I woke up to the noise of the pattering rain on the windows of my apartment. I peeked through my blinds and saw the heavy rain dousing everything. Realizing that the
Southridge 19th Annual Challenge finals were happening I got out of bed and headed over to Fontana. There were a plethora of puddles and mud at the registration area, but that didn't stop anyone from practicing or racing.
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| Water greeted riders at registration in the morning |
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| Thank you to the wonderful and friendly shuttling staff for making things roll smooth |
The event ran smoothly as usual due to the great organization and abundance of staff. Numerous registration, timing, safety, and shuttle staff were in attendance. There were over four shuttle buses working all morning and afternoon. A big shout out to the whole staff for this whole year! Things wouldn't have been as awesome as they were without you guys!
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| There was always a helping hand unloading the bikes from the shuttle truck |
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| Riders eagerly wait at the starting gate for their practice runs |
The rain had stopped, but the winds were howling as I was at the top watching the riders leave the start gate. I was in my rain/wind repellent gear, but that didn't stop me from shivering, I could not imagine how cold the riders were standing in line for their practice and race runs.
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| Luca Cometti was railing corners all day |
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| Lear Miller was on it all day, but unfortunately blew a corner at the very top of the course |
Very few pros were taking any practice runs on finals day so it was very difficult to get any shots of them. Lear Miller and Kevin Aiello were out and killing it. With the rain and intense winds I was reluctant to bring out my flashes, so for finals I opted to shoot natural light. Though conditions were a little gusty the overcast light was making for some even lighting that I adore and crave. As finals were underway the sun began to peek through the stormy clouds and give some of us photographers a hard time.
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| Rich Houseman mobbin' through the first rock section to a 5th |
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| Kevin was looking smooth all day and raced his way to 4th |
Right out of the gate riders were thrown into a chicane then quickly into a slick rock garden. It was difficult with the muddy conditions and the fade away rocks. Navigating through them isn't too hard, but blasting through at race pace is a different story. The rest of the course was littered with rock gardens and high speed traps that took bravery and skill to conquer.
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| After a three month sabbatical, John Keep made a strong 3rd place return. |
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| On his new Trek Session, Waylon Smith killed it to a 2nd place |
John Keep and Waylon Smith were on new rides for this race. Keep was coming back from a season with the
Tomac Race Team. He's back and enthused more than ever about the coming race season! From what I heard around the pits, Smith was on a new bike. When practice and finals rolled around I finally saw his new
Trek Session. On new bikes for this race and placing in the top three, Keep and Smith did a great job this past weekend.
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| David Klaassen Van Oorschot smashed the field by two seconds |
David Klaassen Van Oorschot- 02:18:70
Waylon Smith- 02:20:72
John Keep- 02:21:83
Kevin Aiello- 02:22:69
Rich Houseman- 02:23:19
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| Rich, Kevin, Keep, Smith, DK |
For more results check on www.southridgeusa.com
The racing has been fun this year thanks to
Southridge USA. Thanks for the awesome memories! See you in a few months for the Winter Series!
-Tony "Double T" Tarumoto
