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Monterreal Longboard Fest promised to be one of the best events of the year, organized as a music festival and a race in one.
Things began early on Thursday as everyone packed up to head to the hill. First stop was at a small breakfast place adjacent to Cual Crisis, a Montrey skate shop. A few hours later and we arrived at the hill, a gnarly 3 minute run with a dusty surface. The course was the most technically challenging course I have been to. The hill was located above a small town with incredible hospitality, locals brought us into their homes providing us not only with a place to stay but food to eat each day.
The first turn was a sweeping left you hit at 85km, and the dusty surface meant that it was incredibly inconsistent and not as grippy as expected. Dillon Stephens took a big hit in practice, clipping the last hay bail in the first left and crashing into the curb. He went off to the hospital for a few stitches, returning later in the day unable to skate. This fast sweeper was followed by a series of straights and hairpins which were also extremely slippery.
A few hiccups throughout free riding were expected for the first large Dowhill event mexico has seen. MLF definitely made up for it in the party! The first night things were slow to start but still successful considering most people were heading up Saturday for the main event.
Race day started with a prayer from a local community blessing the race and the riders. After the first day’s delays, Les Robertson from Rayne stepped up to help out and got things rolling a bit smoother. Being the only road to pass over the hill some drivers got a bit impatient. At one point a car sped through the finish line and up the hill as riders were heading down. The police chased him and pulled him off the road. An incredible amount of spectators made it even more exciting for racers, flying down the last straight with hundreds of people cheering.
Finals were tight as they tend to be these days, with Kyle Martin leading and Casey Morrow close behind. The Junior II final was incredibly exciting with passing back and forth between Aidan and Daniel, Aidan coming out just ahead!
The party Saturday night had everything; beer tents, chiquichorres (short shorts) contest, thousands of people, and live music including Ivan from Cual Crisis.
Mexico has some great weather, amazing hospitality, and cop car cut outs to keep things safe. Overall an amazing experience and a definite must for everyone in 2013.
Open
1. Kyle Martin
2. Casey Morrow
3. Zak Maytum
4. Billy Bones
Junior
1. Aidan Lynds
2. Daniel Caro
3. Chikis
Women
1. Rosy Vega
2. Valeria Figueroa
3. Ayumi Oride
