Plattekill Extreme Series #2 and Gravity East #4

Geoff Ulmer airing out the last double, carrying some of the course tape

Glorious weather was present this past Independence Day weekend at Plattekill Bike Park. On tap was the fourth stop of the Gravity East Series Downhill Race which also served as Plattekill’s Extreme Series Downhill Race #2.

[via George Ulmer]

Saturday, the bike park also featured a Plattekill Series Dual Slalom Race and BBQ. The course was fast and challenging with several big doubles that only the most experienced could clear, the result was close racing throughout all classes. Taking the pro dual slalom victory was Jason Beckley who just got by Kyle Hickey at the last double.

more pictures in the gallery

Sunday’s weather called for a chance of rain, but the racers prayers were answered with sunny skies all day. The course featured very little peddling and a ton of braking over dry powered soil, roots and of course the Plattekill infamous loose shale. All this down the fall line of the steepest terrain in the east. At race pace the course got very tight and technical, one miscalculation would prove disastrous to a few racers with the ambulance making a few trips to the hospital.

more pictures in the gallery

There were more than a few surprises in the results but on a course like Plattekill featured for this GES stop, surprised were expected. In the Junior Expert class Zach Faulkner found a fast way down the mountain to bring home the gold, followed closely by Phil Kementz and Neko Muallay.

The Pro Class results:

1. Gavin Vaughan - 2:43.67
2. Joshua Clark - 2:47.45
3. Kyle Hickey - 2:47.60
4. Chris Higgerson - 2:47.76
5. Ken Walter - 2:48.49

[Pro Men full results]

Kyle Hickey had a very good weekend with podiums in both DS and DH. While Gavin Vaughan’s 4 second victory in DH was impressive over a very tough field of pros. In all 22 states were represented reflecting the huge amount of attention east coast racers are giving this series. Full results can be found at Plattekill.com. Congratulation to all the racers who made it down a very difficult Plattekill race course and good wishes to those who got injured.

The next Gravity east Series Race will be held Aug 16-17 at Sugarbush Mountain, Warren, VT while the next Plattekill Extreme Series race will be held Aug 23-24.

Plattekill Bike Park will offer a PAY-ONE-PRICE-PASS valid all week July 7-14 just $40!!! Includes lift access. This is in support of the East Coast Nationals at Windham Mountain July 10-13.

[Plattekill Extreme Series #2 and Gravity East #4 Gallery]