OUR STORY
After countless years immersed in the world of mountain biking and the camaraderie that follows each exhilarating ride, two close friends decided to lay the foundation for what would become the Ridestoke Collective. Having spent numerous years toiling in the technology sector, we found ourselves caught in the throes of work burnout, yearning for something more, a way to reignite the passion within us. The answer, we believed, lay in transforming our profound love for mountain biking into a monumental project that could serve as a platform for like-minded individuals to partake in the joy and share their stoke.
It became apparent that creating an online collective would be the ideal means to unite riders from across the globe, all of whom shared our immense passion for the sport. As young kids, we gravitated towards anything with wheels the moment we could walk. That unbridled enthusiasm for riding courses runs through our veins to this day. Our identities are intertwined with activities such as trail building, navigating singletrack trails, and conquering downhill runs until we can no longer hold the handlebars.
For us, riding isn’t merely an ordinary exercise; it’s a way of life. It’s a community, a stress-reliever, and a lifestyle aboard two wheels. Riding has led us to explore far-extending and seldom-trodden areas where few dare to venture. It has forged unbreakable bonds and friendships that will endure a lifetime. We are hopeful that you, too, share the fervor we hold for riding and will join us in spreading the stoke. Whether you’re a novice or a lifelong shredder, as long as the act of spinning those wheels paints a grin across your face, you’re a part of Ridestoke.
// At RIDESTOKE, our mission is to unite the global mountain biking community and ignite their passion for two-wheeled adventures. We do this by delivering the latest news from the mountain biking world, in-depth gear reviews, and jaw-dropping videos capturing the essence of our beloved sport. Beyond that, we are committed to supporting grassroots mountain biking groups that play a vital role in fostering the growth of this incredible sport. After all, mountain biking is all about embracing life’s adventures and experiencing the sheer joy of riding. So keep pedaling, and always ENJOY THE RIDE!
Ridestoke Founders
Ian Varga
My journey into the world of riding commenced with a big wheel before I upgraded to a Huffy BMX bike fitted with mag wheels. I got hooked when the training wheels came off, and there was no turning back. During my formative years, BMX bikes were all the rage, but at the age of 12, I acquired my first mountain bike. It was a clunky behemoth from a local department store, and it promptly fell apart. But that setback did nothing to quell my passion for riding. I adore mountain biking, with a particular penchant for thrilling mountain descents, smooth buffed out singletrack, downhill bike park adventures, Bike Trials, and tackling challenging technical terrain.
Rob Stepnoski
I’m always raring to hit the downhill runs and chairlifts. I’m the first one on the lift and the last one to disembark. I relish mountain biking until I can barely stand. My inaugural bicycle was a Frankenstein creation cobbled together from various bikes and salvaged parts from a junkyard. Nevertheless, this didn’t deter me, and I eventually upgraded to a Mongoose Expert BMX bike, followed by two mountain bikes: a GT XCR 3000 for trail conquests and a GT DHi race bike for lift-assisted adventures. It was during this time that I stumbled upon a video on Pinkbike titled “Off Season.” In that video, Radek Burkat fearlessly rode a blue Santa Cruz Bullitt equipped with a red Rock Shox Boxxer fork. I was utterly captivated and made a solemn promise to myself that I would embark on a similar Freeride/DH journey from that point forward.
Ridestoke Progression
Our stories reflect the essence of Ridestoke, a passion for mountain biking that transcends mere words. As co-founders of Ridestoke Collective, we’re on a mission to connect with riders like you who share our deep-rooted love for mountain biking. This platform is more than just a website; it’s a virtual campfire where we gather to share our stories of adventure, explore the latest gear, and revel in the sheer joy of riding.
In our pursuit of spreading the stoke, we bring you the latest news from the world of mountain biking. We dive deep into gear reviews, providing you with the insights you need to make informed decisions about your equipment. And, of course, we curate jaw-dropping videos that capture the essence of our beloved sport, showcasing the breathtaking landscapes, heart-pounding descents, and the sheer thrill that comes from pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on two wheels.
Ridestoke is more than just a media platform. We’re committed to supporting grassroots mountain biking groups that are the lifeblood of our sport. These local organizations work tirelessly to build and maintain trails, organize events, and foster the next generation of riders. We recognize their invaluable contributions and strive to amplify their efforts, ensuring that mountain biking continues to thrive in communities around the world.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just strapping on your helmet for the first time, Ridestoke welcomes you with open arms. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the journey, the camaraderie, and the sheer thrill of pedaling through life with a smile on your face. Together, let’s keep the wheels spinning, the trails flowing, and the stoke alive.
