Fluidride Cup #3 07/11/2010

Fluid-ride #3 at Ski-bowl went well over the weekend at Mt.Hood, the weather was a bit hot on Friday pushing to 90's, but thank goodness it cooled down Saturday and Sunday to the mid-to-high 70's.

So Fluid-ride #3 was a one time run down the mountain, unlike the previous race two weeks earlier at Ski-bowl which was the best combined time of two runs in one day.

Chris (Cereal Box) Bentley had a nice clean run with a very impressive time, however his run was just a bit slower than expected. Chris still placed 2nd and was within 10 seconds to the 1st place rider. Chris's CAT 1 40+ group had a surprise showing of an X-Pro Champion Downhiller from the mid 90's, Robert Naughton. Rob won and Chris took 2nd place. Chris became friends with Rob and his wife and enjoyed competing with such a legend in the Downhill sport who now races trucks in the National Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Circuit. Rob is a genuine competitor and down-to-earth guy who can still amaze the fans on a DH bike. Chris, at age 46, is now leading the Fluidride Cup Series in points for his 40+ Cat 1 Category. Nice job Chris!

Ryan Miller's race was a bit different... at the very start Ryan took off and realized that his bike chain has come off, all within first 10 seconds! As the next rider passed him, he realized a full minute had already ticked away since the riders are sent down at 1 minute intervals. Fortunately Ryan was able to place his chain back on and he took off like a rocket knowing he had over a 1 minute to make up. Flying down the mountain, risking all or nothing, Ryan crossed the finish line making up the lost minute to place 3rd; a mere 3 seconds short of 2nd and just 20 second shy of 1st. Ryan did a great job of not giving up, what a way to hang in there! (From proud Dad Norm)