It was serious racing at the USA Cycling  Cross Country Mountain Biking National Championships, but there was one spot of the course that seemed to have the most fun, the Heckle Pit. High up on the mountain at Bear Creek Mountain Resort, the riders came through as spectators dressed in costumes, playing instruments, and even wielding a chainsaw (sans chain) cheered and heckled their favorite riders. It was definitely a party atmosphere, celebrating the final year the national championships will be held at Bear Creek.
The women’s pro elite race was won by Lea Davison (Specialized), with Georgia Gould (Luna Pro Team) and Pennsylvania rider Mary McConnelough (Kenda-Stan’s NoTubes) following behind.
Amy Beisel (Liv/Giant-Tuff Shed) gets chased by a USA speedo and a chainsaw (without a chain). Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Even the lead moto can get in the money. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Evelyn Dong (Backcountry.com) was all smiles through the Heckle Pit. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Bonnie Kleffman (Total Cyclist Racing) couldn’t help but enjoy the crowd’s enthusiasm. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Chloe Woodruff (Backcountry.com) navigates through the chaos. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Kimberly Flynn (The Generals) shows some emotion (not sure which kind) as she makes her way up the hill. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Teal Stetson-Lee (Luna Pro Team) eyes up the fan offered prize money. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Lea Davison (Specialized) leads the women through the Heckle Pit on the first lap. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Jena Greaser used a different method to grab the cash. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Georgia Gould (Luna Pro Team) seems to be enjoying the atmosphere. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Cheryl Sornson (Team Rare Disease Cycling) was one of the local favorites. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
A pickle on a stick, wearing a sombrero, nothing out of the ordinary here. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
It wasn’t all partying and heckling at the pit. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Mo Bruno Roy (Cycle Loft Velo) grinds up the hill. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Mary McConneloug (Kenda-Stan’s NoTubes) looks serious here, but cracked a smile on her way to third place. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Crystal Anthony (Riverside Racing) eyes up her line. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Erin Huck (Tokyo Joe’s-VC Graphix) smiles through the pain of the climb. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Abbey Alexiades (Giant Notheast Pro) makes her way up the hill. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Alexis Skarda didn’t mind getting paid. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year
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