Duryea Downhill Race recap.

Reading Racing put together yet another great race in their hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania. The course started at the top of the hill next to the fire tower. It winded down the hill crossing the street several times. Nothing too crazy, some rock gardens and some steep sections that were pretty dry. We showed up on Saturday morning looking to get some more time on the bike and secure our “lodging” or floor space. First ones to the top we had met up with Kevin Liebig and the three of us set out on the course. Marvin was the first to spill with a super-moto style slide across 20 feet of asphalt. I ate a plate of dirt with a high-speed digger, in a poor attempt to squeeze two lines together. Some scrapes and bruises but all in all we were happy to just be riding. After such a long winter it was great to see so many excited riders out and about all with that same itch. The STD of biking had infected all of us. We were treated to some great food by some of the course marshals from the area and many a chuckles from their take on the whole “downhill” thing.
Race day was a little brisk but the sun warmed many of us as we waited our turn at the start gate. Jon Kranzel was the first team rider off the gate and into the woods. Ned would follow several minutes after. Ned’s riding skills have improved so much over the past few years and his confidence on the bike is evident as he rides. I was the third team member to start and then a little ways behind me Marvin would head out. My run was fast at the start, faster than I had been in practice. A few little details here and there would keep me worrying till the bottom and the long flat straights would test the lungs. I chose to jump the bunker and strained to keep it upright on the asphalt afterwards. The next small wood section would be my favorite, a fast entry upon a 6 foot roller would let you hop to the next and pump through the tight single-track. It was all behind me now. As I spotted Jesse, our gracious host the night before and currently the course marshal for the first dry steep section. I knew I was close to the end, close to water and close to regaining my breath. At the bottom we waited for Marvin and the rest of the Pro field to cross the line. Greeted by friends and fellow racers we all sat lamenting on our runs, the mistakes, crashes and flats. We all had a great time we won some prizes and got the first race out of the way with no major injuries to the body or the wallet. Lots of smiles. Thanks for the floor Fred.

A fast track, great organization, funny friends, superb weather and a gun-toting pizza patron made the whole weekend complete.


We would like to thank:

Commencal Bikes
DT Swiss
Crank Brothers
SDG
Super Feet
Mountain Khakis
Smith Optics

Team rider Jon Kranzel keeping it tucked!