Dusty: Dean, How has being selected as a GT Dirt Coalition rider motivated you this season?Dean: It has been a dream come true really. Many years ago I raced at a high level on the Road and in the Dirt. I very much wanted to jump back in the ring and race more, so when I was accepted as a Dirt Coalition rider it lit a fire inside me. I have trained more and raced more and being a part of GT on the "grass roots" level simply fired me up.
Dusty: Why did you want to represent GT as one of the few, the fast, and the dirty riders?
Dean: Riding in the dirt is the most fun for me. GT has always been a symbol of MTB racing at its best. I have admired the GT bikes for years and years. Like I said it was a dream come true to have this chance and I am stoked to be involved with GT.
Dusty: What do you like most about the GT Carbon Zaskar Pro model you have been riding?
Dean: For me, the bike is a perfect match. It just feels right. Right out of the box I knew it would be perfect. I like the smooth feeling of the Carbon ride. And most of all I like the bikes stiffness and power to the ground feeling. For me the bike is spot on.
Dusty: Tell me what has been your best experience on the Carbon Zaskar
during the year?
Dean: Besides just riding it on my local trails, my best time was at the Folsom MTB Stage race. I won my division for the stage race & I came 2 seconds off of the course record in the TT stage. Then I won the XC race-stage 2, on a course that was full of twists and turns. The course was super fun to race on and my bike worked flawlessly. To win the overall in my division at the stage race and almost break the course record in the TT was awesome and my most memorable ride I think.
Dusty: What has been your favorite race or event representing GT? and why?
Dean: My favorite time representing GT has to be my "Kids on Bikes" day I promote for under-privileged kids here near my home. The kids get all fired up to see the GT Dirt Coalition team tent set up, then they know it is time for hot laps on the courses I set up for them. Seeing the kids faces glow with happiness makes me want to keep doing my best to promote cycling on a local level.
Dusty: Lastly, what are your cycling goals for 2010?
Dean: I really want to keep on with what has started for me in 2009. I did as much racing as possible and I hope in 2010 I can continue to build on the fun and hard work I had in my first year on the GT Dirt Coalition team.
Dusty: Good luck Dean. And congratulations on all of your success and hard work this season. GT thanks you for your dedication to the Dirt Coalition team.
