Stuff is happening, albeit slowly, on the sponsor front. I’m expanding my effort to go local/regional wherever possible (which isn’t always, but more often than not)
First, the renewals-
Gu Energy -Their support last year made a significant impact on my budget/ability to race all over the country. Not only that, but they also make some delicious (and effective) energy products as well. Two words: SALTED CARAMEL. Gawd, and the peppermint stick… it tastes like white chocolate peppermint bark.
Nimblewear Custom Apparel – Based out of Collierville, TN (a suburb of Memphis), the quality of their clothes is excellent- right up there with the top of the line stuff from any other company that makes custom stuff.
ProGold Lubricants – Atlanta, Georgia. Their stuff just works. Also… Who can argue with Bruce Dickman?
Outdoors, Inc. – Local bike shop and outdoor retailer. They’ve been there for the past couple of years, and I love representing them.
Maxxis Tire – Suwanee, GA. I’d never want to go with another manufacturer based on the Ardent alone, but turns out, their other tires are great as well. If you ride road and want a treat, check out the Cormet- freaking butter.
Industry Nine – Asheville, NC. If you’ve never ridden a hub with 120 points of engagement (that’s one “click” every 3 degrees), you’re in for a game-changing experience the first time you ratchet and heave your way through a technical section of trail.
The New Guys-
Cysco Cycles – I like supporting regional/small companies whenever I can, and, if you live in Memphis, these guys over in East Tennessee are close enough to call just that. They’re making my road bike, and, in the near future, we’ll start hashing out the details on a hardtail mountain frame. Chris and I really click… from our dislike of certain bike parts to our teen-like giggling at the phrase “THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID.”
Urban Fitness Kickboxing – I mentioned starting some Mixed Martial Arts classes, and, John Trent, a local cyclist, owns this gym. If you’re looking to get in better condition from any level- whether it’s off the couch or off the elite MTB circuit, check out what they’ve got to offer (it’s not all fighting). Personally, I’m taking the Body Focus class (circuit-style resistance training) along with the MMA class. The prices are very reasonable compared to other gyms in the area, and class comes with a lot of one-on-one attention. I’m confident that the cross-training is going to help take my next season to another level of awesome.
Of course, all of those renewals are a result of you guys who read/follow along at home, going out and purchasing products from the companies listed here, based on the fact that I told you to do so. I’ve said it before- I don’t have any sponsors here that I wouldn’t recommend if they had nothing to do with me. All of their products/services are solid… a prerequisite to me asking anybody for sponsorship. Hopefully, I’ll have a little more to post about soon. Also, with the finalization of sponsors comes the excitement of a brand new kit design. It’s gonna be Dirty South-a-riffic!