INTENSE Racing USA: Chaos, Carnage & Championships at Big Bear
Right, buckle up folks — this one’s a bit of a rollercoaster. The USAC National Championships in Big Bear, CA were meant to be a straightforward weekend of racing. But, as is often the case in mountain biking, the universe had other ideas.
Photo Credit: Liam McMahon (ljm_images_)
The Road to Big Bear… Literally
The road to Big Bear didn’t start smooth — try a rear-end collision by an RV bus, a damaged trailer, and a pile of battered bikes. But with grit, hustle, and the whole INTENSE family pulling together, our team made it to the start line.
Now, most teams would be in the fetal position at this point, crying into their tire sealant. Not this crew. With a proper all-hands-on-deck effort from INTENSE staff, sponsors, and friends, we somehow got ourselves, the athletes, and fully functional bikes to the start line. It was nothing short of a miracle — and a solid reminder that this team doesn’t do “quit.”
Photo Credit: Liam McMahon (ljm_images_)
The Track — Big Bear’s Dusty Playground
Big Bear’s downhill track is like nature’s version of a ‘choose your own adventure’ book, except every option involves arm pump and sand pits. It starts up high on Snow Summit, giving you a few seconds to feel like a hero before chucking you into loose, dusty corners that want to send you straight into the netting.
From there, it’s a gauntlet of square-edged hits, rock gardens that look suspiciously like they were dropped in by a helicopter, and steep, loose chutes where braking is more of a polite suggestion than an actual option. Then you dive into the final woods section — fast, rooty, and just technical enough to ruin your day if you lose focus for even a split second. Oh, and did I mention you’re racing at over 7,000 feet of elevation? Yeah. Spicy.
Photo Credit: Liam McMahon (ljm_images_)
Dante Silva — Mr. Dual Slalom & Downhill Podium
First up, Dante Silva. In Dual Slalom, the lad was absolutely flying. Precise gates, no wasted movement, and enough speed to comfortably bag himself the National Championship title.
Then, he swaps the gates for the gnar. His seeding run in DH? Smooth as you like — 5th place. On race day, he upped the pace, shaving 2.5 seconds off and locking in 5th overall for another podium. The man is now 2nd overall in the series and heading into Killington ready to give the leader some pressure. But first? Crankworx Whistler. Watch out, 1199 DH track.
Photo Credit: Liam McMahon (ljm_images_)
Kai Burleson — Fast, Fighting, and Fired Up
Kai Burleson came into Big Bear fresh off a podium in Solitude and was clearly here for business. Solid seeding run put him 14th in the elites, and he was gunning for more. Unfortunately, a mechanical before the final woods section caused a crash mid-run. Lesser riders would’ve sulked — Kai just got back up, hammered to the finish, and still came away 31st. That hunger’s still there, and you can bet he’ll be swinging for the fences next time.
Photo Credit: Liam McMahon (ljm_images_)
Tyler Wagoner — Double Trouble
Now for the young gun, Tyler Wagoner. Mostly known for BMX (and for being annoyingly talented at anything with two wheels), Tyler’s been dabbling in DH… and by dabbling, I mean winning stuff.
In Big Bear, he was an animal. Qualified fastest in Dual Slalom, then took the National Title. Same deal in Downhill — fastest in seeding, then three seconds quicker in finals to take another National Title. Not bad for someone still getting used to knobby tires.
Photo Credit: Liam McMahon (ljm_images_)
Team Spirit, Titles & What’s Next
Three National Titles, multiple podiums, and a weekend that started with a truck and trailer in shambles. This is what makes racing brilliant — it’s rarely neat and tidy, but the grit, laughs, and big moments make it all worth it.
Massive thanks to everyone who got us here — the sponsors, supporters, and the big INTENSE family. And to Liam McMahon for the top-notch event photos.
Next up: Whistler. Then Killington. And if Big Bear taught us anything, it’s that you can hit us with chaos, carnage, or a camper van, and we’ll still show up swinging.
