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Is blogging still a thing?

So there I was, drinking beer and looking at the internet. What ever happened to my blog..... I don't think people even realize that I race mountain bikes for a living. I think people know me as that guy who posts weekly POV videos on YouTube about riding on the edge of some scary cliff in the desert. I am a Vlogger now, do I really need a blog? Well, after a two-year hiatus, I just turned it back on because it made me smile. Let me know what you guys think. Times were simpler then. More projects, more problems. Wouldn't trade it for anything. ​

North American Enduro Tour #1 - Hood River

6/11/2014

6 Comments

 
Thank goodness race season is finally here. With all of my early season preparations finished, I was anxious to get my first race underway. Enough fake racing on my Garmin already. Sorry fitness freaks, Strava times don't really count. The mental game at a real race is a far cry from riding by oneself with an iPhone tracking your every move in your pocket. Now don't get me wrong, I love Strava as much as Frenchie Alex, but I was ready to race some humans. 
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My handy mirror compass is pointing me in the right direction
I have been to Hood River a few times now and have come to appreciate the laid-back vibe and great riding. It was dry this year, quite the contrast to last year's slip-n-slide gong show for me. 
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I guess this view if Mt. Adams will do for the week, sheesh
After riding both of my bikes down the tracks, I was more on the fence than ever as to which rig to race on….
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Sexy new girl with bigger curves, or the tried and true old steed…..
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After doing some timed runs, which determined absolutely nothing, I decided to ride the big wheels. I have spent more time on my SB-95 Carbon lately, so it just felt more comfortable at the time. This would be the first race of my life on non-26" wheels. Would my result have been different on smaller wheels? Probably not. I love both of my Yeti's and choosing between them is like trying to say which beer is better, in the end all beer tastes pretty good. 

Racing for me has always been about the places it takes me and the friends made along the way. I mean, of course I race to win, but the community that comes out for these events really makes it special. So nice to see all of my "summer friends", so far removed from the eight months of winter I currently reside in. 
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#teamcondor in formation again
When things are dry, the clippers come out. Schnell shaving precious seconds off of his tires. Braking knobs are overrated. Racers are dorks, myself included. 
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Can you see the focus here?
Helmet cam of stage 7 filmed in practice on my GoPro. This stage was warp-speed fast. It was not technical in a rocky way but traveling faster than 30mph on a one foot wide trail, between trees, presents its own set of challenges. Like not dying. I was fortunate to win this stage on day 2. Braapp.

oregon stage 7 from nate hills on Vimeo.

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Nice to see Chris Johnston, who took this sweet as photo. My fallen Nomad friend is healing nicely and will be back to kick our asses shortly, I am sure. It is killing him to not be able to race right now, I can see it in his eyes, but he comes out to support racing and has a great attitude. A stand-up dude and inspiring really. When I get hurt, I get grumpy and go into a shell. Chris just taught me something. Cheers mate!
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Rivaling Chris's iPhone-gold photo is this shot from Mike Albright. Mike has some great race coverage to check out on Pinkbike. Thanks man! Check it here.

After eight stages, over two days, here is how things shook out. Less than a second separating me in fourth, from Carlson #thefrother in second, sounds about right after 35 minutes of racing. I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Going to the airport sticky sucks. I think Keene's bike took the worst of it. BL #55 didn't show for the podium….. probably for the best. Great racing gentlemen!
I win stage 9 - Subie jenga
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Stop scowling at me hitch hiker, I really don't have room for you!
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Until next time, Oregon. Hopefully you are more moist, upon my return.
6 Comments
Kyle Mears
6/12/2014 05:52:16 am

Not sure why your using me as an example here? I dont think strava means anything more than talking shit on twiter does. I have raced all of u in the flesh and i'm 43 years old racing in the pro/open men.. never been a pro dher or xc racer.. just a rider for 20 plus years.. keeping it real directly!

Reply
me
6/12/2014 07:13:22 am


'Its funny that I beat you because I wasn't even trying"

Reply
Scott Hinson
6/17/2014 05:59:02 pm

That's funny Kyle because Nate has been the most down, real mountain biker I have ever known and now everyone is seeing it. He has always been humble and he and I were schooling fools like you since the 90's. Jedis 4 life! And just to be clear I in no way claim to speak Nate's feelings. I am merely speaking on behalf of my dear friend, Nate has
A lot more composure than I do. As the race results show.... Sorry did I miss your name in the top 25?

Reply
Kyle Mears
6/17/2014 11:37:58 pm

Thats cute Scott sticking up for Nate and call yourself a Jedi? I never hear of u.. anyway Nate and I are good friends just having fun here.. I have no idea who you are

Reply
me
6/18/2014 12:50:55 am

Haha, were you drinking some beers last night Scooter? Thanks for sticking up for me, but me and Kyle were just talking some shit. We are homies and this goes back to an old joke between us. Kyle is a legend and has taught me heaps about riding bikes. Hopefully on one of my trips through the PNW I will have some time to stop in and catch up. Hope you are liking your new bike!

Reply
Scott
6/18/2014 02:26:25 am

Oops. Sorry guys. Beer and comments don't mix.. You should delete that so no one else gets their panties in a bunch.. Now that I have some gears MAYBE I can keep up

Reply



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