Flat tire at the US Open

I spent this past weekend at Mountain Creek resort in northern New Jersey for the US Open of Mountain Biking. I always look forward to the US Open because It's very close to home and one of the biggest American races. I won there as a junior but have been having bad luck since then. In 2009 I crashed, 2010 I was injured and then this year I flatted in the qualifier and didn't make the cut to race Sunday's final. I got some riding in at the bike park there Sunday and was able to watch my teammates ride to podium finishes which was really cool. Today I fly to Scotland for the second round of the World Cup at Fort William. I'm really looking forward to it and hoping to improve on my 29th place from the first World Cup in South Africa. See ya in Scotland!!

Results
1 Aaron Gwin USA 2.19.35
2 Stevie Smith CAN 2.20.17
3 Justin Leov NZL 2.22.19
4 Gee Atherton GBR 2.22.26
5 Andrew Neethling RSA 2.23.83


NM

Plattekill Pro GRT

     This past weekend I raced the Pro GRT at Plattekill Mountain in New York. Plattekill is a venue I grew up racing, so it was really cool to be back there with the team. During the week leading up to the race, Aaron, Justin and Jeff stayed at my house. It was awesome taking them out on my local trails and showing them a little bit of what I do here in Pennsylvania. I think they really enjoyed being in a more homey environment and they had good time. I did some quality riding with the boys at Plattekill and finally was feeling comfortable on the bike. I ended up having a crash during my race run, which was a bummer because I knew I was on pace. It was a small crash and I wasn't injured. This next weekend I will be racing the U.S Open where there will be a more competitive field. It will be a good time, these past few weeks with the boys, Monk and Jeff have been awesome so Im really looking forward to another great weekend.

1 Aaron Gwin USA 2.39.41
2 Justin Leov NZL 2.41.78
3 Cody Warren USA 2.43.17
4 Curtis Keene USA 2.43.54
5 Logan Binggeli USA 2.44.63
14 Neko Mulally USA 2.48.67

NM

Took home a win at the Pro Gravity Tour

      I had an awesome weekend at Highland Mountain in New Hampshire and took my first win for Trek World Racing. It was a great weekend all around, fun with friends, good times with the team and a quality result. I had some fun riding the dirt jumps at Highland and did some sweet runs with Justin and Aaron. Sunday brought heavy rain all day which was not the most pleasant but I knew I would be able to race well in it. I put down a good race run that I thought would be good enough to get trek a sweep, but I didn't expect to hold off Justin and Aaron to take the win myself. I wouldn't have doubted that my run would have put me close to Aaron, I knew I rode pretty well, but to beat him is huge for me because I look up to him so much. I am racing again these next two weekends here in America and am looking for keeping the good times rolling and riding with my teammates. Justin and Aaron are over at my house the rest of this week. I'm stoked to get out and show them some of my local trails. Hoping to keep building the momentum.


Results:

1  Neko Mulally USA - 2:20.95

2  Aaron Gwin USA - 2:23.45

3  Justin Leov NZL - 2:24.70

4  Curtis Keene USA - 2:27.04

5  Cody Warren USA - 2:27.69

NM

Ready for some American racing

     After an awesome two weeks at home, I'm stoked for a weekend of racing in New Hampshire with the team. Justin, Aaron and I will be racing the U.S. National at Highland bike park.  I can't wait, it's gonna be a fun weekend. The time at home has been great. I've ridden my downhill bike more than I have all season and got back into a good routine. Its kinda nice to be back to the norm going to school everyday and getting stuff done. It's a good change after being away. Logan had a crash while we were riding sunday and broke his collar bone. It's a real bummer for him right now, I know what thats like. Hopefully what I learned last year can help him get back to it quicker. Im looking forward to getting on the road tomorrow and the weekend to come.

NM

Good to be home

      Finally, after ten weeks away, I am back home. I had a wonderful trip, I saw tons of cool places and met many great people. My friends were at my house waiting for me when I got home from the airport. It was fantastic to see them again and catch up on everything. I did a few bike rides over the weekend and feel really good now that i'm back. There was a lot of work put into the local downhill tracks and they are fun to ride right now. Im gonna be spending some time on them over the next few weeks. I went to my senior prom Saturday night and had an awesome time with my friends. It felt good to be back in the mix again. My teachers have been very cool with getting me caught up on everything I missed. They understand what i'm doing. I have another two weeks to relax at home before I have anywhere to be and i'm really looking forward to it.

NM