TGR’s Favorite Locations and Characters of MTB
Popular Stories
This past year, we put together stories on some of the most interesting people and places in the world of mountain biking in our Shifting Gears and Blood, Sweat, and Gears series. Take a look to hear inspiring stories, rad riding, and maybe even find somewhere new to ride your bike:
“There’s no mountain biking in Estes Park.” For the longest time, I thought that was true, and never bothered looking for a way to prove that wrong. For most active Coloradans, Estes Park is a haven for rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and nature walks in Rocky Mountain National Park. Mountain bikes simply weren’t part of the mix – but it turns out that’s changed.
Simply put, Vermont’s approach to land use, and a unique sense of preserving community on an ultra-local level has transformed the state into a rapidly-expanding haven for all things two-wheeled.
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You don’t need mountains to become a world-class mountain biker. Famed rider and builder Nico Vink is proof. His biking journey began in the flatlands of Belgium, where he was born and raised. You could say he first got a taste of two wheels while in the womb as his mother pedaled around the BMX track there.
Brown is a rock star in the bike world, and if there’s anything that her riding is a testament to, it’s having fun. Of course she’s a fast rider and worthy racer, but Brown's sights are set beyond trophies and cardboard checks. What she wants is to be a freeride mountain biker, and despite having no clear cut path to follow, she’s going to bushwhack her way until it happens.
A rusted stub of plumbing pipe, a coil spring from a scooter, two frames melted together all assembled with bolts, random parts and unrelenting drive. This is Nepalese professional mountain biker Rajesh “RJ Ripper” Magar’s first mountain bike, one he created when he was just a teenager.
