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It’s never too early to start thinking about next season. The 2008 race dates are slowly being released, so here's a tentative schedule of events I plan on attending and racing at.
Diablo Domination Series – all races
US Open of Mountain Biking
Gravity East Series – all races
Palttekill Mountain DH Series – select races
Mount Snow Iron Horse DH Series – select races
NMBS National - Windham, NY
NMBS Championship – Mount Snow, VT
Whiteface 5k Downhill
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It seemed like yesterday. The anticipation, butterflies and excitement at a level that made you just want to run in circles. The Duryea Downhill and the opening of Diablo Freeride Park seemed like it would never arrive. Thoughts of camping at Plattekill and competing against some of the fastest riders around at the US Open, occupied a good portion of every day. And now with the weather turning colder and the last race on the east coast less then a week away, the end of the 2007 downhill season has arrived.
Without doubt, 2007 was a great year. The rain held off for many of the races and some were even too dry. The start off at Duryea was incredible, and was also my first race back after breaking my elbow in late 2006. I placed 6th overall in the Diablo Domination Series for the year, and 11th overall for the newly formed Gravity East Series. The NMBS Championship at Mount Snow was one of the hardest races of the year for me due to conditions, but I managed to pull off 6th in semi-pro. As always, the series at Plattekill Mountain in NY was excellent, and my first 5k downhill at Whiteface Mountain will be remembered for a long time.
All of this fun and excitement wouldn’t have been possible without the help of my friends and sponsors. You are all like a second family to me and I’m blessed to have all of you in my life. I look forward to 2008 and continuing our friendships, relationships and our parking lot practical jokes again.
Thanks, Ken
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Well actually it was a rap over two months ago. During practice for Domination #3 at Diablo Freeride Park, I took a high speed fall coming out of a short but nasty rock section. The result was a broken left elbow that required surgery to put humpty back together again.
The year started out early with all of us doing shuttle runs at Ringwood on weekends. The first lift to open was Plattekill and race season began. Next was Diablo for the Domination series & the US Open and then Mt. Snow in Vermont. It really was an amazing season even though it was cut short with my injury, but these things happen.
I'm not much for bragging (yes I'm going to do a little, this is Sponsorhouse!) but my first year racing semi-pro / pro worked out excellent. Most races I finished in the top 10 with my times only a few seconds of the podium boys. Also, I would have won every race I entered if I stayed in last year's expert class. How come I wasn't that fast last year?? I'm super happy I moved up with the speedy guys. It really makes me work harder and push myself to be faster. Ok, enough of that, you get the picture.
I also met a ton of new people and friends this past year. We all support and help each other and have formed a super fun group that I'm blessed to be part of. It makes a big difference when you know you have people you can count on while traveling or if you get hurt. Without all of you, things would be much different. So thanks friends!!
It's also appropriate to thank my sponsors that supported me through the year. You make an expensive sport a little more affordable, and being part of a team gives me a sense of pride I didn't have before I joined your families. Thanks for the race support, goodie bags and good times at all the events. I didn't just apply to your company to get a sponsor, I applied because I believe in and use your products. I hope to continue our relationships next year.
Till next year, Ken
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May 6-7 – Plattekill DH #1
May 20-21 – Diablo Domination #1
May 26-28 – US Open of Mountain Biking
June 3-4 – Plattekill DH #2
June 10-11 – Mount Snow Series #1
June 17-18 – NORBA Nationals #3 - Mount Snow, VT.
June 23-25 – Whitetail Resort, PA Capital Cup 23-25
Or
June 24-25 – Snowshoe Series #1
July 1-2 – Diablo Domination #2
July 9-10 – Mount Snow Series #2
July 15-16 – Plattekill #3
July 22-23 – Snowshoe Series #2
August 12-13 – Mount Snow Series #3
August 19-20 – Plattekill # 4
August 26-27 – Diablo Domination #3
September 9-10 – Plattekill DH #5
September 16-17 – Mount Snow Series #4
September 23-24 – Diablo Domination #4
October 7-8 – Diablo Domination #5
October 14-15 – Plattekill DH #6
November 4-5 – Plattekill DH #7
The East Coast race scene is super busy this year, and everyone has a huge grin on their face including me.
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So I joined NY Sports Club. I can`t wait to build up my endurance and strengthen up a bit. Last year I talked about it a bunch, but this year it`s all about dedication and commitment!!
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