In an increasingly smooth world, it's comforting to know that there is still a place to ride your Downhill bike. Vail Bike Park with Teddy Jaramillo #followcamfriday

The current trend of sanitizing trail is growing old to me. There are fewer and fewer places to ride DH rigs at speed. This isn't true everywhere but certainly applies in Colorado. Not to sound like a jaded local, but keeping the rocks and roots on trails is all that separates them from a sidewalk. If you can't ride your $12,000 carbon dream machine over some bumps, you should take up road biking perhaps. Damn kids, get off my lawn!

As technology gets better and bikes become more capable, there is less of a need for DH bikes in general. The perfect storm of capable bikes and dumbing down trails equals a lack of necessity for a DH rig. These are sad times. I raced DH for ten years and there will just always be something special to me about riding a big, heavy smash wagon. It just feels good. 

There are fewer and fewer places to ride these machines lately, but fortunately Vail is one of those rare exceptions. Not all of the trails, but the good ones are still faster on a big bike. Thank you. End rant. 

The beauty of riding DH bikes with improper gearing and no dropper post is that you can't even try to climb them. Momentum is your friend, so it is mandatory to eat ice cream at every opportunity. Fat kid delight. Who ever consumes the most ice cream wins the race. Janker was buying, I made it a double. 

Every time Teddy comes to town, we basically ride until we can't feel feelings. DJ, DH, Trail, all of the bikes, all of the day. After doing laps all day on our DH bikes, we grabbed our trail bikes and caught last chair to do a bonus lap to Minturn. After that we went to Frisco and hit dirt jumps. 10 hours of riding later, we drank beer and ate tacos. A life well lived. Thanks for the motivation Janker!

The hardest part of my day was choosing which flavors to put in my cup. 

Teddy wishing he had gone for round 2 of gelato. 

Vail is actually quite special. The place has such a strange vibe with the affluent tourists and dirt-bag locals. This mix works well to keep the levels right. Throw in some proper trail and a tight crew, and this place becomes legendary. There is rarely a lift line over here, quite the contrast to Winter Park. Maybe that extra 45 minute drive is scaring the Denver crowd away. A diamond in the rough, no doubt. Let's hope it stays that way. 

#followcamfriday wandering around in the alpine high above Silverton, Colorado with Colin Pickett

Lately, I have been spending much of my time above 12K, riding bits and pieces of world-class singletrack. The harder to access and more raw and natural, the better. Boulder Gulch, high above Silverton, Colorado ticks off those boxes nicely. This would be considered type-2 fun by most. My happy place. 

Yes, this one is hard. No, it is not everyone's idea of "mountain biking", but this is exactly what I am looking for in my life. Boulder Gulch starts just above 13K, before descending almost 4K in 4 miles. "Brake burner" is the understatement of the year. Throw in some microwaves and toaster ovens on the side of a cliff, and things get even more interesting. 

To make this one even better, there is no easy way to get to the top. This involves a huge hike a bike to access the top. Not big on carrying your bike? This may not be for you. Fortunately Colin Pickett is one of the fittest humans in existence, so our alpine adventure team was strong. 

We filmed this in July when abundant moisture was contributing to rapid flower growth and perfect dirt conditions. I would imagine that these hills are starting to show their fall colors as we transition seasons. The trail was barely discernible in spots from lack of use. A delicate game of follow the cairns and try not to fall off of the side hill. 

The San Juan remains largely unspoiled due to its proximity to a major city. This place is hard to get to and the riding is hard once you are here. These two factors will always be appealing to me. As the old adage says- "nothing worth doing is easy", and this certainly rings true in this rugged and remote terrain. 

#followcamfriday revisiting Purgatory Resort after 16 years with Joey Schusler and Carston Oliver.

I raced DH in Purgatory in 2005. This was my first trip back to ride the resort since then. Back in the day, the DH track here was regarded as the best in the states. This was the track that everyone wanted to race when downhill was still figuring itself out in Colorado. The perfect blend of raw speed, drops, jumps and steeps to keep racers engaged. World Cup was truly an amazing track. I broke my back a little bit on that track. 

The tracks have always been there, whether the chair was running or not, occasionally ridden and maintained by locals. In recent years, Purgatory has been maintaining the original trails and making drastic improvements to the existing tracks. It was quite a pleasure to revisit this place and see trail work being done and the scene starting to grow again. 

,Joey Schusler, Carston Oliver, myself and 450 other Yeti freaks were in town for the event now known as The Gathering. After missing last year due to the pandemic, everyone was in great spirits and rightfully so. It was truly enjoyable to drink beer, ride bikes, and eat good food together after the last year of chaos. There was definitely a collective feeling of relief at the party, people just being content hanging out with other people. How refreshing. 

I had the pleasure of racing the Big Mountain Enduro event last week on these tracks. This was my first race, post-covid. I definitely have missed the scene and the people, the things that have always made bike racing so special to me. It was great to catch up with people I had not seen in a couple of years. It is worth noting that BME did an amazing job with the race. The tracks were proper scary, as they should be. There was enough pedaling on the transfers to keep people honest and make for well-rounded racing. Kudos. 

What a legend Carston Oliver is. We had not ridden together since we spent 10 days bikepacking in the Bolivian Andes in 2016. An experience like that makes people life long friends, and it was great to ride with Carston again after 5 years. Carston is a pro skier and basically rides for "fun", but is one of the strongest and most skilled athletes I have ever known. Joey Schusler "hasn't been riding much" but still somehow seems to be able to ride faster than everyone, despite spending most of his time holding a camera or editing in a cave. 

So there you have it. To summarize, bikes are fun, Purg is rad, racing is cool, and most of all, being able to hang out with people I have not seen in many years is very special. I spend a ton of time staring at my computer and real human interaction is increasingly important to me. This place and the people involved will always be a special one for me. History shouldn't be a mystery. 

Riding Deer Creek in Silverton, Colorado with Alex Petitdemange. #followcamfriday raw dog. 

If you have been following me for a bit, you may know that my prefered riding type is jank. Although I do enjoy hitting enormous jumps on smooth trails, I am in general searching for the trail less ridden. Flow trails can die a fiery death. The character of a trail that is less obvious and makes my brain work a bit more is somehow more interesting to me. Mental chess, on the fly is the appeal. I fell asleep on a flow trail once. 

Deer Creek is special. Narrow, rough an as raw as it gets. You will get bloody fingers on the flowers. You will catch that sniper rock hiding in the bushes. You might even break your bike. But if I am being honest, I wouldn't have it any other way. If you can't see the trail right in front of you, you are doing it right. Basically like riding with a pair of pants on your head. Live for it.

This was "first lap" for Alex and second for me. It is always a pleasure watching my friends dissect trail on the fly for the first time. Alex flows like water over rough, unseen terrain. He may actually be faster on trails that he has never seen before. What a legend. 

While I was riding this section a week prior, I came up on a group of locals clearing winter deadfall and improving the corridor. As a man who also does a ton of this on my local, I truly appreciate this sort of thing. Those who choose to donate their time and energy in this direction never get enough credit. Please consider a donation to the Silverton Singletrack Society. They are doing wonderful things in the area and need support. 
DONATE TO THE TRAILS HERE

As I type these words, I am sitting in my van at Purgatory. I am racing the BME event this weekend. I haven't really raced in 2 years now and I truly have missed the community that Big Mountain Enduro has built. The vibe at the races is something that I have been missing in my life. So many old friends and good peeps. Wish me luck. I definitely haven't been "training", but I have been riding my brains out, so we should be good. 

#followcamfriday on Haflin Creek in Durango with Alex Petitdemange. Long live the jank!

Ah, Haflin Creek. Since I rode this for the first and only time about eight years ago, I have always wanted another run down this gem of a trail. What can I say, it left an impression on me. The perfect blend of jank, speed and exposure that ticks all of the boxes for me. No berms, no flow, just natural, raw goodness. Exactly what I am looking for in life. 

Haflin drops 3000ft in about 4 miles. There is a slight amount of rolling traverse in the middle, but is is basically a DH track. It is unbelievably overgrown right now and if I am being honest, I think I like it that way. This adds to the technical nature and really makes you focus on the task at hand, which is not catching a pedal and exploding. 

If you are not big on exposure, this is not your trail. More and more lately,  I gravitate towards this type of riding experience. There is no place I can attain this level of focus and precision in other parts of my life. There is just something different and more engaging about riding these trails that have zero margin for error. This is not most people's idea of a fun trail, but this is exactly why Alex Petitdemange and myself ride bikes. If I am riding a flow trail with 180 degree berms and traverses in between, I basically turn my brain off and take a nap. When one mistake results in a trip to the hospital, my senses are heightened. 

Alex again, blending into the foliage. The recent continued moisture has left the dirt in amazing shape. Everything is vibrant green and the flowers are popping. Huge props to anyone who maintains this thing and trims the underbrush. Clearly that is not an easy undertaking by any means. If this thing doesn't continue to see some traffic, it will surely be overgrown by the end of the summer. Again, that is part of the charm. Keep those feet up. 

The switchbacks above significant exposure are tight. You better have your nosepick as dialed as Alex if you want to survive this one. It is amazing to watch Alex's spacial awareness unfold. Nose-pick to tire tap on the rock pictured, rewards him with a proper exit. I followed suit. It made me giggle like a little girl. Precision when executed properly is very gratifying in exposed terrain. 

After spending a bunch of time in the high country between Silverton and Durango, Haflin was a nice change of scenery. The desert riding in Durango is truly special. When combined with the high-country access, this place is looking more and more appealing to me, the more time I spend down here. There is a reason so many national and world-level champions have come from this place. 

#followcamfriday picking up where we left off last week on the Colorado Trail outside of Silverton, Colorado with Alex Petitdemange.

There is just something special that riding in the alpine surrounding Silverton that will never get old to me. Part of the reason I ride bicycles is to escape the crowds and the chaos of the path frequently traveled. I find solace in these remote backcountry routes that involve work to access. 

I do enjoy all types of cycling from dirt jumping, to road, to smashing laps on my DH rig in the park. That said, there is something a bit more rewarding somehow about accessing some of these hard to reach areas that just make you feel small and humble. These places give me a much needed reset and reminder of how pure and amazing riding bikes can be. Spending a couple of weeks in the San Juan was just the reset I was looking for to put everything back into perspective. 

Natural trail gaps never cease to put a smile on my face. Alex is the master of interpreting trail on the fly and knowing just where and when to jump over things. His background in gymnastics becomes evident quickly while chasing his wheel on trails that neither of us have ever ridden. A delicate balance of flow, agility and aggression and efficiency make riding with Alex and absolute pleasure. 

Graysill Creek has been recently worked on according to the internet, and judging by the photo above, the builders clearly have a sense of humor. If you carry a chainsaw all this way, you better have a sense of humor, and a strong back. Kudos to the locals, because this one is a gem. Just the right amount of flow without ruining the original nature of the trail. Many of the turns appeared to have been opened up, without changing the raw nature of the original trail. This is a delicate process and the builders have truly left this one rough and natural, while increasing the speed and feel. Kudos! An amazing bit of track. 

If you need me, I will be hanging out in the alpine, eating as many calories as I can jam down my pie-hole and riding my bike until my legs refuse to spin circles. As long as the moisture continues, it would basically be a crime to do anything less with my life currently. As the farmers say " make hay while the sun shines" 

Recent moisture has insured that the San Juan keeps delivering. Colorado Trail #followcamfriday goodness with Alex Petitdemange.

If you have stood at this intersection before, you were definitely in awe of your surroundings, much like Alex and I. This photo doesn't really do justice to the magnitude of this place. If you ever want to feel small and keep your ego in check, this is the place to do just that. The San Juan is very humbling. 

Alex Petitdemange is French. Alex has been trying to get his full American citizenship for many years now. Alex and I have been riding together for about 10 years, and his nickname has always been "frenchie" Well, Alex got his citizenship granted this week, and now I call him "american" Fortunately, he has lost none of his French switchback navigation skills. 

The San Juan has truly been inspiring lately. I have been fortunate to ride in many places over the years, and these mountains hold something very special. The lack of crowds and sheer remoteness of these places will never lose their appeal to me. Nothing is easy here, exactly what I am looking for. 

There is just something about riding in these amazing places that makes all the pain go away. People like to ask me how hard the climb was, but I couldn't really tell you. It's easy for me when I am surrounded by natural beauty. All of the suffering is replaced by feelings of gratitude and satisfaction. Perhaps I am more distracted by my surroundings than the pain in my legs. Would you just look at it. 

Sorry marmot, you can't have any snacks. I have never seen such a friendly little fellow at 12K. Sadly, this dude has probably been fed a snack or 20 up here. Basically, he has learned to beg. Wild animals don't eat power bars. I know you want to get that sweet shot for the gram, but don't feed the animals. Be a better tourist. If this marmot learns to rely on tourists for snacks, he will surely perish. 

​Cruising through head-high flowers never really gets old. 

Riding through the sea of mailboxes never ceases to amaze. You can have your flow trail, I will be busy trying to remain upright in the moving boulder field. My happy place. Stay raw, San Juan. I like you. 

One of the finest bits of alpine singletrack the iconic Colorado Trail has to offer with the one and only Mr. Chris Boice. #followcamfriday alpine bliss. 

Monsoon season in the San Juan is very special. Basically, you can guarantee that it will be raining by 4pm, each and every day. You can set your watch by it. It will be crystal clear when you wake up in the morning, but you really need to be out of the alpine by 1pm. When the clouds start building, the pace lifts. 

Riding during this phenomenon can be likened to storm chasing to ski powder. If snow is expected for the next week, you just drop what you are doing and go skiing. Quit your job, smash your phone, dump your boyfriend. Whatever. Just make it happen. Priorities. This is basically the same situation, only in the summer. The conditions just don't get any better. The foliage is popping. Everything is peeking. I think I will be staying for a bit, leaving would be disrespectful. 

Never in my life have I seen so much green popping out of the ground. Head-high flowers and foliage as far as the eye can see. It is honestly a challenge to stay on the trail it's so thick. If you lean in turns, you have to use your index finger to hold your brake lever from being depressed by the plants. True story. They will crash you. You have been warned. 

We started plenty early and Chris Boice had never really been swimming at 12'500ft, so this seemed appropriate somehow. I can't think of a better way to cool off after spending the better part of an hour climbing up to here. There were just a few leeches, but that is all part of the experience. Chris kept his bibs on for safety. And for my eyes. 

This is segment 25 of the Colorado Trail, from Molas Pass to Engineer Mountain Trail. This is one of my favorite sections due to the surreal scenery. It is hard to beat. As this was the first time Chris had been on this part, things felt extra special. It's always fun watching friends process amazing parts of trail for the first time. Always puts a smile on my face. 
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Despite the recent uptick in outdoor rec, the San Juan is still largely unspoiled. Just by nature of the location, it will remain this way for longer than most mountain destinations. Basically, Durango and Silverton aren't really close to anything. Denver is a solid 6 hours away. And honestly, the riding is hard and unforgiving. Not everyone's cup of tea perhaps. The San Juan is just hard enough and just too far to go for the average weekend warrior. I like it that way. 

Doin it for the gram. If you call me an "influencer" I might just choke you out. This is my job in a roundabout way, but I do not do this for likes, or numbers on a screen, or validation. I have always done this, before smartphones and youtube, and I will continue to do this after social media dies a fiery death in hell. I am motivated by spending time with amazing people in remote places that are hard to get to. Nothing worth doing is easy. Nothing means much in life if the easy route is your goal. 

So, to summarize. As long as it keeps raining, I really can't bring myself to leave this place. If you need me, I will be wandering around at 12K, keeping a keen eye on the weather and riding my bicycle until my legs don't work. Much love San Juan. Much Love. Don't forget your jacket. 

#followcamfriday dashing though the flowers on Coal Bank Pass with Chris Boice. 

There is just something magical about the San Juan Mountains in the Southwest corner of Colorado. Silverton is technically the nearest "town" to the area, with Durango being a solid 45 minute commute. Getting here from Denver is a bit of an endeavor, to say the least, so the trails stay reasonably uncrowded. There are plenty of riding destinations closer to Denver fortunately, and this place will always have that going for it.  The sheer amount of riding in Durango is absolutely endless. 

The monsoonal flow is your friend if you like to ride mountain bikes. As long as you get an early start and are out of the alpine before 1 or 2, you reap the benefits of tacky dirt and absolutely perfect trails. The flowers are so tall that you can't always see the trail, but that is all part of the fun I suppose. When the flowers hit you in the face when you are turning and try to grab your brakes for you, you are doing it right. Hand guards have never been appealing to me but this is one of those places that they would make a world of difference. 

Chris and I have been riding bikes for many years and as a byproduct of this conditioning, we rarely get arm-pump. You know the descent is proper if we are having a hard time hanging onto the bars. The bottom of Engine Creek, right before you get the the river is one of the finest sections of trail anywhere. Trust me. 

There are a few different ways to access this one but we chose to climb Engineer Mountain Trail and then descend Engine Creek back to the car. This is a reasonable 3 hour loop with a few thousand feet of climbing. The top probably reaches 12K. While it is more efficient to shuttle, Chris is into fitness so we did it as a loop. 

When in Colorado.

Chris Boice owns RallyVan. He has been custom building vans for clients for a few years now, and all I can say is that his van is way nicer than your house. If you are in the market for a home on wheels that you can actually drive off-road, Chris is your guy. Rally Van 

A friend we rode with the other day said that these cabbages only bloom once every ten years. Also, the height of the bloom is the height of the snowpack of the coming winter. If these blooms are any indication, the snowpack next year will be amazing. I bet your weather app can't tell you that.  

When in doubt, foot out. The old inside foot plant to nosepick is a proper maneuver indeed. If you blow this turn, you basically fall off of a cliff into the woods. This was "first run" for Chris. He stuck the turn and lived to drive his van another day. Be like Chris, stick the turn. 

He's the one they call Dr. Feelgood, he's the one that makes you feel alright. #followcamfriday with Chris Boice. 

This was "first go" for Chris Boice. There is only one first kiss, so you may as well make the most of it. I have ridden and raced this one a bunch and it was highly enjoyable to watch Chris dissect this one. 

Chris passed his visit to the doctor with a clean bill of health. The last time I filmed this was in 2017 and Tom Sampson was not so fortunate. It was Tom's first lap as well and he unfortunately smoked a downed tree going at least 30mph. Tom made it out on his own power and we took him directly to the hospital in Gunnison where he learned that he had fractured his wrist and elbow. Tom made a full recovery and needs redemption on this one. 

Pretty sure I got the short end of the deal on this one. Trading water in a can for beer is never a great place to be, but Chris really needed the recovery drink. We rode more this weekend than Chris had ridden the entire year prior. A well earned Modelo Especial my amigo. 

Doctor Park is probably regarded as the "favorite" trail in Crested Butte. That is saying something considering CB is one of the premier MTB destinations in the world. It's definitely way up there on my list, but picking favorites is like choosing between children. 

It wouldn't be a ride in Colorado without finishing with one wet foot. I should really remember to switch feet on occasion before crossing streams. 

For some reason, beer just tastes better in a river. I highly recommend both cold water, and beer for proper recovery after a solid day on the trail. Chris is doing it right here.