Race Report: Snowshoe Race #1

by GROM Racer Will O'Brien

This past weekend, the 2010 Snowshoe Powerade race series was kicked off. All of the racers enjoyed amazing dry weather throughout the weekend, creating a loose and fast downhill track. The GROM team pits stood-out among the other tents and provided a hang-out spot, as well as a place for repairs for the team and other racers alike. O'Brien hitting the road gap

 

The team started practice early Friday after getting the bikes dialed in for the fast track. Coach Herndon helped the racers pick the fastest lines, as well as gave riding advice and tips. The racing started with the giant slalom race on Saturday, which consisted of tall, high speed berms and was well received by all of the racers. The two-run combined-time format placed Junior GROM racers O'Brien and Fesperman in 2nd and 3rd with others finishing nicely as well.  GROM racer Sam Pensler finished well in the elite class and coach Christopher Herndon had the fastest single run time of the day.

 

Sunday brought more great weather and made for amazing track conditions. The Specialized BigHits were riding flawlessly over the high-speed roots, rocks and corners; the RockShox BoXXers and Cane Creek DoubleBarrels soaking up the rough, dry track, while the Industry 9 wheels kept everything stable. Unfortunately, racer Luca Shaw crashed during practice and joined his brother Walker Shaw and teammate Ben Calhoun on the sidelines. GROM racers took 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the Junior category, while Sam Pensler took 7th in the Pro category. Female GROM racer Lauren Daney took the top spot in the Pro Women's class.

 

GROM Lauren Daney takes 1stOver all, a weekend of clear weather and perfect track conditions was enjoyed by everyone. All the GROM team wishes Sam Pensler good luck in California this coming weekend as he competes in the Pro GRT at Northstar Resort.

Snowshoe Race #1 Results Overview:

Giant Slalom

Amatuer 17 & Under - 2nd: Will O'Brien, 3rd: Jay Fesperman

Men's Elite - Christopher Herndon - 3rd

Snowshoe Powerade Series Downhill Race #1
Women's Elite - 1st: Lauren Daney
Amatuer 17 & Under - 2nd: Jay Fesperman, 3rd: Will O'Brien,  4th: Eric Vest
(Ben Calhoun, Luca Shaw, and Walker Shaw on the injured but healing well list)
Men's Elite - 4th: Christopher Herndon, 7th: Sam Pensler

GROM Racing - Enjoys the DirtyBird

Luca Shaw and Eric Vest Shredding the CourseWhat a great weekend at Hawksnest racing the DirtyBird. Practice on Saturday brought perfect trails and a short shower in the afternoon to make things interesting. Sunday; a perfect day for racing with overcast skys, as breeze and no rain.

The App State guys put on a great race with super sponsors and great support from Hawksnest. The course was in great shape and ready to be enjoyed by over 100 racers.

GROM Racing was set up right at the finish line. Cane Creek, Industry Nine, and Specialized had the racers ready to conquer the mountain. The bikes (frames, shocks and wheels) performed flawlessly. GROM Coach Christopher Herndon walked the trail on Saturday providing instruction to GROM racers and others within earshot. On Sunday, Christopher hawked the finishline to see how his racers performed and to assist other racers with bike repairs.

As typical, the GROM tent was the hang-out with lots of fellowship, laughter and food. GROM Racers Walker Shaw and Ben Calhoun attended the race even though they are both on the injured list (broken arm and collar bone, respectively). Assistant Coach Tim Price was at home recovering from shoulder surgery on Friday (all went well and Tim looks forward to joining the team at Snowshoe for the first race and riding camp).

GROM Racers got into the spectator action following their race runs. Cowbells, handlebars, and airhorns were going strong to encourage other racers on the course. GROMs popped up in a series along the course (wearing their black Specialized jerseys and matching TroyLee Designs pants) to cheer on other riders. You could hear riders after their runs, "who were those kids - that was great!"

Official times aren't available online yet, but GROM Racers finished well:
5th Place: Eric Vest
4th Place: Will O'Brien
3rd Place: Jay Fesperman
2nd Place: Luca Shaw

Photos are on the way soon. Check them out at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/49804868@N02/sets/72157624242208496/

Related Sites:

www.dirtybirddh.com

http://www.hawksnest-resort.com/defaultzipline.php 

GROM Racers Podium at Plattekill

GROM racers, Sam Pensler and Lauren Daney, were able to attend the second race of the Pro Gravity Tour in Plattekill, New York, which was a junior world championship qualifier.  A top three finish is required at qualifying events in order to be eligible to make the U.S. National team.  Lauren took a hard spill on Saturday, but managed to race on Sunday and win her class.  She was the fastest amateur racer as well, nearly solidifying her spot on the junior world championship team.  Sam had a strong run and finished third in the CAT 1 junior men’s class.  He is definitely in contention to go to junior worlds and just needs to put together a solid run at the next qualifier in California.

Everyone’s equipment worked well this weekend; the Cane Creek Double Barrel rear shocks kept the bikes riding smooth, resulting in only the occasional sound of tires bouncing off of rocks.  Spectators and riders were amazed and commented on the quietness of the team bikes all weekend.  Both Sam and Lauren’s stellar riding form and technique caught the eye of famed mountain bike photographer, Ian Highland, resulting in two great shots of them getting posted on the popular mountain bike website, Pinkbike.  Excited about racing and the exposure the team has received, the coaches, riders and staff are all looking forward to a big event this coming weekend at the U.S. Open.

posting by Tim Price, GROM Assistant Coach