For the second week in a row the Pro GRT series took to the hills of the East Coast, this time at Plattekill Mountain in New York. Plattekill is one of the longest running bike parks in North America and has been holding races for over 16 years on terrain that has become legendary. It is steep, very steep, and covered in roots and rocks, the latter of which is probably the most unique as the rocks do not stay put. Rather the shale slides around under riders tires altering race lines constantly and giving the rider the sensation that at times they are more surfing the rocks than riding over them.
Plattekill Shale at its finest
The Pro GRT course did not disappoint in showcasing a variety of the terrain that Plattekill has to offer with a mix of steep rocky chutes, high seed sections, berms, jumps and roots though out. Riders were loving the track and saying it was flat out from top to bottom with no place to rest.
US National Champ, Logan Binggeli takes on one of the steep rooty chutes at the top of the track
East Coaster, Leif Lorenzen tries not to get lost in the twisty woods through the middle of the track
Defending World Cup Champ, Aaron Gwin boosts the massive road gap approaching the finish.
While practice started out a bit wet and slippery on Friday, conditions improved through the weekend and by race time on Sunday the track was a perfect combination of dry roots and grippy brown dirt. The thunder storms predicted for the afternoon never materialized and the action went down under sunny skies and hot temps. Music was blasting from the lodge, Coolers of beer made their way up the hill for spectators, and the riders were flying down the course. You couldn't ask for a better vibe at race.
In the end it was a repeat of last weekends results with Aaron Gwin taking the win for the Pro Men, just ahead of his teammate Justin Leov. Phil Kmetz, Gavin Vaughan and Kevin Aiello rounded out the top 5. Lauren Daney had looked strong and confident of course all weekend and it was no surprise that she took the win for the Pro Women for the second week in a row.
Aaron Gwin, first place Pro Men
Lauren Daney, first place Pro Women
Another top quality Pro GRT is in the books and the staff at Plattekill didn't disappoint.
Beautiful weather and a great course combined for a great turnout at Plattekill for the Pro Grt this year
Logan Binggeli heads into the woods just below the speed trap
POC sponsored a spped trap during Pro qualifying on Saturday and it was Lauren Daney taking the top spot for the Women, and Adam Morse for the men at 37mph.
This poor berm saw a lot of abuse this weekend as it was the only thing holding riders onto the track as they entered the woods below the speed trap
Plattekill local Geof Ulmer boosts the final jump before the finish line on his final run.
Leif Lorenzen was sporting a shiny new turner and gear from One Industries
Justin Leov heads into the woods
The Voncooper/Yeti Team proved they are one of the fastest in the country with riders Phil Kmetz and Gavin Vaughan taking 3rd and 4th on the weekend
Aaron Gwin cutting further inside on the last hip than anyone else with the finish line in sight. Another weekend and another win for Aaron Gwin.
www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/Aaron-Gwin-Wins-Plattekill-ESC-Pro-GRT-2012,3761/Aaron-Gwin-Wins-Plattekill-ESC-ProGRT,35860/mdelorme,825