Gravity Fest racers push the limits in Picton

Administrator | Sep 18, 2012 | Comments 0

It was a hat trick for world champion Patrick Switzer who won the downhill skateboard event at Prince Edward County’s Gravity Fest three years in a row.

One hundred racers in three disciplines and seven categories descended on a freshly paved run at the third annual event – round six of eight on the North American circuit.

Picton’s event was founded three years ago by classic luge champion racer Kolby Parks. Efforts by the family to get the road repaved in time for this year’s race made a big difference in qualifying times.

“The re-paved middle section of the course made the track much faster this year and made for more exciting racing overall,” Parks said. “The riders enjoy the event here because of the number of runs they get and the relaxed atmosphere of the entire event. Most events seem stressful and intense but ours has a good reputation for being a rider and spectator friendly event.”

Riders registered from California, Oregon, England, British Columbia, Australia and Venezuela as well as all over Ontario, Quebec and North Eastern United States.

The NorAM Downhill Series of eight events continues this weekend at Akron, Ohio with the North American finals Oct. 6-7 in California. Continental points tabulates five best races toward the competitor’s final series ranking.

“A big thank-you to event co-ordinator Krisha Parks and to more than 120 volunteers from the community,” said Parks. “Without them, the race simply wouldn’t happen!”

For more photographs and links, visit and ‘Like’ the PEC Gravity Fest Facebook

PEC Gravity Fest 2012 winners. From left: Logan Whyatt, Quin Finocchio, Bob Touchette, Patrick Switzer, Cindy Zhou, Christian Conaway and Josh Neiman, of Picton. Photo by Dena Kamink