Burning Can 2016

Oskar Blues knows how to throw a party.  Besides enjoying a Dales now and again, I became a fan of the brewery when they sponsored a hometown hero of mine, Neko Mulally.  Turns out the company is dedicated to the sport and lifestyle of mountain biking in a number of ways, not limited to trail development and conservancy, youth bike programs, and local league partnerships.  They sponsor races in the area and are a staple of the local bike scene in Brevard, a mountain biking mecca I have been visiting for years.  This celebration of bikes and beer coincided with my recent move to Asheville nicely.  I was excited at the opportunity to stay on the REEB Ranch, just minutes from the destination of some of my most memorable mountain bike trips through the years.  Proceeds from the festival go to a cool cause (candaid.org).  Bring it on Burning Can. 

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Camping on the REEB Ranch right on the entrance to Dupont State Forest was a welcome alternative to the ten hour commute from Philly.

Alex Dawson, Sam Anderson, and Andrew Slowey of Cane Creek were throwing down on their dirt jumps and pump track, which are right on the ranch.  All were encouraged to join in; bringing a bike and riding even granted festival-goers VIP access.

Jeff Lenosky put on trials demos over the course of the weekend, and managed some impressive stunts despite wet conditions.

Some great performances from Galactic, Dumpstaphunk and others kept the party going after a long day of riding.

Oskar Blues' food truck, the Chub Wagon, took residency on the ranch and kept the burgers flying. Rare Girth indeed.

Pat is sure to get out for a DuPont rip before the rest of the festival wakes up despite a total lack of rest.  Chubbin aint easy.  

Until next time.