Getting loose on the hog. Pig Trails from Sedona, Arizona with Frenchie Alex. #followcamfriay on the hunt for swine. Meat-sweats engage. 

After last week's' episode, we were due for a bit of a decompression session. The model of constant risk, just isn't sustainable for very long. That said, the pig trails are no cakewalk, but the chances of death go down slightly with this one. Part of the legendary "Triple H" loop, Hogs compliments Hiline and Hangover really well. Ride all three in a day to see what you are made of. 30 miles in Sedona is legit. Maybe throw an extra slice of bacon in your bibs. 

Truth be told, you are more likely do die of heart disease from all that bacon you are eating, than from riding the Hogs. Fortunately Alex is sprinting his brains out and offsetting his bacon intake nicely.  If you hear me cry-breathing in my video, it's because Alex is pinned and I am hanging on by a thread. Or by a pig tail... 

And yeah, Pig Tail has got to be the most fun minute of the Hog experience. Several jumps that work well with the natural terrain, put you just where you want to be. Look out for javelinas hiding in the bushes. I have seen several in the area on this trip. Legend has it that they wait for mountain bikers that case the jumps on Pig Tail and feast on their compromised bodies. Luckily, we cleared all the jumps and emerged unscathed. 

Alex Petitdemange works at Absolute Bikes on the Oak Creek side of Sedona. When Alex isn't turning wrenches or stealing your KOM's, he is busy petting animals. Pete approves. Interestingly enough Pete spotted his first javelina pack on this trip. Fortunately for Pete, he was on a leash. As I later learned, Ridgeback's were bred to hunt boar. I have never seen that ridge stand up so tall on his back.... Good boy.   

Frenchie and I have been riding and racing together for years. When FollowCamFriday first began, I filmed him riding Hangover and that was my first "viral" video. By viral, I mean, stolen all over the internet. It's all history from there. There is just something about the scenery and visual appeal of Sedona, throw in a skilled rider, and you have yourself internet gold.  Sure am thankful for my talented friends!

Spending time at the Sedona dog park has become our daily routine. You can tell my dog from the rest by all of the cameras hanging off of him. #petecam has become a thing in itself. Maybe dog POV will be the future. I am ahead of the curve there, stacking content for a rainy day. If you need me, I will be bent over, picking up Pete's turds with a black bag on my hand. There is no poop fairy. 

#followcamfriday pushing the limit and accepting the risk with Lars Romig in scenic Sedona. Do me favor and don't do this. At least, read my ramblings below before attempting... 

How do you view risk?
By definition- Risk acceptance or risk retention means the fact of accepting the identified risk and not taking any other action in order to reduce the risk because we can accept its impact, the possible consequences - we simply risk it.

I have never fallen into the risk vs reward mentality. I have no need to justify my risk for a "reward". To me, mentally pushing past my perceived boundaries IS the reward.  I don't need a pat on the back, or a gold star. It doesn't have to be "worth it". Accomplishing a goal is all the reward I need. This is what gets me out of bed in the morning. If the internet didn't see it, I would still be doing the same thing... 

Some would categorize  this type of riding as reckless. Some would say that the risk is not worth the reward. I respectfully disagree. Admittedly, this is not everyone's cup of tea, and I completely respect that logic. However,  do not mistake calculated riding for reckless riding. Lars and I have spent years in this terrain, getting to know the nuances and limit of grip. This isn't the sort of thing that you just jump into and send. It is very calculated and mythodical. You don't just jump on a sport bike and race the Isle Of Man TT. This is a process of incremental steps, incremental experience, and above all, respect.

The infamous "White Line" is regarded as the crown jewel of Sedona gnar. I have ridden the White Line more than 50 times. I approach it with the same mindset each time. Complacency leads to mistakes. In avalanche-safety circles,  there is much talk as of late to the "expert halo". If you become too comfortable with your surroundings and get lucky enough times, this can lead to a false sense of confidence. Approaching each line with a similar respect level is important to stay alive. Removing outside influences and factors, and seeing clearly what lies before you. Comfort leads to mistakes. When I am not scared in dangerous situations, I am falling victim to "expert halo". That very notion keeps me up at night, more than the lines themselves. Be scared, have respect.
All of that said, the White Line was the "easiest" line that we overcame this week. Perspective.

 Lars had been wanting to ride this line for 5 years. Watching a close friend overcome fear and conquer perceived boundaries is fucking surreal. I did not ride this entire line and was scared for my life. I will ride it one day, just needing to get my head around it a bit more, and adjust my perspective. Lars is definitely the first person to ride this section of rock. Full respect for realizing his vision after looking at this ridiculous line for 5 years. I was in awe, and I am a man who has seen some shit. 

So where does this leave us? My inbox is full of requests, asking to be featured in a FollowCamFriday episode. I am not sure that you really want to be in one of my videos. If you tell me how rad you are, or how bad-ass your 10 year old is, we simply can't work together. Respect and humility are the only way forward. Lars has this in spades. We trust and understand each other. Our risk acceptance level is the same. This also applies to backcountry ski partners. No, I won't go backcountry skiing with you.... It's not because I am too cool, or that I don't like you. It's very simple, I don't trust you with my life. We haven't built rapport.  Lars and myself are on the same program. Kyle Mears, James Weingarten, same team. There are very few people in my life that I am comfortable with in life or death situations. Lars is on that short list. 

So yeah, I am not going to tell you not to try and ride these lines. To be crystal clear, none of this was done for a camera, all of this was done for passion and breaking down boundaries. My fucking bike fell off a cliff and landed in a tree this week. Perspective. Respect. I got a little too confident and got put in my place. I failed. I posted my fail to the internet because life is not all peaches and cream. The struggle actually is real. I don't live in a fantasy world, I fall down like everyone else. My farts smell and so does my dog. What seperates people is the ability to get back up and keep cracking. I have learned a lot this week. As I type this with a glass of wine, at 1am in my van, I thank you for reading. 

The perfect storm! All of the best things in one neat little package, ready for human consumption. #followcamfriday from Hiline in Sedona with the all-star team. No squid, all squad. 

This one is gonna take a special team. Not everyone is up to the task. I am calling in the all-star squad for this one. Special ops. It has been raining... Levels are peaking... Stoke levels are approaching dangerous levels....  Overload imminent. Red velcro alert. 

The look on Jame's face speaks volumes. This grin eats shit. When you get this sideways look, things are about to get real. Fat kid in a candy store, real. Trails will be shredded, risks will be taken. Hopefully people are ready for the typhoon that is about to hit land. Sorry, I am being dramatic... It was a reasonably good day however.

When I can capture three riders in front of me in the same frame, we have a tight squad. This team is accustomed to riding really close together, trusting that the leader will do no wrong... Kyle Mears, James Weingarten, Jeff Kendall-Weed, always surround yourself with good people. I wouldn't be where I am today without my highly skilled and motivated friends. Showcasing their riding and getting you guys stoked is reasonably satisfying. My friends are rad.

Hiline is probably my favorite trail in Sedona. Perfect balance of tech, up and down, bonus lines, and risky maneuvers to keep my bean-brain engaged. Hucks to flat, yup. It has those. Sharp cactus to keep you in check? Yup, tick that box too.  

,JKW and myself and I have a very different technique for going uphill. I am more of a "spit on it and ram it in" type of guy. Jeff is more of a trials, hop, hop, stuff the dude behind you, kind of guy. Both styles work well to accomplish the same goal. I am a meathead masher, Jeff is a delicate sprightful butterfly. Sting like a butterfly, fly like a bee. As I write this, I find myself drinking an 8% kombucha... Do you enjoy my drunk keyboard pecking?
​But I digress. 

JKW JRA. Saving front tires, one wheelie at a time. He laid out the rules early on in this trip- When you see kids, do a wheelie. Simple really. Jeff is all about keeping the levels where they need to be. He is the nicest guy you could ever meet on the trail and makes every hiker and child smile at every opportunity. Well done Jeff. Be like Jeff. 

Go subscribe to Jeff candle weed's YouTube channel
If you are not a fan of unicycling and vlogs, go elsewhere. But if you are enjoying our situation, give hime some love on the interwebs. In the meantime, I'll be somewhere, riding on both of my wheels. 

#followcamfriday from one of the finest pieces of trail in the world. 

I had not been to Sedona for a couple of years, and as it currently snowing almost everywhere, AZ seemed like the logical choice for guaranteed shred. Even in the wet, Sedona rides well. The red dirt deals with the water exceptionally well as there isn't much clay in the soil. And when it dries just a bit, red velcro conditions occur.

You can go ahead and subscribe to Jeff's Youtube channel HERE. Unless you hate riding on one wheel, in which case, maybe don't.... #lovesbackwheel

In addition to JKW, we assembled an all-star squad to ride Hangover. James Weingarten, Lars Romig and Mason Bond, who interestingly enough rides a hardtail, doesn't care much for shirts, and has an affinity for bananas. This squad will surely do.

Ahhh.... the infamous Hangover saddle. After you take a few minutes to admire the view and have a snack, go ahead and nose-manual straight down into the depths of hell. JRA for James. If you are struggling for traction, consider using only one wheel. 

This is why the trail is called Hangover. Not because the people who created this masterpiece were drunks, but because you actually have to duck to ride this one. Fortunately for Jeff, he is short, like me, and just clears. I should be noted that you can't fall right.... Jeff did have one situation but fortunately, he swung on a branch and saved himself from certain injury. True story. 

Lars has lived in the Sedona area for his entire life and knows the rock better than anyone. When he isn't busy sprinting his brains out, or saving cats that are stuck in trees as a local fireman, he works closely with the local trail coalitions. Lars has been instrumental in building and keeping these trails open for you to ride. When you see Lars, make sure you thank him before he sprints away and tears you legs off. Mongo smash.

Mason doesn't give a shit about you wheel size or your suspension travel. Skills over springs all damn day. Be like Mason. Bonus points for pants and flannel kit. Living proof that you can't buy skills and nothing really matters but just riding your bike. 

#followcamfriday with James from my favorite trail in Denver. Stay smashy, Dakota Ridge. 

"Favorite trail in Denver" is a bold statement. Longhorn is sweet, Deer Creek, Chimney, Enchanted.... So many good descents. After careful consideration, I prefer Dakota Ridge. 

I like this trail because it is hard. It is not sanitized, not friendly, and not for the faint of heart. Going up, going down, any way you slice it, Dakota is a fist fight. If you can clean the uphill stairs, and then the uphill rock section onto the ridge, you are having a good day. This section kicked my ass for so many years, and cleaning it every once in a while is special to me somehow. Nothing worth doing is easy. 

The wind likes to present itself in the most inopportune times. James almost got blown off of this cliff. Fortunately, James is a ninja, and it takes a bit more than a 50mph cross wind to knock this man down. 

Bonus lines. Did I photoshop James into this picture or did he boost off of that 6ft tall rock? I had never seen anyone ride this line before and it looked out of place. 5 feet high, aiming in the wrong direction, looking down the trail at the road in the distance. Can't be real. James things. 

The newly opened Dakota Ridge "South" section is well-worth a couple of laps. This was our first time on the new addition and we were pleasantly surprised at the quality of trail that continues the theme of the original creation. Thanks Tyson, love your work. And, to top it off, the South section is bike only. Hikers don't bother me one bit, but it is nice having a few less people on the trail, being so close to the monstrosity that is Denver, and all. Kudos again Jefco. 

Textbook James right here. The more time spent on one wheel, the longer your tires last. James doesn't have time to change tires, because he is too busy riding bikes, so he tries his best to only use  only one wheel at a time. Strategy. 

So, next time you go out and ride Dakota Ridge, make sure you clean those uphill log stairs. Session them until you cramp, or vomit. Don't come home until victory is yours. If you are one of those people who thinks that the log stairs should be modified because you can't ride them, Green Mountain is right across the street and has what you are looking for. Dakota Ridge is hard. It makes me feel like I suck at times, and I truly appreciate that. Less pats on the back, more punches in the face. Character building. 

#followcamfriday riding the newly revamped Morrison Slide with James Weingarten

Happy New Year everybody! Join us for a rip on Morrison Slide in Golden, Colorado. This one is pretty interesting in both directions and I haven't actually decided which way I prefer to loop this. Do you have a preference? Either way you slice it, this is a great addition to the classic Dakota Ridge- Red Rocks loop. Just make sure you ride it when it is quiet, there are people everywhere. 

James and I filmed this a couple of weeks ago before the snow set in. Riding in short sleeves in December is always a novelty, so appreciate those days while you can. 

People keep asking me what my new year resolution is.... I resolve to not need to make resolutions by trying my hardest to live right, year-round. I'm not going to start cross-fit, or yoga, embark on a fad-diet, go vegan, or drinking less. I don't need a date to make changes for the better. I will just keep trying to be the best person I can be, every day. Maybe I should try and spend less time on the internet...

The expression "keep the single track single" has always made me chuckle. This section of trail is mostly used by hikers and is easily 30ft wide. I personally love it. The more line choices the better, the more eroded the better. Riding a perfectly smooth ribbon of singletrack is sweet and all but I am a man who is looking for some chunk. In 2019, I resolve to try and break more wheels on rocks. 

This section of "keep it single" is pretty hard to beat. You know, for not having any rocks on it.... The last bit before you get to the Mathews Winters parking lot is lit Throw in a tail wind, and you don't even need to sprint that hard. James probably has the KOM on this section, but I wouldn't know. For 2019 I resolve to keep not using Strava. 

James lost his dog Walter this week. Please send James some positive vibes and make sure you give the dogs in your life extra snacks, head pats, and snuggles. Man's best friend is impossible to replace. Sincere condolences from myself and Pete. 

A bit of motivation from myself and James to get out there and start working on that ham storage. #followcamfriday holiday season sleigh rides and cold hands. 

When you see us dressed in down coats and riding bicycles, it can only mean one thing. December in Colorado. This also means that it has not snowed in the high country for a few days and my time is better spent chasing dry trail. As it turns out, dry trail is easy to find when the temperatures are well below freezing. 

I don't seem to drink enough water in the winter. Interestingly enough, I waited till the top of the climb to have my first sip, only to find that my water bottle was frozen solid. No water, all ice. Oh well, I wasn't thirsty anyway. Good thing I have been carrying this dead weight around for a while. Always be training. 

That look I get when Pete has to stay behind. Poor dude. He gets more walks that he can handle, but at 12 years old, his multi-hour bike riding days are behind him. He still gets excited, but I think he is pretty comfortable, curled up in the sun, taking a nap, dreaming of critters. But still, that look...

We think that Bergen Peak is best ridden as an out and back. This makes for a solid 2200' climb and a nice, chunky descent. There was plenty of snow and black ice to keep us honest, but we were pretty lucky to be able to get up this high in December if you ask me. The upper part gets little sun and plenty of snow normally. 

Jame's dog Karl also fires off that gaze of disapproval as we get ready to ride. Riding with dogs is not really a thing in the greater Denver area on public multi-use trails. That makes Karl sad, but I think he understands. He also realizes that the poop fairy doesn't exist, and makes his human pick up his brown presents. Good dog. 

James is Jewish, but that didn't stop him from wearing his Christmas best. When it's below 20 degrees in an arid climate, down coats make a lot of sense. Easy to stash in your pocket for the climb and absolutely mandatory for the descent. Skinny bike people get cold easily. Perhaps I need to work harder on my gluttony next season. If you need me, I'll be searching for pies and ice cream to keep me warm in the coming winter months. 

Well it's about damn time. Denver's first bike-only, directional, DH trail. #followcamfriday on Longhorn at White Ranch in Golden, Colorado. Thanks Jeffco!!

This has been a long time coming. Yes, it's less than a mile of trail, and no, people didn't normally climb this thing, but hey, it's a start. There are hundreds of miles open to hiking in the greater Denver area. Thanks for giving us 1 mile that we can actually ride full speed on. Good work Jeffco. 

To be clear, this only applies to the lower section. Normal etiquette applies to the rest. But once you go over the green metal gate, you have permission to ride with complete disregard for any and all personal safety, or the safety of other traill users, for that matter. Be my guest, crash your brains out. You can only hurt yourself. 

I am not a fan of Strava for many reasons. I race bikes in real life. It is worth noting however, that James holds the coveted KOM on lower Longhorn. If there is one KOM to get, Denver's only directional DH trail should probably on the top of your list. So go ahead and try to take that virtual crown away. After watching James ride, I wish you the best of luck. You will need it. 

Nothing to see here, just business as usual for Pete the dog. Pete is 12 years old and Longhorn is way above his pay grade. I can't tell if he is excited at the notion of a ride, or mad because he knows that he can't come along. He might be trying to flat me, or, he might just be crazy.... Who's to say?

Flat pedals win medals. They also make parking lot trials maneuvers a bit more inspiring. When is the last time you saw the White Ranch parking lot completely empty? It was well below freezing when we started, but still... Where is everyone?  I should have done some donuts in the van, just because. 

This photo looks like I got really creative in Photoshop and placed James in the air, but this actually happened right before my eyes. Flat pedals also help you jump over sketchy fences apparently. Who knew? 

Yup, December delivering the skating rink that we are somehow becoming far to comfortable riding. Black ice navigation levels are at an all time high. I have only fallen a couple of times because of the ice. Hopefully I don't break a hip before spring comes. 

James demonstrating perfect form here. There is much to learn from watching this man ride. I know that you haven't started your Christmas shopping yet because Christmas is still 4 days away, so here is a gift idea. 
James owns Float Apparel and runs weekly tee shirt campaigns, donating 8$ from each sale to an animal charity. I just saved Christmas for you! You can thank me next time you see me on trail. 

#followcamfriday from Chimney Gulch in Golden, Colorado with Mr. #lovesbackwheel, James Weingatren

After skiing for the last month, I was more than ready to start getting back out on my bike. With temperatures in the low 50's, Golden was looking mighty appealing. Tropical getaway, if you will. Sometimes I just need a break from the bike. Mentally and physically. Although I am "living the dream", a bit of time off the bicycle helps me stay fresh and motivated. Plus, skiing is rad. So, there's that. 

Winter riding in Denver is a mixed-bag situation. The sections of trail that remain in the shadows are typically snow-packed. When the snow gets enough traffic and some fluctuating temperatures, it turns to ice. Sprinkle some dirt on that ice and you basically have an accident waiting to happen. This makes what I would consider "mundane" sections of trail,  a bit more engaging. As a man who prefers to struggle, this makes me smile. 

I knew that James was the man for the job. My only Front-Range friend brave enough, skilled enough, and stupid enough to want to ride on the skating rink that is Chimney Gulch. When James is not risking life and limb in front of my lens for your viewing pleasure, he runs
Float.org 
Float runs a weekly tee shirt campaign, and donates a chunk of the proceeds to different animal charities. You like animals right? The holiday season is here, do the right thing.  

Pete the dog likes denver. After XC skiing for the last month, he is ready to basically not be freezing his ass off. Pete has short hair. Pete is cold always. He has a jacket but gets terribly self conscience when he wears it. The dogs with hair make fun of him. It's like when you show up for the XC ride and you decided that today was the day to wear full-body armor. Your spandex-clad xc friends might give you a hard time.  

Dear Pete, this is completely unacceptable and I wish I could cure you of this habit. Eventually, we are both going to get hurt because of you obsession with my tire. As  the delighted onlookers point and laugh, just remember that one of these days, this will end badly. 

But I digress. Where were we? Oh yeah, bikes. Chimney Gulch is often done as an out-and back or can easily be linked into Apex for a bit more mileage.  Apex has funny rules about what days you can ride on certain trails,in certain directions, so I typically steer clear. Chimney offers 1300ft of gain as an out and back and is a reasonable workout, especially when the climb is made even more challenging by the ice and snow. 

James rarely has to replace his front tire. For some reason, it just never wears out.... I can't figure it out. I replace mine every few weeks. I must be doing it wrong. #lovesbackwheel

Good work bru. Thanks for not dying on the ice on front of my camera. Nascar theory does not apply when I am filming. I am not secretly waiting for disaster, quite the opposite actually. Fortunately, James is a s solid as they come, and despite having a whole bunch of  moments, remained upright throughout the ride. Only a ninja can kill another ninja. I don't even know what that means, but somehow I find it fitting here... 

That look of satisfaction. Pete in his element. 

#followcamfriday Season 4, Episode 2. Riding Khyber Pass to Babylon By Bike with Ariel Lindsley and Matty Ryan. 

Here we have what I would affectionately refer to as Whistler "side country". These are trails that are accessed from the bike park, but are not really in the bike park. There is a informative sign at the top that lets you know that you are definitely leaving the bike park. Only good things can lay behind these signs....  

This is akin to leaving the backcountry access gate from the ski area in the winter. In the summer, you don't need a shovel, probe, beacon, or the knowledge to properly use these tools. Instead,  you do need to know how to ride your bike and be ready for anything that might happen out there. Basically, manage your life. Personal responsibility is paramount. 

tIf you start seeing sketchy dilapidated wooden stunts, you are in the right place. As janky as this thing looks, it rides surprisingly well for a feature that has existed for at least 15 years. Lower Babylon feels like a history lesson. I have much to learn apparently.

Ariel and Matty are legends. There is a spicy drop below that is rarely ridden. By rarely, I mean never...  It is basically a 12 footer into a chute, which is hard to ride on it's own, complete with a sketchy run-in to start the line. The dirt needs to be absolutely perfect for this sort of thing. Traction is necessary to avoid death. Today was not our day. We will live to fight another. There used to be a rope to lower oneself into the chute, through the rocks, but a go-around was constructed to avoid the rope section. The go-around is really hard in itself, part of me misses the rope however... Jank. 

Janky wood, to nose-pick, to more janky wood. Oh Whistler, how I love you. This trail was constructed before the existence of the modern trail bike that we all have come to love these days. How in the hell is someone supposed to get around this one on a DH rig? Haha, so good. Man we have it good nowadays. Our forks don't hit our steerer tubes when we turn, but we still didn't clean this one... Matty did. Legend. 

This marmot tried to kill me. He fully charged and then stood on this rock and puffed his chest up at me. Everyone was laughing. I was scared. This dude meant business. Like I said, once you go past that boundary sign, you have to be prepared for anything. Manage you life friends.