and I was shocked to hear Dirt Corps Chase Jones was added to the list. I wish all 11 racers (me being the 12 total) a very speedy recovery.
So without anymore delay, I'm stoked to introduce the Shovelpick Productions video shot by Miles Sullivan of the Fluidride Cup Downhill and Dual Slalom- Enjoy!
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |
Here are some great Black&White shots by Carl Warren:
 |  |  |
Out on the course, the best place for witnessing carnage was on 'Justice'. Many people made the walk to get a decent eye on the 'most exciting' part of the track. Let me tell you how awesome it was to watch racers come down one by one and by the massive noise generated by the crowd each racer received a bit more adrenaline on the spot. A few racers had the 'Grave-digger' moment and pulled off amazing saves where a small hand-full gave the gallery a reason to cover their eyes.
Agnes reaction after seeing her BF Phil Weiring go out of control as he was leaving 'Justice'- He claims he crashed which I still refuse to accept.
 |  |  |  |
Here's a funny sequence of me showing Pablo and Lars the Casey Kauffman crash into the tree.
 |  |  |
Well all good days must eventually come to an end and this race goes down as another great race. Most mill around the base area, either talking about their runs or patiently waiting for the massive raffle/awards to start. I opt to hit the road and miss the podium shots knowing somebody would get the Pro Mens podium but no. I did find the ladies podium here and after race hairstyling here.
To get a full list of results go here.
 |  |  |  |
Miles was already an hour out when I collected Robholio and Carl for the drive home. We all had a buzz from the race. Witnessing our friends and competitors give it their best against the clock was a great memory. A stop for some food and fuel provided the energy to drive the 5 hours home. I ask Robholio how he placed and he confessed he was the caboose of his class but since he was recovering from a broken leg he had the look of 'racing is in my blood' again. Which brings up a great point of the old adage "if you fall off the horse, you have to get back on" and he had a sense of accomplishment. Meanwhile Carl starts shoving pics in my face (yes, I'm driving) and is like a little kid with a playboy. We arrive back home in Hood River, Oregon by 9pm.
Once home I immediately contact a surgeon and get his opinion on my arm damage, it took a total of 8 days to finally get looked at by Dr Mark Buehler, Oregon's Best Hand Surgeon who has the most experience repairing this type of break. On the 9th day at 3pm, I went under, I'm currently in my 6th day of repair and I'm a bit stir crazy, but the big picture is this- I had an accident and thanks to the people that love me, I had insurance. My hospital estimate so far for repair is at 30K, that's a huge # for enjoying an activity you love. So the lesson or advice I'm trying to instill from my mis-fortunate crash is please don't race without it. Especially on races on or around 'Mothers Day!'
Next race, I'll be walking around and ringing my cowbell as my season is over, I've 'penciled-in' a goal to run the last race in Sept, but I have to get my wife to support it. I have to get her trust back or I'll have to live with unfinished goals and I don't leave anything unfinished. Looking forward to the next race and cheering you all on!
In review of the Fluidride #2 SUPERPOST I can't forget to point out the crews that made the event possible. Petr Kakes, the man behind Hurricane Racing provides the best timing operation that can easily rival a World Cup event and his staff handles everything with a smile. All the hard work the Fluidride staff does to assist from Lars getting the sponsors to the shuttle drivers moving hundreds of racers for 3 days to all the local vendors that provided pizza/coffee refreshments. My favorite crew was the EMT's and Ambulance Drivers that were on site to assist the downed riders. And I can't forget the Olympic Dirt Society for all the new work they did even on Saturday to remove a tree for safety. Huge thanks to all sponsors (forgive me if I failed anyone!)
-Mike Estes, postcanyonloc
Fluidride
Hurricane Racing
Maxxis
Fox Racing Shox
Transition
Republik MTB Apparel
Stevens Pass
Author Info:
Member since Apr 23, 2007
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A few more weeks, Mike, a few more weeks!!