The GNCC series made it’s return to the Snowshoe Mountain Resort for the 2010 version of what people are now calling “America’s Toughest Race”
For many, that name all in itself brings up memories of the Blackwater 100. Even if you’ve only seen the videos from Blackwater, you know it was the big thing ‘back in the day’ and now Snowshoe is becoming the modern version of the Blackwater. From the thousands of spectators to the rugged terrain, to the in town grand prix start, it seems as if Snowshoe is the ‘Ghost of the Blackwater’.
Snowshoe is so much different than any other race on the GNCC schedule.. Or well, nearly any race that I can think of. How many races in the world take place at an upscale ski resort? There’s also so much other stuff to do at Snowshoe. The Junction Restaurant had it’s world rocked by some awesome karaoke, there’s great places to hang out, shop and more.
The racing part of the weekend was great. Oh, and props to Rodney Tomblin’s great speaker set up. He got my approval on it. You could definitely hear what was being said from so many different places, and it wasn’t too loud either.
When the green flag dropped on the 1pm bike race, they all set out to challenge themselves against the rugged West Virginia terrain. Jimmy Jarrett jumped out front early and led the first lap, but Nathan Kanney put on a charge and took the lead. His biggest challenge came from privateer XC2 rider Jesse Robinson. Jesse was within arms reach of Kanney’s back wheel for part of the race. With time adjustments, that put Jesse into first overall and for a while it seemed as if he would be the first XC2 rider to win the Overall in a GNCC. However, he ended up getting stuck in a deep rut and lost time. Kanney managed to pull away for the overall win with Robinson second and Chris Bach third.
Jason Thomas took second in XC2 and 4th overall, while Cory Buttrick was third in XC1 and 5th overall. Scott Watkins rounded out the XC2 podium in third and 10th overall.
Charlie Mullins was 4th in XC1 after breaking his toe, and Barry Hawk took 5th in XC1. Josh Strang had a tough race and ended up in 6th place followed by Glenn Kearney in 7th, Kenny Gilbert in 8th, Paul Whibley 9th and Jedediah Haines in 10th. Thad Duvall had another tough break and broke down on his third lap.
In the XC2 class, 2007 XC2 champ Justin Williamson brought home 4th, XC2 points leader Kailub Russell broke a shifter but still managed to salvage a 5th place followed by Brian Lawson in 6th, David Snyder in 7th, Mark Fortner 8th, Steward Baylor 9th and Nick Davis 10th.
Zach Nolan won the 250-A class and was overall amateur in 14th overall.
In the championship points chase, Josh Strang still holds down the number one spot in front of Charlie Mullins and Cory Buttrick. Paul Whibley is hanging tight in fourth, with Chris Bach in fifth. Will things get shaken up when the series returns from summer break in September? Only time will tell, and we’ll just have to wait until Unadilla in September to see what will happen.
If you want to see more random pictures, check out my GNCC Adventures 2010 album on facebook at www.facebook.com/jbolton286
Until next time, keep it goony my friends.
Bolton Adventures 