As I woke up early this morning, on yet another friend-of-a-friend’s couch, I thought about how it was the last morning of the SWAE bike trip, and I had a strong feeling of being a part of something great. I wondered if any company has ever started this way; by riding bikes down the entire west coast, and being a virtually unseparated team for over 2 months. I don’t know how most companies start, but I do know that our method is highly out of the ordinary. The fact that all of us have spent so much time together and have managed to not ever have an argument speaks highly of how cohesive our team is. We started riding south on June 17th, and we were excited. We return home on August 27th more enthusiastic than ever about the company, and the life, that we are building.
To sum it all up, the trip was a great success. We have partnered with 110 adventure sports companies since we started approaching them in June. The fact that we have so many partners screams that our idea is a damn good one, and that we are certainly not the only people who know that SWAE will be successful. As I write this, 10 more trips to sick destinations were just posted on the SWAE website.
The next step begins. Colorado must be tackled and our website must be launched. But launching just begins a cascade of great ideas that will become implemented over the years. To be a part of it now is incredibly exciting, and I am thrilled to have a job that allows me to combine my passion for adventure and travel with my outgoing personailty. I am required to go to beautiful places and meet great people who have made a life for themselves through outdoor sports. I can say with pride now, that I am also one of those people.
To sweeten the deal, I work with great people. Will had been a great friend of mine before we ever became co-workers. We met 600 feet up on the side of El Cap over 4 years ago, and now we will travel the world together in the name of SWAE. Epstein’s drive for greatness is contagious, and he gets all of us so psyched that we want to just freak out sometimes. All of my rants about how amazing this trip has been, is all thanks to Dan. Rob deserves a huge shout-out as well because our website, which outfitters love, is all of his design. I look forward to the day that Rob moves to Boulder. Jesse is returning to Seattle to begin what will become a highly successful bike racing career, and while he was on the trip with us he did a great job documenting our journey and getting us press. He is also pondering a Boulder move.
Thanks to those of you who followed our blogs, and gave us support along the way. You can continue to support SWAE Sports by booking trips (once we launch), getting lifestyle cards (someday in the future), and of course- by telling your friends!