More than 140 racers brave snow and high winds at the inaugural St. Patty’s Day Feast downhill and Super D
Events: St Patty's Day Feast-In Like a Lion
Everyone gets ready to race at Bootleg Canyon
Ian Hylands
As if the trails at Bootleg Canyon aren’t daunting enough. Known for their ability to shred skin like a cheese grater, the trails are mercilessly steep, narrow, riddled with cliffs, drop-offs and tight turns hanging over exposed corners. But the downhill and Super-D racers who showed up to race at the inaugural St. Patty’s Day Feast also were confronted by a few more obstacles: high winds, near-freezing temperatures and a fresh coat of snow on Saturday morning.
The inclement weather sent some vendors and spectators packing, but more than 140 racers stuck around for the races, held March 15-16. Part of the lure was the chance to compete on one of the toughest downhill courses in the Southwest; part of it was the $700 prize that event promote Dave “Crash” Collins offered for winner of the pro downhill.
Among those competing were World Cup downhillers Melissa Buhl and J.D. Swanguen. Buhl won the pro women’s race, but the pro men’s was taken by Quinton Spalding, with Swanguen finishing 8th. Buhl and Spalding both ride for KHS.
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The event was the first for Collins, who worked with Bootleg Canyon trailmaster Brent Thomson to organize the race. Though the turnout was slightly smaller than he expected—the race was held the same weekend as the popular Keyesville Classic across the border in California—Collins has already begun planning for next year’s St. Patty’s Day Feast.
“We had a smaller-than-expected showing from junior racers who were out chasing points, but we still had a really good race. All the racers were happy,” Collins said.
In addition to racing, the event included a block party in Boulder City, with live music from the Stoney Curits Band, with beer and food specials for racers. Collins plans to hold a similar event later this year on October 19-20.
The event was sponsored by Adidas Eyewear, Bike Magazine, Boulder Damn Brewing, Hayes Brakes, KHS, Milo’s restaurant, Mountain Cycle and the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino.
Azariah Judah, followed by his dad, got 2nd place in the kids class
Ian Hylands
Quinton Spaulding won the Men's Pro class
Ian Hylands
Reader Comments
Posted Thu Mar27, 2008, 12:13 PM — By jimmy buffet
more 29ers. less downhill racing.
Posted Thu Mar27, 2008, 12:16 PM — By john denver
what is this? decline? i want soul rides, not racerboys
Posted Thu Mar27, 2008, 3:33 PM — By Downhill Dick
Go subscribe to Bicycling or something you winers! Keep up the great work at Bike fellas! Wah, I can't ride a full suspension bike, Wah!
Posted Mon Mar31, 2008, 8:40 PM — By J.C.
I was right next to the photographer when Azariah rode down that section...the picture doesn't do it justice. The little guy was awesome.
Posted Tue Apr 1, 2008, 10:33 AM — By racerboy
You spell Winners with 2 n's not 1 genius! Racing is not for the faint at HEART!! Learn to ride a full suspension and stop being a hater! Later!
If it wasn't for racing there would be no 29er's.
"RACER BOY"
Posted Tue Apr15, 2008, 3:34 PM — By Red Badger
I race Super-D, XC, 12 hour challenges and no matter what kind of race or event it may be, we all love to ride bikes! So try not to bag on each other. Just support mountain biking as a whole and go have fun riding your bike, whether it be up hill, down hill or anywhere in between.
(p.s. I was at the Saint Patty's Day race and it was a very good time with some really cool/fun people:)
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