SO STEEP IT WAS ALMOST VERTICAL! -- Sessioning Rock Slabs at 50 Year Trail in Tucson

[@sydandmacky]

EXCITING NEWS! We just received our 2020 race kits (which hopefully we'll eventually get to use 🤷‍♂️) and our Patrons convinced us to do non-logoed, #bemoreawesome versions that are available to EVERYONE. If you're interested in a jersey, head over to www.sydandmacky.com/product/2020-bemoreawesome-jersey. Orders are only open for 1 week, so don't delay!

[@hardtailparty]

It was so much fun riding and hanging out with you two. I'm still blown away at how easy you made that climb look.

[@ridewest57]

hardtail party I’m a hardtail guy

[@hardtailparty]

@@ridewest57 Woot! Represent.

[@bshu66]

My wife is a teacher so she is out of work, but I work for Gatorade so we are still keeping everyone hydrated!

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

The only correct advert of a well climbing bike - a proper proof! No BS, great job Macky

[@lukefriedhoff1614]

I’m out of school for a month and pretty much everything is closed. MORE TIME TO RIDE!!!

[@GoneNoMad]

Great ride! So impressed that you cleaned that climb! You are a monster. Cool to see you riding with Steve and Tess. We finished our ride early and stopped by to "stalk" Syd while you guys were riding. Heal up and stay virus free!

[@hardtailparty]

🤙

[@GoneNoMad]

@@hardtailparty nice climb to you as well Steve. I've ridden down that section many times and it never dawned on me to try to climb it. Great riding!

[@hardtailparty]

@@GoneNoMad thanks Eric. Macky is super inspiring to ride with.

[@SmokeytheBeer]

Nice! That's my home trail. Have ridden that rock roll many times, I can't believe Macky climbed it. It's steeper than it looks on camera, especially the last part near the bottom. Way to go!

[@cparm08]

I have school from home because of corona virus and I like it I have gotten a chance to work on jumping everyday

[@SEZ66]

Came home from a deployment on the last flight without a quarantine. I am on certain restrictions for 14 days before I can go to work. Then we are restricted to a 3-hr radius from Tucson until this blows over. Just glad I am still allowed to ride and Tucson has awesome trails! -Bryan S.

[@sydandmacky]

Crazy! Stay safe!

[@marrowbone7132]

I love Hardtail Party! So stoked to see rare footage of Steve from someone else's PoV haha

[@hardtailparty]

🤙

[@246Drew]

hardtail party fan here also... this was a sweet extension of the hartail party vid, with that steep climb ... Excellent vids all round... "...engage subscribe mode..." 😎

[@marysullivan1588]

Closed all the school districts around me including mine , unemployed until further notice . Compromised immune system from Lupus staying inside until July 😂. Enjoy your new rides !

[@enriquemaya7624]

Working from HOME with my 3 KIDS and wife going CRAZY !!

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

Super stoked on your new bikes, that trip looked super fun. Hope you both are doing well and I'm glad to see your new system for "great white". Can't wait for the snow to melt here in CO. Ride on...

[@TheCrashingDad]

oh man.. this was such a fun one! ESPECIALLY at 5:58 ;) lol man...that rock slab was 😬

[@crjmoto]

Definitely in my top 5 trails in the country. Video doesn't do the gap or rock slab justice - nicely done!

[@lwiful]

Stay healthy guys! Working from home in Sweden where life as we know it has sort of come to a halt due to the virus. Really appreciate your videos. A nice contrast to all the dreadful news.

[@mikecarter6758]

Thanks for this. I really needed an escape to the trails I love.

[@colindixon9543]

Great vid and good to see you working with Hardtail party, stay safe and well. This virus is going to change how we all live, this is the new normal.

[@_CrankZilla]

That climb looked gnarly! Good job!

[@tonyhruzek4250]

Climbing like that with a 36T up front! That deserves a GOLF CLAP!!

[@sempertubby]

Fun fact: The big boulder in the background at the 14:51 mark used to have a well-hidden geocache. Getting to the top requires a solid leap of faith...or your climbing shoes and some bouldering skills.

[@boomherf15]

Love all your videos, you guys are inspiring!

[@pereirano305]

Boss Audio is a great company, with great people, glad to see they are supporting you guys.

[@TrailPOV]

Dang, now that is a well stocked van!! No etsy creations inside....it's bikes and more bikes :)

[@JClark2600]

So for those of you who don't know, this man makes sick suspension videos. I would defiantly recommend a watch. Still waiting for that Firebird video though ;)

[@TrailPOV]

@@JClark2600 Thanks very much! I wish there was 3 of me to just keep pumping out videos as fast as they are suggested

[@grammyonthetrail]

We rode Monday (Antelope, Lyons, CO) and Wednesday (Heil Valley Ranch). Monday wasn't bad and we did a lot of sessioning. Made some features I never had before. Wednesday on Wapiti was very crowded as lots of moms and dads were there with kiddos. The loops on top were less crowded. I guess the days of having the trails to ourselves on weekdays is over for these retired folks -- at least for a while.

[@JessHines]

I know this video was from last year, but I just got to ride this trail for the first time last weekend, and loved it! Fast in places, challenging in others. Just wish I'd had someone to show me the line on lunch rock, will have to try that next time!

[@ScoutsOut]

Sedona looks fun, I like the new bike!!!

[@garydecker3281]

Love 50 year trail. Again so miss living in Tucson! Meanwhile at home here in NC. My daughters' NICA season put on hold, Kids at home as well as I am working from home. Broke a Pivot bolt on my one and only do all bike. So I am taking my older 2 daughters (15 and 12) to shred while waiting for parts. Need to ride weather is great here right now!

[@sydandmacky]

Noooo! Broken bolts are the worst! And sorry to hear about the NICA season!

[@jimratzlaff3112]

On that "hill climb challenge" I said to myself, "Not even you Macky". I was wrong!

[@sydandmacky]

I do my best to exceed expectations 😁

[@prajwalpingali]

The puppy cam was ADORABLE!

[@mountainlife2411]

I really miss this trail. Riding in the desert with my homeys are some of my best memories.

[@timdolan1981]

In Minnesota, I’m working from home, wife is an art therapist providing tele-health sessions and all the kids are remote learning. Those trails look amazing and I love the music!

[@wills4343]

Gotta love the 12 speed Shimano XT, it's definitely the best 12 speed system out there. I want to practice my social distancing on the bike but the weather here in Prescott has not been cooperating. We're expecting more snow tomorrow.

[@sydandmacky]

Yeah, not looking great here in Sedona either...

[@JediSuPhu]

Here in the CA Bay Area we've been ordered to shelter in place. Last minute notice. Had to run to the store and restock with whatever groceries I could find yesterday because waiting for the hoarders to run out storage space wasn't working.

[@sydandmacky]

Whoa! That's crazy! Stay safe.

[@razmtb5028]

awesome content!! great to see you together again :)

[@tyborstorff5397]

Ridden this trail a few times and amazed at how small some of this looks on camera when I know this trail is super gnarly especially the Gap at the start of the chutes

[@sydandmacky]

#goproproblems 😁

[@julienutter4882]

Hello from Laramie Wyoming. I believe you had dinner with my friend Rob a couple of years ago. I work at a school and am on spring break. I had planned to go to Grand Junction for some riding with my friends, but an up coming snow storm and bad weather in Grand Junction put our plans on hold. All schools here are cancelled until April 3, due to the virus, so maybe we can social distance ourselves another week. Stay healthy!!!

[@RubenD85]

First day on Quarantine here in Quito Ecuador, making plans for my near future indoor life,, and the WORST part is that my new enduro bike arrived last Saturday haha,, new bike a NOWHERE to go,, keep safe guys and cheers.

[@sydandmacky]

Oh no!!!!!

[@1pho3nixmatt]

Such cool features there!

[@johnglynn7795]

Morning Mackey, enjoyed the video not to mention you riding in my neck of the woods, well almost as I live in PHX. Lookin forward to getting back to the USA and checking out my new Rip 9!!! Hope to ride with you one day. BTW, hope your wife is cooperating with therapy. Blue skies, Jg

[@igethanxcmtb9437]

7:30. Yes. Yes they have.

[@juliebirb7162]

Currently I am not working; my Europe trip was cut short because as of today I'd be in Portugal but yesterday I went riding and had single track to myself. So things are good, considering.

[@codymaddox9566]

Still doing HVAC south of Tucson. Did get up to Lemmon on Sunday though!

[@rozieamos5333]

I'm on a 14-day self isolation after returning home to Canada from the Sedona MTB Festival, so I'm working from home and really hoping that my campus strips back to essential services and my colleagues can go home and stay there. It's cancelled a trip to Grand Junction to attend a VIDA mtb festival so far. Boyfriend Dave and I joke about driving to Squamish (from Calgary) to get some riding and continue to work remotely but get to ride after work.

[@sydandmacky]

Yeah, we're a bit worried about being at Sedona Fest too...

[@rozieamos5333]

@@sydandmacky Definitely some concern from being in a packed event, but so far I'm feeling well and am isolating to comply with the government ask. Hopefully no one in attendance was a carrier or infected :/ I'm glad that it was before this blew up so much, it was such a fun event.

[@evilbanks]

Love your guys' channel. So fun. =)

[@KDog2264]

I am still working, just taking extra precautions not going out unless I have to.I know how you feel Macky, I have allergies also and people avoid me as well.

[@twecharclimber]

My cycling holiday in mallorca was this week, my flight and hotel got cancelled 5 hours before check in on Sunday, on a bonus I was fully reimbursed with 24 hours. Just need to book up for next year, it give me time to shed the extra stone of weight im carrying! 🙂

[@Magromancer]

great video! I’ve been sick now for the past 9 days and I’m hoping to be better soon, if you get a chance you should try out the Pivot Firebird 29, that’s got some of the best suspension on a 29er Enduro Bike I’ve seen, I believe it’s 172 in the front and 160 in the rear, it’s almost like having a DH bike that can climb really well.

[@JClark2600]

I own one with a Fox 36 in the front (170mm) and a Float X-2 in the rear (162mm). The things a beast! I totally agree but they ride for niner so I doubt they would ride another brand on the channel due to their current contract. Same thing with Seth (DB), Alex(Canyon) or Brian (IBIS). It is what it is and KZbin just doesn't pay the bills unless you get the kind of views like IFHT gets.

[@Magromancer]

J. Clark yeah that’s understandable, that’s why I’m glad I don’t have any sponsors, course tbf when I own that Firebird I’d probably love to be sponsored by Pivot so I could try out their other bikes as well because I absolutely love that Firebird.

[@Critical_mtb]

Can we increase the duration of puppy cam pls!🐶🐶🐕 lol awesome video thanks. We are quarantined here in CA at the moment. This helps pass the time.

[@chickensendies]

I had a vacation to Bentonville planned next week that I had to postpone. Bummed.

[@sydandmacky]

Bummer!

[@chickensendies]

@@sydandmacky I'll get to go soon enough no worries! Stay safe guys and keep making great content!

[@lagwall]

Great Video!

[@robbar4999]

Can't go to work and I love your guys videos and that's how I felt about this Corona virus and right about the toilet paper and can I go withu guys to the mountains lol

[@JoseGalland]

Come to Pikes Peak Apex in september (4 day stage race). If everyhing goes to plan, I'll be there.

[@robnestor3371]

In SV, The mountain closed last week, a lot of the restaurants are closed, surprisingly the bars are still open, some quick food places like Wrap city, Starbucks, and KB’s burritos are take out only. So the town or Valley in general pretty much quarantined it self from the rest of the world. I do agree with you how insane it is that people went ballistic on toilet paper, just take a shower when you’re done, it’s like a full body body Badaywhen I heard about stuff maybe closing down, I stocked up on rice, And stuff to make chili.I am still working because I am a public transportation driver for Mountain Rides.

[@JClark2600]

Those brakes are dope. That the same setup I run on my Firebird 29 and I can't say enough good things about them. I can not over heat them if my life depended on it.

[@bikingwithemily1109]

My MT Rushmore plan is out. I should still be able to bike the triple crown in Vancouver but I'm not sure about if Whistler bike park will open come May long weekend. Work is still open, I want them to close for I just got a puppy on Sunday and I want to stay home with him, please work close 😂 I'm hoping this will end soon for I'm planning bike up MT lemmon then Moab outerbike in October

[@Happy_Biker]

_UP_ Mt Lemmon? Wow! 😵

[@bikingwithemily1109]

@@Happy_Biker it's only a mountain 🤣

[@freerangemtb]

Always nice to see my home state! Especially as you get closer to my home town down there in the southeastern corner of the state (my hometown is Sierra Vista, which is about 75 miles southeast of Tucson). Coronavirus, as I'm sure everyone is aware by now, has affected everything. The thing that's most upsetting to me is it's interfered with the inaugural season of the brand new Florida NICA league. We got exactly ONE race in before we had to cancel everything. Not a great way to start a cycling league. Stay upright and keep the rubber side down! -Brian

[@sydandmacky]

Oh no! That sucks!!

[@jonathandefoy6376]

So what do you know about Philmont Scout Ranch?

[@jerry9116]

i always ride alone anyway. i work for maintenance in a school district and we have been off all week but will be reporting for work on monday.

[@sydandmacky]

Whoa, on Monday?! Are kids going back to school already? I feel like everywhere else just realized they needed to close schools?!

[@jerry9116]

No kids no teachers just me and the day guy there’s two people per campus. Principle has been in and out. I think we will be going around disinfecting classrooms.

[@THOELL2737]

I want to try that climb

[@jacobusdegroot7557]

There’s light at the end of the tunnel! 🙏

[@thebikeboyz9973]

Had been planning a trip with 8 friends for our first time to ride in Moab... just cancelled today. Was supposed to leave Saturday...

[@sydandmacky]

Dang! Sorry to hear it!

[@newbieridermtb9502]

We are working from home. Philippines is on community quarantine. Only 1 member of the family can go out to by food and supplies. Curfews are in effect. Check points on key roads.

[@sydandmacky]

Whoa! Crazy! Stay safe!

[@paulwalton1844]

Awesome Van upgrade! Slightly off topic question: have you tried 27.5 x 2.8 and 29 x 2.6? Curious as to your thoughts and experience with these sizes for riding all mtn and/or endure? Thanks

[@sydandmacky]

We've mostly just ridden them on hardtails, but Syd did ride them on the Portal a bit: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5_IqJ6vaZZ8qLs

[@DamageDesigns]

I work in live event production. My calendar has been completely wiped out. And it’s suppose to snow 4-8 inches on Thursday in Colorado. And it’s suppose to be winter weather for the next few weeks. So I don’t think I will be riding much. Ughhh.

[@sydandmacky]

Noooooo!

[@DMMTB]

I'm on day 3 of working from home for at least 4 weeks ..... My 88yo mother in-law lives with us so It is important for me to not get corona ..... all upcoming races have been canceled .... & yes toilet paper is in short supply (Sydney Australia) due to ppl hording 🤦 ..... timing is everything & I scored a 36 pack of rolls .... winning 😊. Macky, that new bike you are riding looks the goods in terms of performance 🤘

[@grn9209]

We both work for schools,out until April 6th.....We were supposed to be in Sedona riding this week😔

[@sydandmacky]

Aw, bummer! Sorry to hear it!!

[@prajwalpingali]

Whatever songs you use... they're awesome! Please do leave links to em!

[@calebjohnson7264]

Two southern enduro tour races have already been postponed. One at passion play in Arkansas where I’ve seen y’all ride. Super bummer.

[@sydandmacky]

Noooo!

[@ridewest57]

The Coronavirus cancelled school, so I basically get to ride every day! Mackey probably doesn’t have the Coronavirus, he probably has a little bronchitis. That’s what I had.

[@taffycymroukmtb9073]

It's Same in Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 UK No food in the Store they have Lost the Plot 🤣 allover the World fighting over Toilet paper hahaha 🥊🥊😎 Can't wait to watch you on your New Bike 🚴🚴🤘🤘🤘🤘 Stay Safe Over the Pond 😉 👍

[@karmichael5427]

we have had a couple thing canceled. Barry-Roubaix and Gazelle Girl for now. And our kids are off school for three weeks.:(

[@sydandmacky]

Brutal!

[@romdavis2050]

Here in Malaysia, we are in lockdown. The entire country needs to work from home. Just the essential places, like grocery stores, pharmacies, clinics, etc, are open. The best place to be right now is living in remote areas like in the Forest and riding trails, that's not gonna happen. SO right now your youtube videos are what's keeping me going a little crazy while stuck in the house and not being able to ride.

[@sydandmacky]

Sorry to hear it! The good news is we're back to 2 videos per week!!

[@robnestor3371]

Come on up and say hi, the trails are not quite ready yet though, but soon, it has been a poor snow seasonSo the trails should be ready soon

[@mtb_noobie1230]

How you like the vittoria tires?

[@sydandmacky]

They're great!

[@Indeed007]

Hell yeah Macky, that's what I'm talkin' about. That gnarly, beefy machine is ready for "#War", Son. haha ..luvvit. That thing is just gonna straight 'Eat' the trails lol no problem. Love seeing some actual #Shimano® component groupsets here too man, with 'SRAM' seemingly always making its constant unsurprising, proliferated rounds on virtually everything released today (obviously yeah they make some good stuff too, in the comparable upper-range, but nevertheless). Definitely ain't gonna go wrong with that freakin' drivetrain nor especially proven brakeset, that's for damn sure haha ...wraah. Absolute Monster on that giant slab challenge there (but of course, compliments to the actual '#rider' ofc, too ;) ..lest we forget). Despite being a Giant Travel Burly (almost even 'DownDuro') Beast, yeah, as you pointed out (and then clearly demonstrated), that thing can still 'VERT, too haha. Awesome geometry. Me thinks a healed-up n' healthy Mr. Macky and his newfound #WarMachine are gonna make some great conquering partners indeed. Ride On Bro :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXexkKiZi9hlh5I 🎶 ..(

[@jaredreynolds5250]

I like your moves. I like your style!

[@nickb8257]

At least we can still go riding, even solo. Bummed Sea Otter is cancelled, is was training for a couple of races and a ride with Hans Rey. Let’s hope we are all still around to go and have fun in October! Stay safe everyone 👊🏼

[@Gamebit450]

Macky the Beast...

[@gsdavis9553]

Curious. How many MPG does that van get pulling all your stuff around?

[@sydandmacky]

About 15

[@davecrashes4905]

My wife and I are stuck in Australia (there are worse places), hoping flying back to the US next week.

[@sydandmacky]

Yeah, that doesn't sound too terrible. Maybe "accidentally" miss your flight?! 😁

[@thebikemage7898]

My school is closed for the rest of the year. But now I get to ride like every day so no problem.

[@sydandmacky]

The rest of the year?! Whoa!

[@thebikemage7898]

@@sydandmacky school year sorry.

[@danbean4253]

I just bought a 2020 RIP9 RDO, it’s my do everything bike!

[@stevencole7331]

My ride today was the sound of silence . So quiet except for birds chirping . No planes in the sky and the contrail they leave . Another benefit is the air and sky seems so clean and clear . I guess the virus did what humans could not do for climate change and air pollution

[@JeffOehlsen]

I do have a question, I am planning a bike packing trip and if this one doesn't break me (old and fat) I will be super happy. However, since old age has put the move on me weight wise, what is the best wheel for the least money ? I am not going to be going crazy off road. I would love to hear your opinion. Thanks, Jeff

[@sydandmacky]

We rode Vittoria wheels the last few years and are on Shimano wheels now, but as we don't pay for wheels, we can't really speak to the bang for your buck aspect. We really like the Shimano wheels (M8120) though!!

[@JeffOehlsen]

@@sydandmacky Thanks so much, I will look into them.

[@boringuserhandle]

So far I have had a holiday to Italy cancelled, a run of gigs cancelled and and enduro cancelled. Both I and my partner have been told to work from home. Shit times. We're lucky in many ways, others for whom this will be devastating.

[@sydandmacky]

Brutal! Sorry to hear it!

[@chameleonpogono]

Some things are closed around me. The Mrs works from home anyways. I do testing at a medical lab, so my work is going full swing. Still trying to get out and ride.

[@gordonkohl9083]

Still working in VT.

[@prothompson]

Just got laid off from work. But on the plus side gas went down in price and we are getting better weather now. Ride ON

[@sydandmacky]

Sorry to hear that!

[@KaiSteinbach]

Watching from SPAIN, we are in complete lock down / 24 hour curfew. All parks and forest areas are closed off. Riding bikes is completely forbidden, because it is a high risk activity, and hospitals / ER’s are completely overwhelmed already. I was lucky enough to get one of the last available trainers just before shops closed and am now doing my very first laps in Zwift. Any tips for an indoor newbie ???

[@sydandmacky]

Oh no! Sorry to hear it! We've got a playlist of videos for watching on the trainer (kzbin.info/aero/PLssWz5AWGkh_ZUBBgQ8eR9bB6taXOBA4I), hopefully that will help a little...

[@peterj.1177]

I’m signed up for a bunch of rides this year and I’m sure they all will get cancelled. I signed up for Whiskey off road, Moab fondo, DK200, Leadville, triple bypass among others. My whole riding year is getting cancelled. I’m super bummed.

[@sydandmacky]

Feel you there!!!!

[@tonyvanhout2394]

you in lock down New Zealand is in a four week one,

[@sydandmacky]

So brutal!

[@MrJoesphares]

How's the sound system though?

[@sydandmacky]

It's good!

[@igethanxcmtb9437]

Hopefully I’ll be able to ride there in a like over a month. Idk tho as I’m out of state.

[@kenny_kaos]

Phew that RIP 9 is hot! As for corona bs I work for city government and am out of work(with pay) till I hear from my supervisor.

[@sydandmacky]

That doesn't sound too bad! Riding time!

[@kenny_kaos]

SYD and MACKY lol maybe, I have a 6 year old and a 11 month old so kinda teaching and entertaining so down the road hopefully

[@Schnitz9494]

It’s hit Australia ..... and schools might be closing down... but I still ride my Mtb bike 😆

[@neuk01642]

Hey Syd and Macky. Good to see you brighter and healthier! So that rack on the back of your van with the bikes... is that secure? It looks like the sort of thing your average scumbag in the UK would have the bikes off in about 5 minutes flat at traffic lights? I guess you've been doing this long enough that you're really taking care of your kit... hate for you to get rolled and loose your rides. Your year has been rough enough so far.

[@sydandmacky]

We don't general stay in places with high levels of crime, but if we're at all worried, we run a cable lock through all the bikes and lock them to the rack! Someone could obviously get through it, but it would take some work!

[@rascal1234]

All the local bike races, including crit races, and mtb races have been cancelled. Additionally, Rasputitsa has been cancelled, though it is over a month from now.

[@rascal1234]

At least I got in 1 crit race, before the closures.

[@sydandmacky]

Dang! Yeah, our schedule is totally screwed too...

[@Basement_CNC]

does someone know the song at the beginning?

[@sydandmacky]

Keep Standing by Origo

[@Basement_CNC]

@@sydandmacky thanks guys, keep up the good work 👍🤘

[@Basement_CNC]

@@sydandmacky you live the absolute dream, really looking up to you guys, if i finally graduate and have a small amount of money i'll for sure get a van and spend at least a season travelling europe. 2,5 years to go 🤣and one or two to make some money , but for the time beeing ,your vids keep up the motivation 👍👌 i hope in 2021 there will be more events like seaotter and stuff

[@beardsleymcbearderton6492]

The reason why this slammed us so hard here is because no one thought it would come here.... I have been saying this for a few months now, but alas i work in the E.R. get ready for a bumpy ride.