Great Photography by Heidi Germann, HD Screen Captures By Colabo

We jumped in the Delica to make it to the Vancouver Island ferry on time, knowing that even the slightest route mistake would mean that we weren't going to make it before the last ferry. With Mischo Erban riding shotgun speed was not an issue, but there were a few times he told me his heart jumped a beat.

The last off-ramp on the 99 we took at about 130km/hr and even I doubted that we would make it in our top heavy vehicle. Our event vehicle, the Mitsubishi Delica was not meant to be driven like a Porche. That made no difference to us, the man riding shotgun was determined to break his current record of 113ishK/hr by attending North America's fastest race, the Mount Washington Longboard Race. Our vehicle was the 2nd last one on the Ferry!  We were stoked to say the least. After a 2 hour Ferry ride and 90min Drive, Mischo and I were at the event organizers house, Wes Sampson (Danger Bay 2010 Masters Champ - seen here).

Last May, Wes Sampson held his line out of carnage to go on to take the Win, Photo Taken From Skate[Slate] Video Archive

We rolled into the event organizer's house, Wes Sampson, at about midnight. We knew we had the right place because as usual, the Landy van was fresh on the scene. Unkle Lee Cation, Skatie Katie, Dillon Stephens, Liam McKenzie (official Speed Gun Guy), Hugh Kibbling and Bricin Lyons shuffled out just shy of midnight in preparation for the intense weekend ahead of us. With all the same stoke in their hearts to race down one of Canada's most epic mountain roads, the vibe was strong. To my surprise the Friday night party didn't go as late as they usually do. But nonetheless, Wes was a man that was determined to show the crew some amazing hospitality with fresh Salmon and delicious Pasta Salad. The riders were so happy to be treated like royalty after going the distance to compete. The first night everyone that came in early had the privilege of crashing at Mr.Sampson's house and signing the historical wall and skateboard that would be given to a good cause. But the next night, the night before race day the racers site would be only moments from the base of Strathcona Parkway, also known as "the Wash".

Bricin Lyons, as well had his heart set on a good time

Our minds set on a kick ass breakfast and were rolling by 9am. We picked up a few riders on the way and met up with even more at the breakfast spot. My eyes were bigger than my stomach and as usual, I packed in way more in than I should have. The endless coffee refills probably didn't help either. During breakfast Sampson called us up and told us that the media was there to cover the story.  Bricin Lyons, Mischo Erban and I drove over to Mount Washington to tell our side of the story in an effort to talk about all the positive things happening in Downhill Longboarding.

Mischo Erban Talks to Chek 5 News about his current IGSA Record

The story the news was covering was how the Mount Washington Ski Resort did not want us on "their road".  However, despite the angle that Check 6 News was going with, the reporter offered to let us tell our side of the story.  Katie Neilson, Mischo Erban and Wes Sampson were delegated to showcase positive ambassadorship for the Sport of Lonboarding. Logan Lavoie was first on the scene to make sure the hay bail organization went down as planned.  Make no mistake about it, these events would not be possible without die hard supporters like Logan and his crew of volunteers.

Event Director Logan Lavoie takes the "bull by the horns" with Haybail Duty

Last Minute Changes by the RCMP meant hundreds more haybails

Too bad for the naysayers that tried to squash the event, Wes Sampson did his homework and received awesome support from the Ministry of Transportation and the race was a go.  Only a few days before the race the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) had some ideas of their own.  Typically on race courses that are much less distance, utilizing Uhauls and Trucks is permitted.  Due to Mount Wash being a 5.5k (3.4 Miles) track, the RCMP had concerns about riders in shuttles such as these.  Wes was in a mad scramble to get 2 buses that could transport not only the contenders, but the spectators to watch the worlds top riders.  The support from the community was immense and the drivers of the School buses on hand volunteered their time in an ongoing effort to keep the event alive.  Special thanks to people like this that give their time to support the longboard commmunity and the farmer that came to our rescue with Haybails at a moments notice. The race was a go!

Sunday Morning started off like any typical race did with riders scrambling to get the best breakfast they could before a long day of crappy race food.  Although Sampson did tell them that he had a special treat ready for the lunch break, they were skeptical due to so many other races have cheap filler food as nutrition.  Maytum, K-rimes, Mischo, Dunmall and I made a return trip to a local restaurant 15 minutes from the base of the course.  Long days on the hill are so much more inviting when you start off on a full stomach.  After breaky we put our focus on joining the other racers at the riders meeting dropping off Kevin on the way to grab his Motorbike.  Half way up the hill K-rimes screams past us, apparently in more of a hurry to get to that racers meeting. Reimer, as usual was humble, but hungry for the top speed.  The climb to the finish line was about 10 minutes from the base of Strathcona Parkway (Mount Washington Rd.)  Organizers of the event dream of one day the lower section being added to the race, but for now, a 5.5k course is a challenge in itself.

Grade Sign Before Lower Section that racers dream to race one day

We reached the finish line and blasted through it to catch the tail end of Wes Sampsons Riders Meeting and hopefully get a few words from the man himself about the anticipation until this day.

The day was filled with racers flying down the mountain side with speeds well over 100k/hr (since it's in Canada folks, you'll have to do the conversion).

Racers got 1 practice run on the hill. The top section was mostly a bombing section with a few bends in the road.

Chicane Just Before the BIG 80 LEFT and BIG 80 RIGHT

Following these bends was a big 80 degree left (BIG 80 LEFT) and a big sweeping 80 degree right (BIG 80 RIGHT) at which at lower speeds would be a non-issue.  However, since the top section reached elevated speeds of about 80k/hr, going into this chicane proved to be a challenge for some especially since the big sweeping 90's followed it.  Lots of racers shaved off speed if they could not hold their tuck in this section.

Top View of the BIG 80 LEFT

Technically, if you wanted the top speed and the title as the fastest man on earth, you'd have to dial in your technique and come out of this section impeccability clean. Most of the veteran racers that showed for the comp had no issues and used this section to leave others in the dust. 

View coming out of "the Big 80 LEFT"

As soon as you came out of this section would "B-line" for about 200-300 meters to prepare for the 100k Section where the Speed Trap was placed.  The Closer you could get to 100k coming into the "Speed Gun Section", the better chances you had at breaking records.

Lee Cation Preps for the "Speed Gun" Section (Just After the Big 80 RIGHT)

Now remember you bombers out there, you're going on 8% grade mountain road for a long stretch after this B-Line Section (see Cation above), following the section seen above is the "Speed Gun Section" (see Photo) where top speeds were reached.  This section is so long that you cannot even see where Landyachtz had their speed gun. It's faaaaast.

View from Sampson Helmet Cam of the top of "Speed Gun Section"

Landyachtz Longboards provided a high end Speed Trap for the event where Taylor Riley's Top Speed of 109.3km/hr was reached.

Taylor Riley is Chased by Determined Speedboarders

Wash Champ Katie Neilson does Ladies Practice runs in the Top Section

Katie and Dominique Top Out With Dunmall in the Speed Gun Section

Second Fastest Speed was Clocked by Kevin Reimer at 108.5k/hr.  Although the IGSA's Teutonia Top Speed of 113k/hr was not reached (set by Mischo Erban) - all in all it was a great foundation for the next year, and having the riders break that record. It will happen in 2010, be there.  Speeds were increasing more every time the riders had a chance to race the road. We all thought the speed trials would end when the rain hit, but that did not stop the Speedboarders.  K-rimes not only took the win that day but challenged himself in the rain to break the IGSA's record. Rumor has it his speeds increased after the rain came down.  Sadly, There was only time to finish the race and celebrate the podium racers victory and the speed trap was shut down not too soon after the rain had started.  The Finals were held on a road that had a massive down pour only an hour before.  All racers in the top raced like fearless soldiers and despite the patchy dry wet conditions, did what they had to do to getter done.

REIMER FINALLY RACED RILEY IN THE FINAL - STOKED!!!! For the WIN!

FINAL RACE THOUGHT

Congrats to Kevin Reimer for his win at this years Mount Washington Longboard Race once again proving he's one very fast guy.  Up and Comer Taylor Riley surprised us all with his domination all day racing against the worlds best.  And he's only 16 folks! Wes Sampson went through countless trials and tribulations to get this race to fruition and was on top of with whatever hit him.  Sampson constantly referred back to his supporters and the people that ran the outlaw version of this race years before.  He also mentioned throughout the weekend that in order to gain support from the communities where we ride, we need to work with the people that help make things legal.  Sanctioned events with Community Support help showcase our sport in way that onlookers are able to enjoy and leave in awe.  Besides the Ministry of Transportation and the Local RCMP, the organizers and all that helped with making this race a reality, Wes would like to thank Switchback, Landyachtz, Coast, Unkle, Colabo, Rayne, Baynes Sound Oysters, Manatee Holding, Island Scallops, Speed Parts, SURE, One Thirty Three, Timeless Snow and Ski and SKATE[SLATE] for their contributions and support, whatever way it came.

Full Event Video will be Provided by Colabo at a Later Date