Interviews: Sven and Anka Martin
Well-Versed in the World of Enduro
Words by Seb Kemp. Photos by Sven Martin.
Date: 2012-01-25
For the week of January 24 to 27, NSMB will be bringing you exclusive content about Enduro racing. There are more of these races popping up each year fed by enthusiastic organizers and keen competitors who want value for their money – Enduros generally mean a lot more time on your bike than downhill or even cross-country races – and a bit of biking fun. So what next?
Sven and Anka Martin may be the most experienced and opinionated voices in the world of Enduro. We picked their brains on the topic to see where they stand...
Sven Martin
Sven Martin is not just a World Cup photographer. Former professional skateboarder (he has his own signature deck), World Cup racer in his own right and because of his incredible output, craft, passion and knowledge is probably the most important journalist to be working in the mountain bike world. In between shooting World Cups, organizing freeriders into a line on safari trips and generally blipping about the globe like a tennis ball he likes to experience new forms of racing. He has been championing the cause of Enduro for several years now and probably knows more about what is all means than most people.
NSMB: What is Enduro racing?
SM: No one answer. No one definition, rather different styles, schools of thought, and interpretation. What it definitely is, is multi-stage racing on different tracks and can be over multiple days. Italian style is all human powered with some pre run allowed, French style may be lift assisted (plus pedal/push) sight unseen. Is a mass event like the Mega an Enduro race, yes. But just another incarnation with its own style and format. It IS NOT SUPER D.
Enduro seems like a broad term that is used to describe many forms of racing. Is this because it is getting to know itself or that variety is the spice of life?
It does not need to be one specific style or have one set of rules. This is the beauty of it. It mirrors and matches the culture and geography of the area, as you have said variety is what keeps it always new and exciting.
The UCI have clearly asserted that they plan to work with existing Enduro race organizers in the hope that a World Series of World Championship can arise. This question is two fold: What are the benefits to elite Enduro racers having a World Series? And what does this mean to the average rider who takes part in these races?
I would say using the word asserted is a bit strong. The UCI have not asserted anything they are in an exploring stage right now. One benefit would be a better understanding and communication message about the format and the racing and the various races. They are all great races in their own right at present but can benefit from increased exposure (with growth and sponsorship dollars/prizemoney etc). Participation-wise most are already running at max capacity and fill up. Maybe it means more events in more countries that will allow more riders to try this rewarding "value for money racing." The spirit of Enduro also allows your average rider to race shoulder to shoulder with riders like Nico and ACC… who hasn't thought about shredding a piece of trail with their favorite rider. Enduro is inclusive not exclusive.
What does Enduro racing mean to the average rider? What relevance has Enduro racing got with everyday riding?
The relevance is these are the bikes we are riding day in day out every day. Up hills and down hills. Human nature, whether you are with a bunch of mates or against yourself to push your riding to the limits. Enduro racing allows you to go shred with your friends and someone else is taking care of the timing. French style allows you to go off in 30 sec intervals or if you prefer with a group of mates all at once. Just like your Wednesday night beer rides.
Do you think Enduro racing has the potential to help push mountain biking to a more mainstream audience?
Who cares about mainstream. Enduro racing is about fun. We don't need mainstream. You need to be a rider first to appreciate Enduro. But it does make it more FUN and accessable for an average rider who may be turned off by XC or DH both forms are too extreme at different ends of the spectrum. Mainstream audiences may be more turned on by watching extreme athleticism be it XC or DH. Enduro is about participation. I would say it is more of a participation sport than a spectator sport. It can and will be the biggest potential number of racers as that is the bikes people are buying right now: ones that are cable of going up and down.
What are the top Enduro events?
Trans-Provence, French and Italian Enduro series, Enduro Nations, Megavalanche, Mt. Hell.
Can you envision a time when Enduro racing eclipses all other forms of racing?
In numbers of participation yes (just like how marathon XC stage races are eclipsing regular XC racing around the world) but in terms of importance not necesarily. It has its own place. I wouldn't say DH is Better than XC or Visa versa. Same with Enduro. They all have their own place.
And don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with Super D. Another format when time and venue constraints are slim then it has a place. But if you can win on a light XC set up with skinny tires and high seat then it is not an Enduro worthy course.
Sven's experience lends itself to an opinionated viewpoint about Enduro racing...
Anka Martin
Anka Martin is one fierce lady on a bike. She is a very well rounded rider who has aimed herself towards the Enduro racing side of things in recent years. In this time she has probably raced just about every one of the main Enduro events around the world. If there is anyone who knows Enduro it is her.
NSMB: What is Enduro racing?
AM: Going flat out on your trail bike, pushing the limits on sketchy, unknown trails, never quite knowing the track or where the hell you're heading flat out to, constantly gasping for air & loving every minute of it. If an XC racer can win with a high post, it is most definitely not an enduro race. There seems to be some confusion between Super D & Enduro racing.
Focused on Enduro. Photo ~ Sven Martin
Enduro seems like a broad term that is used to describe many forms of racing. Is this because it is getting to know itself or that variety is the spice of life?
What makes it exciting & keeps it fresh, is the fact that it is different in every country. The fact that at most races, you have no idea what is going on, because they don't translate the rules very well, but that is what makes it so awesome. It is that unknown warning, or that course change that they spoke about, that you have no clue about, that keeps it fun and keeps you wanting to come back for more. It is never stagnant with the same set of rules, and the same tracks, and the same rules to play by. Every event is new, different, and it creates for the most amazing stories afterwards.
Through the misty mountains... Photo ~ Sven Martin
The UCI have clearly asserted that they plan to work with existing Enduro race organizers in the hope that a World Series of World Championship can arise. This question is two fold: What are the benefits to elite Enduro racers having a World Series? And what does this mean to the average rider who takes part in these races?
There are already so many amazing races, events, and existing series that are out there, with hundreds of entrants at each event, so I really don't see the need for one "world series" organized by the UCI. It sounds like a baseball series and if the UCI becomes involved it will more than likely become too serious & take all the fun out of it, which is exactly why Enduro racing has exploded, because people have fun and it is not such a serious "world series" event where you chase points and then what? Have the most points. It is supposed to be raw & reckless with people from all walks of life racing, just riding or having fun. No national anthems or commissaires checking to see if you're wearing body armor, the tightness of your jersey and if your grips have bar ends. I think that this will put off some of the average riders, and they are the riders that make these events possible & feasible to start with. They are the riders that remind you that you should be out there having fun on your bike, with your mates and that the actual race is such a small part of the overall weekend of ripping trails.
What does Enduro racing mean to the average rider? What relevance has Enduro racing got with everyday riding?
You don't need anything special or custom. You just use the same bike you would use to do your weekly group ride with, you still get to go ride with your mates, but it's pretty cool to get timed so the heckle factor with your mates afterwards at the pub is just so much more fun.
Clearly steeper than this photo looks. Photo ~ Sven Martin
Do you think Enduro racing has the potential to help push mountain biking to a more mainstream audience?
I hope not! Why would you want to be more mainstream? It is pretty freaking awesome how it is right now & I don't particularly care to be a part of or appeal to the mainstream audience in any which way.
What are the top Enduro events?
- Trans Provence
- MegAvalanche
- Mountain of Hell
- Super Enduro series, Italy
- French Enduro series
- Enduro des Nations trophy
Can you envision a time when Enduro racing eclipses all other forms of racing?
There is no need for it to do that, it is cool to have different disciplines of racing. Each one brings an element to the table and they are all connected by general passion for bikes, no matter which form.
On top of the Enduro world. Photo ~ Sven Martin
Sven and Anka are well-versed in their Enduro history and quite opinionated about its future. The pot has been stirred – will you take the bait? Let 'er fly below...
To see all the Enduro Week articles, click HERE.
Comments
Add your comments here! Note that all posts as guests will be put into a moderation queue.
Solid contender.
+1 Oregon Enduro Series
Same faces same stories, is this the Digger, Gaillot blog or what? change your tune, your worse than the local radio stations that play the same music all the time.
There are lots of rippers and builders in this town, but you like to keep your buddies in the limelight.
I bet you dont even put up the last coment, as this wont be seen as positve.
You only put up stuff that pats you on the back I bet.
Great journalism boys
And who would you suggest NSMB write about? There's enough widespread focus on world cup athletes,renowned freeriders (Matt Hunter, Brandon Semenuk) on various other websites. After all this is a North Shore based media outlet, it makes sense to focus on the residents of the North Shore.
Everyone is intitle to their opinions...
I disagree with the above comments 100%, I find that NSMB does a great job of covering what is what at the right time.
Enduro is being discussed right now on all web forums due to other press releases etc ...seems only right to discuss the topic with a Vancouver local guru at this point in time .
Carry on NSMB and Good luck Arthur and Dylan !
Great Article, enjoyed the perspectives shared here.
As for the guest who posted the negative comments, We ride and build for our own enjoyment not for recognition from others.
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Originally Posted by Guest
(Post 2611627)
Same faces same stories, is this the Digger, Gaillot blog or what? change your tune, your worse than the local radio stations that play the same music all the time.
There are lots of rippers and builders in this town, but you like to keep your buddies in the limelight. |
Thanks! I can always use a little comedy in my morning!
What I am about to say is not e-sarc.
I would genuinely like to interview the guest with the opinion. If you are listening "guest" please come forward so we can chat.
I'm assuming your email is not guest@guest.com so perhaps you can come forward.
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Originally Posted by Guest
(Post 2611629)
I bet you dont even put up the last coment, as this wont be seen as positve.
You only put up stuff that pats you on the back I bet. Great journalism boys |
Have you actually visited the internet? Aside from nsmb that is? I'd love to hear who you think outdoes us in that dept. in the mountain biking world so we have something to aim for! We're certainly not perfect but we are getting better all the time.
Anyway - please fire that list of journalistic gems up for us so we can get schooled.
And we only put up stuff that 'pats us on the back'? You have a future in comedy. Or maybe this is your first visit here? You haven't been paying attention if it's not your first. Maybe you should register since you have such bold and courageous comments. It seems like you have lots of advice to add!
Thanks again for cheering me up!
There are lots of local athlete's, Lawernuk, Gully, Fulton, Smith, Tenant, Forbes, Catherine Short, Holly Feniak all great riders and ambassadors for the sport and lower mainland. What are they doing on their down time, how are they looking for the season ahead, what are their plans for 2012.
NSMB have to change their tune, just like the local stations same play list gets very boring, that's why in general people go to PinkBike, Vital for a greater picture in the biking industry and not just what NSMB have said.
I have nothing against Arthur, I have raced and ridden with him for years, I just know that there is more people evolved and not just the same faces that you like to promote.
Biased to certain folks, or your friends. Fact
I would be so stoked to read an interview with "Guest". Until then, this article was awesome. Arthur and Dylan are both amazing athletes and personalities. Thanks guys, for a great read!
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Originally Posted by Guest
(Post 2611688)
There are lots of local athlete's, Lawernuk, Gully, Fulton, Smith, Tenant, Forbes, Catherine Short, Holly Feniak all great riders and ambassadors for the sport and lower mainland. What are they doing on their down time, how are they looking for the season ahead, what are their plans for 2012.
NSMB have to change their tune, just like the local stations same play list gets very boring, that's why in general people go to PinkBike, Vital for a greater picture in the biking industry and not just what NSMB have said. I have nothing against Arthur, I have raced and ridden with him for years, I just know that there is more people evolved and not just the same faces that you like to promote. Biased to certain folks, or your friends. Fact |
I do kinda agree that we see some of the same names over and over again...but this isn't really the right spot to do a call out on that topic.
The guy is making some sense I think.
I dont use NSMB for anything other than local scene stuff now, they are lagging behind in substance and credibility.
Cam is going to have to increase his buddy circle now.
LoL who actually uses that too, I though it was reserved for teens that text on Daddy's phone.
I think covering the core people responsible for the shore is important. History is being made, and these guys are still around to talk about it. Keep up the core coverage.
I love how someone can come to NSMB, read an article (or maybe not even), and cry about the content! Then to suggest that they have a valid point because they have ridden with the guy in the article for years? Did they really ? NSMB, Vital, and PB are all daily reads for me and the last thing that i would like is if they all had the same content as each other. If we used the "radio station" analogy it's like calling the up the local rock station and asking why they don't play rap? OK so lets throw out a bunch of riders names who arent on nsmbs enduro article...cmon...you are redic! Iv'e never even posted on NSMB before today but i'm a North Van local, who works in the bike industry, i'm not friends with these guys but I think they should keep on doing exactly what they do because if their music changes i'm not going to tune in every day. I learned from this article ! I think these enduro guys rock and having ambassadors to enduro racing living in my back yard makes me want to get out and ride my bike all day.
What's all this arguing about? This is supposed to be comments on Enduro! Back to topic.
Great interview with Sven and Anka. Enduro is the best thing that's happenened to MTB racing in years. I love DH Racing, but Enduro is a format that's fun for everyone - what more could could we ask for?
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Originally Posted by Guest
(Post 2611688)
There are lots of local athlete's, Lawernuk, Gully, Fulton, Smith, Tenant, Forbes, Catherine Short, Holly Feniak all great riders and ambassadors for the sport and lower mainland. What are they doing on their down time, how are they looking for the season ahead, what are their plans for 2012.
NSMB have to change their tune, just like the local stations same play list gets very boring, that's why in general people go to PinkBike, Vital for a greater picture in the biking industry and not just what NSMB have said. I have nothing against Arthur, I have raced and ridden with him for years, I just know that there is more people evolved and not just the same faces that you like to promote. Biased to certain folks, or your friends. Fact |
The point of Enduro Week is a week of articles about Enduro racing and Enduro riders. Not local riders who may have some neat plans for 2012. It is a refreshing change to see focus going towards one emerging aspect of riding.
And Cam gets his fair share of abuse as an all too visible face at the helm of NMSB.
I look forward to the Seb interview with Guest.
Funny how my last comment cant make the board, but this one might? but Cam can decide what gets to the board and what cant.
The last comment should not have been up there (olDirty), but as he is one if Cams buddies, the circle of friends then get it up there to back Cam up.
Censorship at its highest level, not something you would associate with a Canadian company, disgusting.
Lol the comments. Its enduro week FFS. I'm not from Whistler, the Valley or the Shore or even from Canada. BUt NSMB is one of the few sites with good relevant articles and real journalism not easily found on the web especially on MTB websites. I like the fact that they are growing their wings and not just keeping it local. Sorry Shore boys you have to let NSMB grow up and spread their wings. Its inevitable.
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Originally Posted by Guest
(Post 2611778)
Funny how my last comment cant make the board, but this one might? but Cam can decide what gets to the board and what cant.
The last comment should not have been up there (olDirty), but as he is one if Cams buddies, the circle of friends then get it up there to back Cam up. Censorship at its highest level, not something you would associate with a Canadian company, disgusting. |
We work hard to bring our readers interesting, quality original content on a daily basis – and will continue to do so despite the criticism.
seems like "guest" posting lately is on the rise.
i find it annoying. at least have the balls to register, give your opinion some context.
I know that NSMB are no Pinkbike, but Cam I am sure does his best with what resources he has.
Maybe you need to listen to your followers though.
This is the most commented thing I have seem on NSMB for sometime, be it registered on unregistered views.
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Originally Posted by Guest
(Post 2611778)
Funny how my last comment cant make the board, but this one might? but Cam can decide what gets to the board and what cant.
The last comment should not have been up there (olDirty), but as he is one if Cams buddies, the circle of friends then get it up there to back Cam up. Censorship at its highest level, not something you would associate with a Canadian company, disgusting. |
We don't practice censorship but we do have a terms of use statement. Is that disgusting? When something violates that it may get deleted but that happens very rarely. Otherwise we approve posts. The last time something wasn't approved on my watch was weeks ago. I'm not sure why you would call us out again for this since we've already posted each of your charming missives.
I have no idea who Ol Dirty is.
What you may not realize is that we can tell which articles get the best response from our viewers by looking at our statistics. Content that is related to the Shore is very high on that list. It's also some of the content that gets the best response from our readers in terms of discussion here and elsewhere. We aren't looking to be a general, all-purpose web site but there are things of interest all over the world, and sometimes those catch our eye as well. Enduro is certainly becoming a global phenomenon and something that Europe has been leading. That seems to me to be something that isn't only Shore-focussed and yet it makes sense to bring a local perspective to it. You may not have noticed that Seb also interviewed Sven Martin and his wife Anka who are about as international as you can get. I'm pretty sure they aren't the same faces you speak of.
Vital and Pinkbike are doing a great job being Vital and Pinkbike. Why would we try and do what they do when they are doing a good job doing what they do? It sounds like you can find the stuff you are looking for elsewhere so why would you want to see that here as well? Weren't you complaining about radio stations playing the same thing? So why would we copy another station's playlist?
I love getting feedback, particularly when it is coherent, sensible, useful and based on some sort of clear perspective of what we do. Listening to those voices is one of the best ways to grow and improve which is what we are constantly striving for. If you have anything to say that has some factual relationship to what we are doing here I'd love to hear it. So far nothing you have said meets that standard.
What I am still honestly puzzled about is the source of your bitterness? You may not even know what is making you so sour, but it seems to be out of line with the content of your argument. Hopefully you'll have a better day tomorrow!
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Originally Posted by Model Citizen
(Post 2611798)
I know that NSMB are no Pinkbike, but Cam I am sure does his best with what resources he has.
Maybe you need to listen to your followers though. This is the most commented thing I have seem on NSMB for sometime, be it registered on unregistered views. |
Good article, and the local focus on an emerging side of the sport is great - a side accessible to almost any rider. I'm interested to see if Enduro makes it. Some decent video race coverage would be amazing - although probably damned expensive to produce compared to a much smaller track for DH... A Between The Tape movie or Drop In mini series might give it a good awareness boost.
More please.
That "guest" is the only one here sounding like the radio stations that play the same old music, this is good content.
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Originally Posted by Guest
(Post 2611778)
Funny how my last comment cant make the board, but this one might? but Cam can decide what gets to the board and what cant.
The last comment should not have been up there (olDirty), but as he is one if Cams buddies, the circle of friends then get it up there to back Cam up. Censorship at its highest level, not something you would associate with a Canadian company, disgusting. |
Back on topic, this Enduro thing hasn't been on my Radar for long but I'm loving it. Just the kind of thing I'd be into if I got back into racing. I'd love to see a triple crown enduro on the shore! Also, this Arthur guy sounds awesome and I
Hey is it January?
I get very grumpy in january... my post count goes down substantially... but I dig the Enduro concept.
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Originally Posted by GladePlayboy
(Post 2611827)
I get very grumpy in january... my post count goes down substantially... but I dig the Enduro concept.
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Arthur and Wolsky are two stand up guys! They have some amazing plans for 2012.
Best of luck guys!
Dan
Please will "Guest" come forward.
I really do want to interview you. Maybe we can mind jam about stuff that you think is relevant and pertinent or we can discuss whatever pops up along the way. Obviously we won't talk about Enduro seeing as you either don't want to talk about it or you have a blank spot for it (you did read the intro to the article that you flamed on right? Surely, the intro gave you some hint that this was about Enduro riders).
I'm serious, please come forward
sebkemp@hotmail.com
You can remain anonymous if you really feel you need to. The interview would still work.
I apologize if this sounds snarky. I'm genuinely not trying to be but I see that it is very hard not to appear so when commenting on the internet. I really do think we should sit down and hammer out some premium content. I don't usually right on comments or do forum stuff but you have really inspired me.
Again, what I am about to say is going to sound snarky but I genuinely am not trying to be. Seriously, NSMB needs more people like you "Guest". Mountain biking needs more people like you "Guest". You have an opinion and are not afraid to put it out there. Chapeau chap.
Ps. The only thing I hate about you "Guest" is that you made me use this bloody comments thingy.
Apologies for the 'right' and 'write' mix up. I was typing with one hand at the time.
Oh, and getting back on track, the reason I chose to interview Arthur and Dylan was because they are possibly the strongest riders in the area at this sort of racing besides Chris Johnston and Matt Ryan. I slipped by not interviewing Chris too but we will be hearing much more about him as the year unfolds anyway. Matt Ryan got in touch and we tried to hook up an interview but like two ships in the night we kept slipping past each other. But hey, we only had a few days to get all this content together, four days to spread it across (much more tomorrow folks) and there is a whole life time ahead of us to cover all sorts of the amazing things that are going on in our world of high performance mountain cycles.
If you have any suggestions or pitches for stories or things of interest then email Cam, Morgan or I in the future. There is only so much we can see and do but with your help we can do more.
Fark, tripled the amount of comments I have ever made. This thing is addictive. It is like having your own private Albert Hall to scream in. And what's more it is free!
the world is crashing around us...seb is posting on the nsmb forum, what a dumb f#ck!
Saw the dingo yesterday while we were waiting, to no avail, for the peak to open....
2Flat, here, Bike mag, MTBR, DIRT etc...pretty sure NSMB is going global...as are Enduro and MTB as a whole for that matter. That said, I regularly tune in to NSMB to get a pulse on THE SHORE and my friends that live there and have helped impact MTB the world over.
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Originally Posted by strahan
(Post 2611823)
Hey is it January?
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I just wanted to put my thoughts down on what I keep on seeing week in week out with NSMB, same old faces.
I know that was an article on Enduro, I have done a few Enduro races myself. We all know about Arthur, he is a great rider, an animal, so too Dylan.
But there are others that are out there who race, the unsung hero, there is more than one guy building too. Digger is a legend, we all know that, but what else is going on, who is doing what, its not the guy who shouts the loudest that deserves all the attention.
Its not my job to tell you whats going on, I know, but I bet your readers dont whats really going down.
First time too that I have ever written on the web, but compelled to do so.
I dont nit pick with type errors, we write stuff down were passionate about, any fool can hit the spell check button.
To Quote SebKemp: "I apologize if this sounds snarky"
Brilliant! I haven't heard the term "snarky" used since my properly British grandfather used it on meas a kid. I'll bet "Guest" doesn't even know the meaning.
There will ALWAYS be an unhappy percentage of readers, no matter what you post up. I was pretty impressed to find out through reading other forums how highly regarded NSMB's articles and photography is - I've seen lots of very positive comments on MTBR, Pinkbike, etc.
I think I'm gonna race Enduro on a 650B. SO CUTTING EDGE.
I do have a question, devil's advocatish, but I really am curious...what's the purpose of a week of the same questions, and mostly the same answers? why the hard sell on enduro? I get it, it's new, 'different' than traditional racing, aaaaaand.....?? what am I missing?
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Originally Posted by FlipFantasia
(Post 2611936)
I do have a question, devil's advocatish, but I really am curious...what's the purpose of a week of the same questions, and mostly the same answers? why the hard sell on enduro? I get it, it's new, 'different' than traditional racing, aaaaaand.....?? what am I missing?
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Originally Posted by cam@nsmb.com
(Post 2611945)
Blame the Englishman.
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wow
I think nsmb is the best it's ever been this past while, I've been spending more time reading the articles than cruising the forums and the constant new content has been great.
please just keep on doing what you're doing
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Originally Posted by DaveM
(Post 2611947)
wow
I think nsmb is the best it's ever been this past while, I've been spending more time reading the articles than cruising the forums and the constant new content has been great. please just keep on doing what you're doing |
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Originally Posted by cam@nsmb.com
(Post 2611799)
If you are so impatient about having your posts approved (both you and the you that is agreeing with you - we can see the IP addresses are the same) why not just register?
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Originally Posted by DaveM
(Post 2611947)
wow
I think nsmb is the best it's ever been this past while, I've been spending more time reading the articles than cruising the forums and the constant new content has been great. please just keep on doing what you're doing |
I mean, it is obvious that Seb has a man-crush on Arthur (and who wouldn't) and Mark want's to have Todd's babys (less certain about the percentage of people on that list) but I have actually really enjoyed reading about it!
(Kidding aside, the articles have been very enjoyable lately)
-D
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Originally Posted by Guest
(Post 2611749)
i'm not friends with these guys but I think they should keep on doing exactly what they do because if their music changes i'm not going to tune in every day.
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I don’t know who stole em’, but somebody give the “guest” his cookies back.
Sven comment is right on... If it has skinny tires and a jacked seat post then it isn't enduro. Guest is right I don't know what is totally going on here, bro benefits, typing with one hand, all journalism stinks. Etc..
Nsmb is certainly nowhere near the douchery that is pink bike or the reblogging that is vital. Keep up the original content and don't get caught writing reviews with one Hand and the other hand in your product suppliers pants.
I am loving the focus on enduro and hearing the thoughts of the riders participating in it. Best of luck to Arthur and Dylan. I would love to see more exposure to this side of riding so that the technologyt and gear can trickle down to those who are not thoroughbreds (myself). I love this style of riding and agree it is a great mix and what most riders do for fun with their buddies. The enduro content has been fantastic this week and I have been disregarding my sacred role as sole provider for my family and cyberloafing far more often than usual on NSMB this week.
PS Seb, I would like more content on unicorns, kittens, venereal anomalies, what Justin Bieber and Nick Nolte's love child, were they to have one, might look like and reviews on "sick" bikes so that I can tell everyone what other types of bike they looks like and where I have seen spinny wheels connected to carbon/ aluminum before (shout out to pinkbike). I will happily step forward to discuss said topics with you.
Dear "Guest",
Enduro is only the most popular riding genre right now in Biking, and one of the most popular topics this side of the MRP 2X. It is basically trail riding at it's best.
And I think I know who you are... I have seen you as I whip by you in any race with my twin lock locked out, straight up the mountain. Get into it - don't slag it.
Oh, and NSMB is great!! I am the Buddha on my Genius!! Enduro Champ 2012... you'll hear about me next time.. ha ha
OK, I'm back to Earth now.
One thing that i think that drives us towards styles like Enduro (Yes i said style) is that Enduro is similar to DH. What I mean is that most of the rags you read these days (Bike Magazine etc) have a lot of DH pictures and coverage. Big, shiny, cool bikes with Maxxis tires, chain guides and all the cool fixins. Enduro allows those of us that don't ride DH to but those fat tires (High Roller II, MRP 2X's) and run them on our trail bikes. It is seriously a cool "Vibe" that we have called Enduro. It's also a killer workout and self endurance test kinda-ride. I love it!
Here in Ontario we have the Niagara Enduro which is a 2 day event. Ride up, ride down, cross fields, valley's, rivers, roads, rocks... awesome stuff!!
Megalash is a machine, end of..... his hard graft and great results in everything from the local toonie races to the garbo dh means he is a well deserved boss of all trades! And I also bet he could drink you into next week too if met him during a rowdy session at the GLC..
cool series (altho I agree the same question format is a good idea but might be better kept to politics and beauty contests).
If it wasn't for nsmb I wouldn't know about this whole enduro thingy. The trans-provence coverage a few months back was really an eye-opener - very much like the first time I saw a trans-alp coverage story way back when. Those crazy euros are always thinking of fun new things to do.
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Originally Posted by Guest
(Post 2611890)
I just wanted to put my thoughts down on what I keep on seeing week in week out with NSMB, same old faces.
I know that was an article on Enduro, I have done a few Enduro races myself. We all know about Arthur, he is a great rider, an animal, so too Dylan. But there are others that are out there who race, the unsung hero, there is more than one guy building too. Digger is a legend, we all know that, but what else is going on, who is doing what, its not the guy who shouts the loudest that deserves all the attention. |
Exciting shit.
i thought it was pretty rad...
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Originally Posted by JCL
(Post 2612342)
Totally agree. I've lived on on the Shore for years and nobody ever interviews me. I nearly did a trail day last year FFS! Lately I've been watching a lot of tennis with the cat (he's recovering from a pelvis break after being hit by a car). Hopfully I'll get out on the bike next week as work has slowed down. With any luck I'll finish mid field of a race at some point this year.
Exciting shit. |
Hey everyone! Go ride your bikes, or skis if there's snow nearby. Problem = solved.
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