WHY I GROW A BEARD? DREAM BIKE BUILD? FIRST MTB EXPERIENCE and MORE! The Singletrack Sampler Q&A

[@The_Sampler]

WHAT'S UP GUYS, HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Between the asking and creating of this video, we hit 15K babyyyyyy!!! Just wanted to thank everyone for helping me get there, I'm so incredible stoked for the coming year and all the great adventures that await. Also, a huge shout out to everyone that has picked up a T-shirt, ya'll have no idea how much that has helped me out! I hope everyone enjoys getting to know a little more about me and my life on the road. Cheers! Alexander

[@endurofordaboys1768]

The Singletrack Sampler nice, happy new year

[@joselizard9041]

The Singletrack Sampler long time no see bro!

[@navarredr]

Congrats, Alex! Keep up the great work!

[@FloridaTrailrider]

Nice job bro! Always appreciate the videos.

[@SilentSentry1776]

Nooo not the beard! I've had beard envy man... after leaving the military I grew my hair and then later the beard but still have to keep it in check for work. I'm waiting for the day I can truly Grizzly Adams this thing. Happy New Year!

[@jimborghini2761]

So glad I got into mtn biking. Nothing but good people and good vibes.

[@anonymouscommenter6419]

Jim Borghini agreed , when I got into it 2 years ago the amount of nice people and support was amazing , people even if they don't know you are happy to stop and help and talk , dissent matter your skill level or skin colour they all treat you great !

[@kadenbohm775]

Anonymous Commenter ikr. Very nice to have a community filled with such good people in a devicive time

[@cesarm.gonzalez2663]

10:24 driver window vandalism 😂

[@bb4prelude73]

I believe the reason people are so positive in the mountain biking scene. Might be because we all get our endorphins high and are happy people while we stay active. 💪 And of course flying down a mountain feels awesome!!

[@The_Sampler]

haha you make very valid points

[@bkxc]

Awesome!! This was tons of fun, glad to see you out of the sling and on the road back to stokeville!

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks Brian! Moving along and will be back on the bike in no time

[@xenoph9380]

BKXC MTB Jesus Don't forget to organize that ride with Phil Kmetz :D

[@The_Sampler]

Oh it's going to happen as soon as I heal up

[@xenoph9380]

MTB Jesus Awesome! :D

[@phantomrider86]

looking forward to more new trails and behind-the-scenes vids, thanks Alex!!

[@RyanMarcyesOutdoors]

So Rad and Fun!! Keep bring the MTB Nomad Lifestyle out and show all of us how it's done. Once again keep shredding (which I hope is soon) and remember to Live-Life-Loud!!

[@JeeniusGaming]

4:03 that made me so happy cause I am starting to ride mountainbikes just now because of you, brian and seth. I've just send the order for the parts out a few minutes ago and the frame is a Transition Patrol 2016 (aloy)

[@xavemorre]

awesome video! Love your vision on things, like yourself and materialistics...

[@crjmoto]

Good stuff brother. Thnx for addressing the "it's not about the bike, it's about riding" issue. I couldn't agree more.

[@The_Sampler]

👍👍👍

[@dannyalonso3303]

Just saw this video and completely agree with you as to why you love this sport. Some of the nicest and most helpful people I have met through mountain biking. I enjoy your videos man, keep shredding!

[@The_Sampler]

+Danny Alonso hey Danny, thanks my friend, we are damn lucky to be a part of such a great community! The shredding continues tomorrow!!!

[@RaymondIlano]

Hello from St. Pete! You are an inspiration to this old dog newbie MTB rider! Love your videos!

[@ryand121984]

Question number 2 was answered really well man! good to see you again Alex! can't wait to see you guys shred again.

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks Ryan. I can't wait to be shreddy to ride too. It's gonna be amazing

[@jimborghini2761]

Alex, i have a Patrol 3. And like you, i also know that i will never ride it to it's potential. I think its easy to become a bit obsessed with bikes nowadays because they are just so advanced and so good looking.

[@jimborghini2761]

+The Singletrack Sampler Haha. I love it. My buddy has a shop on Long Island that carries Transition so he ordered one along with mine.

[@appacana]

It's funny Im watching this while on my way out of Asheville, NC. I rode with friends 7 times since Christmas.

[@drumsxo]

Awesome video, Alexander! It's nice to get to know a bit about ya, man. I'm looking forward to the next part of the Q&A! Oh, and the cleaned up beard is lookin' pretty rad, my friend! :D Happy New Year. 2017 is gonna be great; I can feel it!

[@psych0billy6]

I'd like to see a picture of you from when you had a desk job. Thanks for being you. You're an inspiration to me to enjoy the ride, rather than who's riding what and how much it cost.

[@bigounce4108]

Your such a great person and I love your outlook on the world and its people.

[@joemilnes9062]

One thing worth noting on a more expensive bike is reliability. I know I can go out on my bike and everything will work as intended-of course your maintenance helps too! There is also a point where your bike holds you back- watch Fabio Wilmer doing those huge jumps on a city bike, yeah he made a few but he broke it very quickly

[@Paul-tu8fg]

That's probably the best, or at least, most aligned with my own view, of what is great about mountain biking. I find it goes for the road side too.

[@The_Sampler]

It's got so much going for it, and I can't get enough!

[@johnleong2460]

This video is actually really convenient for me at this time, about a week ago I was questioning my bike and was sorta disappointed in what I had. But you're completely right, it's the rider not the bike.

[@The_Sampler]

Glad I could help out Johnnie, get out there and hone your skills with the bike you have. Hop on KZbin and research some ways you can use your current bike to improve... you!

[@kel5944]

ive taken 3 cross country trips to mtb in the rockies. i camp every time. Id love to see more of your road trips and especially camping.

[@juancaicedo2007]

Men every time I see one of your videos It just give me flashbacks on the road trips I have made... I drove from Miami to Seattle doing mtb all over the USA in every stay I pass by I did some trails... and driving from Seattle to Miami I select a different route.... I don't know I love living in Seattle love of trails to ride and epic rides... Portland Oregon is nice and amazing trails.... but Utah Salt lake I love it so much.... plenty of places to go riding, people and adventures.... You have to try Washington state, you get the best of the two worlds... Forests and deserts.... check Leavenworth (German town) lots of places to ride and beer all the time

[@CaptRohmer]

Next time you're headed towards Asheville, give us a heads up. I live an hour or two south on the NC/GA state line. No shortage of trails here.

[@grn9209]

Really dig that you, Seth and BKXC are friends! Subscribing to Seth introduced me to your channel👍🏽. Keep having a blast on the road🚘

[@shayrubino9862]

Lyons,CO is home of Oskar Blues, and New Belgium is just up the road, as well as some AMAZING riding trails. Ashville is very nice though

[@tomcruz3774]

Fast forward to 2020 and we got no choice but to stay put. Hope this passes over soon

[@NYZOutdoors]

Yo Alex! I know this is an old video pal. I recently got back into mountain biking man. Bought a bike to get back in shape and ive been loving it. Im stuck in that 10 degree weather you keep mentioning in your new videos. hahaha.... Anyway, ive been following you for about 3 months now. I watch all of your videos. Just found this series today. Loved hearing about you and the back ground of it all. I think the most important part of a channel is getting to know the person. Feels like you make a friend. Better worded you do make a friend. Been loving your videos man. Super impressed with your editing skills. Did you go to school for any of it? Some of the stuff you do I'm like "wow" hahahaha. Great stuff bud. Keep it up. Live life!

[@richardanderson4916]

Team Viper in Palm Beach ready to shred with you any time! we love you bro!!!

[@eliabclemente7378]

I also grow my beard out and i feel great, not goofy as you said but, fill aewsome. Thanks fro sharing your daily experiences on mountainbikink. Greeting from Brazil.

[@hairypaulmm7wab195]

Whooooooaaa.. Scary video (beard trim) Living on the North side of the Scottish Southern Uplands and riding the hills in Scotland I need to keep my fur so my face doesn't freeze, never gets 'too hot' here ;-) Good to see You recovering well & looking forward to seeing more of your adventures through 2017. All the best from a fellow Furry Biker :-)

[@streddaz]

My dream bike at this stage is a Zerode Taniwha mainly because I hate derailleurs and like the concept of a gearbox mounted low in the frame with hardly any maintenance.

[@khyrenhoskovec2584]

Dude at a glance I thought the title was "dream beard build" hahaha

[@The_Sampler]

haha that coulda worked

[@jcnichols22]

My favorite video so far mainly due to your speech on bikes hahaha. There are far to many people that completely bash people for riding or even thinking of buying a bike for less than $500. Some disciplines due require certain types of equipment but I would rather see more people out having fun that spending time laughing at the trail head over someone riding an entry level bike. Also enjoyed the sweet shoutout to good ole North Carolina!!

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks Josh, I don't believe in bringing down anyone that is on a bike, and it really frustrates me when I see others doing that. As far as I'm concerned, if someone is out riding a bike, they are doing something right

[@jcnichols22]

The Singletrack Sampler amen brother!

[@jcnichols22]

The Singletrack Sampler amen brother!

[@nikhilparker5906]

Come down to sunny California here in San Diego. So many great trails everywhere you go down here. Great for mountain biking

[@chrisgarland9381]

Glad to see you out of that sling man! I've been wearing my single track sampler all over NY and on vacation in Florida last week. Can't wait for another shirt to become available. Hope all is well and can't wait to see you back on the bike making videos again! Happy holidays

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks Chris! Dude that is sweeeeet! Any fun photos?? I kinda want to make a jersey next to kick off the next riding season, how dope would that be?

[@chrisgarland9381]

The Singletrack Sampler that would be awesome. I'm in dire need of some jerseys

[@jordankeeler7297]

New beard style is lookin good! Glad to see you out of a sling by the way. When you were asked about your dream bike I knew for a fact that the patrol was going to be it. it's mine too, lol. Stoked on seeing some more riding soon alex!

[@The_Sampler]

Hey thanks Jordan, I can't freaking wait to be in the saddle. Soon enough, soon enough (patience)

[@jordankeeler7297]

I know the feeling. Ive probably told you this story but in case i havent, right when I started riding i had a spurt of some silly decisions, i broke 4 bones consecutively (and I mean, consecutively). It started Christmas day, broke my arm, same day that cast was supposed to come off I broke my collarbone, then on my birthday day in spring I broke my arm again, when that healed I went a month before breaking my left arm yet again. Funnily enough, only one of the breaks was from MTB. Anyways, just thought i'd share that. The itch to ride was unbelievable.

[@The_Sampler]

Oh dude, I remember you talking about these injuries, and I give you mad props for sticking with it man. I bet with all the casts your urge to ride wasn't the only thing itching ;)

[@jordankeeler7297]

Haha thats what the wire coat hanger was for. btw I was just browsing PB and saw these guys shredding those arkansas trails you seth and brian rode, some really creative jumps / lines in there I think you'll like. www.pinkbike.com/news/lars-sternberg-and-tyler-horton-mountain-biking-in-northwest-arkansas-2017.html

[@The_Sampler]

wow that was incredible, and I love some of those jumps they found. I'm gonna have to go back there sometime because I only scratched the surface!

[@davidlibert9604]

Great video. I live in Asheville and I feel it's second to none for mountain biking!

[@The_Sampler]

I love it there

[@willidw22]

Asheville!!! That's Awesome!! I live in NC, not Asheville, but that's great.

[@MTBdropIN]

Happy New Year man, keep the vids coming, super stoked to have seen a video today!!! Great video I watched the entire thing!!!!

[@TimMcgimpsey]

Totally agree with you about the bike. I ride a 2008 GT sanction, and although it's old and has pretty bad parts, I don't want a new bike because people on rigid single speeds are still faster than me. This shows me that I'm certainly not riding my bike to its full potential. I think there is a very small percentage of mountain bikers that actually ride their bikes to its limits.

[@mountaintime4276]

Happy New Year Alexander! Congrats to 15k! Keep it going. Can't wait till Thursday.

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks Jeff, Happy 2017 to you too!

[@DR-ZBrian]

love the videos you inspire me to take time away from work and everyday life and hit the trails

[@The_Sampler]

Hearing this inspires ME

[@frobinson2413]

I watch your videos and think wow, you are awesome dude living your life to the full and enjoying it :)

[@The_Sampler]

Frank thank you so much dude :D

[@TheCrashingDad]

Awesome man! - Now... it's time to see an old pic of you super clean cut!... Mr. Biznuss!

[@The_Sampler]

I may have to dig one up and toss it in the next video ;)

[@nickmendez5057]

Really cool video! Thanks for sharing!!

[@declanrose5175]

Omg I love you so much, this video was PERFECT.

[@johnganshow5536]

Yes, The most important part of bike riding, no matter how much the bike costs, is you, the engine, and your ability...

[@MTBdropIN]

I have to agree, but the parts are so shiny!!!! LoL, its always very good to keep this in perspective!!!

[@johnganshow5536]

Yes, Of course I wouldn't turn down the $8,000 bike. But people will ride what they can afford. My Kona Process 134, does it all for me on the trails $4,000

[@mtbfiend4170]

John Ganshow My XC bike for 1,000 does it good, just shreddin the trails!

[@johnganshow5536]

Nice!!!!

[@KaizenOz]

or that you enjoy it / have fun 😂

[@arikthompson5495]

I love, love, love the trimmed beard.

[@BooolZay]

Im kinda new to the channel, I really like ur content, mostly the fact how you emphasize on freedom so much. Not everyone has the courage u know !!! So thumbs up

[@The_Sampler]

Hey Zam!! Welcome to the channel my friend, I'm super stoked to have ya! I appreciate that - it's all about the freedom to design the life you want, but like you said, it can be scary to take act on it!

[@byronpratt9697]

Can definitely relate to the expensive bike situation mine is a 2005 schwinn and I have toasted guys on fancy specialized bikes they are almost always surprised

[@davidmoore2990]

Asheville is by far one of my family's favorite travel destinations. I cannot remember the exact name of the trail, but it is not to far outside west asheville just off the interstate called samurai/kazuma. Wished I could remember the name of the exit. It also has a 4 mile paved trail that decends about 1100 ft beside a railway. Pretty sweet riding.

[@The_Sampler]

Kitsuma! Dude that trial is so much fun!!!

[@davidmoore2990]

Yes, the downhill made the climb well worth it!

[@b.r.3232]

Happy New Year! Like the trim. I'm glad you can make this lifestyle work. Keep it up. Like the vid's.

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks dude!

[@bmelz1820]

You mentioned wanting a sprinter, have you considered a pickup with a shell on it? that may be cheaper or more feasible than a van and you can lock and store everything in the shell.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

The SB5 was pretty high on my list of bikes I was considering

[@The_Sampler]

Unfortunately it doesn't come in Angry Dolphin XD

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Who cares when you have Yeti Turquoise.

[@metmerc1]

Regarding your dream bike, I really appreciate your attitude about equipment. My two main hobbies are biking and guitar. In both, there's way too much focus on gear (especially with guitars). Magazines are almost a joke because they seem to focus more on the newest products and less about the lifestyle biking (or playing).

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks dude, it's something I feel strongly about. Also, wow, I would have never guessed that about guitarists!

[@hollycow123445]

Definitely true about the rider being far more important than the gear. But damn do I love to obsess over gear and gadgets. I'm not as bad as some, but I do love researching and buying new toys for my bike.

[@The_Sampler]

I think that's totally cool and absolutely believe in "to each their own" I know that tons of people are the same, and I bet that these are the types of people that also have contributed to a lot of new technology for us to use, which is awesome

[@endurofordaboys1768]

im looking forward to part 2

[@The_Sampler]

It'll be fun!

[@nickrogers6441]

Cool video again. Congrats on the 15k and Happy new year! Side note- the only reason you didn't pick the North shore as your one place is because you have t been here. Yet!

[@The_Sampler]

I'd probably have to agree. I think North Shore is my dream place aka the one I can only imagine thus far.

[@thecoldcrew9191]

You and Seth made me take mountain biking less seriously and just have fun with it

[@brad8961]

You and Brian are growing so quick, Good luck for 2017:)

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks dude!

[@georga848]

Bro when are you going to check out Costa Rica. We have crazy single track and really cool bike parks. I will show you around.

[@richardanderson4916]

I agree, one of the most pleasant surprises for me was how cool everyone is. There does seem to be a causative relationship between lycra clothing and out of control ego though. LOL! When I ride with my kids everyone is really great to them!!!😊

[@Metal-Possum]

I'm quite fond of your beard, looks good.

[@morbly]

The "where would you live?" question lead me to think this: You and Brian should go ride the U.P. in Michigan this summer, you've got great trails in Marquette, Ishpeming, Munising, Houghton and Copper Harbor. There's a big lake, microbrews and an awesome riding community.

[@The_Sampler]

I saw a video on Pinkbike last week talking about MI, and it looked pretty rad. I would've never guessed.

[@clfr216]

Alex, thanks for not focusing on the gear, our community can be a bit materialistic, and people can be a bit jug mental about what you ride rather then why you ride! When I was living in the PNW I would take my NS Surge(hardtail) to Stevens Pass, and when I was waiting in the line to get on the lift I had these kids making comments about my bike, and bacily calling me a barney and poser, they all had $8k DH bikes, well, they were all sing a different tune when I smoked them all on the trails.

[@ChrisCXK]

Great video. No sling! Hopefully you're doing better and can get back to it soon.

[@MaxWingblade]

Come up to Alaska! I live at alayeska the ski resort! Great skiing and mtn biking!

[@lukecalder7536]

His laugh is so infectious.

[@grantonchugg419]

Hi just thought I'd touch base say how much I enjoy your & Brian's channels (BKXC) ! In answer to one of your questions re formats I find pleasure in a lot of day to day detail including stuff ups it's good to laugh at your own mistakes 😂. Like me ,I made a stupid miss judgement and crashed my Mtb and broke my femur .... no riding for 10 weeks ! 😪 plenty of time to watch your KZbin clips cheers Granton Tasmania Australia

[@brianrichards782]

for the bike check shoe the part, the reason you chose it and then demonstrate its use

[@johnganshow5536]

Remember the cave men in the geico commercial? That's what I thought when I first saw you. But after your explanation, it all makes sense. Thank's for the videos!!!

[@The_Sampler]

haha I do indeed remember those. Thanks John!

[@Capaross79]

You and Brian need to hit up Copper Harbor, Michigan on your next road trip together!

[@The_Sampler]

there are so many destinations we need to hit up! I saw a video of MI recently on Pinkbike that was intesting

[@kel5944]

i like your reasons for growing the beard and hair. beard on!

[@lowpowermodelife]

I feel like biking makes people, better people.

[@Christopher_R]

You mentioned a Sprinter for security reasons. Awesome vehicles ...but super expensive. Look at the Ford Transit Connect. A lot less room, but it will still fit bikes. I've got friends who race motorcycles out of both.

[@The_Sampler]

Hey Chris, I'm definitely looking into the Transit as well, but I'm not looking at new models of either. The Sprinter becomes much more affordable when looking at 2006s

[@Christopher_R]

Yeah, the diesels do run forever. A friend of mine owns a business and we would race out of their Sprinter on weekends. The van still felt half-empty with 2 race bikes, a pit bike, and all our gear... Only 'negative' was that we had to clamp up a moving blanket behind the seats to avoid blowing heat or AC into 400 cubic feet of cargo area!

[@itsrickeritsricker]

thanks for the content have a great 2017 and keep livin the dream man !!!

[@The_Sampler]

My pleasure man, glad you enjoy!

[@frankpalomino7417]

Dude buy renter's insurance for $11 per month and it will cover your bikes anywhere, as long as they were locked if stolen. Great videos man! love your enthusiasm!

[@The_Sampler]

That's not a bad idea!

[@MloVisual]

YAK Kima? Yaa kee Ma. Yesssss! Asheville in my home state!! Theres also, Beech Mtn Bike part.

[@mtlxc5586]

happy new year bro hope to see you riding soon 🤘

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks Nelson. and to you too buddy!

[@danda4567]

Keep up the good work bro

[@grn9209]

👊🏽🚵🏽. If you ever ride through El Paso let me know we can go for a ride. We have great desert trails here!

[@orishuchami9770]

You are genuinely an amazing person, i dream of meeting you and chatting. Maybe one day👊🏼🤘🏽

[@The_Sampler]

I really appreciate that Ori :D Perhaps our paths will cross one day

[@DiamondbackSortie]

10:24, do you see the drivers window😂

[@kelvinmulder]

Thanks for sharing, your a real cool guy, good spirit 👍👊

[@TheSorrowsDeath]

You should take a trip up to Boise, Idaho. We got some amazing Riding up here!

[@The_Sampler]

I've heard good things

[@TheSorrowsDeath]

Got trails just 15 to 20 minutes out and then a few awesome areas just an hour or two outside of town. Anything from high desert to forested areas. I have ridden motorcycles most of my life but getting into the MTB life the last few years and absolutely love it!

[@robwasnj]

Just curious where you're staying now in FL. Lots of good riding there, I'm actually headed down this Sunday to stay near Ocala, can't wait to feel some warm weather and hit the trails. Couldn't agree more on bike gear and your thoughts so with that said why not do some technique videos? Maybe try to do something that adds to the knowledge to be had rather than just reiterations. I'd personally love to see a video all about cornering that discusses different ways to rail corners AND discusses bike setup, front tire weighting/choice, all that jazz. Having ridden a few different bikes I found they have very different personalities in that regard but never knew why but I just know my xc 29er can do the twisties a lot more confidently than my all mountain Trance does. Looking forward to your next videos.

[@The_Sampler]

I'm in the Tampa Bay area on the gulf side for now. I'm not sure I will do videos specifically for technique, but I will most likely add bits of info within other videos.

[@MTBdropIN]

dude you are still alive!!

[@The_Sampler]

alive and kickin'

[@themagicillusions]

I like the new look 👌🏻

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks dude!

[@themagicillusions]

The Singletrack Sampler you kinda look like Vittorio Brumotti now 😂

[@pwnedbyfishies]

I have a theory that there's two types of beards. Angry beards and welcoming beards. They can be the exact same beard but it depends on the person they're on that defines what type of beard it becomes. Anyway, great video, you're my favourite youtuber right now!

[@The_Sampler]

I think I agree with your analysis. I've seen the really well trimmed and perfectly geometric beard that can be intimidating, but there is no denying the goofiness of an untrimmed outgrown beard :D

[@chuckbilezikian4667]

Yo dude check out ketchum idaho..Was just there skiing and seemed to be a ton of mountain bikers around.

[@ceedee2769]

live free ride hard get stoked! surprised about Ashville choice... I visited Colly last year for the first time and it was more than I could ever imagined and dude I imagined everything I could research.. but after spending a week there I know Colorado is the place for me to settle into bed after a long day of riding.

[@clfr216]

PS. Come to Cleveland and ride Ray's MTB with me and my buddies soon!

[@bullseye0112]

When can you ride again? Happy New Year!

[@Alex-ce6it]

"It's not about the Bike"..... I heard that somewhere before :)

[@The_Sampler]

:D

[@stuartbaumgardner597]

I thought your point on not wanting to talk about your equipment was very profound. I constantly find myself being concerned about what bike I'm riding that I don't go out and enjoy riding as much.

[@The_Sampler]

YES! And what a travesty that is.... to not be out riding!! Love what you got, and go send it!

[@Skarstind20]

Happy new year man!! I'm honestly so excited to watch the videos about your life on the road. How's the shoulder been doing btw??

[@appleberrybagel]

Yo, turn up for Asheville, I live there and it does indeed have some great trails! If you wanna ride sometime just hmu. Keep up the good work.

[@jfkusa123]

For your bike check give a story about why you replaced stuff and when you knew it was time to replace parts

[@The_Sampler]

Thanks for the idea dude!

[@TheCscott2710]

Alex, forget the Sprinter! I work for Ford and can get you an X plan PIN for a Transit!

[@The_Sampler]

Are you pulling my chain Chris? Those Transits are DOPE! I just never looked at them because of how new they all are and it's tough to find an affordable used one

[@TheCscott2710]

No sir, not pulling your chain. I can't help you on used but could get you friends and family pricing on a new one to keep those bikes and the rest of your gear a little safer. Heck, you could even put a bed in that thing and you'd be good to go!

[@The_Sampler]

Hey dude, can you shoot me some contact info so that I we can chat? You can message me or shoot me an email. Thanks!

[@TheCscott2710]

Hey man, Just checking to make sure you got an email from me.