#followcamfriday from one of the finest pieces of trail in the world. 

I had not been to Sedona for a couple of years, and as it currently snowing almost everywhere, AZ seemed like the logical choice for guaranteed shred. Even in the wet, Sedona rides well. The red dirt deals with the water exceptionally well as there isn't much clay in the soil. And when it dries just a bit, red velcro conditions occur.

You can go ahead and subscribe to Jeff's Youtube channel HERE. Unless you hate riding on one wheel, in which case, maybe don't.... #lovesbackwheel

In addition to JKW, we assembled an all-star squad to ride Hangover. James Weingarten, Lars Romig and Mason Bond, who interestingly enough rides a hardtail, doesn't care much for shirts, and has an affinity for bananas. This squad will surely do.

Ahhh.... the infamous Hangover saddle. After you take a few minutes to admire the view and have a snack, go ahead and nose-manual straight down into the depths of hell. JRA for James. If you are struggling for traction, consider using only one wheel. 

This is why the trail is called Hangover. Not because the people who created this masterpiece were drunks, but because you actually have to duck to ride this one. Fortunately for Jeff, he is short, like me, and just clears. I should be noted that you can't fall right.... Jeff did have one situation but fortunately, he swung on a branch and saved himself from certain injury. True story. 

Lars has lived in the Sedona area for his entire life and knows the rock better than anyone. When he isn't busy sprinting his brains out, or saving cats that are stuck in trees as a local fireman, he works closely with the local trail coalitions. Lars has been instrumental in building and keeping these trails open for you to ride. When you see Lars, make sure you thank him before he sprints away and tears you legs off. Mongo smash.

Mason doesn't give a shit about you wheel size or your suspension travel. Skills over springs all damn day. Be like Mason. Bonus points for pants and flannel kit. Living proof that you can't buy skills and nothing really matters but just riding your bike. 

#followcamfriday with James from my favorite trail in Denver. Stay smashy, Dakota Ridge. 

"Favorite trail in Denver" is a bold statement. Longhorn is sweet, Deer Creek, Chimney, Enchanted.... So many good descents. After careful consideration, I prefer Dakota Ridge. 

I like this trail because it is hard. It is not sanitized, not friendly, and not for the faint of heart. Going up, going down, any way you slice it, Dakota is a fist fight. If you can clean the uphill stairs, and then the uphill rock section onto the ridge, you are having a good day. This section kicked my ass for so many years, and cleaning it every once in a while is special to me somehow. Nothing worth doing is easy. 

The wind likes to present itself in the most inopportune times. James almost got blown off of this cliff. Fortunately, James is a ninja, and it takes a bit more than a 50mph cross wind to knock this man down. 

Bonus lines. Did I photoshop James into this picture or did he boost off of that 6ft tall rock? I had never seen anyone ride this line before and it looked out of place. 5 feet high, aiming in the wrong direction, looking down the trail at the road in the distance. Can't be real. James things. 

The newly opened Dakota Ridge "South" section is well-worth a couple of laps. This was our first time on the new addition and we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of trail that continues the theme of the original creation. Thanks Tyson, love your work. And, to top it off, the South section is bike only. Hikers don't bother me one bit, but it is nice having a few less people on the trail, being so close to the monstrosity that is Denver, and all. Kudos again Jefco. 

Textbook James right here. The more time spent on one wheel, the longer your tires last. James doesn't have time to change tires, because he is too busy riding bikes, so he tries his best to only use  only one wheel at a time. Strategy. 

So, next time you go out and ride Dakota Ridge, make sure you clean those uphill log stairs. Session them until you cramp, or vomit. Don't come home until victory is yours. If you are one of those people who thinks that the log stairs should be modified because you can't ride them, Green Mountain is right across the street and has what you are looking for. Dakota Ridge is hard. It makes me feel like I suck at times, and I truly appreciate that. Less pats on the back, more punches in the face. Character building. 

#followcamfriday riding the newly revamped Morrison Slide with James Weingarten

Happy New Year everybody! Join us for a rip on Morrison Slide in Golden, Colorado. This one is pretty interesting in both directions and I haven't actually decided which way I prefer to loop this. Do you have a preference? Either way you slice it, this is a great addition to the classic Dakota Ridge- Red Rocks loop. Just make sure you ride it when it is quiet, there are people everywhere. 

James and I filmed this a couple of weeks ago before the snow set in. Riding in short sleeves in December is always a novelty, so appreciate those days while you can. 

People keep asking me what my new year resolution is.... I resolve to not need to make resolutions by trying my hardest to live right, year-round. I'm not going to start cross-fit, or yoga, embark on a fad-diet, go vegan, or drinking less. I don't need a date to make changes for the better. I will just keep trying to be the best person I can be, every day. Maybe I should try and spend less time on the internet...

The expression "keep the single track single" has always made me chuckle. This section of trail is mostly used by hikers and is easily 30ft wide. I personally love it. The more line choices the better, the more eroded the better. Riding a perfectly smooth ribbon of singletrack is sweet and all but I am a man who is looking for some chunk. In 2019, I resolve to try and break more wheels on rocks. 

This section of "keep it single" is pretty hard to beat. You know, for not having any rocks on it.... The last bit before you get to the Mathews Winters parking lot is lit Throw in a tail wind, and you don't even need to sprint that hard. James probably has the KOM on this section, but I wouldn't know. For 2019 I resolve to keep not using Strava. 

James lost his dog Walter this week. Please send James some positive vibes and make sure you give the dogs in your life extra snacks, head pats, and snuggles. Man's best friend is impossible to replace. Sincere condolences from myself and Pete. 

A bit of motivation from myself and James to get out there and start working on that ham storage. #followcamfriday holiday season sleigh rides and cold hands. 

When you see us dressed in down coats and riding bicycles, it can only mean one thing. December in Colorado. This also means that it has not snowed in the high country for a few days and my time is better spent chasing dry trail. As it turns out, dry trail is easy to find when the temperatures are well below freezing. 

I don't seem to drink enough water in the winter. Interestingly enough, I waited till the top of the climb to have my first sip, only to find that my water bottle was frozen solid. No water, all ice. Oh well, I wasn't thirsty anyway. Good thing I have been carrying this dead weight around for a while. Always be training. 

That look I get when Pete has to stay behind. Poor dude. He gets more walks that he can handle, but at 12 years old, his multi-hour bike riding days are behind him. He still gets excited, but I think he is pretty comfortable, curled up in the sun, taking a nap, dreaming of critters. But still, that look...

We think that Bergen Peak is best ridden as an out and back. This makes for a solid 2200' climb and a nice, chunky descent. There was plenty of snow and black ice to keep us honest, but we were pretty lucky to be able to get up this high in December if you ask me. The upper part gets little sun and plenty of snow normally. 

Jame's dog Karl also fires off that gaze of disapproval as we get ready to ride. Riding with dogs is not really a thing in the greater Denver area on public multi-use trails. That makes Karl sad, but I think he understands. He also realizes that the poop fairy doesn't exist, and makes his human pick up his brown presents. Good dog. 

James is Jewish, but that didn't stop him from wearing his Christmas best. When it's below 20 degrees in an arid climate, down coats make a lot of sense. Easy to stash in your pocket for the climb and absolutely mandatory for the descent. Skinny bike people get cold easily. Perhaps I need to work harder on my gluttony next season. If you need me, I'll be searching for pies and ice cream to keep me warm in the coming winter months. 

Well it's about damn time. Denver's first bike-only, directional, DH trail. #followcamfriday on Longhorn at White Ranch in Golden, Colorado. Thanks Jeffco!!

This has been a long time coming. Yes, it's less than a mile of trail, and no, people didn't normally climb this thing, but hey, it's a start. There are hundreds of miles open to hiking in the greater Denver area. Thanks for giving us 1 mile that we can actually ride full speed on. Good work Jeffco. 

To be clear, this only applies to the lower section. Normal etiquette applies to the rest. But once you go over the green metal gate, you have permission to ride with complete disregard for any and all personal safety, or the safety of other traill users, for that matter. Be my guest, crash your brains out. You can only hurt yourself. 

I am not a fan of Strava for many reasons. I race bikes in real life. It is worth noting however, that James holds the coveted KOM on lower Longhorn. If there is one KOM to get, Denver's only directional DH trail should probably on the top of your list. So go ahead and try to take that virtual crown away. After watching James ride, I wish you the best of luck. You will need it. 

Nothing to see here, just business as usual for Pete the dog. Pete is 12 years old and Longhorn is way above his pay grade. I can't tell if he is excited at the notion of a ride, or mad because he knows that he can't come along. He might be trying to flat me, or, he might just be crazy.... Who's to say?

Flat pedals win medals. They also make parking lot trials maneuvers a bit more inspiring. When is the last time you saw the White Ranch parking lot completely empty? It was well below freezing when we started, but still... Where is everyone?  I should have done some donuts in the van, just because. 

This photo looks like I got really creative in Photoshop and placed James in the air, but this actually happened right before my eyes. Flat pedals also help you jump over sketchy fences apparently. Who knew? 

Yup, December delivering the skating rink that we are somehow becoming far to comfortable riding. Black ice navigation levels are at an all time high. I have only fallen a couple of times because of the ice. Hopefully I don't break a hip before spring comes. 

James demonstrating perfect form here. There is much to learn from watching this man ride. I know that you haven't started your Christmas shopping yet because Christmas is still 4 days away, so here is a gift idea. 
James owns Float Apparel and runs weekly tee shirt campaigns, donating 8$ from each sale to an animal charity. I just saved Christmas for you! You can thank me next time you see me on trail. 

#followcamfriday from Chimney Gulch in Golden, Colorado with Mr. #lovesbackwheel, James Weingatren

After skiing for the last month, I was more than ready to start getting back out on my bike. With temperatures in the low 50's, Golden was looking mighty appealing. Tropical getaway, if you will. Sometimes I just need a break from the bike. Mentally and physically. Although I am "living the dream", a bit of time off the bicycle helps me stay fresh and motivated. Plus, skiing is rad. So, there's that. 

Winter riding in Denver is a mixed-bag situation. The sections of trail that remain in the shadows are typically snow-packed. When the snow gets enough traffic and some fluctuating temperatures, it turns to ice. Sprinkle some dirt on that ice and you basically have an accident waiting to happen. This makes what I would consider "mundane" sections of trail,  a bit more engaging. As a man who prefers to struggle, this makes me smile. 

I knew that James was the man for the job. My only Front-Range friend brave enough, skilled enough, and stupid enough to want to ride on the skating rink that is Chimney Gulch. When James is not risking life and limb in front of my lens for your viewing pleasure, he runs
Float.org 
Float runs a weekly tee shirt campaign, and donates a chunk of the proceeds to different animal charities. You like animals right? The holiday season is here, do the right thing.  

Pete the dog likes denver. After XC skiing for the last month, he is ready to basically not be freezing his ass off. Pete has short hair. Pete is cold always. He has a jacket but gets terribly self conscience when he wears it. The dogs with hair make fun of him. It's like when you show up for the XC ride and you decided that today was the day to wear full-body armor. Your spandex-clad xc friends might give you a hard time.  

Dear Pete, this is completely unacceptable and I wish I could cure you of this habit. Eventually, we are both going to get hurt because of you obsession with my tire. As  the delighted onlookers point and laugh, just remember that one of these days, this will end badly. 

But I digress. Where were we? Oh yeah, bikes. Chimney Gulch is often done as an out-and back or can easily be linked into Apex for a bit more mileage.  Apex has funny rules about what days you can ride on certain trails,in certain directions, so I typically steer clear. Chimney offers 1300ft of gain as an out and back and is a reasonable workout, especially when the climb is made even more challenging by the ice and snow. 

James rarely has to replace his front tire. For some reason, it just never wears out.... I can't figure it out. I replace mine every few weeks. I must be doing it wrong. #lovesbackwheel

Good work bru. Thanks for not dying on the ice on front of my camera. Nascar theory does not apply when I am filming. I am not secretly waiting for disaster, quite the opposite actually. Fortunately, James is a s solid as they come, and despite having a whole bunch of  moments, remained upright throughout the ride. Only a ninja can kill another ninja. I don't even know what that means, but somehow I find it fitting here... 

That look of satisfaction. Pete in his element. 

#followcamfriday Season 4, Episode 2. Riding Khyber Pass to Babylon By Bike with Ariel Lindsley and Matty Ryan. 

Here we have what I would affectionately refer to as Whistler "side country". These are trails that are accessed from the bike park, but are not really in the bike park. There is a informative sign at the top that lets you know that you are definitely leaving the bike park. Only good things can lay behind these signs....  

This is akin to leaving the backcountry access gate from the ski area in the winter. In the summer, you don't need a shovel, probe, beacon, or the knowledge to properly use these tools. Instead,  you do need to know how to ride your bike and be ready for anything that might happen out there. Basically, manage your life. Personal responsibility is paramount. 

tIf you start seeing sketchy dilapidated wooden stunts, you are in the right place. As janky as this thing looks, it rides surprisingly well for a feature that has existed for at least 15 years. Lower Babylon feels like a history lesson. I have much to learn apparently.

Ariel and Matty are legends. There is a spicy drop below that is rarely ridden. By rarely, I mean never...  It is basically a 12 footer into a chute, which is hard to ride on it's own, complete with a sketchy run-in to start the line. The dirt needs to be absolutely perfect for this sort of thing. Traction is necessary to avoid death. Today was not our day. We will live to fight another. There used to be a rope to lower oneself into the chute, through the rocks, but a go-around was constructed to avoid the rope section. The go-around is really hard in itself, part of me misses the rope however... Jank. 

Janky wood, to nose-pick, to more janky wood. Oh Whistler, how I love you. This trail was constructed before the existence of the modern trail bike that we all have come to love these days. How in the hell is someone supposed to get around this one on a DH rig? Haha, so good. Man we have it good nowadays. Our forks don't hit our steerer tubes when we turn, but we still didn't clean this one... Matty did. Legend. 

This marmot tried to kill me. He fully charged and then stood on this rock and puffed his chest up at me. Everyone was laughing. I was scared. This dude meant business. Like I said, once you go past that boundary sign, you have to be prepared for anything. Manage you life friends. 

Whistler Bike Park delivering the goods. #followcamfriday with Ariel Lindsley, starting at the top and ending at the bar. 

Tour Du Wizzla continues as we ride Top Of The World for your viewing pleasure. Obviously, this is completely covered in snow as you read these words. We filmed this in August, under overcast skies and chilly temperatures. TOW is the crown jewel in the Whistler necklace. All the good rides start here. 

Is the red light blinking? Is this thing on? This episode is mostly filmed backwards, which means I cannot see my camera, which means I can't really see if I am filming or not... Fortunately Ariel has a keen eye for the blinking light of send. When you see the red light, pull up. Those are the rules. Ariel complies. 

If you look closely, Ariel is wearing pants and is actually riding a different bike here. We filmed this over 2 days, to get normal, and reverse POV, to offer some different perspectives. I think Ariel is faster in pants, on his wagon wheeler. But, that's just me. Ariel refers to the reverse cam as "shark cam", named after a video he saw on Youtube of a shark chasing a boat. Seems applicable. Maybe I should tie a fish to my ass. 

Have a look at Ariel's eyes here. He is looking through the turn. This is perfect form and execution. There is something to be learned here. Also to note, is his spacing behind me. If this appears close on a GoPro, he is almost touching my rear wheel. Commitment on fleek. 

Ever wonder what is happening behind you. If your friends are rad, they are taking bonus lines and hucking everything in sight. I present to you, example A. Unbeknownst to me, there is a spicy bonus line here. Always interesting to see other peoples interpretation of the trail. My job is rewarding in this way.  

If you use this rock as a jump, you can clear the no-hiking sign..... Extra bonus points and pints for Ariel. Remember the old arcade games, where you would gather coins? Remember the sound of the coins? Ding Ding Ding. That is the only thing going through my bean-brain as I look at this photo. Every "ding" represents one more pint that Ariel can have at the bar when we make it to the bottom. If we make it to the bottom...  Gather those coins friends. 

Well, that is a bold statement... #followcamfriday buckets of loam in Whistler situation with Ariel and Matty. 

I am not big on claiming best anything.... Best wheel size, best country, best tires for the front range....Best anything. The term "Best" is very subjective. People ask me all the time what the best ( insert thing) is, and I rarely know what to say. Which is the best Yeti??? Well, I have no idea.... They are all sweet. 

So, what makes the best day ever? It's a combo situation. The people, the bikes, the trails, the vibes. My "best day" can never be your "best day".  Again, highly subjective. Any time I am riding with Ariel Lindsley and Matty Ryan, the probability of BDE definitely exists. 

So, what made this day so special? This day was the perfect storm of squad, moisture levels, and trail selection. And how about the trail selection? We rode the Whistler classic "Kashmir", into a trail that didn't officially exist yet, and back into the park for some flow. Any time you get the privilege of being one of the first people down a fresh bit of trail, you are right where you want to be. When loam passes you as you descend, levels are on fleek. 

Loam is a drug. When people say "loam to the dome", they actually aren't riding loam, they are riding loose gravel in Colorado and spouting off about how epic it was. When organic material is hitting you in the back and passing you in the air, you are riding loam. When you are shaking at the bottom and all you want is another lap, you are an addict. Now you understand me better. 

I have been saving this one for the day when "Line Of Control" was made official. I am not in a position to be posting unsanctioned, hidden trails, so this one had to wait. Now that LOC is official, it will be ridden into the ground and undoubtedly be a pile of loamless dust by the middle of next summer. And the cycle continues. By the time I make it back to Whistler next summer, this one will be unrecognizable. But, I will forever remember, bouncing down the hill on the squishy carpet of green, and shaking and twitching at the bottom. I am a addict, check me into the clinic. 

Squad goals. Loam laps off of the chair. The only thing I can compare this to is a 3ft powder day. Except, you ski the same line all day and it doesn't really get skied out. Free refills. Double overhead loam barrels all day. The levels were right where they needed to be. Best day ever. 

#followcamfriday searching for dirt on Mt Joss in July with Tom Kiwi Bradshaw. It's winter up here eh.

Sometimes enthusiasm trumps common sense. Throw in some abnormal athleticism and you find yourself standing in the snow on the top of a mountain. With your bicycle... Where did I leave my skis..... 

Now while I am not condoning this sort of behavior, sometimes you make a bad call and find yourself in the alpine a bit too early. Truth be told, you can't really hurt the trail when you can't actually see the trail. Right? Interestingly enough, the 2 meter deep snow patches gave way to complete blown-out dust about half way down. Tom can be seen here testing the snow levels. 

When you get Tom and Ted together in one location, there can be no bad days. They are a team. A "squad" if you will. It is absolutely impossible to have a bad time when these boneheads are present. We should all be so lucky to have friends like this. 

Mount Joss, located near Revelstoke is a unique experience. We chose to do this as an out and back, totaling about 4000' of gain/ loss. Some have been known to access this by helicopter, we opted for the hard way. Tom had a flight to catch that afternoon, so we figured we had better try as hard as possible to make him miss said flight. 

Dogs make everything better. Tedd's dog #lovesbackpaw, just like dad. This black projectile is pinned, and will be the last thing in your way on the descent. 

When you have walked through so many patches of snow that you can't clip into your pedals any more... Or, just Tom being Tom. Why we love him. 

Green room. After doing battle on the icy tundra above, the trail eventually gave way to some authentic jungle riding. I saw a monkey. Next time I do this ride, I will be packing crampons and a machete. The contrast was amazing actually. Spring time in BC... Got to love it. Errr, July. 

So, if you are looking for a challenge and are in the area, give this one a rip. The views and alpine are unrivaled. Just maybe wait till August, so you don't have to giver skidoo. Eh. Oh, and Tom made his flight. What a bummer. Bye Tombo.