That's another weekend of racing in the books. ProGRT #5/Eastern States Cup #2 just wrapped up at Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury, NY. Neko Mulally took the win with his teammate Brook MacDonald in second. It was an exciting weekend with the typical crazy weather conditions that Plattekill always promises to deliver. Friday started off with rain, turning into snow, making practice conditions miserable at best. Saturday brought the same with windy conditions adding another variable to the equation. With conditions being so miserable several teams decided throw in the towel and headed home for the weekend. However, the majority of riders stuck it out to make for an exciting weekend of racing.
The track here was a revised version of a Plattekill staple, Da Bomb. A great trail to be ridden when just free-riding but also a great trail to race on. With several additions to the trail including two steep shoots and a drop into one of the service roads, the trail crew did an awesome job of creating a trail that was challenging, but also fun for all categories.
Smiles for days. Even with the brutal conditions racers were stoked to be out racing at an east coast staple.
Qualifying brought mud and lots of it. With it snowing at the top of the mountain it changed to rain halfway down. Riders were doing their best to keep their gear clean and dry but you could only do so much.
Race day came with better weather. In the morning it appeared that the clouds and rain were here to stay but as the day progressed the sun broke through making its presence known. Even though the rain had stopped, the course was still littered with signs of the prior days weather.
The track here was a revised version of a Plattekill staple, Da Bomb. A great trail to be ridden when just free-riding but also a great trail to race on. With several additions to the trail including two steep shoots and a drop into one of the service roads, the trail crew did an awesome job of creating a trail that was challenging, but also fun for all categories.
Luca Shaw scrubbing a drop on the lower half of the course.
There were several new features on the course. One being this drop which led into a short service road sprint before ducking back into the woods.
Roost was a common theme this weekend. Mud and puddles wreaked havoc on suspension and drivetrain.
Unfortunately, with racing comes injury and Plattekill's dedicated staff of Patrol were on hand to tend to anyone who had that misfortune.
Brook looking on as teammate Neko crosses the line. Neko qualified first on Saturday and held on to take the win.
1. Anne Galyean 2. Kristen Courney 3. Mary Elges 4. Taylor Allision 5. Caitlyn Franciscovic
1. Neko Mulally 2. Brook Macdonald 3. Kiran MacKinnon 4. Kevin Aiello 5. Austin Hackett-Klaub
The Eastern States Cup, a long standing downhill race series, has recently expanded to include Super D and also Enduro. The man behind the madness, George Ulmer, is the person to thank for keeping this awesome series going.
Last but not least we always have to thank Plattekill Mountain. Laszlo and Danielle, their dedicated staff, and all the volunteers always work hard to put on a great time of racing and camaraderie.
All photos by Jarad Kleinberg of MadKats Productions. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram
Words and blog by A.J. Garstang of Moneys Worth Lifestyle. Follow them onFacebook, Instagram, Twitter
Moneys Worth Lifestyle and MadKats Productions came together this off season to put together a crew that not only would be filming and promoting the East coast riding but also supporting grassroots riders looking to take their riding to the next level. Stay tuned for more coverage as the season continues.
5/28/2013 9:27am
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