Personal History
Hi, my name is Matthew Koen. I am a freshman at Redwood highschool and currently ride for Mikes Bikes and my high-school mountain bike team. For almost a year and a half I have been riding seriously. It started out as a weekend hobby but quickly grew into a way of life. Almost everyday I am riding or teaching other to ride. It is my passion, and my life. I live in the Bay Area, California. We have amazing riding, and a strong, tightly knit riding community. As a rider, I strive to ride my hardest at all times. I love to ride Downhill, Freeride, Dirt jumps, and Cross-country, although I don't do as much racing as I would like to, but this summer that is all I am doing so the stokage level is high. In my local town, I have become a haven for advice. I am always being asked what helmet someone should get, or what new bike. I also run an in formal campish thing. I take out about 2 kids every week and teach them how to ride and riding and racing techniques. This is great because I am creating more riders, promoting my local bike shop while doing it, and making a little money to put towards bikes.
Riding Goals
As a rider, my goals are similar to a lot of others. I want to do well in races and ride as much as I can, but unlike most other riders I am hard working and try to support and promote my local bike shops. My specific goals are to place podium in at least 2 races this summer. I know that this sounds far fetched, but in my local town I am one of the fastest rider. Another goal of mine is to receive support from a company such as yours. I feel as if I will be a great ambassador of your company because I love your products and will always do my best to promote your products.
Competitive Highlights
Honestly, I havent raced too much, but after sea otter, it is pretty much my weekend. I have 2 results from the only races that I have done:
Cross-Country= 11th/70 in the Folsom: Race Behind Bars race. I was the only one to finish in the top 12 with a 26er full suspension, so I am proud of that result.
Downhill= 29/60. It sounds like a bad result, but my chain dropped right after the starting gate, and as you may know, sea otter is a VERY pedally course.