Leaping Lizard Race Report

Taking place this past weekend was the Twenty Sixth Annual Leaping lizard downhill race in Laguna Beach, California.  The Leaping Lizard is put on by the Laguna Rads, who also host the notorious Wednesday night cross country rides throughout the costal hillsides.  The weather was great and the course was freshly buffed out by the locals for Saturday mornings race.  It was good to see some world class riders show up such as reigning champ, Brian Lopes along with others like JD Swanguen, Joe lawwill, and Johnny Canfield.  The course offered a little bit of everything with some pedaling, rock sections, and steep chutes.  With a two run format consistency was key.  My first run was pretty ragged and out of control. I had a few close calls jumping too far down the hill and tagging my helmet on an overhanging branch. I clocked in at 2:01 with the second fastest time.  After the hike back up to the top I was ready for run number two.  My second run was much more mellow and under control.  I posted a 1:59 which gave me a combined time of 4:00.  Final results had Brian Lopes in first, Me (Kevin Aiello) in second, Joe Lawwill in third, and JD Swanguen in fourth.  Overall it was a great event with friends and local racers in attendance, a dialed GT Fury to ride, and a good result to round out the weekend.  A special thanks goes to friend and GT Factory mechanic John