ARSENAL PROFILE - KARI HUTSON

Name:  Kari Hutson
IG Handle:  @hutsonk09
Location:  Columbus Ohio

1.  What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2021

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- Absolutely Not!

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

- slim jim, cheese, and a coke

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- mushrooms, pepperoni, and sausage

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- The community of folks both IRL and virtual

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- 24 hour mountain bike world championships (Wembo), Breck Epic, Utah Mixed Epic

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

- It never gets easier, you just go faster

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- Rick Astley

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- An ice cold coke

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

-  I drink iced coffee year round, no matter what the outside temperature is.

ARSENAL PROFILE - MICHAEL MANEY

Name: Michael Maney
IG Handle: @mtbmike411
Location: Cedar Falls, IA

1. What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2020

2. Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- I'm more Keens than Crocs but no socks ;)

3. If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

- Classic donut and an ice cold chocolate milk

4. Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- Tomatoes, Green Peppers and Banana Peppers. You said pineapple doesn't count (you know, towards the 3), so add that too :)

5. What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- The bright colored community of positive attitude of course!

6. Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- Cape Epic, Great Divide MTB route, and Bend, OR. Honorable mention to Croatan Buck Fifty...that sounds fun!

7. Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

- "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts." -Mark Twain

8. What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- A smattering of DJ Khaled collabs

9. After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- One of the amazing tempeh burritos my wife makes for me

10. What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

- Prior to becoming a mechanical engineer, I was a heavy equipment operator and made side money repairing and tuning small engines and motorsports products.

ARSENAL PROFILE - BILL SEYMOUR

Name:  Bill Seymour
IG Handle:  @hailsfromnc
Location:  Raleigh, NC

1.  What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2021

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- Crocs, no. Crocs with socks, hard no. But that's just me. I'm a firm believer 'you do you' as long as it's legal. 

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

- Snickers and Gatorade. 

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- Pepperoni, mushrooms, and jalapeno peppers.

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- The community for sure. But also knowing that it's based in NC which means it's propagating the idea of both being visible and getting outside/active here in beautiful NC. I also love supporting people/orgs that care about the places and things that I do. For example, TS Designs (Burlington) and Kitsbow (Old Fort) are 2 other brands that come to mind that are in NC!

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- the forthcoming 42 miles of new trail for Old Fort/Pisgah (https://www.g5trailcollective.org/oldfort), White Rim/Moab (Utah), and anywhere Ryan Wilson (@rmdub) would let me tagalong. 

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

- "Pain don't hurt." - James Dalton

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- I'm not into riding with music. But I have recently discovered Kingfish Ingram who is an amazing blues artist. He slays the electric guitar. 

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- A freshly brewed beer. Preferably an IPA but really just a cold, fresh beer. 

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

- I met Danny McBride and the cast of Eastbound and Down during my bachelor party. He was way more gracious than we deserved.

ARSENAL PROFILE - PATRICK KELLY

Name:  Patrick Kelly
IG Handle:  @redbeardcyclist
Location:  Beaufort, NC

1.  What Arsenal Class year are you?

2020

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

No socks and No Crocs, just a regular sandal type guy!

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

Gatorade, peanuts, Reese’s Cups and nabs

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

Sausage, spinach and feta

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

Community and having a drive to push myself further.

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

Ireland

Unbound

BWR

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not. – Dr. Seuss

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

I am not really embarrassed about it but my team rags me for listening to Ska.

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

Some cheese- doesn’t matter what kind but just cheese!

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

I spent several years working as a caving/hiking guide.   

Arsenal Profile - Jon Mason

Name:  Jon Mason

IG Handle:  @bucklerembro

Location:  Tallahassee, FL

1.  What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2020 or 2019

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- Socks, yea. Crocs, nah!

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your ”gas station go-to?”;

- Mexican Coke and a Honey Bun, I always regret the Honey Bun.

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn’t count):

- Figs, Prosciutto, Pistachios

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- The community

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you’d like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- Western States, Lofoten Islands, A long slow ride through the Côte d’Or with many stops

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

- Always Forward, Never Back!

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn’t normally admit to?

- Bob Segar, Night Moves

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- A beer

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn’t come up in normal conversation?

- I produce ‘Watts for the Sole’ Chamois Cream

ARSENAL PROFILE - ROBERT WHITE

Name: Robert White
IG Handle: @displacedtxn
Location: Norfolk, VA

1. What Arsenal Class year are you?

2020

2. Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

No. Crocs. Ever.

3. If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

I try to be good…but I’m a sucker for some gummy bears.

4. Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

Grilled chicken, red pepper, and yes…pineapple.

5. What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

The community is amazing, it was an Arsenal member who got me into cycling and I’m forever hooked.

6. Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

I want to ride the Blue Ridge Parkway, I plan to do a century on the Virginia Capital Trail (I hear good things), and I’m stoked for my first Croatan Buck Fifty!

7. Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

“Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers

8. What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

I’ve been listening to the same music since high school…but there is a lot of Disney and the Spider-Man Into the Spiderverse soundtrack songs.

9. After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

Nothing better than a shower beer.

10. What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

I used to work at a Hot Topic.

Name: Courtney Dixon
IG: @courtdixon13
Location: New Bern, NC


1. What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2020 I think.

2. Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- No crocs, but Ridge Supply socks always

3. If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

- Usually by then I’ve had too much sugar so usually just water and I look for something close to a Cliff Bar

4. Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- pepperoni and jalapeno


5. What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- I love being a part of the "crew". Everyone is always kind to one another. not like some clubs that act like elitists. Obviously I love the style and colors that you guy come up with too.

6. Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- Unbound gravel, KS
- SBT GRVL. CO
- Rebeccas private Idaho

7. Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

- “The best pace is a suicide pace and today looks like a good day to die,” – Steve Prefontaine

8. What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- No Doubt

9. After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- Protein drink

10. What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

- I love playing music, drums and guitar, as much as I love bikes

ARSENAL PROFILE - CHERYL MULDOON

Name:  Cheryl Muldoon

IG Handle:  @cheryl.muldoon

Location:  Connecticut

1.  What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2020

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- Socks yes, Crocs NOOO

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?”

- Ice cold Coke and some nice salty potato chips

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- Jalapeños, vegan pepperoni, and that big spiky thing from Hawaii that shall remain nameless

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- What’s not to love about a group of folks that share a love for cool socks

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- Hawaii, Whistler, Colorado

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

- "Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving.” Einstein

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- Eminem

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- Dates filled with almond butter and chocolate chips.

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

- Pre-pandemic I used to build out a full haunted yard, with live actors, for everyone to come enjoy on Halloween. Scaring people is almost as much fun as riding bikes!

ARSENAL PROFILE - MICHAEL BRIDGES

Name: Michael Bridges

IG Handle: @blackmetalbike

Location: Beaufort, NC

1.  What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2017

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- never wearing crocs haha

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

- Coke and Little Debbie Cupcakes (insert Homer Simpson drooling sound)

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- Pineapple, Banana peppers, and Pepperoni - No shame in my game

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- Representing a brand I use everyday and back 100%

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- Mexico, Pacific Northwest and Mid South Gravel 

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

“Have a good time, all the time."

-Spinal Tap

&

- "Strength is the product of struggle, you must do what others don't to achieve what others won't."
-Henry Rollins

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- Really any RnB but I'll admit to it all 

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- I keep fruit in the fridge, so an apple or pineapple. 

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

-  Hardest question ever, I am a talker haha Ok- I make bird houses!

Arsenal Profile - Will McDonough

Name:  Will McDonough
IG Handle:  @wsmcdonough @willsurtsey

Twitter: @mrmcdonough
Location:  Guilford, CT

1.  What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2020

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- It rhymes, and a rhyme is rarely wrong

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

- Snickers. I was a Student Brand Manager for RedBull in college, so I can never turn down a RedBull either...

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- hot cherry peppers, eggplant, za'atar

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- Folks who Stoke

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- UTMB, Rim-to-Rim, Western States

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

"...Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -over and over announcing your place in the family of things." -Mary Oliver ("Wild Geese")

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- The entire Encanto soundtrack

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- Something hoppy in a can

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

-  I speak sign language

Arsenal Profile - Joe Schultz

Name: Joe Schultz
IG Handle: @joe_s313
Location: Suburbia, IL

1. What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2020

2. Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- Sure

3. If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

- Haribo Gummy Bears (sponsor me, Haribo!)

4. Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- Pepperoni, bacon, spinach

5. What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- the socks!

6. Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- Norway, Iceland, Grinduro

7. Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

- "Damn Good Coffee!" - Agent Cooper from Twin Peaks. (coffee rides are always a motivation)

8. What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- Art of Noise - Moments in Love

- The Beach Boys - All I Wanna Do (Maybe the first proto-shoe gaze track ever??)

9. After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- Root beer

10. What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

- I am working on creating a "John Hughes Movie Tour" along the Chicagoland North Shore where we visit famous houses from his movies dressed in 80s gear.

Arsenal Profile - Anthony Manfredi

Name: Anthony Manfredi
IG Handle: @thatmanfredi
Location: Orlando, FL

1. What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2021

2. Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- it would be weird without socks

3. If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

- coke energy and a snickers

4. Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- Pepperoni, black olives, banana peppers

5. What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- hearing the great stories

6. Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- Rotorua mtb park, The Cape Epic, The Rift Gravel Race

7. Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

- of course "ride as much or as little, as long or as short as you feel. But ride" Eddy Merckx

8. What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- Kiiara

9. After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- anything I can eat that doesn't require cooking lol

10. What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

- I owned and operated my own business at 24

Arsenal Profile - David Walker

Name: David Walker
IG Handle: @staffordshire_rouleur
Location: Stafford, UK

1. What Arsenal Class year are you?

2018 or 19 I think

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

I'm European. We don't do such crimes against humanity.

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

Mars bar and a coke but I don't bonk. 

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

I'm a veggie so it's a bit limited.

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

Seeing where other people ride.

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

Table Mountain, South Africa. Mount Fuji, Japan and the coast to coast in the US. I can do coast to coast in the UK in a day and have done.

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

And how can man die better
Than facing fearful odds,
For the ashes of his fathers,
And the temples of his Gods

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

Miley Cyrus

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

Coffee comes 1st. Always coffee.

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

Despite being ex-Royal Navy I much prefer Barbados rum to Naval Rum.

Arsenal Profile - Michael Ortega

Name: Michael Ortega

Location: Fort Collins, CO

1. What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2020

2. Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- Yes!

3. If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

- Trail Mix and a Sparkling Water

4. Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- Hatch Green Chili, Ham, and yes... PINEAPPLE!

5. What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- I love the support that we get from Ridge Supply themselves, from the first email welcoming you to the team to the support for the brand / gear, as well as being part of something bigger than us individually.

6. Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- I'd love to gravel bike Peru, road bike the entire TdF route, and explore Ireland... yes, by bike!

7. Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

- "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky

8. What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- Sk8er Boi by Avril Lavigne

9. After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- Four drinks... BCAA, Pickle Juice, Soda, and a Coffee!

10. What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

- I'm an Eagle Scout, roast my own coffee, and bake a loaf of bread a week.

Arsenal Profile - Jessica Garner

Name: Jessica Garner, MSN, FNP-C

IG handle: @jessfrankmule

Location: Rancho Cucamonga, California

1.  What Arsenal Class year are you?

2019

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

Hard pass

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

Code Red MTN dew and a Hostess chocolate cupcake

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

Meat. -Meat. -Meat. (or chicken alfredo and artichoke hearts)

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

Bright colors - fits in with my already eccentric taste

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- Lotoja - From Logan Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in a relay or solo

- Rockwell Relay in Utah

- Bike the route in Tour de France

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

"The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." - Socrates

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

Hilary Duff's Metamorphasis

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator

Watermelon Mountain Dew Zero

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

I want to learn how to play the bagpipes, and I play the harmonica.

Arsenal Profile - Kristina Krause

Name:  Kristina Krause
IG Handle:  @tiaraditcher
Location:  Parker, CO 

1.  What Arsenal Class year are you?

2019

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

You spelled flip-flops wrong. (I would NEVER wear Crocs, but have been known to wear socks with flip-flops)

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

Fritos and a large fountain Cherry Coke (mostly ice)

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

Sausage, green olive and EXTRA cheese, puh-lease

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

The vibe

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

Alpe d'Huez, France - Salzach Valley - Austria, Passo dello Stelvio, Italy

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion.- Muhammad Ali

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

As a hardcore EDM girl... Kenney Chesney! 

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

Legit anything that is salty and doesn't have to be heated up... pickles, green or black olives, pepperoni - total weirdo, I know 

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

I started caddying when I was about 13 - second girl ever to do it at my country club (back in Illinois, in the .... mid 80s! That's 1980s for you young kids) So anyways, there were only 2 girls and almost 300 boys caddying at that time. Uh, that job was a no brainer to this 13 year old! (I was kinda boy-crazy) But seriously, what was GOLF?! After 2 years, I graduated to being an "Honor Caddy" which meant I carried not 1, but 2 golf bags. Those effers were heavy too. I did it all through high school, and when it came time to think about college, I did what any normal 17 year old girl would do. I ran for Senior Class President and won, beating out the Valedictorian and Prom Queen with promises of pizza on Fridays, adding it to my list of meaningless achievements, and applied for the Evans Scholarship. What's an Evans Scholarship you say? Ever seen Caddyshack? Yup, I was the female version of Danny Noonan. (except in real life, you don't need to know how to play golf, but I have one hell of a practice swing) Anyways, I was up against several kids and thanks to my impeccable caddy record (6 days a week, 2 loops a day for 5 years except for that 1 time I skipped Ladies Day and was punished by the Caddymaster for over a week with the crappiest/cheapest golfers EVER), dire financial situation, above-average grades and stellar likeability factor (I mean, I. have. CHARM). I beat out all the boys and became the first girl at my club to ever be awarded the Evan Scholarship. Yeah, this awkward middle child, that lied to nuns all throughout grade school, and has been growing her bangs out unsuccessfully since 3rd grade, got a FULL 4 year ride to a Big Ten University. To this day, my high school graduation photo hangs in the men's locker room at Oak Park Country Club. I am not sure if that's a compliment, or downright creepy (because, 80s HAIR)... but either way, in my own little way, I kind of made history in my small hometown. I paved a way for young women determined to stand out from the crowd and break free of societal expectations of what everyone else thought they should be doing with their life (like babysitting, or cheerleading squad). Yeah, that was pretty cool. 

Arsenal Profile - Lisa Baynes

1.  What Arsenal Class year are you?

2020

2.  Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

Nah,  I wear my Ridge Supply socks with drug store flip flops

3.  If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

HoneyBun, Vinegar & Salt chips and Cherry Coke

4.  Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

Jalapenos, Pepperoni, Olives

5.  What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

Community Spirit and Camaraderie

6.  Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

Croatan Buck Fifty

SBTGravel

The South Downs Way (England)

7.  Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

Spin to Win

8.  What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

Taylor Swift's Evermore but I typically admit to all my music choices...

9.  After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

Smoothie w/ frozen fruits, veggies and turmeric

10.  What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

I’m a research nerd, having spent over 20 years doing genealogy

Conquering Fears - by Arsenal Member Lisa Baynes

Pisgah National Forest is renowned for its natural beauty.  Part of the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina, the hardwood forests are full of rivers, waterfalls, mountain peaks and miles and miles of trails.  It’s one of the most beautiful places in the southeast.

While I’ve hiked in Pisgah many times, my first venture into the forest on a mountain bike was one of the scariest things I’ve done on a bike.  It was several years ago.  My bike skills were just shy of beginner and I somehow talked my roadie husband into heading up a fire road to bomb down a single track in Pisgah.  It was not fun! I spent the entire descent with one foot unclipped and ready to hike a bike over boulders, wet slippery narrow bridges, huge wet roots, rock drops, root drops and water tables.  I swore if I made it back to the car intact I’d never ride there again.  I did in fact make it back unscathed physically but I had nightmares about it for a week. 

Fast forward those few years, a new Specialized Stumpjumper, miles and miles of practice and guidance from great friends, I was asked to join some friends again in The Pisgah.  I met my buddies  Bob and Dan and we set off and started the climb up.  After a short hike and bike along Club Gap Trail we started the descent on Avery.  My heart was thumping because I did not know what to expect and at the same time I knew what to expect, but I was excited for the challenge. Wet slippery roots and rocks have always been my weakness, and Pisgah is a wet place. I’ve never been able to fully trust my bike to get me through it.  I knew rain was coming in later that day and each minute that went by made me more and more nervous about descending in extra wet conditions.  I started thinking maybe I’d made a bad choice deciding to ride that day.  The descents were so much fun though and each one made me eager for more.  Clawhammer was one heck of a climb up to Middle Black.  I’d heard some crazy things about the root exposure and erosion on this trail.  When we arrived at the junction we met Shrimper with Single-track Trails. He was taking down the chain and opening up the “new” Middle Black a day early.  While newly made trails are soft and often hard to ride, I was thankful for that challenge instead of the badly eroded old trail.  High Anxiety, the new trail, was definitely full of anxiety as it’s a narrow single track on a bench cut all the way down the mountain.  It gets fast really quick!  Hang on, keep your eyes ahead and just let your bike do what it does best and I assure you that you ‘will’ exit the trail with a big fat smile on your face!  It was actually fun to hang out and watch others bust out of the trail as well.   I think we sat there too long because we heard a boom of thunder. We started down Lower Black and the downpour caught us.  Here I was heading down more gnar in a deluge of rain on a trail full of rocks and roots.  Lower Black is so flowy though that even in a downpour I still found myself laughing out loud in exaltation of actually conquering my fear of Pisgah!  I didn’t even care about the rain.  I was soaked, muddy, tired and happy. I am very grateful for my bike friends that encourage me, cheer for me, and mentor me to be a better rider.  My only advice for anyone riding Pisgah for the first time is  “don’t fight the mountain”.

Arsenal Profile - Joshua Greenfield

Name: Josh Greenfeld
IG Handle: @jmg780
Location: Baltimore, MD

1. What Arsenal Class year are you?

- 2021

2. Socks with Crocs, yes or no?

- Gross!

3. If you are bonking on a long run or ride, what is your "gas station go-to?"

- As much Coke as possible!

4. Name your three favorite pizza toppings (and pineapple doesn't count):

- Italian sausage, BBQ chicken and pineapple (sorry not sorry)

5. What is your favorite part of being a Ridge Supply Arsenal Member?

- The hot hot jersey!

6. Pick three destinations (or events) you'd like to go run or ride that you have never been:

- Transcordilleras (Colombia), the Rift (Iceland), and White Rim FKT (I will NOT get close to a FKT)

7. Do you have a quote that motivates you in life or in sport?

- You'll Never Walk Alone - Liverpool Futbol Club Creed

8. What music is on your playlist right now that you wouldn't normally admit to?

- Pandora Station set to the "Pitch Perfect" station...actually, I readily admit to this

9. After a day out running or riding, what is the first thing you are grabbing out of the refrigerator?

- A Natty Boh (or National Bohemian beer for the uninitiated and not from Baltimore)

10. What is something interesting about you that wouldn't come up in normal conversation?

- Before getting into bikes, I was a professional level mixed martial arts (aka UFC style) fighter...but alas, I needed my brain to fully function so I switched to bikes.

The Stoke Spot

Ridge Layers

The Stoke Spot is the destination for all things Ridge Supply community. We will feature posts from Arsenal member adventures, unique event recaps, and in-depth pieces with insight into the stories that make up the Ridge Supply Community… we will sprinkle in athlete intros with some humor… and more insight on some of our partner work with non-profits we support.