Waterworld on land, Disneyland for shredding, Burningman for bikes… We've been describing the TDS as such things. This is the setting when you first roll into the Sanchez family compound where the race is held. Adjacent to Empire Mine State Park which is considered to be one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest and richest gold mines in California. The plot the Sanchez family purchased is engulfed in poison oak and boasts perfect terrain for a 12 stage two day mountain bike fest. Upon arriving you are immediately greeted by Casey Sanchez with a huge smile, a big hug and directions on where to post up. This is one of the best aspects of the event; If granted an invitation, you are family. Just don't step out of line, too much.
Tight but loose. There is method to the madness and one must live the life. Pretending does not stand a chance here. Kevin, Drew, Skye, Lars and Blake from Transition were all attending. Kev and Lars were racing with the others in support mode. Other TR family members included Logan Wetzel, Alex McAndrew, Marco Osborne, Cory Sullivan, Teddy Jamarillo, Johny Salido, Aaron Bradford, Ariel Lindsley, Craig Harvey, Ryan Beamish, Kevin Barrett and Ben Furbee. A crew of 6 drove down from Bellingham in the van over the course of the previous couple days, riding in Portland and Ashland along the way, sleeping under the stars and BBQ'ing. Fun fact, the last shower anyone had was Wed evening. "WOW! What the funk just happened!" - Drew
Logan Wetzel on stage 4 Saturday, the first blind stage. Skye said Logan easily displayed the most style off the roadgap kicker. Not bad for an x-xc'er. "A day at TDS kicks off with an early morning horn blast; a signal to rise from dusty poison oak oiled sleeping bags, pull on dirty riding gear, and head for the smoldering fire ring. The mind is foggy and there is much to do. Practicing the race course means blitzing through each of 12 stages at specific time windows while hanging on for lap after lap of Polaris shuttles back to the top. This whole ride feeling in California spirit of Disneyland. Race days are much the same, but with a greater emphasis on survival. Poison oak, sharp rocks, gold mine arsenic dirt, and dust EVERYWHERE. Don't leave the trail, crash, or touch anything. It's all hot lava!
TDS ideally represents the ‘tight but loose lifestyle.' While the riding, racing, and long days are demanding and focused, the night life is an endurance event of going hard around the biggest campfire you've ever seen with some of the best people you will ever meet. Old friends, new friends, and veterans and badasses of Semper Fi share stories past and present. Besides the RC races, tail whips, supercross, raging fire all happening simultaneously, TDS nights are a reminder that life is about making memories and spending time with good people." - Logan
One of the most incredible and humbling aspects of the TDS is the inclusion of the crew from the Semper Fi Fund. Sam Tickle, the program manager, brings staff, disabled and non disabled athletes to the event. Peter Way shown here ripping the post speed trap corner. The Sanchez's, along with the help from Weir and slew of others host the Semper Fi Fund team Monday and Tuesday post TDS for a ride camp. Peter Way, Christopher Fezmire, Jeremy Mcghee (Esteemed civilian), along with upright racers Ryan Beamish and Art Sykes race with the rest of the competitors both days.
