Well we have just entered a New Year and it always seems like a good time to look back and see how the last one went before we start planning the next one.
For us at Swicked, 2015 was a year with many changes, a few big adventures and some new additions to the team.
The year started strong with another dry winter and lots of riding. The trails were in pristine condition and I can’t remember ever getting that many dry night rides squeezed into one winter before. Imagine returning from a night ride in the middle of winter with dust on your bike…it happened.
As spring kicked in and the store started getting busier and busier, a tall fit looking dude walked through the door looking to advance his career in the bike biz. John has become a great addition to the team and with his amazing fitness and passion for road and tri riding, he adds even more expertise to Swicked.
When June arrived, so did the Ken Wade 500. My buddy Ken tries to ride 500 km each year on his birthday week and for some odd reason in 2015, he wanted to do it in two days. What seemed even more odd was that I decided to join him, so we rode from Port Hardy to Victoria in two days – 523 km.
Each day was a longer ride than I had ever attempted before. I’m really glad I did it, but I have to admit I am more excited that it’s in the past. That was a lot of suffering!
Through the summer we had record numbers out to our group rides and even had a few celebrities join us for some adventure. If your timing was right, you had the pleasure of riding with Sam Whittingham, the fastest man in the world and builder of some of the most beautiful bikes on the planet. On a few occasions the Godfather of Freeride, Wade Simmons, would drop in for a Thursday Night Swicked ride and baffle us with his smooth and flowy riding style.
As the season went on, Chenoa was no longer able to ride as she was expecting our second little biker. In November we were blessed with our newest Swicked team member, a healthy boy who yes, already has a bike and thanks to Greg and Jerry, it’s painted in Swicked colours. Thanks Boys!
It wasn’t a perfect year though. I had some injuries. Greg, who’s has been with us for five years, graduated and will be leaving for a new career in 2016 (great for him, sad for Swicked) and neither Chenoa nor I hit our mileage goals for the year…having a baby will do that I guess.
But all in all, it was a fantastic 2015. We met lots of new cyclists, enjoyed so many great rides with friends and managed to squeeze in some amazing adventures along the way.
So from me and Chenoa, thank you for being part of our amazing year and here’s to an even better 2016…Happy New Year!
I’m james Durand and I’m Goin’ Ridin’