Salomon/Crested Butte
presented by Salomon USA

Hey folks, before we get on with all our upcoming blogs I felt a brief into is in order. The team of four many of you have gotten to race against has been around since PQ 2003. Prior to this their was an version of the team that went and did the Southern Traverse in 2002, but didn't have much success. The original founder of the team is no longer racing, but roots from the sidelines with much support.

We've all come into adventure racing with a strong passion for mountain biking, and skiing which sums up why we live were we live (in the Crested Butte area)! This team is all about following our passions for the outdoors. Believe me we aren't living here for the money. The community here is all about getting in the "epic" adventure, even if its just a Tuesday. There's never a shortage of training partners, and the "playground" is made for adventure racing!

Eric Sullivan (Sully) is the youngest on the team at 26 and is originally from Kansas. He's been racing with us since 2004 (replacing the founder) and is a solid all around individual at anything he touches. When Sully's not out playing (which isn't often) he's helping Wick with his fixer-upper.

Jari Kirkland (Jari) is 31 and our lead navigator. In a sport dominated by males, she's the only female navigator I know of. Having established course records at the 24 Hours of Moab & Montezuma's Revenge biking is a passion for her. Growing up (all over the Western US as a military brat) with a strong swim background she loves Xterra triathlons when the schedule works out. When Jari is working she's an inn keeper at one of the local lodges, she also enjoys working with our sponsors to keep them informed about our latest adventures/results.

Myself, Bryan Wickenhauser (Wick) am 34 and originally from Wisconsin. Having grown up playing soccer and skiing, it was a natural move out to Colorado for me after college. My specialties are mtn. biking, trail running and the behind the scenes business end of the team. I run my own small business, so it affords me the time to set my own schedule for training & work, while managing the team's business end of things. If I'm not working in the Winter, its a safe bet I'm out skiing!

Jon Brown (JB) is 35 and originally from Rochester, NY. Having grown up XC Skiing in upstate NY, Jon came out to Western State College in Gunnison, CO and has never left the Valley. Picking up the mtn. bike shortly after enrolling in college, its become his passion (when he's not able to ski). Jon is also a small business owner publishing a local phone book, and helps out with the team's business end and website.

So there you go. We all have jobs, outside of adventure racing but make a it commitment to get out and play everyday. We live close to each other and enjoy sharing adventures with each other across the globe! I hope you'll enjoys our future updates.

Wick

PS - There was a dusting of snow up high (+12,000ft) today!