Thunderstorms and Forest Fires

They almost put the brakes on the Final BC Cup/Canada Cup this past weekend at Sun Peaks. On the Thursday night there were rumours that a freak lightning storm had started fires on the mountain. In the end, fires did start unfortunately, but one phone call into Cory Wiwchar, Director of Marketing for Sun Peaks Resorts, and I was assured that the mountain was not threatened. The Bike Park Crew worked hard all week but with the temperatures that were recorded the previous week there was little that could be done with the super dry conditions. Rain definitely would have helped.

Mitch Thornton from Calgary navigates through the dust. The track deteriorated considerably through the race.

The course for 2009 took riders down the DH, onto Arm Pump, over to a section of Home Run and then out through a little connector to the bottom beside the lift.

The conditions were the driest most had ever seen. The berms, which one can only presume were pristine sculptures to the biking gods, were left beaten, hole-ridden and dust covered. Word around the park was that in some locations the dust-filled holes were up to foot and a half deep.

Kenny Smith executes perfectly, railing the berm into the steeps.

The BC Cup Series leader going in was Tyler Gorz who had just stolen the lead from Jeff Bryson at Mt. Washington.

“I came into Sun Peaks with a lot of pressure on myself. Not only was it the finals but it was the first Canada Cup I had ever raced. I was also coming into the last round with the points lead which I didn’t want to lose. I was having a lot of fun riding the track and my Scott Gambler was working super well, soakin’ up the holes that riddled the whole track.”

Caption: Curtis Robinson destroys what little is left of one of berms on his race to the finish line.

When the air cleared, the Elite Men’s Podium ended up with Jack Reading from the UK on top, followed by Curtis Keene of the US, and Tyler Morland from Whistler.

Tyler Morland tore through the dusty berms to get to the bottom.

Jesse Ballhausen dives into the steeps that Sun Peaks is famous for.

When all the points were counted, the Final Elite Men’s Podium for the 2009 BC Cup season were Tyler Gorz up high in first, Jeff Bryson (left) in second and Adriano Digiancinto in third. Congrats guys! Photo Dan Gronross.

Caption: The Elite Men’s Race podium with Jack Reading in first, Curtis Keen in Second and Tyler Morland in third, Harry Armstrong in a solid 4th. Photo Dan Gronross.

Tyler Gorz piped in about his race run.

“My nerves really got to me before my race run and I didn’t place very well. I was sure that Bryson took the overall, but in the end I edged him out by a mere 5 points. I was super pumped to take the overall win. This year was the most fun I have had racing by far. It was sick racing with Bryson, Adriano and everyone else this season.

I’d like to thank Matt at Mica Sport and Chris at 661 for helping me get a bike and gear so late into the year. Also thanks to Eric for helping me scrape together parts and Darryl at Pinkbike for providing me with a tent to hang out and BS under. Most of all I would like to thank my Mom for helping me get to all the races and for being the overall Team Mom to everyone.”

To check the results click here

How did you like the track Tim Coleman? I guess a thumbs up and a smile is all you need! Photo: Dan Gronross

I would like to thank all the volunteers that put their free time and effort into putting these events on. The fact that it was the finals for the Canada Cup and the BC Cup only increases the stress.

Sun Peaks Resort is located about 40 mins north of Kamloops. Catering to sports and activities through all seasons, they have everything from Golf to DH Mountain biking. Check ’em out at www.sunpeaksresort.com.

Now onto the real reason the riders were assembled at Sun Peaks.

The Dunbar Cycles Super 16″ Finals

In the dark of night just beside the expo area, about 30 riders had their go at the Dunbar Cycles Super 16″ Finals.

Paul Stevens chased by a dog throws himself off the road gap step down.

Starting on the paved path, first into a small step, around some pylons, through the gravel pool, over the step down, one final corner and an uphill pedal to the finish.

Curtis Robinson, winner of the Arrdum leg of the series, pushes off with Ron Venables from Dunbar making sure there is no cheating. This is serious business folks.

Harry Armstrong goes large off the stepdown. For a 16″ BMX bike that is huge. Is that Dan Gronross in the green toque? Dude’s given ‘er!

Each rider was given a practice run and then the scores were wiped clean for the super finals. There has been a lot of controversy of late about carrying the scores over into the super finals, so we decided that we would clean the slate, ensuring that each rider had to give it their all to win.

Curtis Robinson pretty much had it in the bag and was looking quite comfortable in the hot seat/camping stool, when Kyle Quesnel and Oliver Kristevic blew right by him.

The final standings for the Dunbar Cycles Super 16″ Race were Kyle Quesnel in first, Oliver Kristevic in second and Curtis Robinson rounding off the podium in third. For their efforts Kyle took home a Devinci District frame, Oliver, a jersey and apparently, according to the picture, Curtis Robinson, a chunk of wood. Ken Faubert got the honorable mention for the biggest air.

It was moves like this that secured Kyle Quesnel his win. He went on to pull a 5th place finish in the BC Cup the following day!

I would like to thank Rob Venables and the Dunbar Crew who throw this event. Why it was started is anyone’s guess, but it is super fun. Look for an improved series next year at the BC Cups.

 

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