Introduce Yourself

Hi everybody, I'm Matthew and I have an addiction to biking. I was never a huge biker when I was a kid but enjoyed it. Never did anything crazy - craziest thing I would have done is going on a dirt path!
I decided I wanted to bike to commute and bought a cheap box store bike. I also took it out for rides, again mostly street but did go through some fields and what not. Within a year that box store bike was toast and fell apart - needed new cranks and brake levers they literally snapped off! So, I went to a bike store. I was on a budget but got a good deal on 2 bikes, one for me and one for my wife. This would have been 2009 or 2010. Because of what they had in stock, I ended up with a Specialized Myka (women's bike) but it was the best fit for me. I only replaced the wheels this past summer as mine were too bare. Everything else aside from the grips are still stock on the bike. Last year I started doing some single track and going over features that we have here locally and going down stairs and all the fun stuff. This year I'm going to work on my jumps but am now searching for a new bike as I want something a little more capable than my 80mm hard tail! I love to ride and I guess I'd be called a weekend warrior because I would do my riding on the weekends or group ride one night during the week. Other than that I still commute to work 10k round trip when the snow melts enough - I do not have a fat bike. I've got 2 kids - one who likes to ride it easy over what I used to do like smooth dirt path, some light rolling hills and another who loves to go over rocks and roots. My wife likes to go out to and is the same style as my son - nice and easy gravel paths, preferably paved, but we all love to ride as a family. So all that long winded blabber just to say hi, I'm pretty new to serious biking and I love it!

Hi all - long time browser, thought it was time to sign up and add my 2 cents!!

Just joined. Also a member of VitalMX. Been a MTBr for years in SE Wisconsin. Glad to be a member.

Hey VitalMTB Legends.
Name is Stu Crooks and currently residing in Townsville Australia. (Family base in Brisbane Australia and Home base is Sydney). Move around a lot thanks to my job (armed forces). 39 years young, yet at the moment I feel about 60 due to injuries.
Started riding BMX for fun arpund 89/90, jumping curbs, garbage bins, kids, driveways etc. Got a bit more serious around 97 when I started racing BMX and around 99, was loaned a Mongoose NX 9.7 for a crack at DH. From there, ended up buying a Schwinn Straight 8 which was followed by an Avanti D8 soon after. Due to also playing Grade Rugby in a Sydney based comp, MTB and BMX took a back seat for around 10 years.
Ended up getting serious about MTB again in 2010, leaning more towards 4X events as I didnt have a DH bike at the time but still had a DJ bike. I ended up buying another DH bike in 2012 and getting full serious about DH again.
Due to work, races have been few and far between, and with a pretty bad crash in 2017 while racing BMX, I ended up with a broken wrist and elbow. It wasnt until after 18 months of dealing with pain that my wrist was surgically stabilised and my ulna shortend by 3mm to further assist. Then while recovering from this first op, I had my shoulder looked at as it is always popping out, so thats whwre I am currently, recovering from 2 surgeries in 6 months and frothing to order the 2 new rides I have identified, just need to get the OK from the surgeon and docs so I can at least roll around on them once I get them, no point having garage queens right?
Other than riding, like to annoy the wife and kids, chill like any Aussie bloke would over a few quiet beers with mates and some good tunes.
2020 will be yet another year of rebuilding, but 2021 I am gonna go balls out!!

Hi, I'm David, and I live in a flatter region of Canada 🍁
I used to ride back in my high school days of the mid 90s.
For whatever reason my passion switched over to golf for years. I got good, then I got bored.
This year was the first year since the 90s I didn't golf at all.
I've been riding again since 2014.
Getting back into riding I went with what I knew. What I rode in hs; so I bought a Trek [Wahoo].
I broke it several times in short order. I sold it out of frustration.
I then went to the best LBS in town, To Wheels, and bought an AnthemX.
We've got corn fields, not mountains.
I rode the shit outta that AnthemX, but got bored again.
Since that AnthemX purchase I've also acquired two Enduros, and a Glory0. I plan to purchase the new Enduro as well.
Enduro or Megatower..... 🤔
I'm a SRAM fanboy, but all the press that XT is getting lately has me thinking.
The manager at To Wheels has become one of my good riding buddies, and good friend. We go on trips with our other close buddies to all the parks on the Eastern side of NA. Windrock, Highland, and Killington are my favourites.
My riding buddies and I have all got a life, and friendships, I feel like some people would kill to have. One that I take for granted most of the time.
I've only entered two races. The USO, and World's.
We joke that I only come out for the big ones.
I'm 41, I'm big, and I'm slow. "I have to work tomorrow though" is my excuse thus far.
Anyway, I'm David. I'm out here having fun and trying to figure out how to set up my suspension properly.
Two turtles, one rabbit, right?

Hello . Long time follower , first time caller.
My name is Ryan, I am the owner / dedsigner/ bean counter of the Cachet Bicycle Company www.cachetbikes.com located in North Bay, Ontario, Canada
Been involved heavily in mtb since 1990 when I got my first issue of MBA and never looked back.

Hello! My Name is Lukas Iam 29 Years old and I ride Bikes and Film Videos for my Youtube Channel LuxBikeTV Would be cool if you check it out! I work part time in a Bike Shop and in a Homeless Shelter. Most of my Free time Iam out Riding my Dirt Jumper or my Freeride Bike! Iam also in a Club where we push the mtb community in our area by building pump tracks and trails! All in all my Life is just about Riding and Sometimes Beer and more often Coffee.
Iam supported by Lemur Bikes (where Iam also working), Loose Riders Graz and RST Suspension! You can also check my Instagram if you want @Instagram Lux

Thats all for now! Keep sending it!
Lukas

Hey Vital members,

Not posting so much on forums, but found this introduction area really cool, so decided to tell a bit more about me.
I regularly navigate into forums and social media but more as a spectator.
I’m Anthony, live in France and ride since I was a kid....haha . More seriously mtbiker since I turned 18, so 18 years ago.
After work and Sunday mornings rides got me hooked into the sport.
Now a proud dad of two lovely boys, number one priorities. They keep me busy and I love them.
Well, life goes fast, faster than I thought...
I always had in mind I would turn my professional life into something bike related, and it unfortunately never happened ;-(
Until I read in a comment section of a forum SCBicycles chief engineer saying: make your own stuff and send pictures - that’s how you can demonstrate what you can do and you can end up developing your dream bike as a daily job
So I decided to give a try and make my bike design reality. I did not take the easy road and built myself resin and 3D printed molds , and then carbon fiber monocoque triangle and swingarm. More than creating my bike, this was a fantastic two year experience with a lot of challenges and so the chance to meet great people from lots of different places who gave me precious advices and the motivation to keep going.
I design and built two frames to my size, I am 6,5´ ! I use them alternatively every time I ride. My 2013 Tallboy LTc is a backup now, just in case ;-)
I would still love to turn this kind of passion into a job, and so I always keep my ears open any time !
My friends keep saying : hey what’s next ? Make us some frame pleeeeeease

1st frame2nd frame

Hey Vital MTB and fellow members. My name is Stuart, I am a long time lurker and thought it time to jump in. I am 47 years old and have been on two wheels 44 of them.

I live in Queenstown New Zealand with my fiance and dog. We moved here in December to start a business. That has stalled with the C-19 pandemic but we're surviving OK. The people here are great - really supportive and friendly. We're in lock down but there is enough mellow single track around the house to keep me rolling.

The riding scene here is amazing and in the 4 months we've been here my riding has improved a lot. Local shop rides are an eye-opener (I thought I knew what steep meant - I didn't) and a great way to meet people and get your stoke on.

I like politics, art and grilled cheese / jalapeno sandwiches among other things.

Here is the fam and the steed

Peace!

HI my friend Robin is trying to make a better water bottle holder. Would you be interested in answering some survey questions for him?

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvXWdHtE03EXuuh_-hnFvQvp4evPR…

Hey all, been a lurker for a couple years but will be more active here as I'm launching a little brand as a side project. Got into riding in southern California a couple years ago, and have since upgraded my bike and location to Seattle, WA. Done a few dig days, raced a little enduro, and have now developed a little merino blend tech tee that I'm hoping people will dig.

One of the tees


Current bike


Cheers!

Long time lurker! My name is Cory and I have been riding bikes and Moto since 1975. Current steed is a Vassago Verhauen, OX Platinum steel hand built SS. Currently I do MTB suspension at Stillwell Performance. Got bored and decided to jump on into the forums!

Hello!

I'm bike rider / snowboarder from Latvia with a passion for action.
Working as a camera man i create content for those around me.
Right before Corona virus kicked in i had a knee ACL injury and on my way back to riding i managed to do a makeover for my backyard and start a new Vlog on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFR0CPlsoSJSk7X_N1PW3gg
https://www.instagram.com/siguldabackyarddirt/

South Los Angeles rider just switched over from BMX. Looking for local riders to film and progress with.

Currently on a 130mm trail bike. Mostly jumping but always looking for more natural features to ride and film on.

Also looking forward to trying a bike park for the first time. SkyPark anyone?

Welcome to Vital my friend. I'm a lowly forum Mod but I apologize for your early treatment. There's no way to filter out all of the Dicks. You should be on a 26" dirt jumper as well if that wasn't already the way you got into MTB. Shred on my friend.

I did 650b big box hardtail just to start fitness/xc riding. But I immediately started finding jumps and dangerous shit. So I got a 650b Diamondback fully but it wasn't my size and the frame was not great anyway. Rode a 29er hardtail to kinda focus on not getting injured during covid shit.

But now I'm on a 650b fully again from Vitus and my ridings gone way up. Modern bikes are savage. I bought a full suite of protection gear to go with the new bike :D lol

That said, I still plan to stay safer and focus more on XC/trail riding so I want a 29er but we'll see. Would love to spend more time filming than risking the biscuit myself. Some of the kids in my area are savages. Love it.

HI all,

Long time lurker here, just signed up today.
Rider from Portugal, into a little bit of everything but with a kink for rough rocky or wet and muddy.
Currently on a V3 Bird AM9, which I can't see changing anytime soon, mental bike

To all, thanks for the great website

Watch STELLAVISION by Berm Death now.

Just a group of good lads from sheffield having a right laugh on bikes! And sending it too!
Best short mtb film you’ve seen all year?


[IFRAME aspectRatio=1024:576 src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3cHtiQhxUuc"]

Watch STELLAVISION by Berm Death now.

Just a group of good lads from sheffield having a right laugh on bikes! And sending it too!
Best short mtb film you’ve seen all year?

https://youtu.be/3cHtiQhxUuc

Hi Lad's Ash here, designer, test rider, and crash test dummy at Roost bike in Australia.

Been riding 40 years, started BMX at 12 years old, then to DH, then enduro. Pre Covid rode overseas a fair bit including most of Asia, Canada, and USA, plus the odd race. Never really been that podium guy just like to get out and have a blast with mates and don't come last.

Love the challenge of sending my Titanium Hardtail down the DH trails chasing big bikes..........but just as much fun on my squishy.

Ride Chaing mai Thailand a fair bit possibly my favorite ride location.

Running a bike company is a fun gig but the best part is reading customer reviews about a product you designed.

As a new member hope to get involved soon.

Cheers Ash

Hi guys and girls, I'm Joe and been a long time lurker of this wonderful site.

Been riding and digging for 30+ years. Mainly ride DH on hardtail. Own a plethora of custom steel bikes.

Thanks for the superb website.

Hi friends,

First day on site. Thanks to the moderators for providing this space to share. Just retired after 40 years with Department of Army (soldier & civilian). Wife & I have several bikes and have been lucky enough to ride trails all over the world. Look forward to retirement and getting back on our bikes.

Bob

- Won dh world cup on Nevengals
- Jedi Master

Lost my original vital account ages ago. 'murican ripping trails and scarfing fresh mozzarella in Italy.

Hello everyone!

Migrated here from that other forum. Been around bikes since I could walk, 30+ years.

Currently commuting on a carbon Synapse and chasing my wife and daughter through the woods on a play-bike-ish Morpheus V Slope. Looking forward to participating in the community here!

What's going on?!!

My name is Dave Moore, aka Squirrelly Dave (I guess by the way I ride, lol!) I'm 48 years young and still love to ride. I'm the founder/owner of Go Nuts Biking in the southeast. My riding background is mostly BMX freestyle. I rode a lot of vert and park from the age of 11 to 35. Looped out on vert and compressed my spine. During my late 20s into my 30s I dabbled in mountain biking. As my back was healing I showed more interest in mountain biking (mainly XC) to get healthy again. I would enter races to keep me motivated to stay in shape. What wasn't keeping me motivated was the way races were being ran. So I eventually started my on race series in 2015.

Two years ago we started an enduro series that has been very successful. I fell in love with the sport after visiting some parks and knew we had to host some. This year (2022) we are introducing downhill racing. People have been asking us every year to start a DH series just because they wanted more.

All of our races are USAC sanctioned and everything we do from setup to podium is all rider/racer/spectator suggested. We cater to the riders so they experience an unforgettable race they can relate to.

I am married (27.5 years) with 3 kids all grown. None of which are into cycling of any kind. Of the 3 kids 2 have children of their own. Making me a badass of a grandpa, lol! Having kids at a young age was challenging but didn't stop my wife and I to pursue our careers. My wife finished college in marketing and I got my masters degree in General Management to grow in the global company I used to work for. One day after my youngest child left the nest I decided I wanted to do something on my own. In 2020 I went full time working for myself by putting on some of the best races in the southeast and slowly moving into the Mid-Atlantic. This year makes 7 years in business!

I still get out on the trails and forget my age. That's what I love most about mountain biking, it keeps you young at heart. Every year around my birthday I'll throw a backflip to show the youngsters I still got it, lol!

Hope you all enjoyed reading my "about me"! Hope to see and meet you all at a future Go Nuts race!

Keeping shredding my friends!
Squirrelly Dave

Hello. I’m Abe. I have been riding off and on since 82ish… had a break at the beginning of this century playing paintball in various leagues around the country, but mainly in the NorthEast after I transplanted here in ‘99. Got back into riding in an almost scarily infatuated way in 2020. My favorite haunt right now is Nobscot Res in Mass. It is 10min away and is a killer good time.

When I was a kid I learned how to build jumps and berms on the side of my Mom’s house in Tallahassee, Florida. I have been getting build giggles by helping out with my hometrails up here. I have hopes and dreams that my pit crew will have as much fascination with riding as I do. It’s such a great way to get headspace, and be in the moment.

Lovin’ the forum and content.

Hello all

I've been on Vital for years, but never on these pages. I'm an old dude who started riding in the eighties. I love this sport with a passion. I'm English, but live in South Wales and I enjoy scaring myself regularly on the trails here. I mainly ride steep tech, but sometimes get airborne, just not too high or for too long.

A question for sspomer, I used to stay logged in for months at a time without issue, but recently find I'm having to log in pretty much daily. I notice there are some recent changes on the site, anything changed to affect that at your end or is it my laptop? Yes, I still use a laptop, as I've already said, I'm old.  

Hello 

My name is steve I grew up racing bmx and motocross, I’m 29 years old the dirtbikes are sold and Ive been riding the trails in South OC for the last 6 months. Not the best climber but I love to send it down. Currently riding a  YT Crapra 29. You can find me on strava Steven Bauer or Instagram Steveurchin, I am always looking for people to ride with and new trails to hit.