Kong!

2021 going out like a lion. #followcamfriday bring on 22'

This has been a wild year on many levels. I don't need to explain that to you. The absence of normalcy is the new normal. Get used to it. Here's wishing everyone a happy New Year's. May 2022 bring you many bike rides and good times with the best people. 

There is just something about putting a clean run down Kong that keeps me coming back for more. Just rowdy enough to keep us on our toes the entire time. I find great focus in situations like these, and not in very many other places in my life. If it looks death defying on my drone, well... it actually is. You would have to mess up really bad to actually perish, but this one is not for the faint of heart. I can't recommend you ride this actually. 

It is worth noting that James Weingarten is on his trail bike. This is the driest and most beat up I have seen Kong, so it goes without saying that James is a ninja. I have only seen James scared a couple of times in 20 years of riding. This was one of those times. 

R.I.P. Jordie. All who pass shall do 30 push ups and cast a stone off of this cliff with the opposite arm. If you don't have 30 in you, Kong is above your pay grade.

I probably have 8-10 laps on Kong now, and I can honestly say that it is one of my favorite trails in the world. It always scares me, then it makes me giggle, then it gives me relief, all in a matter of 2 minutes time. It's like a drug. Maybe more safe, maybe not, I suppose it depends how you look at things. 

I am not really the new year's resolution type, but if I was to make one, it would be to spend more time in Virgin, and less time pedaling. This is a young man's sport, but for some reason, the older I get, the more I want to jump off of things on my bicycle. Maybe I have pedaled too many miles over the last 25 years, but if I am being honest, I just want to hit jumps now. I am perfectly content hitting dirt jumps all day or carrying my bike uphill all day to ride lines. The bike I am riding is a 7 speed with a road cassette and an analog seatpost. It actually doesn't even climb. After living and training at 9000' for the last 25 years, the last thing I need is another workout. I just want to hit jumps. Is that wrong?

Good form James, good form. Respect. 

So fair warning, this isn't everyone's cup of tea. It's not a challenge or a "right of passage", it's actually dangerous, has mandatory airs,  and has consequences. If you New Year's resolution is to pedal more, Kong isn't for you. Even though this looks cool on the internet, you can get pretty worked on this one, so approach with respect. 

Big thanks to my friends, and to all of you out there for supporting the #followcamfriday content machine. I am truly thankful to be surrounded by good people and am excited to see what the future holds. Cheers to 2022!