For Josh, riding isn’t confined to a discipline, it’s a way of moving through the world.
When he’s not on the bike, you’ll find him behind a camera, trail running, or spending time with his family and their dogs. He’s drawn to movement, creativity, and the outdoors — and all of it feeds back into how he rides.
If he had to describe his riding in one sentence?
“I ride my bike like a skateboard.”
Loose. Expressive. Creative. Always looking for good times.
Photo Credit: Nutter @Lost and Found in Portola, CA
From City Commuting to Endurance Miles
Bikes have been part of Josh’s life since he was young, but it wasn’t until his early twenties, when he was commuting through the city, that riding bikes really took hold.
City riding led to cyclocross racing. Cyclocross led to something deeper. About a decade later, Josh found himself pulled toward the adventure and endurance side of cycling — longer days, bigger efforts, and more personal challenges.
That progression shows in how he rides today: confident, playful, but steady when it counts.
Santa Cruz & The Redwoods
Josh calls Santa Cruz home, and while he keeps his exact routes close to the chest, he’s quick to say that Big Basin is his happy place.
Riding through towering redwoods with ocean views in the distance has a way of putting things into perspective.
“Riding amongst the towering redwoods and vast landscapes with views of the ocean makes me feel small in the best way.”
It’s that mix of scale and solitude that keeps him coming back.
Built to Handle It
Josh rides hard. He’s honest about that.
On his bike, you’ll find:
- White Industries headset
- Bottom bracket
- Hubs
- Cranks
- Chainring
Why White?
“I love that White Industries parts are tough AF, easy to service, and they look damn good in gold… Duh!”
There’s humor in that answer — but there’s also truth.
Durability matters most to him. He’s rough on his bikes. But he also takes care of them. Ease of serviceability is key because he wants his equipment to last, not rotate out every season.
For Josh, quality isn’t optional — it’s foundational.
The Detail Most People Miss
When asked what riders overlook, Josh doesn’t talk about drivetrain specs or geometry charts.
He says: style.
“I’m big on custom bikes. Personalizing them makes them an extension of yourself.”
For him, a bike isn’t just equipment. It’s identity. Expression. A rolling reflection of who you are.
And that mindset explains the gold.
The Mental Side of Riding
After years of riding consistently and pushing into longer distances, Josh has learned something important:
“The mental side of riding is just as important as the physical side, especially when it comes to long distance riding. You have to believe in yourself and just keep going.”
Endurance isn’t just watts. It’s mindset. It’s patience. It’s knowing when to push and when to settle in.
Camera on the Back
One thing Josh always brings on a ride (besides tools)?
A camera.
He rides to see things. To capture light through trees. To document and share these moments that would otherwise pass unnoticed.
As for AirPods?
Mostly Amish.
“I don’t trust drivers, and I’ve gotta hear cars coming up behind me on the road when I’m riding to and from the trail.”
Awareness first. Always.
Building a Bike for the Long Haul
Josh’s advice for anyone building a bike they want to keep for years is simple:
“Invest in quality, take good care of it, and service often.”
The theme is consistent: do it right once. Maintain it. Respect it.
Photo credit: Elliot Layda @ Grinduro Shasta
A Final Word
Josh closed his Q&A with something that says a lot about who he is:
“Every day is a gift. Ride bikes, have fun, be kind to people, respect the Earth and our Mother Nature, hug your family and friends, kiss your dog, live life to the fullest, and don’t take any of it for granted.”
That perspective shows up in how he rides, how he builds his bikes, and how he moves through the world.
Ride bikes. Have fun. Take care of what matters.
If you like the best dog content out there- follow Josh @mybucketsgottaholeinit to watch Susan and June his beloved heelers.
Model Credit: Susan the Bestest Boy