IDGR #4 – “Curvy Canyon”

Hey there boys and girls – Justin here, giving you the low-down on IDGR #4 – Curvy Canyon, the fourth event in the Irvine Downhill and Garage Riders Downhill Race Series. We had a little difficulty with my permissions on the site, so this is a bit late, but we got it figured out!

Yours truly actually hosted this race, and we had a location set in the North Fullerton/Rowland Heights area for last Sunday the 24th. Everyone showed up bright and early, ready to race, but not 2 practice runs in and the Sheriff rolled up! Some type of wedding event was taking place up the road, so lots of people were parked along the sides, and I assume someone walking to or from their car give Johnny Law a ring for us. Luckily, the Sheriff was super cool, and was telling us that apparently he used to luge up at GMR back in the day! Legit! Unfortunately, since people had complained, he said we had to go. He even suggested other roads to go ride, and that in the future, we start earlier in the morning to avoid him having to come out. If you’re gonna get rolled, at least that was the way to do it. I’m definitely still looking forward to holding another race on that hill, and those lucky enough to get some runs in seemed to really enjoy it – luck just wasn’t with us that day.

We kicked around the idea of skating anyways for a while, but decided it was best to just be respectful and ride the backup hill. I actually had two in mind – one that was a lot closer, but just a mellow bomb, and one a little further north that had more turns and more speed. A vote was taken, and the gnarlier hill was chosen! A 40mph-ish bomb through 4-5 sweepers in a scenic little canyon kept everyone on their toes, but was safe for all skill levels. Everyone who came out  drove the extra 15 or so minutes out to a secret spot in West Covina (except a van full of 5-year-olds from Laguna whose dad didn’t want to drive anymore – we didn’t miss em!), where the race went off without a hitch! Neighbors there were stoked to see us and the hill was prime.

Heats were assigned at random, and a four-man, top-two-advance format was used, including a consolation bracket that let everyone race at least twice and gave people a shot to get back in to the semi-finals. About 13 people raced, and the final heat came down to Drew Edwards, Phillip “Swagmaster” Crow, Nathan Marton, and Markise Gladney. Markise showed up in his bright green super-suit and half-shell, but still managed to put at least two solid body-lengths on the other riders, and took an easy first. The rest of the podium was hard-fought, with Nathan pulling off second, Drew snagging third, and Swagmaster rounding out fourth place.

Some epic, custom California-themed trophies were provided by Brian “Hernan” Vigil of Unmodern Industries/Black Velvet Slide Pucks/Never Grow, and 1st through 4th took one home. We managed to give out over $120 in cash money to the winners from the entry fees plus some extra dough provided by sponsors Icaro Aero Helmets and Unmodern Industries. Black Velvet/Unmodern also sent out a bag of their famous collaboration Cali toe-stops that a couple people were able to snag, and Rayne Longboards sent a package out that didn’t make it in time but will be included in one of the next events! Also, big ups to Axl Dyer and Katie Fredericks for helping me run the event, to our guest photographer Caylin Schutz for the great pics, and to everyone who helped shuttle. Word on the street is that IDGR #5 is going to be a slide competition, so be on the lookout for that and lots more from the IDGR and Adrenaline-Fueled!

You stay classy So Cal!

- Justin