Brad Reece
Name: Brad Reece
Nicknames: Big Bad Brad [who says that Houseman gave him that name], Juice
Age Group: 30-34
Class: Sport
Events: Downhill, Dual Slalom, 4X, Super D
How long have you been into this bike madness?
BMX when I was a little kid, but I have been racing since November 2004. That was the Super D and then I started DH in January 2005.
How did you get into racing?
I saw my brother racing BMX at Gnarler Park when I was little and he just killed it. I just tripped on it. I just wasn't that into actually racing back then and I think my Mom wouldn't allow it (somehow the idea always got shot down when I mentioned it). Later, I saw some DH racing on a video and they were doing these overhead shots following the racers. It looked so fast and flowy almost like they were flying or something. When I saw my brother's Mountain Cycle San Andreas (with Hannebrinks!) a few years ago I couldn't believe how exotic the bikes had become. I knew I wanted in.
Who is your favorite pro?
My favorite pro is definitely Steve Peat because he epitomizes what I like about the sport. He has a winning way, is cool, and parties like a maniac after the races. Besides that, he is about 6'4'', my height, so I figure and can watch him and figure out what works for a tall ass dude like me. Sam Hill for example would not be a good model for me because I am like a foot taller...although he has super dope pinner cornering kung fu.
Describe your riding set up (your rig/s) and why you have them set up that way.
I have a bunch. I have big ol' Mountain Cycle Shockwave 9.5 that sits on an urban camo Sherman Slider. I don't know how the hell I have that set up which is why I have been crashing a lot more on it. I run a Mountain Cycle rumble in 4X. That guy has a 38 tooth ring up front with a road group in the rear. It's dope. I will be running a Giant Team DH in all white in 2006. That one will have a customized Dorado in all white. It's sort of like a Pegasus or something. I like my bikes to be...ummm...uh...pretty. What can I say? For SRC, I have a new Enduro SX coming in. That will run an air shock in the rear and a 36 Talas up front. It's going to be the shit.
What's your favorite event or venue and why?
Sea Otter was the dopest because there were so many people there. I like the performance aspect of racing and crowd only serves to heighten the thrill in that respect. I also had my girlfriend meet me up there with her daughter and they got to enjoy the racing, the outdoors, and the sea. Yeah, it was great to see everyone and be in the mix like that. I can't wait for 2006!
What's the best time you have had riding your bike?
I like riding San Juan with my brother and my friends. I just love that trail because I have it dialed now so it's just great to work the legs and get a good flow on the downhill sections. I also just love racing. Everything about it is great: the practice, the pressure, the run, the podium (if you make it). Good stuff.
What's the worst time you had riding your bike?
That's a tough one. I hate when my gear is running shitty. A couple of times I have been out and have had bad mechanicals and that makes me super-fucking-angry. My temper is off the hook so anytime that comes into play is the worst.
What's the gnarliest thing you've ever pulled off?
Like nothing. I don't ride like that really. There have been a couple of times when I rode a particular section faster than usual managing to keep it together while hanging it way out there. Nothing I do is gnarly because I have things calculated way in advance. I don't really take chances, relatively speaking.
What's the worst crash you've had?
I have broken some digits (hands and feet) here and there, but I think my worst crash was on Telonics with Rafael and Jimmy No Hair. I tried to just let go and gap up this little section, but I think I kind of cased it and ended up in a sort of high-side scenario and went head-first into a tree. I heard a crack so I thought for sure I broke my neck. I was scared shitless, but somehow perfectly calm. I am fine now...I think.
Do you get nervous before a race? How do you prepare?
Yeah, especially when on the shuttle or chair lift. I think, "I want to go home. What am I doing here?" Once on the start, it just goes away and everything is beautiful. It's pure freedom.
What do you do for fun besides ride bikes?
Program computers and work on this website! Nah, I go out with friends and family and think about riding bikes. I like to chill with my girlfriend and her little girl. I spend a lot of time buying Troy Lee stuff and CDs.
What music do you like?
I like sappy Brit music like the Smiths, Suede, Pulp, The Doves, and so forth. I totally dig the METAL though. Maiden and Megadeth just skull-fuck everything. Sometimes a little Kool Keith is order and, of course, some gay club music because I am so damn Euro. Just wait 'til you see the SBF skin suit.
What's your occupation?
Web Developer and Self Styled Armchair Intellectual.
What kind of food do you like?
Fine dining and then total shit food like Taco Bell. I like anything that isn't too shmootzy. I hate goo on my food.
Any advice you can provide up and coming racers?
1) Look where you want to go not where you don't want to go. 2) When cornering, spot your entrance early, get your braking done early, roll the corner and spot your exit and keep your eyes on it until you're out. 3) Stay relaxed and animated on the bike. Have a conversation with the terrain and adapt to it as you would in a conversation. You'll flow much better, ride faster, and look dope doing it. 4) Shine your shoes the morning before a race.
Anything else you would like to say?
If quarks were anti-quarks and anti-quarks quarks then anti-quarks would be quarks and quarks anti-quarks. Stephen Hawking said that actually and I just get a kick out of it.
Results:
| 11/23/2005 |
southridge challenge |
CA |
fontana |
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| 09/18/2005 |
National Champs - DH |
CA |
Mammoth |
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| 09/17/2005 |
National Champs - Super D |
CA |
Mammoth |
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| 09/15/2005 |
National Champs - MTX |
CA |
Mammoth |
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| 06/05/2005 |
Cal State Downhill At Southridge |
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| 05/22/2005 |
Southridge Spring Fling #3 |
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| 05/01/2005 |
Southridge Spring Fling #2 |
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| 04/16/2005 |
Sea Otter Classic DH |
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| 04/10/2005 |
Southridge Spring Fling #1 |
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| 03/13/2005 |
Southridge Winter Series #5 |
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| 02/27/2005 |
Southridge Winter Series #4 |
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| 02/14/2005 |
Southridge Winter Series #3 |
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| 01/31/2005 |
Southridge Winter Series #2 |
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| 01/17/2005 |
Southridge Winter Series #1 |
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| 10/10/2004 |
Michelob Ultra Fall Classic Super D |
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