Pro GRT #3 - Northstar, CA

Northstar was the proud host of the Pro Grt round #3 this past weekend. With the WC Giant team, Transition Racing and Santa Cruz Syndicate, along with a bunch of fast locals, it was sure to be a big event! Using the same course as last weekend's Northstar series opener, it was easy for local riders to get up to speed quickly. A pro only step down was added in, as well as a big finish line double. These two features added to not only better viewing for spectators, but a more challenging course for racers. With temperatures in the 80s, it was going to be dry and dusty, again making things more challenging.

Point One Racing's Alex and Jimmy Amaral had a stacked competition. When racing at this level, you fear the worst, but expect the best. Friday was qualifying for both Pro and Cat 1 Junior, giving them a chance to see where they stand for the big show on Sunday. Alex had a blazing time of 4:23 and was your #1 qualifier by over 3 seconds! Jimmy had a decent run and finished about in the middle of the Pro class with a 4:29.

After another day of practice on Saturday with new lines forming, Sunday was race day to put it all together. Amateurs went first, with Cat 1 and Pro going late in the afternoon. By then the course was completely blown out, and there were lines all over the place, braking bumps and case marks. Times seem to have gotten a bit slower. Alex had a bit of a sketchy run and finished with a 4:26, a solid 5th place finish. Jimmy ended up with a 4:31, the course had gotten extremely difficult to race. Awesome work from those guys!

A big thanks to all our athletes, family and friends who made the trip and helped support the cause.


Thanks to Jonathan Cofer













Team Northstar/Giant:

WOW! Northstar showed up for this one! I have to give a huge shout-out to the Northstar trail crew for an AMAZING job on Gypsy and their tiresome fight with the “risk managers”. Despite the resistance, the trail crew were able to put in a “road gap” and a great 38 foot finish line jump. And while the road gap was a pro only line, and suppose to be labeled a “drop” for liability issues, it was a great addition to the course. I know some people were upset they did not get to ride this feature, lets all be thankful for what we did get. This was a progression and a giant step for Northstar and what they get to build. In addition, no major injures over the entire weekend, proving how well built the new features were. Again, AWESOME additions to a great course! The funny thing is the risk managers’ concern over these new features, which are way easier and safer than other death marches such as “Vietnam” or “Slabs”. Those trails scare me! Other additions to Gypsy included huge new berms in the middle which kept the flow going, daily sweeping of course “duff”, and even daily course watering! Northstar put on a good show for the nation. Andy Buckley and Team Big Bear made sure all races ran smooth, and even allowed for extra training on Sunday morning due to the long gondola lift line. Other than that all races were on time and results were efficient and quick.

To be completely honest my race left me wanting; in the moments following my race run I was at a loss and grasping at explanations for my poor finishing time. Now, with the blessing of hindsight, I see now that there were several sections I could have put forth more effort in my run. For example, I could have gotten more loose in the corners and got off the brakes into and through the corners and gotten lower on the bike. In the practice runs leading up to the race I felt fast and competitive, but once my race started I reverted back to my old bad habits of coming into the corners to fast for traction and loosing all of my exit speed and playing the game of catchup. This course does not reward this style of riding and my result is the proof – 64th.

Jordan Lopez


Saturday
Jon came out victorious in the PRO Men's 4X race beating some of the top Nationally Ranked 4X racers like JD Swanguen and Ryan Condrashoff. To top it all off, Jon accomplished all of this on his GIANT Reign Trail Bike which boasts 6" of travel front and rear.

Jon Wilson


Sunday
It was time for downhill and both Jon and I felt up to the high level of competition. Because of his crash in the seeding run, Jon was one of the first racers to set off down the hill and he set the early time to beat with a 4:19. A bit later I set off down the hill and had a variety of issues and because of them I ended off the pack and into 64th place. Jon was able to hold onto a 19th pace finish and with the level of competition present, he was very excited with this result.


Team Geronimo:

The Buell brothers made the trip out from Colorado to race with fellow teammates Eichhorn and Pitts. Graeme finished an impressive 14th place! Cody was 17th, Brian 29th and Michael 47th, respectively.

Brian Buell


Cody Eichhorn


Graeme Pitts


Racer photos by WM Smith

Full results