If there were an award to go to the most improved race from the 2013 California Enduro Series (CES) to the 2014 events thus far – that award must be handed to China Peak, which will no doubt go down as an instant classic and “must do” event for riders looking to truly test themselves and “endure” a taxing and challenging enduro like no other thus far in the series or on the regional level. This type of relentless event was what we were expecting when we signed up for the North American Enduro Tour (NAET) event in Hood River – unfortunately, that event didn’t seem to live up to the expectations we had set for a “National Caliber Event” – but China Peak did! NAET take note, CES is bringing some truly top quality events to the forefront!
At the riders meeting they alluded to this being “an all day adventure” with a long +/- 90 minute climb that would need to be completed three times before dropping into some rough and rugged stages that were capped off by a new “stage 4”. Add in some “hike-a-bike” sections and what turned out to be some searing heat and all of this taking place at elevation… things got real tough during the day!
Last year, this event was the first time we had ridden bicycles at a lift-style ski resort which made it a fun experience. This year, there was an additional twist in that a full face helmet would be required for the Stages, too. This would be another first for us! With the aforementioned challenges already on the menu, Brian decided to go the “two-helmet” route and carry the full face helmets during the climb. Bri used the Bell Super 2 with removable chin guard and both set-ups proved to be solid given the conditions. One note about riding a full face helmet is that you can really hear yourself breathing…and it’s a bit unnerving listening to what sounds like a heart attack inside your helmet during each stage! That took some getting used to!
In the end, making the long slog up the fire-road was well rewarded with super fun stages each time! Stage 1 started in the woods with some fun flow trails that were challenging but not too tough before dropping onto a fire-road pedaling section and back into some more loose berms prior to finishing in another twisty wooded section – good times! Apparently, there was a suspect line dropping onto a tricky fire-road corner, but Cannondale Over-Mountain rider and CES points leader, Marco Osborne, was having no such tom-foolery taking place!
The transfer to Stage 2 is mild and doesn’t require a full mountain climb like the other stages…so this was probably most riders’ favorite transfer! Stage 2 offers up slightly deeper corners and more rocks than Stage 1. The bottom is always a popular section for spectators as riders zig-zag down a seemingly endless section of tricky switch-backs before dumping out onto a fire-road sprint to the finish. With two stages down, we were both riding clean and staying off the ground!
The second time up the climb was hotter and more difficult than the first…everyone was probably beginning to realize just how difficult this race was going to get as we still had to make the accent one more time, too…
Tylor, Bri and Anker all cooling down with ice before the last transfer!
All the riders were looking for the shade!
Stage 3 has got to be a highlight stage for the entire series with good bits of rocks, high speed danger, deep corners to call riders out… and then the infamous rock garden section where spectators always cheer the riders on – so cool! With a new woods section replacing some of the fire-road from last year, the test was even more fun! Despite having some issues during practice, everyone made it through this test clean during the race. Phew! Afterwards, riders were definitely stoked on how things were proceeding…but also contemplating what lay ahead!
Photo by Scott @calledtocreation
Fortunately, the allure of the new Stage 4 and the steep rowdy challenges it brought were more than enough to motivate riders to head back up the steep slopes one more time!
Arriving at the top of the mountain once more, it seemed like riders were definitely taking a moment to compose themselves before the prospect of rousing up one more dose of awesome-sauce to unleash on the final test. This one hurt. Oh so good!
At the bottom Brian said his hands and arms were “moto-tired” which is generally only achieved on twist grip rides and not during pedal bike rides. That’s a sure sign of a solid day! Despite, giving her maximum focus, Bri had her only crash on the day during this Stage – a situation that seemed common for several riders!
The stories on the day were the stuff of legend as riders spoke about overcoming obstacle over challenge in order to persevere what turned out to be an absolutely incredible bike race that likely made everyone in attendance a better rider by the end of the day! Stage 5 is likely the most popular stage on the day as evidenced by the smiles and good times had by all at the swimming hole! 🙂 Here’s a little clip of Bri jumping off the rock: https://goo.gl/photos/JUjzRoGoKstSxZGk8
Jeremiah and Bri had the fastest men and women times in the speed trap!
Brian on the top step!