Chris Rudzik
Pedal Montclair: What do you ride?
Chris: I ride a Santa Cruz Nomad and a Kona Wo Fat Bike. The fat bike gets a lot of extra use pulling my 12 y/o daughter Elly around in her adaptive bike trailer. It's like pulling a toboggan...but she LOVES it.
Pedal Montclair: Favorite places to ride? Why?
Chris: Oh man, any trails I get to call my local trails...Montclair/Hilltop, Chimney Rock. I used to frequent Mountain Creek Bike Park, which I loved but don't have as much time anymore. I'd love to get back to Highland or Killington too. Those were some really good lift days and I honestly just need to be on trails as much as possible to clear my head and/or vent.
Pedal Montclair: Where would you go on your ultimate biking trip?
Chris: I've definitely got a bucket list of places I'd love to ride. Whistler, the trail that goes from Crested Butte to Aspen (forgot what it's called), Big White BC, any of the Euro World Cup tracks and I'd really love to ride in one of the Megavalanche races sooner or later...before I get any slower. Haha.
Pedal Montclair: Advice to any newcomers?
Chris: Hmm, have fun at your own pace. Love and take care of your equipment, but don't be afraid to get it dirty or banged up. That's all part of it. Always wear a helmet. Nothing worth doing is easy, so put in those miles to get your body used to the punishment and then it'll be even more fun when you get past that initial hump.
Pedal Montclair: Who's your favorite rider?
Chris: I used to really like watching Sam Hill and Fabian Barel racing downhill World Cups but now all those top WC racers are just on another level. Many years ago I wanted to see any video with Tyler (Super T) Klassen freeriding. That dude was way before his time.
Now, my favorite riders are all my friends that are out there ripping and having a good time. Even more so are the ones who have their little ones out there learning now too. I also have a 7 year old daughter (Ruby) that i've bribed with getting her own pink Camel Back once she starts hitting the trails with me. I'll let you know when it works.