Story by Michael Gorman
Photos by Robin Lloyd
The dual course at Donner was so fast you could literally smell burnt sneaker rubber in the air down at the finish line area. One of my favorite moments was during the GS practice when I realized the guy catching up to me from behind was ol' Bulky Olson hisself. Having him actually catch me was not something I really wanted to experience, so I got on it as best I could. Seconds later, a loud cracking sound and a shouted F-word let me know I was off the hook. Even legends could lose it on that mutha of a GS course.
Words fail in describing how great the whole Donner experience was. Extremely challenging courses, scary fast hill, great camaraderie, gracious hospitality. Hearing Charlie Ransom tell Badlands tales was worth the trip alone.
The talent pool at this race was very deep, I don't think there is too much shame in finishing low among that pack of hellions. Dunn created an unfair advantage by bringing his own oxygen tank, it sure tasted good at that elevation. Having Jack fall was the low point, Dylan scared us for a minute too, but he was OK. For those of you wondering, little wide OJs and Indy suspension trucks played a significant role in many of the top placings. I got to meet NorCal's answer to Ed Economy, a jovial old skate dog named Mike Gentry, who evidently has quite the collection judging from the way he could casually pull Bruce Logan's old Makaha jersey from his backpack, among other treasures.
Thanks to Don and the whole FCR crew, this was real racing. I never got to attend any ARA races, but I can't imagine them being too much cooler than this one.
