Neko Mulally: There's More to Life Than...
There's more to life than 7 rounds plus World's on the UCI World Cup circuit. More? What exactly do we mean? Well, it's the off-season, so let's tag along with new Gstaad-Scott Factory Racing Team powered by Fox rider Nicholas James Mulally, or as we all know him…. Neko, for a weekend at his new home in Brevard, NC to see how he lives a normal life just like the rest of us.
The Brothers Mulally – They really are shadows of one another. Where one goes, the other follows.
Choice of Wall Art – Yes of course there's a Dungey Fathead in the living room, but this piece of wall art was much more interesting and not something we expected to see hanging on the wall in the house of Mulally….. a print of Richard's Fryer's 1893 patent for Driving Gear for Bicycles. It's the little things you notice that tell you about a person.
Mementos of Teammates Past – Parting gifts from former TWR teammates BrookMac and Justin adorn the wall in Neko's bedroom. Time past and new seasons mean there are changes for each, but no doubt they are all friends for life.
All Business, All the Time – New year, new team, and new opportunities. Neko signs a contract with a new component sponsor for the 2015 season. Not soon after signing his life away, he was on the phone with the same sponsor working out the details he wanted to the specs he needed to make him feel comfortable in the cockpit.
That Moment When…… you lay your eyes on your own self designed and custom painted Oskar Blues Brewery Bell Moto 9 Carbon Flex helmet for the first time. Definitely the smile of approval.
So What's It Look Like? – The concept (drawn by Neko himself) and the finished product…… of course in the good ol' red, white, and blue.
Christmas Ain't Over – Can you imagine what the Mulally household is like when it really is Christmas? Two brothers ripping part package after package with wrapping paper a flying every which way. Strong Arm It Bro!
The Royal Knight – Colors were a rite of passage and a badge of honor for medieval knights as they prepared to do battle against the best the world had to offer, this knight will not be taking exception to that right in his first season with Gstaad-Scott powered by Fox.
Five things you didn't know about Neko Mulally (from Neko himself):
Keep it Clean Please – Why bother, it's just going to get dirty again. Wash the dirt off, get it filthy, wash the dirt off, get it filthy... the endless cycle. At least we know they are having fun.
Tools of the Training Trade – Neko doing some minor adjustments and maintenance on his 2013 Suzuki RM-Z450 before a day at the track in just 24 short hours. If you are a DHer and don't have moto (or two) in the garage, there's something seriously wrong with your training program... plus you aren't having any fun.
Track Time – Located 50 minutes east of Brevard, Mill Spring is the place of choice for most of the locals. On any given day you'll see the Shaw Brothers (Luca and Walker), Brandon Blakely (of Cane Creek), etc, out slinging some dirt. Photo Credit: Paris Gore.
Food for Thought – One might think, "This is the off season, I've got a few months before I need to be in shape. Sure why-a-not, where's the nearest Mickey D's drive thru for a Big Mac Value meal or two, or three, or four." Not Neko, he's always conscious of his choice for fuel.
The Lucky Number 13….. Or is it the unlucky number 13 number plate? Regardless of how you feel about it, we all can agree it was one heck of a run at Hajfell for Worlds. He would like to publicly thank each of you, the Pinkbike readers, for the votes and title of Pinkbike's Best Run of 2014. Consider this that THANK YOU! Moving into the 2015 season, ya think the above right will be the most scrutinized part in the Mulally side of the Gstaad Scott tool box? *Note, I did ask if he has that chain and unfortunately he does not. Someone from TWR did look and couldn't find it. So someone out there went home with a pretty cool souvenir.
The New Wrench – Both the Mulally's are going global in 2015. Little brother Logan is Neko’s 2015 Gstaad-Scott WC mechanic. It will be an interesting dynamic as one thing is for sure, no one knows the other better. Formula for further success? It just might be.
Five things you didn't know about Neko Mulally (from my perspective):
1.That boy can pound down some energy bars. Every time I turned around he had one in his hand, you'd hear the crisp tear of the noisy foil wrapper and that bar would disappear in under 30 seconds. Quote of the weekend, "I need to be sponsored by an energy bar company." Yo, if any companies out there are listening, he'd no doubt represent your product well, though I'd put money on that he'd exceed his monthly contract quota of product.
2. He pays attention to details. Granted I haven't spent a lot of time with very many WC riders, but I noticed as the day went on he was paying attention to every little detail of what I was doing for each of the shots we discussed. It is said knowledge is power, and he definitely took to the time to "understand" the thought process behind each capture. There was a great rapport built as each minute passed by and it made my job that much easier.
3. I can personally vouch for No. 4 of his list of things you didn't know, 40-45mph on a single lane NC dirt back road leaving DuPont State Forest in a 170" WB Sprinter was quite an experience.
4. Regardless of how good the light or the composition shot is, he refuses to look like a "goon" in the image and will argue with you until you fold on using the image for a report. Just ask DeLorme, he'll tell you the same thing.
5. He's always on. We set a schedule of what we wanted to shoot, mind you it was a jam packed day, yet he's constantly juggling two to three different things at a time. We should add, successfully juggling each of those things. Sooner than later he's gonna need a personal assistant or agent. Any volunteers out there?
It’s Not About Bulking Up – However, it is all about the core. Neko and his buddy Ben Clause (from back in PA) developed a specific program honing in on his balance and core. Although under severe pressure, we weren’t able to convince him to let us document yoga class to see these girls he talks about. Opportunity Lost!
Do A Little Dig – Buds from Brevard College Cycling putting some final touches on a short series of dirt jumps. From the left going clockwise, Neko Mulally, Logan Mulally, Callum McEwen, and Asher Blackmore.
First Stop on the Short Bus – After a day of running around like a chicken with his head cut off, time now for a bit of two wheel action to close out the day. The bus stopped first at the dirt jumps.
Second Stop – The beauty of now living in Brevard NC, you have some much to choose from year-round. Five minutes north, you've got Pisgah National Forest, 15 min east you’ve got DuPont State Forest, and sprinkled in between you’ve got lots of little public and private gems for the choosing. Pick your poison. Second stop on the bus, Oskar Blue REEB Ranch, as the golden hour starts to light things up.
Third and Final Stop – Final stop on the bus, just a few miles down the road to Corn Mill Shoals in DuPont State Forest and up to the iconic Big Rock/Cedar Rock to watch the sun sink below the horizon.
Grub Time – Time to meet some buds, kick back, take a load off, enjoy a beverage and a meal at Oskar Blues Brewery in downtown Brevard.
Another comment from the weekend that stood out, "I want to hang my hat on race results. Standing on top of the podium means we did something." If World Championships was any indication of what lies ahead for Neko, there is no doubt that goal of standing tall on the center of the box will become a reality. He's got the drive, he's got the tools, he's got the discipline, and he's got the program. Best of luck in 8 weeks to all the of the Gstaad-Scott organization when the 2015 season kicks off in France.
Neko would like to thank each of the follow companies and a special someone:
Gstaad Bike World
Scott Sports @SCOTT-Sports
Fox Shox @foxracingshox
Velosolutions
Schwalbe @schwalbe
DT Swiss
Shimano @shimano
Syncros
e-thirteen
ODI @Odigrips
Oskar Blues Brewery @OskarBluesWNC
Royal Racing @Royal-Racing
Bell @BellBikeHelmets
Deity Components @deityusa
FiveTen @FiveTenMarsh Guard
Stages Power
And finally, he'd like to say "a huge thank you to my Mom for allowing me to believe that all of this was possible and being there to make it happen every step of the way."
A personal thanks to Paris Gore @parisgore for contributing a moto riding shot. Thanks Bud! Appreciate it!
MENTIONS: @SCOTT-Sports, @foxracingshox, @schwalbe, @Odigrips, @Royal-Racing, @OskarBluesWNC, @BellBikeHelmets, @FiveTen, @deityusa
 |
The Brothers Mulally – They really are shadows of one another. Where one goes, the other follows.  |
Choice of Wall Art – Yes of course there's a Dungey Fathead in the living room, but this piece of wall art was much more interesting and not something we expected to see hanging on the wall in the house of Mulally….. a print of Richard's Fryer's 1893 patent for Driving Gear for Bicycles. It's the little things you notice that tell you about a person.  |
Mementos of Teammates Past – Parting gifts from former TWR teammates BrookMac and Justin adorn the wall in Neko's bedroom. Time past and new seasons mean there are changes for each, but no doubt they are all friends for life. |
All Business, All the Time – New year, new team, and new opportunities. Neko signs a contract with a new component sponsor for the 2015 season. Not soon after signing his life away, he was on the phone with the same sponsor working out the details he wanted to the specs he needed to make him feel comfortable in the cockpit.  |
That Moment When…… you lay your eyes on your own self designed and custom painted Oskar Blues Brewery Bell Moto 9 Carbon Flex helmet for the first time. Definitely the smile of approval.  |
So What's It Look Like? – The concept (drawn by Neko himself) and the finished product…… of course in the good ol' red, white, and blue. |
Christmas Ain't Over – Can you imagine what the Mulally household is like when it really is Christmas? Two brothers ripping part package after package with wrapping paper a flying every which way. Strong Arm It Bro! |
The Royal Knight – Colors were a rite of passage and a badge of honor for medieval knights as they prepared to do battle against the best the world had to offer, this knight will not be taking exception to that right in his first season with Gstaad-Scott powered by Fox. |
 | 1. My little brother (Logan) is my best friend. 2. I go to yoga class……just for the girls. 3. I consume more Dale's (Pale Ale) than water. 4. I drive an average of 10-20mph over the speed limit. 5. I've been to more countries than I have U.S. states. |
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Keep it Clean Please – Why bother, it's just going to get dirty again. Wash the dirt off, get it filthy, wash the dirt off, get it filthy... the endless cycle. At least we know they are having fun.  |
Tools of the Training Trade – Neko doing some minor adjustments and maintenance on his 2013 Suzuki RM-Z450 before a day at the track in just 24 short hours. If you are a DHer and don't have moto (or two) in the garage, there's something seriously wrong with your training program... plus you aren't having any fun. |
Track Time – Located 50 minutes east of Brevard, Mill Spring is the place of choice for most of the locals. On any given day you'll see the Shaw Brothers (Luca and Walker), Brandon Blakely (of Cane Creek), etc, out slinging some dirt. Photo Credit: Paris Gore.  |
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Food for Thought – One might think, "This is the off season, I've got a few months before I need to be in shape. Sure why-a-not, where's the nearest Mickey D's drive thru for a Big Mac Value meal or two, or three, or four." Not Neko, he's always conscious of his choice for fuel. |
| I've been working a lot on my diet a lot this year. One of my friends, Dave Lamond, is a dietitian in Hendersonville (NC) and he has been helping me a lot with fueling up specifically for what I'm doing. If I can have more energy and feel better, that's going to make me faster. It's been a big learning experience figuring out how I feel on what types of fuel and what foods are the best to give me the energy I'm looking for. |
 |
The Lucky Number 13….. Or is it the unlucky number 13 number plate? Regardless of how you feel about it, we all can agree it was one heck of a run at Hajfell for Worlds. He would like to publicly thank each of you, the Pinkbike readers, for the votes and title of Pinkbike's Best Run of 2014. Consider this that THANK YOU! Moving into the 2015 season, ya think the above right will be the most scrutinized part in the Mulally side of the Gstaad Scott tool box? *Note, I did ask if he has that chain and unfortunately he does not. Someone from TWR did look and couldn't find it. So someone out there went home with a pretty cool souvenir. | Hafjell was a big reinforcement of things we all say but don't always do. Riding with the best form and technique, being smooth and carrying speed beats rushing and overriding the track every time. When you can really figure out what each effort is worth on a race track I think you strategize how to ride the whole track fast. |
 |
The New Wrench – Both the Mulally's are going global in 2015. Little brother Logan is Neko’s 2015 Gstaad-Scott WC mechanic. It will be an interesting dynamic as one thing is for sure, no one knows the other better. Formula for further success? It just might be. Five things you didn't know about Neko Mulally (from my perspective):
1.That boy can pound down some energy bars. Every time I turned around he had one in his hand, you'd hear the crisp tear of the noisy foil wrapper and that bar would disappear in under 30 seconds. Quote of the weekend, "I need to be sponsored by an energy bar company." Yo, if any companies out there are listening, he'd no doubt represent your product well, though I'd put money on that he'd exceed his monthly contract quota of product.
2. He pays attention to details. Granted I haven't spent a lot of time with very many WC riders, but I noticed as the day went on he was paying attention to every little detail of what I was doing for each of the shots we discussed. It is said knowledge is power, and he definitely took to the time to "understand" the thought process behind each capture. There was a great rapport built as each minute passed by and it made my job that much easier.
3. I can personally vouch for No. 4 of his list of things you didn't know, 40-45mph on a single lane NC dirt back road leaving DuPont State Forest in a 170" WB Sprinter was quite an experience.
4. Regardless of how good the light or the composition shot is, he refuses to look like a "goon" in the image and will argue with you until you fold on using the image for a report. Just ask DeLorme, he'll tell you the same thing.
5. He's always on. We set a schedule of what we wanted to shoot, mind you it was a jam packed day, yet he's constantly juggling two to three different things at a time. We should add, successfully juggling each of those things. Sooner than later he's gonna need a personal assistant or agent. Any volunteers out there?
 |
It’s Not About Bulking Up – However, it is all about the core. Neko and his buddy Ben Clause (from back in PA) developed a specific program honing in on his balance and core. Although under severe pressure, we weren’t able to convince him to let us document yoga class to see these girls he talks about. Opportunity Lost! |
| I usually go to the gym 3 times a week. My main focus is core, and I have a long list of exercises that I rotate in to keep in exciting, but I'm usually there for about an hour. I also focus one day on lower body and leg lifts. |
 |
Do A Little Dig – Buds from Brevard College Cycling putting some final touches on a short series of dirt jumps. From the left going clockwise, Neko Mulally, Logan Mulally, Callum McEwen, and Asher Blackmore. |
 |
First Stop on the Short Bus – After a day of running around like a chicken with his head cut off, time now for a bit of two wheel action to close out the day. The bus stopped first at the dirt jumps.  |
Second Stop – The beauty of now living in Brevard NC, you have some much to choose from year-round. Five minutes north, you've got Pisgah National Forest, 15 min east you’ve got DuPont State Forest, and sprinkled in between you’ve got lots of little public and private gems for the choosing. Pick your poison. Second stop on the bus, Oskar Blue REEB Ranch, as the golden hour starts to light things up. |
 |
Third and Final Stop – Final stop on the bus, just a few miles down the road to Corn Mill Shoals in DuPont State Forest and up to the iconic Big Rock/Cedar Rock to watch the sun sink below the horizon.  |
Grub Time – Time to meet some buds, kick back, take a load off, enjoy a beverage and a meal at Oskar Blues Brewery in downtown Brevard. Another comment from the weekend that stood out, "I want to hang my hat on race results. Standing on top of the podium means we did something." If World Championships was any indication of what lies ahead for Neko, there is no doubt that goal of standing tall on the center of the box will become a reality. He's got the drive, he's got the tools, he's got the discipline, and he's got the program. Best of luck in 8 weeks to all the of the Gstaad-Scott organization when the 2015 season kicks off in France.
Neko would like to thank each of the follow companies and a special someone:
Gstaad Bike World
Scott Sports @SCOTT-Sports
Fox Shox @foxracingshox
Velosolutions
Schwalbe @schwalbe
DT Swiss
Shimano @shimano
Syncros
e-thirteen
ODI @Odigrips
Oskar Blues Brewery @OskarBluesWNC
Royal Racing @Royal-Racing
Bell @BellBikeHelmets
Deity Components @deityusa
FiveTen @FiveTenMarsh Guard
Stages Power
And finally, he'd like to say "a huge thank you to my Mom for allowing me to believe that all of this was possible and being there to make it happen every step of the way."
A personal thanks to Paris Gore @parisgore for contributing a moto riding shot. Thanks Bud! Appreciate it!
MENTIONS: @SCOTT-Sports, @foxracingshox, @schwalbe, @Odigrips, @Royal-Racing, @OskarBluesWNC, @BellBikeHelmets, @FiveTen, @deityusa
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The investment I was speaking of was the investment of buying a trailer, driving to off road parks, gas and moto maintenance, etc. Whereas I can drive 10 min to my local trails and ride mtb all day for free. That's what it came down to for me.