North Carolina downhill races have had a small but passionate following and National Champs brought out the fans. Nikolas Dudukovich finds the right line in the Rock Garden. Photos by Kristian Jackson
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Sunday, the slopes of Beech Mountain began filling early for the Amateur Finals. By early afternoon the crowd lined the rolling rock garden and provided a steady stream of enthusiasm for the racers.
Most everyone avoided the log gap. Cecil Frederick Linder tackles the line and impresses the crowd.
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Many, many racers found it hard to stay on the pedals. Rea Gandolf takes the mud in stride.
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Left: Austin Warren dive bombs under the Stars and Stripes. Right: Patriotic locals.
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Amateurs were psyched to be in the presence of the Pros. Most took this as an opportunity to step up their game.
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The mask. Hopefully the racers had their eyes on the trail and not this guy.
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An impressive Joey Foresta with his Gold and Stars and Bars. This little dude ripped both the Slalom and DH courses. Keep an eye on this youngster.
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The Dirty Bird Bell. Legendary in the southeast, the now defunct Hawk’s Nest hosted a mountain load of DH races. Many locals cut their teeth in the infamous “Dirty Berms.”
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Kevin Aiello senses the finish line for an 11th place finish in Men’s Pro.
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High speed grass section.
The new National Champ, mid-tear off. Logan Binggeli keeps it cool on his way to victory.
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Keeping it low, Duncan Riffle charges to a 4th place finish.
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Aaron Gwin nearing the G-out before the hip jump. Gwin had a major crash at the top of the course and couldn't overcome the time deficit, resulting in 2nd place.
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Rocks n rollin'
Can’t you just feel the patriotism?
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The 2011 US Gravity Pro Men's National Champion, Logan Binggeli.
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Austin Hackett-Klaube from Dillon, CO whips the hip near the end of the DH course as the sun begins to take over.
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Stacks of gold...
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Jill Kintner on her way to victory.
Poppin' a cap has different meaning on the East Coast.
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Lear Miller and Logan Binggeli square off in Dual Slalom.
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Celebrate good times, come on!
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Pacific Northwester, Kyle Thomas, rails the residual ruts from the recent rains on the right coast. Colorado's Orbitz team members are in the audio.
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Sedona, AZ’s Lear Miller getting east coast whippy.
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Jr. X Podium: Neko Mullaly, Austin Warren, Ray Syron, Cody Kelley, Nikolas Dudukovich
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Jill Kintner enjoying her 2nd DH National Champs victory in as many years.
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Men’s Pro Podium: Logan Binggeli, Aaron Gwin, Mitch Ropelato, Duncan Riffle, and Philip Kmetz
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Beech Mountain North Carolina hosted the 2011 USA Gravity National Championships where Logan Binggeli secured a surprise downhill victory against America's fastest riders. - Photos by Kristian Jackson
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