MEMBER BLOG

Mammoth Bar Enduro Kicks Off California Enduro Series 2017 Season

31341 calienduro https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/users/31341/avatar/c50_ces_vitalmtbprofilepic_1403548907.jpg?1403548262 https://www.vitalmtb.com/community/calienduro,31341/all 06/10/14 1 258 4

calienduro
5/12/2017 10:23 PM

Words by Michele Charboneau
Photos by Scott McClain

The California Enduro Series kicked off the 2017 season with the sold-out Mammoth Bar Enduro put on by the fine folks at The Hub and Total Body Fitness May 6 in Auburn.

Warm temps and solid sunshine intensified Friday’s pre-ride workout, but Saturday dawned to ideal race conditions with plenty of cool cloud cover.

Early season fitness was crucial for this first round of the series set in the steep American River canyon on trails at Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA). The event’s 420 racers took on a 16-mile course that included 3,100 feet of ascending and four timed stages on trails comprised of punchy lung-searing climbs and a wide variety of downhill terrain from loose and flowy to rocky and exposed.

Post-race, riders enjoyed complimentary BBQ, pasta, beer, and wine back at the Mammoth Bar OHV park venue. Swapping race stories and comparing schedules for upcoming events, racers soaked in the good vibes while waiting for results … and potentially a spot on the podium in front of that badass wooly mammoth!

View full race results here.

Riders line up bright and early race day morning to pick up their wrist-worn chips for the new system (same as used by EWS) purchased by CES.

Mark Shaw, co-owner of Total Body Fitness, delivers the lowdown.

Legs and lungs got a killer workout on both transfers and timed stages.

Tim Krentz looking fierce as he charged on to 1st place Pro Men.

Kevin Smallman coming in fast and furious on his new whip.

Amy Morrison (Marin), the epitome of grit and focus. Morrison powered her way to 1st place Pro Women.

Dillon Santos (Ibis) pinned along the American.

Cranked Naturals supplied much-needed hydration at aid stations, while Michael David Winery supplied bottles of wine as podium prizes.

Stage 3 set the stage for slamming into loose corners and hucking sharp rocks.

There's game face, and then there's Game Face.

Huge thanks to Tecnu for helping riders be protected from the big bad, ever present PO.

Keeping balanced between a carpet of wildflowers above and the rushing river below. With views like this, it's a wonder anyone can stay on course.

Timing chips turned in, time for grub and brew! Racers heartily consumed complimentary BBQ, pasta and libations after their massive efforts on the race course.

TrailWorks’ Brian Astell debuted his CES race pre-ride program at the season opener. A new addition to the series, TrailWorks coaching will be available to participants before every race. For more information, email brian@ridetrailworks.com.

Austin Smith, stoked to win a FOX fork. Big thanks to FOX for donating 2018 forks to be raffled at each CES event of the year.

Pro Women podium: 1st - Amy Morrison 2nd - Janea Perry 3rd - Essence Florie 4th - Zephyr Sylvester 5th - Rachel Anders

Pro men podium: 1st - Tim Krentz 2nd - Dillon Santos 3rd - Evan Geankoplis 4th - Cory Sullivan 5th - Ryan Gardner

About California Enduro Series

CES is a for riders, by riders non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to promoting world-class enduro events that everyone from amateur to pro can enjoy, at a geographically diverse range of venues. The series is renowned for fostering an exceptional sense of community, and encourages its participants to be involved in its planning.

The series is grateful for the support of VP Components, FOX, Clif Bar, WTB, Canyon, Kali Protectives, Michael David Winery, Cranked Naturals, Kenda Tires, DHaRCO, KMC, Adventure Sports Journal, Gamut, Voler, Mike’s Bikes, ESI Grips, and TrailWorks. Contact CES for information on sponsoring the 2017 series.