2019 is shaping up nicely! I feel like I learned a lot about this mobile living thing in 2018, and made some great friends that are now helping me get fired up and have some more options for the next year. I’m currently camped out in Sedona, AZ, having a great winter that’s proving to be very constructive. The climate here is wonderful, cooperating well to get plenty of ride time and dog walks while forcing some much appreciated rest with the occasional rain or snow. In fact, this week is a weather week here with a rowdy forecast, so I took the opportunity to hit the keys and share some happenings here!
First off, I love having things on the calendar to build around and prepare for. I’m a firm believer that human nature is to do nothing if there are limitless possibilities. We need some structure to drive us and keep us focused! That said, I felt like I had the opportunity to dive into something huge this year, so I put my name in the lottery for the TransBC Enduro. It’s a daunting event- six day enduro format, racing blind, with approximately 20-30 miles per day and 5,000 vertical feet daily! After a couple of those big days last summer, I wanted it. To my surprise, an email came through after a few weeks that I’d been accepted! With a moment of elation followed by the weight of reality, a plan was forged and now I’m glad to say I expect a solid crew and to share the experience with my dude Kiwi as we throw down on the biggest event we’ve ever been a part of!
It’s ON!!!
The first few months of the year have been full of great Sedona rides and quality gym time thanks to some programming from Enduro MTB Training. I feel myself getting stronger and I’ve seen Becky get stronger already as well. The riding in Sedona is demanding and dynamic, where every pedal stroke requires some sort of power and technicality! With some great friends at Over The Edge Sedona and Whole Foods, we’re keeping the diet dialed and having a great time out on the trails! We also just wrapped up a Ninja MTB Performance clinic here, which is always a blast and good reminder to make time for drills and skill development!
The next big highlight will be the Sedona MTB Festival, which in my opinion is the best bike gathering in the country! Phenomenal demos, great expo area, skill session with Ryan Leech, and group rides all weekend! I’ve got a def posse coming in from all over the country, so I’m beyond giddy about getting weird with my dudes!
Shred the Red they say- what a great way to winter!
After that, it’s time for another Ninja Clinic in one of my favorite places- Moab! Then Becky and I are going to get some official MTB coaching certifications through PMBI in Fruita before we head up to the Ninja Compound in Oregon. If all goes well, I’ll get to throw down a fresh build in the woods there preparing for a gathering of coaches from around the country over Memorial Day. More jumps, drops, berms, and strange tech features to add to what I built out there last year! Looking forward to this and the time with fellow coaches!
June will be a rambling month as we make our way north. I’m hoping for some training miles in Oakridge, then laps in Bellingham and then into British Columbia for a few weeks at Squamish, Whistler and Revelstoke before the big race in July! I’m hoping to get more comfortable with the roots and granite, not to mention how steep and deep those trails can be!
Ramble Ready!
I really haven’t planned much for the second half of the year because I wanted to see how the aftermath of that big of an event will be. I’m not sure if I’ll be pumped to ride more and seek out more races to capitalize on the training, or if I’ll be ready to put the bikes up for a little while! But I certainly plan to spend some recovery time in Missoula afterwards as I regroup and see what’s next! That being said, if you’re doing any great events or races that I might not know about, let me know! I’m imagining a couple weeks of food and mellow days will be plenty and I’ll be fired up about getting rad again!
And in other great news, I’ve got some heartfelt gratitude I’d like to spread! Much thanks to Zoic Clothing for bringing me into their ambassador program! I love their gear and company, so I’m looking forward to representing them and helping at any events I can. If you’re interested or want to know more about their products, let me know and I’ll get you set up with a solid discount so you can try some for yourself!
Also, much thanks to Saxx Underwear and Prana Clothing for having me as an influencer, and HandUp Gloves for supporting Ninja MTB Performance!
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Tao of Scratch 