TO THE WOODS
DESTROY CAMP 2021
PHOTOS BY Geo Jenkins
WRITTEN BY Matthew Kolling
Heading west. In search of trails and good times.
This was the first trip of the summer for us filled with, blood, sweat, flat tires, good laughs, local hecklers, time for reflection, time for full sends, great food, beer… lots of beer, and just a few dudes who got to ride their bikes.
HEAD WEST.
We spend our time out here knowing that we have this finite opportunity to experience this wonderful place before returning to our work. Feeling inspired and after individual reflection we can take this new found inspiration and apply it to our craft. We see the importance of having a balance between work and play.
Driving out to the DESTROY wilderness test site is something of a journey in its own right. One hour and some change west of Portland OR. you’ll find yourself deep in the rolling mountains and tree lined roads. Winding down the highway it’s easy to miss the entrance so we keep our eyes peeled for the abrupt dirt road that seems to just appear when you’re not looking for it.
It’s almost sun down, we pull up to one of the countless dispersed campsites that are littered over 80+ miles of abandoned logging roads that seem endless. Most of these roads have been left to fill in with brush and trees making them impossible to access. But if you play your cards right, a few of these roads stretch for miles offering views of the majestic PNW with most of them ending with a makeshift campsite.
On the morning of the second day we awoke with excitement ready for play. We were joined by our second team just after finishing up a light breakfast of eggs, bacon and beer.
The entrance to our test site is easy to miss and the labyrinth of dirt roads can get you lost really quick. We send out a greeter to bring the second group to the staging area and after a quick hello we head out deeper into the wooded gravel kingdom.
CAMP LIFE.
Base-camp, best described as the center of debauchery. Perched on our gravel pile we indulged in large dinners, countless beers, rock slinging, makeshift gravel boarding, and a few stories that will make it to the grave.
On the second night after a full day of riding and filming we set in for a long night of drinking and storytelling. Time by the fire with friends always has been a magical experience for me and personally a time I will always cherish.
The expanse of this place is mind blowing. you can spend multiple days out here and not see a single other person.
Late into the night as we seemingly are wrapping up the day in the distance we hear a vehicle approaching. Ripping through the dark and fairly sideways coming around the corner entrance to our site a truck full sends up the gravel embankment catching air before landing only feet from the tents a few crew members were sleeping in. Two people exit the truck and approach.
Turns out it was just two kind local guys passing through after a day of off-roading looking for a reason to continue drinking… what luck.
On the morning of our last day we are collectively sore, fulfilled, inspired, bloody, drunk, dirty, anxious for more, and ready to get to work.
We pack, and head home.
For a lot of us, nature has always been a place we fall back on when the work week has taken its toll. At DESTROY we don’t only see our connection with nature as an escape but a connection worth protecting for the future generations. Accessibility for all people to get outside and ride is incredibly important to us.
DANI M.
“This past weekend was one to remember! Some solid friends backed by an amazing bike company that has done a lot to bring friends old & new together set out for an epic camp adventure.
Beers, campfire stories, and some fun a** times on our bikes! Nothing but a positive outcome.
Taking on a new environment aside of city life we tackled Mother Nature at its finest. Getting exactly what we wanted and more.
Anxiously awaiting the next destroy gathering as always!”
DEVIN T.
"This trip was exactly what I hoped it would be. Letting loose, bombing hills, and nearly crashing around every corner.
Our campsite was perched on top of a giant pile of rocks nearly 2 stories tall. It was our own personal playground. Surrounded by plenty of trees and a perfect place to do donuts below. Which I’m sure we all took turns doing at one point or another.
The dust made chasing each other down the hills completely insane. Sometimes it would get so thick we could hardly see and almost crash into each other.
For me, this trip is what riding bikes with your friends is all about. Getting outside, pedaling your bike, and having a damn good time doing it."
