It has been a little more than a month since the close of The Sea Otter Classic. All the prototypes have been leaked, the photo and video has hit Pinkbike, and all the message board banter has died out. Back in VA I am back to work, and spending time with the family. I have had very few days off, and even less on my bike. It is hard to be excited about riding, when you don't get to throw a leg over the bike. It has been hard to look at my old friends sitting in the garage, or hanging on the back porch at work. They just look at me with contempt and frustration, wishing me to go for a ride. I was in a bad place, but luckily I found an outlet.
Now don't get me wrong! There is nothing like spending time with my wife and little girl. Even bikes can't beat some QT with the Izze Monster. I also have one of the best jobs i can think of. My problem lies in my in my "Bike support system". Besides my 2 closest friends, One of which lives in Boulder CO, and the other works with me, I have nobody to get me stoked on bikes. Instead of moping in feeling sorry for myself. I decided to turn to a group of people that I have not known all that long. They come from all different parts of the country, some are younger than me ,some older. Some ride every day no matter what the weather. Some Like XC, some like DH. Some don't know what they like, and some know they don't like lycra. They all have different personalities, hobbies, and plans for their life. They are a group that gets me hyped, stoked, amped, pumped, jazzed and many other descriptive words. Every day I can be sure one of them will have pictures, video or a blog for me to read. Something that can give me a boost when I can't ride. Who am I talking about? Who can do this for you, just like they did it for me? Well, I will tell you they are not pro's. They don't work for any bike company. They are just like you and me. Regular people that have a passion for one thing. Bikes. I am talking about the Flight Crew. I know what you are thinking, and yes I am on the Flight Crew too. But we are way more than a marketing tool Airborne has chosen to rep them. Airborne gets what we are about and encourages us to share it with everyone. They did not choose us because we are pro's and could deliver podiums every race. They chose us because, we are the normal everyday people you find on your local trails. We live the culture and we take the bike seriously. We want people to be excited about our passion. So I want to say thanks to the Flight Crew. Over the past month weather you guys know it or not. I read, watched and laughed at your blogs, vids and pics. It gets me through the day sometimes. It recharges that part of my brain that thinks of nothing but bikes. So hats off to you guys. If you are reading this, Flight Crew or not. If you are having one of "Those" days. Just pop on over to our FaceBook page and get a boost. I can't promise news about the new trends, what type of toothpaste Sam Hill uses, or what DH tire is best."Although i have my opinion on that too". I can promise real words, pics and vids, from real, honest people like you that only want to ride and stoke you out. I may be late to the party, but I am here!
This is my first blog of the year. I am not a blogger. you may notice my lack of writing skill, poor grammar, and bad punctuation. Regardless I hope you enjoyed it. Questions, comments and advice welcome!
On the contrary Dan, your writing is spot on. You express your thoughts and feelings with clarity and creativity. Grammar and punctuation are for newspapers :) Can't wait to read more! And thanks for the props/appreciation, know that it is mutual too!
ReplyDeleteGreat write up... I enjoy reading anything from you guys!
ReplyDeleteAwesome post Dan, you really captured the essence of the Flight Crew! Hats off to you too man!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to more blogs in the future...
Thanks Guys, I am going to try and find time to write more. Like I said I am not a blogger by heart. so I have to think about my topics really hard before I write. I need the clear picture before I can begin. I always envy people that can just start with a basic idea and let it flow. anyway thanks so much. It gives me some motivation to write some more!
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