On the Road with Diamondback - Video
This spring, I had the chance to get back out with the Diamondback crew for the annual team trip. The main point, or excuse, for the trip is to shoot photos of the DF5 team riding the new bikes. The unintended result of the trip is always the same though, hang out, ride some bikes, make some jokes, mock each other, and generally just act like idiots; it is your basic testosterone driven mountain bike trip. Good times for sure.
We spent 5 days in Bend, and 2 days in Hood River riding Post Canyon; and experienced all types of riding conditions along the way. It rained, it snowed, the dirt went from moon dust to snot slick mud, it was cloudy, then there were more clouds, then a 5 minute window of light, it was hot, then cold, then hot again. In a nutshell, it was Oregon.
We had a good time, got a ton of photos, and were able to ride some of the best MTB trails in the northwest. Nobody got seriously injured, nobody ended up in jail, and nobody got any speeding tickets. The trip was a success on all fronts.
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 Eric Porter and Simon Lawton have both been in the game for a while now, and it is easy to see why. I explained to them the shot I was hoping to get in this meadow, and figured it would take them a few tries to get the timing right. They nailed it first try. Pro. |
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| The River Trail in Bend is a classic. No matter what type if riding your prefer to do, the River Trail will leave you smiling. Kyle Thomas sheds the DH gear to test out the 2013 Diamondback Mission, all-mountain destroyer. |
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| If you are riding through the woods with your buddies, and happen to find a perfect rope swing waiting for you at the end of the trail, should you take advantage? I guess for most it would depend on the day and the temperature. One thing is for sure, Charlie Sponsel isn't afraid of cold water. |
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| These unsuspecting tourists got an extra special treat on their rafting trip. Their guide was able to turn the boat around just in time to see the local wildlife emerging through the trees. I hope they left him a good tip. |
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| Don't ever get into a table top contest with Billy Lewis. Just don't do it. This was one of his "warm-up" tables. You have been warned. |
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| The McGazza loves to chase things. His wheel, his dreams, the ever elusive gnarwhale... |
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| After 3 days of shooting in flat light and cloudy conditions it looked like the sun finally might come out. We headed out to the trail with our fingers crossed, and it paid off. Jon Kennedy riding the storm out |
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| Most team managers base there sponsorship decisions on many different things. For Jon Kennedy of Diamondback, the ability to catch a gummy bear in your mouth from 20 feet away is definitely a deciding factor. |
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| The Mcgazza seals the deal! |
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| The Mckenzie river trail never disappoints. Imagine perfectly flowing single track, a lush green forest, and the sound of a raging river whispering through the trees. Now add the Diamondback prototype Mason 29'er to the picture and you may never come back... Billy Lewis gets lost in the moment. |
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| What if there was a gas station with a bar inside of it? What if it was right at the end of the trail? What if they would let you ride your bike inside, so you could fill up a growler with your favorite micro brew and never leave the saddle? That would be pretty amazing right? In Oregon some dreams do come true... |
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| Kyle Thomas rallying the Diamondback prototype DH bike through the log bumps on the Cline Butte trail. |
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| Kelly McGarry taking full advantage of the 5 minute window of light. |
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| Team manager Jon Kennedy know how to throw a post ride trailside chill. You can't go wrong with beers and brats. |
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| This is mountain biking. |
Video- Kevin Philbin
Still Photos- Justin Olsen
www.diamondback.com
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Iten and Tanner, see you at Black Rock on Sunday! I'm driving up from SF tomorrow. Tanner, are you buddies with EB in B'ham? Your name sounds familiar..
Headed to Bend after the 4th, Via Post Canyon, or Sandy ridge. pretty stoked.
Make a DM stem in that insane neon yellow/green colour for Kelly so his DH bike doesn't look stupid and his bars don't twist.
Sincerely, everyone.
(On topic: awesome photos, amusing video. Looks like they had a sick trip!)
I could say, 21 year old single malt scotch > beer. But again, that has it's time and place too.
Isn't Justin Olsen the photographer who screwed up some trails in BC just for an "epic shot"? What an arrogant fool. Why use his pictures? Lots of photographers in the world.
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