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Descent At Best
United States
Registrace 11. 12. 2020
I started this channel because I moved to Boone, NC 5 years ago and wanted to research trails, bike parks, and ski slopes in the High Country before I visited them, and there wasn't a single channel that presented them consistently. I found myself jumping around between videos from the big name MTB CZcamsrs, dads on family vacations filming their kids, and everything in between just to cobble together an idea of what's nearby. Also, most of the MTB and ski content on CZcams tends to focus on the riders and skiers showing off their skills, as opposed to focusing on the terrain and tips for mastering it.
Notably, I write and produce the music for the channel. I'm a music professor who has written music that has aired on broadcasts of NFL games, NCAA basketball and football games, etc., so it seemed natural to provide the backing music here.
My brother is a professional videographer, too, so we put his talents to work in producing each of these videos.
I hope you enjoy our content!
Notably, I write and produce the music for the channel. I'm a music professor who has written music that has aired on broadcasts of NFL games, NCAA basketball and football games, etc., so it seemed natural to provide the backing music here.
My brother is a professional videographer, too, so we put his talents to work in producing each of these videos.
I hope you enjoy our content!
Looking for the Cool Features at Zack's Fork
Back at Zack’s for the first time in a long while! And with the drought this summer, it was riding fast and fun. Here’s the highlights from the standard route!
Chapters:
00:00 Riding Zack's Fork
09:48 LogNess Monster Update
10:22 Berms Galore
13:29 Final Thoughts
14:53 Outro | Please Subscribe!
Chapters:
00:00 Riding Zack's Fork
09:48 LogNess Monster Update
10:22 Berms Galore
13:29 Final Thoughts
14:53 Outro | Please Subscribe!
zhlédnutí: 266
Video
Awesome Berm Practice Trail!
zhlédnutí 680Před 14 dny
This time I hit one of the mellowest trails in the area, Call Farm loop at Cub Creek! I should have started my rehab tour here, it’s just so hot in the summer! But it was tolerable today and I got to revisit one of the first trails I ever rode on an MTB! This is a great place to start your own journey. Chapters: 00:00 Call Farm Loop 11:16 Final Thoughts 12:00 Outro | Please Subscribe!
A More Intense Trail at Rocky Knob to Test My Knee
zhlédnutí 359Před 21 dnem
Welcome back to Week 2 of my Rehabilitation Tour of the trails of WNC after my knee surgeries. I’m back at Rocky Knob and this week I’m attempting the Rocky Branch trail, which is quite a step up from Keendergarten. Fingers crossed! 00:00 Intro 00:50 The Climb 02:55 Rocky Branch Downhill 06:01 Closing Thoughts 06:36 Outro | Please Subscribe!
I'm Back! Let’s Ride.
zhlédnutí 687Před 28 dny
Back in biz after a year of surgeries! Took on Keendergarden at Rocky Knob (which is now a tough trail again). Excited to start the progression back to Black Forest. Chapters: 00:00 I'm Back! 00:04 Life Update 01:58 Keendergarden Ride 02:51 The Plan Going Forward 03:28 Outro | Please Subscribe!
Last Hurrah at Mountain Creek Bike Park
zhlédnutí 904Před 11 měsíci
An update from late summer 2023 on my impending major surgery. Don’t worry, I already had it at the time of writing this, and I’m on my path back to sport! SPECIAL CHANNEL DEAL! Get 30% of any purchase of Citrus Eyewear MTB glasses or goggles = enter code DAB30 at citruseyewear.com For skiing gear: www.curated.com/e/greg.mccandless.1 My Songs in this Video: Nectar Face First Chin Check Heroic R...
Five Trails in Five Minutes at BERM PARK!
zhlédnutí 731Před 11 měsíci
Revisiting Berm Park and finally mustering up the courage to pre-ride Click Bait…boy you have to FLY to even approach clearing those jumps! Soon… SPECIAL CHANNEL DEAL! Get 30% of any purchase of Citrus Eyewear MTB glasses or goggles = enter code DAB30 at citruseyewear.com For skiing gear: www.curated.com/e/greg.mccandless.1 My songs in this video: Diesel Hemi Power T-Top Cruisin' Twin Turbski C...
My New Favorite Trail at Chestnut Mountain MTB!
zhlédnutí 1,9KPřed 11 měsíci
Checking out the new Wildcat trail at Chestnut Mountain in Canton NC! I think this beats out Ladybird as best intermediate backcountry trail there - and you don’t have to climb as far to boot! Music in this video (all tracks are NEW!): "Twin Turbski,” "T-Top Cruisin,” "Hemi Power," and “It Ain't Easy Bein' Steezy” by me Outro Song: Cloudy Dreams by Rambutan SPECIAL CHANNEL DEAL! Get 30% of any ...
I've Gotten So Much Better: Kanuga Redemption Ride
zhlédnutí 669Před 11 měsíci
Revisiting Rhodo Ruckus and GNCC now that a few years have passed since last time AND I got to meet Richie Rude as I was leaving! Cherry on top! Music in this video (all tracks are NEW!): "Twin Turbski,” "T-Top Cruisin,” "Hemi Power," “Chiron,” and “Djentrified” by me Outro Song: Cloudy Dreams by Rambutan SPECIAL CHANNEL DEAL! Get 30% of any purchase of Citrus Eyewear MTB glasses or goggles = e...
Having a BLAST on MTB Jump Lines!
zhlédnutí 501Před 11 měsíci
I finally psyched myself up to try Blue Ridge and Transfer Station at Rocky Knob! These were the final trails I had left to ride there and I avoided them because of step ups, step downs, and a huge drop. But they’re really fun if you can push yourself into “full send” mode! Music in this video (all tracks are NEW!): "Twin Turbski,” "T-Top Cruisin,” "Hemi Power," and “It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Steezy”...
An Epic Run at Beech Mountain Bike Park!
zhlédnutí 644Před rokem
Hope you dig the new music - there are 4 new tracks in this vid! I returned to Beech Mountain Bike Park and finally faced my fears and tried a redemption run on Copperhead and boy am I glad I did! The trail has changed significantly in the past couple of years, and the 2 previously-scary sections are now totally doable. Now...when I was there, the final section was taped off and you had to ride...
Is this the STEEPEST Mountain Bike Park in NC??
zhlédnutí 953Před rokem
Another vid from my maiden voyage to Ride Rock Creek in Zirconia NC! This time I tried Bark Buster, which is a natural, intermediate DH trail with no features - meaning that the difficulty comes from the steep pitch and the jagged, rooty terrain. Tough but not scary! Music in this video: "Diesel,” "Djentrified,” and “HellKat” by me Outro music in this video provided by Epidemic Sound SPECIAL CH...
“Extra Credit Lines” Make This Run a Black Diamond
zhlédnutí 564Před rokem
“Extra Credit Lines” Make This Run a Black Diamond
The Berms At Ride Rock Creek MTB Park Are A Blast!
zhlédnutí 846Před rokem
The Berms At Ride Rock Creek MTB Park Are A Blast!
Is It Possible To Have A "Chill Day" at Ride Kanuga?!
zhlédnutí 990Před rokem
Is It Possible To Have A "Chill Day" at Ride Kanuga?!
Shredding BEECH MOUNTAIN'S UPDATED MTB Trails!
zhlédnutí 2KPřed rokem
Shredding BEECH MOUNTAIN'S UPDATED MTB Trails!
Why Can't ALL MTB Trails Be Like This?!
zhlédnutí 1,6KPřed rokem
Why Can't ALL MTB Trails Be Like This?!
It Took Me 2 YEARS To Be Able To Shred These MTB Trails!
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed rokem
It Took Me 2 YEARS To Be Able To Shred These MTB Trails!
Is This NEW MTB Trail Really a BLUE SQUARE??
zhlédnutí 4,3KPřed rokem
Is This NEW MTB Trail Really a BLUE SQUARE??
Exploring More Trails at Mountain Creek Bike Park
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed rokem
Exploring More Trails at Mountain Creek Bike Park
Preparing For Your First NC BIKE PARK Trip!
zhlédnutí 865Před rokem
Preparing For Your First NC BIKE PARK Trip!
How to Ride ROCK GARDENS on a Mountain Bike
zhlédnutí 601Před rokem
How to Ride ROCK GARDENS on a Mountain Bike
NEW MTB TRAILS at KANUGA! Deadwood & Beekeeper
zhlédnutí 1,4KPřed rokem
NEW MTB TRAILS at KANUGA! Deadwood & Beekeeper
Black Diamond Run + The State of the MTB Community
zhlédnutí 847Před rokem
Black Diamond Run The State of the MTB Community
END OF AN ERA at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort | Plus Booneshine Beer!
zhlédnutí 781Před rokem
END OF AN ERA at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort | Plus Booneshine Beer!
NEW BIKE PARK! First Ride at Mountain Creek Park
zhlédnutí 1,6KPřed rokem
NEW BIKE PARK! First Ride at Mountain Creek Park
"New" BIKE & New PUMP TRACK! | Rocky Knob Bike Park
zhlédnutí 627Před rokem
"New" BIKE & New PUMP TRACK! | Rocky Knob Bike Park
Oh man that sucks to hear but dont let this keep u down I've got two acl surgery on both my legs. They still made ebikes for people like me to enjoy doing these stuff.
How many miles are out there?
I think it’s 2.5 miles to do the whole loop (short and long sides)
My right knee is completely jacked up. Broke is skating in the mid 80s and then again surfing in the late 80s. Surgery back then helped but now it's at the point where a replacement might be needed. Good thing riding doesn't bother it. Running or hiking kinda sucks.
Yeah I’m pretty sure running is over forever. Not too sad about it lol
@@DescentAtBest Haha, true. Last time I had my knee checked out (Nov 2023) that's what the doc asked me "do you want to run a marathon?" ... Nope but I like to hike with my pup.
Good video!! That trail has come a long way,i started out on that trail when i first started riding
Awesome cornering!! Descent at best is the best!!
Rode it today. Fun trail.
Is the roller coaster with the drop back up at the top? Or is it still a rock garden these days?
@@DescentAtBest rocks.
Hey man I’ve always loved your videos! You’re one of the people who inspired me to make my own channel. Your always your self and you absolutely send I would love to ride with you some day hit me up!
Thanks! Where are you located?
I had pretty bad finger pain from using SRAM brakes after just one ride. It's entirely possible I bled them wrong, or I need to be running HS2 rotors, but they just seem to take way more finger muscle to stop me than Shimanos. I switched back to Shimano and have no more finger pain even on long rides. Also: Are you running carbon bars? You might consider trying aluminum, as they seem to transfer less trail chatter into my hand than carbon bars.
Yeah Sram brakes and carbon bars :(
Dude my Code RSC’s and Magura rotors work great. No hand problems.
Also, we didn’t clear those trees. An F1 tornado came through and ripped them up. Trail didn’t have to move though thank goodness. But not intentional. 😆
Whoa!!
810mm??? Wow! You must give really good hugs! 🤗 😆 Love my local trail! Come back when Tornado is back in session.
You are making a strong comeback. We appreciate the beginner videos. Fundamentals are the most important part of biking
This run reminds me of the mtb version of Wilmington trail at whiteface (i think). Just could do it forever and enjoy it
Good to see you back on the bike, always enjoy your videos. My hands go numb too... it has been a long tome since I have been on the bike, you are inpiring me... maybe I will start riding again :) keep up the good work.
Awesome rehab tour using the new GoPro. Trees lookin too close to your bars.
Great musical taste with those bands!
That’s all me!
Carpal tunnel, brother. You've developed carpal tunnel syndrome. I shook it off for years and recently learned that's what it was/is. Right hand is fixed. I wasn't off the bike long. Left still needs surgery. There are combo thumb/wrist braces to wear at night that may alleviate your symptoms. Tell your doctor about it sooner rather than later. Keep up the videos! Personal redemption stories are inspirational
Correct! Carpel tunnel.
@@GrimTaquito1972 I thought I was getting it for a while and I started doing wrist stretches - extending my arm and pulling my hand with the fingers facing down and the palm facing away from me. It took a while but I have no more pain in my hands/wrists. Possible he's too far gone and requires surgery, but doesn't hurt to try first, right?
@@wematanye533 there is a good chance that it’s too far gone and surgery is needed. It sounds like I went down the same path as you did. I had the issue when riding motorcycles. I strengthened my core and took the weight off my wrists. Night/day difference once I did that! But it’s tough and takes a while.
Good to see the easier local trails highlighted, haven't been to this one yet, might have to check it out (once the weather becomes a bit more friendly).
Cant wait for the temps to drop some. I want to go out and ride more but dang that 100 degree NC humidity is no joke
It's not that serious just bring a bunch of water
Tortoise speed uphill. That's my thing. Slow and steady and then you get there! Repeat as often as possible and you get back to pedaling shape just fine.
Hey, you need to try a trail in Lexington, NC called The Ridge at 1441 Ridge Rd. Go on a cooler day.
Sweet thanks!
Great to see you back!
RETURN OF THE KING
Hang in there brother! That pedaling will get easier again!
Love a stream view situation
No brakes!! But good health and life insurance ?😮
Outstanding narration and ride as usual. you are the mountain rider!!
Amazing for all you have been thru. As a fellow high bmi rider any tips on suspension setup to not feel beat to death but still not have 60% sag? Glad to see you back
Yeah you gotta use an air shock and it has to be a Super Deluxe, Float X, or Ohlins TTX so you can get it inflated super high and not rely on tokens (which overly stiffen)
Enjoyed it as always man, thanks for sharing. We ride Rocky much as we can, we’ll be lookin for ya when we go! 👍
Hell yeah! Good to see you back.
Regarding your last video with the health update. Look into the carnivore diet! Dr Ken Berry on CZcams is a great resource. All the ailments you were talking about have been known to be solved taking this approach, including the testosterone. I cant say for certain about the knee problems but I do know that sugar and for some people, plants, can strongly interfere with the body's natural healing process. My grandpa lost 100 lbs and reversed his diabetes in just 1 year of only eating meat. All his labs (including his cholesterol) are normal now too. It sounds crazy and counterintuitive but you owe it to your own health to research these things for yourself. If "common sense" medical and dietary advice worked, Americans wouldn't be as sick as we are. The older I get the more I realize that just because something is widely accepted, it doesnt make it true. And the bigger the "truth", the longer it takes for science to catch up and for the trickle down to establish a new "common sense". Because of that, its up to us to do our own research on all matters pertaining to our own health. Wishing you well man!
Thanks - actually had a family member who is a gym owner talk to me about it recently, too. Might have to happen
Man you are an inspiration! Everyone has health issues but you’re dealing with it like a champ! 🤟
#1 for sure. The last two days I went to Beech I saw beginners get hurt right at the top of green mamba. Breaking a collarbone at the start of your very first run would be such a bummer. at least be able to roll over rocks and small drops before buying that lift ticket.
Great to hear you’re back. Hope to ride with ya again sometime! Keep it up my friend 🤘🏻🤙🏻
Awesome man! Good luck and health getting back into it
Welcome back! Im so glad to see you rolling again!
I actually rode here today. You did a lot better than me.
It’s crazy how fast you must have to go to clear stuff!
Welcome back! I'm a large guy as well.
bro the signage comment was completely unecessary. Just comment on the skiing.
I think it’s all changed anyway with the new ownership
my dad designed that new pavilion
Dude you're killing it on the climbs considering you had knee surgery. I heard knee surgery takes a good while to heal from. Keep going (but not too hard at first)!
Way to keep at it! Sometimes it is a struggle - and you've been through a lot - made my day to see the clip! KEEP IT UP.
Missed you Greg. Happy to see you getting back on the horse. I bet you’ll feel amazing with some testosterone! Can’t wait to see those videos.
Good to see you back spinning brother!
I feel your happiness brother! Hope you can recover and do your thing. I like your vids. Greetings
How do you set your suspension up as a heavier rider? I'm 250lb and just got a jefffsy core 2. Happy riding!
So Ohlins was awesome and did a custom tune for me and it allowed me to put like 340+ lbs of air in the rear shock; also advised me how to over charge the ramp up chamber on the fork. But in general, get as much air in the rear shock as is allowed (some shocks won’t work because they don’t let you get above 225psi) and if it has a progressive curve, don’t load it up with volume reducers because you’re likely to have to run higher sag than is ideal…and if you make the curve too progressive, you’re essentially going from zero to ramp up only which will feel so stiff and harsh. And don’t go coil because they don’t even make coils that can handle lots of big hits for 250+ riders.
Also the Core 2 has the same suspension that originally came on my bike. It works! The Float X has a way higher max psi than the x2. I just wouldn’t mess with tokens if you’re not getting harsh bottom outs to maximize available stroke
Get a ShockWiz and prepare to load up the fork and shock with volume spacers/tokens. The ShockWiz is amazing, especially if you aren’t a suspension expert.
Welcome back man! Cheers 🍻
welcome back
do you have to "tune" a bike to get it back and ready to rip? if so, what?
Yeah had to change suspension stuff cuz of weight change - basically put more air in it
Welcome back Greg
How did you gain that much weight bro just dont eat that much
Yeah it doesn’t make sense. Doing all these blood tests.
Low (no) T causes weight gain, as do many other health complications. I've been skinny my whole life and still am relatively thin in my 30s, but it's not that easy for everyone, because not everyone has the same genetics and predisposition. Food isn't the entire equation, and sometimes it doesn't change much even if you have a "perfect" diet.
Hope you drop all that weight.