Mountain Biking - Race Photos

A couple of weeks ago mtnbiker66 and girlscout raced the second race of a 3 race series (Supper D) in western NC. I went to that race to say hi to those two knuckleheads and see if I could improve my technique of mixing flash in available light. (old thread 1 (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=278548), old thread 2 (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=279747))

This past weekend I went back to Dark Mountain for the third race of the series. I went with similar intentions of working to improve my photography skillz, but with an added challenge. I wanted to see if I could get at least one decent shot of every one who raced that day. It was a gray sky overcast kinda day with short periods of drizzle/rain, but over all it was a killer event. Great people, lots of smiles, tacky trails, and decent weather are just a few things that contributed to a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Further details about the series can be found at www.bmcc.us

They plan on having another series at this location in the fall, but they are gearing it more towards a XC event. I’ll probably go to it as well, but I am considering the idea of participating as a racer instead of a photographer.

Anyway here are a few photos from the 3rd race and if anyone would like to see the rest, I set up a gallery with close to 100 images from this past Sunday’s event.

Dark mountain Super D galleries (http://www.pbase.com/robertseth/darkmtn)

Some of the little pinners
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/pbhighrevs/070401-darkmtn/_DSC1565.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/pbhighrevs/070401-darkmtn/_DSC1566.jpg

Noah has become a bit of a local celebrity in our little bike community
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/pbhighrevs/070401-darkmtn/_DSC1575.jpg

The big kids
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/pbhighrevs/070401-darkmtn/_DSC1610.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/pbhighrevs/070401-darkmtn/_DSC1543.jpg

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/pbhighrevs/070401-darkmtn/_DSC1517.jpg

Chris Herndon = super fast
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/pbhighrevs/070401-darkmtn/_DSC1484.jpg


Check out the rest here (http://www.pbase.com/robertseth/darkmtn).

Great pics! 2:48 for Herndon?!!?!!!!!!:eek:

Nice picts - - a usual! High 2s and 3s? That's mighty short for a Super-D. That's almost not a 'D'

is that noah manimal's kid from ridemonkey?

Great pics! 2:48 for Herndon?!!?!!!!!!:eek:
Thanks man. Geritt Baytaugh, the dude in front of Herndon in the shot below, is CRAZY fast also.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/pbhighrevs/070401-darkmtn/058-darkmtn_070401.jpg

Watching guys who are super fast, like these two, is rather inspiring. For me, it only encourages the idea of pushing the envelope. I’m not fast and watching these guys really makes me understand that.

Anyway, here are few videos that were posted elsewhere.
race 2 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2a6PEkmrMY)
In the next one look for the guy about 47 seconds in. That’s Andy Devault and he pretty much rips!
race 3 (http://media.putfile.com/Dark-Mtn-Super-D-3)
race 3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZs3pt65o-s)


Nice picts - - a usual! High 2s and 3s? That's mighty short for a Super-D. That's almost not a 'D'
Well... I guess in the foothills of western NC there is a bit of a struggle to get enough of the course to go down hill. :D


is that noah manimal's kid from ridemonkey?
See what I mean about being a celebrity.


All racing aside, this is really fun place to ride your bike.

That's almost not a 'D'

You're absolutely right, but as highrevs said, that's about the best that can be done here in the foothills. Calling it a straight TT would be more accurate.

And yes, lil' manimal is notorious.

The proud dad chasing after his 7 year old! This was shot a second (according to the EXIF data) after lil’manimal came through.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/pbhighrevs/070401-darkmtn/_DSC1576.jpg

On top of good racing it was also lil’manimal’s birthday, so we all got to have cake.
Side note: I think it was the biggest dang cake I’ve ever seen, barring a wedding cake.

excellent pics as always. What part of North Carolina is this trail in?

excellent pics as always. What part of North Carolina is this trail in?

Thanks! N Wilkesboro - Kerr Scott Reservoir

You're absolutely right, but as highrevs said, that's about the best that can be done here in the foothills. Calling it a straight TT would be more accurate.Good early-season fun regardless. The course looks like it was a lot of fun.

Good early-season fun regardless
That's for sure!

your pictures inspire me highrevs. nice shots!

snaped this one while we were leaving for a ride. I like it!
41540

your pictures inspire me highrevs. nice shots!
snaped this one while we were leaving for a ride. I like it!
41540

Thanks Leo and there are some nice lines your shot, for sure.

Here is one i played around with last night. It's sort of bike related. (as in I saw this barn off I-40 on the way to the second race :D ) On the way back, this past weekend, i stopped and took a couple of shots. With the clouds heading out to the east and the sun kinda low in the west there was some really nice lighting.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e108/pbhighrevs/070401-darkmtn/oldbarn.jpg

The best poto I have ever taken was a accident! The potos I take the most time with come out the worst. Its all fun tho :)

you guys are lucky that u have great trails around!!!!!!!!!

you guys are lucky that u have great trails around!!!!!!!!!

This is true. We are also very lucky to have people in our area that are willing to give their time and effort to creating/maintaining these trails.

Nice pics! I enjoyed all of the info too thx:)

Nice pics! I enjoyed all of the info too thx:)
Hey, I'm glad I could share the experience, but I must say you guys are lucky that I don't type as much as I talk. :D