Encountering an injured kayaker while out mountain biking, and this guy is TOUGH!

[@jblakemccall]

Alex, thanks again for helping me so much on the trail, that was a really great thing you did. The MRI shows I have a 60% compression fracture to my L1 Vertebrae. It's going to be a long road to recovery, but I'll make it. I want to clarify that my friends were adamant that at least one or two should accompany me the entire hike out. The first part of the trail out of the Green Narrows is extremely steep, and requires the use of ropes that are left in place permanently. My mentality at the time was that I just wanted it to be me and the mountain for that first stage. I was extremely stubborn about not letting anyone accompany me for the tough part, knowing they would meet me at the end of the trail with the resources to get me to the emergency room. My paddling crew helped me so much that day and the following days, it definitely isn't fair to say they let me down. Everyone who knows me can verify that once I get stubborn about something, it's almost impossible to change my mind. -Blake

[@The_Sampler]

Yoooo Blake! Stoked to hear from you my man, thank you for the update. Bummer to hear about the 60% compression, but given the little I've learned about you, I'm confident you are going to rehab hard and fight through 👊 Don't worry about comments, anyone that wasn't there doesn't know the full context so has no right to judge, but ya know how it goes... internet gonna do it's thing lol Cheers dude and best of luck on your journey to recovery!

[@sandy_knight]

Speaking as someone with a fused L1/L2 (paragliding accident) I can confirm there is light at the end of the tunnel. I have less flexibility now so my neck and lower back has to compensate but I can still paraglide and mountain bike as well as I ever could before, I still can't play the violin though 😜

[@Domspun]

@@sandy_knight I'm getting L4/L5/S1 fused, my biggest fear is not being able to bike again. I read stories of people with fused vertebras that went back biking, it's giving hope.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

​@@DomspunI'm currently healing from a volar locking plate open radius procedure, it's harder to deal with than having L1+L2 fused (moto crash in 16") but the back surgery wasn't easy either I'm not gonna lie. I started biking again in 2018 without any major issues, until I broke my wrist in June 😢, a bit of numbness sometimes but the more you strengthen your core and back the better it gets, I'm 40 btw, I wish you all the best recovery possible... 😊

[@frankfattore8400]

Blake. Those narrows are no joke! Legendary in the white water world! Hold your head high!

[@The_Sampler]

Shoutout to Blake for being such a BAMF and best of luck in his recovery! Watching this back even now, I cannot believe the hike out that he did...

[@asacron]

I can’t believe they sent him on the hike alone… respect for fighting the pain though

[@murdoch9106]

I'm just upset I'm not living your life! You deffo have more fun than me! ;)

[@Krageesh]

you can finetune certain motors with an app to control how the motor kicks in and when and how hard and so on...

[@sandcountyfrank]

Amazing. Heal up Blake!

[@TheChipMcDonald]

Update on Blake?

[@onetravdown]

"Im aware that bothers a lot of people, you should be aware I do not care" - Yes....Thats the spirit!

[@jrive075]

Absolutely. I don’t ride e-bikes because I’m trying to get in better shape faster. I get passed by e-bikes all the time and could care less. People get all upset for what? Must be nice to have nothing else to worry about that this gets theme risked up 😆

[@WildMeff]

You’re a good dude for staying with and helping another outdoorsman in need.

[@The_Sampler]

I don't see any other option, and truly think anyone else would do the same.

[@frankfattore8400]

Dude, I absolutely love your stance on e-bikes! Way to stand strong on your convictions! I ride mine to double my mileage, also.

[@victoriale2541]

Dude, who cares if you're riding an ebike. It's for the improvement of yourself. Your content is awesome and you're an amazing rider!! Keep it up! 👌

[@jonshook7407]

it is fun to tease about him riding an ebike. No actual hate though :)

[@samishereforfun]

My grandfather broke his back and described it as someone pulling his stomach out through his spine. Blake is f***ing insanely tough, even with adrenaline. Shoutout to him and you for walking with him. I am very sure that you talking to him helped him focus on you and less on the pain.

[@MrJeeperchris]

"I am fully aware that that bothers a lot of people, and yall can be fully aware that I just do not care" LOVE IT! Thanks for putting out a positive word out about e-bikes, its just another form of riding MTB and they are NOT going away. I purchesed a Giant E-bike this past winter to add to the stable. I ride it mostly on Eco-mode to be able to do more laps on my 60 year old legs or if I am limited on time. I've had dudes yell "Nice motorcycle!" at me. I have zero plans to stop riding my other bikes, but damn the e-bikes is fun! Keep up the great content Alex!!

[@joet2463]

great fun video Alex! I'm e-bike convert and totally enjoying the experience, coming from riding mountain bikes way before front suspension was a thing. I am now in my 50's and still ride my analog trail bike up and down the trails, but e-bike definitely lets me explore and do more laps like I was in my prime years. don't forget to engage the motor "walk mode" with those push-up-hill moments.

[@jeffrogers2180]

Analog... Like we wouldn't have known what you meant if you just said bike.

[@stevewarren2595]

Alex, Thanks for the positive video on eMTBs. I have an analogue bike but just purchased an eMTB a few months ago. My best guess is that the naysayers have never ridden an ebike and really have no idea what a Class 1 bike is all about. Maybe they think that they are Class 2 and motorcycle like. Class one bikes do no more damage to the trail than a fat man on an analogue bike. Back in April a friend and I were at Brown County State Park in Indiana. We talked to a couple of guys that came down from Chicago for their first big ride of the year. One of the fellas travels a lot for work and had recently ridden in CA and AZ. His observation was that he was seeing a metric ton of eMTBs out there. The wave can't be stopped. I'll be glad to see the eastern trails opening up since there are so many epic rides that could be made more epic if some of the mountains were open to these awesome bikes!!

[@robtodd4726]

Alex, you are a good dude. You always stop and help. I remember the bad one in your early days with the tournequet! Ambassador to the sport!💪

[@ericsharp5079]

That was crazy shit!

[@noahwilson2719]

Good for you telling the haters to go elsewhere. Love the channel…keep it up!

[@cgeorgo416]

What you were saying at around 26:00 about keeping your momentum is very true. The pedal assist e-bikes use cadence to give you assist, meaning if you end up spinning more it will give you a more constant assist.

[@richardhalliburton362]

Way to rock the eBike! I love my Trek EXe as it is actually fairly lightweight. It just adds to the fun, as well as the distance I can ride. I love my analog bike too, but the "e" gives me more options of riding. And prayers for quick recovery for Blake.

[@wheels3285]

I hope Blake recovers well. Alex, if you get an update on him, would you please include it in one of your future videos? And while I don't know all of the circumstances, WTF that no one from his group or the people who helped him let him go it alone?

[@Lalokera0629]

Thats what im confused about. Who does that?

[@eduardoguzman333]

I’ve always loved your videos and your channel was one of the first to get me excited about riding again. I’m 55 and riding an analogue was great if I was able to do it consistently but with 4 kids, with 4 different schedules that was not possible. I struggled with the climbing and now having an e-bike has gotten me excited again, as I can do more riding on my favourite trails in Santa Cruz! I also have experienced the negative feedback when out riding my e-bike but you’re right, I do it for me and a better quality of life and mental well being. Thank you Alex for your videos and the good person that you are, as shown in this video. 👍

[@pkvillager]

Prayers for Blake, cant imagine hiking out hours after an injury like that! As for ebikes, I think all of the opposition is out of ignorance. When I first heard about them I thought they all had a throttle option. Once I found out the ones we are really talking about are pedal assisted that changed things. I was still snobbish especially as a single speeder thinking "if you cant earn your downs with a climb" then you must be a p****. After renting some for me and the family in Bentonville, I love them. First, they allowed my wife and girls to enjoy and keep up on an hour and a half tour with Rise and Ride all over Slaughter Pen in nearly 100 F heat. Second, I was able to do more than double the laps at Handcut Hollow than I did the day before on my regular bike in the same brutal heat. Actually getting flow and speed uphill was so fun and my heartrate was in the same zone. Now the only problem is I refuse to spend over $6k when my regular bike only has about $2400 in it. To get my family riding ebikes it would cost $20k easily and that isn't happening.

[@Toby-xv4mm]

Good on ya, for hanging with Blake. It's definitely the right thing to do when someone is injured like that. And the E-bike up hill, what a game changer. So stoked!

[@62swampboy62]

Great vid. You running into Blake reminded me of your video from a while back where one of the group crashed and tore open his leg. If I remember you were the one with the death grip applying pressure to the wound until help arrived. No doubt you're a good guy to have around when bad stuff goes down. Kudos.

[@sirstickykey]

I had a similar experience with a rider with a broken neck at santos. I arrived right after they called 911 and spent the rest of my evening guiding the rescue crew in and out of the trails.

[@mrrims]

You're a good dude for staying with that guy and making sure he made it out safe. Thanks for sharing.

[@abstraddic0442]

Youve always been willing to help out anyone thats out there on the trails. This dude was one tough MFr. Great job on everything dude.👍

[@stevemendelson4711]

That was so Awesome you helped Alex out. I hope he is OK. He's GNARLY!!!!

[@mtnhighs]

Heck yeah Alex. Do your thing, always, regardless of what anyone else thinks. I’d like to pedal that e-bike uphill

[@Friskee62]

Hell of a ride, Alex. Hope Blake recovers soon. Catchya on your next adventure...

[@pcarts232]

We all know that you’re the kind of dude that wouldn’t leave a fallen man , Alex you’re a truly good person bro 👍🏾 great video and so natural and real 👍🏾

[@andrewgustafson124]

I've been in a couple situations lately (non bike related, vehicle troubles) where having an extra person to stay behind and ensure I was good made a huge difference in the moment. It makes me realize how important it is and how much of a difference that extra support can make on the mood at the time. Good on ya for helping your fellow outdoor enthusiast and something we all should do when we come across a bad situation and help in anyway we can! FYI, ticks are (one) of the worst! They are food for other animanls... basically that's it 😅 If you ever make it out to Southwest Washington state, would love to ride with ya dude!

[@gregghershberger7968]

Just bought a Specialized Levo Carbon Comp and have a Specialized carbon stumjumper. Those who say you can't get a good workout on a electric mountain bike have never ridden one. I can burn more calories and keep my heart rate up because like you've shown, you can go further, faster and make it as hard as you want. Love both bikes and gives variety in riding different terrain and amount of time in the saddle. Thanks for helping those in need.

[@raeperonneau4941]

Blake is a badass. That took some kind of discipline and fortitude. He’s not the first kayaker I’ve heard of who broke their back landing flat but hiking out afterwards…🤯 …and you, good sir, are just that.

[@stevemendelson4711]

All bikes are great but I really like how many more laps I get on my E Bike. Which increases my skills twice as fast!! And I have a smile on my face the whole time.

[@SteveTaylorTheLocalLeadPro]

When I saw you pull the Ebike box out of the Van I knew I was going to get one. Got the Levo and it's the bomb. 60 miles of legal single track right out the front door, amazing.

[@ajbitterman8679]

E-bike at Rocky Knob or Kangua. Best places to ride! See you on the trails.

[@Alcoholic1]

Great work Alex, when i broke my leg it helped having people there with me.

[@colinbusche1524]

The only area that I know for sure that e bikes are not allowed around Asheville is Pisgah. Good vid, I am hoping the weather is good next weekend to do that loop.

[@RomanMoroniesFargingWall]

You're a good dude, Alex. Blake is a monster for making that hike.

[@MrZoo223]

I'm here cause you're entertaining as hell. Could cate less what you're riding, or doing for that matter. I'm here for it 🙌

[@MarkMichelleMTBMisadventures]

Love your energy! So glad you stayed with Blake! I haven’t heard of any issues with riding e-bikes on trails here in Nashville area.

[@Running_with_Faith]

Does your e-bike not have the WALK button? Mine has a button that I can press and it walks itself up as you walk alongside of it so it really helps when you have to walk up something. Oh, and not that it is anyone's business on why we have e-bikes but I have one as I have scoliosis, osteoporosis (in the hips) and arthritis in the knees. I won't complain about any of that as I am also a cancer survivor and I am just happy enough to be out riding the trails with the help of my e-bike. You know I don't care what you are riding...or even if you are riding. I am here because I just genuinely love your laughter and your love for adventures. I sit here smiling hearing you laugh...it's contagious! That was so nice of you to stay with that man while he got to the others. You are truly a good human. What a fun ride!!!!

[@thomasking5025]

Thanks for the great video Alex. I'm a og on your channel. I got stoked watching this. Hopefully he makes a speedy recovery. Would love to ride with you sometime bro. Mahalo

[@suragencia]

A year seeing improvements in general health, getting in better shape, preparing and finally ending up on an e-bike, a like just for supporting.

[@jynx2501]

It's insane to me that no one from Blake's group walked with him!

[@musicalatv]

It sounds like he insisted on going by himself

[@paultomlinson528]

Wow phew..... don't imagine that on a ride.... Nice one Alex for looking out for him, hope he's better soon!

[@scotchvelo]

"You got about a mile." Brutal. Good job, Alex.

[@davidstepro7486]

I remember when snowboarding first came on the scene and skiers hated them. In fact, in Tahoe only one or two resorts would even allow them on the hill. And look at it now. Half of my friends are snowboarders. The same will be true of ebikes IMHO!

[@senglebe]

You are such a great guy for staying with that fellow. It is a scary reminder of how fragile we are as humans. I had a terrible crash earlier this year. I fractured 3 vertebrae, broke my hand, sternum and foot, and tore some ligaments in my toe. I’ve had to get a screw in my hand, and will need surgery on the ligaments once the hand is healed enough to use crutches. Being stuck in a back brace for 3 months is no joke. Use my story as a good reminder to preride, reride, and free ride. If you’re not feeling a feature, don’t hit it! Especially if its a 5 ft drop with a crap landing. You might end up landing on your head 😅

[@richardroat]

Another great video Bro. I have the same Specialized Turbo Kenevo SL, with a few S-Works upgrades. Deity bars, neck, and XO1 chain. I too have a trail bike, but love my Kenevo. The only haters I encounter on the trail is the people that can't afford one. You are correct an Ebike is a game changer. I have used mine at downhill parks, enduro rides, and cross country. The Kenevo can do it all. Wouldn't trade it for anything else on the market. NEVER WORRY ABOUT WHAT ANYBODY THINKS. Keep doing you. Take care Bro.

[@JuanWay2Rock]

Another great video Alex. I have to say...the speed of your bike (both climbing and desending) was highly impressive. But what was even more impressive was the brakes. There were a couple of times when you were blazing down the trails and you had to HIT those brakes. The stopping power on your mountain e-bike was incredible considering how fast you were going. That said, have a great time on your mountain bike trip to whatever country you're heading to.

[@rethridermtb3262]

I just got an E-MTB earlier this year, with the idea of self-shuttling in places like Colorado and Bentonville, etc. One thing I've found is that when I do ride it, I tend to put in just as much effort as I would on my "Acoustic" bike. I just tend to go faster and farther in the same time. Also, when time is short, it allows me to get in a decent ride, when I might otherwise not have ridden at all.

[@BIKINGWITHBOBO]

Hell yeah dude, preach it! #ridewhateverbikeyouwant

[@diggyholme]

Blake is a bamf. I broke two vertebraes on the water and had to paddle a mile, plus walk only a hundred feet and that was the most excruciating pain one can experience. Good luck to blake on his recovery, unfortunately i never did completely tons of chronic pain.

[@tonybrunskill2651]

I don't care if you're on an e-bike or not, I'm here because you inspire me to get out more on my bike.

[@MrJeeperchris]

If you are ever down in Spartanburg, check out the e-bike friendly trails at Croft State park. Blue/black trails with great flow. Also Pleasant ridge, Jorge F. Arango (JFA) Trail is e-bike friendly a tons of fun!

[@kylemoore2068]

Way to speak truth to the E haters. It is unfortunate that they speak out of ignorance. I ride an ebike in part because I have heart issues and am awaiting a knee replacement. Regardless I am amazed at the workout I can put in focused on heart rate zones and just logging in more miles and smiles. Cheers 🎉. LMNT seems to have solved my exercise induce headaches. Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the box on me for using your referral link.

[@TheCaffeinatedBible]

Love it that your riding an ebike. I think of them as another type of bike. You got road, gravel, tandem, and MTB. Now we have e-bikes. And going uphill is now amazing - climbing sections never possible before and looking for tech uphill. Also learn different techniques for using the walk feature for the ole hike-a-bike sections.

[@S2kDude36]

Wow! The last 10 min of that video was insane!

[@franksnyder363]

Carvin's Cove in Roanoke VA is a must ride for an eMTB. It's not a crazy trip from Asheville, and give you Flow, Tech, and GNARLY descents.

[@catsmack8102]

Five Stars for you, Mr. Sampler!💯

[@FearNothing321]

Don’t forget about the walking feature on the emtb. On the Specialized handlebar controller the foot icon will help with hike-a-bike sections. EDIT: check out the greater Knoxville/East Tennessee area for places to ride an emtb.

[@TwoTrakMind]

Man, I threw out my back this morning, and have been pissing and moaning because I can't ride today. I can't imagine breaking my back and having that dude's attitude. Prayers for a quick and full recovery! Good on ya for being there for him! As for the e-bike debate, I figure if an e-bike is what gets or keeps someone on the trail and pedaling, more power 😉 to 'em! If you don't like e-bikes, don't buy one. If getting passed by one hurts your fragile ego, you have other issues.

[@jeremyboyle5695]

Wow, Blake is an absolute badass!!! Hope he has a great recovery and can get back out there soon. Thanks for helping him get out of there

[@michalwiktorow2188]

@Alex - the bike has a motor that will support you on climbs, but this one will do nothing if you are not in correct gear and maintaining the cadence around 70 to 90 rpm. That is what it 'prefers' as it does not drive whole time but 'pulses' power around specific crank angle, if you drop cadence it may disengage as it would be over its capacity. Then actually you need to do more rpm's to get uphills cleared near 90rpm steeper it is. That's one of the concepts that only owning a bike make you understand, why you still get a workout (dynamic activity of the muscles).

[@onebagoneworld]

Wow that gentleman is far more tough than I could ever dream of being.

[@raymondjanobas1498]

the green bars look sick!

[@harryls1283]

It was very commendable of you to stay with that guy for a while. It would be cool if you can give us an update later on another time. You be careful bro 🤙

[@pataskren7524]

Quite the shepherd. I love what you said about the haters!

[@deadweight1020]

Whatever you do next an 'It is too hot for pants' t-shirt is a must!

[@The_Sampler]

hahaha honestly that sounds like a shirt I'm into

[@Sivart-508PIR]

I got the Fezzari Timp Peak as soon as they released it. I am fully on board with the "I don't care if you don't like it" team. I can ride twice as many trails every ride I use it and who doesn't want to "sample" more trails?!

[@scottbowers5019]

Thanks for helping the guy. How do you like your bike?

[@tommyhawkins4048]

You make me a better rider I’ve been watching your line choices and it’s helped with mine a lot 😂

[@KevinTomayko]

Wonder how you would enjoy the trails around Richmond, VA on that ebike. Pocahontas with it's flow focused short ups and downs. There's a good 2 mile ride back up to the trailhead on Blueberry that would be some fast mostly uphill flow. I know I work hard to keep my momentum up in that area which makes it so much more enjoyable.

[@MattMcKimmy]

Come on up to Roanoke! All the trails managed by the city are e-bike legal, about 75 miles of singletrack.

[@growlith6969]

The sheer volume of whoop-ass you can fit in on an e-bike is hard to express to people that don't want to change. You spend such a higher percentage of time at speed, you go faster everywhere, all the time, features that you never noticed are suddenly usable because you are moving faster than a climbing crawl, and the weight and suspension makes it so stable that you just monster truck over everything in child like glee (especially once you have those Cushcores). They aren't the end all be all of biking, but man they sure are a screaming good time in the right application.

[@BenjaminFourie-r3n]

You should come to stellenbosch, South Africa once. Here is awesome mtb trails.

[@rupedog]

Wow that guy... Hope he recovers well

[@johnblackham4443]

Awesome content ! Freakin adventure ! Love that you discovered going up hill is like descending! LOL! Adrenaline pumping action !!!

[@stephenbutkovich1014]

First of all, kudo's for helping Blake, and Blake, good luck on your recovery. Second - where where you riding? Green River Gamelands?😎

[@nohemoglibin8677]

that's why I hate riding alone. I broke a couple of ribs on a trail that doesn't get ridden very often in Georgia, and it was a LONG crawl back to the truck.

[@LoamerMTB]

Just picked up a Kenevo Expert on sale. Been cranking out some 6k elevation days with 30% battery left at the end. So fun! Definitely notice the dirty looks on the trail tho. Everyone knocks it until they try it.

[@pauld1848]

100% right on about not caring what the haters think. “Grown ass man living out of my car…” 😂😂😂

[@phillipstocksdale6317]

You have a good heart bro. not everyone would have done what you did 🤘🏼 Bring the Eb down to A l a f i a !!!

[@The_Sampler]

Oh man I can't wait to ride it down there, the perfect place for the ebike!

[@phillipstocksdale6317]

Just give us a heads up and we’ll see ya on the trail 🤘🏼

[@seanroberts381]

3:04 for the people in the back. Nothing that gives more smiles is going away anytime soon.

[@MicajahMcCurry]

I got put in the same situation. Broken back. Kinda alone, had to hike out and deal with it

[@The_Sampler]

brooo you are GNARLY!!

[@stewartbibb]

Ebikes are awesome 👌. You just keep having fun 😂

[@thadgillespie5255]

If I could afford an E-Bike. I d have one right now. I don’t mind them or see what the big deal is. My legs are trashed from work most of the time. They are smoked before I ever want to be done biking. Thanks for helping out Blake!

[@mountaingoat8788]

Dang that guy is a beast!! did a similar thing with my Ankle and did not want to be one to get airlifted for my very stupid mistake cliff jumping.. anyhow I wish Him well!! 🤘

[@vereda7972]

My first few rides with an E-bike where an eye opener, first, I was so tired, tired like my Garmin recommending 48 hr recovery and last day I got 72 hrs of recovery, and yes, I sold the analog bike and well everything changed.

[@dontcallmebrave]

holy shit that dudes insane! Not only does he have the balls to run the green river but he hiked out with a broken effing back! like what?!???! 👀

[@mtbwithjonnyb8818]

I am with you on ticks. Ended up with a severe red meat allergy because of ticks.

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

34:59 He’s been watching Smart Trucking.

[@whitetiger7084]

Blankets Creek near Atlanta, Georgia is a great place to ride. I don't have an e-bike so I can't vouch for how enjoyable it might be.

[@patrickgibbons8353]

So after a few rides on the ksl would it be a good 1 bike for everything?

[@ridingwithreggie]

I'm definitely one of your peeps!!!! Awesome video!!!

[@brassmnky33]

Carvin’s cove in Roanoke is pretty sick for e-bikes

[@bryancopeland2540]

I know there are times we God puts us in the right place at the right time to help others! Just like the weather changing to put you out there to run into this guy to be there for him in that small window. Even the thunder came at that part of you and him talking. Those are signs from God brother. Helps us keep check on what’s truly important!

[@talkmauro]

You’re a good bro! F those who give you crap about the ebike. I have one too and an acoustic, I love the ebike. It’s all about the cadence, you keep the cadence and it will fly. My Orbea Rise is similar to Kenevo SL weight but its more a trail bike version. Keep ripping and making these fun vids!

[@mtbtube1948]

That thing will be a blast at Kanuga

[@randomradon]

Blake the tank, dude is a legend.

[@jimblessinger]

I crossed the United States in my van several times with my EBike. Haibike nduro XDuro 6.0 class 1. As long as you have and you do, a class 1 you will be fine. In the last nine years of ebiking I only had one person say “oh your cheating” I said crap are we racing? Then I said heck I had a choice site on the couch or ride an EBike. Here I am! Enjoy! Remember when plus tire came out? Same hatters.

[@paalbog]

Yoo. I see you have the controller for your bike on the inside of the brakelever(left side of your bar). I advise to put it next to your grip. Then its easier to access the walk assist button when you have to hike a little. Thanks for a good video :)

[@moiyster]

Got me curious so I looked it up… “Ticks are a favorite food source for chickens, turkeys and other ground birds like grouse. A strong and important link in the food chain, ticks take nourishment from larger host animals high in the food chain and transfer that down to lesser organisms.” But I don’t buy into that… they can go ahead and get extinct as far as I’m concerned haha (coming from a nature lover too)