Wes Peebles Rider Spotlight

Wes Peebles is a man of many talents. Not only does he hold it down as one of the fastest non-professional DH riders you'll see in southern California, he also works as a full time Fire Fighter. Luckily, we met Wes and had the chance to hook him up in 2018 and have him rep'ing our store! Having Wes as a part of the family has been nothing but incredible so far and we couldn't be more proud to have him rep'ing our colors. We look forward to what Wes has in store for his racing this year and expect to see him standing in that number 1 position a lot more. Go get 'em Wes!

How do you balance being a firefighter and race CAT 1 DH?

Thankfully my work schedule is flexible enough where I can make the time for the races but it’s also sometimes unpredictable as you guys know with the latest big fire here in CA. For the most part I can take the time off needed to ride and race the bike.

What bikes do you ride?

My enduro bike is a Commencal Meta 4.2 and my DH bike is a YT Tues.

Favorite components and why?

Suspension. It still amazes me how good MTB suspension is and what it allows us to go down and stay in control.

Biggest accomplishments on and off the bike?

On the bike would be my first Expert DH win at Sea Otter last year. I didn’t know what to expect at such a large race, and I know now my bike set up was terrible, but I just pinned it and got the win! Off the bike would have to be accomplishing my career goal of becoming a firefighter. I still feel it’s one of the most rewarding jobs out there.

Any favorite riders?

Aaron Gwin and Brandon Semenuk. Both are so smooth and make everything look way too easy.

Typical riding spots?

I usually go to Aliso Viejo or Laguna Beach. There are a lot of trails in that area to choose from.

If you aren't fighting fires or riding your bike, what are some typical activities you are doing?

I surf occasionally and snowboard when I’m back home in Tahoe. I also enjoy backpacking, camping, fishing, etc. My gf Brittney and two dogs keep me pretty busy as well.

How did you get into MTB?

I grew up racing motocross but sold all my bikes when I moved to CA to become a firefighter. A few years went by where I wasn’t riding anything at all until I met some friends who took me out on a MTB ride, I was hooked from there. It’s completely replaced motocross for me.

Favorite quotes?

“What is a mans worth if he doesn’t make the world a better place” I think we can all relate to the importance of that.