Photos by Paris Gore

Video by Doug Jambor

Branham Snyder is a part of our CORE Ambassador program, a group of riders, coaches, trail advocates, and storytellers with infectious energy that help spread their passion for cycling to others.

At some point, we’ve all woken up and had nothing on our mind other than to ride our bikes from sunrise to sunset. Bellingham, WA has nearly year-round riding, but a cool summer day was the perfect time to document an all-day escapade with Branham and his Altitude. From a foggy morning with perfect dirt to a sunny evening with warm light, it doesn’t get much better than this.

The deep woods of the Pacific Northwest are a rider’s dream, but they’re a far cry from Branham’s roots in the high Sierra Madre mountains of South-Central Mexico. The trails and scenery couldn’t be more different, but the urge to ride hard and fast is no different. It takes some adjustment to go from smooth, high altitude singletrack to wild and steep trails full of surprises and the occasional jump line, but it’s hard not to take full advantage of the variety at hand when your bike can take it all in stride.

The PNW might be a few thousand miles from Mexico, but Branham’s daily life is rife with reminders of home. From trying to best his top score on his Balero ball-and-cup toy (aka Mexican Nintendo), to ripping trails with Horchata the Mexican street dog, to ending the day by sharing a few sips of mezcal at sunset. It’s no wonder he’s come to be known as El Mexigringo among his riding friends.