10-10-07 // Events: Mid-Atlantic Cup Finals At Wisp Resort

On Saturday September 29, riders poured into the parking lot of Maryland's Wisp Resort, all morning, many of them just getting off of a red eye flight from Vegas as they returned from Interbike. The Racer’s Edge crew of mostly volunteers had been dialing in the tracks for weeks and now the stage was set for the last race of the 2007 Mid-Atlantic Cup, which was also round #8 of the newly re-organized, Gravity East Series. The racing started with Dual Qualifying at noon, as over 50 riders staged up for their run against the clock, that would later determine who would race whom in the finals. The Dual finals got underway around 3:00pm. - But this time with a twist – Double Elimination. “It’s something riders have been asking for so we solicited some help getting the brackets and decided to do it”, said Racer’s Edge, Inc. President Mike Hartlove. The crew was up for the challenge and things went off virtually flawlessly. The racing was intense and, all but, belonged to team 9.8/Germantown Cycles, as they swept the pro podium in the same order that they qualified. Brian Price – 3rd, Trevyn Newpher – 2nd and Jason Beckley, National Champion – 1st. In the expert open category, it was Rocky Mountain Cycles rider and National Champion, Neko Mulally schooling the class on his way to another victory. Followed in second was another Germantown rider, Andrew Farrell. Third in the expert class went to Wes Boucher of Trails End Cycles who battled his way to the podium in the biggest class of the day.

Sunday morning came quick as the Racer’s Edge crew rallied to re-locate the finish line into the bottom of the tubing park. Some additional jumps were put in on Friday to add some flare to the spectator-filled finish line arena. Racing started at 1:00pm with the pro women. Azonic rider, Kathi Krause took the win by nearly five seconds over 2nd place finisher, Hillary Elgert. Certainly worth mentioning, was new-comer, Lauren Daney, who won the sport women class and was only ten seconds off the winning Pro time. Next up, the Pro men. 9.8/Germantown Cycles rider Trevyn Newpher, crossed the line with a flat rear tire and still placed third. Off the couch and onto the podium, Todd Bosch showed everyone he still has what it takes, despite his near one-year hiatus. The winner and perhaps the biggest story of the weekend, Jason Beckley (9.8/Germantown/Kenda) pulled off the double as he won both events in the field of Pro men. The other big story of the weekend was the young man from Reading, Pa., Neko Mulally (Rocky Mountain) who also won his class in the downhill, also scoring a double for the weekend. What was most impressive was that Neko’s time was second fastest of the day. We’ll be watching this young man as he ascends his way into the pro ranks. Others who won their expert age groups included, Justin Gregory (19-29), Bob Brien (30-39) and Eric Charles (40+).

On a somber note, 16 year-old Jack Ausden, suffered a broken neck during his race run as he approached the finish line. The race was put on hold as the emergency staff attended to the young man. The good news is that Jack is expected to make a full recovery. Everyone was asked, at the awards assembly, to keep Jack in their thoughts and prayers. We all hope to see Jack on his bike again soon.

All wrapped up – Racer’s Edge Inc., Wisp Resort and Hudson Trail Outfitters, amongst several others, collectively gave away over $10,000 in cash and prizes during the weekend. Good times were had by all and momentum seems to be building for this beautiful venue located in western -Maryland. The Mid-Atlantic Cup Champions will be crowned at the 2nd annual BikeToberJam in Hereford, Md. on October 20, 2007. Stay tuned to RacersEdgeOnline.com for more details.