Downhill Southeast - Round One Race Recap

Mar 7, 2017
by Jay Schultz  
Neko Mulally's been a busy boy lately, joining the YT Mob, training/prepping for the 2017 WC season, building/opening/operating Windrock Bike Park, and least we not forget, organizing the return of the Downhill Southeast Series with his crew. No worries, we've learned this is his modus operandi... Neko wouldn't be Neko without a lot going on at one time. Five weeks of racing started this past weekend in Western North Carolina at Bailey Mountain Bike Park with riders from as far away as Norway and Scotland... not to mention some of the best young guns the stars and stripes have to offer.

Downhill Southeast - Round One Race Recap
Photo Courtesy of Sean Leader - One of the best parts of the weekend experience is a ride up the mountain single lane gravel road on the ex-military Stewart Stevenson LMTV. Sure, a lift probably would be more efficient, but it will never be as cool as this.


And so we begin the first truck of the day for Saturday practice. It was a bit cold with 22F at the base of the mountain which should be normal for the first part of March. With the unseasonable warm temps the Southeast has been experiencing as of late the forecast was sunny dry and a high in the mid 50s. We couldn t have asked for a better weekend.
And so we begin, the first truck of the day for Saturday practice. It was a bit cold with 22F at the base of the mountain, which should be normal for the first part of March. With the unseasonable warm temps the Southeast has been experiencing as of late, the forecast was sunny, dry, and a high in the mid-50s. We couldn't have asked for a better weekend.

There were some minor tweaks in the course from last years event at Bailey Mountain. Most notably was the top with three lines off the rock a go around to the right which set you up for the left handed berm or what seemed to be the fastest.... down the middle and cut the corner on the left. Early Saturday morning every rider at some point spent several minutes scrutinizing other riders choices for the first obstacle on course.
There were some minor tweaks in the course from last year's event at Bailey Mountain. Most notably was the top where there were three lines off the rock, a go around, to the right which set you up for the left-handed berm, or what seemed to be the fastest... down the middle and cut the corner on the left. Early Saturday morning, every rider at some point spent several minutes scrutinizing other rider's choices for the first obstacle on course.

Josh Tipton from Greenville SC ended the day mid pack in Am Men with the 33rd spot running a 2 49.892.
Josh Tipton from Greenville, SC ended the day mid-pack in Am Men with the 33rd spot running a 2:49.892.

If you didn t brake check kept your speed full bore was the way to go off the bridge. Just make sure you didn t case the roller several feet from the edge. Owen Witcher has it figured out. He d post a 2 17.309 in Pro Men good enough for 14th.
If you didn't brake check, kept your speed, full bore was the way to go off the bridge. Just make sure you didn't case the roller several feet from the edge. Owen Witcher has it figured out. He'd post a 2:17.309 in Pro Men good enough for 14th.

Jack Breen has it pinned in a long sweeper mid course just after the Rock Garden. He s go 12 of 65 in Am Men with a 2 36.682.
Jack Breen has it pinned in a long sweeper mid-course just after the Rock Garden. He'd go 12th of 65 in Am Men with a 2:36.682.

Downhill Southeast - Round One Race Recap
Photo Courtesy of Sean Leader - With one of the park's LMTV out for the count due to brake problems, the Windrock crew stepped up to the plate and brought their F350 and trailer. Seems their shuttle trailer wouldn't go unscathed from a weekend up and down the mountain, it lost a spring shackle on Saturday afternoon.


The lower part of the course was all flow and air time. Starting with the bridge then down in a bit of a valley just before the finish. It was a fan favorite to watch as there were rollers gaps and tables all pretty much visible from any location throughout the lower section. Charlie Harrison made it look easy ALL weekend. The above photo is from Saturday practice when it counted a day later end up with the bronze on the Pro podium with a 2 00.628.
The lower part of the course was all flow and air time. Starting with the bridge then down in a bit of a valley just before the finish. It was a fan favorite to watch as there were rollers, gaps, and tables all pretty much visible from any location throughout the lower section. Charlie Harrison made it look easy ALL weekend. The above photo is from Saturday practice when it counted a day later end up with the bronze on the Pro podium with a 2:00.628.

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Above - A little crop dusting courtesy of Charlotte locals Nathan StClair and Will Washam. Prepare to blow dust out of your nose for the rest of the day.

Will Washam rear and Nathan StClair front were running the train lap after lap during the afternoon Saturday Pro practice session. Not soon after the crop dusting session they were back at it again and again.
Will Washam (rear) and Nathan StClair (front) were running the train lap after lap during the afternoon Saturday Pro practice session. Not soon after the crop dusting session, they were back at it again and again.

Andrew Slowley and Dirty Dawson were on hand for the weekend not only to race but also to show off Cane Creek s candy. I know they each needed to get some track time throughout the weekend I wonder if I borrowed that Helm for a few runs
Andrew Slowley and Dirty Dawson were on hand for the weekend, not only to race but also to show off Cane Creek's candy. I know they each needed to get some track time throughout the weekend, I wonder if I borrowed that Helm for a few runs?

Another day and another set of runs but better get them in soon. Practice is only a couple hours before it s all or nothing time.
Another day and another set of runs, but better get them in soon. Practice is only a couple hours before it's all or nothing time.

Lots of soft light and plenty of shadows first thing Sunday Morning. Another beautiful day was to be had with the mercury a bit higher than it was just 24 hours ago.
Lots of soft light and plenty of shadows first thing Sunday Morning. Another beautiful day was to be had with the mercury a bit higher than it was just 24 hours ago.

Clancy Loorham said earlier in the weekend it had been months since he d been on a downhill bike as his freshmen year at Clemson University got in the way. Good to see him back out on the trail. Go Tigers He go 22nd in Am Men with a 2 42.255.
Clancy Loorham said earlier in the weekend it had been months since he'd been on a downhill bike, as his freshmen year at Clemson University got in the way. Good to see him back out on the trail. Go Tigers! He came 22nd in Am Men with a 2:42.255.

Georgia s own Chuck Pitts aka the Old Man and the second oldest in the field was just edged off the Am Men podium in fourth just 3.3 seconds off the podium. Damn youngins I didn t catch his mph but he did walk away with the fastest 40 plus rider through the speed trap.
Georgia's own Chuck Pitts, aka the Old Man and the second oldest in the field, was just edged off the Am Men podium in fourth just 3.3 seconds off the podium. Damn youngins! I didn't catch his mph, but he did walk away with the fastest 40 plus rider through the speed trap.

Still expecting to see great things from David Kahn in the next few years. He s only 17 years old but damn he s quick. On race day age equalled finishing spot 17 17 with a 2 19.733 in Pro Men.
Still expecting to see great things from David Kahn in the next few years. He's only 17 years old, but damn he's quick. On race day age equaled finishing spot (17/17) with a 2:19.733 in Pro Men.

So stoked to see the ESC North American Downhill Team make their way down from the Northeast to NC for this event. Roberto Borometti getting a bit steezy. He d end the day in 30th out of a field of 32 in Pro Men. I never heard if he had a problem during his run or not.
So stoked to see the ESC North American Downhill Team make their way down from the Northeast to NC for this event. Roberto Borometti getting a bit steezy. He'd end the day in 30th out of a field of 32 in Pro Men. I never heard if he had a problem during his run or not.

Zach Gareis had a Mechanical in Pro Men and was forced to settle with a DNF. I do recall and I believe it was earlier in the day on Sunday he had an issue with rear brakes. I am not sure if that was a problem that came back to haunt him or not.
Zach Gareis had a Mechanical in Pro Men and was forced to settle with a DNF. I do recall, and I believe it was earlier in the day on Sunday, he had an issue with rear brakes. I am not sure if that was a problem that came back to haunt him or not.

Keep an eye on this young gun. Chris Grice is crazy fast. He topped the Amateur field of 65 riders with a 2 21.407 at the ripe old age of 13. That time would have been good enough for 21st in the field of 32 Pro Men. He s got the local legendary Christopher Herndon in his camp as a coach. Watch out folks I am telling you this kid s impressive.
Keep an eye on this young gun. Chris Grice is crazy fast. He topped the Amateur field of 65 riders with a 2:21.407 at the ripe old age of 13. That time would have been good enough for 21st in the field of 32 Pro Men. He's got the (local) legendary Christopher Herndon in his camp as a coach. Watch out folks, I am telling you this kid is impressive.

I d said the Richter family has it figured out. Why Let s see Andy Richter pictured rounded out the top 10 in Am Men while his son Ben took the silver in Am Men. Granted Ben was 10 seconds faster than dad but they also have 32 years between them. You have to respect a fast family.
I'd said the Richter family has it figured out. Why? Let's see, Andy Richter (pictured) rounded out the top 10 in Am Men, while his son Ben took the silver in Am Men. Granted Ben was 10 seconds faster than dad, but they also have 32 years between them. You have to respect a fast family.

Adam Batty 44 65 Am 2 57.996
Hiram Stelzig 21 65 Am 2 41.626
Steve Estabrook 11 32 2 16.054
Only because I Khare. The Bergmeister finished with the lucky number 13 in Pro Men laying down a 2 17.148 on race day.
Only because I Khare. The Bergmeister finished with the lucky number 13 in Pro Men laying down a 2:17.148 on race day.

Andrew Slowley gives that Helm a workout. I was told that it was great for aggressive riding courtesy of Brandon Blakely . Granted the field was stacked but 18 out of 32 Pro Men ain t too bad for a single crown. He finish with a 2 20.395.
Andrew Slowley gives that Helm a workout. I was told that it was great for aggressive riding (courtesy of Brandon Blakely). Granted the field was stacked, but 18 out of 32 Pro Men ain't too bad for a single crown. He finished with a 2:20.395.

Downhill Southeast - Round One Race Recap
Photo Courtesy of Sean Leader - Kiran MacKinnon locked up the fifth spot in Pro Men posting a 2:05.358. Good to see come of the West Coast Crew making the trip east for some racing. We are hoping he'll hang around for the next four weeks of racing at TTC and Windrock.

Downhill Southeast - Round One Race Recap
Photo Courtesy of Sean Leader - With a time of 2:16.394, Jacob Smith finished 12 in the field of 32 Pro Men.

Mind the trees boys and girls. That tree couldn t have been a worse spot but that s what makes it interesting. Saturday was just plain nuts as this section of trail was wet and slick. Maybe a handful of riders were able to stay right of the tree. Sunday the moisture all but dried up and it seemed like 80 of the riders were able to avoid going to the left of the tree.
Mind the trees, boys and girls. That tree couldn't have been a worse spot, but that's what makes it interesting. Saturday was just plain nuts, as this section of trail was wet and slick. Maybe a handful of riders were able to stay right of the tree. Sunday the moisture all but dried up and a huge change, 80% of the riders were able to avoid going to the left of the tree.

After that tree yep same one pictured on the left the course seemed like it dropped 75 feet in 75 feet all loose and off camber of course.
After that tree (yep, same one pictured on the left), the course must have dropped 75 feet in 75 feet, all loose and off camber of course.

The 17th finisher in Am Men Casey Covel. He laid down a 02 39.237.
The 17th finisher in Am Men, Casey Covel. He laid down a 02:39.237.

I See You Here s the other half of the Richter family young Ben. At age 13 he s one to watch as well. He took the silver in Am Men with a 2 24.679 3.2 seconds off the top spot.
I See You! Here's the other half of the Richter family, young Ben. At age 13 he's one to watch as well. He took the silver in Am Men with a 2:24.679, 3.2 seconds off the top spot.

The Man the Myth the Legend. Don t need to say much more about this bloke He took fourth in Pro Men with a 2 02.665
The Man, the Myth, the Legend. Don't need to say much more about this bloke! He took fourth in Pro Men with a 2:02.665

Tommy Zule was able to keep it in the top ten locking up the 9th position with a 2 10.668.
Tommy Zule was able to keep it in the top ten locking up the 9th position with a 2:10.668.

Vera Leivsdottir one of three Norwegians in attendance had a good race with a large contingent of women racers a total of 10 entries. She took the bronze in Open Women with a 2 44.598.
Vera Leivsdottir, one of three Norwegians in attendance, had a good race with a large contingent of women racers, a total of 10 entries. She took the bronze in Open Women with a 2:44.598.

Local NCer Caroline Washam was every so close to the top spot just 0.162 off the top Women s run and had to settle for silver. That s so close it hurts. She said later she knew exactly where time worked against her.
Local NCer Caroline Washam was every so close to the top spot, just 0.162 off the top Women's run and had to settle for silver. That's so close it hurts. She said later, she knew exactly where time worked against her.

We have a Scottish King of the Mountain for the day. Greg Williamson another whom traveled from abroad claimed the crown for the day with the fastest time on the Mountain a 1 59.639. Congrats Greg
We have a Scottish King of the Mountain for the day. Greg Williamson, another whom traveled from abroad, claimed the crown for the day with the fastest time on the Mountain, a 1:59.639. Congrats Greg!

Views: 1,189    Faves: 6    Comments: 4

Above - Ross McDonald, of MTBmaniatv is nursing a broken wrist. He wasn't racing this year, but no injury would keep from doing what he does best, providing video coverage of all the Downhill Southeast events.

Open Women Results 1. Frida Ronning 2. Caroline Washam 3. Vera Leivsdottir
Open Women Results: 1. Frida Ronning 2:31.172, 2. Caroline Washam 2:31.335, 3. Vera Leivsdottir 2:44.598

Pro Men Results 1. Greg Williamson 2. Isak Leivsson 3. Charlie Harrison 4. Neko Mulally 5. Kiran MacKinnon
Pro Men Results: 1. Greg Williamson 1:59.639, 2. Isak Leivsson 1:59.877, 3. Charlie Harrison 2:00.628, 4. Neko Mulally 2:02.665, 5. Kiran MacKinnon 2:05.358

Amateur:
Christopher Grice 2:21.407
Ben Richter 2:24.679
Rafael Ferreira 2:24.871

Intro:
Gage Collins 2:42.191
Mitchell Odendahl 2:48.025
Chris Frey 2:51.414

Complete DHSE Round One Official Results: Here

What's Next?
03/08-12-17 Pro GRT at Windrock Bike Park, Oliver Springs, TN..... Note: not on the DHSE schedule, but run by the same crew and totally worth a mention.
03/25-26/17 TTC Gravity Park, Sequatchie, TN
04/01-02/17 Windrock Bike Park, Oliver Springs, TN
Downhill Southeast Series Information

Downhill Southeast Series sponsors:
Blue Sky Fuel
Industry Nine
Fox
Worldwide Cyclery
Carolina Pro Flooring
Visit Knoxville

Thanks to Sean Leader for contributing images and taking a break from running the shuttle all weekend for some time on foot with camera in hand!

2017 Downhill Southeast

Bailey Mountain Bike Park mountain biking trails


MENTIONS: @mtbmaniatv / @IndustryNineOfficial / @foxracingshox / @NMulally / @seanleader / @jebcas



Author Info:
gojammedia avatar

Member since Dec 10, 2012
124 articles

30 Comments
  • 6 0
 Great recap! This was such an awesome event. Track had a bit of everything, risk and reward features, perfect conditions, a competitive pro class, and FAST teenagers dominating a big amateur field. Watch out for Grice and Richter is right! Excited to see what Bergen Khare can put together this season as well. Thanks to Neko, Isaak, the Millers, and all the organizers for fostering such a cool downhill scene around here. And a big dbl shaka to DHSE for the affordable entry without plate fees etc, I'll be doing this again for sure.
  • 9 0
 Baileys is legit. So glad they are carrying the DH flag for NC
  • 5 1
 Good to know I picked the nicest weekend of racing ever to go down 30 minutes from my house. I may have to disown my children if their trophies in traditional sports continue to interfere with my pursuit of happiness. Reading your report and seeing the pics is punishment. But I'm happy that it got such great turnout and weather. Congrats to the riders.
  • 5 0
 If there's anyone out there that can keep photos compelling in a world dominated by video...nicely done Jay.
  • 4 0
 Curious why the Shaw brothers or Phil Kmetz didn't compete. They're all NC guys.
  • 2 0
 Same; guessing Luca has Syndicate things going on, and I believe Kmetz finished school, so he's out and about?
  • 5 0
 Phil said on Twitter he wanted to make it out but "got a late start" so maybe just bad timing?
  • 4 0
 Is Leivsson on a Canfield?
  • 9 0
 Pro Men 2nd Place (Isak), Pro Women 1st Place (Frida), and Amateur 2nd Place were all on Jedi's.
  • 4 0
 I bet the tacos were on point...
  • 3 0
 You know they were. The Tacoed Wheel FTW!
  • 3 0
 So cool to see an awesome dude like Neko putting on a race series!
  • 3 1
 hey Guy.Is that a new shuttle?if so,do you need more bus seats?we got a bunch.
  • 1 0
 I meant to go last year, but life got in the way. I'm close by and I can't wait to go this year, first DH trip!
  • 1 0
 Good job Jay. Great pics, great writeup. We are so lucky to have this in southeast.
  • 1 0
 This race was really fun. Thanks to everyone for hosting!
  • 2 0
 Awesome!
  • 2 0
 Thanks for the vid Ross!
  • 1 0
 it was amazing watching the pro's shred
  • 1 0
 very cool, track looks awesome
  • 1 0
 Anyone find a wallet?

9th Zula*
  • 1 0
 Please don't tell me it happened again and you are still looking for it from last year?
  • 2 0
 @gojammedia: Figured it might come back up to the top this winter.........lol
  • 1 0
 One can hope, but it's a stretch
  • 2 1
 Is this the race that the drunk guy got ran over by the shuttle van?
  • 1 0
 No. Icycle I believe.
  • 1 0
 Everyone was charging!!!
  • 2 4
 #DHaintdead
  • 2 0
 who said it was?







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