Race Report : Cascadia Dirt Cup Round Three, Raging River, WA

Day One of the two-part event dawned with promising weather as racers gathered at Raging River, nestled near the Cascade mountains. The vibe was casual as the staging area began to buzz over the excitement for the day.

The morning started off smoothly with the women's pro class leading the charge right at 9 am, followed closely by the rest of the Expert and Pro classes embarking on a challenging 22.7-mile course with over 5,000 feet of climbing.

The atmosphere was upbeat as the Sport class riders prepared for their first stage, "Reverence". Amidst high-fives, race strategies, and lighthearted banter, excitement filled the air as riders approached the starting gate.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the mountain, the Expert and Pro riders tackled their first two stages, marking the halfway point of their grueling day. With most of the climbing behind them, they could look forward to more downhill stretches ahead.

The race utilized Raging River's vast trail network effectively, minimizing wait times and maintaining a smooth flow. Technical descents challenged riders across all classes, culminating in the exhilarating "Flow State" stage—a fast-paced descent leading them back to the staging area.

Post-race festivities included well-deserved burritos, refreshing beers, and podium honors. Ingrid Larouche claimed victory on the Women’s Pro podium, followed by Adeline Dishman in second and Meigan Butler in third. Among the Men’s Pro class, Andrew Cavaye secured first place, with Jack Spranger taking second, Wells Tanner in third, Callen Sholberg in fourth, and Mason Rudolph rounding out the top five.

Day Two brought a stark contrast, with heavy rains turning the trails into slippery, muddy challenges. Despite the weather, Junior riders persevered, their enthusiasm undamped as they navigated the challenging conditions with sheer determination.

Goggle lenses and glasses were quickly abandoned, and riders emerged covered head to toe in thick mud, creating memorable laundry dilemmas for their parents.

Despite the adverse conditions, everyone embraced the spirit of the race, giving their best efforts and reveling in the camaraderie of the mountain biking community. The day was a testament to resilience and passion, showcasing the true spirit of mountain biking at Raging River.

Full results can be found here.

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Words: Brandon Clarke for the CDC