Derek Hermon
Name: Derek Thomas Hermon aka "Hermonator"
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermonator1/?hl=en
USA Cyling profile: https://www.usacycling.org/results/?compid=15935
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/166421
Specialty: XC, Super D, and Cyclocross
Top 3 accomplishments:
1. 2nd place at 24 hour Duo Nationals with Ben Bostrom in Moab, UT.
2. 2 place in the USA Nationals Super D (2 times).
3. 2nd in the 2017 Kenda Cup Series.
Favorite race tools: Well, as everyone knows I love my Specialized S-Works Epic with the Brain Fork! Customized with Wren carbon bars and stem, an Absolute Black chain ring, ESI grips and Kenda tires, it's the ultimate race weapon. I compliment the bike with S-Works road shoes that are super light. For sunglasses, I love Oakley's Jawbreakers Prizm Ruby fade. The red and black matches the bike and kit perfectly. Without all of our sponsors, it would be hard to race as hard as we do!
Favorite trail: Skyline trail in Big Bear Lake, CA
Bio: My roots in cycling began as a BMX racer and I had a role in the manufacturing side of the cycling industry by helping to develop products that contributed to the evolution of the sport and its technological advancement. I discovered a passion for cycling in 1980 and currently race professionally in XC, Super-D, Cyclocross and Downhill. I have been around since the days of National races in Big Bear Lake! I raced in NORBA race as well as in World Cup races in Napa and Big Bear Lake, CA. I took over Bear Valley Bikes in 2002 and have made it a point to grow the team each year. Inducted into the Big Bear Mt. Bike Hall of Fame in 2008, I was recognized as a leader and avid supporter of the mountain biking community. I race in the Men’s Pro division and most recently placed 3rd at the California Pro Men’s State Championship!
Goals for this year: Continued success for myself and my team.
Random facts about Derek: I own Bear Valley Bikes, Speed Evolution, the Grizzly 100, and The Definitive Big Bear Trail Map. I was on the Board of Directors for USA Cycling in 2010-2012. “Spread the Love” is more than my business motto; it is a working, breathing model to awaken a passion for the sport and to contribute to cycling.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hermonator1/?hl=en
USA Cyling profile: https://www.usacycling.org/results/?compid=15935
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/166421
Specialty: XC, Super D, and Cyclocross
Top 3 accomplishments:
1. 2nd place at 24 hour Duo Nationals with Ben Bostrom in Moab, UT.
2. 2 place in the USA Nationals Super D (2 times).
3. 2nd in the 2017 Kenda Cup Series.
Favorite race tools: Well, as everyone knows I love my Specialized S-Works Epic with the Brain Fork! Customized with Wren carbon bars and stem, an Absolute Black chain ring, ESI grips and Kenda tires, it's the ultimate race weapon. I compliment the bike with S-Works road shoes that are super light. For sunglasses, I love Oakley's Jawbreakers Prizm Ruby fade. The red and black matches the bike and kit perfectly. Without all of our sponsors, it would be hard to race as hard as we do!
Favorite trail: Skyline trail in Big Bear Lake, CA
Bio: My roots in cycling began as a BMX racer and I had a role in the manufacturing side of the cycling industry by helping to develop products that contributed to the evolution of the sport and its technological advancement. I discovered a passion for cycling in 1980 and currently race professionally in XC, Super-D, Cyclocross and Downhill. I have been around since the days of National races in Big Bear Lake! I raced in NORBA race as well as in World Cup races in Napa and Big Bear Lake, CA. I took over Bear Valley Bikes in 2002 and have made it a point to grow the team each year. Inducted into the Big Bear Mt. Bike Hall of Fame in 2008, I was recognized as a leader and avid supporter of the mountain biking community. I race in the Men’s Pro division and most recently placed 3rd at the California Pro Men’s State Championship!
Goals for this year: Continued success for myself and my team.
Random facts about Derek: I own Bear Valley Bikes, Speed Evolution, the Grizzly 100, and The Definitive Big Bear Trail Map. I was on the Board of Directors for USA Cycling in 2010-2012. “Spread the Love” is more than my business motto; it is a working, breathing model to awaken a passion for the sport and to contribute to cycling.
John Nobil
Name: John Nobil
Specialty: XC and Endurance
USA Cyling profile: https://www.usacycling.org/results/?compid=26168
Top 3 accomplishments:
1. 7th in the Pro Men’s division at Derek’s Grizzly 100.
2.Leadville 100, 8/15/15, my first sub 8 hour, 51st place
3. Tour of the White Mountains, AZ, 50 miles of endurance racing on technical singletrack: 2nd place pro/open.
Favorite race tool:
Specialized Sworks Epic, custom tuned for speed by Derek of Bear Valley Bikes, my custom Cranks Bros spindles and cleats specially re-adapted for mountain bike use on road bike shoes, just one example of many ongoing projects of ours. Of course, Speed-Evo valve stems and fresh tires shipped out while I am on the road between events helps!
Favorite trail:
OK, the one we are still working on! Siberian Creek, a real backcountry excursion down a mile deep canyon in our SoCal backyard. It feels like stepping back in time whenever we go down the nearly untouched trail and bring it back to life.
Bio:
It’s never been my goal to make racing a career, but instead to make riding a bike, especially off road in nature, my template for a better life. Spending time in the forest is hard to put a price on, but the benefits to the soul are unlimited. My top achievements in life have in fact been inspired by the epic lifestyle of being athletic in nature: innovating and refining new ideas until they work in the real world basically sums it all up. So as a recent start-up entrepreneur I have taken this way of life to heart entirely.
Goals for this year:
I endeavor to rock the sports product world, both in biking and in the snow, with never before seen innovation. This has been verified by my recent patent submissions, both awarded and pending, working with cutting edge engineers and patent attorneys in product development in the innovative business climate of San Diego. Bike racing is my template for successful research into health and performance, leading to new inventions and product development opportunities, all while getting faster with age!
Random facts about John:
Throughout my years of racing and riding the bike, many life lessons have been learned. It’s not just about race results, being competitive, motivated, and in top health at the highest level of the sport even at forty + years of age! Every upcoming event is an unavoidable reason to be super motivated in life. You feel the urgency counting down with anticipation as each race day gets closer and closer. Tighten up your diet (along with every nut and bolt). Rest your body and mind. Build up to a peak level of achievement. It’s an upcoming opportunity to push your abilities, physical and mental. To prove whether all that nutrition and health advice really applies. To see if those recent mods to your high-end race equipment matter. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, because participating at any level in this great outdoor sport will push your life perspectives forward, force you to try new things, advance your knowledge of athletics, engineering, and race tactics, all the while inspiring your closest friends, your social network, and your family to see how far they can go in life. You can be inspired to improve yourself, all the while inspiring those around you.
Specialty: XC and Endurance
USA Cyling profile: https://www.usacycling.org/results/?compid=26168
Top 3 accomplishments:
1. 7th in the Pro Men’s division at Derek’s Grizzly 100.
2.Leadville 100, 8/15/15, my first sub 8 hour, 51st place
3. Tour of the White Mountains, AZ, 50 miles of endurance racing on technical singletrack: 2nd place pro/open.
Favorite race tool:
Specialized Sworks Epic, custom tuned for speed by Derek of Bear Valley Bikes, my custom Cranks Bros spindles and cleats specially re-adapted for mountain bike use on road bike shoes, just one example of many ongoing projects of ours. Of course, Speed-Evo valve stems and fresh tires shipped out while I am on the road between events helps!
Favorite trail:
OK, the one we are still working on! Siberian Creek, a real backcountry excursion down a mile deep canyon in our SoCal backyard. It feels like stepping back in time whenever we go down the nearly untouched trail and bring it back to life.
Bio:
It’s never been my goal to make racing a career, but instead to make riding a bike, especially off road in nature, my template for a better life. Spending time in the forest is hard to put a price on, but the benefits to the soul are unlimited. My top achievements in life have in fact been inspired by the epic lifestyle of being athletic in nature: innovating and refining new ideas until they work in the real world basically sums it all up. So as a recent start-up entrepreneur I have taken this way of life to heart entirely.
Goals for this year:
I endeavor to rock the sports product world, both in biking and in the snow, with never before seen innovation. This has been verified by my recent patent submissions, both awarded and pending, working with cutting edge engineers and patent attorneys in product development in the innovative business climate of San Diego. Bike racing is my template for successful research into health and performance, leading to new inventions and product development opportunities, all while getting faster with age!
Random facts about John:
Throughout my years of racing and riding the bike, many life lessons have been learned. It’s not just about race results, being competitive, motivated, and in top health at the highest level of the sport even at forty + years of age! Every upcoming event is an unavoidable reason to be super motivated in life. You feel the urgency counting down with anticipation as each race day gets closer and closer. Tighten up your diet (along with every nut and bolt). Rest your body and mind. Build up to a peak level of achievement. It’s an upcoming opportunity to push your abilities, physical and mental. To prove whether all that nutrition and health advice really applies. To see if those recent mods to your high-end race equipment matter. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose, because participating at any level in this great outdoor sport will push your life perspectives forward, force you to try new things, advance your knowledge of athletics, engineering, and race tactics, all the while inspiring your closest friends, your social network, and your family to see how far they can go in life. You can be inspired to improve yourself, all the while inspiring those around you.
Stuart Gonzalez
Name: Stuart Gonzalez
USA Cyling profile: http://www.usacycling.org/results/?compid=181200
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/1174960
Specialty: XC and endurance
Top 3 accomplishments:
Cat 1: 2 time US Cup marathon series champion and 2008 National XC series champion.
Pro: 3rd overall US cup marathon series in 2014 and 2015; series champion KMC Fontana Winter XC series 2015; currently #1 ranked Pro mountain bike marathon racer by USA Cycling.
Favorite race tools: I can't choose a favorite. They all work together. Honey Stinger gels get me through every race. I can't imagine how many flats I'd have without Speed Evolution’s sealant. My Oakley glasses are the most functional glasses I've ever used. Wren carbon bars and stem help make my bike as light as possible. And my Specialized SWorks Epic WC is the most efficient race bike on the market. My tools are a symphony all relying on each other to make me successful.
Favorite trail: Anything in and around Brian Head, UT. Locally, it would have to be Big Bear's own Skyline Trail.
Bio: I am a former high school and Division 1 college distance runner at Cal State Fullerton. I am also a high school honors English teacher. I have been racing mountain bikes since 2000 after an Achilles injury cut short my running career. I raced as an amateur for several years, winning several races and series on the local, regional, and national levels. I joined the BVB race team in 2010 and saw my success improve dramatically! With the support of BVB, Derek Hermon, and our sponsors, I made the jump and began racing professionally in 2014. I have seen a lot of success already and plan to continue to represent our sponsors through hard work, respect, and continued success.
Goals for this year: I hope to continue achieving podium finishes in endurance races such as US Cup marathon series and compete in races that I've always wanted to do but haven't had a chance, such as the Whiskey 50 and others around the country. Also, I would like to keep my USA Cycling ranking at the highest level.
Random facts about Stuart: I am still a little bit of a runner, an avid hiker, and all-around lover of anything outdoors. Being a professional athlete has always been a dream of mine. I appreciate every opportunity that my sponsors and loved ones have given me over the years to help make this dream come true.
USA Cyling profile: http://www.usacycling.org/results/?compid=181200
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/1174960
Specialty: XC and endurance
Top 3 accomplishments:
Cat 1: 2 time US Cup marathon series champion and 2008 National XC series champion.
Pro: 3rd overall US cup marathon series in 2014 and 2015; series champion KMC Fontana Winter XC series 2015; currently #1 ranked Pro mountain bike marathon racer by USA Cycling.
Favorite race tools: I can't choose a favorite. They all work together. Honey Stinger gels get me through every race. I can't imagine how many flats I'd have without Speed Evolution’s sealant. My Oakley glasses are the most functional glasses I've ever used. Wren carbon bars and stem help make my bike as light as possible. And my Specialized SWorks Epic WC is the most efficient race bike on the market. My tools are a symphony all relying on each other to make me successful.
Favorite trail: Anything in and around Brian Head, UT. Locally, it would have to be Big Bear's own Skyline Trail.
Bio: I am a former high school and Division 1 college distance runner at Cal State Fullerton. I am also a high school honors English teacher. I have been racing mountain bikes since 2000 after an Achilles injury cut short my running career. I raced as an amateur for several years, winning several races and series on the local, regional, and national levels. I joined the BVB race team in 2010 and saw my success improve dramatically! With the support of BVB, Derek Hermon, and our sponsors, I made the jump and began racing professionally in 2014. I have seen a lot of success already and plan to continue to represent our sponsors through hard work, respect, and continued success.
Goals for this year: I hope to continue achieving podium finishes in endurance races such as US Cup marathon series and compete in races that I've always wanted to do but haven't had a chance, such as the Whiskey 50 and others around the country. Also, I would like to keep my USA Cycling ranking at the highest level.
Random facts about Stuart: I am still a little bit of a runner, an avid hiker, and all-around lover of anything outdoors. Being a professional athlete has always been a dream of mine. I appreciate every opportunity that my sponsors and loved ones have given me over the years to help make this dream come true.
Samuel Brehm
Name: Samuel Brehm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuelbrehm96/
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/5295190?oq=sam
USA Cycling profile: profile #418118. http://legacy.usacycling.org/results/index.php?compid=samuel+brehm
Strava: Samuel Brehm BVB
Specialty: XC
Top 3 accomplishments:
2017 Kenda Cup Bonelli Park 1st place
2015 Kenda Cup Big Bear 1st place
2017 Rim Nordic 3rd place
Favorite race tools: It's got to be my CO2 Charger. It's fast and gets me back on my bike asap!
Favorite trail: Wild Horse, Big Bear
Bio: I just turned 21 years old and am 5ft 11in, 135lbs . I grew up in China and began my racing career there in 2011, racing amateur. I moved back to the US after school, working myself up to the Pro category and have now been racing here for 4 seasons. Not only do I race for Bear Valley Bikes, but I also work as a mechanic at the shop in Big Bear. I eat, sleep and breathe cycling and am passionate about racing. Living at altitude is great for training and I am happy to be riding my bike every day.
Goals for this year: I am always working towards being stronger faster and safer. This season, I aim to race all the opening UCI XCO races in southern California.
Random facts about Samuel: I love noodles. Chinese tea is amazing. Altitude is my friend.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuelbrehm96/
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/5295190?oq=sam
USA Cycling profile: profile #418118. http://legacy.usacycling.org/results/index.php?compid=samuel+brehm
Strava: Samuel Brehm BVB
Specialty: XC
Top 3 accomplishments:
2017 Kenda Cup Bonelli Park 1st place
2015 Kenda Cup Big Bear 1st place
2017 Rim Nordic 3rd place
Favorite race tools: It's got to be my CO2 Charger. It's fast and gets me back on my bike asap!
Favorite trail: Wild Horse, Big Bear
Bio: I just turned 21 years old and am 5ft 11in, 135lbs . I grew up in China and began my racing career there in 2011, racing amateur. I moved back to the US after school, working myself up to the Pro category and have now been racing here for 4 seasons. Not only do I race for Bear Valley Bikes, but I also work as a mechanic at the shop in Big Bear. I eat, sleep and breathe cycling and am passionate about racing. Living at altitude is great for training and I am happy to be riding my bike every day.
Goals for this year: I am always working towards being stronger faster and safer. This season, I aim to race all the opening UCI XCO races in southern California.
Random facts about Samuel: I love noodles. Chinese tea is amazing. Altitude is my friend.
Romolo Forcino
Name: Romolo Forcino
Top 3 accomplishments as a MTB racer:
1. Multiple CA State Champion at the Semi Pro and Cat 1 level
2. Multiple Pro XC wins at USA cycling events
3. Podium at the Downieville Classic
Specialty: XC
Favorite race tool: The continued support of Bear Valley Bikes.
Favorite trail: Wildhorse Trail on Sugarloaf Mountain.
Bio: My favorite toy as a child was a Schwinn Scrambler BMX bike. I grew up in PA playing ice hockey in the Winter and riding my bike all Summer long. Now I teach high school in Southern California and sincerely enjoy the sunny days and endless trails that it offers. I look forward to each ride.
Goals for this year: To help my family and friends stay happy and healthy. To truly enjoy my gift of a healthy life.
Random facts about Romolo: I have been a teacher for 20 years. I was an ocean lifeguard for 11 years on the Jersey Shore and Florida Coast. I have been a vegetarian for over 15 years.
Top 3 accomplishments as a MTB racer:
1. Multiple CA State Champion at the Semi Pro and Cat 1 level
2. Multiple Pro XC wins at USA cycling events
3. Podium at the Downieville Classic
Specialty: XC
Favorite race tool: The continued support of Bear Valley Bikes.
Favorite trail: Wildhorse Trail on Sugarloaf Mountain.
Bio: My favorite toy as a child was a Schwinn Scrambler BMX bike. I grew up in PA playing ice hockey in the Winter and riding my bike all Summer long. Now I teach high school in Southern California and sincerely enjoy the sunny days and endless trails that it offers. I look forward to each ride.
Goals for this year: To help my family and friends stay happy and healthy. To truly enjoy my gift of a healthy life.
Random facts about Romolo: I have been a teacher for 20 years. I was an ocean lifeguard for 11 years on the Jersey Shore and Florida Coast. I have been a vegetarian for over 15 years.
Julien Bourdevaire
Name: Julien Bourdevaire
Top 3 accomplishments as a MTB racer:
Top 20 world cup MTB marathon Ornans
Kenda cup and Stourbridge 2014 overall winner.
Leadville finisher in 2014
Favorite race tool: Racing Pro is all about speed. Because there are no slow races in this category, my only friend during a race is my bike. My favorite race machine is definitely the Specialized Epic! With it's dual brain system suspension, I just have to focus on my ride and push as hard as I can. Moreover, the upgrade by Speed Evolution allowed this bike to be personalized and upgraded. This makes the difference versus the other riders of the Peloton.
Favorite trails: I enjoy riding in Palos Verdes because I have the climbs I need to perform with the beautiful ocean next to me. I otherwise love to ride in the mountains like in Big Bear or in The Alps in France.
Bio: Cycling is a big part of my life. My first experience as a mountain bike rider was a race I competed in at the age of 6 years old (where I finished 3rd). Since then, I have fallen in love with cycling competitions. At the age of 18 I left my home to join the French Development Team where education and sport are linked in the same project. After I earned my bachelor in Kinesiology and had my best cycling performance at the World Cup Marathon I moved to America to reach new goals. I now study Physical Therapy and race in a new country!
Goals for this year: This year will be my 21st year of racing and my goal is just to continue to progress. This year I will focus on the US cup where I want to improve my ranking and the Cyclocross during the winter.
Random facts about Jules: My life philosophy is all included into what mountain biking teaches us. Pass over the mountains again and again without knowing what is in front of us. No one tells us to do so or tells us that it will be easy but we just follow our dream. But after all why do we continue to set new goals over and over? Maybe because we choose to be alive.
Top 3 accomplishments as a MTB racer:
Top 20 world cup MTB marathon Ornans
Kenda cup and Stourbridge 2014 overall winner.
Leadville finisher in 2014
Favorite race tool: Racing Pro is all about speed. Because there are no slow races in this category, my only friend during a race is my bike. My favorite race machine is definitely the Specialized Epic! With it's dual brain system suspension, I just have to focus on my ride and push as hard as I can. Moreover, the upgrade by Speed Evolution allowed this bike to be personalized and upgraded. This makes the difference versus the other riders of the Peloton.
Favorite trails: I enjoy riding in Palos Verdes because I have the climbs I need to perform with the beautiful ocean next to me. I otherwise love to ride in the mountains like in Big Bear or in The Alps in France.
Bio: Cycling is a big part of my life. My first experience as a mountain bike rider was a race I competed in at the age of 6 years old (where I finished 3rd). Since then, I have fallen in love with cycling competitions. At the age of 18 I left my home to join the French Development Team where education and sport are linked in the same project. After I earned my bachelor in Kinesiology and had my best cycling performance at the World Cup Marathon I moved to America to reach new goals. I now study Physical Therapy and race in a new country!
Goals for this year: This year will be my 21st year of racing and my goal is just to continue to progress. This year I will focus on the US cup where I want to improve my ranking and the Cyclocross during the winter.
Random facts about Jules: My life philosophy is all included into what mountain biking teaches us. Pass over the mountains again and again without knowing what is in front of us. No one tells us to do so or tells us that it will be easy but we just follow our dream. But after all why do we continue to set new goals over and over? Maybe because we choose to be alive.
Alyssa JRingo
Name: Alyssa JRingo
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/11326520
Top 3 accomplishments:
1st Place in XC at Kamikaze Bike Games 2016
Race photo taken by Phil Beckman in Mammoth featured on Pinkbike in 2016
2nd Place while competing in the Pro Women division for the first time at Southridge USA 2017.
Favorite race tools: Listening to music before the start! From Country to Alice in Chains. Anything with a good beat and energy! APX SportDrink in my bottle and GU energy gels in my pocket too!
Favorite trail: Skyline in Big Bear.
Bio: I raced XC for the first time on a friend’s bike in 2016 and became hooked! I then raced a local XC series in San Diego and won overall, which pushed me to race in the Kamikaze Games at Mammoth where I took the win and decided racing is something I’d like to pursue for 2017. I had raced Downhill in 2013 several times, but began doing rides that required more climbing. Slowly I started enjoying going up mountains, not just down. I sold my downhill bike to buy my Trek and have no regrets! I still love hitting the park and training on our local Enduro trails to maintain my technical skills. There’s just something about challenging myself by pushing my legs and lungs to the max that I find fulfilling mentally, spiritually, and physically. I’m looking forward to the races and biking/training experiences 2018 will bring.
Goals for this year: Continue building race experience, maintain a balance between working and racing, and surrounding myself with those that have similar passion and energy for doing what they love.
Random facts about Alyssa: I am a coffee addict (Christopher Bean Coffee all the way!), I love horses, and enjoy spending time seeking adventures with those I care about.
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/11326520
Top 3 accomplishments:
1st Place in XC at Kamikaze Bike Games 2016
Race photo taken by Phil Beckman in Mammoth featured on Pinkbike in 2016
2nd Place while competing in the Pro Women division for the first time at Southridge USA 2017.
Favorite race tools: Listening to music before the start! From Country to Alice in Chains. Anything with a good beat and energy! APX SportDrink in my bottle and GU energy gels in my pocket too!
Favorite trail: Skyline in Big Bear.
Bio: I raced XC for the first time on a friend’s bike in 2016 and became hooked! I then raced a local XC series in San Diego and won overall, which pushed me to race in the Kamikaze Games at Mammoth where I took the win and decided racing is something I’d like to pursue for 2017. I had raced Downhill in 2013 several times, but began doing rides that required more climbing. Slowly I started enjoying going up mountains, not just down. I sold my downhill bike to buy my Trek and have no regrets! I still love hitting the park and training on our local Enduro trails to maintain my technical skills. There’s just something about challenging myself by pushing my legs and lungs to the max that I find fulfilling mentally, spiritually, and physically. I’m looking forward to the races and biking/training experiences 2018 will bring.
Goals for this year: Continue building race experience, maintain a balance between working and racing, and surrounding myself with those that have similar passion and energy for doing what they love.
Random facts about Alyssa: I am a coffee addict (Christopher Bean Coffee all the way!), I love horses, and enjoy spending time seeking adventures with those I care about.