| Category | NAME |
|---|---|
| Beginner Men | James Laird |
| Beginner Women | Angela Harper |
| Expert Men | Keck Baker |
| Expert Women | Erin Phelan |
| Singlespeed | ryan moberley |
| Sport Men | Nicholas Holt |
| Sport Women | Teresa Laird |
| XCT Men | Josh Taylor |
| XCT Women | Lorene Davidson |
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| CHAMPION: | James Laird |
| VORS CAT: | Beginner Men |
| VORS ID(VIN) #: | 21064 |
| HOMETOWN: | Richmond |
| AGE: | 32 |
| BIKE : | Yeti Sb4.5c |
| TEAM : | |
| BIO : | I started dabbling in mountain biking towards the end of college but only rode a couple times a month during the summers. I kept that up until 2018 when Teresa dragged me into road cycling.
As my fitness improved, mountain biking became even more fun. I started riding regularly near the end of 2018. I mostly ride the JRPS since I can ride to trails from my house, but I enjoy all types of mountain biking. You will occasionally find me out at a bike park getting in some gravity laps. My favorite rides are long adventure days in new places. For my first ever race involving a mountain bike, Teresa talked me into a doing the FRED duathlon (ugh running). In 2018 we also raced in the Urban Assault and had a lot of fun despite the course change owing to rain. Really got into racing starting with the 2019 season and made it to as many races as possible during the season. In 2020, I plan to continue racing as many VORS rounds as possible along with trying out some endro racing. |
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| CHAMPION: | Angela Harper |
| VORS CAT: | Beginner Women |
| VORS ID(VIN) #: | 20658 |
| HOMETOWN: | Richmond |
| AGE: | 40 |
| BIKE : | Giant Anthem |
| TEAM : | Womens Multisports of RVA |
| BIO : | I first started riding the trails in Richmond back in 2000. Back then I was on an old Raleigh, but as my love for riding grew, I quickly upgraded to a Klein Pulse Comp hardtail (it was the first time I’d ever been clipped in or had v-brakes and I immediately went over the handlebars). I lived in River Towers and used to ride Buttermilk (although it was very different then); I also loved riding Poor Farm. I rode for about a year, with my good friend at the time Adrien Arnold (who still rides).
Then I moved north to go to school, and didn’t ride a mountain bike again for almost twenty years. During that time I saw pics of Adrien racing and being generally awesome on her bike, and it always made me wish that I’d stuck with it. When I came back to Richmond I pulled out the old Klein, took her to Outpost, and fixed her up. I was ridiculously rusty, but I finally got up the courage to check out a WMR ride. The ladies of WMR were incredibly welcoming. I started doing the occasional group ride and slowly got better. When the Klein started to give me serious problems (that would land me outside of my budget), I bought Lorene Davidson’s Giant Anthem. It was my first time on a full suspension and I was hooked. I got lights, and learned how to ride through the winter. Then in February of this year I decided to get more serious about riding, and pushed myself to do the mini-Monster. Even though the weather was terrible, the rush of racing took me back to my days of high school cross country. I loved it and I thought that signing up for VORS would be a great way to hold myself accountable for the rest of the year. I learned a ridiculous amount this racing season. I learned how tire tread can change everything about how a bike handles when it’s slippery (thanks, Conquer the Hill); I learned that sometimes you just have to lock it in and keep spinning (thanks, Middle Mountain Momma); I learned that having the right fuel can literally enable your body to go 40 more miles (thanks, Shenanduro); I learned that hydration is beyond crucial, and hydrating when it’s cool is a totally different thing than when it’s 95+ outside (thanks, Urban Assault). But maybe more than anything I learned how special the biking community in Richmond is. I’ve never met a more helpful group of people. From giving me riding pointers, to literally giving me new bike parts and gear and installing them for free, I have been helped in EVERY direction. At the end of this season when I was diagnosed with a severe form of pneumonia and missed a few training rides, I can’t tell you the number of people who checked in with me and offered their help! This community takes care of its members; it celebrates their successes and rallies when they are injured. That kind of support is priceless. Looking ahead, I am excited to step into the intermediate arena. I still have so much left to learn, but I am making improvements, and becoming a better technical rider every day. When I think back to where I was in February, I am overwhelmed by how much progress I have made, and I know that at this time next year, I will feel exactly the same way. |
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| CHAMPION: | Keck Baker |
| VORS CAT: | Expert Men |
| VORS ID(VIN) #: | 12613 |
| HOMETOWN: | New Kent |
| AGE: | 42 |
| BIKE : | Trek Top Fuel |
| TEAM : | Blue Ridge Cyclery Racing |
| BIO : | An old kid |
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| CHAMPION: | Erin Phelan |
| VORS CAT: | Expert Women |
| VORS ID(VIN) #: | 18802 |
| HOMETOWN: | Moseley |
| AGE: | 38 |
| BIKE : | Niner Jet 9 |
| TEAM : | |
| BIO : | • For starters, when did you first start mountain biking and where were your trails of choice for fun in the great outdoors?
I started mountain biking when I was going to school at Virginia Tech in the late 90s/early 2000s. I mainly rode the Pandapas Pond trails, west of Blacksburg. I distinctly remember the Jacobs Ladder trail because it was soooo rocky and I had a steel rigid frame bike.
• How long after starting to ride mountain bikes did you think about mountain bike racing? Was it your idea or did all your buddies start racing? It was a long time...maybe 10 years between when I first started riding and did my first race. For a long time I wasnt riding consistently and I had no specific goals aside from getting outdoors and being active. After moving to Richmond I met a friend who was into racing. She and I rode together pretty often, so I decided to get into racing too. • Are there other sports that you take part in? I essentially grew up playing volleyball and that was my sport for many years. After that I ran for several years and did some half marathons, some shorter races, and in 2005 the Richmond marathon. I was planning to get into even longer distances but ultimately had to stop running due to knee injuries. Thats when I got into cycling. I was really into climbing for a while and still do it occasionally, but biking is much more accessible in this region. And theres much less standing around for hours at a time than with climbing. • Where is your favorite place to ride/train? I love riding anywhere the scenery is good and there are hills and technical terrain. Elizabeth Furnace is one of my favorites for technical trails, and Stokesville, of course. I also enjoy getting out to the Middleburg/Leesburg area and to Charlottesville for gravel riding. Theres a route from Middleburg Ive been doing for probably 15 years, and as time has gone on Ive doubled the length of my standard route as my fitness has improved and Ive gotten to know the area. There are really good gravel roads in those areas that you can string together to make any length of ride you want. • Whats your favorite mountain bike race or adventure story? When I was in school at Tech a friend and I went riding somewhere near Mountain Lake. We took a wrong turn and only realized it after a long downhill section that brought us out in a valley. On the climb back up we ran out of food, water, and the sun was setting. After maybe an hour of climbing a steep forest road, some friendly guys in a pickup truck happened to come by. They picked us up and took us to Mountain Lake where wed parked, and we raided the vending machine. I still remember what I got - Snickers and coke. I think the ride was supposed to be maybe 15 miles and ended up being around 40. It was my longest ride to date at the time. And finishing the SM100 last year after failed attempts in two previous years will always be a great memory. • Do you have any other race standouts? A few years ago at the Scout camp race (when it started in late afternoon) I was doing the 6-hour and neglected to put my headlamp on my helmet at the start. I thought Id just stop at some point and do it once it got closer to dark. So thats what I did, and as I was attaching the light to my helmet the second place woman rode by -- oops! I ended up coming in second in that race and learned my lesson about being prepared. This season, Ive really enjoyed socializing at the races and getting to know other racers, especially the women. There are so many talented women out there racing. I think we all push ourselves a bit harder knowing that. At the same time, I love that being competitive doesnt preclude being friendly and having a good time. • Are there any bike shops or sponsors you would like to give a shout out to? My husband Ray is my "bike shop" and the best sponsor and support I could ask for :) • Do you have any big plans for 2020? Ray and I are considering some bikepacking...perhaps an international trip, or somewhere out west. Also, we still have never been to either of the bike festivals in Stokesville. We always say were going to go but something else always seems to come up. So hopefully we can make it to at least one of them in 2020! |
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| CHAMPION: | ryan moberley |
| VORS CAT: | Singlespeed |
| VORS ID(VIN) #: | 19230 |
| HOMETOWN: | Williamsburg |
| AGE: | 35 |
| BIKE : | Salsa El Mariachi |
| TEAM : | High5Moto |
| BIO : | After a 13 year break from mtb bikes. I started back on bikes in 2012. Mainly riding around Williamsburg/ Richmond, Va and Asheville, NC. I wasn’t interested in racing until my buddy Wes told me about some of the crazy times in his racing career. I did my first race at Tidewater on a full suspension Santa Cruz and the following year I switched over to single speed. Since then it’s only been one gear and lots of fun along the way. I went to SSWC in Bend last year and also in Slovenia this year. Next year it will be in Belgium and I’m planning on attending that one as well. My favorite place to ride locally is Pocahontas State Park and it’s nice to spend some weekends down in Pisgah near Brevard and Asheville, North Carolina. I’d like to give a shout out to my SS buddy/mentor Wes Petrin for the SS therapy throughout the year and another shoutout to Robert Maye of RedBarn bikes for all the mechanical support. Lastly... I wanna Thank Everyone who came out and supported the Virginia Off Road Series...See y’all next year. |
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| CHAMPION: | Nicholas Holt |
| VORS CAT: | Sport Men |
| VORS ID(VIN) #: | 19630 |
| HOMETOWN: | Waynesboro |
| AGE: | 27 |
| BIKE : | Felt Doctrine 3 |
| TEAM : | Endeavor Cycles |
| BIO : | • For starters, when did you first start mountain biking and where were your trails of choice for fun in the great outdoors?
I got my first mountain bike in 2016 after seeing some videos of people riding online and thinking it looked fun. I lived in Mena, Arkansas at the time which is a very small town with only a few local trails, so I rode by myself casually every now and then. Some of the trails down there are very nice and I'd like to go back to visit sometime. • How long after starting to ride mountain bikes did you think about mountain bike racing? Was it your idea or did all your buddies start racing? In August 2016 I went back to school and got involved with the University of Arkansas Cycling Club. I mostly just went on group rides with them, but they convinced me to race at the Slaughter Pen Jam that fall and after that I was hooked. Three years later and more money on bikes and parts than I'd like to admit, I'm happy that it happened. • Are there other sports that you take part in? I run every now and then but usually get tired of that and want to get back on my bike. • Where is your favorite place to ride/train? Sherando. It is my opinion that White Rock Gap and Slacks are the best trails in this area, and close enough to ride after work. • What’s your favorite mountain bike race or adventure story? Once, I was riding in the woods with my dog when three bears passed the trail on both sides of us within 20 yards or so. We hightailed it out of there. That is enough adventure for me. • Do you have any other race standouts? Winning this series is my biggest achievement in cycling so far, but I'll try to have some more next year. • Are there any bike shops or sponsors you would like to give a shout out to? I have to give a shout out to our racing club at Endeavor Cycles, they are all fun to be around and are supportive, I didn't want to let them down and I guess I didn't! I'd also like to thank our sponsors going into 2020: Athletic Brewing Athlos Sports ESI Grips CarboRocket ENVE SRAM Kenda • Do you have any big plans for 2020? As far as racing, I want to graduate to Expert Class, so I hope I can just keep up! |
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| CHAMPION: | Teresa Laird |
| VORS CAT: | Sport Women |
| VORS ID(VIN) #: | 20770 |
| HOMETOWN: | Richmond |
| AGE: | 32 |
| BIKE : | Specialized Camber |
| TEAM : | |
| BIO : | |
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| CHAMPION: | Josh Taylor |
| VORS CAT: | XCT Men |
| VORS ID(VIN) #: | 18008 |
| HOMETOWN: | Rapidan |
| AGE: | 36 |
| BIKE : | Giant XTC SS |
| TEAM : | Endeavor Cycles |
| BIO : | I started mountain biking fresh out of high school, strictly to do an Xterra offroad triathlon, as a runner I thought it would be fun... And it still is. There are so many faces to mtbing that you could spend a lifetime trying to do them all and not get bored.
Racing... See above. I did one or two rides to get ready for the Xterra at Sherando Lake. Although I managed only one bike lap that year, I not only fell in love with the sport but racing xterras. I did that for the better part of that decade before venturing into something new, whitewater kayking and bikepacking. I enjoy whitewater kayaking and hiking with my wife and kids when I'm not on my bike. My favorite place to train locally is the Rapidan Wildlife refuge in Madison. No trails, but a lot of climbing on double track and fire roads and usually all to myself. If I want to get in some trail riding ill ride at The Burke Farm in Culpeper, Preddy Creek or Blue Ridge School. They are all different but each has unique training opportunities. I still have a soft spot for Buttermilk in RVA and Sherrando Lake too, I just don't get out to those that much. Favorite story.... So many. I think any ride that ends with good stories sitting on a tailgate, drinking beers with friends. No standouts.... I just like to ride and not break myself. Sponsors: Endeavor Cycles, Absolute Black, Carver Bikes, Industry Nine, Rogue Panda, K-lite Goals: I'd like to ride more "unknown to me" trails this year. Enjoy time riding with friends a bit more. Other than racing Vors id also like to have a good bikepacking run on the Rockstar Trail route and TransVA 550.... See above. I did one or two rides to get ready for the Xterra at Sherrando Lake. Although I managed only one bike lap that year, I not only fell in love with the sport but racing xterras. I did that for the better part of that decade before venturing into something new, whitewater kayking and bikepacking. I enjoy whitewater kayaking and hiking with my wife and kids when I'm not on my bike. My favorite place to train locally is the Rapidan Wildlife refuge in Madison. No trails, but a lot of climbing on double track and fire roads and usually all to myself. If I want to get in some trail riding ill ride at The Burke Farm in Culpeper, Preddy Creek or Blue Ridge School. They are all different but each has unique training opportunities. I still have a soft spot for Buttermilk in RVA and Sherando Lake too, I just don't get out to those that much. |
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| CHAMPION: | Lorene Davidson |
| VORS CAT: | XCT Women |
| VORS ID(VIN) #: | 20697 |
| HOMETOWN: | Richmond |
| AGE: | 59 |
| BIKE : | Trek Superfly |
| TEAM : | Womens Multisports of RVA |
| BIO : | I was first introduced to mountain biking by my Sealteampt friends about 16 years ago and was instantly in love with the sport. The JRPS trails have always been my local trails of choice since I live close to the James River and within riding distance of Buttermilk West. It has been such a pleasure watching these amazing trails grow and challenge us over the years, thanks to the diligent work of RVA MORE and volunteers who are constantly maintaining and creating trails for us to ride!
I did not think about racing at all until Woody Elliot of the VORS created the series and in that first year I was able to travel around the state riding and racing on incredible fun trails. I was part of an amateur Luna Chix team at the time and started out like most in the beginner women division. Quickly I realized that endurance sports were my favorite and now especially I really enjoy long, epic rides, both singletrack and gravel. The most satisfying and rewarding part of my mountain biking adventures has been the creation and development of Women’s Multisports of Richmond, Inc. Our forte is our Tuesday night beginner Ride Like A Girl mountain bike rides which take place all year long with night riding putting a different slant on the trails in winter. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and we dabble in many sports, even cross country skiing and tower racing. It makes my heart smile watching our dedicated group of women grow and flourish as both individuals and athletes as they get stronger and braver conquering our beloved downtown trails and racing in the state of Virginia. Way to go, 2019 VORS Team champions! For 2020 I see lots of traveling in the Dodge Ram adventure van that my husband, Jeff, and I recently purchased last year. Living in it and finding new trails along the way has been an absolute blast and trips to Chicago and Nashville are in the works! We also plan on doing the inaugural opening event of the New York City to Philadelphia East Coast Greenway in May. In the mix I love to throw in some stand up paddleboarding in any body of water that I can find and walking my old buddy, Juno, on the trails. I would love to give a huge shout out to the RVA Outpost bike shop for helping me take care of all my 29ers and for exposing me to my first 120K road ride and bike packing. I love that they are part of the growing Westover Hills neighborhood and that I can get my groceries and beverages of choice there as well. And last but not least I need to give huge hugs to my family. Jeff and my two sweet daughters, Camille and Ali, have not only let me play hookie from family responsibilities to ride but they have realized that a happy mommy is a mom that can devote her full attention to them when I return home from my outdoor adventures. Mountain biking is my passion, my therapy, my attempt at mindfulness and my strength. As I turn 60 this January, I hope to continue actively cycling in whatever shape or form I can as long as I am on this planet. So far, so good! |
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