All Gravity series makes stop here

Flat-out, all-out, let-gravity-do-its-thing racin’. That’s what the All Gravity downhill mountain bike series is all about.

The tour stops in Whitefish next weekend, bringing some of the most fearless downhill mountain bikers in the region to the steepest trails at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

The USA Cycling sanctioned event challenges riders to technical and enduro-style races. The All Gravity Series is comprised of up-and-coming riders from Washington, Idaho and Montana.

Saturday, riders will race on the Runaway Train trail in the downhill event.

Local rider Willie Hobbs, with the Great Northern Cycles downhill team, says the downhill is all about speed. Using big bikes with lots of suspension, racers fly off rock drops and whip around banked corners. The best times down Runaway Train will be around 5 minutes.

“Racers tend to get pretty wild on the downhill courses,” Hobbs said.

Resort spokeswoman Riley Polumbus said two of the best places to watch racers are by the Elevator (top of Over The Hill Gang where it meets Russ Street) or the top rock gardens near the summit.

Sunday is the Super D, a more technical route that throws in some uphill sections. The Super D will take place on Dave’s Dive and Cyndi’s Loppers, then finish at the Base Lodge.

“The course is a little longer than the downhill and fitness plays more of a part,” Hobbs said.

Polumbus said the best places to watch the Super D will be anywhere along Cyndi’s Loppers or at the finish line at the Base Lodge.

“Bring a cow bell and cheer us on,” Hobbs said.

Along with Hobbs, other local riders should be in the mix for a place on the podium. Ray Peacock, Parkin Costain and Jake King are a few elite racers that are looking to make noise on their home turf.

“This race should be a good showcase of the trails we have,” Hobbs said.

Racing starts at 12:30 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1-2.