2019: The Season of Adventure

As cliche as it sounds, time does seem to fly right past us.  Sitting down taking a look at this page again, I realized it's been too long since I made a moment to check in on what I've been up to lately.  The first week of December is upon us which means another race season has concluded, leaving a copious amount of amazing memories in the back of my mind.  As always, there were countless ups and downs, but overall, it's safe to say that this year saw as much growth personally as it did on the bike.  It always sounds easy to get out of your comfort zone and try new things, but acting upon this can take a bit of effort.  Nonetheless, I'm pretty stoked on the opportunities I chased which led to countless new experiences, friendships, and meeting personal goals.

This year's off season was much different, and for the better.  I've always ridden lots and hit the gym here and there...but never followed a structured program.  After getting in touch with Derek Teel at Dialed Health in the later part of 2018, I finally got on a legit program.  After the first few months, it started to show, both in physical appearance and fitness on the bike.  Plus the overall feeling of being healthier and increased motivation compared to past years.  I have nothing but good things to say about Derek's programs, it's worth checking out! (www.dialedhealth.com)

Winter time cross country racing once again became a helpful tool to test my increased fitness and seat time on the bike.  The local series down in Monterey, CA may not be the biggest, but it always sees a good amount of strong racers early in the year and makes for a painful, yet fun day.  Chasing the front runners in the Pro class usually would be nearly impossible for me in the past with XC, but I found myself pushing a much stronger pace than before with higher power and endurance, even landing a couple of podiums for the first time! Although it could have been due to the shaved legs finally...hahaha.

The first big race of the year always hits with the Sea Otter Classic, where my main focus was the Enduro and chasing my goal of a top 10 in the heavy field of world class athletes.  Up until now, I had been feeling the best ever and couldn't have been more excited for the Enduro season to begin.  I just finished building a new Specialized Stumpjumper 29, and with a new rig and speedy tires, I was ready to rip.  After the dust settled and my lungs were recovered, I found my name sitting in 10th place which gave me a personal best and times right in the mix with the big dogs.  As it seems to be in this sport, right when you're off to a strong start, it can end just as quickly.   The following weekend I was out getting some routine laps in when a slight mistake on a slippery feature left me breaking my arm right below the elbow.  What seemed to be a clean and simple break, would take much longer to heal than I had expected.

Although no where near 100%, Summer was upon us and I had already committed to chasing my dream to travel among Europe for the first time while attending the Enduro World Series rounds in Val Di Fassa, Italy and Les Orres, France alongside the Specialized Racing Team.  I left SJC with my bike, a couple bags, and a few nerves, beginning the solo 12 hour trip to Munich, Germany.  This was my first time across the pond, which quickly became the trip of a lifetime.  Once landing and my brain going wild with the +9 hour time change, I met the Team and off we went into the Italian Alps.

Driving across Germany, into Austria and finally across the Northern boarder of Italy was full of the most beautiful countryside.  It's hard to describe as it's such a different vibe than the high speed pace and crowded landscape here at home.  Miles of lush green nature, rivers, the highest mountains you can imagine, and the occasional historic castle in the distance was a wonderful change of pace.  Round 4 of the EWS was first up and what the shock to the system it was.  High alpine riding with the longest descents I've raced, unfamiliar tight and technical terrain, all while being my first race back since injury, was an immediate leap into the truly famous racing which Europe is known for.  Honestly, I was just happy to finish the long few days on the bike after being in quite an amount of pain.  Besides the amazing riding, my favorite times were the ones with fellow riders from all over the world.  Sight seeing, fancy dinners with the team and friends, checking out local night life, and the never ending scenery was something I'll cherish forever.

Next up was an 8 hour drive down to Southern France.  Once again high up in the Alps, we were greeted with an action packed week of practice, racing, and good times with the crew.  Mornings were kicked off in our house for the week at the top of the small village of Les Orres.  Bike prep and good meals were routine before heading out for daily shredding.  Afternoons and evening chilling at the pool, tasting French plates, and playing Uno with the boys was a routine I quickly enjoyed.  Everyday felt like the weekend! Results wise, I improved a bit with my arm feeling slightly better and getting more familiar with the Euro terrain.  In the end, I'm content and felt like I took endless learning experiences back home. I can not thank the Specialized family enough for their hospitality and support for this nearly 3 week trip, and I'm looking forward to getting back over there again!

The next 2 rounds of the EWS were back in North America with Whistler, Canada and Northstar, California.  Being in a familiar time zone and trails was nice, but still difficult as ever.  Whistler is a mecca for mountain biking and I was pumped to be back for my second year at the week long festivity of Crankworx.  Rain made this one a bit tricky and a tad sketchy for most.  The stages were  raw and natural which left the trails getting pretty wild in the roots and rock.  A flat rear tire on the famous Top of The World stage was a bummer way to start the race, but I was happy to make it down 15 minutes of the most gnarly riding while drifting around with no air pressure...shoutout to Cushcore for being the only way I made it down without the tire falling off.  Day 2 was full survival mode and I think most would say that it would be impossible to get through without any crashes.  The deep woods and overnight rain made conditions quite insane, some spots felt like you were ripping sick moto ruts and others...well basically replicated sliding down ice.  After the set back on day 1, I was pleased to grab a top 90 in the Elite field.  Next up was the blown out dust of Northstar.  I've raced this mountain for a few years now, but in this one weekend, the deep silt/sand and rock multiplied by what seemed like 100.  After seeing the best riders in the world struggle and show nerves for race day, I wasn't sure what to expect.  I just wanted to focus on myself and ride like I know I could.  Pleased to say I was running between 50-60th until a crash on the final stage ruined the chance for that result which would have been a proud moment for an EWS.  I think I landed about 75th which was still a personal best against 100s of the World's best.

A few local races were on tap next but this post is already too long 😅 I learned what a valuable lesson and experience international travel is and am only hungry for more.  Time to see what
2020 has in store!  The beginning of the year, I felt like I was stronger than ever and mentally just as ready.  However; other events such as injury, personal hiccups that take your mind off track, and second guessing why you may be chasing a dream can try and get in the way.  Pushing past any tough times truly makes the good times that much better.  I've always felt that everything happens for a reason, and after this year, I am even a firmer believer in that.  So many events created the opportunity for new things and the ability to test my comfort zone.  New relationships, skills, hobbies, and jobs have all come about this year due to taking a small chance and building upon prior events, whether positive or negative.  Get out there and chase your goals for you!! Now it's off to bed, while looking forward to another day making future memories.

Cheers!
-Nicky D

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• Specialized Bicycles
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