#followcamfriday smashing and banging with Lars Romig for your viewing pleasure.

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of riding Geronimo on South Mountain with Lars. This is regarded as the best DH track in the area, and for good reason. This beautiful piece of trail is an absolute fist-fight, top to bottom. Absence of flow makes Nate a happy boy. The sound of wheels hitting rocks makes me smile. Big mood. 

Here in Arizona, life feels eerily normal right now. Restaurants and bars and gyms are closed, but most businesses and public parks and recreation remain open.  The trailheads are reasonably crowded, as they always are at this time of year, but it almost feels normal. I would estimate that all of this will change, very soon. If people can't respect social distancing protocol, all of this will be closed. It's coming. Mark my words. 

We all need our daily dose of vitamin D, conveniently provided by the sun. Thank you sun. These dogs are just soaking it up. Since our time in Phoenix, we have been avoiding crowded outdoor/ popular areas. It is a tough balance. Everyone wants to be outside, many are out of work, with plenty of free time. We just need to keep away from each other right now. I witnessed a wedding party congregating at one of the most popular trailheads in Sedona yesterday. How sad. Their marriage is more important than public health. I don't think I can recall anything more selfish. 

On a brighter note, there are plenty of places to get away from the crowds. Lars and myself have been exploring new lines and finding new trails to ride. The social distancing initiative has actually eased trail user tension. Hikers now dive in the bushes and hide from us, instead of playing the awkward, yield, no you go, no you go, game. Fear of infection is easing the tension. I hope people can remember how to act after the fear has subsided and the virus has passed. It's pretty easy, just don't be a dick, and everything works out. Virus or no virus. 

So yeah, I will keep trying to post a weekly video and blog for now. I have a bit of content that I was saving for a rainy day, or an injury, or a virus I suppose. People always think that everything they see on the internet is in real time, but I am fortunate to have some content in the bag. I can't wait to field the comments about us risking injury right now. To be very clear, it is never a good time to get injured and the goal is quite the opposite, despite how things may look to you on a computer screen. Judging our "risk" or danger level from watching a video is reasonably short-sighted. Risk is relative, and you can't really tell what is happening in my video anyway. We are honestly just riding along, well within our comfort level. JRA

Those city vibes though... So many people, so close to the trails. I would say that this place is the last place you should go to avoid people. We lucked out a few weeks back and did Geronimo as an out and back before the road opened. The road through the park is closed till 10 on Sunday's. Can you say road biking heaven? 

Be safe out there friends. Keep the spirits up and get out for some fresh air, away from people, when appropriate. Until next week. 

#followcamfriday doing my best to remain at a safe distance from the general public in Sedona. My bicycle is the right tool for the job. 

We are living in a time that will be remembered as one of the darkest and most chaotic in history. Each new day brings more bad news and negativity. I stopped looking at Facebook. Not that I have ever been a fan of the idiocy that is passed around on that platform, but come on... Fuck Facebook. It is pure brain-rot right now. The absolute last thing anyone should be staring at currently. Facebook should be suspended immediately. We would all be better off. 

If you are fortunate enough to live in an area that is not on lockdown, and your local trails remain open, I strongly recommend that you ride as much as possible. Your body needs the vitamin D and the exercise. In moderation, both will help the immune system. No, of course I am not a doctor, but I do know one thing, riding feels good. Riding lifts the spirits. Riding improves the mood. We can all use a dose of "feel good" right now. 

I felt a bit selfish posting an episode of Follow Cam Friday this week. Aren't I lucky to not be on lock down... Aren't I lucky to be able to work and ride, and basically function as normal... If you are not, I definitely feel for you, and wish you well. I do however feel like the world needs entertainment right now. Something to break the cycle of negativity. Something else to focus on, even if for only a few minutes. As long as I am allowed, I will keep trying to make episodes for the people. I feel a certain responsibility to bring the stoke, to lift the levels. 

As of tonight, all of the bars and restaurants, gyms and public places are closed in Sedona. This week has felt like a magical fairytale, as if Arizona was a safe haven, largely unaffected, largely normal. It was starting to feel a bit strange. This is a tourist destination after all, and many people from all over the world pass through here. It was just a matter of time. The first case was confirmed in town today. Here we go. 

I am not entirely sure what I am trying to say here, but it somehow helps to type out some thoughts and feelings as I sit in my van, parked as close to Whole Foods as possible, stealing their internet and hand-wipes at the front door. As it turns out, when you are traveling in a van without a toilet, you don't actually need toilet paper. Social isolation is my normal, things don't feel that different. But they are. 

I usually keep this blog pretty light. No politics, religion, or sensitive topics, just stoke and bikes, but this situation is making me very uneasy. I feel very fortunate that my current job and lifestyle basically insures that I am in the best shape possible and have been training, and being "healthy" for my entire adult life. So, at least there is that. That is my choice. This sounds terrible to say but, if you have been neglecting your health and wellness  for your entire life, things will probably be getting very real for you in the near future. I am most sad for the older folks that have lived the healthiest life possible, only to be in a higher risk category, due to age, and will likely be infected by people with a better chance for survival.  I feel less remorse for the smokers and morbidly obese, that are finding themselves in that same high risk category. This sounds bad, but you get what you signed up for unfortunately. I certainly don't expect any sympathy from you if I die in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry, of break my back while taking excessive risk on my bike.  Many would consider my life "reckless" but I feel the reward of health will always outweigh the associated risk. Those are my choices. I accept them.  And you are free to make yours. People die in the Isle of Man TT every year. People keep racing. The risk vs reward equation is different for everyone. As harsh as that all probably  sounds, this is the unfortunate reality of the situation the world is currently facing. The elderly and those with weakened immune conditions are at a distinct disadvantage. So very sad. I wish nothing but the best for my fellow man, and feel terrible for the older folks in the world that have to deal with this mess. 

Sorry to be so dark, it is soothing somehow to type these thoughts out. We can't hide from this, but at least we can have a positive outlook. Positivity will not cure a virus, but it will greatly improve the current vibe and mood of life. Everyone is on edge right now. We can all really benefit from banding together, joining teams, and putting our petty differences aside. Look out for your fellow man. Make a positive impact on someone's life. Try your best to be a good person and give people the benefit of the doubt right now. No one is thinking clearly. Let's all try and show compassion and work together. This is our only hope. The world works in strange ways to teach people lessons of how we should always have always been living in the first place. 

Tomorrow I will be riding with Lars and Alex in Sedona. I will try to be extra nice to everyone on the trail, at the grocery store, and driving around town.  Social distancing is important, but let's all try to be better people in the process. I hope I can remember all of these important lessons I am learning once life eventually returns to normal. Hopefully sooner, rather than later. Thank you bicycle, you have saved me. Without bikes, I would be in the high-risk category, for sure. I was obese and actually smoked darts before I started riding bikes for a living. Thank you bike, thank you.
Positive thoughts and health to all of mankind! Keep the levels up. 

#followcamfriday risking life and limb in times of uncertainty with Lars Romig.

This is pretty bad timing with the whole toilet paper shortage situation... I can honestly say that I was very puckered to ride this line in its entirety. I filmed Lars riding this steep piece of rock last year, but didn't ride the entire line until this week. I faced my fears and committed fully. Great success. 

We are definitely living in some interesting times right now.  I am certainly not suggesting that you go out and get reckless, but there are certainly worse ways to go... The risk is high on this one, so if you do attempt to ride this, make sure you approach it with the skill and respect that it deserves.  This isn't some bullshit that looks hard on video. It actually will send you to the hospital if you mess up. Straight to the hospital. 

Kyle bought a Ranchero last week. My bike just barely fits longways in the back. This may be the ultimate shuttle rig. When you pull up at the trailhead in a Ranchero, there is no question that things are about to get real. Pete is in support of this vehicle purchase. He just wants to go for a cruise. 

Sandstone has amazing grip. If it is black or covered in moss, not so much. Reading the terrain on the fly and visually inspecting things is very important. Fortunately Lars wore his moss colored kit to outsmart the lichen. 

Into the abyss. This one takes full commitment. Once you drop in, there is no stopping or turning back. This is basically a controlled freefall into a hole. If you go slightly too fast, you will huck to flat and proceed directly to the hospital. Seriously. 

Just getting to the start of this line takes some skills. Luckily, I am better at riding than climbing. Just don't drop your rig. The red rock is no friend of carbon space-ship bikes. 

The original thought on this ride was to try and link together all of Cathedral. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona and was far too crowded to ride in its entirety.  Every single hiker we encountered was amazed and very friendly, but this just wasn't the time to try and clean the entire Cathedral descent. This will be a sunrise mission for another day. Yes, this is open to bikes. No, you shouldn't try and ride it with people around. 

So yeah, the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival was fun. I led some group rides, met a ton of awesome people and drank a frosty beverage or two. Oh, and I overcame some demons and rode a line that scared me. I call the weekend a success. 

What could possible make "new bike day" better? New trail day of course. #followcamfriday with Alex Petitdemange on Sedona's newest bit of tech trail. Ground Control. 

After spending way to much time skiing over the last 2 months, the desert was desperately calling my name. What better way to break in my freshly built Yeti SB130LR. Rocks were just begging to be smashed. 

Sedona just recently completed a couple of new trail sections for the masses. Ground Control links Airie into Outer Limits, offering a more technical option in the predominantly XC westside trail experience. 

Not bad. 

The amount of trail work that has occurred in the last few years is staggering. The local Forest Service has been working closely with the local riding community to produce some of the best sections of trail anywhere. This sort of cooperation is an example of things being managed and built correctly. How very refreshing. Good work Sedona. Keep it up. 

Frenchie Alex Petitdemange works at Absolute Bikes in Oak Creek. When he isn't fixing your broken bike, Alex is smooth and pinned. He has been know to strap a baguette to his frame for the longer rides in the area. A connoisseur of wine and cheese. He is faster than you in his car as well, but that is another story entirely. 

I am in town for the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival. You may see me riding shirtless, with jeans, and a flask of tequila. The trails will probably be too crowded to properly ride this weekend, so I may just get drunk and ride around and heckle people. If you see me out there, please give my a hard time. You bay get a sop from my flask in return. 

Keep it locked right here for more red-rock smashing. Spring has sprung. I can hardly contain myself.  This new bike feels amazing so far. The coil is smoothing out the Sedona chunk nicely. Very nicely.