Our guests today could be labeled as prospectors of Dirt Magic. From digging deep into virtual trails to digging dirt on the trails and exploring a bit deeper to search for that ever elusive vein of gold.  Maybe not gold in its traditional sense, but just as valuable nonetheless. They have a plan. It could even be called a master plan.  And after a long day of prospecting and planning, these two good people of the SBTS take the time to educate folks on how to survive an encounter with quick sand. Yep, quick sand. 

I would like to introduce SBTS Director of Grant  Management , Michelle Abramson & SBTS Charitable Giving Coordinator Gina Achilles. 

Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Garen Becker hails from a town where you used to be able to attend college naked, which brings a whole new meaning to Banana Slugs. He is making a name for himself as theTrail  Bear Whisperer, not to be confused with the cocaine bear. And while he prefers veterinarians and trail side medics for his many suture procedures, he still isn’t afraid to shred the Downieville Trail system on two wheels. Calling him a partner or sponsor would be a disservice, as his DNA bleeds Downieville and SBTS, both literally and figuratively. He attempted a side career in cart racing, but quickly found out that mixing it up with your host was not a good track decision. All kidding aside, Garen is a super rad dude and family member of the DVC and SBTS. This, is Garen’s Classic story.

Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Paul Hart started rolling dirt back on a midwestern farm and quickly found a passion for building trails. His trail travels took him to the land of the alligator, the Florida everglades, the high desert mecca of Sedona AZ and finally to his destination, the Tahoe National Forest and Downieville CA. With his backyard, playground and office all located in the outdoor epicness of the Lost Sierra, never a day goes by where he isn’t building, maintaining or riding the trails. Paul also has a little side hustle of iron manning the Baja 1,000 on a motorized steed, that’s right, Iron Man…..cue Ozzy!  This, is Paul’s Classic Story. 

Episode Art Photo Credit:  Patrick Cavendar

Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Carl Decker began his cycling career out climbing seasoned mountain bike racers on his modified 3 speed BMX bike. He wasn’t even a teenager yet. With a family instilled love of cycling, little did he know, an exceptional career was being born. From there, the list of accolades grew exponentially. He even has a world land driveway speed record. Eventually the lure of Downieville would infect his blood and kick off a viral need to be crowned the All Mountain World Champion. The cure for this prognosis? 5 straight championships and with a Giant genetic makeup for outdoor speed, he continues to leave his mark on podiums everywhere. So sit back, lower your tire pressure, grab a pork chop and tasty beverage for your pack and enjoy Carl’s Classic story.

Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Nathan Lloyd  started his path to Downieville fame in the saddle of a BMX bike at the age of four. As both his skill and age increased, a local bike shop gave him a nudge to try out mountain bike racing and that nudge set in motion events that would land him at the top of the DVC podium. On his journey to a feat that only he has accomplished at the Downieville Classic, he took some time to become a bunny hop champion and even  challenged a world record. Today he continues to be a formidable shredder on the bike and has partnered with a guy named “George” for his next adventure.  This, is Nathan’s Classic story.

Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

The Fishes hail from a land of steady habits, nutmeg and Mark Twain. And although punk rock may have fired their engines early on, it would soon give way to their steady habit of mountain biking.  That newfound love brought them out west searching for the epic land of trails and mountainous beauty aka, The Lost Sierra. As they settled into their new promised land, a new mission arose. A mission of resurrecting a steward of the trails and thus began their journey into a world of trail building, stewardship and enjoying the mecca of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  Their two soon became three and this trifecta never looked back, pushing ever forward to support our public lands and saweet Sierra singletrack. They are long time racers and volunteers for the Downieville Classic and all around good people. This, is Amy, Ben & Max’s Classic Story.

Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Steve Fong has been getting dirty in Downieville for more than a decade. Wherever and whenever there was trail work to be done or an event needing volunteers, you will find him. He hails from strange lands on the east coast and from where if you don’t like spicy food, you’re likely to starve. He loves a good conversation, and maybe a constructive argument, even more. His modus operandi for travel is his bicycle, he’s a detective novelist and the urban jungle is his daily playground. This, is Steve's Classic story. 

Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel

Paul Price started his pursuit of perfection in junior high. He made quality, handmade products for a fringe crowd. You know, skaters.  His skateboards were masterfully hand crafted from oak, right out of his parents’ garage. You know the type of kid I’m speaking of. The one spawned from an artist and engineer. The one always taking things apart.  Well, just a few decades later, his passion for art and engineering continues through his company, Paul Component Engineering.  He is a  purveyor of masterfully crafted cycling components, a bike packing and single speed guru and high level hot wings aficionado. He also has a really cool dune buggy.

Dirt Magic-The Podcast, Hosted by Martin Scheel