1:15:33

Ep. 04 Jun 23, 2024

Scott Smith

Today, we had the pleasure of hosting Scott on our show, where we delved into his captivating journey through the world of mountain biking. Scott’s narrative began with his roots in BMX riding and the pivotal role played by Seth Alvo in his transition to the realm of mountain biking. He vividly painted a picture of his post-Crankworx 2018 experiences, shedding light on the attention he garnered and his deep-seated passion for free ride biking. With a blend of BMX influences and mountain biking ambitions, Scott shared his quirky attempt to integrate pegs onto his Enduro bike, showcasing his innovative approach to the sport. Our conversation reached its peak as Scott recounted his recent escapade at the Dylan Stark jam in California, where he thrived on pushing boundaries, networking with fellow riders, and immersing himself in the adrenaline-fueled atmosphere. Moving forward, Scott and Dale reminisced about their unforgettable adventures at bike fest in Bentonville. Dale painted a vibrant picture of the event, highlighting the unique opportunities to engage with industry aficionados and biking icons amidst bustling crowds. They shared their excitement and the thrill of participating in the YT dirt jump jam alongside seasoned professionals, cherishing the electrifying moments that defined the event. From heart-pounding riding sessions to forging lasting bonds with friends and riders alike, the bike fest extravaganza left an indelible mark on their souls, embodying a weekend brimming with camaraderie and jubilation. As we engaged in dialogue with Dale and Scott, they recounted their escapades in Bentonville with a tumultuous tornado. The storm’s impact on the local community tugged at our hearts. Dale’s passion for storytelling through film captured our attention, offering a lens into the enthralling world of documenting adventures and cherishing shared experiences. Our conversation meandered through the landscapes of freeride biking, social media’s transformative power in sports sponsorship, and the unwavering support of the biking community during trying times, painting a tapestry of shared passion and solidarity. Scott’s profound appreciation for the diverse tapestry of creativity interwoven in different sports shone through as he explored the role of social media in spotlighting individuality and authenticity among athletes. We explored the avenues for monetizing content through digital platforms and sponsorships, transitioning from BMX to mountain biking was dissected, unearthing insights into skill crossovers, personal fitness regimens, and the magnetic allure of community engagement, the dichotomy between clipless and flat pedals, alongside the influence of bike selection on mastering advanced tricks, illuminated the nuanced world of biking progression and equipment choices. Wrapping up our conversation, we traversed a myriad of topics – from preferred bikes and treasured biking locales to forthcoming projects and technological marvels like electronic shifters and seat posts. With heartfelt gratitude towards his supporters and a poignant nod to the Austin biking community, Scott hinted at an upcoming street edit venture, acknowledging the validating essence of his journey. The air resonated with appreciation for his wife and the robust biking community, symbolizing the interconnected fabric of unwavering support and shared passion woven through their biking odyssey.

1:37:51

Ep. 03 Apr 2, 2024

The SATN Episode

In this engaging podcast, we delve into the world of mountain biking with Brooks and his group of friends as they share their experiences and insights into the biking community, specifically focusing on the South Austin Trail Network (SATN). Greg kicks off the conversation by recounting his introduction to mountain biking, stemming from his time at a bike shop in Chicago and later exploring the trails in Austin. Carl, known as the “godfather of SATN,” shares his biking journey from his roadie days to discovering the trail networks in Austin, while Dale discusses how he found his passion for mountain biking in Austin after a fortuitous encounter with a fellow biker. The group also delves into the origins of the pronunciation of “SATN” and the sense of camaraderie that comes with exploring the trails together. Dale opens up about rediscovering his love for cycling during the pandemic, transitioning back to biking from running and forming connections with others in the biking community. He and Carl emphasize the importance of trail maintenance and the evolving nature of trails over time, discussing the delicate balance between preserving original routes and creating new paths for varying skill levels. Greg and Carl touch on the challenges of trail alterations and the significance of catering to different skill levels while upholding the integrity of the trails. The group shares their favorite trails in South Austin, highlighting the diverse offerings and the joy of enhancing the local mountain biking scene. Carl sheds light on the evolution of the Crank N Drank weekly ride, tracing its roots to different locations and addressing the challenges of accommodating riders of different levels while encouraging exploration of the extensive trail network. The conversation delves into ride planning, etiquette, and the necessity of clear communication within the group to ensure a cohesive and safe riding experience. They discuss group dynamics, the importance of maintaining a steady pace, and the value of embracing getting lost as a means of learning and bonding within the group. Greg underscores the significance of maintaining group dynamics to foster an enjoyable cycling experience for all riders, particularly focusing on balancing varying skill levels in group rides. Dale and Carl share their insights on leading rides and managing the complexities of group dynamics, paving the way for discussions on upcoming rides and trail developments, including the excitement surrounding new trails like the Violet Crown Trail. The group emphasizes the need for businesses to support cycling in the area by providing amenities such as bike racks to enhance the biking experience for enthusiasts. The conversation shifts to Carl’s advocacy for the Violet Crown Trail and its benefits for the community, including improved biking accessibility and wet-weather riding opportunities. Dale, Brooks, and Greg touch on the importance of safety in biking, recounting personal experiences and highlighting the risks associated with road biking versus mountain biking. Greg recounts a harrowing incident involving gunshots during a pre-ride, underscoring the group’s shared experiences and the tight-knit community bonds formed through their love of biking. The group also reflects on a traumatic incident where Greg was shot while mountain biking, emphasizing the quick recovery, community impact, and the importance of mutual respect among all trail users. They express their dedication to maintaining and advocating for biking trails, showcasing their passion for biking, camaraderie, and commitment to the sport.

57:23

Ep. 02 Mar 8, 2024

Rhett Jones - Station Mountain

In this engaging episode, Brooks warmly welcomes Rhett, a passionate mountain biker, on the podcast. They delve into Rhett’s journey in the mountain biking world, from his humble beginnings to his current impressive ventures in trail building and entrepreneurship. With influential figures like Salman and Joshua Baer supporting him, Rhett gains the confidence to pursue his dream of creating the ultimate bike park in Texas despite initial hesitations. The conversation unfolds into a discussion about Rhett’s innovative Rough Hollow Bike Park, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the invaluable lessons he learned along the way. Brooks commends Rhett’s unwavering determination and emphasizes the power of fostering positive relationships within the biking community. As the conversation progresses, Brooks and Rhett provide a deeper insight into the intricacies of establishing a bike park in Texas. They touch on the hurdles of securing investments and finding the ideal property, showcasing Rhett’s resilience in the face of setbacks and rejections. Through perseverance, strategic refinements to his pitch, and diligent networking efforts, Rhett ultimately overcomes obstacles and raises the necessary funds to acquire land for his ambitious project. With a team of skilled builders on board, they tackle tight deadlines and grapple with management issues, yet Rhett’s perseverance shines through, culminating in the triumphant opening of the bike park. His journey epitomizes the growth and success of a budding entrepreneur, with Brooks underscoring the significance of collaboration and steadfast belief in realizing one’s aspirations. Rhett further elaborates on his involvement in various projects at Alpha School, showcasing his visionary pursuits beyond the bike park endeavor. From developing a teenage dating app to contributing to cancer research and authoring endeavors, Rhett’s diverse initiatives exemplify his commitment to making a meaningful impact. He candidly discusses the challenges faced during the development stages at Sage Mountain, giving due credit to key individuals like Steve for their crucial project management contributions. Expressing gratitude towards supporters like neighbor Justin and the Dialed Dirt crew, Rhett also acknowledges the vital financial backing from investors such as Scott, highlighting a continued focus on post-opening profitability. Rhett’s plans to optimize returns for investors through property sales underscore his business acumen and dedication to ensuring Station Mountain’s long-term prosperity. In a fascinating turn, Rhett steers the conversation towards discussing the enticing investment opportunities associated with a property primed for a bike park transformation, aptly named the ‘cattle old meadow hunting property.’ Investors stand to reap various perks, including free ranch maintenance, upgrade privileges, hunting rights, and a share of profits, underscoring the attractive returns this venture offers. Rhett’s enthusiasm extends to a prospective collaboration with SpaceX in South Texas to develop a bike park, buoyed by a vision to surpass premier establishments like Whistler in quality and appeal. The overarching goal of leaving a lasting positive imprint through entrepreneurial pursuits and charitable endeavors resonates strongly throughout this enriching discussion.

54:35

Ep. 01 Feb 15, 2024

Dialed Bike Co.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Austin Mountain Biking Podcast. In this episode we meet with the crew of Dialed Bike Co. A new local shop that has exploded onto the scene in Marble Falls. We discuss the origins of the business and the team, ebikes, and some of the new trails in Lago Vista!

0:30

Feb 11, 2024

Intro to Podcast

Hello and welcome to the Austin Mountain Biking podcast, generically-named because I am so endlessly unimaginative. I’m your host, Brooks Lawson, AKA The Mountain Biking Realtor. This show will focus on the influential members of the mountain biking industry in central Texas. We’ll be interviewing some local business owners, exploring local trails, highlighting influential members of the community, recapping local events, speaking with local initiatives, covering legal developments, and discussing the future of bicycle technology and trailbuilding. Enjoy and stay tuned!