Table for 3 gentlemen of similar statue

RAD......"What does it mean?"

We used to get this question more often than we were able to get together for group rides.

While a lot has changed for the group since the beginning, you always go back and rehash the events often. When you cherish a moment, you keep those memories fresh, as to never let go. But you need a defining moment. When did it click?

RAD.....R.A.D.....Rad Dads.........Random Adventure Dudes......

Somewhere in 2019, Brian Dokter was bored. A little burnt out on racing and structure but still yearning for adventure, he utilized his social media savvy and went to town looking for like-minded individuals amongst his broad cycling connections.

Ever the free spirit. he began posting rides he was interested in doing to social media: "Downtown GR night ride, who's in?" "BRX under the lights ?" "Fatbike throwdown at lunch....?", he did this of course on a FB page he created under the name of "R.A.D.: Random Adventure Dudes". Early rides were a success. He discovered soon there was an appetite to break the norms and just ride and just adventure. Sure, it could still get spicy at times in these rides. Why would you want to give up a competitive nature? But the adventure aspect was still at the heart of his opportunities.

It was one of those cycling connections, an early founding member - Alex Wagner, that provided one of those opportunities. Alex was staying in the middle of fatbike heaven for a medical conference with plenty of room to spare for a weekend. He offered Dokter the space up to anyone who would make good use of it. Dokter didn't waste time. An open invite, first come - first serve went out to the R.A.D group on social media `` Who wants a free place to stay for a weekend of fatbikes in heaven?!?!? First two to respond. "

Brandon Munson was sitting at home. He had moved to Kalamazoo two years prior from Toledo, OH (yuck...). He already belonged to a MTB team from SE Michigan, which he and the rest of that team didn't look like they belonged on bikes unless they were in a prison yard. Naturally, being so far removed from his team he was looking for a little more companionship and competition on his rides. Unfortunately, he ruined any chance of gaining local riding partners when he smashed his face on a tree on opening day of Maple Hill Trail in Kalamazoo. When he staggered out of the trail bleeding like a stuffed pig in front of 50 shocked onlookers and rejecting any type of assistance or medical attention, to drive his own self to the hospital, he essentially wrote his ticket to have to find a new adventure. Munson, who had raced against Dokter head to head in the past, either had a protein shake-laden mustache or the most ridiculously spicy chicken wing sauce on his fingers, took a break from eating to see the post.....

Brandon Bender was in his garage. He was in the midst of learning that his local cycling team was on the verge of disbanding. The consummate self-taught wrench was tweaking on his equipment and gearing up for the winter fat bike season. There are not too many people that you will meet that know more about winter conditions, tire selection, pressure recommendations, etc....to give you the ride of your life, only to beat you with your own stick!

With a lifelong need for speed, Bender is a year-round MTB rocket and essentially fond of the winter season. Team or no team, he was going to still get out there....52 weeks a year. He had taken Dokter up on a few of the previous rides. They were familiar with each other as they shared a showdown at the Barry Roubaix race a year prior. Bender took a break from wrenching to see the post......

"I'm in"

Both Brandons beat everyone to the punch. Brian didn't sit there and vet thru the acceptors to try and craft his perfect group. He took the adventure head-on, as great leaders do. He honored his first come first serve offer. " Here's the time and the place. See you there. "

We could talk about the riding, but this isn't a trail conditions blog. It's much too RAD for that. Long story short, Dokter and Bender had the time of their lives pushing each other thru a perfectly groomed race track. Munson overdressed and had to take multiple trips back to the truck to settle on a tank top......in the snow. Who invited this guy?

When did it click?

After that first ride. Easy enough. As most rides do, the fellas packed up and made it to the closest local brewery. Upon arrival, and maybe to the delight of the hostess, three fellas of similar stature, similar rugged handsomeness, and similar vision had arrived. We were given a table under the hostess's nickname of "Three men of similar statue." We had a good laugh with it, but as the "Go Juice" was flowing, a recurring theme came up. "This was a riot, there's not many like us, we should do this often" The wheels began turning there on that night. Very soon after the trip, riding high on the adrenaline of the "Go Juice" and a Mumford and Sons cover band, we were left like insecure high schoolers asking their homecoming date, "Wait......so what are we?"

What's the best thing about RAD ?

Post-ride beers and Chicken wings. 3 orders. Well Done.....Extra crispy.

RAD.

That's what we are. We decided not to define it. No acronym. No play on words- alright, maybe a play on our 80s upbringing. But just a word that we all used to express the stoke we feel together. As we slowly grow, welcome Danny Carpenter!, we'll continue to make sure the families, team members, and sponsors feel that with us. Welcome!