Switchbacks Series in Portland
Stoked to announce that the 2014 Switchbacks series will once again be going off this year. The permits are rolling and I will be making my way back north to PDX in a week to dial in the final details. For those unaware the Switchbacks Series is a free competition that is fully permitted in Downtown Portland OR. This is the backbone of the Portland Downhill community bringing riders of all ages and skill levels together for a fun competition. The race format is 6 man heats race every position out, providing competitors with at least 3 race heats during the day. The hill is open for everyone to skate throughout the competition and it tends to draw a few hundred competitors and spectators. At the end of the competition a BBQ and raffle is hosted at Rip City Skate. Year after year this event has been a huge success in both participation and community integration, and is simply one of the most fun informal event series in downhill skateboarding in the Pacific North West. For details on the event June 1st please visit our Facebook Event Page.
The format of this race makes it seem like it might be fun for all skill levels, from the casual downhiller to a competitive regular. I might have to check this out.
The Switchbacks Series is a FREE community event series.
The format this year will be the same as last year. We are going to race out every position! We are going to be racing in 6 man heats. Each round the top three racers will continue onward to race for the title, while the remaining competitors will continue to rank themselves all the way down to last place. This means more racing for everyone. All competitors will race 4 heats total. If you are eliminated before quarter finals, then your final heat will be with just four riders who skill level will most likely be comparable to your own.
The expected the run time for the race is about 3 hours total. We need all participants to listen carefully and be ready and prepared for each of their heats. It is also pertinent that you register on time. Minors under the age of 18 will need to have a parent sign the Liability Waiver which can be printed and signed ahead of time. Late registrations will cause a delay in the event schedule which is already tight. Additionally the race will be capped at 96 racers since that is all the bracketing sheets can handle. If we happen to get more than 96 participants then registration will be on a first come first serve basis, so it is recommended that you register as early as possible. Additionally, at the end of each of your runs it will be absolutely crucial that you check back in at the registration table and let them know exactly what position you finished in your heat.
The Event schedule is as follows:
10:00 am – Registration Begins
11:00 am – Registration Ends
11:30 am – Racers Meeting
12:00 pm – Race Begins
3:30 pm – Award Cerimony
4:30 pm – Raffle and BBQ at Rip City Skate
As in all things in life you should act in a manner that is courteous of those around you. Most rules are just common sense, but to clarify on a few gray areas here is a list of formal rules on the hill.
– No pushing after the push line. – This is not a fast hill, you must choose clean lines to be the fastest down. If you wreck, once your board is in your hand or under your foot you are only allowed 2 steps maximum.
– No wiggling. – Pumping to generate speed is not allowed. It considered erratic behavior and is not appropriate for racing on this hill.
– No pulling. – Stealing the speed of your opponent is not fair racing and will not be tolerated.
– No unsafe behavior – No roughhousing in your heats, excessive pushing, holding onto your opponent, or acting in a manner that puts those around you at risk is not allowed.
Rules will be strictly enforced. If any rules are broken it will be an immediate last place for that round. If any racer continually acts in a manner that is unsafe, or unfair they will not be allowed to continue racing, and will not be invited back to future events.
