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The Soil Saloon: In Fool's Gold
by Jason Van Horn
pictures by Nick
posted 6/1/08
Underground bike racing is alive and well in the Bay Area.
The mountain bike racing scene is one of the coolest aspects of our sport. Hundreds of like minded individuals gathered to partake and celebrate love of riding bikes… the thrill of competition and pushing one’s limits, its all there. However, the cost to play has risen higher and higher. To participate in the Sea Otter Classic at above the sport level requires a racing license. That will set you back about $60 or so. Each category raced will cost you another $65. If you enjoy Dual Slalom, Downhill, and Super D, expect to shell out about $200 in race fees, in addition to traveling costs, and time off. Want to race at Downieville this year? Expect to drop $100 for the race fee, assuming you register in the first 10 minutes to secure an entry. (you had better be on it)
The bottom line is that to compete in our sport can be a pricy proposition. For the recreational racer or part timer, it may or not be worth it. Would you rather race a three day weekend or take a trip to Moab?
The beautiful thing about our sport is that you can enjoy it if you have a bike. That is all it takes. Fortunately for those that miss the comaraderie of competitive events, you have further options. Underground races like the Soil Saloon, and Alley Cat racing for the pavement inclined are two that come to mind.
The bawdy crew of the Soil Saloon just put on their 4th gathering of debauchery.
and they're off!
Talk about fun. A course was taped off and marked off (either in the morning, or the night before) and fun-loving, like minded individuals gathered in the park to compete for fame and glory, and a t-shirt stating that they were the Champion! Each lap passed over a stream, where racers would stop, to pick up the "fool's gold" that was later traded for playing cards. After 5 laps, the racers were done, and had the chance to win prizes based on their finish as well as the best hand.
racers panning for the "Fool's Gold" in GG Park
A great time is always had, and you have to really hand it to the guys for throwing an event like this out of their own pocket for the love of it.
check out the rest of Nick 's pictures here
Stay hip the underground vibe- check out the pictures at soilsaloon
(link removed by request-" to get hip, you have to look"- Dayton)