croftyemtp

I agree elong801, in the MTB world we are lucky to have so many pros riding the same trails as we do and that are willing to say hi, I cant think of too many NHL guys who have came out to a mens club game and kicked it with me and the boys in beer league, not saying they wouldn't be great guys just saying I am more likely going to run into a bike pro in the line up.

Last year I had the good fortune to meet Brandon after he burned me down on angry pirate, he was riding by himself in a Semanuk jersey and skinny jeans in the bike park. We talked about his last joyride victory his show etc. He introduced himself too the other riders in my group, said a few kind words and took off. The rest of the trip we would see him riding alone or with one or two buddys. No entourage or BRO BRAH blah blah. We also saw him routinely ride in the singles line up and sneak onto the chair with younger riders and converse with them on the way up the lift. Its one thing to be a pro, its another to act like one. Brandon is a polite guy, a class act, and an amazing rider. The only transgression we noted the whole two weeks we were in whistler was that he rode his bike in the village (no one said shit too him by the way). His behavior and attitude prompted me to write letters to each of his sponsors to let them know what an amazing and truly professional athlete they were fortunate enough to employ. Congratulations to Brandon on his continued success and for being such a great guy. People like him are the ones that make our sport grow. If your an aspiring pro or one already, take a cue from Brandon, be nice to the people that want to meet you, act like the professional rider that you are, and be stoked that you get to ride your bike in amazing places for money or parts or clothes or whatever your sponsors are giving you ( often times not as much as you deserve) I know old guys like me can be a drag but trust me, old guys like me buy stuff, if I buy stuff you can get paid more to ride your bike. I want you to ride your bikes and keep the stoke going for the mortals like myself.