calm between storms

Blogging is now like marathon or "epic" mtb racing...people may or may not be writing still, but no one reads it. Marathon racing is not what it once was where people pay attention to it, either.. its happening, but no one really cares, they're busy doing their own things. It comes down to folks writing and riding for their own benefit, as it should be. If you don't want to write, or ride, don't. There's no obligation, and neither takes the place of real writing, or XC racing, as it were.

Real mtb events...that's what this is all about. It was very apparent the difference in the crowds and vibe between the US Cup event at Windham and those at the Dark Horse 40 in southern New York last weekend.



People. Lots of people.



Events like the Dark Horse are what its all about to me - fun trails, good racing, crowds, and the party that is before/during/and afterwards...though I really question the part during the event. That was 3 hours of sweaty bump greasy and slick trails...no commas needed.

But the US Cups are the big show in the US and they do a good job. Its a pleasure to support and see the guys succeed on that platform, and their enthusiasm is genuine, as is mine.



We have a good crew who never stop giving each other a hard time...and don't take themselves too seriously despite being some of the best athletes in the business. Food makes things easy, and they never stop eating...it seems like that's all we do when we're on the road.





This trip, like most, was interspersed with dealer visits. Its a chance for us to connect with the local scene, dealers of our sponsor's products, and us to sample new trails with new friends.



Its usually a complete goof-off session, OR, us getting our legs ripped off by the area's hammer head riders stoked to ride with the PROS.







Inbetween the visits, we spent last week exploring the Stratton Mountain area in Vermont. I'd like to have hassled Millillilliman, but that didn't work out...so next time, we're taking you up on the opportunity to visit RIP.





At Mount Snow, I was in heavy cold medication, racing/riding practically drunk. It showed and I kept crashing my brains out....so I skipped the STXC and took those 25mins to heckle, I mean, Support, everyone I knew. Its been awhile since a race was watched and not participated in....its quite fun, ya know? Both racing and watching, that is...and the heckling.





And before all of this travel happened, the Rapha Continental boys and girls visited Utah.



That was an interesting day...but this, dear empty audience, is another story.