2009 Leapin Lizard DH
The 26th Annual Leapin Lizard DH was held this weekend & the field was big. 50 racers ranging from a 9 year old to a 60+ year old giving it their all in the infamous event. As always, no shuttles are allowed, you must hike your bike up the hill for both runs that they combine to come up with the overall fastest rider.
I have been doing this event since 1994 and being in my home town makes it all the more special. Everyone is gunning for me, so in some ways there is pressure on me to do well, but in others ways it is the most laid back underground, fun event, that really isn't a big deal. Either way, when I race, I usually try to give it my all and with a lot of young guns coming out to try and take the title from me, I really have to ride well and be on my game. Guys like Kevin Aiello, new factory DH rider on GT, JD Swanegun, and Joe Lawwill were all really fast. Then there was Leigh Donovan who came out to smoke most of the men with a 10th place finish... She's still got it.
Both my runs were good and for the 2nd year in a row I rode the ibis mojo (5 1/2" rear travel) to victory on both runs. El Moco tires front and rear, a new 2010 Marzocchi 55 air fork and a coil Marzocchi rear shock all worked nicely together. The course was not as nice as last year when the traction was perfect. This year it was dry and fast, making it hard to slow down for some of the corners, so braking points were key not to get in over your head.
Thanks to the RADS for a fun event and to Joe from the Bike Co. for making some sick trophy's for the event.
1st Brian Lopes Run1 1min 59sec Run2 1min ??? they said 48sec., but i know it wasn't that much fast.
2nd Kevin Aiello Run1 2min 1sec Run2 1min 59sec
3rd Joe Lawwill Run1 2min 3sec Run2 2min 1sec
unofficial times
Posted by Brian on March 15, 2009 10:10 AM