it's not surfing. well, maybe a little, but it boils down to a couple of things and mostly is that it's just not fun for me anymore. i'm done trying to make a living off of taking pictures of people i enjoy watching on their bikes (a living...that's rich...it's not even a survival). for the past 12 or 14 months, i didn't have a "real" job because i wanted to give all i could to mountain biking (downhill racing in particular). in doing so, i learned i'm not a salesperson. i learned that picture taking isn't terribly respected by "the business." i learned that i'm not a collections agent, and i learned that dedicating your time/life to bike racing for a year is the best thing you could ever do.

i'm now ready to get back to a slower pace of life with a predictable income. i'm actually riding my bike more than i have in 3 years and am enjoying the water. i still have a camera and still live with an incredible rider (smith). we will work together to create some unique images and if other things work out in the meantime, that's great. i plan on going to sea otter, angelfire (WC) and hopefully the brazilian world cup, so i can enjoy the races and can see all the great friends i've made along the way and to cheer on you guys/gals as you pin it.

i'm a fan of mountain bike racing and always will be...that's why i started in the first place. it's time to get back to being a fan instead of being a disgruntled employee. thanks to those who helped me out and i'm honored i could help so many of you (riders, companies, 'zines...whatever) out. it was never about money, but i do need to eat and pay for shelter. if hit the lotto, i'll be doing it again and will be making sure all the shredders are getting good salaries...that they DESERVE!

finally, a big middle finger to those companies that STOLE images that weren't yours to use. the law firm i just got an I.T. job with is looking into the matter.

One of the many thousands of shots Spomer has taken over the last 12-14 months...