By Cannondale's Bill Rudell
Photos and captions by Terry Martin
It's not everyday that dirt jumpers get a visit from a top level rider in their own back yard. But that's exactly what happened Sunday afternoon when Cannondale rider Aaron Chase and Incycle bike shop of San Dimas put together a dirt jump clinic at The Top of Webb. After traveling from his home state of New Jersey, AC landed at LAX midday Sunday, grabbed his bike, rental car and headed off to Incycle.
Aaron was greeted by over 40 fans who were able to spend some time talking with him while he prepared his bike for the day's events. After the introductions and small talk were over a group of more than 40 riders and onlookers loaded up their cars and took off for the jumps. The Top of Webb is a great spot where local jumpers have built up everything from 15 foot wood bridge drop offs, to a downhill course with the final jump being a 40 foot gap. On this day, the 40 footer would only be accomplished by one rider, Bruno Lucioni, an Incycle employee at the Pasadena, CA location.
After a day in the hills with Aaron, the group headed back to Incycle where they were greeted with a catered dinner and seating to watch the video premier of Aaron's new DVD "Counterparts". After the dust had settled and last burger was gone, Aaron stayed around answering questions from everyone in attendance. We're already making plans for round 2 of the Incycle/Aaron Chase Dirt Jump Clinic!
Incycle can be reached at (909) 592-2181.
At the Top of Webb jumps Aaron Chase (L) spent plenty of time giving valuable jumping tips to riders of all skill levels -- here with Pasadena Incycle employee Bruno Lucioni.
Aaron spent most of his time educating the riders, but did do a jump at the first break. He pushed his Chase 1 up the hill and cleared the first gap that he could find.
Bruno Lucioni was the only clinic rider to attempt and nail the gnarly 40 foot gapper at the course bottom.
Another Incycle employee Matt Hawthorne drew crowd cheers with this stylish one footer.
Matt taking a breather next to one of many wood bridge ramps on the hill.
Jason Simpson flying through the mid course section. Jason is a major player as far as building the jumps and maintaining the course.
One final launch and its off to Incycle for the video premiere.
Perfect timing! Tired and hungry clinic jumpers arrived back at the shop to find catered food.
Two thumbs up: Everyone totally got into Aaron's edgy new video/DVD Counterparts.
You can bet none of this group will miss the next Incycle/Aaron Chase Dirt Jump Clinic.
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