Corey Spoores

The riders of New Mexico are a big part of what makes riding here so rewarding! This series aims to capture the unique personality of NM riders and their bike set ups. I have had the opportunity to ride with Corey several times now, and he always brings an unbeatable energy and excitement to the trailhead, which is the same way he approaches day to day life. I have already learned a lot from riding with him, as his fundamental skill set is very diverse and he gets me thinking about riding in a more analytical way, to observe my technique and understand where I can grow as a rider. Get to know Corey (and his bike!) in MTBNM’s latest Locals Series Interview!

Corey and his Diamondback Release 2

Rider’s Perspective: Corey Spoores

Corey riding the Whole Enchilada in Moab, UT.   Photo Courtesy: Corey Spoores

Where are you from, where is home now, and how long have you been riding?

I am originally from Ohio, but Albuquerque is home for now. I have been riding pretty much my whole life, but more mountain bike specific, since 2004.

Age / Height / Weight

36, 5’8″, 165

How do you make a living?

I am the Co-Owner of MST Adventures, so you could say I am a Professional (Mountain bike) guide and coach.

Why do you mountain bike?

Man, that’s a great question. I really enjoy mountain biking for exercise, to get away, to explore, to have fun, to share my passion with others, the list goes on.

Favorite Local Trail / Zone

My favorite local trail, is…. man that’s a hard one. I will split this into two groups. For short quick rides, I can’t beat the foothills, it is literally 3 minutes from my door. For a full day, I would have to say that it was this loop I have done in the Jemez, it’s 25 miles of single, double, and 4 wheeler paths, just solid fun.

Best non-NM trails you have gotten to ride

I will pick a recent one, as it changes and evolves as I go to more places. But I would have to say National Trail in Phoenix, AZ.

Dream Destination to ride tomorrow

I would choose to ride La Ruta in Costa Rica.

Best Strength / Worst Weakness of your riding skill set

My greatest strength is riding XC, I love climbs. And my goat, is fast technical downhill.

Do you have any racing experience? How has that effected your riding?

Ya, actually I have raced a fair amount, some single speed and some regular XC. It has taught me a lot about training for specific events, or certain stages within an event. It has affected my riding in a few different ways, one of which is I always feel under the gun to train harder and ride faster. It’s like that feeling you get when you turn on Strava and go for a ride. So I have forced myself on a slower bike, just to go out and have fun, like the good old days.

Worst crash

Tuff Question: This would probably have to be since I moved out West, once you add cactus into the mix, crashes begin to really suck a lot more.

Favorite bike you have ever owned

My Specialized Fat Boy 420; this was a college bike BMX. Man, I used to ride around campus and town on that and just kill it! Mountain bike related, I would actually say it is my Scott Spark 750.

Dream bike

For the longest time I have wanted a hardtail Moots XC bike.

Inspirations / Favorite Riders

Inspirations: The family I have met while volunteering with First Descents, and their Leadville 100 Team.

Favorite riders: Dave Weins for beating Lance at the Leadville 100. Oh, and Claudio, that man is a god!

When you aren’t biking you are …

Working at getting MST Adventures rolling, whitewater kayaking, and chilling with my family.

Favorite Pre-ride food, Post-ride food

Pancakes, and post-ride: bananas.

Best place to get a burrito? Red or Green?

The Burrito Lady on Eubank, Green.

Favorite Tunes at the moment? Do you listen while you ride?

Lately I have been listening to a lot of podcasts when I ride, it is a good way to take in information, and double dip my time. Music wise, The Heartless Bastards.

What makes New Mexico a great place to live and ride?

It is the Colorado Experience without the Colorado Price Tag, great outdoor resources [ranging] from trails to wildlife.

Words to Live By

“Think much, and act a little. But when you act, act swiftly and with much conviction.”