Mountain Creek Archives

Round two of the Pro Downhill National Series roared into action at the legendary Mountain Creek Bike Park in Vernon, New Jersey. With over two decades of history, this venue is considered one of the top downhill spots in the U.S., and it did not disappoint.

KHS Pro MTB rider Shane Leslie on track at the second stop of the National downhill series at Mountain Creek NJ.

In the Elite Men’s category, Shane Leslie represented the team with a strong performance, securing an impressive top-20 finish. Remarkably, this was Shane’s first time back on a downhill bike in over five years, and he was quickly finding his pace. This return to form bodes well for his future in Enduro, where we expect him to be a serious podium contender.

KHS Pro MTB rider McKenna Merten on track at the second stop of the National downhill series at Mountain Creek NJ.

Our Elite Women also delivered stellar results, with both Bella Nodding and McKenna Merten holding it down. McKenna powered her way to an 11th-place finish, while the weekend’s big headline was Bella claiming 3rd place—earning a podium spot for both herself and the team.

KHS Pro MTB rider Bella Naughton on the podium at the second stop of the National downhill series at Mountain Creek NJ.

With some of the world’s best international downhill racers in attendance, this national round was a major success and a proud moment for the entire team. Next up, we shift gears and head to Round One of the Big Mountain Enduro Series, taking place just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Stay tuned!

The team was firing off on all cylinders for the second round of the Downhill national series hosted at Mountain Creek bike Park, in Vernon, New Jersey. The team would be arriving Wednesday to get acclimated to the East Coast conditions and get the bikes all prepped and built up from the long travels. Thursday would kick off with track walk which would consist of a very explosive track Mountain Creek has always had some of the best downhill tracks in America. With super steep conditions, lots of rocks challenging lines and an overall physically demanding track there was not much missing from being an absolutely amazing track.

KHS Pro MTB rider Steven Walton racing at Mountain Creek resort in NJ.

Friday would be day one of practice and we had some heavy competition on the mountain Dakota Norton from Factory Intense along with Neko Mulley would be among the field which was your current and past national champions. The whole team had a solid day of practice besides a massive crash from Kailey Skelton that would have involved a severe sprained wrist. Unfortunately, this would sideline Kailey for the remaining event and even put her overall championship title hopes on the fence.

KHS Pro MTB rider Nik Nestoroff racing at Mountain Creek resort in NJ.

Saturday which would be qualifying day would intel of big weather changes that would now put rain into the equation. It would change the track dramatically and make for a completely new track to get down. With the new slick conditions, the team would qualify with Steven Walton sitting in 10th position, Nik Nestoroff 5th position and out Jr. Pro Nathan Kitchen grabbing 4th. All the athletes would have their work cut out for them come Sunday finals. Good news the weather was not sticking around it would be lining up Finals to make out with perfect conditions!

KHS Pro MTB rider Nathan Kitchen racing at Mountain Creek resort in NJ.

Sunday finals would bring out massive crowds and fans to cheer on the full day of racing! All three athletes would take a look at the ever-changing lines on track to make sure they were set for their final run. Our Jr. Pro would stay consistent on all track conditions coming in a solid 4th place. Steven Walton would throw down a blistering time and come in podium position taking 5th place. It would be Nik Nestoroff who would be holding down the hot seat for some time but would end up 3rd place with a stellar run! All three athletes did an excellent job throughout the event and kept in the hunt for the championship title!! The team has a moment off till round 2 of the BME Enduro series up in Big Sky, Montana. The team would like to continue to thank all our sponsors, friends and family for all the amazing support.