As 2025 winds down, I’ve been thinking a lot.
About the rides I’ve taken. The places I’ve explored.
And most of all, the friendships this bike has brought into my life.
Running North Valley MTB takes real effort, heart, and a whole lot of love.
It’s about building a community built on respect, kindness, and a shared love of mountain biking.
This year gave me the chance to ride with some truly amazing humans.
Many of you I now call friends… many of you have become family.
I couldn’t have made it through all those group rides without the support you give, every single time.
Within this crew, there’s one rider who stands out.
A strong rider who’s always pushing to get better.
Someone who faces life’s challenges head-on, with grit and grace.
They show up. Always… with a smile, a good attitude, and a hand ready to help wherever needed.
They’re a massive part of what makes this group special.
We’re better because they’re here.
It’s an absolute privilege to ride alongside them.
From the bottom of my heart thank you for making our lives better.
On behalf of North Valley MTB I’d like to present
Tanner Leach with the Disciple of Dirt Award
as well as a gift certificate to REI.
We love you brother!
What’s the criteria for the Disciple of Dirt Award?
- Shows the fuck up, consistently, and makes the group better instead of just taking up space.
- Welcomes everyone including newbies, strugglers, crushers, and misfits with no elitist bullshit and no ego trips.
- Treats bikes like therapy by bringing good energy, checking in on people, and having your back when life gets heavy.
- Actually gets better on the bike in skills, fitness, and confidence without becoming that guy about it.
- Respects the trails, rides like a decent human, and represents the crew in a way that will not get us all banned.
