2011 Ashland 12 mile Super-D

In just 7 years, the Ashland 12 mile Super-D went from a simple idea on paper to an event which draws hundreds of racers, family and friends as they all converge for the race. With a following becoming similar to that of Downieville, the word is obviously out on the town’s raddness. This year registration maxed out at 400, the result of a gained popularity in endurance downhill racing in areas utilizing amazing trail networks. Further more, once the riding and racing is done for the day, the hip and happening mountain town on the northwest tip of the Klamath National Forest offers a variety of activities for those looking to stay on the move. After a post ride dip in Reeder Reservoir, a diverse selection of eateries, live music, a choice of two breweries along with a numerous nightlife hotspots offers something for everyone.

Established in 2008, Ashland Mountain Adventures has been providing those involved in the outdoors community access to the extensive Ashland watershed trail network. When not providing guiding services or putting on races, owners Bill and Sue can be found out creating and maintaining sustainable trails in conjunction Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association, a program authorized through the Forest Service. The AWTA is an organization that raises funds through grants and private donations to fund such trail construction and maintenance. Recently, Ashland Mountain Adventures teamed up with Specialized Bikes Dealer Grant Program providing more funding for future projects. All money raised by Bill and Sue would be matched by the Dealer Grant Program, thus helping to achieve the goal of developing more sustainable trail networks in this active community. Due to the generosity of many dedicated individuals, locals and out-of-towners alike reap the benefits of professionally constructed multiuse trails, creating the opportunity to make the most of Ashland’s beautiful surroundings.

In its third year, the AVID Chainless Challenge kicked off with a stacked field. Taking place on Friday afternoon, racers bombed down Hitt road back into town. The 3 mile course tested the racers ability to lay off the brakes as they tried to stay glued to the dicey fireroad descent. With past top contenders including Myles Rockwell, Nathan Riddle and Mike West, the chainless event proved calibrated braking and finesse in the turns was vital for the win.

This year Peter Lucas (WTB), Chris Johnston (DunbarCycles) and Adam Craig (GiantBikes) made up the podium in the Pro men while Katie Holden (Specialized), Kelli Emmet (GiantBikes) and April Graham (MafiaRacing) dominated the womens side of things. The popularity of the Chainless race shows this format is here to stay.

Saturday’s 12-mile long course starts at Mt. Ashland Ski resort at 6,350 ft and quickly looses elevation as riders traverse down the Upper Bull Gap road to Lower Bull Gap Trail. Speeds of 40+ mph are common on following section of fireroad 200 which leads into Catwalk, followed by Toothpick, Caterpillar, White Rabbit, Alice in Wonderland, and finishes at the end of BTI. With 5,000 ft of descending and 800 ft of climbing, bike setup was typically on the lightweight side with 5-6 inches of travel setup along with the ever-popular seat post dropper.

In the PRO men’s field, last year’s champion Mark Weir and along with runner up Jason Moeschler (both WTB/Fox/Cannondale) missing in action, the race was left wide open among the 65 starters. Based on last year’s results, Giant Bicycles duo Adam Craig and Carl Decker were first and second out of the starting gate followed by Nathan Riddle (SRAM/SANTA CRUZ/DAKINE), Scott Chapin (SantaCruz/Fox) and myself. Adam ended up posting the fastest time of the day being the only one to dip below 34 minutes, in the process edging Decker and myself from top step of the podium.

In the PRO women’s race Kelli Emmett took the win by 45 seconds over fellow Giant Bicycles teammate Lizzy English. Abby Hipply (SantaCruzBikes) rounded out the all-star podium following some solid racing on the mountain. Once again Kelli Emmett is proving she is one of the most consistent women’s rider in the all-mountain racing scene.

Racers Max Houtzager (Whole Athlete/Specialized), Jerimiah Newman (NevadaUnionMiners) and Mason Bond (NevadaUnionMiners) made up the junior men’s podium posting times that would be competitive in the expert and Pro fields.

After a long weekend of riding and racing, the BBQ’s were fired up and beers were shared as racers exchanged stories about their adventures on the mountain. Awards were handed out for fastest times and a stacked raffle followed with one lucky ticket holder winning a 2011 Specialized Enduro frameset. Good times and see you all next year, get RAD!

Pro Men Results
1 Adam Craig 33:58.00
2 Aaron Bradford 34:16.00
3 Carl Decker 34:25.00
4 Josh Carlson 34:30.00
5 Mike West 34:48.00
6 Nathan Riddle 34:57.00
7 Kenny Burt 35:09.00
8 SCOTT CHAPIN 35:09.30
9 Matthew Slaven 35:32.00
10 Timmy Evans 35:33.00
11 Kevin Smallman 35:34.00
12 Nate Byron 35:35.00
13 Arthur Gaillot 35:36.00
14 Jared Kessler 35:37.00
15 Nick Gibson 35:38.00
16 Adam Snyder 35:40.00
17 Dylan Wolsky 35:46.00
18 Dan Baggs 35:51.00
19 Scott Fellers 35:55.00
20 Jordan Lopez 35:59.00

Pro Women Results
1 Kelli Emmett 38:48.00
2 Lizzy English 39:33.00
3 Abby Hippely 41:54.00
4 Rebecca Rusch 42:21.00
5 Addie Stewart 43:38.00
6 Lindsey Voreis 43:39.00
7 April Graham 43:41.60
8 Tina Brubaker 43:41.30
9 Brigette Brown 44:02.00
10 mary moncorge 44:37.00
11 Angi WESTON 45:17.00
12 Amy Shreve 45:21.00
13 Katie Holden 45:54.00
14 Andrea Napoli 47:04.00
15 Megan Zemny 48:26.0


Photography courtesy of Jeff McFarland and Alex Work