To 'air' is human: Snocross riders hone skills at just-built Salmon Falls Road track

An experienced rider catches some serious air during one of their Snocross practice runs Sunday at a Salmon Falls Road track. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - Steve Reynolds of Rochester began building his Snocross practice track about a month ago trucking snow from local parking lots and anywhere else he could find it.

"I did it for my son, Aiden, who is learning at home and needed an outlet," Reynolds said on Sunday as he watched dozens of Snocross riders of all abilities take turns running the half-mile track around his Salmon Falls Road property located about an eighth of a mile south of Flat Rock Bridge Road.

An experienced rider catches some air as spectators watch while another rider, left, awaits the go-ahead for his turn.

Folks around the neighborhood had been curious about the snow being trucked in and the sound of snow making equipment.

Yesterday they got their answer as riders two by two took turns on the track, which features more than a half dozen jumps that can propel experienced riders upwards of 30-40 feet.

Those participating on Sunday ran the gamut from novice to national tour riders like 15-year-old Josh Connolly of Hampton Falls, who was there with his dad, Scott.

A pair of riders get some last-minute instructions before taking to a Snocross practice track off Salmon Falls Road on Sunday.

Josh Connolly, who attends Winnacunnet High, said he'd been riding Snocross for 11 years, beginning with the smaller 120s until he turned eight. Now he tours regionally and nationally racing a 450-pound 600 cc snow machine in the ProLite series. Father and son will be traveling to Greig, N.Y., just outside Buffalo, next weekend for Josh's next race.

Josh said his ProLite class normally sees 10-15 machines in a race, and it is "very competitive with lots of jumps."

He said the biggest thing he concentrates on during a race are the "slow lines" - areas where he sees his competitors getting bogged down.

"I watch for them and try to capitalize on their mistakes," he said.

Riders take a break after several trips around the track on Sunday afternoon.

Asked his goals for the current racing season, his dad quipped, "Not breaking stuff."

"Yeah," Josh agreed with a grin. "Winning the ProLite and not breaking as much stuff."

Scott Connolly added that staying competitive in the sport can cost a pretty penny.

"It's a lot of work and a lot of money," he said, "but it's worth it."