Specialized employees are passionate about bikes and their daily lunch ride has become something of a legendary event. The daily hammer-fest takes place on various road circuits around the company’s Morgan Hill headquarters and is known for its typically brutal pace. But for those riders who prefer a different riding pace -or surface medium for that matter- the company built a pumptrack in the backyard of their campus a few years ago.
For the past four months the pump track has been closed for renovations. New high-quality dirt was brought in, fresh lines built, and as a result the backyard pumptrack is now hitting better than ever. To celebrate the ribbon cutting, Specialized threw a party.
The flyer advertised street tacos. Specialized delivered.
#FoodOrgasm
Many taco plates were devoured.
The beer selection wasn’t bad either. Lagunitas, Sierra, and Speakeasy? I could do this everyday.
The main attraction was the pump track itself but Aaron Gwin also attracted his share of attention. The two-time UCI Downhill World Cup Champion led multiple trains onto the track.
Brad Benedict’s hair came out of retirement for this event.
Employees like Chad Kriz laid down some serious style.
But SBCU (Specialized Bicycle Components University) attendees were not to be outdone. This retailer from Reno, NV boosted a huge wall-ride out of the berm.
Then there were guys like Matt “Cippy” Cipes, who demonstrated pure speed.
No stranger to the video camera, this guy wasn’t half-bad on a bike either.
In addition to the on bike steeze factor, several of the employees had some very cool custom builds. This graphic work by Sean Fissel did not suck.
Although the “Shit’ll Buff Out” paint scheme on Kyle Mannschrek’s bike was the best thing I saw all day (besides the tacos & beer).
The party was largely orchestrated by this man – SBCU Professor Seth Rand. Seth led the charge on renovating the Specialized pumptrack.
His role was part MC, part instigator.
There were a healthy amount of SBCU students in attendance and Seth challenged them to a “cold lap” contest around the course; a challenge to see who could cut the slowest lap without pedaling or putting a foot down.
The last rider in the “cold seat” would be awarded a signed Aaron Gwin jersey.
Things started off slow. And just got slower…
Some of the competitors went all out with their race preparations. Prancing Pony Flip Flops and #aeroiseverything helmet.
Ultimately Roberto Lopez, a Specialized Retailer from Chile took home the grand prize.
Special thanks to Specialized for the rad times and street tacos!
