Kris Contento

Pedal Montclair : What do you ride?

Kris: Gotta have the right tool for the job: Enduro – Juliana Maverick, Trail – Juliana Joplin, Cross Country – Santa Cruz Highball, Skate park /Pump Track - Sunday, Around town - Frankenstein Single Speed. 

Pedal Montclair: Favorite places to ride? Why?

Kris: My favorite local place to ride in NJ is the park formerly know as Jungle Habitat. I fell in love with technical, rocky trails here. Riding Jungle Habitat is always equal parts challenging & rewarding while always stirring up happy memories. Plus there is a dope pump track minutes away from the trail head to hit post ride.

Raystown Lake is currently my favorite place to ride in a 5 hour drive radius - the trails are so expertly designed that the climbs never feel grueling and the downhills are super flowy and edge of insanity fast - it feels more like a motorcycle track day than a mountain bike ride.

Pedal Montclair: Where would you go on your ultimate biking trip?

Kris: New Zealand

Pedal Montclair: Advice to any new comers?

Kris: Muscle memory is key to riding mountain bikes well. The fastest improvements occur when you focus on one skill, or part of a skill until the muscle memory is locked in.

Pedal Montclair: Who's your favorite rider?

Kris: Do I have to pick just one? I love watching the Women's World Cup Circuit. The top riders have different strengths which makes for some very exciting races. Currently my favorites riders in the professional circuit are: Annika Langvad, Kate Courtney & Jolanda Neff. I also hugely admire Gunn-Rita Dahle Flesja - who has an insane record of 30 world cup wins. My absolute, top of the chart, can't be topped, favorite riders are my daughter Madison and my son Kai. They are both members of the NJ NICA league. Madison loves riding her bike for the freedom and adventure it offers. Kai is super competitive and is currently focused on racing his heart out.