In this episode of the Insider MTB podcast, the hosts interview Rob from the BME series. They discuss the benefits of youth enduro racing and the introduction of the Big Mountain Downhill series. They also talk about the schedule and racing format, including the increased prize money. The conversation covers rule changes, the new point structure, and the use of permanent number plates for pros. The hosts emphasize the importance of starting on time and in the correct order. The conversation discusses the impact of random dropping order on photographers and videographers, the need for a more professional race format, the benefits of specific start times, the challenges of not knowing when riders will drop, the introduction of new categories, the verification of birth certificates, the implementation of open pits and pit areas, the rules around pre-riding and familiarity with tracks, and the expectations for the upcoming BME events. The conversation covers topics such as Richie Rude's participation in downhill races, the upcoming Snowbike World Championships, the distinction between fat bikes and snow bikes, and the expansion of the Big Mountain Fatbike Class. The hosts also discuss the availability of alcohol at events and the camaraderie in the pits. They express excitement for the upcoming season and the new trails at various venues. The conversation concludes with appreciation for sponsors and brands, as well as the dedication of the team behind the Big Mountain Enduro series.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:10 Introducing Rob and the BME Series

03:38 Rob's Experience with Youth Enduro

06:46 The Youth Enduro Series

11:05 The Benefits of Youth Enduro

14:10 Introducing the Big Mountain Downhill Series

17:39 Bringing Downhill Racing to the US

19:32 The Schedule and Racing Format

23:45 Increased Prize Money

26:37 Discussion on Rule Changes

28:16 New Point Structure and No Drop Rounds

31:07 Permanent Number Plates for Pros

32:06 Enforcing Start Times and Order

32:07 Impact of Random Dropping Order

34:32 Creating a More Professional Race

36:35 Benefits of Specific Start Times

38:35 Challenges of Dropping Order

43:29 Introduction of New Categories

49:16 Verification of Birth Certificates

50:21 Open Pits and Pit Area

54:21 Pre-Riding and Familiarity with Tracks

58:34 Closing Tracks for Competitors

01:01:45 Expectations for BME

01:03:54 Introduction and Discussion of Richie Rude

01:04:26 Snowbike World Championships

01:05:18 Fat Bikes and Snow Bikes

01:05:46 Expanding the Big Mountain Fatbike Class

01:06:26 Changing the Podcast Intro

01:06:48 Beer Sponsorship and Drinking at Events

01:07:31 Dry Areas and Alcohol at Nebo

01:08:07 Interaction with Bartenders and Beer Taps

01:08:40 Excitement for the Upcoming Season

01:09:04 Tamarack Resort and its Amenities

01:11:14 Trail Possibilities at Tamarack

01:12:30 Angel Fire Resort and New Trails

01:15:54 New Trails at Every Venue

01:17:14 Pit Camaraderie and Camping

01:19:07 Positive Momentum in North American Mountain Biking

01:20:44 Excitement for the Future and Long-Term Partnerships

01:22:10 Appreciation for Sponsors and Brands

01:23:17 Growing the Big Mountain Enduro Series

01:24:26 Excitement for the First Races of the Season

01:25:12 Final Thoughts and Thanks