The big rock candy mountain races

Last weekend the Sugar Mountain resort in North Carolina catered the National Mountain Bike Series' (NMBS) NORBA racers for another tough jaunt through the woods. From a rider's pespective this was a climbing course with 1,500 feet of climbing per 6.6-mile lap. So, it was over the hills they went as the race started with a punishing opening climb up Little Nell.

Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski took the top position early in the race and held it throughout. Durangoan Shonny Vanlandingham held strong for another first place finish. ... Is it me or is she getting faster every year! Go Shonny!

The downhill course combined ruggedness with rockiness to fulfill the heart-pounding needs of these maniacs. The downhill race started at Sugar Mountain's steep 5,300-foot peak and pushed through some very technical and twisty singletrack. Obviously, it was no match for Sam Hill as he furiously kicked the course to the curb for another first-place finish. On the women's side of the game it was another Australian, Tracey Hannah, making the most of her skills on the course.

If you were out there this weekend, send us your thoughts on the race. If you haven't been to a NMBS race, you should go to see the pros work as hard as they do. It is something special!