Video: 8 Riders vs. The Jump Challenge - Pinkbike Academy Season 2 EP 5

 Sucks pinkbike users let the "meme" of pinkbike academy turn into how the producers would want the watchers react to it; a generic reality show. This could easily be "90 Day Fiance" and people would react the same, make the same comments about a person everyone has collectively chosen to throw hate at based on presentation. Need someone for the audience to all collectively talk about, unfortunately that person was Cody. Those that have talked him, even in passing at races know this isn't an accurate representation of him or how hard he pushes himself at races and riding in general.

I have a hard time believing this wasn't edited to fit the needs of the overall show's success, but if I'm wrong I will gladly eat my words and accept that Cody is a huge whiner.

Also, not completely defending him here, the pillow thing was pretty annoying as well as the comments made to a female competitor when he was in no shape to give those comments, but I think at that point it became clear pinkbike had found their own "No Neck Ed".

 I've had similar experiences with Cody. I raced against him every 2 weeks at Fontana for a long time. He always looked like he was having the most fun and was the head organizer/promoter of the saturday night parking lot rut slalom for the kids.

 It's so sad how strong people's negative opinions can be of someone from looking through such a tiny window. And then feel the need to type it out.

 @Jimmy0: Lots of armchair psychologists in this thread

 @BoobyHill: could be a couple of huge whienrs there.

Soft spot for PB, but hope to see the true talent be pushed out of the box here. There’s a lot of sponsors but we that watch have seen lots of cool sh*t be presented in a real way and pushed through the cat laser eye vortex and made into inspiration….This academy doesn’t seem to be sustainable. Resolve, simple walnuts opinion. Wallllll…lll-nuht….tttts…

 I’ve ridden with Cody and he’s just not an enduro guy. For starters, he dislikes climbing. Which makes me wonder what he’s doing in this competition that is all about who is the best enduro racer. Combine that with the fact that he’s not one to hide how he really feels and I felt like he was almost predestined to be a fall guy in this reality show.

 @GAQ: or it just means there is more to fitness than looking thin....

 @GAQ: very weird thing to bring up dude, there's all sorts of diseases that could cause that, he could also just not have great cardio. Vaguely racist statement.

 @mustbike: numbers arent racist. just type sickle cell into google and it will state the most affected demographic. it was just a theory based on an observation. the high altitude would affect someone with sickle cell more since there is less O2 in higher elevations. it could be why he seems to have a hard time accepting that his performance is not what he is used to or it could be that he has a hard time accepting failure.

 @GAQ: For years I ate a high protein/ low carb diet and was ripped, but was a wreck when it came to cardio. We really do need lots of carbs over a long period of training to build up glycogen stores and to have strong endurance. This sort of high carb diet will give you mad endurance, but doesn't look as ripped that's for sure.
About 10% of African Americans have the SCA gene so it's certainly a possibility. However it's more likely just diet and training.

 I'm sure he's a super nice guy, but this is a pro contract, with sponsorship-- investing money into a person. This takes more than being a nice guy. A venture capitalist would crush me if I had a good idea, but I'm full of excuses on execution-- there has, is and will always be unforeseen stuff along the way that overwhelms us. The investors resources are on the line at a person's character, integrity, work ethics, discipline and attitude. So it's not knocking on Cody, but this is simply acknowledging the context of what this is and every bit of unseen hard time is a point to overcome it with all eyes on him. He seemed like a good guy, but just not ready inside to progress forward into an invested career. He can still make the changes and pursue an alternative route.

 @JTlikesPB: this is a PinkBike comment section, I’m way ahead of you here. Happy riding pal

 @fpmd: I agree. To add I didn't like his personality in terms of not being optimistic about being there. More negative comments than anything. I can't jive with that. If I was given a chance, I'd be stoked. And push harder.

 Ehhh... Even some of his competitors said his attitude was hurting him.

 @cgreaseman: Agreed. I feel like you can see how he really acts when you look at the other competitors anytime Cody does something. I think he makes them uncomfortable.

 So fed up with him, pathetic. Hope this show shows him his attitude stinks.

 This is so suspicious, I guess they really want the drama, why let someone portray themselves so negatively and need the drama at all.

 but he almost lost his leg in a long jump competition before.....

 I think its really hard to chase a dream and get an opportunity and it just not go as you'd hoped. Its easy to judge looking from an outside perspective but a little harder to be objective when you're in the thick of it.

 he put his attitude higher than his abilities

 @mtbman1980: Even better than that was the long pause after..."hold on, let me think of another excuse for that "

 @pgomez If I had to wager a guess, it would be that Cody somehow let the camera get to him. What I mean is, some people just can't relax once they know they're being recorded, and they become weird versions of themselves.

 @jamesbrant: f*ck off. No one unnecessarily brought identity into it until you did.

 @RADRUBEE: Also going from regional racing to completely out of your element in both terrain and competition. Likely never had that pressure before and melted down. Excuses was just his coping mechanism... Which unfortunately gives a bad impression of him.

 Cody reminds me of the old Teddy Roosevelt quote “Comparison is the thief of joy”. I wish him luck and hope he keeps at it.

 @jamesbrant: we are using MLK’s logic, we are judging not by the color of his skin but instead we are judging him off his actions. I would say the same stuff about any person who acted like that.

 @mtbman1980: keyboard warrior attack! It was legit horrible crash at Snow Summit for a high jump contest, not long jump. I am sure you can find the video it's quite disturbing.

 @mtbman1980: video of the crash

www.instagram.com/p/BmBakB_Hgm1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 @femto505: we have all broken bones it’s wether we choose to do what we love and are passionate about regardless.

 @femto505: I almost died crashing on a rock face, I still ride rock faces.

 @femto505: For real that was a nasty crash. It was the way the leg just flops and spins like num-chuks after snapping for me.

 @mtbman1980: Completely agree, I rode with people where they have their first big hospital injury and call it quits.

 You can't have applied for PBA and not know what you're getting into. Especially with us clowns in the comment section.

I get that life is happening and reactions to new things (PBA) may not be what we (or the person experiencing) expect. I believe people can change (my wife can attest to that in me) but unless you're full send acting/lying mode, a few weeks is quite a while for most people to not let their real self, in the stage of life they're in, show through. When I look at how the other riders are handling/coping/conducting themselves, Cody just has some mirror work to do I think.

Life is never fair. You don't always have the perfect pillow, sometimes you choose the wrong pants, EWS racing isn't in your San Diego backyard, and if you can overcome nearly losing your leg figure out how to turn that into a positive (ie. "I made the cut for PBA and I gave what I thought was my best") vs a negative (ie. "It's too high here").

I'm probably twice the age of most of those riders and I'm still working on trying to be a better person and work towards positivity. My wife let's me know when I fumble that ball. I was on the NO Cody train (and I still don't want to watch him go any further in this specific scenario) but there's obviously more to the guy, especially if he's out there looking out for other kids and his sister. Hope he finds his way and we see him again in a positive light.

 @gnarnaimo: that's because you line in VC and have no choice

 @inside-plus: VC? I don't live in Vancouver. Guessing you either haven't ever ridden in my area or have only gone for the rocky trails. We have endless singletrack dirt trails my friend.

 Just say YOLO a few times and you'll be good

 10/10

 @proDHracer: don't forget to loosen your pants...

 @scott-townes: Its because they all had a crush on her

 @rustiegrizwold: I have a crush on Kyra...lol

 I can't go on without her.

 @rustiegrizwold: Kylie Jenner? Wha?

 @scott-townes: Kendall over Kylie, all day long.

 @ReformedRoadie: Pinkbike gets sold and next thing you know we are talking about the Kardashians

 @rustiegrizwold: wow. I suddenly feel like Ace Venture when he realized Einhorn was Finkle.

 @rustiegrizwold:

 big time! Bring her back!

 @rustiegrizwold: No...

Kardashians 2.0: Kardashians Outside.

 Buckle up buckaroos

 I don't think he should be villainized, but he should take these comments to heart to some extent. He clearly has an attitude problem.

 @HB208: I'm assuming you mean well, but the idea of people looking to internet commenters for tips on how to live their life is probably not a good way to go!

 @MuddyBrit: Yeah, I mean, he went on a public show and publicly complained a lot.

 Well said. Ultimately the competition was on another level and even they aren't beating the secret pro. It sucks when you think you are at that level and realize you really aren't... I think he has style on a bike, but this series is about racing and he isn't a top level racer at this time. Would love to see him put in the work to get there.

 Agree!

 Who has a BMX background? I don't think they've mentioned it yet.

 @crazyXCsquirrel: it's how they ride and jump.

 @chickenlassi: every time someone in the show says BMX background it’s time for shots!

 5 mins in and I know I'm gonna be hammered by the end of it

 Outside+ members must drink monster hydro.

 I have a BMX background. How many shots do I take?

 @reynoldstyle: All of them.
Every last one.

 @reynoldstyle: I ride BMX more than MTB, how many do I take?

 This episode it was literarily a 1 liner: "BMX Background!" (dramatic pause) 'nuff said.

 I looked at Cody’s IG and he has been getting some flack here and there for how he is portrayed in this show which admittedly he seems to be providing an ample amount of raw material for that portrayal and I feel like it’s been backed up by the other competitors reactions to him. Hopefully he will see this and use it as a growing experience. God knows I’d probably die of cringe if somebody recorded my life and I saw how I acted sometimes from others perspectives.

 @PHX77: What's his handle?

 @HB208: @rutbanger He's a damn good rider looking at some of the stuff on there. I know I'm a mess when I don't get enough sleep, so maybe it's that (or the editing). Hopefully he's surrounded by some good people that know how to keep him away from the social media comments. It's a bit much imo.

 @thingswelike: Yeah, he is, but if you want to compete at a pro level, you are not going to have perfect conditions and you are going to have immense competition. You need to be able to have a mindset to deal with it. Complaining about things like elevation is absurd when you want to be on the EWS tour racing in countries like Switzerland.

 Cody is @rutbanger@HB208:

 @HB208:

WTF are you talking about? Look at the long list of racers who sucked because they came from sea level:

Sam Hill
Aaron Gwin
Jack Moir
Richie Rude
Martin Maes

 @WasatchEnduro: someone is going to miss the sarcasm and get really upset. better watch out.

 @bryannn:

Hope not but it's definitely hit and miss with this audience.

Also I see the Big White trails top out at 7k ft. In San Diego county it looks like you can ride at 3-6k ft pretty easily so not a big difference not to mention the 10k ft peaks everywhere a little further north. No excuse to not be prepared.

 @PHX77: They would probably catch me getting pissed and throwing my bike into oblivion, because that is something I do regularly. (Mainly just my bmx)

 @WasatchEnduro: my local dh park is 7k feet at the summit and I never feel a difference when I race up there, but I suck so that probably effects it.

 @WasatchEnduro: Guessing your referring to Hot Springs mtn. Its on Res land and I’m not sure you can ride there without permission.
To even come close to mimicking the type of riding you’d see at Big White anyone in San Diego would need to hit up Big Bear. Not just for the elevation but also terrain. Its a 2.5-4 hr drive depending on traffic.
If your going to be dedicated to something like Enduro, you move to a better training ground.

 @SacAssassin:

Valid points but this is such a rare opportunity to compete for a pro contract that if any of the contestants are underprepared that's totally on them. This isn't just some sh*tty competition. It's an insane opportunity that tons of up-and-coming racers would love to have to build their own brand and potentially get full factory support and mix it up with the pros. It's easy to see who's prepared and who's not.

Who's the first rider that pops into your mind when asked who here is pro material. 1-2-3 go.

 @SacAssassin: There's plenty of good enduro training in San Diego both in elevation and difficulty. No need to drive all the way to Big Bear.

 @WasatchEnduro: Without a doubt and you proved my last sentence. Think back to the FTP test. Three of the first 4 people were from either SoCal or Mexico.

That said Cody's biggest problem was that he was his own worst enemy.

 @jessemeyers: Never said there wasn't good training ground, there just isn't any decent elevation in SD. Base of Snow Summit is 7000ft. It makes difference.

 @HB208: the elevation thing is mental, Big White is barely high enough to start feeling the effect of elevation, and besides I know Cam lives in Vancouver at sea level and I think Emmet lives here in squamish....also at sea level.

 @SacAssassin: I'm sure it would make a difference but his complaint in the show and your original post seemed to imply that San Diego doesn't have access to training areas for climbing or enduro which I think is incorrect (not to say they couldn't be better). I suspect the real reason he sucks at climbing (relatively) is for the same reason I do, cause it isn't fun so I don't put effort in to train climbing. If it was important to him he could have put laps in at Anderson or Noble instead of complaining about lack of access to climbs.

 Could one call it "infuritaining"?

 ...are we gonna talk about Emmett's cowboy jump then? That was epic. And according to Christina, Kyra is totally Balls to the Walls, eh.

 they seriously glossed over Bradley beating the secret pro on his run, and Emmit last week (yes, he had a stupid penalty , but his actual time was faster).
Maybe the secret pro has a frail ego...

 @ReformedRoadie: Bradley only beat the pro on the split, not at the finish line. Overall he was 0.3s slower IIRC.

 @ReformedRoadie: The Outside readers want a PB Academy Fantasy contest where we can pick the winner(s) and select who we think the secret pros are already!

 100% agree. Make it like a true enduro season

 @TC59: and give each rider a pro mentor to guide them, like in the Hunger Games or one of those singing shows, eh.

 Yea, what else they gonna think of? Car group navigation exercise without speaking and with the AC off? Or taking IG photos of yourself "Hey Go Pro!"

 To only thing anyone could beat Emmet with is a stick. Unless they do it like last year, where the fastest rider didn't actually win, he's got this in his pocket, eh. Go Ben!!

 Every sponsor's dream

 "It's not fair"

 calling out his IG handle is a bold move for a guy with @juicebanger for a PB username

 @TCarl11: shout out to 2007-era Tom Wallisch for coining my username, and thank you for at least noticing my attempt at irony lol

 3
"Yolo"
2
"Yolo"
1
"Yolo"

was hard to watch

 @sunki: my guess is she wears a XS

 Im with you, academy doesn't really suit this. An academy would be as you said. Not a competition but somewhere riders can improve with access to all level of coachers. Same as the original priviter series but with more folks.

 that was pretty cool

 A few times it also looked like the flags were in the landing area when they jumped. That seems sketchy but could also just been the angle. Also found it odd that distance was not metric

 reality tv, to make people talk and interact since the terrible show continues its horrid platform

 diversity

 There’s no denying his fitness isn’t where it needs to be for enduro racing and he has some work to do on his mental game, but the dude is seriously skilled. He’s got awesome cornering skills (he beat everyone else in the Slalom) and has been on quite a few crankworx live feeds for dual and pumptrack events.