Sixty seconds with Mike Estes

The world is full of talented riders and people working their guts out to make it in the world of riding and racing bikes. Welcome to the fourteenth of many, quick, slap in the face style, 60 second interviews - and next up Downhill war horse, Mike Estes.

Ripping it up with Mike inside,
Name -
Mike Estes

Age -
41

Hometown -
Born in San Diego '68 and raised on Mt. Hood Oregon, residing in Hood River with family.

Race/Discipline -
DH

Bike/s -
Cove Shocker for racing (Brodie Heathen for Pumptracks and Dirtjumping)

Job -
NW Sales Rep for Alpinestars, Sombrio, Cove, Brodie, Elka and ChroMag.

Sponsors -
Pinkbike, Cove USA, Dakine, FiveTen, Arrow, Rockstar, Skullcandy, Spy, Atomlab, Alpinestars (lifestyle clothing) And ChroMag. Hopefully ODI soon!

Best ever moment in 2009 -
Winning a race on a track that previously broke my arm. Port Angeles WA.

Worst ever moment in 2009 -
Losing friends, family and pets- NEVER FORGET!

Fave place to race -
Mt. Hood Ski Bowl, the track I grew up on will always be my personal favorite. Most important reason is my mom used to run the ticket office there so I could grow up skiing to my heart's content.

Best thing you ever found on the street -
Well, in Whistler one summer I was skating the park and I scooped up a plastic baggie that smelled like a skunk. If you know me, you know. LOL.

Favorite Rider out there -
I have many idols in this game of DH racing- My first encounter racing I met Simon Lawton and Kim Eakin, both NW DH'rs with class. Honestly- I dunno- So many riders I feel are talented- Steve Peat for his longevity, Shaun Palmer for brash-ness, Greg Minnaar, JD Swanguen, Bryn Atkinson, Lars Sternberg, Kyle Thomas, Stevie Smith, Kyle Marshall, Trenton Zoobkoff, Miles Sullivan and my mechanic Craig Cleary who rides like a bat outta hella. He can easily beat me, yet he doesn't like races- go figure. Everyone who rides honestly. Sport Class on up...oh, a young man named Dan Kruse is the future- you guys just wait till he gets some accolades.

Favorite flavor of crisps / chips -
Ranch Flavored Dorito's, unless I'm in Canada and then it's all about Ketchup Chips.

In your CD player at the minute -
MyG, www.indamixrecords.com

Last film you watched -
The animation Nine or a documentary on 'The Donner Party', can't remember...

Who did you email last -
Dave Bisset at Dakine for a tailgate pad for the upcoming race.

Riders that inspires you -
Brian Bartlett and Blind Bobby McMullen.

Beers or Spirits -
Sessions, a local beer brewed here in Hood River at Full Sail Ale HQ.

Best result in 2009 -
Winning the overall Fluidride Cup for my age, winning the Oregon State DH title and the Washington State titles- just the whole season in general. I just enjoy the atmosphere at races.

Hopes for 2010 -
My goal is to enjoy racing period. I don't expect to walk into the 'Elite Masters' field and dominate by any means- my head space is to enjoy the race, not stress out and ride smart. I truly just want to be a part of the 'Masters' class because I respect those racers tenfold and admire the dedication it takes to be a top DH racer in this region.

People you want to say thanks to -
Firstly, Tyler Maine - he knows it, everyone knows it. His guidance has directed me well in this sport. Craig Cleary and Shane Wilson for major support, Chico at Dakine, Gus at Arrow, Kevin at FiveTen, Ian at Chromag, Scott at Fox, Fran at Spy, James and Joey at Rockstar Energy, Mike at Atomlab and Rob at Alpinestars. Most importantly a huge thanks goes to Ernie, Jesse and Jen at Empyrean Distribution (Cove/Brodie/Sombrio) for believing in me and making me into one helluva sales rep. And lastly- All of my retailers and accounts out there that work with me! CHEERS!