Koontz Adventure Series "Masontown" 3-16-2008

[Pappy]

The Koontz Adventure Series held another round in their series today even while the temperatures hoovered in the low 30's and snow showers moved through the area. Paul Koontz brings old school XC racing back to those brave enough to sign up and race!

Turnout was decent for such an early season event, and with fuel prices hitting the " You've got to be kidding me " level!

[Pappy]

The event, held in Masontown WV played host to a full round of racing, which included a full schedule from Youth to Adult classes. Fans gathered on one big and COLD rock to enjoy the start

[Pappy]

The start was challenging to say the least, with a run to a steep, rutted and rock invested hill that offered 3 lines for the riders to choose from. Riders from A class were first to get off the line!

[Pappy]

Goggles would be a great asset, and for some maybe a seeing eye dog! getting a face full of roost off the start with no time to give a tug on the roll off sucks!

[Pappy]

A large rock sent quite a few riders in the air as they crested the hill

[Pappy]

The rock had it's revenge as the race wore on, ripping skidplates apart and denting more then one rim

[Pappy]

One wrong bounce and a bottleneck was inevitable.

[Pappy]

JD Welch got himself a win in the 90 Mod class at the opening round of the GNCC Series, and was here today giving the Yamaha Raptor 250 workout

[Pappy]

For this rider, the day was starting out with a tussle with a tree:p

[Pappy]

The leader was stretching out quite a gap as the second lap was underway. Being out front has it's advantages!

[Pappy]

A nice wet and muddy section lay at the bottom of one large and nasty hill, which gave the riders an extra challenge as they tried to hang on to wet and muddy quads as they bounced up the hill

[Pappy]

Some riders made it seem effortless....

[Pappy]

While others had problems!

[Pappy]

Rocks pose a problem at most any race, but with it being held in this region, it becomes a major issue especially when wet

[Pappy]

picking your way through the larger rock fields took patience. Getting hung up on one of these will deffinatley hurt your finishing position!

[Pappy]

Eric Hoyland rolled past me to score another lap and was securely in the lead.

[Pappy]

Tires sure took a beating as the rocks jutted out to claim sidewalls for those unfortunate enough to hit them

[Pappy]

Tight sections offer little passing, but some managed to make it work!

[Pappy]

Bumpers started disappearing as well!

[Pappy]

Joshua Dains throttle cable broke 5 feet off the starting line, ending his race. He still managed to get out on the track!:D Get a muffler on that beast would ya!

[Pappy]

Keeping an eye on me wont gain you any spots! Hammer down son! Hammer down!:macho

[Pappy]

The white flag was out and rider fatigue was setting in.

[Pappy]

The cold temps had me shaking so bad it is a wonder how I managed to get any pics at all! For the riders, being wet and tired for almost two hours is all in a days work.

[Pappy]

Racing in these conditions takes determination.

[Pappy]

Sore muscles could be the only trophy most riders get, but it sure beats sitting home watching tv!

[Pappy]

Several riders have grown up racing this series, and use the skills they develop here to do well in the GNCC Series

[Pappy]

Wether it's for money, a plastic tropy or just to say you did it, racing in general takes a special breed. As the last riders cleared my position, the race was drawing to a close.

[Pappy]

Hoyland pulls his Baldwin powered Honda to the checkered flag wrapping up a solid overall win.

[Pappy]

A great win in trying conditions would make anyone proud, and Eric was happy to grab all the glory on this day.


A special thanks to the Koontz staff for putting on the event as it was my pleasure attending and grabbing some shots of everyone. I look forward to covering more of these events as always, hopefully in a bit warmer enviroment!

If your interested in racing in the Koontz Series, check them out at www.koontzadventures.com for series info and race dates.

For those interested in viewing all the pictures, or purchasing one or two, please follow this link --->http://www.photoreflect.com/pr3/store.aspx?p=37929

See Ya'll soon!

[JackA450r]

Awesome pics Pappy! Thats me on the top picture of this page and the one it says, Others made it seem effortless! Keep up the good work Pappy:macho

[Pappy]

Glad I was able to get a few for you!

I sent my son into the mud for some shots, not many but it did not look fun !!

[Pappy]

Yuck!

[Pappy]

I heard it took a propane heater to thaw him out of his riding position!:D ;)

[JackA450r]

Like they say: "Like Father, Like son!" Good to see you at the races!