Exposure

This one takes me back to the #followcamfriday roots. Don't fall left, don't fall right, maybe just don't fall. Riding in the Alps with Francesco Gozio on our new Yeti SB130's

This trip has left an impression on me, to say the least. Interestingly enough, this was my first trip to Europe and definitely won't be my last. I was sent here for a Yeti project, photographed by the legend that is Dan Milner. Fellow Yeti ambassador and Italian guide, Francesco Gozio joined us as the other "athlete". I guess we are "adventure athletes". Is that a thing? 

This project will see the light of day on the Yeti site in the spring of 19, showcasing the ability of our newly built SB130's, in their preferred habitat. In between "getting the shot" with Dan, I strapped on the trusty camera and filmed some of the more interesting descents in the Alps. I mean, how could I not. This place is unreal. 

Mont Blanc is looming in the background. Always there with her imposing presence, whenever the clouds parted. A good reminder to be humble, and good perspective of how small we truly are. 

Some would say that riding in this terrain is risky, even careless. I personally live for this sort of thing, fully accepting the responsibility and acknowledging the danger. The risk vs reward thing is an interesting debate. Most say that this isn't worth the risk. I have never done this sort of thing for a camera, only for myself. I was riding my bicycle along the edge of a cliff, long before there was social media, or YouTube, for that matter. It truly makes me feel alive and fills me with positive energy. That is my reward. Typing this sentence on my computer is not exciting to me. This is. 

Francesco Gozio was an amazing partner to have on this project. I had never met Dan or Francesco before I showed up on Dans's doorstep in Chamonix. Dan is s legendary ski and bike photographer and is regarded as one of the best and most experienced in the industry. I mean, he just got the cover of Bike mag this month, one of many. Dan's ability to tell a story with a single photo is unmatched. Both of these gentlemen have no problem going that extra mile to make something better. It shows in their character and in their work. These are the people that I enjoy surrounding myself with. Highly motivated, humble, bad asses. Good folks. 

If you need a guide in Italy, Francesco is your guy. You can thank me later.
RIDE OVER YONDER GUIDED TOURS

None of us had ever ridding this section of trail before. When we asked a local for beta, his description was "lumpy". I don't think I could have come up with a better description myself. I will definitely be incorporating this into my vocabulary. As it turns out, I am a big fan of "lumpy". Basically, what I am looking for in a trail. And how did the new 130's handle it? I was astounded. A bike that I can climb for 6 hours and then ride lumpy trails on. My happy place. 

Comprehensive bike check HERE

Keep it locked right here for more shenanigans from Europe over the next few weeks. I will be riding trail, drinking wine and trying to get fat on gelato before winter sets in.