It was serious racing at the USA Cycling  Cross Country Mountain Biking National Championships, but there was one spot of the course that seemed to have the most fun, the Heckle Pit. High up on the mountain at Bear Creek Mountain Resort, the riders came through as spectators dressed in costumes, playing instruments, and even wielding a chainsaw (sans chain) cheered and heckled their favorite riders. It was definitely a party atmosphere, celebrating the final year the national championships will be held at Bear Creek.
The women‘s pro elite race was won by Lea Davison (Specialized), with Georgia Gould (Luna Pro Team) and Pennsylvania rider Mary McConnelough (Kenda-Stan’s NoTubes) following behind.
Evelyn Dong (Backcountry.com) was all smiles through the Heckle Pit. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Erin Huck (Tokyo Joe’s-VC Graphix) smiles through the pain of the climb. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Jena Greaser used a different method to grab the cash. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Georgia Gould (Luna Pro Team) seems to be enjoying the atmosphere. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Teal Stetson-Lee (Luna Pro Team) eyes up the fan offered prize money. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
It wasn’t all partying and heckling at the pit. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Kimberly Flynn (The Generals) shows some emotion (not sure which kind) as she makes her way up the hill. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Alexis Skarda didn’t mind getting paid. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Lea Davison (Specialized) leads the women through the Heckle Pit on the first lap. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Amy Beisel (Liv/Giant-Tuff Shed) gets chased by a USA speedo and a chainsaw (without a chain). Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Abbey Alexiades (Giant Notheast Pro) makes her way up the hill. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Even the lead moto can get in the money. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Mary McConneloug (Kenda-Stan’s NoTubes) looks serious here, but cracked a smile on her way to third place. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Mo Bruno Roy (Cycle Loft Velo) grinds up the hill. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Cheryl Sornson (Team Rare Disease Cycling) was one of the local favorites. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Bonnie Kleffman (Total Cyclist Racing) couldn’t help but enjoy the crowd’s enthusiasm. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
A pickle on a stick, wearing a sombrero, nothing out of the ordinary here. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Crystal Anthony (Riverside Racing) eyes up her line. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Chloe Woodruff (Backcountry.com) navigates through the chaos. Photo by Scott Kingsley.
Based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Scott joined Bike World News as the Cyclocross Editor in 2012 before taking over as Tech Editor in 2016. He has also worked as a photographer for various pro teams and shoot races along the east coast of the US, including the 2012 US MTB National Championships, 2013 UCI Cyclocross World Championships, and 2016 UCI Road World Championships. Scott has a passion for performance and technology, with 35 years of riding and mechanic experience. He also enjoys soccer, running, teaching group fitness classes, and is the founder of Lancaster Beard Company.
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Tags:
Crystal Anthony,
Cyclists,
Georgia Gould,
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Luna,
Luna Pro Team,
Mary McConneloug,
National Championship,
National Championships,
Pennsylvania,
Specialized,
Summer Olympic Games,
USA,
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