The third annual trials were the biggest yet and it was the first year that the hill climb was part of the race.

Second time racer Ryan Niesent said the trials were a great time.

“It is awesome.” He said. “We’re getting the kids involved. The 17 and younger class is the biggest up here.

He said his favorite part of the race was the hill climb.

I don't have the nerve for the down hills,” he said. “You worry about falling after hitting the rocks and stump.

“What's important is keeping the rubber side down,” he added.

Niesent fell three times last year on the downhill, but stayed upright the entire race this year.

Most of the riders were veteran racers and even more veteran mountain bikers. But that wasn't the case with Amanda Skinner.

This marked her first race, second time on the Tinton Trail and only fourth or fifth time mountain biking.

“It was the hardest thing I've ever done,” Skinner said. “I ran the Mickelson Trail half marathon two weeks ago and this was a lot harder.”

She said the energy of traveling down the hill at high speed and the environment made for an amazing race.

“It is a competition, but everyone is cheering each other on,” she said.

Skinner fell three times, she said, but was back up and on her bike again quickly. She managed sixth place.