Dry Hill

Race season is here! No matter how much off season training you've done, you always feel under-prepared. Not having a downhill bike for the winter, meant I didn't ride any downhill this winter. One of the most fun things to do in the "offseason" is to head over to the peninsula and shuttle some runs at Port Angeles.

Riding the ferry across the sound.

Looking at the schedule, I realized this was my only weekend I was able to head to Port Angeles before the Underworld Cup, April 18-20. A few phone calls later and Cam Hoefer, Kevin Littlefield, Ruth and I were driving to the ferry to go ride. This time of year is rainy and gray outside, but the best riding in the area is at Dry Hill, just outside of the Port Angeles. It's called Dry Hill because it is magically dry, while everywhere else is a torrential downpour.

This was the weather leaving Seattle...

... and this was the weather in Port Angeles.

  We arrived at the hill and met up with Scott Tucker for a run down of the new features to the hill. The first thing was very apparent, Casey now has an excavator. The new finish line berm got a make over and the last jump had the landing extended. Casey was up on the hill rebuilding the jump in the moto-whoops. It's now a huge table top, and been pushed back about 10-15 feet. It'll be a fun change and send you into the next section much faster!

New finish line berm in progress.

Lots of dirt!

finish line jump landing has been extended. It looks really flat in this photo, but it's much better in person.

 After checking out the changes, it was time to load up the truck. Since I don't remember where I live, I forgot to bring a mud fender. An empty water jug and a few zip ties later and we were ready for the hill!

So pro. It actually worked really well.

All loaded up and ready to ride!

Pro tip for keeping your seats looking good. A garbage back seat cover, really cheap, waterproof, throw away when you're done!

Ruthie having fun in the mud.

Bikes on the tailgate.

Cam following Kevin to the finish line.

We rode all day until we couldn't ride anymore. Living in the Northwest is amazing. I can't wait to see everyone out here in a few weeks for the first race!

Until next time...

-KT