9.24.2016

MTB Season Episode II: Return to Massachusetts


For week 2 of mtb season, we found our heroes in New England for “Northeastern's Wild Western Mass Weekend Shredfest.”  Say that ten times fast.  This week’s cast of characters included a healthy Steve Clayton, who returned to the crew as predicted. 

Saturday’s XC track featured rolling hills.  This proved to be an ideal terrain for Kirsten, who placed 2nd in women’s B’s.  This week, Penn State downhill riders did the unthinkable, and attempted the hilly Men’s C XC event.  Despite a valiant effort, all four of them were unable to finish, and they decided that racing uphill is no fun and best left to roadies.

Foul weather reared up on Saturday night, but subsided in time for Sunday’s races.  The damp conditions kept the Short Track XC and Downhill events appropriately challenging.  The Short Track race required good lungs and legs, and the wide doubletrack course was devoid of technical obstacles.  Kirsten won 3rd, and decided to sit out the Downhill event and bask in victory. 

Avi, with finger still intact (courtesy of Dave Kinney)


The afternoon Downhill race featured a good mix of technical sections and swooping banks.  Unfortunately, a rough crash in practice broke Avi’s finger.  Determined to make the most of the long car trip, he filmed a cool video of Penn State riders crushing the course (check it out on our Instagram: @psucycling).  Avi may not have raced, but he nonetheless won Team Player of the Week. 

#stayhansum (courtesy of Dave Kinney)
B racer Rob bumped a tree during the Downhill race, but nonetheless placed 5th.

Steve Clayton and Downhill Dan held it down in Men’s A’s, placing 9th and 11th respectively.

Will Penn State riders close the gap on UVM?  Will they ever get a van?  Tune in next week!

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