San Diego #raphafestive500 Recap: 2 Days, 130 miles — just the perfect add-on for a casual F500 holiday brevet! We set out to build and ride this route as a way to add toward our 500 ambition with Dad-level fitness and stumbled on what would be an epic combo of roads and stops.
Starting in El Cajon to get out of the city quickly, we built a route that surprised us with it's incredibly high quality ratio of mixed terrain miles! Highlights included a special passage through El Captian Reservoir, the lesser-known Boulder Creek Rd and a cozy Airbnb in Julian, followed by Day 2 descents in Black Canyon and along Lake Hodges.
@jesseklash and I rode the route in a casual two days while our friend @traventurr got ambitious and did it all in one go! None of us had done this look before, so we were in for a treat.
I can not go on enough about Boulder Creek Rd. it just can't make up it's mind whether it wants to be paved, buff gravel, or broken road. Just the right combination to keep traffic low and the views pristine.
Black Canyon was all-time buff gravel to 4x4 road type descending that fades into cutty one-track with equally epic views.
Not only was the route all killer, no filler, but the en-route nosh included recon'd aces and a couple excellent surprises too:
Day 1 lunch in Alpine, CA —@mcilhenneybrewing for a lunch drink and Tapatios's next door for the tacos
Day 1 BBQ pizza and beers and @julianbeerco
Day 2 breakfast at Julian Café & Bakery
If you're ever in the San Diego area, this is a prime lil two-day adventure with plenty of challenging climbs and trails to keep any rider entertained, so add it to your catalogue! And good luck finishing your Festive 500!
#rapha #roadslikethese
On the second and following photos is a huge accomplishment for me... The windows of @rapha_sanfrancisco 's recent remodel are featuring my photos and my friends of @leaveitontheroad ! 🙌🏻
The storefront window photo is from Day 7 of 8 and 800 miles of our @leaveitontheroad Coast Classic. I took this on our "favorite" curve of on Hwy 1 in Mendocino County — featuring @mtabtabai , @ktmccain , @cbrady , @natasharochelle_ , and Kyle Valenta.
The side window photo is from a regular weeknight headland mission with @patrickmarzullo . Taken on our way back up to the bridge from Kirby Cove.
In the legacy of this, the first @rapha_n_america clubhouse, I've got the legend @ryanrinn to thank for the opportunity to submit photos for consideration in this project! I'm so grateful it worked out.
After 7 years as a Rapha Ambassador, I am so proud to make my mark in this way. It's a legendary brand with a long line of epic stories and characters, of which I'm just a tiny part, but a part nonetheless 😊 And I'm more excited than ever to continue going into 2024. More on that and plans for next year soon!
#rapha #cycling #photography
📍Mr. Toad's Wild Ride vs. Apogee One
If you know this trail, you know. If you don't, it's such a great test for what thr Free Float suspension on the Apogee One can do - chunky, steep technical climbing mixed with the same staircase level of mushroom rock hopping descent.
We definitely leveled up this weekend with this quick trip down to Tahoe! More from our shop visit to @hustonprecision where our Apogee suspension parts are made coming next!
#apogeebikes #raphamtb #southlaketahoe #steelmountainbike
PROGRESSION 03
The Evolution of Progression: A Q&A with @henry_nadell
Our final rider, @henry_nadell , has seen his definition of progression shift dramatically—from the air-time thrills of the skatepark to the pursuit of speed on the race course, and finally settling on a path paved by his friends.
Here’s our conversation with Henry on his ever-changing journey:
Q: What does the word “progression” mean to you personally, and how has your definition of it changed since you started riding?
Henry: “My riding started at a young age ripping the local skatepark and dirt jumps. Progression was landing a new trick, clearing that bigger gap, or following my friends into a jump line. My freestyle mindset shifted when I started racing mountain bikes. Progression inherited a results and performance focus. It was all about speed. Like progression itself the definition for me is never concrete these days. It operates in flux, one day a segment PR and another road gaps because the avenue of progression is paved (read as dirt) however you pursue it.”
Q: Think back to a time when you felt stuck or frustrated with your riding. What did you do to push through that moment?
Henry: “Whenever I’ve plateaued in my riding friends are the best way up. Friends are the best way to push through by following a line or offering a way to unlock new skills. Without friends progression operates at leisure in my experience.”
Q: Describe a moment on the trail where you felt a real sense of triumph or breakthrough. What did you accomplish, and what did it feel like?
Henry: “A couple years ago I wanted to learn how to manual. It took the better part of the summer to get them down. The biggest triumph was taking the manual to the trail, it felt like being a kid again. Tricks are for kids.”
#raphamtb #mtb #rapha #bendoregon #apogeebikes
PROGRESSION 02
The Inner Game: A Q&A with @sadieannsmith
In Episode 01, we talked about competition. In Episode 02, we go inward. Sadie’s story shows us that the real work—and the greatest triumph—happens in the mind.
Here’s a highlight from @sadieannsmith on her progression journey:
Q: What does the word “progression” mean to you personally, and how has your definition of it changed since you started riding?
Sadie: “When I first started riding, progression felt quick and very much defined by the terrain features I could ‘check off!’ Now, progression feels more subtle and centered around my mentality and control on the bike. It shows up in the feelings of self-assurance, confidence, and those moments I feel in complete control of my bike, line choice and maneuvers. Moments of bike-body separation and flow on my bike that may not be outwardly visible often feel like huge progress in my riding.”
Q: Describe a moment on the trail where you felt a real sense of triumph or breakthrough. What did you accomplish, and what did it feel like?
Sadie: “Riding extremely steep, technical chutes generally provides the greatest feelings of triumph on my bike. In the moments after, there is an enormous sense of relief from the build-up of adrenaline, so much so that I have to physically shake out my limbs. There is a brief feeling of ‘I never need to ride that again’ that is quickly replaced with a giddy excitement and affirmation that I am capable, strong, and will most likely be riding that again. I feel an incredible sense of pride in being able to prioritize my mind to overcome deep fear and to then transfer that into control and composure on my bike.”
Next Up:
@henry_nadell
For some, it’s a new trick. For others, it’s getting back on the bike after a long break. The principle of progression is a scientific concept with ancient roots. While not its origin, the idea of progression takes on a unique cultural significance the sport of mountain biking.
This new mini-series dives into the heart of mountain biking progression, told through the stories of three riders — a seasonal reminder that growth isn’t always linear.
PROGRESSION 01 — The racer’s mindset.
For some riders, progression is a solitary pursuit. For others, it’s a social act fueled by the energy of competition and camaraderie. A competitive rider at heart. This mini-series dives into the heart of mountain biking progression, told through the stories of three local riders.
First up: @shredwards23 ’s story reminds us that pushing your limits alongside others can be the most rewarding part of the ride.
“I love racing because it pushes me mentally and physically; it allows me to ride places and lines I never could have imagined and meet some of my most cherished friends.”
The racing world might seem all about the podium, but for Eddie, the real wins happen when the pressure is on. It’s about finding those personal achievements that a race can expose, and building a community along the way.
“At the end of the day, it’s cool to win a big check sometimes, of course. But where I try to find the real successes is in my personal achievements out on the track.”
Next Up: @sadieannsmith , @henry_nadell
Today is National Public Lands Day 🎉, which aligns perfectly with my return from a 2-week roadtrip visiting three national parks, camping for free on BLM land, riding, and hiking until our legs fell of on every epic trail we could find. Never forget: the beauty and access we all own and fund together is OURS.
Everywhere we visited on our roadtrip from Bend, OR to Utah, Nevada, and back in the last two weeks...
📍 Boise National Forest (not pictured)
📍 Unita-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
📍 Zion National Park
📍 Kanara Falls
📍 Bryce Canyon National Park
📍 Red Canyon: Dixie National Forest
📍 Great Basin National Park
📍 Steens Mountain Wildnerneds
📍 Deschutes National Forrest
📍 Three Sisters Wilderness
#nationalparks #zionnationalpark #brycecanyon #bendoregonlife #publiclands #publiclandsday
Growing up as a cyclist in America in the 2000s, I’d heard stories about a rider who’d died on Mont Ventoux. The story was always a cautionary tale—dark, mysterious, and a clear example of an attempt to cheat. I never even learned his name.
But then, Rapha’s Tom Simpson Collection came along. Hearing his story for the first time has totally changed my perspective on cycling history.
What resonated most was how beloved he was by his country and the French press, who nicknamed him ‘Major Tom.’ It’s a reminder that every athlete is a real person, and history can simplify a story when there’s so much more to learn.
Looking back now, I get that in the early days of racing, drugs were just part of the sport. His tragic death was a direct result of that culture, and it’s what led to mandatory doping controls. This gives me so much more empathy for athletes of that era—it wasn’t just about cheating, it was a complicated part of the sport back then. Tom’s story sheds some important light on that nuance.
I hope newer cyclists can learn about this too. It’s so important to understand the past of the sport.
Proud to be wearing this new Tom Simpson Collection jersey.
#rapha
Nothing profound to say. Working hard. Riding. @anelesew did Haulin' Aspen Half As. Rowan now mach 10s into the small jumpline at Phil's. Max gains. Rapha Flaero jersey is a gift from the bike gods. Driving the 997 is like creme brulé. Lupine up high on Met Win. Got a flat. Switched to Maxxis Aspens for something different. More supportive casing = lower PSI! Things are good.
#goneriding #bendoregon
Mountain bike rides to do inside of 30 mins drive from Lake Chelan, WA:
1. Echo Ridge - lots of mellow flow
2. Chelan Butte - steep climb, pucker down
I wouldn't call it a MTB destination, but the views are all time and if you're here for the lake, it's worth getting some rides in!
#apogeebikes #mountainbike #mtb #chelanwashington
