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Ryan ‘R-Dog’ Howard wants to be on two wheels — period. Trail, dirt jump, eMTB, downhill bike, he doesn’t care. For R-Dog, it’s about the time in the saddle, not what the saddle is mounted to. Mountain biking is his livelihood. With each of his days becoming multi-bike marathons of singletrack, air-time, and high fives, his time card says he’s racking up the overtime. And unlike other Pros, he doesn’t have an off-season, instead choosing to chase the sun and good times down south.
Long before he was “R-Dog”, a work trip for his mother over the Christmas break allowed him and a buddy to check their bikes and fly to Queenstown, New Zealand for two weeks on the cheap. Not knowing much about this iconic town, they began to explore and happened upon the now-famous “Dream Track.” With jumps so imposing, Dream Track impress most who dare to sail over its massive gaps. But for R-Dog, it lit a flame that keeps him returning year after year, each time seeking out all the facets and nooks the town has hidden for a rider like him.
There are seemingly limitless combinations that can be made out of a day riding in Queenstown, and R-Dog’s tried many, but this one seemed to strike a chord with him. Wake up early, like before-the-sun early. Climb steep fire roads up to a dormant ski resort. Find somewhere sheltered from the wind to enjoy a meat pie tucked in his back pocket and watch the sun crest over the Remarkables. By the time he cruises back to town it’s likely that the pie has worn off and a quick recharge is in order. But no time for a big break, the bike park is about to open.
Relentless laps can get exhausting, so R-Dog takes five with a quick dip in Lake Wakatipu. Post-swim it’s time for a pedal with his mates to spin the legs out a bit. The beauty of going for a pedal is that when the descent is finished, he’s back where the magic began— at the top of Dream Track for an evening session. It’s a lot different that the first visit all those years ago, yet still just as inspiring. The final piece of the combination is roll to town with his crew, refuel with a good meal, revel in the good times, and hit the sheets. Because tomorrow has all the potential of the day just had.
GX Eagle is your partner for all rides, all the time, all day. Long days, quick rides and everything in-between, GX Eagle is the ecosystem at its best. With the all new 520% range, all new colourways and seamless compatibility with the rest of the ecosystem, GX Eagle is there to maximize the potential of your ride experience.
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