Here at MTBVT HQ we continue to be beyond stoked with Ali’s success and flat out speed on the race circuit this season! In just a couple weeks she’s headed to the Enduro World Series at the Colorado Freeride Fest to compete with the best of the best. True to MTBVT style we’re having a send-off party for her. Join Ali and the MTBVT crew for a ride, BBQ, beverages, sponsor swag raffle, and good times this Sunday.
Details and RSVP on the Facebook Event Page >>
Words: Ali Zimmer
Nestled in the White mountains with Peaks, cliffs and rivers all around, Attitash was picturesque this weekend! The course started and ended with lift access to the longer timed stages, with 3 other timed DH and 3 untimed climbing transfers in the middle. There was general agreement with the turnout of racers that this course was gnarlier then the previous Plattekill course, and more DH oriented. With the chip timing, the relaxed and self sufficient atmosphere was again a real treat. Although this is only the second enduro the ESC has hosted, they had the courses and timing dialed in.
Click image to enlargePhoto: Jason Scheiding
The first section began with a steep open shoot, littered with loose granite rock, then was a mix of open ski trail with slick rock slabs, as well as nice wooded sections, a small climb and a few short flat pedals, and a couple of mud pits. The second and third sections were fun new loamy trails with lots of cornering, steeps and fast run outs with short flat sprints to the finish. The fourth section was a short fire road descent/all out sprint with a few water bars and loose rock to keep you on your toes. The final stretch was a long descent through some of the past DH courses, with lots of speed, flow, loose corners, a couple small bridge jumps, and a little tech. On my race run down this stage a turkey chick ran out in the trail, making me slam on the brakes, before running back into the safety of the greenery. Another racer on the same section narrowly missed a bear cub!
Another trip to the top of the podium for the win put a smile on my face! 8 women competed this weekend, 5 in the pro/open class, however, we need more women out there to enjoy enduro, racing culture and great vibes, and experience varied riding in New England! Also, if we have 10 women in the Pro/Open class we will gain equal payouts to the men, as less then 10 only earns us half.
Click image to enlargePhoto: Jason Scheiding
Aside from the sweet riding, the mountain was full of wild strawberries, raspberries and blueberries! All in all a wonderful weekend of riding, racing, hanging out with great folks, soaking in the Sacco River, and training for the Enduro World Series in 2 weeks!
