Silverton downhill event goes off with a bang

The following is a press release issued by Silverton Mountain about its "Five Days of Fury" extreme mountain biking event:

Largest Freeride Bike Event in the Western US

July 5, 2006. The "Five Days of Fury" mountain bike festival weekend did not disappoint. The Forth of July was an appropriate time to showcase some of the most progressive riding in the sport of downhill biking. Over the holiday weekend, Silverton Mountain Colorado hosted a "Big Air Best Trick" contest, a "Gravity Fest," and a "Best Image Photo and Video" contest. During the five-day event over 200 riders traveled from California, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Texas, Michigan and even New York to showcase their skills on the world famous Silverton Mountain trails, stunts, ladders and jumps.

The highlight and winner of the "Big Air/ Best Trick" on Sunday was Red Bull fueled biker Sean Shumman, 27, a rider for Ute City Cycles in Carbondale, Colorado blowing the crowd away with numerous 360 degree spins, but won the cash with a one handed 360 spin. Ed Strang, 34, came in second by pulling "Superman's," "can-cans" and "no footers" off the huge table top jump.

During the "Gravity Fest" Kevin Smith from Colorado Springs, took the title of "Best at Fest" pulling combination runs of a no footers and seat grabs before he hit the 45 foot gap jump over Cement Creek called the "Mind Bender." As Kevin threw down a no footer over the creek jump, he gained the necessary votes from his fellow competitors to win the event and the prize money.

Gale Dahlager, of Wyoming, and Britney White, from Montana, dominated the girls division by pulling one hander's during the Big Air and frequenting the "Gnar Bot" 27' gap jump during the Gravity Fest. In the end, Gale ended up squeezing out the win.

Vast Productions won a very competitive Photo and Film contest and won the "Best Image Award" with a unique photo from the big air competition (contact 303.437.2166 Office/Mobile or woj@vastaction.com for photo/video).

"It's really amazing that Silverton Mountain has fostered the growth of the largest Freeride Bike Event in the Western US," said Aaron Brill, founder of Silverton Mountain.

Numerous prizes were given away to the riders and spectators featuring SixSixOne pads/helmets, Dakine backpacks, and Tires from Arrow Racing. Special thanks go out to Ska Brewery, Second Ave Sports, Outdoor World, Durango Cyclery and Mobius Cycles & Cafe.