How Moab's iconic Captain Ahab trail came to life | Mountain Biking with Tyson Swasey

[@Craig-mk6wn]

You have one significant quality to your videos that I really like and appreciate...it's your adding the tidbits of area or trail background and history to your rides. Not only does this set you apart from the others, but it's just great content. Now you've opened the door to some more new and original content by creating a trail builder series (not really a series), but your trail rides could include trail builder history supplemented by riding with the builders themselves. I love to hear how the trails, features and names came about...I especially like understanding the origin of trail names. This is a wonderfully original idea for some differentiating content.

[@bkxc]

Most definitely! The hardest part is actually getting a guy like Tyson that can TALK ON CAMERA!! It's not easy.

[@jarrodglenister1248]

Love it. A global series Brian...plenty of travel 👍

[@charliewilliams5056]

@@bkxc You should talk to the folks who put together Weed Patch Mountain Trail. It's the first new point-to-point technical backcountry MTB trail that has been built in WNC in quite some time. Lots of interesting partners came together to design, fund, and build that trail and it should be the first step in a massive trail network in that area. Conserving Carolina would be a good jumping off point for getting some background on the project.

[@willbros1499]

GREAT VIDEO!! Thank you for introducing us to Tyson, and for highlighting Captain Ahab, one of my all time favorite trails as well! I am the FAST (Friends of Arkansas Single Track) trail adoption coordinator here in Northwest Arkansas, and I LOVE to hear stories about advocacy and volunteerism. We're up to 119 people who have adopted a 2 mile section of trail here locally, with some sections having more than one. It's just like virtually every other organization. It follows the 80/20 rule. The trick is identifying the 20% who are willing to help, and then incentivizing them, appreciating them, rewarding them, and retaining them. If you lose 5% of them, there's not another 5% waiting in line to take their spot. Those are the "I barely have time to ride," people who aren't willing to sacrifice ONE ride a month to get out and help. I don't understand that mentality, but it is what it is, and the only way around it is to get more people involved, and make volunteering as fun as it can possibly be. Thanks again to Ibis and you for making this video!! More trail means more maintenance, and more volunteers. That's just how it works! If the people watching this video aren't helping with your local trail advocacy group....look them up, and go meet some cool folks, and lend a hand! They're working to make YOUR riding experience better, so chip in!

[@bkxc]

Wow, fantastic job getting people moving! So true about that 20% rule!

[@dudeonbike800]

A HUGE thank you to Tyson and his brethren for their hard work. I've been enjoying Moab's trails for 30 years and look forward to hitting the new stuff I haven't yet. Moab is responsible for my undying love for the desert southwest. What a magical place! But we need to expand access so we don't love the great spots to death! Or better yet, let's make so many great spots, we CAN'T love them to death! Public access to state and national park lands is a national treasure we cannot let slip through our fingers. Keep supporting the public trust so we and future generations can enjoy our country's bounty!

[@flipphone326]

I rode this trail and the whole Enchilada because of your great influence, thanks so much for leading the way and thanks for building such an epic trail guys. I will be back for sure …

[@TimMaddux]

Tyson is a truly kind, humble, stoked rider and gifted trail builder. He came out to help Team Dirt with rock features and placement on Whistlepunk at Alsea Falls in 2015. Really inspiring to work with him then and to see him still at it now. Thanks for posting this, Brian!

[@bkxc]

That's great! Thanks for sharing Tim

[@v1d300]

The best way to do sponsored content, doing actual interesting content and not just a voiceover over some b-roll footage of trail builders. Thanks Brian for this video. Tyson and other trail builders, you guys are amazing doing such amazing work. Thank you.

[@MrLetedtwinting]

Man, I have watched every single one of your videos over the years (except the sprinkler ones...), and while they always get my hype I really appreciated this one in a whole new way. I really love you taking the time to share the spirit and history of this amazing trail. I would love to see more of these "iconic" trails narrated by those who had a hand in their creation.

[@christianburrell5564]

It’s super awesome how you are able to ride with the trail builders so often for your videos. Part of what makes your efforts unique from the other you tubers.

[@KingOfCromwell]

Fantastic vid and BIG thanks to all the trail builders out there--and the landowners/managers who see the benefits/opportunities that MTB can bring for health, happiness and local communities. Roll on!

[@bkxc]

Amen!!

[@havenoutdoors584]

I picked up a Ripmo AF this past fall and absolutely love it! Love your videos! Thanks for the work Tyson!

[@bkxc]

Awesome to hear!

[@chriscagleATX]

So many people just doing ride videos...and many of them are doing it really well...but adding the story behind the trails and other local info really distinguishes your videos...makes them more personal and interesting when we go ride the places you feature. When I see that giant boulder that looks 2 days to move on Ahab it'll mean a lot more. Keep it going bro.

[@MBOA]

You can tell he’s passionate because EVERY TRAIL has a story!

[@bkxc]

Definitely!

[@Bessunger]

TY so much for the inside information on the community. I wish we had such a strong and efficient community back here in Germany...

[@grahampye2314]

That is one of my favorite trails. This video is therapeutic: the sound of mountain bike tires with the, "thud, thud" on every rock hit might be the most soothing sound ever.

[@bkxc]

Nice, thanks!

[@ifixsprinters]

Thank you for supporting trails.

[@hubb2560]

Thanks for the ecology lesson Tyson!! It's a great reminder to not just take care of the trails, but also to be good stewards of the surrounding land.

[@ninemilliondollars]

Love the video! And the automotive bottle jack was a great solution to make this trail possible. Thumbs up to Tyson. Also @8.5, I liked Tyson's bike with the section of tire zip-tied to the bottom to keep from banging the frame. Very creative and useful.

[@ninemilliondollars]

That's 8:51.

[@gnarlee4250]

I just did this ride for the first time in November! So fun! This trail demands that you nut up and just go for it. If done at a cautious slow pace then you can't do half the features! I think I had just as much fun climbing on this trail and found a real joy in making it up certain routes... Awesome video - my favorite so far \m/

[@bkxc]

Yep, very true!!

[@davidc6032]

4:28 that view is not too shabby. Amazing video, hearing from Tyson is very insightful. Glad he and his buddy had the vision.

[@tdmjfountain]

Brian your videos are great and you are doing a great service by sharing your riding experiences. I now want to go back to Moab and ride Captain Ahab

[@sampechlin8122]

Keep on crushing it Brian! I’d love to see more videos with trail builders. It’s super cool to see the people behind these masterpieces.

[@phantomrider86]

Brian, great video, great trail. Love the behind the scene stories and video of these great trails. Great stuff !

[@bkxc]

Thanks dude!

[@themidnightrider6805]

You just make the most kick ass videos out there! 🙏

[@DreamingTree-vo9lj]

having ridden this trail, I have to say it is by far the most challenging, interesting and fun trail I have been on. Looking forward to getting back and trying again and again.

[@bkxc]

I think so too!

[@richardradcliffe6047]

So refreshing to follow someone down a beautiful trail WITH a story. So many MTB vloggers out there do only the down the trail part.

[@bkxc]

I'll try to tell more of these stories!

[@DiegoLopez-oi8gt]

One of your best videos. You even timed the ride with the sunset....mind blowing. Watching that guys lines was inspiring. You're living the dream and it's all due to your hardwork. Thank you and Merry Xmas!

[@siglinde_raw199]

That soil thing been the first thing I got told when I was riding the first time in fruita/ grand junction. People are taking good care. That’s great to see

[@trypo2]

You are living the dream! Happy 2020!

[@bkxc]

Thank you very much!

[@knordberg]

So cool to hear the story behind the build. Makes me wish I was 20 again! This trail would slay me these days.

[@MichaelBordelon]

This is my favorite trail in Moab. I don’t really love climbing, and it’s a blast to climb! Thanks Tyson!

[@philgunn6803]

Thanks for all the videos this year Brian so inspiring. I loved this video hearing and seeing how the trail was made yet to look at it it just looks so natural and untouched. Great way to showcase the work of the trail builder

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much Phil!

[@willlyle2370]

Dam that poor ripmo that thing can really take the hits. Amazing video Brian

[@bkxc]

Big time!

[@philip9175]

its Ibis' enduro bike, of course it can handle the hits

[@themarccox]

Possibly my favorite BK video this year. More of these!

[@bkxc]

Thanks Marc!! Glad you dug it.

[@savageferria505]

Just rode this trail and I had an absolute blast. So much fun. Better than porcupine in my opinion. Awesome to learn the history and see the process.

[@kristoffersonDM]

Thanks Dude!! Your hard work, positivity and passion for bikes is a great service for the bike community!!!! Merry Christmas !!!!!

[@bencopeland3861]

Man I live in Moab and went to school with Tyson I love your content keep it up!

[@bkxc]

That's awesome!

[@capelde]

Man moving that rock that was epic goes to show what they do to link up the trails without it probably hike a bike great format Bryan hats off to the trail builder's 👍👍👍

[@bkxc]

Yep, they did a great job!

[@50mtb44]

Tyson's Rimpo AF had a sweet homemade Downtube Protector out of an old tire (8:51 video). Cool. Thanks for showing that. Great video.

[@Yhigma]

I wonder how much protection that offers over helicopter tape? Cracked a front triangle just kicking rocks up in New Zealand :(

[@50mtb44]

@@Yhigma Wow! Cracked a frame? That "old tire" looks stronger than any tape. Probably a lot heavier.

[@Yhigma]

@@50mtb44 Yeah right in front of/under the bb area. Santa Cruz was awesome and threw out a warranty replacement, but I'd rather avoid that altogether. Probably do this when I swap out my rear tire

[@50mtb44]

@@Yhigma : )

[@mtbdave48]

Probably my favorite trail I have ever ridden, thank you!

[@Friskee62]

That was fun...brought back memories of you and Alex riding these trails. VERY COOL...

[@bkxc]

Most definitely!

[@teamgarske6562]

I am very happy that you ride flats I’m so proud of you! 👏🏻

[@k9kayaks]

I really liked the educational / environmental impact about staying on the trails that Tyson did. Enjoy the trail and respect the Land 👍🏻🚵🏻❤️

[@bkxc]

Most definitely!

[@justinellis2936]

I definitely agree that you should do more trails with the builders. That was pretty awesome

[@tomasr64]

Excellent production! Love that you ride and film at the golden hours. Quality ! I used to be so active with mountain biking like you are now. in 2011 I started building in Sedona and flagstaff because I was so happy about my Mojo HD that I wanted to match the capabilities of the HD to the trails I was riding. I went to Moab a few times. More tech please! I like to believe in myself that I influenced many at Ibis once they rode my handmade trails in SDA, like owner Scott. And like Dave who sold Ibis rigs for years there in Uptown. He was kind enough to ride with me. With a bit of sadness I gave up mountain biking in 2017. Poverty entered my life.

[@bkxc]

Glad you've got some good memories of the sport!

[@chriswiles87]

Thats really amazing, I hope the moab community gets it together and allows ebikes soon!

[@freerangemtb]

It's good to see your videos again, Brian. I have been having to skip a lot of the stuff you've been putting out because it's been so busy for me. I miss my usual commenting style, but I really just like to simply watch the videos and enjoy them. I really need to get out to Moab. I hope you have a great Christmas and New Year, Brian! Stay upright and keep the rubber side down! -Brian

[@TheCrashingDad]

This was AMAZING to see this perspective, and hear from the legend who built Ahab! My FAVORITE loop in Moab 🤩.... Mainly because of all the bonus side jank 🤘🏼😂🤘🏼

[@ronsanderson99]

Great video, and very interesting trail history...I love Captain Ahab! The Captain rules!!

[@bkxc]

Big time!

[@TrailPOV]

What an awesome ride and cool to have the builder there with you. Merry Christmas!!

[@bkxc]

Yep, he told a great story!

[@rockymanbro]

Awesome Video. I love to hear the history of Moab and MTB.

[@larryharris4313]

Thanks for the inspirational video! As of February 1 2020 The powers to be are closing a trail that I have invested well over 100 hours in.Just north of Asheville NC. Called Alexander Park the county commission is taking the portion to expand the dump sight. After seeing your video I feel inspired to continue to be involved in trail maintenance. Thanks Larry

[@kylemarmesh7536]

Sick, love hearing about the building process and stories behind all of the segments. Hoping to get out there in the spring. Thanks for the lesson on the desert soil.

[@Prez2013]

Great footage!!! I always enjoy watching your videos BKXC!

[@gonzz01973]

Truly fantastic as always Brian.! Happy and safe holidays... I can't wait to see what 2020 brings..!!!

[@nathangaffran]

It's always cool to see someone ride a trail that they know so well.

[@ambercarpenter6005]

Great Content on this video, loved stories about how the trail came to be. I have have been watching videos for 2 years now, more recently have lost some interest in ride videos but this was great. Would love to see more videos in this format/direction.

[@bkxc]

Glad to hear that!

[@Mntbkr64]

Tyson is a cool guy. I met him a view years ago when he was working on a trail in Cedar City.

[@bkxc]

That's great!

[@braullotolentino27]

Another awesome video Brian thanks for sharing. One of these days I will ride this trails. Liked and Shared as always.

[@ShutUpandRideMTB]

Thanks for putting out content during Christmas week! Cheers and Merry Christmas Brian!

[@bkxc]

Gotta keep it going, Matt!! Thanks for everything this year!

[@MusicManMTB]

So awesome to see the process and inside knowledge on a favorite trail. Tyson, you rock man! Ahab is such a blast!

[@bkxc]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jordanrhodes]

Keep up the great work!

[@bkxc]

Thanks!

[@thezonemtb]

Thanks for another great video. I can't wait for my 1st trip there in June 2020.

[@EricF1984]

Love this riding with the trail builder type video. Seeing the lines that are hidden in plain sight. 🤘😎

[@pedipedi9559]

Cool video nice to see the people behind great trails

[@iwanttoridemtb]

Nice video and SUPER RAD trail. Thanks

[@frantic299]

Such a cool trail. Rode this last summer. Day 3 of our riding after the Moab brand trails and the Whole Enchilada I was beat and wasn’t even planning on riding. So glad I went but the trail got the better of me several times. Need to go get some redemption on this as I know I skipped some things I know I could ride due to just being tired.

[@edloza]

An amazing trail!!! Thanks for share!!!

[@effie2206]

Watched few videos on Ahab, this one by far most enjoyable. The first trail I'm riding on my next Noah visit

[@andrewbeech6690]

Thank you Brian, For all your videos and hard work putting out great content. Thoroughly enjoyed all of it and looking forward to next year's adventures. Happy Xmas from the uk

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Great stuff as always Brian! Been to Moab multiple times, still need to hit this (and many other trails). Planning to fatbike the White Rim trail in 2020!!

[@bkxc]

It's a classic!

[@andrewanderson3300]

Hymas is my friends dad who was a huge freerider in the early 2000's red bull rampage sponsored by specialized truly a great family!

[@dons4europe]

Another classic video Brian. Hopefully you come back to scotland someday. 👍

[@gogomtb1]

WoW! That’s an amazing work! Thx for showing and sharing 😎

[@Shooterthecat1]

Amazing trail. Thx for the awesome work!!!

[@jamesherd9132]

Thanks for Brilliant Year of Videos .Have a Brilliant Christmas And next Year hope to see you on the Trails.

[@Thepoeticmtbr_The_poetic_mtbr]

Nice one Brian and trail builder Tyson, after maybe two years I'm still liking and being motivated by your videos 👍💪😎

[@colindixon9543]

I think that at my skill level I would end up just like old Ahab,serious exposure. Great vid Brian.

[@bkxc]

Hahaha

[@danasmith8557]

Wow what a beautiful place thanx for this video

[@abetownneufeld6057]

Amazing video, thanks Brian!!!!

[@chipandpete]

I love trail builder ride-a-longs!

[@mitchwarren1600]

I didn’t know how much effort went into this trail ! 🔥 I feel lucky and privileged to have ridden it myself. Along with the Whole Enchilada and loads more in Moab area. It has to be in the top three greatest places to ride in the world ! Probably first really! Congratulations Brian on your success with this channel! It’s time for TED talk I think . Meanwhile have a great 🎄🎄🎄BIKEMAS🎄🎄🎄🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@mortadhaabdul565]

Merry Christmas to super BKXC! Really amazing video I recently watched! I dropped a giant thumb up like! I would definitely like to ride in Moab, despite I live in the other side of the world! Merry and Merry Christmas!

[@trailstokemtb]

Brian, this is the first time I've seen this video and it's fantastic! I just rode Lower Ahab a couple weeks ago for the first time and it was pure magic. Definitely doing the whole thing next trip! Side note: you guys killed it on your ride!

[@KDog2264]

Great video Brian, thanks. Merry Christmas Brian.

[@TrailFReEK]

Those climbs would kill me,but those views would be worth it!

[@bkxc]

Not as hard as you'd think! Definitely tough, but not super duper.

[@TrailFReEK]

@@bkxc One day ill get to ride Moab!

[@andy.bailey]

Love this trail...great job on the video...appreciated learning the trail nuggets!

[@markchalloner5883]

Nice video, love that trail. If you make it to AZ this winter, come ride Cochise Stronghold outside of Tombstone. Great trail, scenery, history, and camping!

[@StudBar]

Trail builders are rock stars. Treat them like one

[@bkxc]

Big time!

[@puckcoach3]

Love it B. One of my favorite trails and a great video 😎

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much Jamie! Hope you're doing well, dude.

[@MrGrenadeMcBoom]

This was awesome. Trail builder specials are my favorite now.

[@bkxc]

Thanks dude!

[@midcenturyadventures]

DEFINITELY NOT A WASTELAND. Thank you, Tyson!

[@bkxc]

Haha that was my favorite part.

[@justinl8075]

Wow really enjoyed hearing from the builder!

[@borismartin]

Epic trail. On my list to go and visit Moab in 2020. Happy Holidays Brian!

[@bkxc]

I hope you make it happen!

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

That was one of your better videos Brian! Really cool to get a tour with the actual trail builder.

[@MaximumEffortGuy]

Brian! I love where this is going my man!

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much!

[@feldybikes]

Stellar video. Loved the trail history format. I realize it’s probably hard to arrange a ride with the trail builder (particularly one who can rip and is good in front of the camera), but more of these!

[@DKRK279]

Riding this in April 2020 for the 2nd time. Can’t wait! Tyson is a rockstar. Thanks for the awesome video. Happy Holidays and New Year Brian!

[@bkxc]

Nice!!!

[@mahdialiabad9578]

Awesome trail 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@mtbelpino3855]

Nice done, man you give to us the people can not go for ride due his type of job a very nice gift .... is like we are ride with you and make even more desirable as soon you able to go to ride... remove from the wall the bike, clean and start to find trails.... say hello to people that working in oilfield offshore... regards

[@BlandMan5000]

Awesome awesome video, i can't wait to get to Moab!

[@bkxc]

Yeah, it's a blast!