Tara Llanes Classic Recap and Video by larock

+ 15

sullybomb (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:09)

i would accually want to ride one of those Razz

for fun

+ 0

bikebuster (Oct 8, 2010 at 14:20)

thats exactly what I was going to say!!!!!!

+ 21

DhGabe (Oct 8, 2010 at 15:51)

"i would accually want to ride one of those for fun"
Thats what she said!
All jokes aside. Tara=inspiration. Lets see someone bitch about their life after watching this. Career ending injury, no problem for this girl because now she'll just rip it up on 4 wheels. Two thumbs up for this!!!

+ 1

eric182 (Oct 9, 2010 at 19:10)

when and how did this happen to tara? she used to rip it up!

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+ 2

xterragirl06 (Oct 8, 2010 at 17:54)

She is and always will be my idol. She is a true testament to what it takes to be a true athlete. She could have let her injury stop her from doing what she loves, but she showed determination and can still and will ride with the best of them

Stay strong Tara!

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+ 3

stacykohut (Oct 8, 2010 at 16:26)

want to learn more about fourcross fourwheel bikes?
http://www.r-onefourcross.com/
pics, video, order forms, the whole bit.
ANYONE can purchase a fourcross, wheelchair user or not.

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+ 2

jcinkits (Oct 10, 2010 at 14:18)

bottom line re: Bls reaction to timing : He may or may not be an A hole but this ABSOLUTELY was an event that a little humility on Bls part would have shown that he was REAL world class and a 'winner', not some 'whining' poser with an ego - interesting: a 'loser who is a winner'. i seriously doubt his b***s would be as big as Taras if he too ever had a serious injury like Taras ! Hey Brian, your just riding a bicycle, not saving the world; if your that concerned [ at an event where the real star is Tara ] try leaving the way you ride - REAL FAST !

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+ 3

tallqaida (Oct 8, 2010 at 18:22)

BRIAN LOPES threw a fit, got in Tara's face, and was banned from Northstar for life!!!
"I'm world champion, theres no way that guy beat me"

Tim Krentz = THE MAN

+ 4

jptothetree (Oct 9, 2010 at 6:30)

Tim Krentz rides at Northstar all the time. It's not luck that he's one of the fastest on the mountain.

If this is true, Brian, you just lost a lot of respect from me.

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+ 1

KoinStar (Oct 9, 2010 at 18:03)

I have always been worried I would have to give up riding if something happened to me like that. It is so inspiring and makes me even want to push myself more just knowing that disabled riders can still have a great time riding down the mountain. Tara, I don't know you in person, but thanks for being such a great inspiration. I loved the bit where you rode down with the kids it was really cute! Always love seeing the little ones going out there and having fun too. Thanks to everyone involved in this, so amazing!

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+ 1

dylandoe (Oct 12, 2010 at 11:59)

Everyone is over-reacting I think. I was standing right there in the room, and Brian was bending down talking close with Tara so that they could hear each other. They exchanged some words and Brian was obviously not happy but there was NO SCENE created that I saw. Brian came back out to the crowd, and stood on the podium for the photo when he was called. Stop the drama.

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+ 1

Velzy (Oct 11, 2010 at 11:32)

re: Lopes' 2nd place from a local N* perspective. I thought it might be interesting to see how Tim stacked up earlier in the season at all the other N* races to see if the Race 4 Tara win was in line with the past. Here is what I found:

Race #1 - 3rd Place (+:10)
Race #2 - 1st Place
Race #3 - 2nd Place (+:01)
Race #4 - 2nd Place (+:01)
Race #5 - 1st Place

All of these races were Pro cat, but if you look at the roster they are mostly local riders.

For the PRO GRT race at N* Tim was 18th place, with a field with the likes of Peaty and Minaar. Lopes didn't race that day.

Bikeculture's facts, if true are irrefutable, but I thought it shouldn't be lost that a local rider who has been successful did quite well on this long and pedally DH course.

+ 2

jcinkits (Oct 11, 2010 at 13:15)

yep, and once again the real news, as you have pointed out, has been lost on a prima donna who was more concerned about his place in the spotlight that created a buzz that took too much away from the real hero of this event: Tara.

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+ 1

bikeculture (Oct 10, 2010 at 15:16)

I know Brian had a good time at the event and the main reason he went there was to support Tara. There was outdoor demo, Rampage, and Tara's race and we wanted to go to support Tara over the other events that were happening that weekend. He's been friends with Tara probably as long as most of you have been alive and sure this incident hasn't changed that. Should he have waited until later to discuss this timing issue? Sure he probably should have. Should the timing people have had done a better job of posting times quicker and before awards were given out? Sure they should have. Sometimes things don't always happen as they should have, but they do and life goes on. larock, you say 200 people were waiting around to see results? Seems like it would have been more courteous to post results for all those who were waiting around just to see what their times were vs. having to wait for all the top 3 guys to get their awards. I doubt everyone wanted to wait until all awards were over to see where they placed?

As for this being a charity event and not caring what place you get, I have mixed feeling on this statement. Yes, it is a charity event and raising money for Tara is the most important thing, but don't have a PRO race, advertise a PRO purse payout and then say you shouldn't care what place you got. If this is the case they should just have a charity ride for Tara and not call it a race. What's the purpose to call it a race if it's not going to be legit?

+ 0

stacykohut (Oct 10, 2010 at 16:23)

a race is a race.
a rideday is a rideday.
was it a race or a rideday?
it was a race.
races count.
races need to be legit, otherwise there is no point in racing.

+ 1

KoinStar (Oct 10, 2010 at 16:37)

The both of you have a really good point there. Personally I wouldn't care, which is probably why I don't compete. My thinking is, is the money really worth all the fuss and dismay? Not to me, but I guess that's where a lot of people differ. I doubt the guy is really hurting for cash either... But I see your point. No doubt. Rules are rules and should be followed as such.

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+ 1

ninjatarian (Oct 8, 2010 at 15:49)

I was just reading about her story a couple days ago, its neat seeing this. Those four wheeled bikes like sweet, I would rock one. Look a bit nose heavy off the jumps though. And that tandem DH bike... Drool

+ 2

OldJack (Oct 8, 2010 at 18:49)

The Tandem DH is probably for a blind rider. I see that everybody made it out for the Tara Llanes Classic. Great work getting the story out, love to see what I missed. Hugs to Tara....

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+ 4

sullybomb (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:06)

that so awsome and such a sick idea!

+ 3

r-gibson (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:22)

that was such a fun day.

+ 1

jptothetree (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:34)

i missed it this year... i was pissed! great video coverage of the event, very well done!

+ 3

stellaride (Oct 8, 2010 at 16:26)

I think riding that thing would be SO fun! but i hope that suspension works good, dont wanna be bustin my balls! ha

+ 3

Colin994 (Oct 9, 2010 at 11:04)

i want that tandem

+ 3

sheffy7 (Oct 9, 2010 at 12:07)

it would suck to be on the back of the tandem

+ 2

OliScale (Oct 9, 2010 at 12:33)

tandem downhill?!?

+ 2

rippedsuperhero (Oct 9, 2010 at 13:33)

I know the guys that made that bike. there site is bicyclefabrications

+ 1

rubenfernandes (Oct 10, 2010 at 6:47)

SECOND PICTURE!!! DESERVES POD!!! Wink

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+ 0

bikeculture (Oct 9, 2010 at 22:15)

well it does sound like nobody really know anything about the timing problems, so wanted to bring those facts to the people that want to turn this into something. Agreed Brian should have waited to speak with Tara, but they should have also posted times well before they did awards so if there was an issue it could have been looked into before they hand out awards. That is the normal protocall right?

+ 2

KoinStar (Oct 9, 2010 at 22:32)

How could they give awards then post times? I've never seen that before. That's pretty messed up and sounds like favoritism to me. I'm sure Brian must have knew he came in first, and then being told to stand in second position podium- sure I would have been upset too; but 100% agree that is not the way to handle it. What do you think should be done about it (just speculation)? Should they award him the prize, or not give it to him due to being unprofessional. I think that's a big part of the sport, and being in the spot light- your a role model.

+ 2

larock Plus (Oct 9, 2010 at 23:13)

I don't know 100% what the situation was with posting the results but from what I heard they had one set of results and couldn't get a printer to work to post another. So instead of posting the 1 set of results and waiting until every person had seen them, in the interests of time they opted to get started whether that was the right or wrong decision. Keep in mind they had probably 200 people there waiting...I don't know if it was the right or wrong decision (I'm not familiar with what is standard at races) but it happened that way and Brian's response to it was disappointing to say the least. Also, not to downplay the race at all but for an athlete of his calibre who has won everything imaginable, I would have thought he'd exercise a bit more tact at a charity event. That being said, everyone definitely has the right to dispute a result, but do it respectfully and at the right time to the right person(which I would have thought Brian would understand since he knows all the other protocals so well).

+ 1

KoinStar (Oct 10, 2010 at 14:48)

Your right given the time constraints and the amount of people waiting that is a really tough call to make. Noting that it is a charity event, yeah who really cares what you place in?!? I would have just had a blast no matter what position was called. That's just silly (for lack of better/acceptable words). He should definitely know better after being in so many races. I guess all the fame just gets into people's heads after a while, especially if your not there for the right reason.

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+ 3

arthur1 (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:27)

so inspireing, that disables gone out there found a way to keep on the track amazing. props to them. Smile

+ 1

madtag12 (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:35)

i think these bikes should be mass produced would be amazing to see all the disabled people riding

+ 1

OliScale (Oct 9, 2010 at 12:35)

i think they cost around $10,000 each, which sounds about to be honest

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+ 1

JokerMachine (Oct 10, 2010 at 1:40)

Those kart thingies look like pretty good fun, I'd like to bomb some mountains on one.

I didn't know Lopes was still riding, he's been out of the spotlight for a while.

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+ 2

tallqaida (Oct 10, 2010 at 15:38)

"Never has one so talented done so little for the sport of mountain biking"

- 3

stacykohut (Oct 10, 2010 at 16:27)

soooooooo many haters on here for lopes its amazing.
your jealousy for his talent, lifestyle, ability and salary is shining right thru.
keep on being jealous, whoops, i mean 'hating'...

+ 1

KoinStar (Oct 10, 2010 at 17:01)

I don't usually comment on stuff like this, but I respected your comment above. I can understand your frustration. I know there is always going to be trolls, and people who just name call and such, but please man, don't go to their level. It doesn't help any.

+ 3

jcinkits (Oct 11, 2010 at 13:09)

tallqaida...yep, kinda like a doctor who won't treat a patient...some people just don't get it; anything we do in life ONLY has a value if we share it in a meaningful way - it is so unimportant that we are famous - when all is said and done, we are not famous bike riders, we are only worm food, and the ONLY thing we leave here is our legacy of hope, and giving back...GO TARA!

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+ 1

jobbinsbbc (Oct 9, 2010 at 3:32)

is is amazing how fast they go in them buggy bikes ha I would love to see them do a big gap in one of them it would look pretty sweet Smile

+ 3

pudding (Oct 9, 2010 at 11:00)

Watch New World Disorder 2 Fat Tire Fury, it has a section in it with Stacy Kohut and Trevair on 4 wheelers that's pretty good.

+ 1

jobbinsbbc (Oct 11, 2010 at 13:10)

i will have to thanks Smile

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- 2

bikeculture (Oct 9, 2010 at 21:03)

tallquida, not sure where you are getting your info from, but you obviously don't know the facts. Brian didn't get banned for life for one. Secondly he did have a discussion about his time with Tara which when you know the facts was just a bad situation for both. Understandably Tara had a lot going on and didn't know what to do other than to have him talk to the timing guys, which Brian did. They were suppose to get back to him and I guess he still hasn't got a call from them. Basic situation is Kirt Vories started 1 min in front of Brian. Both Kirt and Brian passed two other riders in their run and Brian caught Kirt as well and went through the line right behind him, meaning his time should have been 59 seconds faster than Kirts. Well they never told Brian his time, proceeded with awards, then after awards posted times. Somehow Brian got a time of 9:48 when Kirts times was 10:16. Brian asked how they came up with this time for him and they had NO answer. Asking for an explanation on a time the timing people give someone that absolutely doesn't make sense seems like a legit question they should be able to provide. As for your quote, I guess you can make up anything you want when you go on these chat boards because if you knew Brian like I do you know he would never make a comment like the one you've made up.

+ 6

larock Plus (Oct 9, 2010 at 21:18)

No doubt, Brian does have a case and I don't think anyone denied the fact that there could have been an error. The fact that he made such a scene while medals were being handed out was not only inconsiderate and unprofessional but took away from Tara's opportunity to enjoy her day, and take care of her own responsibilities (like handing out medals, thanking people etc.), especially after she told him repeatedly she had nothing to do with the timing and to ask the people at timing (to which he proceeded to continue hounding her as if she hadn't said a word). The clincher though was when Brian asked Tara "you remember back when you were racing don't you Tara? Exercise some class, Brian. Gotta say, he lost more than a couple fans that day, including myself.

+ 1

freeridermtb4 (Oct 10, 2010 at 12:21)

well just the fact that he made a big scene is just dumb, its supposed to be a positive event. If anything Lopes shouldnt care where he is on the podium, this an event for tara llanes showing that hard work and never giving up can bring you success in anything you do. She is showing that no matter what the outcome is you keep moving forward, Lopes should probably think before he opens his mouth.

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+ 2

ryanmart96 (Oct 8, 2010 at 14:59)

Tandem Downhill!! Imagine whistler Big Grin

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+ 1

rangemaster Plus (Oct 9, 2010 at 22:48)

what are these four wheelers called? it's a great idea. happy for tara that she is able to keep riding.

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+ 1

Jimmy0 (Oct 10, 2010 at 1:33)

tandem bike was bicycle fabrications. they make the dopest bikes ever, completely custom. google em, see what happens

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+ 1

doubledeuce (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:22)

I am loving the double-hoses coming out of each lever, running two calipers with one squeeze Smile

neat idea!

+ 1

funkymonkey144 (Oct 8, 2010 at 14:54)

Its just two levers with a joint lever blade between them from what I can see, very effective Smile

+ 1

four-wheels (Oct 9, 2010 at 10:35)

Those levers were my only design contribution to that new bike. That bike is BY FAR the sickest design of any of the fourwheel DH bikes around!
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1793713/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1793714/
http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1793712/

+ 1

funkymonkey144 (Oct 9, 2010 at 11:34)

thats really awesome man, great job! tup

+ 1

KoinStar (Oct 9, 2010 at 17:56)

Thats what I was thinking Carlos, like maybe a little elec motor with super low gears to help crawl up stuff if they get stuck. Such a rad design!

+ 2

slayer74 (Oct 12, 2010 at 10:35)

http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/5742090/ Electrified. and fun as shit!!

+ 1

KoinStar (Oct 13, 2010 at 23:32)

Dude, that's sweet, thanks slayer!

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+ 1

TimBigHitFSRII (Oct 8, 2010 at 16:22)

super cool, is it a fully custom jobbie? any links to find out more about the 4 wheeler?

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+ 1

nrxtreme (Oct 9, 2010 at 15:35)

I reckon rough riderz are gonna become massive. Its such a cool take on DH.

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+ 1

ranchorace1 (Oct 8, 2010 at 16:40)

vehicle problems kept me from driving out there =/ no excuses for the next year and years to come. Keep it up Tara!

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+ 1

lesurf47 (Oct 9, 2010 at 17:03)

lol guys thanks..i created it

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+ 1

jonnyappelsauce (Oct 9, 2010 at 15:50)

i now know what i want for christmas

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+ 1

calma2008 (Oct 11, 2010 at 7:46)

Steller!!!!!!

Great to so many riders supporting a great event.

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+ 0

Edgecombe31 (Oct 8, 2010 at 14:02)

3:34, imagine going over into a face plant....OUCH!!
but still a vey inspiring vid.

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+ 1

lexx (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:53)

wow that's really inspiring

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+ 1

superkat (Oct 10, 2010 at 6:19)

Great article, awesome to see Tara still going.

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+ 1

jumpbikejames (Oct 9, 2010 at 14:16)

props to the buggy riders! that really is commitment! Smile

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+ 1

haroforum121 (Oct 9, 2010 at 4:01)

wow thats amazing how mutch does it cost and and wow! Smile

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+ 1

DjRider24 (Oct 9, 2010 at 5:08)

This video just shows that everyone can ride no matter what.

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+ 1

ELKOKE (Oct 9, 2010 at 6:30)

SHE´S A EXAMPLE OF LIFE......GO TARA GOOO!!!!

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+ 1

darkslave (Oct 9, 2010 at 11:38)

THE GLITCH MOB FOR THE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
SOOO AMAZING LIVE!

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+ 1

AJ101 (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:10)

that's f*ckin' cool Big Grin

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+ 1

ryannock (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:31)

that is sick

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+ 1

yoyoas (Oct 12, 2010 at 22:21)

Hats off my respect ....

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+ 1

nasrannn (Oct 8, 2010 at 13:19)

very very cool Smile

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+ 0

UncleCliffy (Oct 8, 2010 at 15:38)

Really wish I had went to this.

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+ 1

Andrevag (Oct 9, 2010 at 3:20)

Very nice

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+ 1

stiancu (Oct 9, 2010 at 11:10)

nice

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+ 1

witek (Oct 9, 2010 at 5:21)

full respec !

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+ 1

bigamac (Oct 9, 2010 at 0:10)

I'm amazed, i really am!

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+ 0

johndavis94 (Oct 8, 2010 at 15:15)

i would love to have one of they 4 wheeled things, looks awesome

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+ 0

freeriderbanshee (Oct 8, 2010 at 15:48)

commitment! nuff said! Smile

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+ 1

ScaryGerry (Oct 8, 2010 at 14:57)

Tara is awesome...

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+ 1

Lukebettin (Oct 8, 2010 at 17:03)

anyone know the song??

+ 2

azonicbruce (Oct 8, 2010 at 17:15)

Glitch Mob - Drink the Sea - A Dream within a Dream

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Tara Llanes Classic Recap and Video

83 Comments