KC Dean Explores the Trails of Fairbanks, Alaska 16
Dean heads to Alaska, looking for that perfect dirt ribbon in the woods.
Mountain biking has its meccas—explored territories like Moab, Utah, and Sedona, Arizona. But venture out of the contiguous United States—beyond Whistler, British Columbia—and you’ll find the last frontier: Alaska.
Using the Canyon Neuron trail bike as a vehicle for discovery, join professional athlete/explorer KC Deane as he seeks hidden terrain in Fairbanks, Alaska.
A dual-sport athlete, Deane has traveled the planet in search of pristine terrain to ski and mountain bike—from China, Switzerland, Iceland, Canada, Europe and Japan. “Few places in the world have perfect flow,” says American KC Deane, “The trails of Fairbanks, Alaska, have that unique, effortlessly fun feeling.”
The Ester Dome trail network in America’s 49th state offer some of the best, lightly-trafficked, unfettered terrain within the North American continent. “It’s perfect singletrack,” says Deane. “The type of trails that are fun and fast for beginners—but traveling at higher speeds offers the ability to connect bigger, incredible features, like scrub bumps and doubles, even 30-foot gaps that most riders might not see along the way.”
With a quiver of equipment to choose from, Deane—a 2014 Red Bull Rampage contestant and big mountain skier—chose to take the 130mm-travel Canyon Neuron on this adventure. “You need a bike that’s light, fast and snappy to get around well on this terrain—something that rolls really well, and has good suspension. I really like the feel of a 29-inch trail bike. With 2.6-inch wide tires, it’s like a miniature monster truck. I could really throw the bike around and have fun.”
jeff.brines
1/28/2020 9:18 AM
Nexus_mkIV
1/28/2020 9:45 AM
jeff.brines
1/28/2020 10:04 AM
Cyclotoine
1/28/2020 10:43 AM
boaz
1/28/2020 12:57 PM
Cyclotoine
1/28/2020 1:08 PM
jeff.brines
1/28/2020 1:14 PM
"Untrained eye"? Huh? Not to be that guy but I've been around this sport for over two decades. Good riding doesn't need to be explained. Show any bike rider any WC pro or a top tier freeride dude on just about any trail and nobody will question its "badassedness"
I'm not saying KC totally sucks, but you literally could take any good regional pro racer and they'd make this look better.
I usually don't care, but the fact is Canyon could be supporting one (or more) regional pros, devo riders, etc. instead of KC "Look At Me" Deane makes me cringe. Men and women who have really put the time in, but would prefer to hone their bike riding ability, not their commercial "shopability".
The dude has never put time in between the tape and is nowhere near the level of other "influencers" who are fun to watch (like Canyon's other rider Braydon - who is savage).
I'd rather just see support go back to people who are clearly better at the sport as opposed those who just want to get something from the sport. Simple as that. Every KC edit is like this. It looks more like a commercial for the place he's riding than anything to do with rad riding on rad bikes.
Just like, my opinion, man.
Cyclotoine
1/28/2020 1:37 PM
jeff.brines
1/28/2020 1:46 PM
"the rug isn't the issue, dude"
If KC was just cranking out cool-to-him edits on his own dime, whatever. Like it or move on. That isn't my point.
I was inundated with this storyless yawnfest on FB, Insta, and every media outlet. I don't blame them, the media outlets, they are just keeping the lights on, but Canyon is supporting this guy, and this type of work. I have a bone to pick with that, and I have a reason to do so. Again, its my point of view, but I like to think bike riding is less the cool kid look at me club and more results based. More based on talent. More based on some otherworldly ability. As a dude who has been between the tape for 20 years, I've constantly been in awe of the top tier riders (who often get zero support, its a very competitive space!). Regardless, I cringe to see support going this direction.
You are welcome to see this as you wish (duh). I'm merely suggesting this work comes at the expense of men and women (and groms) who are far more deserving based on ability, what they give back, how they carry themselves and how big of a positive impact they have on the sport.
Where is @teamrobot when you need him!? Where is the blog!?
TEAMROBOT
1/28/2020 4:48 PM
jeff.brines
1/28/2020 5:06 PM
That was a savage #roboburn
PS, maybe I could teach KC how to exploit a dog's athletic ability for his own gain? Its all I really have going for me.
PPS, robots burn hotter than humans.
TEAMROBOT
1/28/2020 9:19 PM
Snipa
1/28/2020 7:35 PM
jeff.brines
1/28/2020 8:58 PM
Nexus_mkIV
1/29/2020 1:23 PM
jeff.brines
1/29/2020 2:11 PM
Good theory. Hard to say though. He's done other equally as cringe worthy videos, too.. Regardless, I'm sure Canyon paid for the production, at minimum, which was in the thousands of dollars.
Translation: This video's budget could have fueled some rad 17 year old grom's dream for an ENTIRE SUMMER! ($5K goes a long way as a dirtbag racer). And just think of all the content the little (or big) ripper would be throwing down while chasing his or her dream? It'd be so cool.
(this is just one idea, not the only one)
...Anyway - League Game Smokey