Wow, if the Bell Santa Cruz Super Enduro wasn’t one of the most fun day’s you have ever had on a mountain bike, then you probably weren’t there. Plenty of quality riding in the forested hills of the Santa Cruz mountains provided a back drop that was definitely worthy of an event finale! With four special stages and some challenging climbing during the transfer sections, this event was going to test riders all the way through until the final skid of the last stage Bro!
For me, the event was especially rad in knowing that Bri was in contention for a top spot on the series podium for the Pro Women. Dang girl, nice work this season! In preparation for the event, I was extra cautious in preparing her goggles so that she would have maximum #EnduroGirlGogglePower…but I guess I should have spent some time on her glasses, as she tossed her goggles aside in favor of her favorite Smith PivLock V2’s…oh well. At least I oiled her chain…I think.
At the end of the day, she had a Shripping good time and landed on a talent laden podium shared with Olympian in Lea Davison, badass mammer jammer DH’er Jo G-Form Petterson and her best friend InsAmy. I was super proud that she rose to the occasion, pedaled her butt off and laid down clean runs to not only throw down the great result on the day, but also cement her 2nd place overall in the series standings. Wow! At the start of the year we could barely spell #EnderoBrow! Mad props for a great performance and hopefully a glimpse of more goodness to come!
Santa Cruz Super Enduro Pro Women Podium
My day was almost over before it began. After a SNAFU on Tuesday night left me with a colorful and swollen ankle I was pretty sure that riding would be out of the question since walking to the bathroom proved nearly impossible. Thanks to the help of Grifall Family Chiropractic, Oona Hall at Accupuncture Monterey Bay, some clever insights from Super Coach, Chris Burnham, and Steve Lewis for helping to dial in my bike and more supportive HT DH Pedal / 5Ten Maltese Falcon shoe combo. I don’t remember exactly what my contribution (beyond stupidity) was, but I’m SURE that I cleaned my own goggles, Bro. Ultimately, I was able to clip in and make it around the course in a fashion that salvaged what was looking like a sure DNS (did not start) and resulted in a 5th for the day and preserving my 2nd place standing in the series.
On a day when I couldn’t be more excited for my #EnduroPrincess to rise to the occasion, it was also incredible to see how our friends pulled through to throw down some awesomeness of their own! I’m sure I won’t get them all, but these #EnduroBro’s were stellar as well…
Dillon Santos straight flowed the day with 2 of 3 test win’s for the day and the overall series wins!
Dillon Sent it all the way to the top of the box for the day and series!
Amy Morrison was also on the Shripping train with a 3rd on the day and series.
Steven Lewis made the long trek from the “round 1 home” of Reno, NV to put in a performance to secure his #2 series ranking.
Ann Fitzsimmons thought the event would be good rehab for her still recovering knee, so she threw down just enough to win the Cat 1 women!
Nick Dinapoli had us all in tears with his lyrical mastery that was only bettered by his first place on the day and series as well!
Jordan Hartman was just behind Nick for #2 in the series after overcoming some serious challenges this year.
Emily Forsberg stamped the day and the series, winning the Sport Women class – a sign of good things to come in the sport from this young woman!
Bailey Smith who routinely shares accolades with Scott Chapin for the “best dressed at the races” brought home a solid 3rd in the series after two other wins.
The battle of the pro men continues to be intense within the Santa Cruz Mountains as Muscle Milk Specialized’s John Hauer makes it two in a row after another close battle with IBIS Retro Cellar’s Jeff Kendall-Weed separated by a scant 3 seconds! Jeff claimed 2 stage win’s while John captured the win in the challenging 3rd stage. Will 3 in a row be on the menu for next year or 3 seconds be found on the trails? Can’t wait to find out!
The Funniest Podium Ever? By far!
John Hauer’s Winning Specialized S-Works Camber 29er
Dang, there are probably a ton more incredible stories to recount, but at the moment this will have to suffice. Thanks for the incredible memories California Enduro Series! All of the #EnduroBro’s are already excitedly looking to 2015!