Firestone Walker Race

[Zark]

Well its back and they are having a DH race too this year. I've emailed Mike and will be working on the DH course and finding out some good info.

http://www.ridesb.com/Firestone_04.htm

[Zark]

The race is in April and a lot of the course has to be cut still. Anyone in the SB area interested in helping should contact me or Mike Hecker, the race promoter.

This Saturday at 1pm were doing some work if your up for it.

[Orvan]

granting we have our team bikes then, I'm in

[Zark]

Well I just walked the course today and did a little work. The length is about 1.5 miles. It will be very fast and has a couple natural hits. One spot we discussed will have a very high speed ridgeline section shooting up a little hill, at the top of the hill will be a bermed tight corner that doubles back.

The one natural drop will be in the 6'-12' depending on how fast you hit it. Its gonna have a roll around line, but it will penalyze you.

I'm excited but ther is a ton of work to do before she's ready. Monkies in the SB area who wanna help, let me know.

Oh another thing, its a freakin beautful location, rolling hills and oak trees right next to the Firestone vineyards.

[ghostrider]

Hey Zark, thanks for the info. Any idea if it is possible to ride the XC course this time of year to check it out?

[Zark]

Negative Mike, for one this the ground is like a sponge out there right now. Nothing is marked and its all on private property too:D There might be an oppurtunity to ride it closer to the race though, I'll let you know.

[marlopez]

wow i will definitely race this. if i cant make enough money from the job that i dont have yet to buy a new bike, i will have to borrow a dh bike.
zark how many bikes do you have?
-mario

[Zark]

This weekend Sunday 2/15 There will be trail building event for the Firestone DH course. Work goes form 12-4:30pm, bring tools, water and snacks
Please pm me if you need directions

Noah

[Li'l Dave]

If I go downhilling on Saturday, I'll for sure go out there and help all day on Sunday. Are you able to give me a ride out there Noah? I'd love to help, but have no car or anything. I could help pay for lunch, or whatever. Let me know.

[Zark]

no worries, pm me and we'll set it up Dave.

[Li'l Dave]

Nice, that would be sweet. I might meet up with this kid Daniel and ride some trails this weekend on my new bike, I just hope he wants to do that on Saturday.

[Spunger]

How long is this DH course? Is it a short one?

I almost thought about entering the race for DH just to do something different, plus for all I know my slowness on a different course may not be a factor :)

I've been getting use to the DH bike but still got a ways to go. Now that the sun stays out later I hopefully can ride more than normal.

No DH until sunday though if at all. Valentines day is sat..........no riding on that day :(

[Zark]

a little course update. We had another session of work today. Mike Hecker (the promoter) and the rest of us went at it and made some cool stuff and I rode it for the first time. The course is still rough in spots and not close to done, but fun! The time right now is around 2 minutes (pretty short, i know) but may be a little longer before its done.

[Zark]

Here is the landing for what should be a pretty fun jump section. Very steep and fast.

[Zark]

here is a view near the top. Most of the course follows a ridge line. The views are pretty nice too;)

[Zark]

Allan flying down the trail:D

[Zark]

A view of our days work:)

[Zark]

Alston zipping down under an oak tree.

[Li'l Dave]

That looks awesome Noah, next weekend for sure I'll be down. Cold Springs just messed me up yesterday. I rode with Duncan Riffle, I've never been dropped so fast in my life.

[hecktone]

Originally posted by Zark
here is a view near the top. Most of the course follows a ridge line. The views are pretty nice too;)

Zark, thanks for all the hard work! The course is really coming along:D

Mike

[fusion_prncss]

Looks like you've got some good times ahead of you! Send me some pics next week. Tell Dave I said watch out for the purple flowers! And say hi to Andrew Firestone for me :devil:

[Zark]

All right folks another work weekend coming up (2/21-22). A fun one too. The tractor came up to the course and generated some dirt for jumps and Allan rutted in some lines on his quad. Saturday and Sunday are a berm and jump building fest. We are meeting at 11:30 on site and working till 3pm, then riding till dark.

If you are in the area (or willing to drive) get some tools, water, food and bike and gear and head on out. pm me for directions and all that good stuff!

[Zark]

Well weather can't stop us! Our Saturday was productive, one berm mostly done, and two other smaller jumps were made. It take a lot of folks to make a berm with the hill so off-camber.

[Zark]

Heres Dave bustin on a new hit. Were thinking one more railroad tie would do nicely here;)

[Zark]

here's me rolling up to the hit

[Zark]

and about a second later:D

[Zark]

Ummm... can you say fast? This course is gonna be blazin fast!

[Zark]

One must push though:p We'll have a shuttle for the race I swear!:D More diggin and pics to come tomorrow. Thanks to all who helped today!

[marlopez]

noah! course looks sick!!

i cant wait, couple people from poly are coming to race

[Orvan]

Originally posted by Zark
Ummm... can you say fast? This course is gonna be blazin fast!

Wish I can help out.
Noah, if they let you break ground, maybe a lil calming measure can be added to "slow" this section down.. :D

[Zark]

Originally posted by Orven
Wish I can help out.
Noah, if they let you break ground, maybe a lil calming measure can be added to "slow" this section down.. :D

LOL yes, there is some stuff planned for that hill. First order of business right now is a 60 foot berm around an off camber:eek:

I'll keep those suggestions in mind, they are pretty much what I'm thinking of too:cool:

[hecktone]

Noah, hey as for those suggections I couldn't read what Orven had inserted into the picture ...

MH:confused:

[beaverbiker]

i cant wait for this race. im definitely going to be there. especially with it being only an hour away. i have one question though. why berm up all the offcamber stuff?

[Li'l Dave]

There is this really wierd offcamber section where having a berm will be nice, you'll be able to keep a lot better speed through it, its kinda uphill.

[hecktone]

Today in the pouring rain seven of us 100% crazy trail builders worked for a few hours and acomplished a few things.

Finishing the railroad tie jump by adding a 4th tie and back filling it. Then we worked on the off camber berm section. At one point Dr. Dave was actually on his hands and knees smoothing it out like wet cement!

This course is going to be sweet! I might have to borrow a DH bike so that I can ride the course myself.

Hopefully it will dry out this week and we can get back up there next weekend.

I think Zark will be adding some pics of todays rainfest a bit later.

MH :nuts:

[Zark]

It was pretty wet and cold by this point. Thanks t everybody nuts enough to show today:)

[Zark]

Originally posted by beaverbiker
i cant wait for this race. im definitely going to be there. especially with it being only an hour away. i have one question though. why berm up all the offcamber stuff?

There are plenty of off camber sections on the course. It looked like a fun feature to add in.

[Orvan]

Originally posted by Zark
There are plenty of off camber sections on the course. It looked like a fun feature to add in.

Bermed chicane are tits!

909

[juslookin]

You should leave some off camber...more technical and less work!! Just a suggestion??

[Li'l Dave]

When did you guys go up there today? And I got caught again bringing my bike into my room. Thanks for holding it for me Noah.

[sod8]

Looks pretty sweet. I'd like to get up there and help out, but school is a bitch. Maybe some time. Not sure if I can justify the cost to race though.

[hecktone]

Compared to other DH entry fees its a deal ... a 2 run format, unlimited pre-rides on Friday before the race and it's in your back yard. :nopity:

[Li'l Dave]

I still say do a 2 man up format, it seems like that would be awesome:D It looks like the course will be fun though, that drop thing was fun.

[sod8]

Originally posted by hecktone
Compared to other DH entry fees its a deal ... a 2 run format, unlimited pre-rides on Friday before the race and it's in your back yard. :nopity:
I realize all that, but racing is not really my thing and there are just so many other things I could use the money for. Plus, it is most likely I will be working on that Fri. I am definitely not trying to say the race is overly priced.

[hecktone]

Originally posted by sod8
Not sure if I can justify the cost to race though. [/B]

Plus I forgot something else, if you stick around the entire weekend not only does your $40 entry fee (the going norm from what I can gather is $43-45) get you unlimitted pre-rides on Friday, a 2 run best combined time format, a local race in SB, but if you come back on sunday you can roam the new improved expo area, win prizes in the huge prize raffle, eat some killer food, listen to some great loacl bands, use your race number to get a FREE GLASS OF FIRESTONE and if your one of the first 500 (XC or DH) to register you even get a FREE FWMTB Weekend pint glass to put your free swill in!

Wow is that justification? :D

[Zark]

Originally posted by Li'l Dave
When did you guys go up there today? And I got caught again bringing my bike into my room. Thanks for holding it for me Noah.

Mike convinced me to go shortly after I saw you, sorry you missed out on the wet muddy fun. We only worked for about 2 hours due to the weather.

[hecktone]

Originally posted by sod8
I realize all that, but racing is not really my thing and there are just so many other things I could use the money for. Plus, it is most likely I will be working on that Fri. I am definitely not trying to say the race is overly priced.

Right on, just didn't want others to take it that way, I try my best to provide races that are a vaule to my peers, and oftn I take things only the way they come across to me.

Hope that you can work your sched out to be able to attend, if you want I'll be glad to speak to your boss:cool:

Mike

[sod8]

Originally posted by hecktone
Right on, just didn't want others to take it that way, I try my best to provide races that are a vaule to my peers, and oftn I take things only the way they come across to me.

Hope that you can work your sched out to be able to attend, if you want I'll be glad to speak to your boss:cool:

Mike
I completely understand, and may have to take you up on your offer;) .

[towelie]

Crap! $45!? To ride my bike 12 miles and drink a glass of beer?! That is almost $4 per mile. I mean, it sounds like fun. I'd probably do it for $10-15, but sheesh...where does the $ go? Insurance?

[ghostrider]

Originally posted by towelie
Crap! $45!? To ride my bike 12 miles and drink a glass of beer?! That is almost $4 per mile. I mean, it sounds like fun. I'd probably do it for $10-15, but sheesh...where does the $ go? Insurance?

You're forgetting the incentive to train (which boils down to an excuse to ride your bike more), a chance to support a local event in a sport you love, a chance to hang with a bunch of like minded individuals and maybe meet some riding buds, there may be some bike-ridin hotties, and last but not least, you still will get more out of it than your monthly cable bill...

[towelie]

Yeah...my wrist has been injured for 4 months now (from a bike crash), so even if I did race, I'm pretty sure I'd finish in the back 25%. I'm just out of practice. So I'm mostly interested in going just to meet other local riders/hang out with like minded indivduals.

My wife would go too, so bump that up to $90. After food, gas, T-shirt, etc. It would probably be a $150-$200 weekend. I want to go, but that is a lot of coin just to hang out for a while and get my ass handed to me.

BTW...I get the most basic Dish Network package. It is only $25/month, and the only reason I pay for TV at all is that I otherwise receive 0 reception where I live.

[hecktone]

Originally posted by towelie
Crap! $45!? To ride my bike 12 miles and drink a glass of beer?! That is almost $4 per mile. I mean, it sounds like fun. I'd probably do it for $10-15, but sheesh...where does the $ go?
Insurance?

Where does the money go?

Misc. items like course markings $1000
1000 number plates @ $.35 ea $350
Rental of the portabale toliets $1000
One roll off dumpster plus dump fee $300
T shirts $2000
Medals $800
Registration Tent $500
Food supplies $2500
ABC permit $40
USAC Permits $400 (3 Events)
CHP permit for the DH Shuttle Truck $500
Renting the Shuttle Truck $400
Timing Services $5000
Additional insurance on the Shuttle Truck $125
Advertizing $3000
Printing costs $1200
Mailing 1500 flyers $700
Insurance surcharge @$2 per rider $1600

This is not everything either.

This event roughly costs $25000 to promote. It is a full time job that I do because I want there to be a local race for all mountain bikers on the Central Coast.

After the event we donate some coin to a local non-profit. Like I said this is a full time job, and often thankless job, that I do out of a sence of service to my sport. I have a real full time job as well. It takes me 10 solid months to do this right. So do the math thats 4 weeks in a month, 40 hours a week, that's 1600 man hours that I the organizer and promoter put into this event. So we get, lets say with the DH this year 800 racers @ $52 (Pre-reg & lunch) that is $41,600. Subtract the $25,000 from that and you get $16,600 divide that by 1600 that comes to $10.37 an hour.

Yep I'm in it for the money all right. Jeez I might just have to quit my real job because this race promoting gig is really starting to pay! Hell maybe I could get a job at a 7-11?

There is a whole lot more to it than just saying hey lets have a mountain bike race, oh what do say? What about here you guys, this looks like a great spot? Luckily the property owner doesn't charge me a site fee. Do you know what one day rental for a wedding is at Firestone Meadow? It's $8500! So thank god that I'm not having to toss that $25,500 on top of the budget.

Then there would be no race.

This race costs less than any other mountain bike race to enter that I know of and you, the racer, my peer, get more than at any other race too. Have you seen the entry fee for Sea Otter or a National or even othe CA State Series Races?

And one more thing there is no guarantee that even enough racers will show to cover all the costs, shoot I might loss my shirt and risk my families future because I chose to give something back to my sport.

I'd be greatful that there is even a race like this to do in my own backyard.

I hope to see you there.

Enjoy the ride,


Mike

:rolleyes: :thumb:

[towelie]

I didn't mean to offend, and I appreciate all your work and dedication.

However, I was merely comparing it to two other races I have experience with. My father in law puts on a half marathon every year. Product promoters and sponsers show up. Entry fee is roughly $20, including a medal for everyone (although I doubt most care about it- but he does), some snacks at the end, watering stations, toilets, timing equipment, etc. etc. Attendance is 300-400 people. He usually turns a tidy profit, though not anywhere near the $17,000 you are expecting. The low thousand dollar range profit is put back into the running club he belongs to. He advertises on a couple of running websites and a running magazine. That is good enough where we get at least some east coast runners every year (the run is in Vancouver Washington)

The last Mtb. race I went to (back when I lived in Ohio) cost about $20 to $25. Granted it wasn't as big of an event as you are putting on, but there was only a fraction as many riders to put up the cash too- maybe 80 riders.

I was suprised at the expense of the timing equipment- over $6 per rider! I sure hope this is something more high tech than a set of timing lights...like maybe individual line-to-line times for each rider regardless of starting position. Otherwise that is one expensive stop watch/timing light/tag collecter. Aren't points based on place rather than time?

Making the DHers pay for their own truck rather than being subsidized by the XCers might help bring the price down (for most) by a couple of bucks. There is about $5k total in advertising too...seems kinda spendy. I've only heard of it via word of mouth (or keyboard, I guess) myself. Aren't T-shirts an extra $12 too?

Maybe with the profits this year you could buy your own timing equipment or tent or something- that might help in the future.

I don't mean to rain on your parade- I really appreciate your devotion and time you put into this event. I'm just saying that $50 is a lot of money to ride 12 miles with other guys, get a time slip, and drink a beer. Maybe it is a good deal for the hardcore racers, but it is definitely a roadblock for people like me who just want to do it for fun.

Since you asked, the SeaOtter entry fee is $45 early/$55 late, and the total prize list is $5000. Perhaps a bigger sponsership might help?

I wish you the best all the same.

-Adam

[hecktone]

Originally posted by towelie
I didn't mean to offend, and I appreciate all your work and dedication.

However, I was merely comparing it to two other races I have experience with. My father in law puts on a half marathon every year. Product promoters and sponsers show up. Entry fee is roughly $20, including a medal for everyone (although I doubt most care about it- but he does), some snacks at the end, watering stations, toilets, timing equipment, etc. etc. Attendance is 300-400 people. He usually turns a tidy profit, though not anywhere near the $17,000 you are expecting. The low thousand dollar range profit is put back into the running club he belongs to. He advertises on a couple of running websites and a running magazine. That is good enough where we get at least some east coast runners every year (the run is in Vancouver Washington)

The last Mtb. race I went to (back when I lived in Ohio) cost about $20 to $25. Granted it wasn't as big of an event as you are putting on, but there was only a fraction as many riders to put up the cash too- maybe 80 riders.

I was suprised at the expense of the timing equipment- over $6 per rider! I sure hope this is something more high tech than a set of timing lights...like maybe individual line-to-line times for each rider regardless of starting position. Otherwise that is one expensive stop watch/timing light/tag collecter. Aren't points based on place rather than time?

Making the DHers pay for their own truck rather than being subsidized by the XCers might help bring the price down (for most) by a couple of bucks. There is about $5k total in advertising too...seems kinda spendy. I've only heard of it via word of mouth (or keyboard, I guess) myself. Aren't T-shirts an extra $12 too?

Maybe with the profits this year you could buy your own timing equipment or tent or something- that might help in the future.

I don't mean to rain on your parade- I really appreciate your devotion and time you put into this event. I'm just saying that $50 is a lot of money to ride 12 miles with other guys, get a time slip, and drink a beer. Maybe it is a good deal for the hardcore racers, but it is definitely a roadblock for people like me who just want to do it for fun.

Since you asked, the SeaOtter entry fee is $45 early/$55 late, and the total prize list is $5000. Perhaps a bigger sponsership might help?

I wish you the best all the same.

-Adam

Adam - I won't go tit for tat with you too much, and yes you did offend me.

But a few things I will touch on.

First this is not a running race. This is a mountain bike race where in the XC aong we have 68 different age groups with differnt start times.

Second we used to time our event with a group from the local running club with their timing equipment and they always screwed it up. So we brought in Tem Big Bear last year and nobody went home without their time and placing.

Third, every racer who finishes in the top 3 will get a medal and some sort of merc prize. Then there is the $5000 prize raffle that every racer receive a ticket for as part of their $40/$46 entry ($10-$9 cheaper than the otter). Your entry at Firestone is not $50 as you stated above. It is only that much if you late to reg or if you choose to buy the great BBQ. There is a $1500 cash purse for the Pro-Semipro XC field, $500 for the Pro Women XC, & $200 Cash for each of the Expert Age Groups. Our total prize list including the raffle is approaching $10,000.

Again for your entry fee you will receive a goody bag filled with Cfif sars and Shots, Platnium Bars, a Raffle Ticket, a FWMTB W Pint Glass (1st 500 racers), and with you number you get on free glass of Firestone. Then after your race you get to hang out at the great Crossroads Meadow on Firestone Vineyard, eat food (if you chose to pay the cheap price for the great BBQ!) listen to great local bands, win a prize in the huge prize raffle, walk the 10 or so expo booths (sponsors), and if you choose to buy more beer you can do so for less $ than your local bar.

Oh wait one more thing. I have been in this sport for 25 years. If I did not promote this race it would not happen. This event does donate to a non-profit, it should be expected to pay for itself, and as the event director, I should expect to get something other than a pat on the back for organizing it.

Do you get paid for your work? You do right?

So I don't see the issue. BTW I used to give each racer their BBQ and a free shirt for their $40, but this cause the race to always finish in the red. I had to change that this year, and frankly I'm bummed about it. Yest the racers do need to pay for the T-Shirt and the BBQ and I hope that this action will pay for both of these features.

I wish it was as easy as getting $30,000 worth of cash sponsors, but it is not and that is an imposible number to achive for.

Shoot I don't see where I'm going wrong, and I don't see how for all the time and energy that I put out to make this event happen that what little bit I do make even is anywhere near a "tidy profit." It isn't a profit, financialy I am under paid, But that is not why I do this. I get satisfaction form all the happy racers, hard core and not that bring their families and thourghly enjoy the day.

And when I get questioned by someone who accuses me of ripping them off, I get pissed.

Sorry about that.

I hope to see you at the race.

Enjoy the ride, now I'm off to my real job!

Mike

[beaverbiker]

how big is the pro mens purse for the downhill?

[Zark]

Originally posted by beaverbiker
how big is the pro mens purse for the downhill?

Prize List: All prizes will go to TOP 3. Pros are to split $500 in cash and medals to TOP 3, merchandise, and medals to all other categories, and will be awarded at the Pasta Feed Dinner at the Brewery.


Pretty good I reckon, but I haven't looked into what pro purses at other races are like.

Hey since your in SLO you should come down and give us some input on the course, I'd love to see what you think of it

[beaverbiker]

yeah. let me know when you guys go. we've been digging some trails up here so we've all been busy. this xc guys split $1500 and the dh guys get $500? what's with that?

[towelie]

According to HeckTone, all the shuttle truck expenses come out to over $1000, so considering that there will likely be fewer DHers than XCers, you guys are probably still ahead of the field $ wise despite the smaller prize purse. Also, from Zark's pictures, it looks like they are having to pretty much build the entire DH course from scratch. I'm not sure, but I'd bet the XC course is pretty much pre-existing from previous races and existing trails and roads. Just having fewer contestants in an event alone usually makes for a small for a smaller purse, which is probably why the women's event doesn't pay as much either.

[hecktone]

Originally posted by towelie
According to HeckTone, all the shuttle truck expenses come out to over $1000, so considering that there will likely be fewer DHers than XCers, you guys are probably still ahead of the field $ wise despite the smaller prize purse. Also, from Zark's pictures, it looks like they are having to pretty much build the entire DH course from scratch. I'm not sure, but I'd bet the XC course is pretty much pre-existing from previous races and existing trails and roads. Just having fewer contestants in an event alone usually makes for a small for a smaller purse, which is probably why the women's event doesn't pay as much either.

You guys are all right on mark regarding prize money. I wish everything could be equal but it can't. One reason the XC guys get more money is because their race is part of the American Mountain Bike Challenge and the CA State Championship series. The DH is not.

This DH race is a test. It's our first year. I don't know if 10 DH'ers or 1000 DH'ers are going to make it. Yes the smaller the projected field the smaller the purse. It also has to do with cash sponsorship or a lack of regarding the DH. Please note though that in the past some of my prize purses have grown in the weeks leading up to race day.

So I hope you all understand and can make it. I tell ya what spread the word get us 300 pre-reged DH racers before the dead line of April 19th and I'll do you one better, I'll bump it up to a $2000 cash pro purse and $200 for each Expert age group.

See I'm not really a bad guy.:eek:

Mike

Ps. Adam were cool, I hope. I'm a bit of a hothead sometimes :thumb:

[beaverbiker]

yeah. that makes sense. i was just wondering. not trying to complain at all. it's still better than what norba pays. im stoked that local races pay pros. fontana should take after you guys. they don't pay squat.

[hecktone]

Originally posted by beaverbiker
yeah. that makes sense. i was just wondering. not trying to complain at all. it's still better than what norba pays. im stoked that local races pay pros. fontana should take after you guys. they don't pay squat.

THANK YOU beaverbiker!

That's all I want a little bit of props. But seriously if we can hit 300 pre-reg DH racers I will bump the prize list up, make it 10 deep for the pros too!

Hecky

[beaverbiker]

ill be able to get every downhiller i know in the san luis obispo area to come. i guarantee that. they'd all be stoked on a local race.

[Zark]

Next weekend we are working the course both days (11:30 till ?) Saturday we'll be working the lower sections into the finish line and through the trees. We need jumps and to shape a little.

Sunday we will continue the work on the upper section with the über-berm and making......more jumps!:D

The course is coming together, but there is still so much to do. Come on out and help. The more folks help, the better the race is, the more fun we all have:) PM me if you need directions

Noah

[Orvan]

Originally posted by Zark
Next weekend we are working the course both days (11:30 till ?) Saturday we'll be working the lower sections into the finish line and through the trees. We need jumps and to shape a little.

Sunday we will continue the work on the upper section with the über-berm and making......more jumps!:D

The course is coming together, but there is still so much to do. Come on out and help. The more folks help, the better the race is, the more fun we all have:) PM me if you need directions

Noah

I think if there's one kinda unavodable stupid section on the course, you should name it the FRONJ section....or anything that lands on flat.

909

[Eigil]

Originally posted by Orven
I think if there's one kinda unavodable stupid section on the course, you should name it the FRONJ section....or anything that lands on flat.

909 To uphill, even?



619

[hecktone]

Originally posted by Eigil
To uphill, even?



619

There is no uphill ...



805

[Zark]

Originally posted by Orven
I think if there's one kinda unavodable stupid section on the course, you should name it the FRONJ section....or anything that lands on flat.

909

How about a chicayne that you have to dump all your speed?

FRONJicayne?:D

[Juano]

Originally posted by Zark
How about a chicayne that you have to dump all your speed?

FRONJicayne?:D

408

[Eigil]

Originally posted by hecktone
There is no uphill ...



805 Uphill landings, man. Orven raves about them hourly.



East County 4 LYFE

[Orvan]

Originally posted by Zark
How about a chicayne that you have to dump all your speed?

FRONJicayne?:D


Any chicane that dumps speed is like a 90 degree turn..ala Fontana.

1-800

[=AA=]

Sounds like a regional battle. I'll get some of ol sic NorCals down to race.
We're sponsored but we don't race or more so ride but we like to talk a lot about it and smooch but regardless we'll provide exposure there. ;) :)


Thanks to my sponsors, bro. :thumb:

[=AA=]

oh..

707

Thanks to my sponsors, bro! :thumb:

[Zark]

This pretty much sums up today... awesome!
We dug, we shaped, we rode. The course is looking real good and one or two weekends its should be close to done (i hope)

Kat from Rockgardn came out and helped. His family made burgers, which were tasty! Thanks again!

Here is a shot from today. One of the only good ones since I'm still figuring out my camera. I just met this guy today and I think his name's Joe (sorry if I'm wrong, I'm bad with names sometimes)
Thanks to Ed Brown, Dave, Carlin, Kat& his family, Mike Hecker & Joe for all the work today.

Noah

[Zark]

Here is the berm down the hill from that jump. It goes between two trees at the very end of the berm, so be careful (we'll try to pad them for ya!)

[Zark]

Here is Carlin, hitting a drop away on the upper part of the course. My camera timing was off a little, digital cameras seem a little tougher for action photos.

[Zark]

Here's Kat landing a dropper

[Zark]

Berm shot!

[Zark]

Ed Brown hitting a jump:D

[ito]

Damnit, I want to ride there! My first two races were the Firestone XC race, so much fun. Looks like a great addition to the event, props!

The Ito

[©2001]

rad! props on the hard work and keeping racing alive!

530

[Zark]

Originally posted by ©2001
rad! props on the hard work and keeping racing alive!

530

Thanks man, It'll be the first downhilll race in SB County since 1996, and hopefully this'll be a great innaugural event.

[Zark]

Originally posted by stoney98
Maybe a best of 2 runs format? That way if you crash in one run, you don't f*** yourself for the whole race. Plus if you have a killer run #1, you can oin #2 maybe faster, maybe crash, but it's 2 chances. You know.

Not really up to me. Mike will probably weigh in on this subject.

At least its not a one run deal. Nothing worse than coughing up good money to race, blowing a turn and having no chance at redemption. 2 run combined allows you correct for a mistake by going harder next run.

One thing I just thought of is throwing out the lower run could cause people to just cruise a run if they have a little bobble cause they know it'll be thrown out. I like the idea of people earning it, mistake or no.

[Orvan]

I like the two run combined format. Consistency is hard to come by so it shld be rewarded.

Zark, is there extra time taken off if racers are wearing outrageous outfit? Like G strings, sports bra and stuff?

Salud racing!

619

[hecktone]

Originally posted by Orven
I like the two run combined format. Consistency is hard to come by so it shld be rewarded.

Zark, is there extra time taken off if racers are wearing outrageous outfit? Like G strings, sports bra and stuff?

Salud racing!

619

Oh come on leave the G-Strings at home, we don't to see any of that.

For this first year we will go the consistancy route, best combined 2 run time.

MH (the evil promoter):D

[Zark]

Originally posted by Orven
Zark, is there extra time taken off if racers are wearing outrageous outfit? Like G strings, sports bra and stuff?

No, but start a bet collection to make some coin for your trouble. :D
I'll start a bigger collection to have you put some clothes back on, and we split the profits:D

Wearing pink socks will get you a beer from me over in the campground though:D

[Pegboy]

Do you need any kind of liscence for this gig?

[hecktone]

Originally posted by Pegboy
Do you need any kind of liscence for this gig?

Pegboy,

The Rockgardn Chamberlin Ranch DH is a NORBA sanctioned race. All racers need a NORBA license. Don't have on, no worries, you can buy on at the race for a whopping 5 bucks.

Hope to see you there,

MH (the evil promoter):D

[hecktone]

Originally posted by ito
Damnit, I want to ride there! My first two races were the Firestone XC race, so much fun. Looks like a great addition to the event, props!

The Ito

Right on Ito! Hope you can make it this year!

Mike (the evil promoter)

:cool:

[Spunger]

Hey Mike and Noah,

How many cars do you guys get up there or do a bunch shuttle up there? I am just wondering...

I might be available saturday to help out some. I didn't know how you guys all get up there if you carpool or if everyone meets up there seperately.

What tools do you need to bring? I don't really have a ton of dirt tools but I might be able to make do.

Just wondering.......it's tuesday so it's still earley in the week but I might want to get out and see this, plus get out to ride a little.

You gotta do the "push" method of getting up to the hill to start off?

[Li'l Dave]

Spunger, I'll be driving myself and Noah up this saturday if ya want a ride. McClouds and shovels seem to be the best tools if you got em.

[hecktone]

Originally posted by Spunger
Hey Mike and Noah,

How many cars do you guys get up there or do a bunch shuttle up there? I am just wondering...

I might be available saturday to help out some. I didn't know how you guys all get up there if you carpool or if everyone meets up there seperately.

What tools do you need to bring? I don't really have a ton of dirt tools but I might be able to make do.

Just wondering.......it's tuesday so it's still earley in the week but I might want to get out and see this, plus get out to ride a little.

You gotta do the "push" method of getting up to the hill to start off?

Spunger - Some carpooling happens and it is encouraged as well. As for the riding after the working we have only needed to use one truck as a shuttle so far, but if we need two that is no problem either because there is usally several parked up at the top. As for tools shovels, palaskies, mc clouds, just bring what you can. Pushing is only done if you stop half way down and want to drop a section again.

Hope you can make it,

Mike (the evil promoter) :devil:

[hecktone]

hey how do I change that "grasshopper" designation below my screen name? :confused:

[Spunger]

Gotcha, I'll think more about it as the week goes on.

You gotta get some post counts to get the grasshopper gone, or be a member for a little while.

I'll keep in touch weather I need to find a ride or not. Is it easier to get to the trail by taking the 101 to the otherside of the san marcos pass or is the pass faster?

I have a giant ol lifted chevy that is why I asked, twisties might be a problem but the freeway is A.O.K.

Chris

[Zark]

Originally posted by Spunger
Gotcha, I'll think more about it as the week goes on.

You gotta get some post counts to get the grasshopper gone, or be a member for a little while.

I'll keep in touch weather I need to find a ride or not. Is it easier to get to the trail by taking the 101 to the otherside of the san marcos pass or is the pass faster?

I have a giant ol lifted chevy that is why I asked, twisties might be a problem but the freeway is A.O.K.

Chris

Hey Chris. You could go 101, but 154 is more direct, after the pass, its actually pretty straight road there out. Your truck should be fine on the pass. Hope you can make it out on Saturday man:)

Noah

[Spunger]

Hey guys,

Do you just park at the end of the road and walk down? I am really thinking about going but still have to find out what is planned for tomorrow. IF nothing is planned I might make my way there. Basicly I know if helping to make it means you gotta race on it too, considering you get some pre-rides and all.

What's the outlook looking like for people showing up tomorrow? Just out of curiousity?

[hecktone]

Originally posted by Spunger
Hey guys,

Do you just park at the end of the road and walk down? I am really thinking about going but still have to find out what is planned for tomorrow. IF nothing is planned I might make my way there. Basicly I know if helping to make it means you gotta race on it too, considering you get some pre-rides and all.

What's the outlook looking like for people showing up tomorrow? Just out of curiousity?

You will park at the top of the hill which is about 3 miles on Foxen Canyon rd. off of 154.

We plan to start around 9 AM. Bring you bike and tools.

Thx,

mh

[Zark]

doesn't this look fun?

[Zark]

Ohh yeah!

[Zark]

Of course there were casulties, sorry about the wheel man:(

That is what happens when you shoot over the berm and tag a log around 25mph!

[Fury]

Sawwweeeeettt! Depending on my exam schedule I'll likely be able to make it out for a day of racing. It will also be the first time really riding my bike which should be interesting :devil:

Question: is my international UCI license enough or will I need a norba license too?
Question: What is the exact address or location of the venue?
Question: Can I pay the reg fee using my CC or not. If not I'll have to get on sending a U.S. dollar money order.

Keep the pics coming!!

[GoRoRo]

urg...that biker chick looks mean :p
Great work yesterday....I was thinking that maybe if Mr. Firestone was down we could make some sort of a rock garden. Maybe after the tabletop and following burm....on the homestretch. For one final kicker :) What do ya think?

[Li'l Dave]

That would be cool, but there really aren't any good enough rocks to make a rock garden out of. Plus they are all just small ones. I think we should just build a bunch more jumps, and more berms and such. Then we should build dirtjumps off the side of the course on the bottom for everyone to do after the race:D

[GoRoRo]

It would require a truck dump hauling in gravel/rocks. I guess that's why I was wondering if it would overstay our welcome.

[Li'l Dave]

I'd be down for making one as long as its okay. The only thing that I can think of is that the course it being built with the intent that sometime in the future when it is no longer being used, the area will return to its normal state. I don't see rocks being a problem, but we migth just have to talk to Mike and see what we can do. We'll see, that would be awesome to have some more techincal stuff in there.

[hecktone]

Originally posted by Li'l Dave
I'd be down for making one as long as its okay. The only thing that I can think of is that the course it being built with the intent that sometime in the future when it is no longer being used, the area will return to its normal state. I don't see rocks being a problem, but we migth just have to talk to Mike and see what we can do. We'll see, that would be awesome to have some more techincal stuff in there.

I'll see about the rocks, but I don't know if its within the race budget to buy a truck load of good sized rocks ...

MH (the evil promoter) :devil:

[Li'l Dave]

That's cool, we can always just build more stuff on the course too. A rockgarden would be cool though.

[Zark]

Well, today was sweet, I'm sore all over and sunburned, and don't regret a thing (aside from not having a bike right now:D ) We accomplished so much with the Ojai crew today. 15 people digging and riding, a beautiful sight indeed!

[Zark]

here's air-time John launching a new double near the finish line. I'm working on getting some video up in the next day or two.
The lower half of the course is awsome now, the top will be some work but will be nice soon:devil:

[Li'l Dave]

A double at the bottom was a good idea. How long is it?

[Zark]

15 feet or so, pretty good size, but pretty nice.

I have more photos but they are at home and I can't keep that computer running long enough to edit and post photos, it sucks.

[Zark]

Ok you guys, the next work day is Sunday, March 14, around 9 or so.

You'll need some snacks, water and tools, and sunscreen ( I got burned a little last week)

The course is getting sweet so bring your bike for some runs later on.

Noah

[Spunger]

Looks good!

Are you guys doing the same thing as last weekend? Building to a certian time and then riding?

I might have a better shot this next weekend then the previous one. My truck busted a power steering hose so I wasn't going anywhere. Hopefully I can get the new hose installed this week. Still waiting on it though.

Post back and let me know

[hecktone]

Originally posted by Spunger
Looks good!

Are you guys doing the same thing as last weekend? Building to a certian time and then riding?

I might have a better shot this next weekend then the previous one. My truck busted a power steering hose so I wasn't going anywhere. Hopefully I can get the new hose installed this week. Still waiting on it though.

Post back and let me know

We will take Saturday off this wekend. But will work on Sunday from 9-3 and then shuttles.

mh

[ghostrider]

Hey Mike, thanks for hanging out on RM and answering questions about the race. So, just to be sure I'm understanding this right:

1. I can preregister any time up until ?? for $40 or:
2. I can show up on Saturday register late for $?? (how much is late registration?), preride the XC course, then watch some DH action and drink beer.
3. Since I am racing sport class, I can show up Sunday some time before 12:00 noon and get ready to race.
4. If I survive the race, I can hang around and drink more beer and listen to some music.

Is this correct?

How is the XC course for spectating? Should I bring my family for Sunday?

Thanks again for all your help!

[Heidi]

Originally posted by ghostrider
Hey Mike, thanks for hanging out on RM and answering questions about the race.

Agreed! Thanks Mike, and I have it on my list of races to do this year. I was never able to make it in the past and am stoked this year!!!!!

[hecktone]

Originally posted by ghostrider
Hey Mike, thanks for hanging out on RM and answering questions about the race. So, just to be sure I'm understanding this right:

1. I can preregister any time up until ?? for $40 or:
2. I can show up on Saturday register late for $?? (how much is late registration?), preride the XC course, then watch some DH action and drink beer.
3. Since I am racing sport class, I can show up Sunday some time before 12:00 noon and get ready to race.
4. If I survive the race, I can hang around and drink more beer and listen to some music.

Is this correct?

How is the XC course for spectating? Should I bring my family for Sunday?

Thanks again for all your help!

Hey Ghostrider it is all part of being of service to my sport! Not a problem answering questions.

The entry fee is $40 before the 19th of April, add $6 after that. You can reg on line too at https://www.teambigbear.com/reg/selectevent.php

You can view our race web page at http://www.ridesb.com/Firestone_04.htm

You can show up on Friday, Saturday, or even Sunday to either pick up your pre-reg stuff or to reg late for the XC. DH is Saturday so there is no reg on sunday for that race, duh.

As of right now there is no beer being served on Saturday, I will look into arranging that. :eek:

Points 3 and 4 are correct.

Also we will be doing some work on the XC course in the next few weeks, so if you want to bail from your trailer in the river for the day, come help with the trail work, you can pre-ride the XC course later that afternoon.


Enjoy the ride,

MH
:devil:

[hecktone]

How is the XC course for spectating? Should I bring my family for Sunday?

Oh I forgot, we have the live music, a Free Shimano Youth Series Race, a buncer for the small ones, the BBQ and Raffle, yeah it's a great day for the entire Family!

MH

:)

[ghostrider]

Originally posted by hecktone
Also we will be doing some work on the XC course in the next few weeks, so if you want to bail from your trailer in the river for the day, come help with the trail work, you can pre-ride the XC course later that afternoon.

Just let me know when, I'm good for a half hour of hard labor...

[ghostrider]

Originally posted by hecktone As of right now there is no beer being served on Saturday, I will look into arranging that. :eek:

See what you can do about 50 cent Firestone drafts all day Saturday. Then I could get wasted for a dollar.

[Heidi]

Originally posted by ghostrider
See what you can do about 50 cent Firestone drafts all day Saturday. Then I could get wasted for a dollar.

I heard James@Giant was buying us beer!:p

[Zark]

Originally posted by ghostrider
See what you can do about 50 cent Firestone drafts all day Saturday. Then I could get wasted for a dollar.

Damn Mike, you're a cheap date!

Up for some XC this Saturday?

[ghostrider]

Originally posted by Zark
Damn Mike, you're a cheap date!

Up for some XC this Saturday?

Heck yeah. Do you have a bike? How about Camuesa Connector? Romero? Is it supposed to stay HOT for the weekend up there? I'm open for Sat or Sun.

[James]

Originally posted by Heidi
I heard James@Giant was buying us beer!:p
Why I oughta! Wait, for 50 cent beer, sure, first 20 beers on me! Well, hopefully not literally "on" me, but still, if Noah is around...:)
Connector eh guys? Have you been reading my mind? I've been jonsing a Connector ride for about a month! My fitness kinda blows since I haven't really ridden too much since the operation, but keep me in the loop. You guys have my email...

J@G

P.S. And Heidi, I'll bring you a Bartles & James!

[Heidi]

Originally posted by James@Giant


P.S. And Heidi, I'll bring you a Bartles & James!

You do, and you'll die, I hate that wussie crap.:angry: :dead: :monkey:

[ghostrider]

Originally posted by James@Giant
My fitness kinda blows since I haven't really ridden too much since the operation, but keep me in the loop.

Don't worry about your fitness...you can't possibly be worse off than Zark.

[Zark]

Originally posted by ghostrider
Don't worry about your fitness...you can't possibly be worse off than Zark.

Ooh, but he is:D

Dude, I was burping up Jack Daniels on that Gridley ride, normally I'm not hurting that bad.

[Zark]

Originally posted by ghostrider
Heck yeah. Do you have a bike? How about Camuesa Connector? Romero? Is it supposed to stay HOT for the weekend up there? I'm open for Sat or Sun.

Yup, still got the Azonic. I'm leaning towards Romero, but I'm up for whateva.

Saturday is my ride day, Sunday I'm working on the DH course (but riding then too;) )

[James]

Originally posted by ghostrider
Don't worry about your fitness...you can't possibly be worse off than Zark.
In the last ~ 4 months, I've been on 3 MTB rides. All within the last 2 weeks. Damn knee surgury!
I'm thinking that Sunday works better for me, but I guess I'll be doing Connecter that day, it's been a while since I did that trail. If you guys want to ride on Saturday, that's cool, I'm easy like Sunday AM.
Let me know!

J@G

P.S. Heidi, ok, beer it is. I'll bring you a 6-pack of O'Doul's!

[towelie]

Hey guys...my wrist is starting to feel better, so I'm anxious to get back into riding. Mind if I tag along? Of course, there is about a 50% chance I'll have to work Saturday, but if not...

So how do you guys ride? Hammer fest?

[James]

Originally posted by towelie
Hey guys...my wrist is starting to feel better, so I'm anxious to get back into riding. Mind if I tag along? Of course, there is about a 50% chance I'll have to work Saturday, but if not...

So how do you guys ride? Hammer fest?
The more the merrier. I'll be doing Connector on Sunday, so if you have to work on Sat, we can do it then.
I'm recovering from knee surgery, so I'm for sure not a hammer. I'm like the little engine that could...climb...slowly...:)

James

[ghostrider]

Now that the thread has been successfully hijacked, I can see it going down like this:

Saturday: Ride Romero (ghost, Zark, towelie?)
Sunday: Ride Camuesa (ghost, James, towelie?)

Towelie, don't worry about your fitness, Zark will party too hard the night before, and James only has one good leg. Besides, your Blur will get you to the top without even pedaling.

[James]

Originally posted by ghostrider
Now that the thread has been successfully hijacked, I can see it going down like this:

Saturday: Ride Romero (ghost, Zark, towelie?)
Sunday: Ride Camuesa (ghost, James, towelie?)

Towelie, don't worry about your fitness, Zark will party too hard the night before, and James only has one good leg. Besides, your Blur will get you to the top without even pedaling.
Hijack!
Yeah, Sunday Connector sounds DOPE! Haven't ridden that trail in ages!
You have my # right Ghost?

[ghostrider]

Originally posted by James@Giant
Hijack!
Yeah, Sunday Connector sounds DOPE! Haven't ridden that trail in ages!
You have my # right Ghost?

PM it to me. Towelie, PM yours as well, and we'll work it out from there. And now back to our regularly scheduled program:

hecktone, how are you coming on those 50 cent Firestone drafts on Saturday?

[James]

Originally posted by ghostrider
PM it to me. Towelie, PM yours as well, and we'll work it out from there. And now back to our regularly scheduled program:

hecktone, how are you coming on those 50 cent Firestone drafts on Saturday?
Mmmm, beer...

[hecktone]

Originally posted by James@Giant
Mmmm, beer...

Sooooo ... this one is kind of long windeddddd .... :o:

Ok you drunks :cool: time to nip this in the bud, no punn intended.

I never said 50 cent drafts on Saturday at the Rockgardn DH, sorry. I might not even be able to get an ABC permit to serve beer on Chamberlin Ranch, I will see. If I can, we will serve Firestone at a cheap price, but not 50 cents. :rolleyes:

As for the riding on Saturday, when do you guys plan to do the connecter? It will be hot, are we going early? I'm leaning towards digging out the old Yeti A.R.C., dusting it off, finding a seat for it, getting new brake pads, lubing the rusted chain, and draging my fat ass up that short climb with you gents. Then afterwards doing my biz at the century.

That is if I'm invited? :eek:

So James@Giant, do you really work at Giant? If so pin good old Skip down and have him bust out a check to cover the beer on race day! Tell him that I put you up to it, and a keg only costs, oh let's say $500, and the Giant logo will suddenly appear on all our advertisements! :eek:

While your at it, pester Westover to get the team up to our little mountain bike bash, that many feel is the best race in the west, and let him know that the team mascot can park the Giant Team rig at Firestone for free for the entire week on the way home form the otter. Heck that must save a good deal of coin on gas at todays prices.

No but seriously, here is some incentive, if you get Mr. Hess to bust a $500 check, I'll do the 50 cent drafts :cool: !

As for this Sunday, come back up this way and join us for a little trail work and riding, and BBQ dogs, and tell ya what, if you guys surface on Sunday at the DH course, I'll run to the brewery and get you all some fresh Firestone draft!

MH (the evil promoter) :devil:

[Li'l Dave]

I'll be up there Sunday Mike, and I even stopped my bike from making that god-aweful noise. Anyone wanna carpool?

[Zark]

Originally posted by Li'l Dave
I'll be up there Sunday Mike, and I even stopped my bike from making that god-aweful noise. Anyone wanna carpool?

Yup


Hecktone, we are riding Romero Saturday morning, 9am bro;)

[ghostrider]

Originally posted by Zark
Yup


Hecktone, we are riding Romero Saturday morning, 9am bro;)

Click here (http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=78391) for the official weekend SB area ride planning thread....

[James]

Originally posted by hecktone
Sooooo ... this one is kind of long windeddddd .... :o:

Ok you drunks :cool: time to nip this in the bud, no punn intended.

I never said 50 cent drafts on Saturday at the Rockgardn DH, sorry. I might not even be able to get an ABC permit to serve beer on Chamberlin Ranch, I will see. If I can, we will serve Firestone at a cheap price, but not 50 cents. :rolleyes:

As for the riding on Saturday, when do you guys plan to do the connecter? It will be hot, are we going early? I'm leaning towards digging out the old Yeti A.R.C., dusting it off, finding a seat for it, getting new brake pads, lubing the rusted chain, and draging my fat ass up that short climb with you gents. Then afterwards doing my biz at the century.

That is if I'm invited? :eek:

So James@Giant, do you really work at Giant? If so pin good old Skip down and have him bust out a check to cover the beer on race day! Tell him that I put you up to it, and a keg only costs, oh let's say $500, and the Giant logo will suddenly appear on all our advertisements! :eek:

While your at it, pester Westover to get the team up to our little mountain bike bash, that many feel is the best race in the west, and let him know that the team mascot can park the Giant Team rig at Firestone for free for the entire week on the way home form the otter. Heck that must save a good deal of coin on gas at todays prices.

No but seriously, here is some incentive, if you get Mr. Hess to bust a $500 check, I'll do the 50 cent drafts :cool: !

As for this Sunday, come back up this way and join us for a little trail work and riding, and BBQ dogs, and tell ya what, if you guys surface on Sunday at the DH course, I'll run to the brewery and get you all some fresh Firestone draft!

MH (the evil promoter) :devil:
MH-
Drop me an email when you get a chance...

J@G

[Zark]

Here is what it looks like when it all comes together;)

[hecktone]

Originally posted by Zark
Yup


Hecktone, we are riding Romero Saturday morning, 9am bro;)

No can do on the Romero ... its too long.

See you all Sunday thought at the track!

[hecktone]

OK Ya All, Sunday is a go for more trail work. 9-3 and ride to dark. I'm supplying the BBQ dogs, and if James@Giant or towelie shows I'll bust a move to get some nice cold Firestone out there as well! :eek:

MH (the evil promoter) :devil:

[Zark]

oh so sweet. the course is getting good:devil:

[Zark]

Carlin getting flattened out

[Zark]

John ripping it up on the Enduro

[ET_SoCal]

Hey Guys (& Gals) !

Didn't see this thread until today (Monday)...

After Saturday's century ride, Sunday morning we drove to Fes Parker winery. As we were topping Foxen, we could see all of you, riding and working on the trail... drove by going real slow checking out the course...
Wow, looks pretty cool. I've never done any DH, but that looked very fun...

[Bacardi]

Here a some short videos on the lower part of the course:

Please 'Right Click', 'Save as' ...

firest06.avi (http://www.uudesign.net/p/firest06.avi) (berm to table top)

firest07.avi (http://www.uudesign.net/p/firest07.avi) (double @ bottom)

firest08.avi (http://www.uudesign.net/p/firest08.avi) (table to double)

firest09.avi (http://www.uudesign.net/p/firest09.avi) (double @ bottom)

[sod8]

Anyone going this weekend? I will be done with finals Thursday and will be taking a break from seeing my girlfriend. Let me know if help is needed and if someone can offer a ride.

I can't wait to get some riding in this weekend, school is driving me nuts!

[Zark]

The next course work and ride day is Saturday 3/20 Bring water and snacks, we seem to be good on tools, but it might be nice to bring a shovel.

Shamus I'll give you a ride up there no problem;)

Peter thanks for posting some videos. Too bad I'm a bad videographer:D

[sod8]

Originally posted by Zark
The next course work and ride day is Saturday 3/20 Bring water and snacks, we seem to be good on tools, but it might be nice to bring a shovel.

Shamus I'll give you a ride up there no problem;)

Sounds good. Thanks Noah.

[hecktone]

Originally posted by Zark
The next course work and ride day is Saturday 3/20 Bring water and snacks, we seem to be good on tools, but it might be nice to bring a shovel.

Shamus I'll give you a ride up there no problem;)

Peter thanks for posting some videos. Too bad I'm a bad videographer:D

Oh the vids are awesome baby! In addition to this Sat. we will also be doing work at the venue on Sunday as well.

MH :D

[Zark]

They are doing there part, are you?

Here is this weekend trail work schedule out at the Firestone Walker MTB weekend venue.

Saturday is Downhill work day. >From 9 AM to 4 PM with shuttles tossed in through out the day.

Sunday we will start to work on the Cross Country course. From 8 AM to 3 PM, and perhaps some DH shuttles at the end of the day.

Both days I will BBQ hotdogs and provide soft drinks. Both days please bring your bike, plenty of water and sunscreen, and a shovel or Mc Cloud.

[hecktone]

Because there is a SBMTV trail day (San Ysidro) on Saturday and also because I need to work on Saturday, the only day that we will be working on the Rockgardn Chamberlin Ranch DH Course is Sunday. Hours are 9 – 4:30. I will provide the lunch and sodas.

Don’t forget your bike, sunscreen, and water.

Our goal this Sunday … erect the Orange Safety Net around all the berms, and man made jumps, water down the lower portions, groom, make the Rockgardn section bigger, and just CATTLE PROOF THE DARN PLACE! Then RIDE it!

I HOPE THAT EVERYONE READING THIS CAN MAKE IT.

Thanks for your support!

Enjoy the ride,

Mike Hecker – Owner & Event Director
SG Production / www.ridesb.com
Organizer of fine cycling events on the Central Coast since 1999

PS: If you have not signed the online petition to build a Velodrome here in the SB area get with it and click here http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?CCVM1. We have several locations in mind we just need support from the community and that starts with you!

:)

[DFoxracing]

course looks dope, gonna be there for sure.

How'd you guys get the rights to cut a trail and hold a race on it?
(city owned land?)

[hecktone]

Originally posted by DFoxracing
course looks dope, gonna be there for sure.

How'd you guys get the rights to cut a trail and hold a race on it?
(city owned land?)

Glad that you like it.

It's all private land, and I just know the property owners ... lucky I guess.

:o:

MH

[Zark]

Sunday was great out there. Thanks to everyone who attended. I think the bovine threat to our precious berms and jumps has been thwarted. Snow fencing went up around all the stuff and hopefully the cows will respect it. I finally got comfortable hitting the bigger stuff out there, which was nice.

I have some rough stats now on distance and time. Its about 3/4 mile and times are around 1min20sec. Its a little short, but man its fast and fun!

[James]

The more I think about it, the more I'm thinking about doing the short track on Saturday...sounds like it could be some fun!

J@G

[DFoxracing]

dh bike or short travel slalom bike?

[Zark]

Originally posted by DFoxracing
dh bike or short travel slalom bike?

Its a toss up. The DH bike would have the stability for the speed, but the little guy would have the jumps pegged.

You have a Demo right? Go with the slalom;)

[Zark]

Originally posted by stoney98
I think I'm going AS-X 6" w/ custom length Fox AVA shock to get DH angles (ooo money!) and a Fox Talas 5" fork. Light and Killer! W/ the right angles. Hey Z- I'm coming for ya!:D

Ooh, custom!:D That sounds like the right bike. Enduros and SX's have been very good up there. I'll take old crackey since my only other choice is a HT:dead: And I suck on HT's


This weekend we are working on Sunday, all day. If anyone wants to make it out PM me.

Noah

[Zark]

All right folks the time is upon us. Next week is the race, if you haven't registered you should;)

We spent a little time today pimping it out that extra little bit.
L'il Dave shows his mad skills here:D

[Zark]

Local guy Mitch getting his game face on.

We will have a sweet start house for Team Big Bear to set up in (they are doing all the timing for the race)

[Zark]

This little hit is shortly after the start. Its really fun, but nuthin huge

[Zark]

One more of Dave, he's just so photogenic:p

[Li'l Dave]

Those pictures came out good today, not to mention that my my mad riding skills had something to do with that. The race is going to be awesome, the course is lookin' sweet!

[Dingus McGee]

I didn't read the whole thread, but a huge SHOUT OUT to Zark and everyone involved in getting this DH race going! I really hope it works out...I can't make it this year, but definately next year!!!
Odd coincidence, my dad painted the big mural in the winery lobby (?) it's a Diego Rivera style piece he did in the '30s up here in S.F. I've never seen it in person and have been meaning to check it out -the DH race would be a perfect excuse!!! Hope it goes well so I can race next year!!!!!!! Grassroots racing is where its at!

http://www.firestonewine.com/images/tr_shot.jpg

[Li'l Dave]

Oh yeah Noah, I almost forgot... we're in the same category for the race:D.

[beaverbiker]

cant wait to race next weekend. it'd be cool to meet a lot of you guys. thanks for putting in the work to get this thing going for the rest of us. we all appreciate it even though we might not say it.

[Li'l Dave]

I forgot to say hello a few weeks ago Beaverbiker, but I was with you guys when you came down and rode here. I showed up while you guys were at Granny's right after Chris hurt himself(I have a black Orange Patriot) The race will be fun though, its real fast.

[bbmj]

anyone tell me how far the race is from UCSB, im going to be down there starting fri afternoon/night til sun night. If someone is down to give me and my HT a ride id love to go
Charlie

[Zark]

Originally posted by Li'l Dave
Oh yeah Noah, I almost forgot... we're in the same category for the race:D.

19-29 huh? its on Dave!

Care to make it interesting?:devil:
A 40oz of the finest malt liquor to the best time?:D

[Li'l Dave]

I'm down. You might just want to buy it for me now though, then you wont have to go search around after the race to find me one:D.

[Zark]

Originally posted by Li'l Dave
I'm down. You might just want to buy it for me now though, then you wont have to go search around after the race to find me one:D.

You'd get carded anyway, don't worry you can just pay me back:devil:

[Spunger]

Hey guys,

How to they format the race? Is it like BMX where age group/novice/intermediate/expert race against eachother? If it's like 19-28 of all ages and skill level that might not be so good :(

How do they do this in the MTB world?

[Zark]

You race the clock dude, its not mountaincross ;)
Beginner,Sport, Expert, Semi Pro/Pro
and age groups

So I'm in 19-29 Sport for example.

[beaverbiker]

we should have a super good pro class. definitely some good comp.

[Spunger]

So since it'd be my first time racing I'd race beginer 19-29?

I'm not use to any form of MTB racing formats. BMX I am, MTB I am not.

Just wanting to make sure I got all this right.

Short travel rigs work well? Is the M1 too much for the DH course?

[Zark]

Originally posted by Spunger
So since it'd be my first time racing I'd race beginer 19-29?

I'm not use to any form of MTB racing formats. BMX I am, MTB I am not.

Just wanting to make sure I got all this right.

Short travel rigs work well? Is the M1 too much for the DH course?

Since its your first time racing take the M1. Your Cortina might be faster, but you'd have no margin for error. Its not worth the risk,

[Zark]

Originally posted by beaverbiker
we should have a super good pro class. definitely some good comp.

No kidding?! Sweet! I can't wait to see what the times are like!

You practicing tomorrow?

[beaverbiker]

is it a course that takes a lot of practice? im might try and get out there. i get out of class at 2pm i think. is there anyway they might run the shuttle a little longer than 5pm?

[Li'l Dave]

You wont need that much practice, but there are some sketchy corners and one larger jump that takes a bit to get used to. Its really fast, pro times are going to be real fast.

[beaverbiker]

big bike or little bike?

[Li'l Dave]

I'm riding my 222 over my Patriot, but that's a little different. I think a shorter travel bike might be a bit faster.

[DFoxracing]

they said they weren't running a shuttle at all on friday

[DFoxracing]

nevermind, guess they changed the website

[Li'l Dave]

Well they ran a shuttle today. The course was awesome, really fun.

[Li'l Dave]

Thanks everyone who came out, the race turned out really good (besides Noah screwing up in his second run) I was less than 2 seconds out of a podium. Next year I'm going to take it.

[DFoxracing]

are they posting results online?

[Li'l Dave]

I'm not sure. Check ridesb.com, they might be there.

[hecktone]

Originally posted by DFoxracing
are they posting results online?

Today is Monday, I personally handed over the results disk to my website guy last night on my way home and the results should be up a bit later today for all the races. You can also check the Team Big Bear site as well.

Thanks goes out to all the people who made the Downhill a raging success. Getting 118 racers for a first year DH, the day before a Fontana race, is huge. Everyone liked the course, and that is a bonus as well!

Overall the event nearly doubled in attendance. We had 675 starters in the XC and our total number of starts for all three events (DH, XC, and STX) was 793!

Thanks to Noah and Dave, as well as everyone else out there that did what they could to help make the Firestone Walker MTB Weekend a huge event!

Look for an even better race next year, and tell your friends!

Mike Hecker - Event Director

:)

[Zark]

Thanks to everyone who attended and had a good time. I want to say how great it is to see Mountain bike racing alive and well in Santa Barbara. I hope next year is even bigger.

I would like to mention one thing to everyone: Please do not ride the DH course, it is on private property and and everyone needs to respect that. If people do respect that our chances of having more races and events there improve.

I want to thank Mike Hecker for making this event happen. Without his efforts this would have never happened. Thanks Mike:thumb:
And more thanks to all the hard working folk who built, staffed and sponsered this event.

Noah

[hecktone]

Hey did anyone happen to shoot video on race day?:cool:

Hecky

[Li'l Dave]

Yeah, thanks a bunch Mike for making everything happen for the weekend. I had a great time, and everyone seemed to be pretty psyched about the course.

[mkspecialsauce]

I also would like to thank Mike for all of his hard work and especially for putting on a local dh event. Also Thanks to Noah for manning the course building days. I had a whole lot of fun inspite of derailleur hanger issues in the rock garden.