The most notable result of the day was also the most noteworthy of the entire weekend. Chris Kovarik, in only his third-ever race in the U.S., beat out an elite field to take his first NCS win — 3.2 seconds ahead of his next competitor.

	Leading Lady, Leigh Donovan

Kovarik had taken second place last week in Squaw Valley's World Cup event, and wanted to prove that it was no fluke. He did that to be sure, beating second place Myles Rockwell — who was also the winner in the last NCS event in Seven Springs. Kovarik is a 21-year-old Australian privateer riding for Qranc, and keeps winning enough prize money to afford more and more races. His competition, including sometimes World Cup leader Steve Peat, now has another worthy competitor from down under to deal with.

Another fast Aussie (also riding for Qranc) came in third this weekend. His name is Nathan Rennie, and he's made several strong impressions this season before joining team- and country-mate Kovarik on the podium. Fourth place went to Jurgen Beneke, whose consistency has him in the leader's jersey for the third round in a row. Fifth place was Peat, who won round one in Big Bear.

"Leigh Donovan... seems to have now decided to race hard for the win, and not for fun like she claimed earlier in the season..."

Women's DH racing was all about Leigh Donovan, who seems to have now decided to race hard for the win, and not for fun like she claimed earlier in the season. Leigh, who had a so-so qualifying run for 14th place, came down somewhat early in the running order and never left the finish arena until it was time to grace the top of the podium.

Missy Giove who, along with Donovan, is one of the world's best descenders, managed second place. That wouldn't be too amazing were it not for the fact that she did it with a torn rotator cuff in her shoulder - an injury sustained in training Friday. Missy somehow held on for the silver as she continues her strong '99 season.

	Rennie Riding like an Aussi

Cheri Elliott finally made it on the podium this season, after a bronze-medal ride in last year's Worlds. Elliott was happy after she finished third, while Lisa Sher continued one of her strongest seasons for 4th place. Tara Llanes rounded out the podium in 5th after running off course in the lower sections.

Donovan pulled ahead of the previously undefeated Elke Brutsaert for the leader's jersey, Brutsaert finishing a disappointing 14th this weekend. Donovan now has both the DH and DS jerseys - a feat only she seems capable of achieving in the country.

And with the end of the DH event came the end of the weekend, the trucks and tents pulling up stakes and heading back into the heat of the Mojave desert, on the way to next weekend's stop in Deer Valley, Utah for the next NCS event.

While the crowds are down this season and NORBA continues to adjust the formula for success in the maturing NORBA circuit, it's clear that Competition Director Eric Moore and Co. — along with the marketing savvy of promoters Galeforce — have the best organized circuit outside the UCI world cup. It's time to renew those NORBA racing licenses folks. We'll see you at the races.

— Ari Cheren, still traveling up a storm and wondering when he'll get that not-so-fresh-feeling, reporting for MountainZone.com