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Downhill Southeast Series, Race Two Report

Mar 17, 2016
by Jay Schultz  
Two weeks ago Neko and the gang kicked off their three race Downhill Southeast series in the small town of Sequatchie just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee. The second in the series took the series back to the same state, specifically to Windrock Park located just west of the city of Knoxville. The weather fourteen days ago in Sequatchie was about as good as it gets, lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. The twofer wouldn't be in the cards, as the storm that left the great land of Texas under a few feet of water would make its way up to eastern TN by race day.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Thy Destination - That’s Windrock, easily identifiable by the handful of Wind Turbines atop its summit. Once you exit Interstate 40 on Highway 162 they become visible. Just point and shoot, 23 or so miles later you are there.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016
The closest town to Windsock is Oliver Springs (founded in 1821) it's a place just over 3,000 people still call home. It’s yet another example of those great old towns that have endured the test of time and you don’t have to look hard to cross paths with some vintage “Americana.” The Sienknecht Store (pictured above) still adorns its facade as the Olga Coal Company from the 1999 movie the “October Sky” with Jake Gyllenhaal.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

The Oliver Springs Historical Society building (top image) and the Oliver Springs Police Department (bottom image). The preservation of Oliver Spring's unique history is what makes these little towns so damn appealing and interesting.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

It's nowhere the scale it once was back in the early 1900s under the management of the Bessemer Coal, Iron and Land Company, but coal mining still goes on today. Pictured is the Coal Miners Memorial Wall located on the grounds of Windrock Park, with more than 1000 names of those that once worked on or in the mountain.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

The largest and busiest part of Windrock Park is its OHV Trail System. On any given weekend, you’ll find literally hundreds of ATVs, Crawlers, and motorcycles on the mountain. The off-road highway vehicles do have their own section of the mountain and we REALLY wanted to document some four wheel action, it just wasn’t in the cards this weekend. There was just no time.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Friday was a play day. Make Dad/Mom, your significant other, or your bud shuttle you up, take a lap, chill, refuel, and shoot the sh**t with your bros. Base camp central for chillin’ was Yeti’s, Shawn Neer’s travel van.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

The struggle was real with Isak Leivsson’s, Procores. Not sure what the problem was… parts, fitment, or pressure; he worked a good hour or so on getting things back in order. Isak (on the right) getting some help from his favorite Canadian brothers, Dad and Adam Robbins.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

The Marian University DH team has been active within the Downhill Southeast series. They raced round one and two, no doubt they’ll be at Bailey Mountain Bike Park this coming weekend to complete the series. Stoked to see you all support the series!

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Shawn Neer in process of the converting the SB6c into the “Do It All Bike.” Just a simple swap of the single to the dual, some minor adjustments, and he was ready for a weekend of Windrock punishment.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

While Neko was on course with some last minute trail prep and course taping, brother, Logan Mullally doing what he does, playing mechanic and building one of Neko’s wheels. Probably the better deal, sitting on his can and enjoying a cool beverage.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Don’t know him? You should… Jamie Wilson is one of the nicest dude’s in Brevard, NC. One of those guys that you can always count on to be there, always lend a hand with anything and everything you might need, and has that “just get sh**t done” attitude. Thanks for all that you do Jamie Wilson that no one really knows that you do. Guess what, they do now!

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

One more person to acknowledge, Sean Leader. One heck of a (Pivot Cycles) rider, one heck of a talented guy behind the lens (for Pivot Cycles) and most importantly, pivotal (pun intended) to bringing the series to Windrock Park. Thanks, Sean!

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

The original plan was to have racers run the full length of the mountain with a revised Windmill Trail. That course was essentially done, but still needed some time and weather to help it settle and set in. In the meantime, the course would be Startin Sh*t, Middle Finger, Snake Rock, The Spine, The Ghetto (aka Gold Digger, Gold Teeth). All different angles of the first feature on SS, Caroline Washam (top photo), Chuck Pitts (middle photo), Ian Bongard GROM Racing (bottom photo).

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Phillip Steele of GROM Racing was looking on point early on during Saturday practice, in the end, Windrock got the best of him. Unfortunately, Windsock always gets one or two… it’s that rough. He suffered a broken clavicle and is hoping to be back on two wheels to make a trip out west to Sea Otter. Heal up quick bud!

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Billy Goat Bikes', Josh Rogers pops out of the shadows during the 30 minutes of sun that eastern Tennessee would have on Saturday. The chat amongst the makeshift pit area at the bottom of the mountain was not very positive in regards to the impending rain that would no doubt roll in overnight into Sunday morning.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

The above three images capture the start of Middle Finger. Insert here: switchback after switchback after switchback, boulder and baby head laden techy sections, and short steep runs. Stay on your game; it keeps throwing it at you and never lets up.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

The fastest junior, David Kahn/Danny’s Cycles, pictured here during Saturday practice, went 28mph into a tree on The Spine (or speed trap) during his race run. Another one who was bitten by Windrock. He later posted on social media he had traumatic pancreatitis and a bruised liver. You didn’t walk away empty-handed David, one of this photographer's fav shot from the weekend. Healing vibes David.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

There was lots of carnage at this right-hander. Rocks, roots, and to top it off, three natural springs. One at the top of the corner, one midpoint through the section, and finally one at the exit of the straight shoot. It never stopped coming out of the ground. The ruts and slop grew deeper and deeper, swallowing rider after rider as practice went by.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Following the previous image/caption, if you took the high line you could avoid the last spring via a natural rock wall ride. I wonder if Kiran MacKinnon saw me wedged between the crack in the rock?

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Gravity Pirate, Raphael Ferreria, part of the Charlotte crew, pounded lap after lap each time fine tuning those lines. On race day, it seemed to work for him, ninth place in Amateur Men with a 4:06.423. Arghhhh!

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Luca and Walker were running the train most of the day, Luca first, Walker second… a change up, Walker first, Luca second... and repeat. So cool to see brothers feeding off one another with the littlest of tweaks to get faster and faster.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Isak Leivsson seemed to prefer the solo runs during Saturday practice. It seemed to be working for him as, at least to me, he seemed to be the smoothest and fastest from top to bottom on the course.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

The popular spectator hang out was the Creek/Canyon Gap. It was literally on the side of the access road to the top of the mountain. At any given time you’d see 10-20 spectators taking in the action. Even the OHV people would stop for a moment to see what all the hub-bub was about. Neko Mullally clearing it by a mile and making it look easy in the late afternoon practice session.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Twas the night before race day, not a creature was stirring... I wonder if Mom and Dad approve of what Josh Rogers was sharing his bed with?

Have you ever wondered how peanut better was made Start with whole peanuts add water and this guy. Stomp crush repeat stomp crush until you have the desired consistency. Just the weatherman forecasted the rain moved in overnight and was expected to be a steady rain all throughout race runs. Top to bottom this is what riders had in store for them.
  Have you ever wondered how peanut better was made? Start with whole peanuts, add water, and this guy. Stomp, crush, repeat, stomp, crush until you have the desired consistency. Just as the weatherman forecasted, the rain moved in overnight and was expected to be a steady drizzle all throughout race runs. Top to bottom, this is what riders had in store for them.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Ben Ritcher of Beech Mountain Gravity, in the background, had a heck of a race day. At age 12, he took the long distance Canyon Gap jump award, beating the entire field (WC boys included) with a 28-foot distance and he took the gold in Juniors 12U with a 4:14.744. Keep in mind that time would have put him fifteenth in Amateur Men and 27th in Pro Men. Watch out for this shredder! There's a bright future in store for this young man.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

The eldest Shaw (Walker) coming a wee bit close to the tree during his race run. He has had better days with a thirteenth in Pro Men.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Andrew Slowley hit the Canyon Jump Gap at the wrong angle, pivoted mid-air, and came down with his weight shifted to the right and whoosh, down he went in the pea gravel. As he slid across the ground he took out two poles, completely obliterating one of them into 50 pieces, and just about impaled himself with one of the metal stakes. He shook it off and continued on. Man of Steel! Andrew ended the day with a fourteenth in Pro Men.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Adam Robbins has it figured out; always on, all the time! He was a pleasure to watch all weekend. He’s only 17 years old, but can run with the best of them. He took ninth spot in Pro Men with a 3:12.813. Keep on keeping on bud!

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Just two weeks earlier Max Morgan/Worldwide Cyclery was on the podium for round one at TTC. I didn’t catch what happened to his race run, but no doubt he wasn’t happy with the seventeenth spot after race runs.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Neko finished in fourth with a 3:03.584. We should note that between second, third, and fourth, the split was as close as it gets, 0.347 secs. Tighter than a gnat’s ass… Combined with his second at round one/TTC, he’s in the third spot for the series overall with forty points, one point behind Luca Shaw and three points behind Isak Leivsson. The final round at Bailey Mountain this coming weekend should be an interesting one.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Luca was right on Neko’s heels just eight-tenths back with a 3:04.687. He’ll be looking to move up a few spots heading into the final round at Bailey Mtn.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

Great to see Dakotah 'The Wildcard' Norton back on the scene and making the trip from the bitter cold state of Michigan. One might think he’s a bit rusty from the winter months, but he’d prove you wrong. He missed round one, but finished second in Pro Men here at round two. Rusty? Neah, not at all.

Downhill Southeast Series Round Two 2016

As mentioned earlier, Isak Leivsson, seemed to have it all worked out during practice. We should’ve taken that bet, he was up almost ten seconds from the second spot. Man on Fire! Nice run Isak and one heck of a weekend!

Juniors 12U 1. Ben Richter 00 04 744 2. Chris Grace 00 04 45.013 3. Sam Kahn 00 05 15.703 4. Nicholas Wildrick 00 05 26.247 5. Keegan Rowley 00 07 33.132
  Juniors (12U): 1. Ben Richter 00:04:744, 2. Chris Grace 00:04:45.013, 3. Sam Kahn 00:05:15.703, 4. Nicholas Wildrick 00:05:26.247, 5. Keegan Rowley 00:07:33.132

Women Open 1. Frida Helena Ronning 00 04 10.658 2. Caroline Washam 00 04 31.587 3. Angelina Palermo 00 05 21.962 4. Megan Hutton 00 05 33.321 5. Riley Weidman 00 05 55.569
  Women Open: 1. Frida Helena Ronning 00:04:10.658, 2. Caroline Washam 00:04:31.587, 3. Angelina Palermo 00:05:21.962, 4. Megan Hutton 00:05:33.321, 5. Riley Weidman 00:05:55.569

Amateur Men 1. Seth Kemp 00 03 29.556 2. Zachary Hoteling 00 03 34.517 3. Patrick Alcisto 00 03 52.828 4. Chuck Pitts 00 03 58.471 5. Ross MacDonald 00 03 59.312
  Amateur Men: 1. Seth Kemp 00:03:29.556, 2. Zachary Hoteling 00:03:34.517, 3. Patrick Alcisto 00:03:52.828, 4. Chuck Pitts 00:03:58.471, 5. Ross MacDonald 00:03:59.312

Pro Men 1. Isak Leivsson 00 02 54.656 2. Dakotah Norton 00 03 03.507 3. Kiran MacKinnon 00 03 03.584 4. Neko Mulally 00 03 03.854 5. Luca Shaw 00 03 04.687
  Pro Men: 1. Isak Leivsson 00:02:54.656, 2. Dakotah Norton 00:03:03.507, 3. Kiran MacKinnon 00:03:03.584, 4. Neko Mulally 00:03:03.854, 5. Luca Shaw 00:03:04.687

Going into the last round, the series points leaders in both Pro Men and Women Open are both of the Norwegian's, Isak Leivsson and Frida Helena Ronning (same team and also happen to be boyfriend/girlfriend). Come on now ya'll, are we going to let that happen on our own turf? (Kidding of course).

Full Results Here

Views: 824    Faves: 8    Comments: 6


What's Up Next?

The series finale at Bailey Mountain, Mars Hill, NC is just days way, March 19-20. You can Register here and find all other race info here. Important: If you are planning on attending the final round at Bailey Mountain Bike Park, Please read this noting an emphasis on carpooling. Parking space is very limited and the Bailey Mountain staff are working to accommodate everyone.

Downhill Southeast Series Sponsors:

Worldwide Cyclery
Scott Sports
Industry Nine
Shimano
Deity Components
Oskar Blues Brewery
El Azteca
Trucker Co

DHSE Sponsors

Windrock Park mountain biking trails


MENTIONS @WorldwideCyclery / @mtbmaniatv / @IndustryNineOfficial / @SCOTT-Sports / @deityusa / @shimano / @OskarBluesWNC / @BaileyMTBpark


Author Info:
gojammedia avatar

Member since Dec 10, 2012
124 articles

22 Comments
  • 4 1
 All, while I do appreciate the complements in regards to coverage in the region, please let's not forget this is not about me and I don't do it looking for "a pat on the back." This is about you all, the promoters, the venues, the volunteers, parents/other halves, and the riders. Let's comment on the experience, the scene, the race, the tracks, your bros and hoes, etc, etc, etc.
  • 3 0
 So well said. Venue looks dope. Riders looked dialed and we love the rockin podiums boxes!
  • 2 0
 Jay - you always manage to find a way to capture the key elements of a track. In this case at Windrock - how steep it is there - which I gather is quite a challenge to do with a camera. My faves are the one of Adam Robbins with the waterfall, Luca and Walker in switchbacks, and of course Ben at the creek gap. ;-). Nice write up.
  • 1 0
 Thanks Andy. I thought the one of Ben was interesting and different. Too bad he and the other rider couldn't have been a bit closer together and Ben would have been up the in there. By the time he was midair, in that fraction of a second the other rider completely blocked him. Interesting nonetheless.
  • 1 0
 After a week of PTBA conference, I was exhausted but Max (the other canuck) had a blast ripping the course on Saturday with a poor rental. Great meeting you guys and hopefully, you'll make it up north at some point Smile
  • 1 0
 #WindroDH !!! Here's another short edit of a slick section from race day! www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAR260J47BM
  • 1 0
 Thanks for the write up, Jay! Love all the details and anecdotes. Keep it up!
  • 1 0
 Great stuff as always, Jay. Thanks for representing my neck of the woods on Pinkbike! You do the southeast proud.
  • 3 0
 That's my feet LOL
  • 1 0
 Such a gnarly, fun, challenging track to ride. So happy to see it show up each year!
  • 1 0
 Awesome coverage yet again Jay! Thank you!
  • 1 0
 No pictures of riders walking huh
  • 1 0
 Great work. Thanks for the coverage here in the South.
  • 1 0
 Good one Jay!
  • 1 1
 Great write up. But I am unfamiliar with this Windsock place.
  • 1 0
 Long story short. 1. When you use a mac the autocorrect is a major PITA and always auto-corrects Windrock. It drives me nuts. 2. I did correct all the Windsocks. 3. After all that, I was having some issues with loading the pics with captions and the editoral staff had to rebuild this post behind the scenes; likely also on a mac. They probably missed them or didn't know to look. NO PICS FOR YOU Butch!
  • 1 0
 also note, I wrote it on my PC and not my mac Smile
  • 1 0
 I tried to play the part of the kinder, gentler version of the angry Pinkbike spell check Hitler guy.
  • 2 0
 I've given up anyway, I won't win. Too many keyboard police out there. They think they can do a better job as an all encompassing one man band and juggle a full time job, have at it. I'll step aside.
  • 2 0
 But you're getting paid millions of dollars to write these articles buddy. But in all seriousness, it wasn't that long ago that anything happening in the Southeast didn't matter to mainstream media. It was all Cali, BC, Colorado. Your continued contributions and dedication to generating content for all the riders who are gobbling up pic after pic and update after update love it and appreciate you! Keep on keepin' on! Besides, everyone knows millionaires can't spell for shit!
  • 2 0
 I wish you'd show me where that million dollars is. Has my wife been embezzling it behind my back, cause I sure as hell haven't seen it? I can't spell, because I am an engineer by trade... everyone knows Engineers can't spell.
  • 1 0
 Nice!







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