I survived Vegas, but only just.  Let’s just say I don’t plan on returning anytime soon, and that I couldn’t have been happier to get back home.

That silly trip aside, it’s Monday again, so that means it’s time for the MLM!  I’ve decided to keep the theme of portraits going (and likely will for the remainder of the series), as I really enjoy sharing something different; a look “behind the curtain” in a sense.  This week I’ve gone full #artbro and made it a classic B&W gallery!

This second installment is from Leogang, the third round of the World Cup.  To get there the whole circus packed up shop, hauled across the UK, got on an overnight ferry (there was a bar, it went exactly as you think it did) to the Netherlands, and from there we drove across Euroland, alllll the way down and into the heart of the Austrian Alps to Leogang.  After a long day of driving, rest stop wifi, multiple language barriers, and discussing the do’s and don’ts of travel, we were grateful to find our accommodations and turn out the lights in preparation for the week ahead.

Thankfully, the following day we were greeted by beautiful landscape, blue sky, and warm temps – basically the antithesis of our time in Scotland the week prior.  The one issue we encountered, was that it was a 30 minute walk to the venue from our (actually really nice) accommodation.  A small price to pay for comfort, and it turned out to be a nice way to start and end the day – good coffee-walk there, and a solid mind-clear home.

The race itself was a historic juggernaut were the male winner managed to take the win without having a chain for his entire run; if you’ve forgotten how a bike works, a chain is a pretty crucial piece of the puzzle.  At any rate, after the race, I went over to Salzburg to hangout with a good friend and go ride a historic venue/mountain, and it couldn’t have been more fun or a better end to a wicked week of sunshine and racing.

 

The riders like to relax and goof about during setup days, and Greg decided to rip around on a pennyboard to pass the time.
Eddie was exceptionally stoked for the warm temps and beautful weather we were greated with in Leogang.
We had plenty of time on the road in between Fort William and Leogang to get our coverage up, Tommy puts the finishing touches on the article.
The trip across Europe was a funny affair, with plenty of shenanigans along the way, including this band portrait, for future trio, Penny and the Lads.
Not an uncommon sight to see around the media group: Beatrice, head in hand, trying to laugh through the exhaustion of the day while still meeting the deadline.
Having been substantially injured the week before, Victoria and I were sat discussing her options wild some dark clouds brew overhead in an overly dramatic fashion.
Paul didn’t know what to make of me at first, but I like to think that I grew on our gracious driver with my wit and lack of American affect.
Corworker of Tom, and all around funnyman, Rich found himself guiding tours in Austria following New Zealand, and was able to come across the valley to hangout with us in between tour sessions.
No short cuts in vanity around the Bumble pits; Sophie makes sure to maintain some sense of civilized behavior in the unruley privateer pits.
The Media Squids would get out for a ride whenever possible, and Joe was sure to be fueled up for the drift and photo-heavy excursions.
One of the coolest dudes kicking around, mechanic and wildman Charlie was always up to some shenanigans when he wasn’t turning wrenches.
This was the second time I really was able to hangout with the #vanzac crew and their legendary vans; a quick group shot for a write up on the band of wildmen.
We met while in Queenstown, and it was great to continuing hanging out with Tom during the Eurosummer while he kept bikes in running order.
The Freeride Tour event at Leogang was held in conjunction with the Downhill race, and let’s just say those boys know how to party…lots of heavy hitters in this picture including Ryan Nyquist, Steve Peat, Sam Pilgrim and Reynalds.
The noitorious Bumble van was filled to the gills with equipment and had three cheeky ladies riding shotgun, but a lack of speed from the van didn’t lessen the enthusiasm of Sophie, Casey, or Victoria in the least.
Dougie Fresh is one cool cat (mechanic): the guy has been around for ages, has a massive depth of knowledge, and is just a hoot to hang with – cheers Dougie!
This is the otherside of the slideshow, when the Vital Brain Trust is up late burning the candle at both ends in an effort to deliver their rad coverage; Boris/Sven/Duncan.