Kicking off the PNW road trip the right way! - Tech and flow at Tiger Mountain, WA

[@jodylowe8476]

This is my new fav biking channel. Great work

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Jody! Appreciate the kind words.

[@OSUHARDING1ATECHNICEXPERIENCE]

Awesome video. Glad I met you guys and was able to ride Predator with you.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Happy to see you here! Thanks again man, was a lot of fun.

[@HallMarc_Trails]

This place looks awesome, so many technical features, i don't blame you for sitting out on a few, you have to be in the right mindset, superb editing too, loved this one :)

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Marc. Glad you liked it. Gotta stay in one piece to ride another day, sometimes is best to play it safe haha

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

Ohhhh man, you just said "fucking" on national TV....lol!!! Love everything about this rides (double blacks would be questionable for me!), speed, technicality, sound of the hub and off course narration..... you have to ride with me I need to "chicken shit" more often, my whole body is broken and after 50 I should have at least some sign of smartness in my brain...lol!!! You and PNW for sure delivered, love it love it love it, can't wait for another dose, thank you V!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

A lot of people mentioned that I didn't cut out cursing. I now know to do it again for next video. Double blacks over the whole trip were very very challenging honestly, I had a lot of moments where I would go into survival mode. Over the course of the trip I started to get used to it, I think, as everything, its just a matter of doing it more often. Interestingly, CO tech scares me a lot less, it seems more familiar for some reason. Glad you enjoyed the video V, cheers!

[@themtbguy9496]

Your videos are getting better

[@garysumak3637]

Great video, I liked the longer format. Looking forward to the upcoming videos!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Gary!

[@just_b_nathan6949]

Great trails and great riding! Looks like a MTB dream tour, looking forward to the rest of the videos.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks man! So much driving, but all worth it!

[@beemtb6996]

Wow, that’s one hell of a trail! I look forward to see the rest. Personally, the longer vids are harder for me to watch cause I’m a busy bee 😆. I skip through, then I feel like miss something good 😕 😆. Great vid 🤙

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks for the feedback Steve! Happy you liked the video. I get what you mean with the skipping through.

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

I'm super busy as well, so I only watch these on my phone and just close the app when I can't keep watching. Then when I open YT again it brings me back to where I was. If I can't remember what I saw last, I go back 10 seconds or so. It'll take me several hours usually to watch a single video, and I've had one of BSMTBs videos up for like 3 days waiting to be finished. But I love it cause it keeps me pumped up and thinking about MTB throughout my boring-A office day.

[@bcarle86]

Been waiting for this series since I saw your IG posts about the trip, this was great and excited for all the rest!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Brian! Happy to hear you were along for the ride on IG.

[@lukerutherford]

Nice vid, just subscribed. I live in San Diego area, but visited Seattle and made a video of Tiger Mountain, awesome trail. Weather looks better on your ride.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Been wanting to ride more of SoCal, so many great trails. Tiger mountain with damp rocks and roots is sketch!

[@mrrims]

Great video and trails! Looking forward to the next one.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks CJ! Almost done editing, so it can be up next week.

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

Dude, loved this. This is probably the first newer video I've seen of yours in a while (cause I've been just watching the recommended ones and it shows me stuff from 2018 and 2017). I love how your style has evolved over time. Love the Google Earth views--those are especially appealing to a geography nerd like me. I watched this a few hours ago so I'm trying to remember all my thoughts. I'll definitely have to watch it again. And again. And again :) I liked the perspective the camera gave in this. Typically, the chest cam thing turns to the trail after you do, so we get a small delay in the direction you head. This time it was pre-emptive, which really put us in the seat. I loved watching how you watch the trails. Obviously if that doesn't work for you and is a distraction, do it the way that does. But I liked it. Not to be that guy, but I like when you filter the language. Cause I share these with my wife sometimes and she's not one to curse. I loved, loved, loved that you showed how to pack your bike. I would love a more in-depth video. I can read all the articles and guides ever, but a 10 minute video will trump them all cause I'm super visually stimulated. So I have a hardtail (Spec Rockhopper Comp). How much do you recommend a full sus? Honestly I'm already wishing I had spent more on my bike, cause the front shock bottoms out when I go off drops (it's non-adjustable). But I can't complain, I was lucky to get the bike I have (money is super tight). Love your stuff man, thank you.

[@mikebaker5795]

Agree about the cursing.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Daniel. It's been interesting to try new things as things go on, the Google Earth view is something I really like, it adds a lot of context. Happy you liked the Hero7, I don't use it all the time, but its a nice change, I've got a video coming up where I use both cameras at the same time to see if its better. I do agree that it shows better what I've looking at, but sometimes its a little bumpy if the light is not great. So, you and a few others mentioned the language, this is the first time I've decided not to bleep anyting out. I now know to filter for all upcoming videos. I haven't had plans to make a bike packing video, but I could, I'll try to see if it can happen later on. So, bike choice is complex, a full suspension bike will definitely be an improvement over a hardtail, but you really don't need it, the best you can do in my opinion, is ride more and more and more, with whatever you have. If you want a simple upgrade, look into the suntour upgrade program, you may be able to source an upgraded fork for little money. When you've saved up a bit and if you want a FS bike, really consider used bikes, there's a lot of awesome stuff out there that's been used just a bit and is in great shape. The cheapest new FS bike I know off is the Canyon Neuron which is on sale now for $1600. www.canyon.com/en-us/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/neuron/neuron-al-6.0/2504.html?dwvar_2504_pv_rahmenfarbe=GY%2FBK&dwvar_2504_pv_rahmengroesse=M Again, you don't need any of that, its just a nice upgrade for when you feel its reasonable.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Duly Noted Mike!

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

@@BlindstuffMTB Awesome response. I'll keep all of that in mind. I have a back disease (Scheuermann's, if you're really bored) so a hardtail will eventually have to go as I start to hit chunkier trails. But for now it is awesome. Thanks again!

[@joshuaturtle4218]

Awesome video! Saw your video on r/MTB on reddit and decided to check your channel out! Loving the videos so far

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks man! Happy you're digging them.

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

9:35 watches drop, is caught off guard by how big it actually was (as a viewer), immediately skips back 5 seconds to see if I can actually see the drop--confirms bigger than it looks at first. Stefano: That was quite big! Me: I know! Man this riding looks super siiick. I have a buddy up in North Bend, WA who I need to go visit apparently. I'm watching this trip in the order you uploaded, have watched them all before but you make really quality content. Any of these locations it seems you could have spent the entire trip there. Don't blame you for spreading it around, but still, I'd want to shred these trails for days. My local trails are so dry and rocky right now it's less enjoyable--even the typically fast and flowy ones are like riding on speedbumps a little. But then, I'm still on my Rockhopper. Can't wait for my La Sal to get here. I've still yet never taken a black diamond. When I first subscribed I was like, yeah, couldn't take that. Now I'm thinking oh yeah, I could do that..once my new whip gets here. I had my first real biff the other day cause I took a turn faster than my bike could handle--its geometry just isn't designed for fast turns. Came out of it and couldn't center again and then hit a soft patch of trail that ended in a small to medium sized rock (new trail too), flew over the handlebars. Came out with a really jammed finger but otherwise unscathed. Just gotta go slower. I had my new bike on demo a couple weeks ago for a weekend and that was not good for my riding apparently haha. Also, love the length of this video!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

You really have to go visit. The PNW is general is fricken amazing and well worth spending various days at.

[@victorrosario4109]

Badass video. I rode tiger mountain 2 years ago. It was awesome.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

One of my all time favorite places

[@victorrosario4109]

@@BlindstuffMTB Forsure 👊🏻

[@djberg3483]

Great stuff, awesome riding and production.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks! Glad you liked.

[@RCHolstersupplycom]

Great video! keep up with the awesome content!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks! Happy you liked it.

[@will-wright]

Dang! I need to get out west ASAP! Thanks for the perspective!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Unbelievable part of the country, so much good riding!

[@filacaamspeter8810]

Good video and narrative, I'm local and love Tiger Mt. Mtb.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Hell of a place to have as a local trail. That whole area is the best.

[@scottrichards4979]

Love the longer format. Looks fun there!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Scott!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

I got a few comments from people regarding cursing in the video. This is the first time I decided not to filter anything as it doesn't seem to be an issue in most channels I personally watch, so I though I'd try. I've listened to the reactions and I know now that some of you really care about this so you can share the videos with your kids or significant other. I'll make sure to filter the language for upcoming videos. Appreciate the feedback from you all!

[@avportalatin]

Awesome, I want to go on the next trip. Nice video.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Glad you enjoyed the video! There's always more trips in the future.

[@zxtenn]

WOW and yes GREAT riding and content, serious trails there! You're sure getting your $$$$ worth out of your components, great durability shown. I was just getting ready for a 7 mile ride around the Local lake before dark but had to watch the entire video 1st.. Hope you finish your travels with 0 mechanical issues

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Jim, happy you liked the video. The Jeffsy has been amazing to me, I've beat on this bike so much. My only recurring issue is braking rear spokes. E13 has been working with me to get it solved, and they're super nice and responsive, they sent me some new Hub parts that I have to change and hopefully it'll be done.

[@zxtenn]

Hope their solution helps,, My Spectral 6.0 has DT M-1900 wheels which have been trouble free but I don't subject them to your riding. I see Comp. Cyclist has I-9 Enduro 30.5 for $680.00 which is a good deal, I can also get DT XM 1501 for about $780.00.. I am kind of unsure about carbon wheels for rock gardens, etc.. kind of expensive to replace if they get damaged. I just ordered a Fizik M-1 Gobi saddle which is much more comfortable than the stock seat and only 155 grams

[@BlindstuffMTB]

@@zxtenn These e13 wheels have been solid, its just I snap a spoke every 10 to 12 rides or so. Not terrible, but not normal. So, I've ridden carbon hoops and didn't love them, they're so stiff! Durability isn't really what scares me, they've gotten so good, and many many manufacturers are offering lifetime replacement.

[@joshhas99problems]

Don’t feel bad, I just rode predator for the first time Saturday and I walked that rooty chute too. It took me ten minutes to decide to do the rock rolls by the road at upper/lower intersection but I’m soooo glad I did, they were SUPER fun! ✌🏿✌🏻✌🏽

[@napoland9676]

NOTG is one of my favorite trails of all time. I ride it a few times a week. It's got that old-school PNW vibe because it's stiil pretty raw and not all buffed out. Nice job riding it blind. We get a lot of tourists out here that get in over their heads on the tech stuff. LOL. I see so many people walking on Tiger.... The rock roll out of upper Predator is actually easier than the roll in on the lower section :)

[@BlindstuffMTB]

This is one of my all time favorite days on the bike. Tiger mountain in general felt so natural. Most places I ride keep feeling more and more machine built, NOTG was full of dips, bumps and holes and just what mtb feels like when you cut a trail by hand. That's harder and harder to find. I really want to go back some day, my riding has improved a lot and I'm sure I could now tackle both rolls on Predator.

[@snat6299]

Awesome video and those trails look amazing

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Glad you liked the video! Those trails are absolutely awesome.

[@mattdeso1672]

This was great, I'm stoked to see the rest of these videos! I personally don't mind the length, just because of auto resuming on various devices.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks! I thought I was the only one who watched video like that haha.

[@OutdoorGold]

Awesome looking ride Stefano!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks RC. The pnw has its own charm. Super different than CO riding. Well worth the trip once you capture that bike that's been stalking you.

[@MTBGarage]

Looks like an amazing trip, the long format worked well, but if it were me, I'd have broken it up into 2 or 3 so you can link the videos to the trail forks site :)

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Mike! I gave up on doing one trail per video a long time ago, I just couldn't figure out the story telling aspect of it when they videos were so short.

[@MTBGarage]

@@BlindstuffMTB Gotcha, I'm still jealous of the trip! I can't even plan to get back to NC which is within driving distance!

[@huntstyle]

Awesome! I have GOT to get up to the PNW!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

You really do. Super different than other places in the US. I've never been this challenged overall by the terrain, so worth it.

[@CharleneMosherC]

Awesome video! I hope to make it there some day. :)

[@EvanWeiler]

Great vid! I will say though, the recommended route you gave is a bit dangerous as you would be going against traffic on what is labeled as a downhill-only trail (Inside Passage). One way to get back to EBAD is to take the crossover road to Crosshaul, then do the first part of Inside Passage and drop into EBAD.

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks Evan, I had corrected this in the linked routes, but missed it in the description. I will fix it. Thanks for letting me know.

[@samoutofdoors]

Cool to see my local trails on youtube! Megafauna and Legend are not worth it to me considering how much you climb vs the extra downhill you get. A good lap is summit-otg-notg-fully ridge-joyride-nw timber. Timber is annoying coming back but better than coming out of the hole where megafauna is. Predator is great since it puts you right at the parking lot

[@DiegoLopez-oi8gt]

Amazing trails. What that last feature designed as a roller or drop only?

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Unbelievably nice trails and so close to the city. It was a rock armored roller. Much steeper than it looks in video, but totally doable if you're brave enough lol.

[@joedaley2396]

FYI, pretty sure nobody climbs that fire road after mega. Climb back up to NW timber on Easy Tiger. Although there are many that dislike NW Timber as well. Sweet video!!!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks, Joe! I did hear that was the right way to do it, after I was back at the trailhead haha.

[@Giftig--Daniel-P]

Hey man, I've been looking all over and trying to figure this out. You have this handy video here showing you clearly know how traveling goes with a mtb. I have a 29er I'm trying to figure out how to get to Hawaii for a month this Dec. You have that Evoc bag but this video is for your old Jeffsy. I'm wondering if you've flown with your new Jeffsy 29er and how much it cost to take? To check and whatnot. Is your bike bag oversized luggage? Any info you can give would be really appreciated. Thanks

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Hey Daniel, I take my Jeffsy 29er in the same bag. No problems at all. I have to deflate the tires to provide for some extra space, but that's about it. Most airlines now allow for bikes to be counted as regular baggage as long as you meet the 50 lbs limit. I've not had to pay extra for a bike bag in a while. Depending on your bike you may be above the 50 lbs with nothing else in the bag, its a bit of a challenge. My bike is just there, but I have to carry pedals and tools in another bag.

[@Visher]

I can't believe you didn't hit Duthie Hill as well!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

I know, I know, we had a packed schedule so every place became a choice like that. Duthie is a lot more jumping which I suck at, so it became a second choice. I don't know when, but I'll definitely go back to the area.

[@Visher]

@@BlindstuffMTB that's understandable, I prefer single track tech more too. But Duthie Hill is the place to learn how to jump.

[@northwestmountainbikeaddic6874]

I love my state!! Washington state has the best trail imho…..I love mountain biking 🤘🏾

[@BackyardShredder]

big fan of tiger

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Its a phenomenal one.

[@shawnwhite6953]

how does it cost to transport your bike

[@BlindstuffMTB]

There's a lot of options. You can use a bike bag (like I do) and fly with it. There it'll depend largerly on the airline. Smaller airlines like Frontier and Spirit tend to be better ($100ish each way), larger airlines like American tend to be more expensive. Its also changing all the time, American will now charge you regular bag fee if you can keep the bike bag under 50lbs (which is kinda hard). You can also ship with bikeflights and its cheaper.

[@MarcoDambrosio96]

Notification Gang

[@BlindstuffMTB]

🤘 thnx dude

[@nicolejacobs1986]

Longer videos for the win

[@BlindstuffMTB]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@_CrankZilla]

Nice!

[@BlindstuffMTB]

🤘 🤘 🤘