Downieville Classic - All Mountain World Championships

cheers to Rocky Arroyo for the pic
 www.arroyophotography.com

After 9 days on the road, riding some of the best trails in Utah and Northern California, Evol teammate Josh Whitney raced the Downieville Classic, a two day stage race combining XC and DH courses, that has established itself as the center of the "all mountain" universe. A mix of both climbing talent and descending skill is required, and bike selection is paramount, as racers must use the same bike, weighed in to the pound both days. Fortunately, Specialized came through in a big way and Josh was able to ride the perfect weapon for the challenge, the new Stumpjumper EVO 29er, a true all mountain bike made to accommodate the ups and maximize fun on the down.

The XC race starts with a brutal, exposed, eight-mile, 3,000 foot climb out of Sierra City, Calif. to Packers Saddle, before a 17-mile undulating descent on the famous Downieville trails. This year's pro field featured former champions Jason Moeschler and the Giant duo of Adam Craig and Carl Decker, but without perennial favorite and Downieville madman Mark Weir. Surprising many, Levi Leipheimer showed up at the start line looking to dominate the XC and—suprisingly—the full weekend. The race started at a ferocious pace. After "letting" the leaders go 10 minutes into the 50 minute climb, the feedzone support crews at the top were enthusiastically yelling to Josh that he was the first rider in baggies on the climb, somewhere around 20th.

The hour-long descent featured four key sections with their unique trail aspects: baby heads, loose fire roads with enormous water bars, mach speed jedi forest fall line single track and exposed rocky flumes, each connected by rail bridges over the Downieville river. After the fun was over, Josh finished 29th out of more than 50 pros.

Pulling up to the top of Packers Saddle for day two saw riders in knee and elbow pads as heavy metal blasted from the Yuba Expeditions shuttle vans. Clearly a different scene. The DH course followed a similar route down, but includes the most technical trail section in the area, Butcher Ranch, to create a 15 mile, 5,333 foot decent that is truly fast and furious—all over in an hour if you're flying. With some injuries on the mend and a big season of 'cross on the horizon, Josh played it fairly safe and finished respectably for his first ever DH race. After two days, times were tallied, he finished 28th overall, while the ever ageless Carl Decker took home the top prize, with teammate Adam Craig in 2nd and Moeschler in 3rd.

Reflecting on the weekend, Josh said, "What makes Downieville so special is the entire town completely supports the race and bike culture in general. For three days they've created this amazing biking paradise with the streets filled with expos, the river full of people watching riders do tricks into crystal clear water. Chris King makes you breakfast, the local fireman who double as trailbuilders feed you lunch and everyone has a smile glued to their mug after long days of riding, and surviving the trails. Beyond that, mountain biking has created a sustainable economy for the 280 residents and will ensure the area is protected from development as the trail system continue to expand for future generations."

A great recap vid by Coldstream Collective is here from day 2, with a quick cameo at the beginning riding through town. Go here for the XC recap.