Team Geronimo - Port Angeles Pro GRT #1 Report

By Brian Buell
Photos by Pigpants.net and Leslie Pitts


Another snowy departure

Leaving the snowy hills of Nevada City California behind, Team Geronimo/Banshee Bikes made our way up the coast to the first stop of the Pro Gravity Tour Series, located just outside the Port Angeles. Team Geronimo riders Graeme Pitts, Michael Buell and myself made the trip out. The Northwest Cup race organizers put together an incredible race, international competition and some of the world’s top teams were in attendance. The town opened up its arms to the whole racing community as Allout Productions held a video premier in town and hotels created bike washing areas for all to use. The vibe was really laid back and friendly when practice commenced on Thursday as the shuttle trucks chugged along up and down Dry Hill all day long making for optimum practice time on a fast and furious Pacific Northwest track.



The Team Geronimo/Banshee Bicycles pit was set up adjacent to the food cart and the shuttle truck queue, prime position as all competitors and spectators had to walk past. The Hayes Bicycle Group equipped Banshee Legend MKII team bikes were on display, clean and race ready. With everything buttoned down and the Team Geronimo flags flying it was time to get dirty.

Practice went off without a hitch as the shuttle trucks kept our Team moving up the hill for more. A far reach from the Sea Otter Downhill, the Port Angeles track was a big test for us and a great time to really hone in on our bike set up. The weather was phenomenal as blue skies and sunshine made for a fast track and happy riders. I can’t remember the last time I saw so many riders enjoying themselves, the track and the surroundings. The track was the same as last year’s Pro GRT track, a sub 3 minute, hot, nasty, white knuckle speeds through the tight woods smashing berms and getting loose over exposed, slick roots and rocks. It was so much fun to ride, each run getting faster and faster, the level of riding on the track was comparable to that of a World Cup race.

Saturday came with rain causing the track to slow down, ruts started to develop and the soil was less predictable in places, but it did not slow anyone down - the track was just too much fun. With our carefully- engineered mud fenders attached to the lower crowns of our Dorado forks, we were off to the top of the hill yet again to get our practice on. My practice session was cut short due to the most massive dead leg I have ever experienced, a lot of icing, stretching and pain management ensued all the way up 'til qualifiers that afternoon. Uncertain of how I would perform on my newly-sustained injured leg, I left the starting gate and had a steady run minus much pedaling. Michael and Graeme both had steady runs as well, all of us qualifying mid-pack in a World Cup caliber field of competitors.

Sunday morning greeted us with clear skies, which meant for a faster, drier track during practice. I spent my practice runs sectioning the track, making sure my speed was race pace to insure a successful race run. The atmosphere at the venue was electric, there was so much excitement and buildup to the Pro finals as the Port Angeles locals, equipped with their drums, bells, whistles and fog horns started their march up the hill. One hour before Pro finals started spectators lined the track of Dry Hill cheering on the Junior CAT 1 riders and the announcer was primed spouting off one liners - time to head back up the hill one last time.


Michael Buell

Michael was the first rider to leave the start for Team Geronimo. Sprinting hard out of the gate he looked very focused and ready to improve upon his qualifier from the previous day. He had a burner of a run going, the bike was working great and everything was hitting on all cylinders until he clipped a root with his foot on a crucial short uphill section two thirds the way down the track causing him to lose all momentum and necessitate a sprint off his bike uphill. It was a catastrophic mishap that lost him a lot of time and energy. In the grand scheme of things it was a great weekend and learning experience for him as it is still very early in the season, he is getting back up to speed on the bike and is feeling more and more confident each run. Michael Buell, 81st on the day. There will be another day.


Brian Buell

My leg was a big concern for me come race day, very uncertain how it would react overnight I was prepared to do anything to race to the best of my ability. A remarkable turnaround from the previous day, I felt strong - strong enough to give it my all for the final. My run started off very fast, the track was running very quick and I had to refocus as the speeds I was reaching were faster than I had run in practice. I was extremely pleased with my efforts up top but near the middle of the track I made some crucial mistakes the cost me momentum and time. I was pushing it to the limit and found the hill pushing back as I struggled to keep it upright. Nearly home free, I made one more mistake after compressing hard out of a turn and nearly into a frightened photographer. Once through the finish line I had a chance to relax and reflect on one of the most thrilling runs of my career. How I stayed upright is beyond me. I hit all of the technical sections of the track well and was very happy with how I approached my run. My bike was incredible and I could not be happier with my setup. I got a little overzealous in some sections and maybe a little unlucky which ultimately cost me. Brian Buell, 42nd on the day and gaining momentum.


Graeme Pitts

Graeme was the top qualifier on Team Geronimo and he solidified his big dog status by doing it again with a good run down through the dense Pacific Northwest hillside. He was extremely focused before his race run, had a great warm up and visualization ready to take to the track. Cool, calm and consistent he threw down a smooth run with only minor mistakes, one of those losing momentum out of a key turn riding in the soft soil teetering on the edge of the track. Happy with his efforts and his run, he is still determined to get faster each and every time he is on the bike. He was on fire all weekend and when it all comes together, watch out as he is a force. Graeme Pitts, 30th on the day in a field that included a multitude of World Cup-level racers - his eye is on the prize.

It was an amazing weekend of riding and racing. The big guns showed up and everyone had their game face on. This “mini” World Cup was a great experience and the time on the bike was extremely important as the season continues to roll on. We’re back in California now to train and prepare for the East Coast swing that stops off first in Nathrop, Colorado for Round 1 of the Mountain States Cup Gravity Series and bit of gated racing.

Team Geronimo would like to thank Scott, Casey, JDD and everyone involved in organizing this race for being so helpful and putting on this amazing event. Team Geronimo would also like to thank its sponsors: Banshee Bicycles, Hayes Bicycle Group, Dainese, Wrex Racing, Intense Tyre Systems, Point 1 Racing, MRP, ODI, Smith Optics, Kali Protectives, WTB, FSA, Gene Hamilton of Betterride, MTB Strength Training Systems, Kryptonite, Crate Works, Obtanium, Crankbrothers, Frame Wrap, Cowboy’s Fuzzy Duds, RufusDesign, Basalt Bike and Ski, Shimano, and Ogio.

Until next time . . . ride on!

~ Brian Buell

Allen Stoddard returns to racing

2010 Sea Otter Classic

This past weekend was the 20th anniversary of the Sea Otter Classic. Held at Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey since its inception, it has become the perfect venue for this huge celebration of the bicycle. All the usual racing was held: downhill, cross-country, super-D, road and their world famous dual slalom track. The weather could not have been any better, sunny skies and 70 degrees for the whole weekend. It made for a great turnout of racing and checking out new products.

We were on hand to show off all our 2010 product updates, including the Podium Pedal!






Photos by Jonathan Cofer

Founder Jimmy Amaral would have his work cut out for him in the stacked pro class. his Intense 951 has been completely re-vamped and made it the perfect bike for the course. Jimmy was throwing down fast times in practice and during his race run cleaned sections as fast as the top world cup pros. Unfortunately overshooting one of the jumps cost him some time.

Photo by Toren Stoudt

Co-founder Scott Orehek raced hard and had some great practice runs where he felt comfortable. Scott has been coming back into racing in a big way and the results certainly show. 11th place on the day.

Photo by Rick Rasmussen

Co-founder Tim Lukko went head-to-head against friend and co-worker Scott Orehek. Practicing together for several days, they swapped line choice and tire selection. In the end, it was Scott who won by a good margin!

Photo by Rick Rasmussen

Alex Amaral was on prime to win the Junior X category this year. The Sea Otter downhill has always been a test of fitness and carrying corner speed, all which Alex has. The bottom section was rougher than years past, with huge ruts forming from all the practice. Alex showed amazing speed in his race run and missed 1st place by only one second, dropping him down to 5th place. Impressive job!

Photo by Rick Rasmussen

Chris Lauber had practiced with Alex all week so they were both running about the same speed. Chris has been picking it up lately, riding a new bike and overall feeling good. A fast time and good result on the weekend.

Photo by Rick Rasmussen

Allen Stoddard made an impressive debut for his first big race back from breaking his wrist. A strong effort in the Pro class, and a good result.

Photo by Toren Stoudt

Mike Amaral was in attendance for race support.

Photo by Toren Stoudt

Take a ride down the Sea Otter downhill course with Jimmy Amaral.

Thanks to sicklines.com

Alex Amaral was the fastest amateur on the dual slalom course. An extremely tight race left him barely making it to the next round where for sure he would have reigned number one. Alex will be a threat at next year's slalom race in the pro category.


Alex on his way to fastest lap.


Team Giant/Northstar:

Check out the race recap from Jordan Lopez:

2010 Sea Otter Downhill

Sun was out, wind was mild and the course had traction…you are now entering the Twilight Zone. For those of you who have raced at the illustrious Sea Otter Classic over its 20 years of existence know that there can be torrential rain, 18″ deep mud, howling winds and dust storms all in one day. This year’s weather was a vast deviation from the Sea Otter norm…I actually got a sun burn during practice.

After my horrible race run last year, crashing 30 seconds into my run, my start time this year was a mere 37min 30sec off 10:00am. And with this year’s PRO Downhill Category consisting of 138 riders from all over the world, the competition was heavy to say the least

I felt good about my lines and having practiced with my Teammate (Jon Wilson) throughout the weekend I knew that I had a good chance of finishing with a half-way decent time. As my run started my focus for the race was to be smooth and to complete the run with no major mishaps or crashes. Like all race runs, I had a few small bobbles/blown corners, places where I could have pedaled harder and one major hole which almost stopped me in my tracks I could have avoided. My finishing time for my race run was 2:21:00 and with this time I was placed into a 3-way tie for 78th place. Overall I am pleased with my run, I did all that I set out to do and I lived to fight another day. Like all racers I look back on my run with a hint of frustration with the little things, but on the whole it was a learning experience and I am better/stronger racer for it.





2010 Sea Otter – Pro Men Super D Race Recap:

Weather was was beautiful today at the 2010 Sea Otter classic with a light wind and temps in the mid 60’s.
The Pro men group consisted of over 30 racers with several Cross Country World Cup racers and 2 previous Cross Country World Champions.
With this race being a “Les Monds” style race, the whole group started at one time. I had a descent start in being one of the first guys to my bike and in the top ten to the first corner. As I got to the top of the hill climb my legs & lungs were burning and I was mid pack. Then as I started the dissent, the real fun began. I was able to pick off 4 of my fellow racers and I finished the race in 6:23. I was only 12 seconds behind the race winner, Carl Decker, who is a World Cup XC Pro. I ended up finishing the race in 19th place I am very excited with a top 20 finish.

I had a great time and I am very excited for my Teammate Nate Byrom who finished in 7th today in the same race.
Now I look forward to supporting my friends tomorrow in the Dual Slalom and getting some more runs in on the DH course.


Team Geronimo:

As busy as Sea Otter is, it almost felt like a vacation for Team Geronimo after the previous weeks! We got to all be together for the first time, except for Cody Eichhorn in Australia, who is still recovering from his elbow surgery.

Team Geronimo/Banshee Bikes had a prime pit location, right in the middle of the team/vendor area, and our banners and flags were flying. Graeme designed and constructed three bike racks that kept our stunning machines on display for the entire event. Our pit space was home to the Canadian Banshee team, Trident Sales Manager Dalen Stanley, and a number of other luminaries, including Banshee Engineer Keith Scott, who was ready to answer questions about the products. The trailer, tent and accoutrements seemed to keep everyone comfortable and well-situated.



On Thursday afternoon, decked in their finest Wrex gear and accompanied by their shiny new steeds, Team Geronimo formed a highly-visible posse and set out to visit all of the team’s sponsors. As we made our way around the main area, team photographer Devon Balet noticed that we were the object of everyone’s attention, gaining stares and nods of approval and awe. It was the perfect time to make these visits – enough fans to please, but no so many that photo shoots were difficult. We were able to get photos with our sponsors in front of their booths, and we were all very happy to be able to meet each other in person after a long season of putting Team Geronimo together. In the end, I believe that we are the only team to do such a parade, and judging by the responses we got, it will become an annual event.

The team also did another photo shoot on the last run of downhill practice on Saturday afternoon. Geoff Pitts (PDE Photography) and Andrew Bohan (Laboratory 17) staged a great shoot at the bottom of the downhill run, and it turned out to be quite a spectacle. As all the other Pro riders arrived at the bottom and spent time waiting for the shuttle truck, they got to watch as Team Geronimo had way too much fun and got some great shots. Many top level Pros hitched a ride with our team shuttle truck whenever space allowed, so we got to hear many comments. It is clear to many people (or so we were told) – riders and management alike – that TG is a tight, happy team and that our positive karma follows us like the tail on a comet.





Results at Sea Otter were as good as could be expected from riders with almost no time to get intimate with their equipment, and going up against the likes of Steve Peat. Brian Buell – 46, Graeme Pitts – 64, Michael Buell – 81 and Brandon Turman – 115 (crash). Both Brian Buell and Pitts decided to run the small bikes, which were agile and capable on this pedal-ly course, Michael Buell took the opportunity to get to know his big bike in prep for the upcoming Port Angeles race; likewise, Turman chose his Legend Mk II as he adds downhill racing to the other specialties in which he is a known talent – dirt jumping and slope-style.



Another point of interest is that we heard that the team was the most Pro looking team on the course during downhill practice. Our kits stood out as extraordinary, and as a result of the team demonstrating their skill while doing runs ensemble, we had a presence unequaled by any other team in attendance.


Thanks so much to all our family, friends, athletes and fans who made it out to Sea Otter this year to support the brand. It means everything to us. Until next year!

Point One Racing Athletes:

TURPEN, EVAN 02:14.5
BUELL, BRIAN 02:15.8
WILSON, JON 02:17.4
PITTS, GRAEME 02:18.1
AMARAL, ALEX 02:19.9
HAUER, JOHN 02:20.2
LOPEZ, JORDAN 02:21.0
BUELL, MICHAEL 02:21.4
HOUTZAGER, MAX 02:23.6
STODDARD, ALLEN 02:24.0
KEMP, LOGAN 02:24.9
AMARAL, JIMMY 02:26.7 (crash)
LAUBER, CHRIS 02:28.0
TURMAN, BRANDON 02:33.0 (crash)
OREHEK, SCOTT 02:36.7
MAURER, JOSH 02:39.9 (crash)
LUKKO, TIM 03:00.7

Full results can be found here.

CCCX DH #3

Last weekend was round #3 of the CCCX series. With rain predicted that morning, race promoters and park staff were unsure as to whether or not it was going to be a go. The course that was chosen hadn't been used in over a year and was perfect in the event that it did rain. With the Sea Otter Classic starting today, the race always proves to be a last ditch effort to see how fit you are going into the traditional season opener.

After several hours of waiting around, howling winds and dark skies, the race was moved up an hour and that gave most of the riders a chance to go before the inevitable storm. About 1 1/2 hrs into the race, it started to pour. With 50mph gusts at the top, it has been one of the more difficult tracks to race on at the CCCX series due to the weather.

Jimmy Amaral put the hurt on this never ending battle with his younger brother Alex. Beating him by 2 seconds and securing 2nd place. John Hauer ended up winning (not pictured). Josh Maurer rounded out the pro class with a time of 3:46.03


Mike Amaral and Patrick Tidd (not pictured) were the only two in the class this week. With the stormy conditions, it was tough to have a perfect run. Mike had a great time of 4min flat, while Pat finished a bit ahead with a 3:44.27


Photos by Scott Mosher.

Full results click here.

Santa Ynez Valley Classic

Team Northstar/Giant was on hand this past weekend at the Santa Ynez Valley Classic is Buellton, CA. In the words of Jordan Lopez, here is a breakdown of what happened.

Downhill:

First day down of the 2010 Santa Ynez Classic and it was very eventful for the Northstar-at-Tahoe/GIANT Bicycles Downhill Team. Jon and I as well as Casey Coffman and our friend Clinton from Washington started practice at 9:00am and got in several practice runs on the very short course. After riding to the top of the hill in the back of a enclosed and slightly dirty cattle car on the first shuttle, we all decided to hike back up the hill for our other practice runs. After practicing the course several times we all felt confident that the race would be short and tight. The race started at 2:00pm and the competition was on. With a couple bobbles in my run and coming to a complete stop twice, I finished the race in 6th place with a time of 1:58:04. For the first race of the 2010 season, I am glad that I was able to put together a clean run from top to bottom with no serious mistakes or crashes. This also being my first real race since my shoulder separation in Ashland Oregon back in June of 2009, I am glad that my shoulder was strong and did not affect my run in any way.
But, the highlight of the day was my racing partner, Jon Wilson taking first place in the Men's Pro Downhill. This result was “Payback” for the previous time Jon raced here in which he crashed and missed the podium by only a small margin. A huge Congratulations to him.

Super D:

There was a +/-40mph gusts of wind and rain and as the race started the wind became more consistent. I was the 9th pro to take off and I faced a high wind almost blew me off course several times. I was the only DH racer in the group and with this race being part of the US Cup – West, there was a very large turnout of top national XC Pros. I finished the race in 6:48 and I only 27 seconds behind the top finisher. My final result was 9th and with the caliber of racers present, I am excited with a top ten finish. See you at Sea Otter.


Photo by Jordan Lopez

Congratulations guys!

Pan Am's Final

Check out this video featuring Graeme Pitts and Brian Buell at Pan Am's this past weekend. Both Graeme and Brian are using Split-Second 50's on their 4x bikes. Split-Second DM's and Podium Pedals on their DH bikes.




Brian Buell in the 4x. Photo by Rob Jones.


Graeme Pitts in the DH. Photo by Rob Jones.

Both our guys had good finishes in the stacked field. Great job!

22 241 Brian Buell USA1987051 USA 0:04:06.05
23 242 Graeme Pitts USA1990071 USA 0:04:06.05

Full results can be found here.

Pan Am's Practice

Pan Am Championships are currently underway in Guatemala right now. Check out some practice coverage of Point One Racing's Graeme Pitts (Team Geronimo)! Stay tuned for more coverage as well as full results this weekend.

Lightest DH bike?

29.76 lbs Trek Session 88, complete with Split-Second LE Nickel direct-mount and Nano-Second spacers...

Point One Racing on VitalMTB

Don't forget to head over to VitalMTB and write up a review about our products. New 2010 photos and descriptions will be updated very soon.