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Tell us about this moment. What was happening in the scene, and what drew you to make the image?
We drove to Crown Mountain Bike Park so Dax could work on his “no-foot can” on the 8-foot mulch jump out back. He had a few big crashes that left him rattled. When we arrived, there was a side wind we had to wait out, but usually just before sunset, it’s calm and conditions are beautiful. He had a great session, worked out some kinks and had a boost of confidence. We talked about the magic of sunset sessions, and he took a moment to look west. I think he was happy in this moment and proud to overcome his mental block with this particular trick. That is why I made this frame, it was a moment of peace, rare satisfaction and beauty.
You’ve had a front-row seat to Dax’s journey as both a dad and a photographer. What have you enjoyed most about watching him grow as an athlete and person?
I have loved seeing him become secure in his successes and failures. And he has grown the confidence to try hard things in front of a crowd — knowing it could end in either. But having the strength to try. It’s been inspiring to watch him move his own needle and set goals independently, without the support of an organized team.
Mountain biking and dirt jumping can look like they’re all about big moments and progression, but so much of it happens in the quieter work behind the scenes. What have you observed about the role endurance plays in Dax’s path?
Sometimes it feels like the behind the scenes is all of it. Dirt jumping and the crashes that come with it on these bigger tricks he’s trying have real, physical consequences. It didn’t take him long to realize that, but what takes long is pushing through those consequences. Getting back on the bike after a fall from 15 feet in the air to rock hard dirt. And having the bravery to go back out. It teaches him to have grit in his actions and a humble voice. He has to really work to strengthen his body to try to prevent serious injuries by riding uphill, and it takes an incredible amount of mental toughness to grow.
When you think about endurance as a parent, what qualities do you hope Dax carries with him long after the bike rides, competitions and sunsets?
I hope Dax will understand that biking can be a compass in life. It can be a mode to travel and see the world. And a source of relationships and community building. I hope biking shows him that some things you love are worth suffering for, and I hope it continues to be a mental outlet for him.
