| We'll see you at these events in 2009! |
Saturday/Sunday March 15/16 2008: FOCF XC and Super D #1
An epic weekend of classic NW spring racing was had in Capitol
Forest. At our first team race of the year we had a good showing.
Facing some fast regional competition on our home turf GL6 results
were:
Bernie Miller
XC Open 4th, Super D Open 3rd, AM (combined) Open 1st
Derik Archibald
XC Open 6th
Matt Jagger
Super D Open 5th
Jim Graham
Super D Open 6th
Natalie Gentry
XC Open 3rd, Super D Open 6th, AM (combined) Open 2nd
Glenn Graham
Super D Expert 36+ 1st
Trey Clay
Super D Expert 36+ 2nd
Jeff Haymes
Super D Expert 36+ 6th
Mike Norquist
Super D Expert 36+ 8th
Rachel DeLateur X Ville
XC Beginner 2nd
Race info, results, photos and more HERE
FOCF Super D#1 Top Ten Times
Nathan Riddle Fluid Ride 0:14:23
Aaron Wilson Centercycles/BD Bikes 0:14:26
Bernie Miller GL6 Racing 0:15:09
Simon Lawton Fluid Ride 0:15:14
Matt Jagger GL6 Racing 0:15:16
Jim Graham GL6 Racing 0:15:19
John Pitton Fanatik 0:15:22
Rick Hansen NRC Pedalmasher 0:15:56
Jarred Swalwell Yeti Cycles 0:15:42
Bart McDaniel Centercycles 0:16:24
An epic weekend of classic NW spring racing was had in Capitol
Forest. At our first team race of the year we had a good showing.
Facing some fast regional competition on our home turf GL6 results
were:
Bernie Miller
XC Open 4th, Super D Open 3rd, AM (combined) Open 1st
Derik Archibald
XC Open 6th
Matt Jagger
Super D Open 5th
Jim Graham
Super D Open 6th
Natalie Gentry
XC Open 3rd, Super D Open 6th, AM (combined) Open 2nd
Glenn Graham
Super D Expert 36+ 1st
Trey Clay
Super D Expert 36+ 2nd
Jeff Haymes
Super D Expert 36+ 6th
Mike Norquist
Super D Expert 36+ 8th
Rachel DeLateur X Ville
XC Beginner 2nd
Race info, results, photos and more HERE
FOCF Super D#1 Top Ten Times
Nathan Riddle Fluid Ride 0:14:23
Aaron Wilson Centercycles/BD Bikes 0:14:26
Bernie Miller GL6 Racing 0:15:09
Simon Lawton Fluid Ride 0:15:14
Matt Jagger GL6 Racing 0:15:16
Jim Graham GL6 Racing 0:15:19
John Pitton Fanatik 0:15:22
Rick Hansen NRC Pedalmasher 0:15:56
Jarred Swalwell Yeti Cycles 0:15:42
Bart McDaniel Centercycles 0:16:24
| The Norco Fluid LT makes a great Super D bike. Light and efficient, these three LT's placed 2nd in Expert and 5th and 6th in the Open Class. The Schwalbe Nobby Nic's proved their unparalleled versatility in the challenging conditions. |
| 2009 GL6 is ready for the coming season. With new mtb races popping up all over the NW we are stoked and grateful to have so many good events to choose from. GL6 has a full NW agenda, as well as some national events to make as well. See SOME of our 2008 season race reports below. |
Sunday April 6 2008: Fluid Cup #1 and Indies Series #1
A killer weekend of NW mountain bike racing. Some of the team trekked to PA for the Fluid
Cup #1 race for a full weekend of gravity racing. Glenn, Jeff, Matthieu and Trey ripped it up
on the DH course. A couple minor crashes, and a lot of major fun was had. Michelle, Derik,
Jim, Bernie, Matt and Poker headed north to Seatac for the Indie Series #1 XC race. A well
run event thanks to Stiff Wick Racing turned this abandoned neighborhood turned park into
a slice of mtb racing heaven. A couple unfortunate mechanicals went down including
Poker's "I'll never run tubes again experience". Derik, Matt and Jim went full rigid SS on the
course in the same class. The GL6 SS Trio stuck together and railed with the competition
for most of the race, with Jagger breaking out on the last lap to reel in one more. Michelle
converted to the Norco Nitro Niner and has become sold for life on the big hoops.
Indie Seatac XC #1
Michelle Joyride
2nd Sport Women
Matt Jagger
4th Single Speed Sport
Jim Graham
6th Single Speed Sport
Fluid Ride PA DH #1
Jeff Haymes
9th Expert 40+
Trey Clay
7th Sport 30-39
A killer weekend of NW mountain bike racing. Some of the team trekked to PA for the Fluid
Cup #1 race for a full weekend of gravity racing. Glenn, Jeff, Matthieu and Trey ripped it up
on the DH course. A couple minor crashes, and a lot of major fun was had. Michelle, Derik,
Jim, Bernie, Matt and Poker headed north to Seatac for the Indie Series #1 XC race. A well
run event thanks to Stiff Wick Racing turned this abandoned neighborhood turned park into
a slice of mtb racing heaven. A couple unfortunate mechanicals went down including
Poker's "I'll never run tubes again experience". Derik, Matt and Jim went full rigid SS on the
course in the same class. The GL6 SS Trio stuck together and railed with the competition
for most of the race, with Jagger breaking out on the last lap to reel in one more. Michelle
converted to the Norco Nitro Niner and has become sold for life on the big hoops.
Indie Seatac XC #1
Michelle Joyride
2nd Sport Women
Matt Jagger
4th Single Speed Sport
Jim Graham
6th Single Speed Sport
Fluid Ride PA DH #1
Jeff Haymes
9th Expert 40+
Trey Clay
7th Sport 30-39
| Jagger full-on |
| JGraham on your right |
| GGraham seeking -Justice- |
Sunday May 11: Fluid Cup #2 Dry Hill Washington
Three of the boys headed up north to PA for the Fluid Cup #2 at Dry Hill.
Here are their own words:
Professor Haymes:
Last in category - crashed twice:-)
Another excellent race put on by the Fluidride/Dry Hill gang at PA! A huge turnout (300+)
from all over the Northwest and Canada demonstrated people still want to go downhill and
slalom racing in big numbers. The downhill course was again a (largely) well designed,
fast but challenging one which required well rounded skill to be competitive.
Captain GGraham:
I raced Expert Men 30-39. I placed 12th out of 18 in my class.
The weekend weather was great and trail conditions were good. Olympic Dirt Society built
some new trail for the race. A new section called "Justice" entailed a 20 foot tall rock face
that was steep with a rock embedded in the middle of the trail part way down. The rock
face reminded many a rider about the effects of gravity after being pitched over the bars.
The rest of the course was flowy and a lot of fun. The rock face was the most technical
portion of the trail. I safety flew by the tree I ran head first into at the last race. I had a great
time and was happy to finish unhurt.
Trey "The Hard Man" Clay:
Sport Class: 30-39, 6th Place
The guys at PA carved-out a mostly new track for last weekends race. It was fresh, tight
and twisty singletrack. No berms on the fresh stuff. I really had to concentrate on
controlling my turns to keep the rear end from washing out. Overall, the times on the Sport
course were slower than the 1st race. Wish I had gotten myself to the track early enough
on Sunday to get in a practice run. The trail had dried out some and was easier to navigate
the turns compared to my Saturday practice runs. Next time, I want to walk the course and
session some of the harder sections. Making the practice time more productive. The
Marzocchi front fork feels better now that it's properly tuned. Looking forward to Spokane!
Thanks to Jeff for the Hadley/Mavic wheels. My WTB rear rim was toast. I hope Dr.Meyers is
OK.?
Three of the boys headed up north to PA for the Fluid Cup #2 at Dry Hill.
Here are their own words:
Professor Haymes:
Last in category - crashed twice:-)
Another excellent race put on by the Fluidride/Dry Hill gang at PA! A huge turnout (300+)
from all over the Northwest and Canada demonstrated people still want to go downhill and
slalom racing in big numbers. The downhill course was again a (largely) well designed,
fast but challenging one which required well rounded skill to be competitive.
Captain GGraham:
I raced Expert Men 30-39. I placed 12th out of 18 in my class.
The weekend weather was great and trail conditions were good. Olympic Dirt Society built
some new trail for the race. A new section called "Justice" entailed a 20 foot tall rock face
that was steep with a rock embedded in the middle of the trail part way down. The rock
face reminded many a rider about the effects of gravity after being pitched over the bars.
The rest of the course was flowy and a lot of fun. The rock face was the most technical
portion of the trail. I safety flew by the tree I ran head first into at the last race. I had a great
time and was happy to finish unhurt.
Trey "The Hard Man" Clay:
Sport Class: 30-39, 6th Place
The guys at PA carved-out a mostly new track for last weekends race. It was fresh, tight
and twisty singletrack. No berms on the fresh stuff. I really had to concentrate on
controlling my turns to keep the rear end from washing out. Overall, the times on the Sport
course were slower than the 1st race. Wish I had gotten myself to the track early enough
on Sunday to get in a practice run. The trail had dried out some and was easier to navigate
the turns compared to my Saturday practice runs. Next time, I want to walk the course and
session some of the harder sections. Making the practice time more productive. The
Marzocchi front fork feels better now that it's properly tuned. Looking forward to Spokane!
Thanks to Jeff for the Hadley/Mavic wheels. My WTB rear rim was toast. I hope Dr.Meyers is
OK.?
Saturday May 24: MSC Angel Fire New Mexico Super D....The search for oxygen
Open: 24 out of 30
Jim Graham
My gawd.
Well this being the farthest I've traveled to race, it was a new experience on many levels.
Flew to Denver with wife, baby Scarlett a bike box and lots of peripheral luggage. The
whole flying with bike and gear was actually pretty smooth. Cost me $100 round trip for a
bike box, and I could fit my bike, riding gear and everything associated with the race in the
one box. Very nice. Drove to Angel Fire, NM.
Angel Fire resort is a cool little mountain town that reminded me a little of towns like
Golden BC, old school hick mountain town/resorts moving ahead and in the midst of
evolving with the times.
Practice on Friday was a serious slap in the face. I took two runs in the morning and one in
the afternoon. The course was pretty dry and traction was good, temps were in the
40's/50's. I heard 1800' of descending and 250' of climbing, maybe 4-5 miles. The turf
changed as the course dropped down the mountain. Rocky volcanic tech stuff up top
gradually changing to sandy/clay towards the bottom. The rock up top was fairly technical
and fun, and I was glad to have 6" of travel going for me. One section in the rocks I didn't
ride, and planned to spend some time on it in the afternoon and figure the line out. It was
like riding in a sea of shark fins....save that for later in the day. The course mid mountain
opened up and started to flow, some singletrack, some double track. In the middle of the
course there was a cool section of steeper descending singletrack that required a drop of
the seat (thanks All Mountain Post) and a drop of the heels to flow. That-was-fun. The
bottom of the course was fast traverses back and forth across the lower grass covered ski
runs to the finish. So the slap in the face was the elevation. A 2 mile chairlift ride that
started at the base area of just over 8,000' and ended at just over 10,000' stuck me with a
mild 3-day headache and a complete inability to breath. The two short climbs in the course
were excruciating. I had to walk them, I couldn't believe it...what a puss. It was a real trip.
The afternoon brought the weather. Rain at the bottom and snow at the top. The 2 mile
chairlift ride in shorts was well, cold. While I had napped between AM and PM practice the
course officials went in and granny-fied the shark fin section.....it was revealed at the riders
meeting that evening that they had decided to bring the course back in line with Super D
standards from their more DH style courses of the previous two years. Oh well, there were
still some techy sections to keep the course balanced. The rain had turned the lower
course into peanut butter. I had to walk my bike in the last 100 yards because my rear end
and drivetrain were completely locked up from the mud, crazy. Capitol Forest eat your heart
out.
Saturday race day. No precip, but FROZEN. I took a quick practice run in the morning. The
top of the mountain was totally frozen and covered in a light dusting of snow. Trippy. I
finished my practice run, rode back to the condo, grabbed my full face and shin/knee pads
to keep me warm and headed back out for the race run. The SD racers shivered and
hopped around at the start line until the organizers herded us together for the lemans
uphill run start. The Open class started out in mass first. Run up, blaze down. Definitely
not feeling like myself I wheezed my way down and gasped across the finish line as I
convinced myself I must have been the slowest guy on the hill that run. Some hard men
from AZ and CO rounded out the podium. If you run into a guy with dreads on a Bionicon or
a guy with a Euro accent on an Ellsworth in the Rocky Mountain states, tip your helmet.
Angel Fire rocked. A well run event and a balanced Super D course. If you happen to be in
that region next May, check it out.
Long winded, sorry. It's good to be home. I'm tired of airports.....for now.
Open: 24 out of 30
Jim Graham
My gawd.
Well this being the farthest I've traveled to race, it was a new experience on many levels.
Flew to Denver with wife, baby Scarlett a bike box and lots of peripheral luggage. The
whole flying with bike and gear was actually pretty smooth. Cost me $100 round trip for a
bike box, and I could fit my bike, riding gear and everything associated with the race in the
one box. Very nice. Drove to Angel Fire, NM.
Angel Fire resort is a cool little mountain town that reminded me a little of towns like
Golden BC, old school hick mountain town/resorts moving ahead and in the midst of
evolving with the times.
Practice on Friday was a serious slap in the face. I took two runs in the morning and one in
the afternoon. The course was pretty dry and traction was good, temps were in the
40's/50's. I heard 1800' of descending and 250' of climbing, maybe 4-5 miles. The turf
changed as the course dropped down the mountain. Rocky volcanic tech stuff up top
gradually changing to sandy/clay towards the bottom. The rock up top was fairly technical
and fun, and I was glad to have 6" of travel going for me. One section in the rocks I didn't
ride, and planned to spend some time on it in the afternoon and figure the line out. It was
like riding in a sea of shark fins....save that for later in the day. The course mid mountain
opened up and started to flow, some singletrack, some double track. In the middle of the
course there was a cool section of steeper descending singletrack that required a drop of
the seat (thanks All Mountain Post) and a drop of the heels to flow. That-was-fun. The
bottom of the course was fast traverses back and forth across the lower grass covered ski
runs to the finish. So the slap in the face was the elevation. A 2 mile chairlift ride that
started at the base area of just over 8,000' and ended at just over 10,000' stuck me with a
mild 3-day headache and a complete inability to breath. The two short climbs in the course
were excruciating. I had to walk them, I couldn't believe it...what a puss. It was a real trip.
The afternoon brought the weather. Rain at the bottom and snow at the top. The 2 mile
chairlift ride in shorts was well, cold. While I had napped between AM and PM practice the
course officials went in and granny-fied the shark fin section.....it was revealed at the riders
meeting that evening that they had decided to bring the course back in line with Super D
standards from their more DH style courses of the previous two years. Oh well, there were
still some techy sections to keep the course balanced. The rain had turned the lower
course into peanut butter. I had to walk my bike in the last 100 yards because my rear end
and drivetrain were completely locked up from the mud, crazy. Capitol Forest eat your heart
out.
Saturday race day. No precip, but FROZEN. I took a quick practice run in the morning. The
top of the mountain was totally frozen and covered in a light dusting of snow. Trippy. I
finished my practice run, rode back to the condo, grabbed my full face and shin/knee pads
to keep me warm and headed back out for the race run. The SD racers shivered and
hopped around at the start line until the organizers herded us together for the lemans
uphill run start. The Open class started out in mass first. Run up, blaze down. Definitely
not feeling like myself I wheezed my way down and gasped across the finish line as I
convinced myself I must have been the slowest guy on the hill that run. Some hard men
from AZ and CO rounded out the podium. If you run into a guy with dreads on a Bionicon or
a guy with a Euro accent on an Ellsworth in the Rocky Mountain states, tip your helmet.
Angel Fire rocked. A well run event and a balanced Super D course. If you happen to be in
that region next May, check it out.
Long winded, sorry. It's good to be home. I'm tired of airports.....for now.
| JGraham "dashing" for the finish |
| GGraham with his zombie on his shoulder..... |
Sunday June 15: Ashland Oregon 12 mile Super D
Matt Jagger
6th semi pro
Jim Graham
10th Expert 30-39
Jamey Poelker
16th, Expert 40-49
The trails in Ashland are fast. I think that was the quickest 12 miles on dirt that I have ever
experienced. A whole lot of fun and good times. Having a big crew down there shredding
it up was cool. It may come as a surprise to some but that was my first Super D race. I
entered the expert class and got slaughtered by a couple of guys that blew by me like I
was frozen in time. I will continue to ride with and race against people who are more
skilled and faster than I in hopes of continuing to improve my own riding. I think I am
already starting to gain a reputation as the guy who is smiling and having a good time
even during the race, and I plan to keep that attitude. When the race is about the podium I
don't enjoy it as much. For me it is about new places to ride and people to ride with. Be a
part of the new generation of riders and get out there and have some fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trey Clay (on a rental bike with plastic flat pedals!!)
17th, Expert 30-39
Natalie Gentry
4th, Expert women combined
Glenn Graham
2nd Sport, 30-39
I finished second in my class and was beat out by a local rider. I look forward to returning
to this venue next year even though I will be racing an older class next year. This is a great
event with a great course that challenges every aspect of the sport from tight and technical
singletrack to wide open insane speeds on fireroads. The city of Ashland is also a great
place to hang out in the evenings as well.
Matthieu Denuelle
6th sport, 30-39
Jeff Haymes
8th Sport, 40-49
Ashland is a spectacular Super D race. The course provided an Epic descent of fast, flowy
single track and very fast fire roads that provided for excellent variety. The fitness angle is
not overlooked however, as a steep, lung and lung burning climb occurred near the start
that requires some serious effort to get over the top. The local competition is tough, as it
took the might Glenn Graham to crack the podium for the GL6 team with one of his usual
super efforts. The other nice thing about the race is the town of Ashland itself, which a very
nice community with many fine restaurants and things to do for those tagging along that
are not going to be spending all their time eating dust up on the hill.
Matt Jagger
6th semi pro
Jim Graham
10th Expert 30-39
Jamey Poelker
16th, Expert 40-49
The trails in Ashland are fast. I think that was the quickest 12 miles on dirt that I have ever
experienced. A whole lot of fun and good times. Having a big crew down there shredding
it up was cool. It may come as a surprise to some but that was my first Super D race. I
entered the expert class and got slaughtered by a couple of guys that blew by me like I
was frozen in time. I will continue to ride with and race against people who are more
skilled and faster than I in hopes of continuing to improve my own riding. I think I am
already starting to gain a reputation as the guy who is smiling and having a good time
even during the race, and I plan to keep that attitude. When the race is about the podium I
don't enjoy it as much. For me it is about new places to ride and people to ride with. Be a
part of the new generation of riders and get out there and have some fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Trey Clay (on a rental bike with plastic flat pedals!!)
17th, Expert 30-39
Natalie Gentry
4th, Expert women combined
Glenn Graham
2nd Sport, 30-39
I finished second in my class and was beat out by a local rider. I look forward to returning
to this venue next year even though I will be racing an older class next year. This is a great
event with a great course that challenges every aspect of the sport from tight and technical
singletrack to wide open insane speeds on fireroads. The city of Ashland is also a great
place to hang out in the evenings as well.
Matthieu Denuelle
6th sport, 30-39
Jeff Haymes
8th Sport, 40-49
Ashland is a spectacular Super D race. The course provided an Epic descent of fast, flowy
single track and very fast fire roads that provided for excellent variety. The fitness angle is
not overlooked however, as a steep, lung and lung burning climb occurred near the start
that requires some serious effort to get over the top. The local competition is tough, as it
took the might Glenn Graham to crack the podium for the GL6 team with one of his usual
super efforts. The other nice thing about the race is the town of Ashland itself, which a very
nice community with many fine restaurants and things to do for those tagging along that
are not going to be spending all their time eating dust up on the hill.
Sunday June 21: Mt Hood DH #2 at The Bridal Trail
Matt Jagger
2nd Semi Pro, 3rd fastest time
Jim Graham
1st Expert 30-39, 9th fastest time
Next to the FOCF Super D races, this is my favorite race of the year. Fast and flowy, love it.
Stoked to see Jagger's run and Haymes crowding the podium guys. After the race we
rallied to Hood River and rode Post Canyon. I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday.
From my photo, it looks like those pastry's I've been eating are starting to pay off. San
Francisco St. Bakery, O Town's finest.
Jeff Haymes
4th, Expert 40-49
Matt Jagger
2nd Semi Pro, 3rd fastest time
Jim Graham
1st Expert 30-39, 9th fastest time
Next to the FOCF Super D races, this is my favorite race of the year. Fast and flowy, love it.
Stoked to see Jagger's run and Haymes crowding the podium guys. After the race we
rallied to Hood River and rode Post Canyon. I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday.
From my photo, it looks like those pastry's I've been eating are starting to pay off. San
Francisco St. Bakery, O Town's finest.
Jeff Haymes
4th, Expert 40-49
| Dr Meyers vs Dr Graham...another good race |
The 2008 Season Closers
What a great season of racing in the NW. This year offered more nobby based races in
the NW than ever before.
Final 2008 seasons results from the Gl6 crew:
Indie XC Series
Bernie Miller
3rd, Expert 35-44
Jamie Poelker
11th, Sport 35-44
FOCF Capitol Forest XC/SD/AM Series
Super D
Matt Jagger
2nd, Open Men
Jim Graham
4th, Open Men
Bernie Miller
5th, Open Men
Jamey Poelker
12th, 19-35 Expert Men (finished last race with no rear tire!)
Glenn Graham
1st, Expert Men 36+
Jeff Haymes
3rd, Expert Men 36+
Rachel DeLateur
1st, Beginner Women
Cross Country
Bernie Miller
3rd, Open Men
Rachel DeLateur
2nd, Beginner Women
All Mountain (SD/XC Combined)
Bernie Miller
1st, Open Men. 2008 KING of Capitol Forest Title
What a great season of racing in the NW. This year offered more nobby based races in
the NW than ever before.
Final 2008 seasons results from the Gl6 crew:
Indie XC Series
Bernie Miller
3rd, Expert 35-44
Jamie Poelker
11th, Sport 35-44
FOCF Capitol Forest XC/SD/AM Series
Super D
Matt Jagger
2nd, Open Men
Jim Graham
4th, Open Men
Bernie Miller
5th, Open Men
Jamey Poelker
12th, 19-35 Expert Men (finished last race with no rear tire!)
Glenn Graham
1st, Expert Men 36+
Jeff Haymes
3rd, Expert Men 36+
Rachel DeLateur
1st, Beginner Women
Cross Country
Bernie Miller
3rd, Open Men
Rachel DeLateur
2nd, Beginner Women
All Mountain (SD/XC Combined)
Bernie Miller
1st, Open Men. 2008 KING of Capitol Forest Title
