What a wonderful time to be alive. #followcamfriday exploring another new Sedona creation with Lars and Alex. 

We filmed this about 7 weeks ago, just after the Sedona MTB festival was in town. My how things have changed. Lars, Alex and myself had all previously dug on sections of this trail as it was being constructed over the last few months, so this was a pleasure to "test" in these hero-dirt conditions. We just had to get across this river that magically showed up and blocked access to Axis. No worries. Small price to pay for dirt perfection. 

This is not a good example of social distancing. Fortunately this was filmed pre-rona, and these are the only people I have been around for the last 2 months anyway, so I think we are not actually in violation here. If you need me, i'll just back here filming and sucking in the water vapor from Lars' and Alex's heavy breathing, as I desperately try to keep them in the frame. But don't worry, I will still catch hate in the Youtube comments for "taking unnecessary risk" on this blue run in the desert. I think people just need something to yell at right now. Completely understandable, but please remember that I am merely trying to provide entertainment, and keep working. Save your hate for Pinkbike. 

I know wearing all black is super thug and all but these skittles sure do look nice. Taste the rainbow. The red Skittles were always my favorite. I always appreciated the color my tongue would turn while consuming, said Skittles. Hummingbird food is delicious. 

Death before wet feet. Lars has the right idea here. I feel exactly the same way. We are supposed to be tough as nails, super bad-ass mountain bikers, but when the feet get wet..... Sad Panda. Any line possible to avoid the drink. And honestly, this river would have swept us away if we actually tried to cross in the normal route. Thank you, large log situation.

It may be hard to tell from this drone shot, but the dirt is unbelievably perfect. Perfect for digging, perfect for riding, perfect for shredding the red. Happy days. It is currently dry and hot in Sedona. I am certainly not complaining, but this dirt is the stuff of dreams. Wet ones. 

So yeah, this marks week 7, quarantined in Sedona. I have said this before, and I will say it again, but there are definitely worse places to be "stuck" than the land of red-rock. Pete seems to like it here too, despite having several javelina encounters. The animals are out in force with the town being devoid of tourists. Back to nature. Mother nature always has the last say. Not just on Earth Day. 
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This is what commitment looks like. Alex rode this out because he didn't tweak out and crash. Alex remained calm, didn't hoard any TP and made a rational decision to not abandon ship. Stay the course. Be like Alex. I will be here until further notice, until it is safe to return home. Keep the levels up amigos!

Sedona self quarantine going well. #followcamfriday keeping the bacon levels in check with Lars Romig. 

Nothing puts a smile on our faces like bacon. Pete tends to get a bit of drool working, Lars is no different. Can you blame them? A big day on the trails always feels better when you top off the bacon reserves before hand. Good strategy for longevity. 

I can honestly say that this is the best tool carrier I have ever used. Showing up at the trailhead in style, and with a wheelbarrow is proper etiquette. Lars and I have been making the most of our quarantine time by finishing up some digging projects on the empty trails here in Sedona. Social distancing done right.  

The trails in Sedona are refreshingly empty. People are listening, and doing their part to stay put and not take vacations. Good job, humans. This marks week 7 for me in Sedona. I am staying until it is safe to leave. After Sedona closed several of their most popular trailheads, town has been dead. Even on the weekends. Kudos Sedona, well played. 

The air is fresher, the animals are out, back to nature. Recently I have noticed that I can smell people. Say what? When I pass hikers on the trail, I can smell them now. I don't recall ever noticing this before, but the scent is overwhelming. Maybe the air is fresher and the scent is more pungent. Maybe I am crazy, but Lars has noticed this too. Perfume seems stronger, hikers smell now. So strange. Also, the amount of animal encounters I have had in the last few weeks is staggering. It's as if they know that there are less humans on the trail, and I am sure that they do. Back to nature. It should always be this way. 

Lars is a man who can appreciate a proper huck to flat. When our bikes are groaning and making sounds like broken washing machines, we are in our happy place. It feels so bad, but somehow, makes me so happy. Maybe this is a coping mechanism for the stress of daily life. Maybe I enjoy pain. Whatever the reason, a good old 6 footer to flat just makes me so happy. 

Pig Tail is running mint right now. This is basically the only jump trail in the area and is a nice contrast to the technical festival that exists everywhere else in Sedona. Pigs can fly, bacon is delicious. 

So very fortunate to be "stuck" in Sedona right now. The last light of the day never disappoints. Just as the sun starts to dip behind the ridge, my mind wanders to thoughts of meat snacks and tequila. Living our best life in these uncertain times. We just need to make it home without getting attacked by javelinas, to enjoy said tequila. Back to nature. Keep the health levels up friends! 

#followcamfriday bringing the city vibes to the trails with Alex Petitdemange on South Mountain in Phoenix, Arizona

​I decided to remove last week's video, due to the fact that one of the featured trails was "unsanctioned". Despite being present on Trailforks and Strava, there is apparently some dispute around this particular section of trail. It is never my intention to stress the local trail politics, and even though this section is completely legal to ride, I decided to take the high road and remove the video. It depends on who you talk to in Phoenix, and there are varying opinions on this section, so I am trying to be respectful and not add stress to this unique situation. The popular navigation apps are a resource that non-locals use to find trails, and I have always assumed that if a trail is present on a public app, than it is good to go and film. It is not my intention to draw more attention to this section, but rather state my position, and answer the questions about the mysterious disappearance of my last episode. Respect.

South Mountain probably has more "social" than actual trails if I am being honest. The proximity to the city and people's desire for outdoor recreation, both contribute to this situation. This area is a giant spider web of trails, without signage for the most part. It sort of reminds me of the alpine in parts of Europe. There is the trail, and then there are 47 other trails that parallel the main one, causing massive braiding.  This is an issue and I don't have an answer as to how to fix the problem. 

In my travels, I always try and respect the local customs. Trails, driving rules, cultural situations. Sometimes these things are easy to figure out, other times these things are  not so obvious. All we can do is try our best to be good people and do the right thing. On occasion people will object to how a trail is ridden, but it is never my intention to anger, only inspire. 

Alex is French, after all, so this photo is very fitting of the proper French technique. This is in his blood, from riding in the alpine on the aforementioned braided mess of switchbacks that is representative of the French alpine riding experience. Remember kids- you can pick your nose, and you can pick your friends, but you can't pick your friend's nose. Especially not now, what with the social distancing measures and all of that. 

It should also be noted that we filmed this about a month ago now, before the travel restrictions went into place. Arizona is currently under "shelter in place" restrictions and travel is strongly discouraged currently to help prevent the spread. If you can legally go outside, please do get some exercise and fresh air, just don't travel to do so right now. The trails will be waiting for you when the time is right. 

This is a reminder to be like Pete. Pete is not hoarding toilet paper and supplies. Pete is keeping a positive attitude. Pete is sheltering in place in this Ranchero. Pete is smiling. Be like Pete. We will get through this together.