Come on in, the water is nice. #followcamfriday surfing wash with Lars Romig in Sedona, Arizona

Sandstone skatepark for as far as the eye can see. My happy place. This is the spirit of freeride. If I am being honest, hiking around and riding goofy lines with Lars has enabled my sanity over that last few months of global chaos. When the surf is breaking, you go the the beach. 

When you have ridden all of the better known trails in Sedona, one million times, what do you do? You start ticking of little bits of new trail and piecing new bits of rock together. Sugarloaf is more of a hike than a ride but the descent is worthy. It's not the type of thing that people would go out of their way to ride but it is amazingly fun at 7am, devoid of hikers. All of the smashing. All of the banging. Happy guy. 

As it so happens, the rock in Sedona is legal to ride, as long as you don't disturb the soil or create new trals. The sandstone offers amazing grip and provides an entirely new way to experience the red rock. I don't get to ride  "real" skatepark much, this is as close as I get. 

The line pictured above is real. There are 3 g-outs to deal with. The last one has broken many wheels and bikes over the years. Lars broke a wheel in it many years ago and this was the first time he had attempted it since. Great success. This was another line that I had stared at for years but never made happen. Basically there is no room for error and if you get slightly off line at the bottom, you will be going to the hospital, directly. No one wants that. Especially now. 

It is very interesting to see how much my perspective has changed, after being here for almost three months now. I am getting increasingly confident with the steeper lines and limit of grip. This line intimidated me for years, but on this morning, it somehow seemed insignificant. This cycle of progression and confidence will surely end badly at some point, but it is interesting to see things with different eyes. 

This is an upper entrance to a line named "sugar pill" Lars' girlfriend Laura came up with the name Placebo. Couldn't be more fitting. We were drinking tequila at the time and that definitely confirms the sneaking suspicion I have always had that tequila does in fact, make you smarter. 

So where does this end? How far is too far and who is going to be the first to end up in the hospital? These are hard questions to answer. Lars works for the fire department and has seen one of the slowest months on record for injuries. Despite what you see on Facebook about hospitals being overcrowded and "taking beds", the opposite is actually true here in Sedona. There is no work for the emergency service people. So strange. Let's hope it stays that way, injury is never the goal. This is a wonderful time to hurt yourself in Sedona. If you put yourself in danger enough times, eventually the odds are stacked against you. Base-jumping comes to mind. Ticking time-bomb. Backcountry skiing is similar. 

So I guess what I am trying to say is to live life to the fullest. We can sit on the couch, paralyzed with fear, or we can go out and push the limit a bit. I am not saying "hold my beer" style, but getting a bit out of. your personal comfort zone, whatever that may be, is absolutely vital for growth in my opinion. This applies to all things in life. Do something every day that scares you. Thanks for the motivation Lars. You my boy. 

#followcamfriday DH laps with the boys. 

After "sheltering in place" for the last 2 months in Sedona, and basically pedaling our brains out, we were long overdue for some shuttle assist DH laps. There is just nothing quite like smashing laps with disregard for bikes and tires. Loud sounds. Smash. Giggle. Repeat. 

Interestingly enough, Lars Romig grew up in Jerome, the small mining town at the bottom of the pass. Jerome is "haunted" supposably. Although I cannot confirm or deny this claim, there was a certain something about Jerome that felt a bit different. Not that anything actually feels "normal" right now. So there is that...

Where did all the red-rock slabs go? This was a welcome change from the visual masterbation that Sedona delivers. Nothing out here but pines and rocks. Sharp rocks. I love Sedona with all of my heart, but it lacks one thing. Shuttle trails. Brewer is as close to a "shuttle" run as Sedona has to offer. Trail 28 on Mingus can be ridden without a drivetrain. Exactly what I was in the mood for. Variety, spice of life. Now where did I put my DH bike? Oh yeah, it is inside of my garage in Colorado, last seen 11 weeks ago. Hope she isn't mad at me when I get home. 

Every high-line is rewarded with a proper exit. Get high, stay high. Frenchie Alex putting on a turn clinic as usual. Baguettes and Roquefort for breakfast. Yum. 

Life is starting to feel a little more "normal" here in Sedona. Restaurants are opening back up, most retail shopping and campgrounds. The "stay at home" order expires today and this place will undoubtedly be crawling with tourists soon. Will we regress and have another round of quarantine? Only time will tell. I hope people have learned some lessons in all of this. This world is strange enough currently. 

So now that I am allowed to travel, where should I go next? I am getting really excited for some alpine shenanigans. The mountains are calling, this was just a taste. A pleasant reminder of why I live in the mountains and feel at home in the mountains. 

Say What? Another new trail in Sedona... What a wonderful time to be alive. #followcamfriday with Alex Petitdemange on "Bottom Out"

The trails are growing faster than weeds here in Sedona. "Bottom Out" was recently completed and opened to the public, finishing a multi year trail intuitive in the Dry Creek area of Sedona. Kudos Sedona, you are a shining example of trail expansion being done right. Love your work!

The Dry Creek area is a bit more "XC" than the rest of Sedona, and this new bit of trail is a nice contrast to that style. This one is aptly named and may just be in the running for "jankiest" in town. Trying to make sense of the squares is always amusing. Alex and I did two laps on this. We encountered 5 mountain bikers total, only one was actually riding their bike. Get the picture? Jank. 

I am a man who can appreciate some proper jank. Always a puzzle worth solving. The puzzle goes together quickly with Alex in the lead. Once I pulled my head out of my ass on the second lap, things felt much smoother. Much love for the jank. Banging sounds and square wheels for all of the people. 

This marks week 10 in the land of red-rock. It appears as though Colorado has eased travel restrictions, so my self-quarantine days are numbered. I couldn't have picked a better place to shelter, in place. Very fortunate indeed. As I type these words, sitting in Lars' house with my dog Pete, I can't help but get a bit nostalgic as I will need to get out of here soon. My what a trip it has been. I am grateful for my friends and my support structure that made the last 2 months bearable. Alway surround yourself with good people. Love my quaranteam. 

Picturesque jank is still jank. You can dress the jank up and put a bow on it, but at the end of the day, it will still try and break your bike and your spirit. So good. Less pats on the back, more punches in the jugular please. I'll have another serving. 

Pretty stoked on the performance of my drone out in the wide open desert. This will be an amazing tool for the Colorado alpine season that is fast approaching. It is exceeding difficult to make plans currently with all the chaos in the world, but I do know that the mountains are calling. I am truly looking forward to spending some time, way above treeline in the very near future. 

So yeah, grab your smash wagon and go check out Bottom Out. See if you can clean it, first go. See if you can figure out where this trail gets its name from...I wish you all of the best. Keep the health levels up, people of the interwebs.  

You would be foolish to not ride this canyon. #followcamfriday Sedona self-quarantine week 8 with Lars and Alex

If there is a place to hang out in the afternoon that is more visually stunning, you can just let me know in the comments. There is just something special about the light on this one that makes the tourist in me smile. Tourism is still being discouraged however, as the governor of Arizona just extended the "stay at home" order through May 15th. I have been here for 9 weeks now, sheltering in place and exercising daily with caution. 

Deadman's Pass is a notoriously crowded section of trail that is normally riddled with hikers in the afternoon. With Devil's Bridge being officially closed, this was the perfect time to ride and film this amazing section of trail. While it is obvious that Sedona would not be sustainable without tourism, it sure is nice to have empty trails and quiet spaces to recreate. After living and working in a tourist destination for the last 20 years, this time is even more special to me somehow. Perhaps we have tipped the balance too far. 

Ranchero life is the life for me. This car just makes me feel a certain way. Makes me want to grow a mullet, head out for a cruise to the shake shop, and grab a burger and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drive in theaters, that sort of thing. Instead, Lars helped me shave most of my hair off in the driveway, followed by tacos and tequila. Then we looked at our cell phones. Either way. 

Lars and Alex have this trail dialed. Good thing, because one wrong move and there will be a pile-up in this canyon. Fools on the ground, in the canyon. An appropriate name if there ever was one. The name "Canyon Of Fools" could also be referring to  people using this trail in flood conditions. Not a place you want to hang out in a rain storm. 

Would you just look at it. The stuff of Hallmark postcards. I am still having my mind blown by the technology that allows my drone to chase us and make these surreal shots possible. Crazy times indeed. 

Maybe I will be able to head home soon. Maybe I will just stay here for the rest of my life. It is a bit strange not knowing what tomorrow will bring. People keep asking me, and I still do not have an answer. All we can do is make the best of what we have and live life to the fullest right now. Keep the levels up friends!

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. 

#followcamfriday smashing and banging with Lars Romig for your viewing pleasure.

A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of riding Geronimo on South Mountain with Lars. This is regarded as the best DH track in the area, and for good reason. This beautiful piece of trail is an absolute fist-fight, top to bottom. Absence of flow makes Nate a happy boy. The sound of wheels hitting rocks makes me smile. Big mood. 

Here in Arizona, life feels eerily normal right now. Restaurants and bars and gyms are closed, but most businesses and public parks and recreation remain open.  The trailheads are reasonably crowded, as they always are at this time of year, but it almost feels normal. I would estimate that all of this will change, very soon. If people can't respect social distancing protocol, all of this will be closed. It's coming. Mark my words. 

We all need our daily dose of vitamin D, conveniently provided by the sun. Thank you sun. These dogs are just soaking it up. Since our time in Phoenix, we have been avoiding crowded outdoor/ popular areas. It is a tough balance. Everyone wants to be outside, many are out of work, with plenty of free time. We just need to keep away from each other right now. I witnessed a wedding party congregating at one of the most popular trailheads in Sedona yesterday. How sad. Their marriage is more important than public health. I don't think I can recall anything more selfish. 

On a brighter note, there are plenty of places to get away from the crowds. Lars and myself have been exploring new lines and finding new trails to ride. The social distancing initiative has actually eased trail user tension. Hikers now dive in the bushes and hide from us, instead of playing the awkward, yield, no you go, no you go, game. Fear of infection is easing the tension. I hope people can remember how to act after the fear has subsided and the virus has passed. It's pretty easy, just don't be a dick, and everything works out. Virus or no virus. 

So yeah, I will keep trying to post a weekly video and blog for now. I have a bit of content that I was saving for a rainy day, or an injury, or a virus I suppose. People always think that everything they see on the internet is in real time, but I am fortunate to have some content in the bag. I can't wait to field the comments about us risking injury right now. To be very clear, it is never a good time to get injured and the goal is quite the opposite, despite how things may look to you on a computer screen. Judging our "risk" or danger level from watching a video is reasonably short-sighted. Risk is relative, and you can't really tell what is happening in my video anyway. We are honestly just riding along, well within our comfort level. JRA

Those city vibes though... So many people, so close to the trails. I would say that this place is the last place you should go to avoid people. We lucked out a few weeks back and did Geronimo as an out and back before the road opened. The road through the park is closed till 10 on Sunday's. Can you say road biking heaven? 

Be safe out there friends. Keep the spirits up and get out for some fresh air, away from people, when appropriate. Until next week. 

#followcamfriday doing my best to remain at a safe distance from the general public in Sedona. My bicycle is the right tool for the job. 

We are living in a time that will be remembered as one of the darkest and most chaotic in history. Each new day brings more bad news and negativity. I stopped looking at Facebook. Not that I have ever been a fan of the idiocy that is passed around on that platform, but come on... Fuck Facebook. It is pure brain-rot right now. The absolute last thing anyone should be staring at currently. Facebook should be suspended immediately. We would all be better off. 

If you are fortunate enough to live in an area that is not on lockdown, and your local trails remain open, I strongly recommend that you ride as much as possible. Your body needs the vitamin D and the exercise. In moderation, both will help the immune system. No, of course I am not a doctor, but I do know one thing, riding feels good. Riding lifts the spirits. Riding improves the mood. We can all use a dose of "feel good" right now. 

I felt a bit selfish posting an episode of Follow Cam Friday this week. Aren't I lucky to not be on lock down... Aren't I lucky to be able to work and ride, and basically function as normal... If you are not, I definitely feel for you, and wish you well. I do however feel like the world needs entertainment right now. Something to break the cycle of negativity. Something else to focus on, even if for only a few minutes. As long as I am allowed, I will keep trying to make episodes for the people. I feel a certain responsibility to bring the stoke, to lift the levels. 

As of tonight, all of the bars and restaurants, gyms and public places are closed in Sedona. This week has felt like a magical fairytale, as if Arizona was a safe haven, largely unaffected, largely normal. It was starting to feel a bit strange. This is a tourist destination after all, and many people from all over the world pass through here. It was just a matter of time. The first case was confirmed in town today. Here we go. 

I am not entirely sure what I am trying to say here, but it somehow helps to type out some thoughts and feelings as I sit in my van, parked as close to Whole Foods as possible, stealing their internet and hand-wipes at the front door. As it turns out, when you are traveling in a van without a toilet, you don't actually need toilet paper. Social isolation is my normal, things don't feel that different. But they are. 

I usually keep this blog pretty light. No politics, religion, or sensitive topics, just stoke and bikes, but this situation is making me very uneasy. I feel very fortunate that my current job and lifestyle basically insures that I am in the best shape possible and have been training, and being "healthy" for my entire adult life. So, at least there is that. That is my choice. This sounds terrible to say but, if you have been neglecting your health and wellness  for your entire life, things will probably be getting very real for you in the near future. I am most sad for the older folks that have lived the healthiest life possible, only to be in a higher risk category, due to age, and will likely be infected by people with a better chance for survival.  I feel less remorse for the smokers and morbidly obese, that are finding themselves in that same high risk category. This sounds bad, but you get what you signed up for unfortunately. I certainly don't expect any sympathy from you if I die in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry, of break my back while taking excessive risk on my bike.  Many would consider my life "reckless" but I feel the reward of health will always outweigh the associated risk. Those are my choices. I accept them.  And you are free to make yours. People die in the Isle of Man TT every year. People keep racing. The risk vs reward equation is different for everyone. As harsh as that all probably  sounds, this is the unfortunate reality of the situation the world is currently facing. The elderly and those with weakened immune conditions are at a distinct disadvantage. So very sad. I wish nothing but the best for my fellow man, and feel terrible for the older folks in the world that have to deal with this mess. 

Sorry to be so dark, it is soothing somehow to type these thoughts out. We can't hide from this, but at least we can have a positive outlook. Positivity will not cure a virus, but it will greatly improve the current vibe and mood of life. Everyone is on edge right now. We can all really benefit from banding together, joining teams, and putting our petty differences aside. Look out for your fellow man. Make a positive impact on someone's life. Try your best to be a good person and give people the benefit of the doubt right now. No one is thinking clearly. Let's all try and show compassion and work together. This is our only hope. The world works in strange ways to teach people lessons of how we should always have always been living in the first place. 

Tomorrow I will be riding with Lars and Alex in Sedona. I will try to be extra nice to everyone on the trail, at the grocery store, and driving around town.  Social distancing is important, but let's all try to be better people in the process. I hope I can remember all of these important lessons I am learning once life eventually returns to normal. Hopefully sooner, rather than later. Thank you bicycle, you have saved me. Without bikes, I would be in the high-risk category, for sure. I was obese and actually smoked darts before I started riding bikes for a living. Thank you bike, thank you.
Positive thoughts and health to all of mankind! Keep the levels up. 

#followcamfriday risking life and limb in times of uncertainty with Lars Romig.

This is pretty bad timing with the whole toilet paper shortage situation... I can honestly say that I was very puckered to ride this line in its entirety. I filmed Lars riding this steep piece of rock last year, but didn't ride the entire line until this week. I faced my fears and committed fully. Great success. 

We are definitely living in some interesting times right now.  I am certainly not suggesting that you go out and get reckless, but there are certainly worse ways to go... The risk is high on this one, so if you do attempt to ride this, make sure you approach it with the skill and respect that it deserves.  This isn't some bullshit that looks hard on video. It actually will send you to the hospital if you mess up. Straight to the hospital. 

Kyle bought a Ranchero last week. My bike just barely fits longways in the back. This may be the ultimate shuttle rig. When you pull up at the trailhead in a Ranchero, there is no question that things are about to get real. Pete is in support of this vehicle purchase. He just wants to go for a cruise. 

Sandstone has amazing grip. If it is black or covered in moss, not so much. Reading the terrain on the fly and visually inspecting things is very important. Fortunately Lars wore his moss colored kit to outsmart the lichen. 

Into the abyss. This one takes full commitment. Once you drop in, there is no stopping or turning back. This is basically a controlled freefall into a hole. If you go slightly too fast, you will huck to flat and proceed directly to the hospital. Seriously. 

Just getting to the start of this line takes some skills. Luckily, I am better at riding than climbing. Just don't drop your rig. The red rock is no friend of carbon space-ship bikes. 

The original thought on this ride was to try and link together all of Cathedral. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in Sedona and was far too crowded to ride in its entirety.  Every single hiker we encountered was amazed and very friendly, but this just wasn't the time to try and clean the entire Cathedral descent. This will be a sunrise mission for another day. Yes, this is open to bikes. No, you shouldn't try and ride it with people around. 

So yeah, the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival was fun. I led some group rides, met a ton of awesome people and drank a frosty beverage or two. Oh, and I overcame some demons and rode a line that scared me. I call the weekend a success.