Southridge Downhill Race #2 Report - as told by Denis Kremenetskiy

It had been a long week of rains, but luckily for us the rain took a break for a weekend of downhill racing. Usually when racing in Fontana, the dirt is extremely dry and riders always struggle to get traction. This time the weather was in our favor; the massive rainstorms that were causing disasters around town made the dirt at Fontana what we call “hero dirt”.

Denis & Luke  pushing up for practice

Practice - Saturday 1/23/10

Saturday was the first day of practice. The shuttle would begin running at 11:30, so all riders had to be there an hour before for registration. The race van arrived early to Fontana to get an early start, but that did not happen due to the big lines at the registration tables. Surprisingly, the turn out for the Fontana race was big this time. It was a nice surprise to see pros Gee and Rachel Atherton standing in line with everybody! This was the first sign that this race was going to be a competitive one. Riders stood in more long lines to board the shuttle. I was a bit disappointed with the long line there too, but we can’t complain because not everyone gets to race bikes in January.

Denis & Tony G

I was blown away by how much fun the top part of the track was. It had a little bit of everything. It started off with a few little rock gardens and drops. Those were effortless to carry your speed through, than you had to try to not lose too much speed in a short uphill section. Once over the hump, you were free to let the brakes go, and just give ‘er. A few pedal strokes and you enter the twisty berm section of the course, which was just too much fun! Everyone enjoyed the turns so much, that we couldn’t wait for a shuttle to the top of the hill, so many hiked to the top.

Denis & Tani

Denis in the G-out

Tani heading for the lower rock garden

Tony G & Denis at”the wall”

Halfway through the day we decided to take a break and watch some 4x racing. After watching some racing and getting few beers in, we decided to go make a final run. A great way to end the practice day for all the racers from The Path Bike Shop.

Jake doing jumps at the 4x track

Luke at the 4x track

Race Day - Sunday 1/24/10

On race day, we all arrived even earlier in time for practice that would begin at 8:00. The first pro rider would start his run at 10:30. Most of The Path racing crew was there on time to get few practice runs in. When I reached the starting line, I had a nice surprise waiting for me. Former World Champion, Gee Atherton was the next rider to race after me. Boy, was I excited!

Denis at the finish with Gee Atherton behind - original photo from the Vital MTB gallery

After my poor race run, with Gee Atherton riding my tail, I rushed back to the course to cheer for the rest of The Path team. Jake Payne was looking very confident through the last technical section. Although he didn’t have the best pedaling bike out there, it didn’t stop him from taking third place in one of the most competitive classes, Junior X. As I was walking back up the track, I realized just how many people were racing for The Path Bike Shop; many riders were out there sporting The Path jersey.

Nancy Harris

Roger Gutierrez

Tani Walling

Eric Mellencamp

This race was even more successful then the previous one. Almost everyone from The Path got to take their place on the podium. Leader of the team, Tani Walling, almost took the win in his class, but unfortunately because of a mis-communication, he was bumped down to second place.

Tani (2nd) and Tony G (3rd) - Expert Men Class

Jake (3rd) - Junior Expert Class

Nancy Harris (2nd), Expert Women Class

Roger Gutierrez (3rd), Expert Men Class

Denis Kremenetzkiy (34th) - Pro Men Class

Not pictured:

• Luke Wronski (9th) - Expert Men Class
• Eric Mellencamp (6th) - Sport Men

It was long weekend of racing for everybody. The mountains covered in snow in the background, tacky dirt, and a friendly atmosphere made the weekend fly by. Everyone here at The Path Bike Shop will be looking forward to the next race.