2015 Double Down Enduro

Over the past several years, I’ve shot one or two bike races a season, mainly dictated by the events being hosted at my home ski hill. It’s inspiring to be around all levels of riders, pushing themselves in whatever endeavor (cross country, downhill, enduro). I might not be riding on that given day, but I’ll always channel that experience on my next ride. On the photography side, my skills have become stronger, and I’ve gained significant confidence in my go-to techniques.

Botsy Phillips rips through stage 2 of day 1.

This season I began following the New Mexico Endro Cup race series, picking it up on the second event at the Glorieta Camps. The format is exciting, and honestly resonates with me since it lines-up with my riding style. The race unfolds over a series of stages, and sometimes days. Each rider runs the stage solo, being timed on the effort. The stages involve downhill pedaling over fast and/or technical terrain. The uphill, in-between stage segments are not timed and sometimes involve chairlifts or shuttles. I’m all for earning turns and pedaling uphill, but I’ll never break any records in the process. So the enduro race is pretty appealing.

The third NMEC race occurred on June 13-14 in Angel Fire, NM. The first day involve two stages of backcountry runs on National Forest land on the West side of the Moreno valley. Day 2 utilized the fantastic trail facility at the Angelfire Bike park. Four stages ran over five hours, with a little help from the bike-friendly chairlift.

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Krista Park on stage 3, day 2

Both days were great. As a photographer though, it’s hard to beat the layout provided by the Angelfire bikepark. With one initial uphill hike, I covered three stages, and three looks, with just a little hillside hiking: fast streaking with a high POV, deep woods flash lit, and shady low angle shots in burmed turns.

 Jack Dean runs the banked turn at the end of stage 2, day 2.

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Anthony Diaz on stage 4, day 2

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Erica Douglas on stage 2 of day 1.

Next-up is the Rock-n-Roll enduro in Los Alamos, NM. I’m looking forward to another great photo opportunities in August!

Category(s): Bike Photography

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