SoCal MTB League -- Inaugural Race (!!!)

[shudder]

It was a beauty of a day out at Vail Lake in Temecula today. Perfect for a race, and we had a doozy: The inaugural race of the new SoCal Interscholastic Mountain Bike League.

There were about 100 racers in the event, covering boys' and girls' FroshSoft, JV and Varsity cats. The event went off without a hitch. We had only 3 DNFs, a couple due to mechanicals. No one went away bloodied.

The race took place up on Lower Merlot, where Jason used to start the 12 hour races. They did a little backwards loop of about 6 miles (a little less), so the racers went clockwise up past the RC track, u turned and went up the Ambulance Climb, down Tunnel of Love, around the BMX park, then past the big oak up to Marine Corps Hill and then down.

Fastest time (unoffical) was turned in by the boys Varsity race winner Garrett Garcia in about 20 minutes. It was a fast little loop!

Here's a few pics...

Our venue


Picked one out of the pack


First bit of ST strung the pack out


One of the St. Francis High School racers (nice looking kits by Hincapie!)


Looping through before hitting the fire road


Girls Varsity winner mid-lap


And coming in for her win


A set of racers in the wide open spaces around Vail Lake, climbing to Marine Corps Hill


Some rode a ways up Marine Corps


Some HAB'ed it


And I even saw a few clean it (Note the folks clapping!!). This on on the left side line


This one on the right side line


At the end of the day were ceremonies with awards and trophies and the whole she-bang. Race winners each got a LEADER jersey they will wear during the next race. If they win again, the get to keep wearing it (a la maillot jaune). Here's a shot of league prexy Quintin Easton holding up a Leader jersey.



Cool stuff!

- shud

[KonaDawgDeluxe]

That looked like lots of fun for the kids. Good for them.

[mtnbikerfred]

Look Daddy!!! Dirt-Rodies

I'm just jealous because we didn't have MTB as a high school sport.

[ranoaclan]

What a great weekend. Perfect weather and a rockin good time. It was amazing to see all these high schoolers out there tearing it up. I had so much fun putting this event on! The next one will be in a couple of weeks at Warner Springs Ranch. Another super cool Venue not far from Vail Lake. By The Shudder you rock. You always have the coolest pics! Plus your passion for our sport is awesome! I appreciate your support!
Jason

[ranoaclan]

Just another quick copy shout out!
It was a pleasure for me to host the first race of the 2009 season. It was one of the funnest races Ive been apart of. I wanted to give a quick shout out to the NorCal Crew who really puts their heart and soles into these races. Justin, Tyler, Mike, Amy, and Matt, you guys are awesome. It was a pleasure working with you on this historic first race! i am sure we will remember it for a long time. Also my crew of volunteers and the local folks who came out to help run this event. You guys were awesome.! There is no way we could have done it without you all. It is because of all your hard work and dedication that this series will survive and thrive for years to come!.
Anyways the race was amazing! The weather was perfect and course was fast and fun! I am looking forward to hosting the second race in the series in a couple of weeks ( March 22nd) The next race will be out at Warner Springs Ranch near Palomar mtn and lake Henshaw. You can check out the info at www.socaldirt.com . I will post up some pics and race reports soon!
Jason Ranoa

[Kritter]

Yellow jersey trek looks like an old dude...is that really a student?

Where is the race schedule?

[shudder]

Yellow jersey trek looks like an old dude...is that really a student?

Where is the race schedule?

All kids, no ringers! I swear!!

I think it's prolly just the downlight that makes him look a bit older than he is.

Check http://www.socaldirt.org for the schedule, Kris. Next race is on 3/22.

- shud

====== EDIT ========

And in looking these over, I just noticed he is also the kid cleaning Marine Corps on the right side above as well! Too funny -- I took hundreds of pics and end up with two of him in these few just by accident.

[Garrett Garcia]

That race was super fun! looking forward to the warner ranch race in 2 weeks.

-does anyone have any podium pics thx

[shudder]

^^ You mean like these?...



BTW, that's maxxisracing standing in the middle there folks... Great race, Garrett!!

First place team out of Channel Islands HS



- shud

[protijy]

awsome to see this league take shape! wish I had that oppurtunatey when I was in HS

[Garrett Garcia]

you got one were my eyes r open hahah bright out i guess