Growing up in Southern California, the action sports culture and identity was instilled in me since I can remember. Looking back now I am very thankful for all the opportunities I have had through action sports.

Growing up Surfing and Racing Motocross my only plan was to turn pro in either of those sports. Later down the line I would never have thought mountain biking would become my career for nearly a decade. So, why share about motocross during this conference?

One of the biggest tools of off the bike training you have in MTB is Moto. Motocross might not have become my profession, but it always stayed close as a regular hobby and outlet. Even as an outlet though, that “hobby” can quickly can become your identity.

Growing up in church and being quick to say I was a Christian, I will be the first to tell you that my identity was rooted in Christ, but it was even more rooted in Action Sports. Looking back now, God is allowing me to use my testimony to share the Gospel and encourage others to use their passion for action sports as a tool and how to fight allowing it to become our identity.

Still to this day I ride motocross regularly, race locally, and share a deep passion for the sport while also utilizing the opportunity to share the love of Jesus, encourage discipleship ,and bring Christ to the center of the action sports community. 

(Jake is currently residing in Oceanside, CA. He is married to his wife Abby and is the father to his two sons, Sailor and Judah. Jake is currently serving as the Executive Director for Ride Nature California.)