It didn't matter that Cleveland was slated to get smashed with a huge snow storm, athletes showed up to throw down at the Ray's Indoor MTB Park in Cleveland, Ohio last weekend.
Sponsored by SRAM and Red Bull, the contest was open to freeride and trials pros and kicked off Saturday February 3rd with the Sport Course Time Trial. The technical course included teeters, rock gardens and several balance lines. Riders were given time penalties if they couldn't complete each section ‘clean'. Brian Lopes was on top of his game and took first, followed by Greg Watts and Jim DeChamp.
The second competition was held on Ray's Pump Track. With side by side action, this event ran like an old school slalom. SRAM supplied a super accurate timing crew, which was key with the close racing action. At the end of it all, Brian Lopes again found first followed by Rich Houseman and Greg Watts.
The third and final event of the weekend was the Jump Contest. With the RedBull DJ pumping the music, the riders each took a shot at the jump section inside Ray's MTB Park. With $10,000 in overall prize money, everyone was pulling their biggest moves. Jim DeChamp attempted a forward flip. Unfortunately he came up short...three times! At the end, it was the Santa Cruz Syndicate star, Jamie Goldman bringing home first place. He was followed by Greg Watts and Andy Sunbaum.
When it came to crowning the overall Rays 3Ride Pro Invitational champion, Greg Watts came out on top; followed by Brian Lopes and Jamie Goldman. Watts was awarded $3,700 in cash for his efforts. In singles!
On Sunday, Ray's opened to the public for a special 'Ride with the Pros' session.
For more information on Ray's Indoor MTB Park, check their Web site at www.raysmtb.com.
