The falls race was tons of fun this year with the levels allowing for the race to be held on the center line of Great Falls. Grace Under Pressure and the Fingers were the race route. Bobby Miller, Joe Stumpfel, and myself represented Team Fluid in the race. Bobby had a sweet line and an amazing boof off Grace, but couldn't quite lay down the strokes in the Small Solo to make the head to head cut. Joe had a really fast line off Grace, even though the landing was upsidedown, and finished off the course extremely fast in his C-1 Large Solo. Joe received a 7th place finish in the time trial, but due to some kind of organizational mix up Joe was not included in the head to head races. I had one of the more interesting lines of the race with a detour down the first half of the angel slot before getting back on course. Even with this detour my time in the Large Solo was quite good, but out of the finals. I'd like to applaud Steve Fisher for his amazingly fast line down the falls. Due to a last minute change to the finish line placement and some miscommunication Steve mistakenly went to the wrong finish line, killing his chances of making finals. Jason Beakes ended up in first, Andy Maser in second, and EJ in third. Jason and EJ had a little collision at the bottom of the fingers, but from what I understand EJ only sustained muscular damage and should recover after a few weeks of rest. I wish you a speedy recovery EJ.
We also lucked out with the levels dropping down to a solid S-turn level for the freestyle competition. Bobby Miller, Joe Stumpfel, Seth Chapelle, and I all represented Team Fluid in this event. Joe and Seth definitely stole the show with some awesome maneuvers and huge air. Joe stuck a sweet Mcnasty and Seth threw some huge loops. Joe ended up in 3rd with Seth in 5th overall in the Mens K-1 Pro event, even though their scores were only reported as 1st and 2nd in C-1. Luke Hopkins won the event with some awesome rides that included huge blunts, cartwheels both ways, and loops.
Overall the Potomac Fest was good fun. The registration, organization, results, and awards were a bit frustrating though. Hopefully things will come together and next years Potomac Fest. will be much better organized. I would like to thank the organizers for their efforts though. I hope to see everyone at next years event.
See you on the river- Bryon Dorr
