To start off the new year, I took a trip south of the border, Canadian border that is…to the US. I was especially excited to be starting this trip and enjoy warm weather down south and get out of the rain in Squamish. Speaking of Squamish, check out this Squamish Video The People Of Squamish, featuring myself and MMR coach Mark Bunyan.
First stop Seattle and a meeting with Nuun Hydration nuun Hydration. I’m excited to say Mad March will be a proud supporter of the Nuun product and posting our events and stories on the Nuun site. After business was settled, I was invited for the local Nuun team ride on the Tokul Trails. I wasn’t expecting to be on a three hour ride for one of my first rides back from my wrist injury, but it was great! After that, I managed drum up enough energy for another ride with an old friend Kat Sweet who is working for Cascade Bicycle Club Cascade bicycle club in Seattle as their Educations Program Director. We met at the new Duthie Hill Bike Park, which is supported by the club and government funding. Great trails, check them out if you’re in the area!
I know I slept like a baby that night.
The wrist held up well during the rides so the next day I joined the boys at “The Battle field” … well a buddy’s house where the mini moto’s are heard doing lap around the track . Track owner Chris and some local rippers like Luke and Neal Strobel, Darren Brown, Bri-Sol, and others schooled me on the secret lines of their track. I can’t wait to go back to settle the score!
(video is on flicker)
With one more half day in Seattle I was stoked to do a 2hr morning XC ride with some more friends. Afterwards, I jumped on a plane to Vegas for Marin’s annual meeting with Sun & Ski Sports retail managers sunandski. So I guess the flight to Vegas was my rest. I landed at about 10pm and was picked up by friend Rob Brown, a rep for Marin and a few other brands. We promptly started our tour of the bars. First stop, the Ghost Bar at the top of the Palms Hotel. Later, we hit up some other VIP clubs on the strip with Rob’s Playboy club card which gives him and guests VIP access to all the clubs while bypassing all lines at the door! Eventually, the sneakers I had worn on the plane were not up to some places dress code standards and I finally headed bed. Lesson learned! I since have bought a new pair of dress shoes.
The next morning we greeted the 30+ Sun & Ski managers in the Bootleg Canyon parking lot where demo booths from Marin bikes, Scott and Haro were set up. I was glad to see good friend and pro rider for Haro pro Eric Porter at this event supporting his sponsor as well!
Next stop, Cali to see family and friends so I hoped on a plane for LA. I planned for a week of fun in the sun but it didn’t quite work out that way. Maybe I brought all the weather that was needed in Vancouver for the Olympics down to California, it was raining….ugh! I made the best of it and I have to thank my brother Nuri for giving me the keys to his trail ride, not a bike but a 60K rock crawler jeep JC Fab and Design.
I proceeded straight to the off road park near his house. My sister in law was not impressed with me since Nuri keeps this jeep in pristine condition. Thanks again Nuri J pic’s
Later, I headed for Santa Barbara to see my friends and prodigy Duncan Riffle.
Duncan just signed with Giant bikes for this season. I am really proud of him and his push to be different in the industry and bridge the gaps where yours truly has not.
Can I say, Super Bowl weekend? Well, I missed all the commercials this year but I was with friends and that’s what matters on this trip.
About 15 stops later I was ready to jump back on a plane, head back to Vegas for a day of riding, then catch my flight to Kentucky. As you may or may not know, I seem to miss small details sometimes. This time it happened to be my flights date which was Feb 12 and I showed up at the airport on the 13th! Must be more careful next time! So as you can guess I was a whole day late lol… anyway I got an extra day of riding in at Bootleg and hung out helping the Johnson Rock Hard Production crew for their “The New Mob” DH race. It sounded like it went off so be sure to hit up the next race “Greener Grasses” March 20&21 in Bootleg Canyon.
I finally boarded my flight to Kentucky for a focused 4 days of work. I was also hoping to XC ride a bit but again weather wasn’t cooperating.
Instead we focused on work and the up coming event at Rays Woman’s Weekend.
It’s your birthday, it’s your birthday!! was our chant for the drive as we rolled up to Rays. We unloaded the bikes and rode the park until 10pm or so then out for dinner South Side restaurant, you have to try the calamari it’s sooo good .
Ray’s Angels Woman’s weekend kept us on a hectic pace as we were up at 7am and at the park till midnight most nights. Woman’s Weekend was a blast, and I can’t say enough good stuff about it. All the organizers (Tanya, Tamara, & Nina) were on point from the coaches meeting and opening ceremonies into the event every detail was thought about. All the pro-riders were excited about the weekend and did and awesome job being patient and helpful. Additionally, our Mad March team
of coaches were busy all weekend with group and private lessons. I was like a proud parent when I got to see a couple our coaches helping some of the riders find that aha moment on a skill or technique. I had a great weekend hangin’ out with all the ladies and was so impressed with the participation and efforts they all put in. I think I found a few more heros in sport and specifically the BMX side, watching Angie ride the Troylee Rhythm room so smooth and of course Cory Cofey, I could go on. There were spills, thrills, and chill but all the participants went home in one piece with new found skills and friends!
I guess for me personally, this Woman’s Weekend got me stoked on coaching, riding and being on my bike for this season!
Hope to see you all on the trails soon.
Shaums
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