Deep dive into hot takes, interviews, and inside info on the mountain bike industry.
Nik Nestoroff, Rachel Pageau and BME – EP9
In this conversation, Austin White and Jay Pleet discuss their recent adventures and experiences at racing events. They talk about the challenges they faced, including technical difficulties, travel mishaps, and extreme weather conditions. They also introduce their guest, Rochelle, who shares her experience racing in the women’s e-bike class and the pro women’s class. They discuss the decision to race on an e-bike and the advantages and disadvantages of different bike choices. The conversation touches on topics such as the difficulty of the trails, the impact of weather conditions on racing, and the camaraderie among racers. Rachel discusses her experience racing downhill at Windrock and the challenges of riding a dual crown bike. She talks about her strategy for pushing her bike up the hills and the perception of riding a dual crown bike in the race. She also mentions her plans to race more BMEs and her decision to buy a new bike, debating between a Bronson and a Nomad. In this part of the conversation, the discussion revolves around race schedules, sponsorship, and the controversial topic of OnlyFans. Rachel mentions her potential conflicts with race schedules and her decision to disclose her sponsorship with OnlyFans to her current sponsors. The conversation also touches on frame sponsorship and the challenges of finding a downhill race bike that fits her well. The hosts express their surprise and curiosity about the sponsorship dynamics in the women’s class of mountain biking. In this part of the conversation, Rachel discusses her plans to buy an enduro bike and participate in the Sunrise race. She reflects on her previous experiences racing with different bikes and the importance of being prepared. Austin and Jay discuss the challenges of racing at high altitudes and the possibility of muddy conditions at the upcoming race. They also mention the younger generation of riders who are stepping up their game and the benefits of having a team in terms of support and leverage. In this part of the conversation, Nik Nestoroff discusses his tools and gear, including his toolbox from Harbor Freight and his custom-designed kits from Pearl Izumi. They also talk about the potential growth of North American racing and the possibility of European riders coming to compete. They discuss the strategy and mindset needed for different race venues, such as the raw and gnarly trails at Windrock and the unique challenges of the Sunrise race. Nik shares his experience of racing at these venues and the importance of a strong mindset on day two of the race. Enduro racing requires a combination of physical fitness, mental strength, bike skills, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. The mental aspect of the sport is crucial, as riders need to be comfortable pushing their limits and throwing themselves into challenging sections. The speed and intensity of Enduro racing can change dramatically from practice to race day, and riders often find themselves going much faster during the race. The sport attracts both professional riders and amateurs who are passionate about the thrill and challenge of Enduro. Despite the risks involved, riders of all levels share a love for the sport and the unique experiences it offers.
