Over the weekend, mountain biking enthusiasts from various states converged at Camp Sekani, Spokane, for the much-anticipated Hubapalooza, marking the inaugural mountain bike race of the season in the region.
Approximately 400 bikers, spanning across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Colorado, and beyond, ventured to Camp Sekani to navigate through its intricate network of downhill bike trails amidst the scenic backdrop of ponderosa pines and blooming balsamroot. Described as one of the region’s longest-standing bike races, Hubapalooza serves as a significant kickoff event for both the Inland Northwest and beyond, as noted by Willy Bartlett, a sales representative from Shimano, one of the event’s sponsors.
The 17-year-old event offered participants a range of courses tailored to their skill levels. Saturday’s trails, characterized by technical terrain and steep inclines, challenged riders like 14-year-old Liam Dupree, who covered 16 miles and felt the strain in his legs. In contrast, Sunday’s downhill courses, described as “all gravity-fed” by Jon Amend, EMS coordinator at the race, provided riders with an exhilarating experience as they navigated winding paths punctuated by ramps and tight curves, completing each 3/4-mile course in mere minutes.
For many riders, such as Liam, the allure of mountain biking lies in the adrenaline rush of hurtling downhill. Liam, who picked up the sport during the pandemic under the encouragement of his mother, Amika Taniguchi, finds the freedom of descending thrilling.
However, the spectacle of mountain biking isn’t limited to the riders themselves. Spectators like Cynthia and Doug Williams, who traveled from Athol to support their grandson Isaac Lutz and his teammate Arden Lockwood, found themselves captivated by the daring feats performed on the dirt ramps and trails.
Despite the excitement, concerns linger over the gender disparity prevalent in the sport. Josie Macartney, an 11-year-old participant from Fall City, Washington, highlighted the underrepresentation of women in mountain biking and the unequal opportunities they encounter, both in races and trail features.
Efforts are underway to address this disparity and foster inclusivity within the mountain biking community. Initiatives such as Taniguchi’s group ride for girls and the North American Enduro Cup’s Instagram contest aim to encourage more women to explore the sport and its opportunities.
Moreover, the event sheds light on Spokane’s burgeoning reputation as a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, with its abundant trails and recreational offerings often overlooked by outsiders. Longtime biker Alex Anderson attested to the city’s hidden treasures, having been drawn to Spokane’s trail-rich landscape after participating in Hubapalooza.
As mountain bikers revel in the thrills of competition and camaraderie at Camp Sekani, the event not only marks the beginning of the biking season but also underscores the vibrant outdoor culture thriving in the heart of Spokane.