This is what mountain bikes were built for 🇺🇸 50 STATE SHRED: ARIZONA

[@itzBent]

Getting out and riding changed how I handle my PTSD and depression.

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

So stoked to hear that Dustin, I hope you grow into the you then we can go and pass it on to others in the struggle. Ride on...

[@thephoenixcycle8854]

Riding sometimes gives me depression because I suck so much at it.

[@vomErsten]

@@thephoenixcycle8854 Just watch the technique vids and send it. I suck, too, but you learn from the mistakes and hit it again, going faster and more precise each time!

[@seiner0ne]

@@thephoenixcycle8854 i use to skateboard when i was a teen i sucked at first but i got better the more i skated. Its the same with mtb i just got into it i suck but its fun and scary at the same time

[@DizRidesMtb]

The dreaded depression n anxiety. I'm frm uk I suffer both too n ridin helps heaps I still learning at 44 🤣. No matter ur skills jst gotta get out n enjoy ppl happy trails n another crackin vid n trails Brian

[@brandony1711]

That’s a company w a great message! Started riding at 270lbs and depressed af, down to 230 and feeling great. Long way to go but the love of riding keeps me going!

[@barefootmtb1338]

Without mountain biking I would not be here his concept is awesome to see. I went through major depression and drug addiction and eight years ago I found mountain biking again and it saved my life the people and places you go and meet, there is nothing like the biking community

[@BuckeyeMCS]

Those demons are all so real. That crappy voice that tells us we can't or are not good enough. I know them well too. Kill that voice and ride! Ride real Dude! Like button smashed...again

[@BuckeyeMCS]

@CHELSKI9 LOL

[@KevinMcAfee]

Mountain biking is the biggest outlet I have to escape the negativity and anxiety of the world right now. Keep riding strong, Spartan team. Love what you all are doing.

[@mtbmike9757]

Awesome vid!!! Great to ride with you that day. Spartan Rides is an amazing organization for the MTB community here in the valley

[@crappypatty]

Sucks my brake lever broke and I couldn't climb up, but at least I got to join going down! So happy to go to get together with JR and the rest of us and the Spartan crew. JR was a bit motivator in MTBing for me and I'm so grateful to be able to support such a cause that hits home to so many people! Not only that, but someone is really doing the whole bike shop thing RIGHT! Bon voyage, Brian! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the videos on this state tour and hope you come back to AZ soon and give us a ring!

[@mitchellborden130]

Spartan Rides is great, they went out of their way to help me get exactly what I wanted in a bike. Great value and even better customer service!!

[@rosskline]

Not questioning the authenticity of the story behind Spartan Rides at all... but that is marketing GOLD. Also, I was out in Phoenix back in November and those trails are terrific!

[@liquidgroove]

Big up JR. Exactly why I ordered my first bike today

[@RedWingsninetyone]

That's an excellent idea! Not to mention seeing how something works for yourself is 100x better than reading an opinion online from someone who likely doesn't fit your riding style.

[@sparks701]

Spartan Rides! What a great concept. That's awesome!

[@luanels683]

Man this is one of the best videos you have made. Shout out to Spartan guys and for what they stand for. Mental health and other health issues are so real and we don’t talk enough about it.

[@connorseymour7083]

Love the message from the spartan squad Brian, thank you for sharing and reminding me why I ride!

[@azdirtlife4280]

Spartan Rides is great because JR and his wife are awesome people 🙏. Fun to watch videos of my local trails 😁

[@treymann23]

AZDirtLife you’re awesome buddy

[@philgunn6803]

That waterfall section was amazing. Great to hear about the work of Spartan rides too

[@razmtb5028]

Rad!! Im fighting my own demon too via Mountain Biking and watching bkxc 🤘

[@ShutUpandRideMTB]

Thank you for doing such an excellent job by showcasing Arizona and it's awesome people! Well done Brian, stay safe out there!

[@msemlstr]

Love seeing Brian finally ride some of my local trails and how difficult they are even for him. Took years to be able to clean a lot of those lines and went thru broken rims, handlebars, and a lot of scrapes and bruises.

[@JV220]

What’s the best/your favorite trail in the area?

[@durasal81]

JR hit the nail on the head. Mountain biking provides an opportunity/ outlet to overcome our demons! We’re all working on something.

[@ckazjason2549]

Glad to see you made it to SoMo. So many great trails in the Phoenix area.

[@gooberbeans7972]

Love the Spartan Rides guy!!!

[@PedalingDave]

Dude, really enjoying the realness and the authentic care about the journey we're all on. Really impressed by Spartan Rides too.... Just all around awesome.

[@tim3kgt]

Thanks for the SoMo love Brian. Spartan and the SoMo crew support what you and this channel stand for!! ...great rides; see you on your way back through !

[@TysRides]

Yes! I can relate 100% to what the guy at the beginning said. Cycling is definitely my medicine....Those trails look incredible. Great video! When you come to the Kansas City area, we have got to show you around!

[@tomridesbikesPNW]

This ride is on my way home from work every day, seeing Mormon, national and the trailhead on KZbin is a reality check on how lucky we are in phoenix.

[@ps3customgamer]

I think theres alwys ways to ride a bike hard, just wish I had the dry weather. This is a local guy on the trails in fairly dry weather kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6aydGCDZ8d6frc

[@stevenleslie8557]

Exactly. I live in the East Valley and used to commute to the West Phoenix. South Mountain Park is perfectly located right off the i-10.

[@jeffeverhart2312]

I quit drinking 6.5 years ago, started riding 6 years ago. Riding definitely keeps my mind clear, and has been integral in my sobriety. It's nice knowing im not the only one fighting those demons.

[@MBOA]

Totally agree that biking is medicine. Nobody can dispute that.

[@stumpe3942]

Brian you are beast on technical climbing!

[@50mtb44]

Cool ride. JR and Spartan are rocking. Cool to see a vision turn into reality.

[@trailsfromthedarkside6460]

‘Winter riding’. Lol. Everyones wearing shorts and t shirts. Am jealous. Still waiting on the Knuckle High Cacti clothing line though

[@CELAtvNETWORK]

Yes mountain bike to combat mental and physical issues...that is what I have gotten from you anyway... it is such an awesome tool to succeed and personally develop from...

[@mbiraside]

Big thumbs up for Spartan

[@mando7398]

Love your videos, you ride because you love it. I've been riding for over 30 years, still love it. Love the Spartan mission hope it continues to grow. Awesome.

[@rodrigo711k]

JR reppin SAN DIEGO 🤙🏼... much love guys... 🗡Spartan Rides 🗡

[@greasyfingerprints]

That view coming down was pretty awesome.

[@BoloMTB]

another great video and I'm not talking about the trail part (which are great as usual) but for the Spartan message you helped to bring out and loud. this is crucial. well done Brian!

[@MtbTrailHub]

You do such a great job at keeping the viewers involved with the ride! Like you say.... anyone can film a POV video but the way you document the ride is A+ . It’s a lot harder than it looks from the couch. Looking forward to the rest of the shred👌

[@donbracci2199]

Great video! I love mix of a 50 state ride with the story of Spartan Rides.

[@B1KER]

SoMo is so fun. I can't wait until next month when I get to ride with the Spartan Rides crew there. I've been thinking about that place since the last time I was there. Funny you forgot to mention it's uphill both ways! :)

[@Bessunger]

It is all about expanding boundaries, personal limits, physical as well as mental. Like you said! Thanks 😊👍

[@dadventuretv2538]

Awesome trail, great company and great vid. I have an easy winter getaway now. LOL. When you come to Maryland you have to do the Frederick Watershed and Deep Creek Lake. Deep Creek not only has great professionally designed and built gnarly singletrack but also has Wisp- the only bike park in the state (it’s not the best ever and is kinda small but is fun- it’s like downhill singletrack.) I’ve got some vids on my channel of Wisp and Deep Creek. I ride the Shed when I can but am not the most knowledgeable person about the trails there- Bike Dr in Frederick would be a great contact for the shed. You’ll probably get lots of people telling you to do Patapsco- it is fine and parts are better than others but both the Shed and Deep Creek blow it away. If you wanna do Deep Creek for a few days I have a house on the lake out there- just hmu and we can coordinate. Keep up the great vids and ride on. P.S.- July 17-19- Dirt Rag’s Dirt Fest is at Big Bear Lake Campground, WV- it’s about a 40 min drive from Deep Creek. You could hit that and Deep Creek one after the other.

[@Reddingadventurehub]

Love what JR is doing. Similar to how I run Headwaters. A community based model.

[@Merica735]

I ride trails like that every day here in Phoenix AZ and they get boring so I am happy when I get to see my favorite youtubers ride them it makes me find new life in them

[@neuralbliss]

I so much appreciate the comments from the Spartan Rides gentleman. Thank you for sharing!

[@james9wood]

Amazing riding. You did a great job climbing and riding the techy areas, they are not easy. Also, appreciate you highlighting Spartan Rides, even though I am a local I didn’t know there story.

[@paultomlinson528]

Haha fantastic riding Brian, well done on those climbs

[@chameleonpogono]

I don't think it was corny. People with chronic diseases like me can go through depression. Biking takes my mind off things and can be a "zen" moment. I think it is awesome that he found something that he enjoys doing and helps him cope with life's issues.

[@RyanRidesPGH]

I'll be in Phoenix in April and I am planning to rent a bike and ride South Mountain. You made my planning a lot easier.

[@markkligerman6861]

JR seems like a good dude. I ride to relieve stress and anxiety of my job. I love it! Oh, it looks like a Tucson black diamond is legit too.

[@travelthenarrowtrail8660]

"This is church for them..." Amen to that! This sport is infectious indeed! It definitely feeds my soul as well. We're all warriors boys and girls. Ride on...

[@lenn675]

Suffering from depression since I was about 8yrs old. Although, I've handled it in some wrong ways here and there, riding has always been my go to.

[@peterschaer6311]

Such a great video. Thanks Brian.

[@deanmulley69]

love that concept ...go spartan ..!

[@letsgoridebikes]

Can always count on you for some good philosophical discussion! Mountain biking is good for the soul!

[@colequigley9859]

YEAH BK, that was awesome, you cleaned so many features, ive been watching for a minute now and its CRAZY to see how you have progressed. Much love brother

[@abhishekghule6837]

Whenever i see you you made me feel go out and ride on my bike . 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@brianpulscher6514]

Tried waterfall many years ago. My effort was much like yours. Used to think riding our local trails would prep for about anything till I rode National...lol. Tried another section closer to the west end about a year ago and was terribly out of shape and overweight(demons after all). It was not fun. However it motivated me to make a better effort throughout last year and although I am heavier than I like, I'm getting there.

[@BlueComet]

I could watch and listen to you talking while riding your bike all day long Brian! The perfect storyteller with loads of entertainment and motivation to offer. I can just drool over those chunky bits!

[@cartterlong9464]

I’m a local here and haven’t been able to ride since September and I can agree with you that no one likes getting hurt. This makes me miss those trails even more. Great vid.

[@TrailPOV]

Such a cool idea for a business, and a well spoken guy. Always interesting to hear about businesses starting from a life event rather than just a way to a paycheck. Keep it up!

[@mikusbikus1718]

Another great video! Glad to see you hit the mt. in Tucson AZ. South mt. In Phoenix is always a great ride too! Look forward to your next video! Stay safe!

[@Chris-pw7ov]

I love this. Spartan Rides is such a great concept. Phoenix is an easy trip, but I'm never going to drive or fly a bike out there.

[@richardcooper6493]

Really like this concept and incorporating ‘local heroes’ into your travels.

[@RGCastro7]

Great stuff, as always. You're spot on regarding the authenticity and connection your videos bring, Brian. You rock!

[@regisfleury2634]

Hi Brian, Regis here from Quebec City! I am going to Phoenix in March, and I for sure going to call Spartan Ride. It couldn't be a better timing seeing your video featuring these guys! can you tell me what trailhead your started this ride? It looks cool! thanks

[@sethparker4624]

Congratulations on the progression Brian!!! I can definitely see that your lines and jumps are getting more sketch🤙🤙🤙Keep up the inspiration for us family men!👍😊

[@willlyle2370]

Lost my motivation for mtb at the moment but after watching this I got straight on the bike. Thanks Brian 🤘🏻

[@itsyourfinancialplan]

Natioal, that's my home trail, glad you got to ride National and Millagrosa, 2 of the best in AZ!

[@mrrims]

The dessert riding looks epic!

[@goodluckchrisclark]

Such a cool idea for bike rentals and parts! Another reason to head south soon!

[@Thesusoperator]

truth being spoken right there spartan.

[@perryirons1399]

Sharing our realities the best we can with each other is how we really get to know each other, ourselves and nurture our spirits! Another great video!

[@Blake_Cherubini]

That looks like a great winter ride! Shorts weather! We are heading out today in some colder weather! Love the video as always!

[@doublea4853]

My home trails! Great video! The camera doesn’t do the chunky terrain justice, it’s rough out there.

[@wille4257]

The comments on mtb channels are so kind it’s awesome!

[@danielbroadstock4583]

Yea is as waiting for this video. Absolutely love south mtn ride there all the time shoutout to spartan rides

[@bernardinetrono1]

I like the concepts of this video,and the idea of the Spartan ride owner..love it!

[@BrianVaughn]

South Mountain is a good one. Had a good time riding out there last year with some locals.

[@AZMTBFix]

been on a few rides with Spartan, but definitely haven't hit the waterfall yet. you made that look easy, and i must assure everyone.... it definitely is NOT! Really enjoyed learning more about Spartan and the mission behind them!

[@jaredreynolds5250]

You speak truth, brother!!!

[@BikeLifewithRob]

Mountain Biking...Makes life better.

[@jacobmyblessing]

Solid video!

[@mimundomtb]

Love what you are doing, amazing and entertaining videos. I totally understand the need to ride to control your demons and fears. This is my therapy too, or my release valve as I call it. If you are ever interested in riding in Puerto Rico, let me know... We have a really nice scene here with over 100 trails in 100 mile wide island. It is always summer in P.R. so come and have some fun!

[@austonwheels]

Biking is such a great outlet!! Looks like a crazy ride! Cant wait to hear about your night in the van.

[@dummkompf]

Awesome to see you riding my local trails... I'm still a newbie to mtb and have only ridden south mountain once, but that was on my road/gravel bike! I've been wanting to go back there ever since I got my hardtail but I've been unable to ride for the past few months, now I'm finally ready to get back to the trails and plan to ride south mountain in the next few days. Such perfect weather recently! Normally I ride the hawes trails, if you have time you should definitely make a stop over there before you leave AZ p.s. the original burrito company has the BEST red salsa, so awesome! that's the main reason I go there

[@dummkompf]

well I did it, Went out to National today but only went about half as far as you did before turning back. I gotta say, you make it look easy!! lmao that really put my fitness into perspective compared to some of the mountain bikers I see on youtube. I only hope I can get to that level before I'm too old to ride a bike! lol going downhill was scary as hell for me on my hardtail at a lot of points but I still rode 95+% of it and that downhill was exhilirating!! TY for inspiring me to go to that trail again.

[@philjones4903]

True as I turned 74 i bought a Trek mountain bike hard tail for now. Started on double track and progressed to green single tracks and getting ready for blues. I continue to do a lot of double track and green single to build up my confidence. Bike handling is mental and physical.

[@caylanwojciechowski8233]

I never thought of it like that and it was the perfect description. Medicine.

[@joelrunyan1608]

i rented bikes from them around new years.. great people

[@smellraw]

Mountain biking is my therapy, too many ways to list

[@d0u6s]

Love AZ ... thanks, Brian! ✔️

[@lostman65]

great video brian! i love that area... then again i love all areas with mountain biking.

[@RIdeWerksInc]

Winter riding in shorts looks like the best. Another great video. And I agree with Trails from the Darkside about the Knuckle High Cacti clothing line

[@thunderdogproductions]

met JR this weekend. Great guy, great bike shop!

[@loveylovey2529]

You just got a great friends like jay ar bro..and i got a great friend in you tube even we cannot see each other you are my friend Brian!

[@matrix311]

Nice work!! Thats a fun tough trail. I still have not gone down the waterfall, its just that first approach that scares me. Someday i'll tackle it.

[@donzampa8230]

Good stuff Brian. Looking forward to hearing how your first night in the van goes.

[@lautbreak294]

Same happened to me with the glasses. All of a sudden. After 3 years or so.

[@SWFBrickbox]

Love my home state! Awesome video as always Brian. Thank you.

[@JClark2600]

Hey Brian, when you eventually return home take a BART ride over to 19th in Oakland. There's an amazing Mexican food restaurant called Xolo on Telegraph across from the Fox. They make the BEST Machace burritos they also have one of my favorite tacos and thats the Vampiro. Trust me it's well worth the $5 BART ride.