Cam and my mom have one thing in common – every year they ask me to draw up a Christmas list and I dread that email like tax season. I try saying things like “I’m good, I don’t need anything, people don’t want to know what I want for Christmas, How about some socks?” But they keep after me, insisting I give them at least 5 things and I then procrastinate a few weeks before I eventually sit down to make a list.
While I inevitably just ask for socks from my mom, the list I write for you guys is meant to incite some gear lust or offer a few suggestions for your own Christmas lists. For some reason, I found this year to be harder than years past – I started with a 5 gifts under $20 list but it seemed like everything on my list was $50 or more. I then went with something a little closer to home and started a 5 things for the MTB photographer on your list list but a Nikon 70-200mm AF VR II isn’t something every mountain biker needs. I finally started a list called 5 things you didn’t think you would ever need when you started mountain biking before deciding that was just stupid and went for a beer. That beer turned out to contain the inspiration I needed because when I sat back down, I very quickly blurted down 4 random things I lusted after this year and when I added a pair of socks it made my list total five. Mission complete! Well maybe 4.5 since one thing is more of a wish than a thing but I think it is close enough. Happy non-denomnational holiday wishes to one and all. – ds
Yeti SB5.5c
There was one bike I lusted after this year – The Yeti 5.5c. It was love at first sight at Sea Otter this spring and while I’m usually on the wrong side of the camera on bike tests, I was banking on getting some time on the NSMB test rig once the journos had their way with her. I eventually did and I want. Santa are you listening? And In silver, please.
It’s almost too pretty to look at – but the SB5.5c is no show pony.
Sony RX100 V
When I am not carrying a camera bag but want something better than my iPhone I tuck my Sony RX100 V into my pocket. It’s the perfect weight-to-fun ratio for camera gear when heading out on a ride but at $1,200ish CAD it may not appeal to every rider on your list. I love this thing.
Check it out.
Ultra fast and very compact, Dave loves his wee camera.
Pliny the Elder
If someone who makes the really big decisions in life could make Pliny the Elder readily available in Canada it would be a true gift for beer nuts north of the 49th. Currently unavailable outside of Northern California, it would be a stretch for BC Liquor Stores to begin stocking Russian River’s infamous double IPA but Christmas miracles have been known to happen. Please make this one happen.
More info here.
Give a little back.
I’ve really enjoyed the work the NSMBA has put into the trails in my backyard on Mount Seymour this year so I thought it might be nice to give a little giving back this holiday season. There are many ways to give but volunteer time and cold hard cash seem to be the what trail-fairies like best. This year, rather than asking for shiny doo-dads and soon to be forgotten widgets for Christmas it might be a good idea to ask your significant others for donations in your name to you local trail association.These people work tirelessly and often thanklessly all year long for our benefit so let’s do what we can to help them out next year. If you’re one of those great people that already donate your time and money to support your local trail-builder then I might suggest tucking a can or 5 of beer into your favourite builder’s stocking. I’m sure they’ll be happy with a locally sourced IPA.
NSMB socks
The worst gift I could possibly imagine as a child was socks and now I think they are the best thing ever. NSMB’s new wool socks are simple, tasteful and come in 2 varieties of colours that will tickle the toes of the mountain biker on your list. Their feet will thank you. (side note – Dave Smith designed our new socks Ed.)
Do you want stockings in your stocking?
Comments
whatyouthink
7 years, 4 months ago
Pliney the Elder is absolutely available outside of California. It is on tap at a couple different bars in denver.
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Dave Smith
7 years, 4 months ago
That's some good beta! Its almost worth visiting Denver for but I am still holding out for a christmas miracle that it travels a little farther north.
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whatyouthink
7 years, 4 months ago
I mean it is good, I think over rated. I feel like it is the OG of the west coast style IPAs and that is why it is famous, but you can find better. Admittedly the riding in Denver area is worth travelling for if you ever get tired of the loam up there haha.
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Jitensha Kun
7 years, 4 months ago
I couldn't even find any in southern Oregon, never mind northern Cali. It truly is the unicorn of beers.
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whatyouthink
7 years, 4 months ago
y'all people need to look harder haha. The bar I get it at doesn't list it on their menu, you have to check the taps to find it.
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Cr4w
7 years, 4 months ago
I've got one in my fridge saved from a trip down there earlier in the year. Want to trade for it?
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Dave Smith
7 years, 4 months ago
Maybe the absence has added to the longing but i remember it being a really solid IPA that I wanted more of and often. It was round, malty and had a different flavour profile than my usuals My go to indias are Tofino Hoppin' Cretin IPA, the four winds Wild IPA and the Green Flash West Coast IPA. Anyway, I've had it exactly once and looked for it ever since and I've come up empty so dammit if it is not on my list.
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Pete Roggeman
7 years, 4 months ago
A big part of the experience and enjoyment for me - whether it is beer or wine or something else - has to do with context and memory. Some of my favourite beers aren't necessarily the best I've ever had.
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Mike
7 years, 4 months ago
Couple bars in San Diego also serve it if you're needing a winter get away.
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49%
7 years, 4 months ago
I have literally been looking for this beer for years. :cheers: Happy Holidays Uncle Dave
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Dave Smith
7 years, 4 months ago
I'm the other dave
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babyzhendo
7 years, 4 months ago
Great brew - I'm fortunate enough to be from 30 mins away from the brewery, so my dad knows to pick up a couple of 4 packs when I come into town. If nothing else, it's a great excuse to go ride Santa Rosa - some great trails around there.
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Deniz Merdano
7 years, 4 months ago
Finally a list I would put my name under. Class.
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Cooper Quinn
7 years, 4 months ago
You literally just put your name under the list, too.
GREAT SUCCESS, EVERYONE! THAT'S A WRAP, PACK 'ER IN!
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Deniz Merdano
7 years, 4 months ago
I figured if and maybe, someone would feel bad for my bikeless body and hook me up.
I haven't ridden in the woods for so long that I forgot what trespassing feels like…
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Cooper Quinn
7 years, 4 months ago
I'm in Wyoming skiing; if you want to borrow my hardtail for a couple weeks shoot me a text, @denomerdano
It even has flats on it right now, like it knew you were coming!
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Deniz Merdano
7 years, 4 months ago
Yippeee
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Cooper Quinn
7 years, 4 months ago
Happy holidays!
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