Going downhill

SPRINGDALE - Not many people would consider going 1,700 vertical feet on a mountain bike downhill.

However, Mark Weir, a 16-year-old from Springdale, did just that on September 2 at the East Meets West Marble Mountain Downhill Race.

With a time of seven minutes and 51 seconds, Mark took first place in his division and placed third overall. He also won Top Hardtail, which was awarded to the top bike with no back suspension.

TNT Bicycles from Corner Brook and Pedal Force from St. Johns hosted the race.

Every rider got the chance to take a practice run on the trail before the actual race itself. The riders left the start line in two-minute intervals.

There were about 26 riders there, said Mr. Weir. They expected 50 to 60 riders, but the day before it rained and the trail wasnt all that good.

But we tried it anyway.

Registration for the event began on July 1.

We usually hold the race a couple times a year, said Todd Melenan of TNT Bicycles. This year it was hard to get the races up and going because we couldnt find enough volunteers, like paramedics and such. But we had over twenty people come out and try it, so it was good.

Mr. Weir said he had been riding since he was a child and just thought it would be fun to try.

I always loved biking, so I just figured I would do it. I mean why not?

All participants in the event had to wear the standard safety gear required, such as full-face helmet and shin or knee guards.

Mr. Weir said that despite the rain the day before the course was very well thought out.

The course was made by Steve Power (of TNT Bicycles) and was at the World Cup level, he explained, making it one of the hardest courses in Canada.

Steve and a couple more of the guys worked really hard on the course, said Mr. Melenan. We had a lot of rain that kind of made things more difficult for the riders.

By the end of the race many of them were covered in mud from head to toe.

Mr. Weir also has some battle scars from tackling the course.

I wiped out and hit my elbows and everything, he said. I didnt even know I was bleeding until I got to the finish line and the paramedics came over to look at me.

Its just such a rush, you dont know you are hurt until its over.

The sponsors of the event held a barbecue for the riders and the volunteers at the end of the day, where awards were given and props were given to the riders who stepped up to the challenge of such a difficult trail.

We held the barbecue to give everyone a break at the end of the day, said Mr. Melenan. Everyone got a little something for participating and then of course we had the first, second and third prizes.

First prize went to Andrew Lee with a time of six minutes and twenty-four seconds. Also in second place was Chris Walsh with his time of seven minutes and twenty-nine seconds.

Ourselves and the bikers really look forward to these races, said Mr. Melenan. There are plans already for next years races.