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Tristen Yang

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Review: voco Chicago Hotel Grand Opening

by Tristen Yang
written by Tristen Yang

We joined voco for its Grand Opening in downtown Chicago, marking its first location in the Midwest and the fourth in the country. Following the Grand Opening event, we were invited to a staycation to experience the new hotel firsthand.

The voco Chicago is a reimagined hotel with contemporary rooms and upscale amenities set in the heart of Downtown Chicago with a focus on comfort and style. Operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts, this renovation is the hotel chain’s first dual-branded voco and Holiday Inn property, adding to voco’s 41 properties worldwide. With the temperature dropping and winter approaching, we were looking forward to experience voco’s first hotel in Chicago and a warm retreat in the Windy City.

The voco hotel lives just across from the Merchandise Mart and train station, making it a convenient stop from all corners of Chicagoland. We took the Purple Line from my home in Lincoln Park and made it door-to-door in around half an hour.

Tucked on the cross streets of Kinzie and North Orleans Street, we followed the sign to the newly renovated check-in desk, one side designated for voco and the other for the Holiday Inn

The Grand Opening event was held on the 15th floor “living room” of the voco Hotel and drew in a crowd of hospitality professionals, press, along with friends of the hotel. The modern décor and seating served as an inviting space for guests to enjoy Chicago inspired bites, live music, a dessert bar, and a festive photobooth. This floor is the heart of the hotel, encompassing the lobby, event space, and dining, while boasting a soaring atrium and open space making it a perfect venue for events like the Grand Opening. Television screens throughout the hotel welcomed guests with a curated selection of things to do in Chicago like a hot chocolate race in Millennium Park where runners can enjoy a jog through the city with street treats, and an immersive experience at the Field Museum’s “Wild Color” exhibit where visitors explore how plants and animals use color to ward off predators. For food and drinks, the Waterview Kitchen and Bar offer a comfortable invitation to enjoy a signature cocktail alone, or gathered with friends and colleagues. A favorite was the “Owl” cocktail, an elevated Old Fashioned made with Four Roses Bourbon, Regan’s bitters, and orange bitters.

credit: Marcin Cymmer

Check our on-the-scene highlights from the evening here.

Location:

Steps away from Millennium Park, Merchandise Mart, Fulton Market, the Loop, and more. Whether dining out at Chicago’s most acclaimed restaurants or jogging through the Chicago Riverwalk, guests can experience all of what downtown has to offer at their fingertips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The voco Experience

Having never stayed at an IHG hotel, we were excited to spend a night following the grand opening event. We were welcomed with an eco-friendly “Birds of a Feather” package which included a pair of sustainably made All Birds Tree Runners, hotel signature tote bag, craft soda, and welcome note — a charming treat to begin the stay.

“Birds of a Feather” is one of the new limited-edition packages available at the voco Chicago that feature exclusive amenities and experiences, built on the brand’s unique and inviting ethos focusing on sustainability. The machine-washable tree runners are made with sustainable materials like eucalyptus tree fiber and the shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles. The package also includes a QR code to access local guides and explore Chicago, which was the perfect opportunity to discover the vibrant nightlife at my own leisure. Other limited-edition offers in international voco locations include a “Very Important Peddlers” package that giving guests access to a fleet of bicycles, and a “Sip & Paint” package with complimentary Pinot while creating your own masterpiece.

The guest room offered everything you might find in a premium hotel like thoughtfully curated furnishings, power outlets, storage and closet room, and a plush King bed. Where voco sets itself apart is the ambience and small touches that make the guests feel like they’re home away from home.

Chicago inspired artwork complements the accents and textures of the guest room. Refined and modern bathroom features Apotheke toiletries in delicious white vetiver, a perfect clean scent with added depth. Muted green wallpaper gives the room character and a designed aesthetic.

With this being during work week, I needed to be productive and relaxed, and the room delivered on both of those needs. The room was equipped with a comfortable and ergonomic desk, Nespresso pods, and beautiful artwork that not only made for a productive day of early meetings but also a calm and comfortable environment to relax.

At night, we saw views of the iconic Chicago skyline and the vibrant lights from the Merchandise Mart. The morning sunlight offers a stunning view of the river and architecture of the Michigan Avenue bridge.

Although the hotel did not offer room service during the time of our stay, we had the chance to grab breakfast from the Riverbend Market (which is also open 24 hours) for a hearty Chicago-inspired plate of Chicken and Waffles, made with Belgium waffles and spiced maple syrup. We also loved the reusable water bottles with refill stations on every floor, eliminating the need to go out and buy bottles of water.

The 24-hour fitness center adjacent to the indoor pool and sauna is equipped with brand new state-of-the-art machines and Peloton bike.

Starting at a rate from $120 per night, this a great value for a newly renovated IHG property. Even if you’re not staying here, we would recommend paying a visit to the Waterview Kitchen and Bar for a casual, inviting ambience. Overall, we had a wonderful stay at the voco Chicago and will be sure to keep a look out for other voco hotels in the future.

 

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Test Riding the 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster: Classic Icon, Modern Experience

by Tristen Yang
written by Tristen Yang

This fall, to celebrate the newest addition to the Harley-Davidson Sport category, I was invited to test ride the 2022 Nightster motorcycle. I’ve been looking forward to follow the next chapter of the Sportster story and for a chance to renew my love of Harleys after test riding the Sportster S last year, so the Nightster was the perfect opportunity to hop back on the road. What I found riding this bike around Chicagoland was more than just my passion for motorcycles: the Nightster served as a vehicle for discovery and expression. 

My journey began at the Harley-Davidson Headquarters in Milwaukee, where I met with Paul James, PR Manager at Harley-Davidson, who gave me a walkthrough of the Nightster. Immediately, I was struck by how elegant this bike was. In lush Redline Red (also available in Vivid Black and Gunship Grey—for me, red can’t be beat), the 2022 Nightster takes the quintessential profile of the iconic Sportster model and updates it for a new generation.

The first thing I noticed was the Revolution Max 975T powertrain, with its snaking exhaust headers and Metallic Charcoal finish. The powertrain is complemented by exposed rear shock absorbers that highlight each other to make a sleek profile with obvious might, striking that perfect balance between refinement and strength. When the Sportster was first introduced in 1957, it was positioned as an alternative to heavy cruisers, and the 2022 Nightster continues this legacy, built in the enduring Sportster silhouette. After plenty of time admiring the Nightster with Paul, I hopped on. In just a few minutes, I was immediately comfortable with the bike. The forward riding position, mid-mount foot controls, TFT display, and safety enhancements remind you that you’re riding a piece of cutting-edge technology. Equipped with signature Harley-Davidson gear including a limited-edition H-D x Jason Momoa Ka Pō jacket, insulated leather gloves, and BOOM! Bluetooth helmet, I was in good hands and ecstatic for the ride back home.

I picked up the bike in the middle of October, when autumn was just starting to come into full effect. Everyone talks about the changing colors of the coast lines on the East Coast, but you can’t beat the picturesque landscape of the Midwest in the fall. On the ride back to Chicago, half the trees still clung to their green leaves, the other half erupting in deep oranges, yellows, and reds. It had rained just a few days before, and even through my helmet, I could smell the aroma of wet earth along the road as I drove through miles of vibrant trail and fields down the I-94. The Nightster immediately rejuvenated me, alleviating the burnout and tedium of my busy lifestyle.

The Ride Modes beautifully complement the safety technology like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), TCS (Traction Control System), and DCSC (Drag-Torque Slip Control System) intervention. Each mode uses a carefully calibrated combination of safety settings, translating to an incredible amount of flexibility and confidence on the road. No matter the adventure, and even with the maximum amount of intervention in Rain Mode, I always felt like I was the one riding the bike—and not the other way around.

The new liquid-cooled, 60-degree V-Twin Revolution® Max 975T powertrain is the heart of the 2022 Nightster
The Nightster features three Ride Modes: Road, Sport, and Rain. Each Ride Mode consists of a specific combination of power delivery, engine braking, ABS and TCS setting. Road is an all-around option for everyday riding, while Sport is for speed and Rain for low traction situations.
The Nightster's fuel tank ingeniously placed under the seat

The City

After I’d made it back to my home in Lincoln Park, it was time to give the Nightster a test in the city, I was curious to see how this motorcycle would handle Chicago’s busy traffic, crazed drivers, and bicyclists. As a city dweller and motorcycle enthusiast, it can be hard to find the right bike for the crowded, chaotic conditions of city riding. Unsurprisingly, the Nightster delivered the same great performance on the highway as it did on the streets of Chicago.

My first destination was downtown, to meet some friends in Fulton Market for dinner and drinks. I love Fulton Market—the rows of delicious restaurants and innovative bars remind me of my days in LA, lounging with friends and family at open air malls like the Grove. The close-packed buildings, broad streets, and gorgeous industrial architecture remind me of my favorite parts of Brooklyn, too. As much fun as it is to be in Fulton Market, getting there is another story. The streets are congested, parking is a chore, and there are always tons of pedestrians. Usually, I’ll just grab a bus or a train, but I took this as a good opportunity to test the Nightster.

The Nightster’s low seat height at 27.8 inches and light weight (481 pounds, wet) make it a quick and nimble machine that’s extremely pleasurable to ride through downtown Chicago. In addition to its razor-sharp handling, the fuel tank transposed under the seat shifts the center of gravity lower on the motorcycle, making it even easier to maneuver with confidence. As with all motorcycles, parking was a breeze on the Nightster. Getting to Fulton Market is such a pain that I made sure to leave well in advance. Between the agility of the Nightster and the ready parking I found on a motorcycle, I got to my location 30 minutes before my friends—enough time to get some shots of this beautiful bike.

The month I had it, the Nightster was my “yes man,” always encouraging me to say “yes” to adventure. The bike gave me an open invitation to be more curious, and to be as excited to take the ride to my destination as I was to be there. This is what I love most about riding a Harley in Chicago: it gives you a reason to explore the city and experience the incredible variety of living here, like feeling the warm breeze of the lake or discovering a local restaurant tucked in the city’s remote corners.

Naperville

On National Motorcycle Ride Day (October 15th), I took another opportunity to say “yes” and test the Nightster’s long-distance capabilities and ride modes.

Right after I jumped on the highway, I immediately grew a hunger for more torque and acceleration. As soon as I flipped on Sport Mode, the engine roared to life. For the past two weeks, the Nightster had been my nimble sidekick, taking me through city streets with tactility. Little did I know the understated power of this machine. The liquid cooled Revolution Max engine is insanely smooth—switching gears was effortless, with none of the jitters common to older bikes. 

Before arriving in Naperville, I saw some off-the-beaten-path signs to the Green Valley Forest Preserve and Whalon Lake. Still in a mood to say “yes,” I decided to make a detour. I let myself be taken in by the incredible autumnal beauty of this part of Illinois while the Nightster handled the rural roads with ease. When you need it to, the bike seamlessly blends into the background, making it an intuitive ride. Again, I felt invigorated and rejuvenated cruising through autumn trees and endless fields.

When I arrived back home, a Triumph Scrambler parked in my usual spot caught my attention. Hearing my motorcycle engine, the owner of the Scrambler, Christian, opened his window to introduce himself and we immediately hit it off. Having a motorcycle is a great way to meet people and I was pleasantly surprised by instantaneous connection between bikers and the love of riding. Noticing Christian also had a Harley-Davidson Bluetooth Helmet, we instinctively decided to pair up and explore the city.

Over the next few days, Christian and I strapped on our helmets and set off for adventure. With Bluetooth connected, we had crystal clear conversations as we roared down highways, discussing movies, bikes, and everything in between. Mostly, I’ve used my helmet for navigation and music, but this was the first time I’d used the microphone to talk in real-time on the road. Riding with Christian while having a fluent conversation became a unique and special way to grow our friendship. 

Kettle Moraine and Baháʼí Temple

As my time with the Nightster was coming to an end, I wanted to finish with a scenic ride through Wisconsin and cruise through the nature preserved roads of the historic Kettle Moraine.

I flipped on Rain Mode to tackle the rain-slick roads, and I immediately noticed an increase in traction. I could feel the throttle response change to the inclement conditions almost instantaneously. That kind of tactility is so important on a motorcycle as powerful as the Nightster; even on a wet highway, the Nightster in Rain Mode gave me reassurance. The nimble 19-inch front and 16-inch rear tires also made carving down winding roads effortless. I’m not the most confident backroad rider, but my apprehensions faded on the Nightster. 

Even this late into fall, there were still plenty of green leaves on the trees, mixed in with the more traditional fall palette. Being immersed in nature grounds me, a juxtaposition with hectic city life. Taking those winding roads in Wisconsin, the Nightster gently purring underneath me, and the rich, crisp air all around… I felt a calming sensation of serenity I’ve never experienced before.

On my way back, I stopped by the Baháʼí Temple in Evanston. Since coming to Chicago, I’ve always wanted to see it. The Baháʼí Temple is one of twelve standing temples of worship for the Baháʼí faith in the world. I’m not a particularly religious person, but its famed architecture convinced me to see it in person. A superstructure in ornate concrete and quartz cladding, the central dome of the building, surrounded by nine pillars each adorned with symbols from world religions, stands tall among immaculately curated gardens. Nothing in the area looks like it, and when you’re standing within its Foundation Hall, looking up at the intricate details, you are transported someplace else.

I had an amazing time riding the 2022 Nightster. This bike is a marvel of engineering, delivering a smooth, comfortable experience that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of power. It’s a stunning design, sleek and modern while echoing the best features of the classic Sportster. With the Nightster, I got to experience more of myself and the Midwest: heading downtown for drinks, riding with Christian, and taking day trips up to Wisconsin to highlight a few. The Nightster handled the transition from city to country seamlessly, allowing me to express my curiosity and passion for adventure—which is the underlying theme of my relationship with the Nightster: expression. Expressive in its design and expressive in the way it makes you feel.

When I think back to my (too-short) time with the Nightster, I’ll remember the incredible experiences that this machine gave me. The way it encouraged me to say “yes.” From its ease of use and comfort to its incredible power, the Nightster is a proud entry in the legendary history of Harley-Davidson’s design and legacy and a beautiful homage to the beloved Sportster. 

The 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster motorcycle is now available at Harley-Davidson dealers starting at $13,499.

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2022 Red Bull Rampage and The Incredible World of Freeride Mountain Biking

by Tristen Yang
written by Tristen Yang

This October, we traveled to Southwest Utah with Red Bull to experience the world’s premiere mountain biking competition, celebrating its 21st year since inception.

Red Bull Rampage is the world’s premier big-mountain freeride competition, this year bringing together 18 of the world’s most skilled mountain bikers to Virgin, Utah to compete in a battle that balances skill and mental preparation that define the extreme sport of freeriding. Athletes carve through slopes and narrow lines of sandstone ridges with the help of their two-person build crews. The broadcasted competition showcases the best jaw-dropping and mind-blowing tricks where athletes complete a run from the top of the mountain demonstrating precision, skill, and balance along the way.

This year for the first time, Red Bull Rampage streamed live on ESPN+. The event replay is available on-demand now on both ESPN+ and Red Bull TV. You can also follow our on-the-scene highlights here.

The free ride movement began as a spinoff of the ski and snowboard scene. The genesis of Red Bull Rampage is the brainchild of Todd Barber, a certified legend in the mountain biking scene, who saw an opportunity to apply the free ride movement of the ski and snowboard scene to the world of mountain biking.

Naturally, teaming up with Red Bull in the early days with limited infrastructure and production proved to be challenging: there was no audience on TV, and no carved slopes and trails. However, as the slopestyle movement of mountain biking gained traction (with jumps, stunts, and tricks), it transitioned into Rampage which introduced polished takeoffs and landings (like digging up bushes and chipping rocks) for the extreme stunts of today.

Athlete DJ Brandt zips down with his bike at Red Bull Rampage

 

We embarked into the exhilarating world of Red Bull and the culture surrounding professional mountain biking with an inclusive experience on everything Red Bull Rampage – from adventure in the mountain to meeting the athletes and players who made the competition a reality.

As a bi-coastal cosmopolitan living between the east and west coast, transportation on this journey wasn’t your average Metro ride; arriving at each location utilized a variety of transportation methods, including UTV, helicopter, and hiking.

Descending into St. George, Utah, the porthole view was filled with a horizon of mountain, brush, and sand as we landed into a quaint airport seemingly in the middle of the desert. Greeted by our Red Bull hosts and joined with two other writers, our media team of five were immediately whisked away on the first leg of our adventure for a UTV tour rolling over 50,000 acres of the Red Sand Dunes and Sand Trails of the Sand Hollow Mountains.

Red Bull team preparing to ride into the mountains

The Red Bull group rode through a vista of sand, terrain, and rock for over four hours, and by the end of the ride I was contemplating whether I wanted more or to never do it again. The only comparable experience that reminds me of this is watching Mad Max: Fury Road. Our group departed looking like sand-battered veterans – a great teaser and entry to the mountain culture.

Preparation before the competition

The following day before the main event, we were invited to a preview of the course, by way of a spirited UTV ride into Virgin, Utah where Red Bull set up a Rampage city of tents, preparing for the fandom and excitement, starting from the top of the mountain, leading into the slopes, and trailing down to the finish line.

Carson Storch and team looking out at the Red Bull Rampage course

Guided by members of the Red Bull team and previous Rampage contestants, we discovered the intense and manual preparation of Red Bull Rampage and its origin from an ideation to now a worldwide phenomenon.

Time is of the essence in preparing for Rampage. While we hiked up the course, we saw a digger preparing a line before the competition the day ahead with limited resources: shovels, rakes and water. With diggers working morning until night, it’s not uncommon for their arms to fall asleep every day due to the intense labor.

Beginning on the scouting day, athletes and teams walk through the mountain as a blank canvas and see what they want to do and where they want to go. Teams are given just four days to dig to build their lines, followed by a mandatory rest day on Sunday. During this time, they’re not allowed to touch their bikes or practice. Then the following week, there’s four more days of building and riding from Monday to Thursday leading up the big event on Friday.

Diggers build at Red Bull Rampage

Each team gets 75 pounds of sand to work with. Diggers fill up sandbags, stack them, and then layer dirt on top to shape the slope. If teams want to do a feature, they can combine their sandbags and efforts to work together to make a certain drop. The collaboration could be a complete feature or a trail that joins for one point and then separates.

Competition Day 

On site, due to projected wind, we learned that the new start time of Rampage got pushed back to 10:30AM, a delay that would hint the outcome of the competition to follow. Spectators hiked into the mountains early morning, eager to find the best viewpoints to watch the show, while the event began streaming live exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S., and on Red Bull TV in all other countries. Media and photographers followed the course along the mountain and soon enough athletes began flying down from the top of the course accompanied with drones, helicopters, and cameras all focusing on the riders’ lines trailing to the finish line.

Every year the top five finishers of Rampage are automatically invited to the next year’s competition, then a panel of judges vote for the rest of the riders. This year, Red Bull Rampage invited 18 riders from around the world to compete for the grand prize.

The athlete to watch was Brandon Semenuk, a four-time Red Bull Rampage champion and Rally racer, who made the last-minute decision the past weekend to compete in Rampage and Rally this year, exemplifying quite an athletic and mental feat. Semenuk prepared both for races this month, flew between Utah and Michigan, took home the championship for the Rally on Saturday, and had eyes to win again for Rampage within the same week.

Brandon Semenuk wows the crowd at Red Bull Rampage

Athletes are judged not only on insane tricks but also the embodiment of the sport spirit, characterized by the early slopestyle movements with steep, extreme stunts. For example, hitting the Canyon Gap, a legendary feature made 74-feet from takeoff to landing, would score significant points. Canada’s Brett Rheeder did just that with his balance of complex tricks and steep jumps, earning him first place with a score of 90.66 and taking the most coveted title in mountain bike freeriding, and now a three-time champion of the Rampage games.

“I was pretty unsure what was going to happen this year. I had a lot of changes I went through as a person, and I didn’t know if I’d ever get back to this level of riding. So, I didn’t come out to win, to be honest. I just want to make sure whatever I do is for me. Only for me. Not for any sponsors, not for my competitors, not for any ego. I want to make sure it’s for guiding the sport in the right direction and having a good time while doing it,” said Rheeder

Brett Rheeder performing his winning run with complex steep drops, spins, and tricks during the first half of the competition

We were also looking forward to Reed Boggs, who we spoke to just days earlier on his quest for the prize. Boggs almost secured his place in third until Brandon Semenuk took the last run down a knife-edge ridgeline, completing a 15-feet-deep jump right from start line along with a tail whip, back flip, and 360 spin knack garnering him the Best Trick award, rocketing him into third place.

Watch Reed Bogg’s insane POV as he nails his run (sound on!):

After the first run, several riders opted to go in for a second attempt to boost their scores, however, the wind proved to be too strong to continue another successful run cementing the first run as the final scores. Following the announcement of the results, crowds rushed to the finish line to celebrate the winners of the 2022 Red Bull Rampage with champagne and trophies.

Winners Szymon Godziek, Brett Rheeder, Brandon Semenuk

Find all things Red Bull Rampage here and lookout for tickets to attend the event next year in-person.

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Preview: Red Bull Rampage with Athlete Reed Boggs

by Tristen Yang
written by Tristen Yang

Red Bull Rampage, the world’s premiere freeride mountain biking competition returns to Southwest Utah to showcase the world’s top riders as they carve through rugged ridgelines and steep jumps of desert landscape. 18 of the best international mountain bike athletes will compete on Friday, October 21st streaming live at 10:30AM MDT exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S., and on Red Bull TV in all other countries. The complete event will be available on-demand on both ESPN+ and Red Bull TV following the competition. Viewers can also tune-in to a condensed 2.5-hour replay that will air on ESPN on October 30th.

Follow @RedBullBike to stay updated on all things Red Bull Rampage.

 

We had the opportunity to catch up with last year’s third place winner, Reed Boggs, before the competition this week. Reed Boggs hails from Cleveland, OH and currently lives in Hurricane, Utah. Reed started as a digger at Red Bull Rampage, supporting Nicholi Rogatkin at the 2015 event. He qualified for Red Bull Rampage in 2017 but injury forced him out of the event before start. Boggs finished in third at Rampage last year, his best finish at the event, but is aiming to take the next step and compete for the title this year.

How are you feeling about Red Bull Rampage coming up?

Reed Boggs: I’m very excited for the competition, this will be my fourth or fifth time competing and it’s the highlight of my year. It’s a lot of work that goes into it and a lot of reward at the end if you complete your line, so very exciting!

What preparation have you done for this course?

I’ve been traveling a lot to different competitions all summer, but towards August and September it’s just Red Bull Rampage time in my head, so a lot of yoga, lots of gym visits, lots of breathing and meditation to try to get the mind right for Rampage is the biggest thing for me.

It’s so different from every other competition because there’s two runs, you spend 10 days out here building with the team making sure your line is perfect for that one-to-two-minute run. Everything comes down to that, so you have to make sure your mind is right and physically, you have to be in top shape. Breathing is huge part for me because I get super scared up there and the fear can sometimes overtake you so getting the headspace right is the most important thing for me.

Reed Boggs seen at Red Bull Rampage in Hurricane, Utah, USA on 14 October, 2022 // Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202210150183 // Usage for editorial use only //

What kind of bike are you riding?

I have a Yeti SB165. It’s a trail bike/downhill bike, a hybrid I’d like to say. It doesn’t have the most suspension, but I have enough and with the way we build things out here, it’s very steep with very steep landings, entries, and jumps so you don’t need the most amount of suspension, but you need it really stiff and very progressive.

Reed Boggs builds at Red Bull Rampage in Hurricane, Utah, USA on 13 October, 2022

What makes Red Bull Rampage unique and exciting for you?

Rampage is so unique because you get to build what you want to ride. We get to build our line top to bottom so if you really want to take it to the next level and build some really scary stuff you can do that. And if you want to keep it chill and ride a ridge and play it safe you can do that as well, but I feel like I’ve been doing that in years past and now I really want to compete with the big boys and compete for the win.

Last year, I got a taste for it and I got third place, I kind of found a formula that works for a good score so now I’m just trying to incorporate everything in my run and have some scary stuff, have some technical jumps, and some fast flowy ridge lines to rip down, so I just want to include everything and do my best and get up there with the big boys.

Reed Boggs rides the course at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah, USA on 13 October, 2021 // Paris Gore / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202110140012 // Usage for editorial use only //

Do you do other types of sports besides professional mountain biking?

Being a professional mountain biker right now, it takes the majority of the year. But during the off-season, I love riding my dirt bike, pit bikes, side by sides, and just being out with two wheels. I love the adrenaline. Other than that I’m pretty terrible at basketball or football, terrible at the “normal” sports, but I’m better that the extreme sports like snowboarding. If you can ask me to throw a football I couldn’t do it haha. My life really revolves around two wheels pretty much.

Reed Boggs performs at Red Bull Rampage in Virgin, Utah USA on October 13, 2021 // Bartek Wolinski / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202110140051 // Usage for editorial use only //

What are you looking forward to after Red Bull Rampage?

I’ve been really working all year for Red Bull Rampage, after this I’m going to take a step back and enjoy my winter and get back to normal life and take a break from normal riding. I think it’s pretty healthy to do that and get a balance rather than just thinking all year about biking, so looking to go to the beach and take time to myself. I spend majority of the year training, biking, and traveling so during the winter when we don’t have any competitions it’s super nice to stay off the bike and regroup and come spring time get back to it.

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Lincoln Debuts Exuberant Update to the 2023 Corsair

by Tristen Yang
written by Tristen Yang

The new Corsair upgrades with next-generation Active Glide technology and refined design, strengthening Lincoln’s Small Premium SUV Segment

To celebrate the new launch of the 2023 Lincoln Corsair, we were invited by Lincoln to Detroit “Motor City”, Michigan where we had a first-hand introduction to the updated premium SUV.

The Corsair is an exciting entry to the Lincoln fleet and the most successful SUV for the brand. With this year’s launch, it continues to build on the line’s product momentum by marketing to align itself to trending tech and the younger consumer demographic.

Playing up the character of the refined Corsair

“Evolving the design of the popular Corsair was an exciting challenge, and our team accomplished this in a very unique and dynamic way,” said Kemal Curic, global design director of Lincoln.

The new prominent grille on the Hybrid Grand Touring model is a perfect example of this, updated with a wave surface,  chrome finish, and blue accents that lean towards a more fashion-influenced aesthetic, somewhat similar to monogram patterns of high-end retailers. The Hybrid Grand Touring model also features new wheel options, like the larger twin 5-spoke which gives a new level of precision to the Corsair’s look yet maintains its fluidity, making a big personality change to the distinctive car.

Stepping into the cabin, it’s apparent that Lincoln carefully designed a more sleek, minimalistic approach.

“Refreshing colors and themes create an ambiance that shift the mood of the interior, creating a warm environment and a luxurious experience that is uniquely Lincoln.”

The refresh adds new colors: Crystal Red and Whisper Blue exteriors and Smoked Truffle and Eternal Red interior themes.

We were a huge fan of the Smoked Truffle interior colorway that translated from the leather to the stitching and throughout the vehicle. The warm and neutral tone of this color family coupled with choices like the wide glass sunroof make it inviting, contemporary, and spacious.

Tech: Star of the show

The new 2023 Corsair introduces a next-gen ActiveGlide 1.2 driver assist which includes lane-changing, in-lane positioning and predictive speed assist in addition to changes to the existing cameras, sensors, and electrical architecture. The Lincoln Active Glide gives the driver more flexibility and monitors their face and eyes to ensure that the driver is paying attention.

The climate buttons from the previous model have since been moved up to the screen to free up more real estate for personal items and wireless charging. With a streamlined console panel, the new Corsair now provides more space in the front seats, and gives opportunity to highlight the ambient light elements that are key the car’s design.

The new 13.2 inch screen is crystal clear, hi-res, and unerringly intuitive to use. It’s a breeze to multitask within applications like Spotify, Voice-to-Talk Alexa, and Navigation. In addition, Lincoln has elected the all-new adaptive cruise control to be a standard feature which has the ability to set a specific automatic tolerance on the road,  enabling speed adjustments for turns and even roundabouts.

Depending on your climate region, the Auto Refresh feature might be a significant selling point, especially in areas prone to smog or forest fires, the feature allows the cabin to automatically refresh the air on a cadence of 1.5 times every minute.

With the updated model in Lincoln’s portfolio, the Corsair aims to build awareness and advocacy for the brand to cement itself as a competitive player in the hybrid and electric car space.

The 2023 Lincoln Corsair is now open to order at www.lincoln.com, and will arrive in showrooms in early 2023.

 

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Test Riding Harley-Davidson’s all-new 2021 Sportster S Motorcycle

by Tristen Yang
written by Tristen Yang

Recently traveling as a digital nomad, I had the opportunity to test ride the all-new 2021 Harley Davidson Sportster S in Chicago. As primarily an entertainment journalist still in the honeymoon phase of motorcycling, I was ecstatic to jump on a brand new Harley bike. During the few weeks I rode it, the Sportster and I were the center of attention everywhere we went. The feeling of riding on this bike itself is unrivaled, but what surprised me even more was the lifestyle and community I was welcomed to.

Getting Started
As recent travel has been chaotic to say the least, I was lucky enough to be a short hour and a half train ride from downtown Chicago to the Harley-Davidson Headquarters in Milwaukee to collect the bike. I was welcomed by Paul James, PR Manager at Harley, for an introduction to the new 2021 Sportster S performance motorcycle. To say that I was in awe would have been an understatement – the Sportster embodied a futuristic, conceptual design in a compact size, taking a nod from their iconic XR750 model racing bike. After a brief demo, Paul personally escorted me to the freeway where the Sportster S and I had our initial ride down the I-94, giving me an opportunity to take in belts of the Midwestern fields and scenery as I cruised into the vignettes of the fall dusk.

A New Companion
“The Sportster S is the next all-new motorcycle built on the Revolution Max platform and sets a new performance standard for the Sportster line,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO, Harley-Davidson. “This is a next generation Sportster defined by power, performance, technology and style. And it’s part of our commitment to introduce motorcycles that align with our strategy to increase desirability and to drive the legacy of Harley-Davidson.”

In the new age of travel and lack of interpersonal interaction, I was overjoyed to have a companion as a digital nomad, and even more so a bike that could transition easily into my lifestyle in a metropolitan city. Taking the Sportster out every day was an exciting way to break up the tedium of working from home, and with a low seat height and ultra slim profile, the bike was a dream to maneuver and cruise through Chicago. As a new morning routine, the novelty of admiring the bike never wore off, namely the glistening Stone Washed White Pearl paint contrasted against the aggressive 16 inch tires and exposed Revolution Max 1250T engine.

  • Parked outside Philz Coffee while sipping my daily Americano, this bike definitely says, “Not your dad’s Harley”. The silhouette is unquestionably a redefined vision of the existing Harley Sportster models and departure from the traditional cruiser designs. Its styling communicates not only power, but confidence and thrill.

2021 Sportster S – Scotland Photo Shoot

  • “Every visual design element of the Sportster S model is an expression of the motorcycle’s raw power,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Styling and Design.

Adventure

The round 4.0-inch-diameter TFT liquid-crystal screen was an essential feature that made traveling around Chicago seamless. The screen displays all of the information and entertainment options easily, including navigation, music, and speedometer, which all pair to the Harley-Davidson® App. My favorite ride was cruising down Chicago’s Lakeshore Drive, an expressway running alongside the shoreline of Lake Michigan through the city. Pockets down Lakeshore were abuzz with life and culture, but vast enough where social distancing was hardly difficult. The speed down Lakeshore is a sensible 45-50mph, bordered by over 15 miles of green trail, beaches, skyscrapers and cultural attractions.

  • Bright blue skies along Lakeshore

  • Fall foliage in Chicago’s Lincoln Park

  • One of the first trips I set out on was to catch the sweeping sunset views of the horizon at Montrose beach, Chicago’s largest man-made beach on the lakefront. Driving into gravel from the concrete road allowed for the perfect opportunity to utilize the interchangeable ride modes that the Sportster features: Road Mode, Speed Mode, Rain Mode, and Custom Mode. Pressing the Mode button on the handle instantly affects throttle, engine braking, traction control, and ABS. I could notice immediately the difference from Road Mode to Rain Mode as the safety features kicked in. As a relatively new rider, it was definitely reassuring to have the additional safety enhancements.

  • Sportster® S Model Infotainment: The Sportster® S model display supports infotainment via Bluetooth® with music, voice commands to place or receive calls, turn by turn navigation, and a speedometer.
  • Although the stock model doesn’t come with any storage compartments, I was able to nestle in an AirTag in the bike. Being directionally challenged, the integrated Navigation and AirTag location made it seamless to locate the bike wherever I went.

  • My go-to attire was a structured but lightweight lambskin All Saints Motorcycle jacket paired with black jeans, Saint Laurent boots, and a Louis Vuitton crossbody messenger that made for an easy and durable outfit for any occasion day or night.

  • Running errands in the city on the Sportster was always an adventure. The convenience of parking is easily the biggest benefit of riding a motorcycle, especially in downtown Michigan Avenue where I was always able to find gaps on the busy parked streets.

  • The Sportser S nestled in downtown Chicago’s expansive skyline.

New Community

I was always enticed by the Motorcycle Culture and its self-contained community: a subculture of American rebels who don’t live by the rules. Despite being a somewhat experienced rider, I was skeptical of how the community would receive riders from different backgrounds like me. Admittedly, most bikers I’ve seen in media and in real life were pictured stereotypically as tattooed and bearded, so I was naturally curious to know how I would fit in.

I was pleasantly surprised by being approached regularly by Chicagoans. The conversations and connections throughout my time with the Sportster were varied, largely ranging curious bystanders to Harley enthusiasts. In addition, I was a millennial minority in the Midwest sporting a Harley bike, which I hope gives influence to perspective individuals looking to explore a new journey in this changing age of travel. Progressively, I began to feel included in a newfound community that I previously thought was unavailable to me. The connection between bikers was particularly noteworthy, it felt like gaining access to a community with other men without a stigma.

I believe the fact alone that I wasn’t a stereotypical burly and bearded man on this bike was enough to capture attention, but the combination of what I represented as a millennial living an alternative lifestyle made the dynamic even more interesting. The stark contrast between myself and the regular Harley rider taught me that there is not one stereotypical Harley enthusiast.

Final thoughts

Traveling on the road presented a captivating and genuine picture of the city of Chicago. Additionally, the idea of being a motorcyclist transcended beyond solely a mode of transportation to an extension of myself and how I influence and deconstruct the image of a previously thought exclusive community. Enhanced with technology and safety, the Sportster S is the perfect bike for a new generation of riders while also connecting with its core customers, the performance power and ability to customize makes it adaptable universally.

Personally, I’m optimistic to see the future of riding as more inclusive, redefining the motorcycle culture from traditionally masculine to all people who are fearless, risk takers, and adventurers. At the end of the journey, I am surprised how a nascent idea to learn to bike affected such an integrated piece of my journeyed identity. It was definitely a bittersweet farewell to end the test ride.

About Harley-Davidson:
Harley-Davidson, Inc. is the parent company of Harley-Davidson Motor Company and Harley-Davidson Financial Services. Our vision: Building our legend and leading our industry through innovation, evolution and emotion. Our mission: More than building machines, we stand for the timeless pursuit of adventure. Freedom for the soul. Our ambition is to maintain our place as the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world. Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has defined motorcycle culture by delivering a motorcycle lifestyle with distinctive and customizable motorcycles, experiences, motorcycle accessories, riding gear and apparel. Harley-Davidson Financial Services provides financing, insurance and other programs to help get riders on the road.

The 2021 Harley-Davidson motorcycle line, the Sportster S is now Harley-Davidson dealers starting at a base MSRP of $14,999.

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EventsLifestyleThe Latest

On The Scene: Compound Hosts VIP Preview

by Tristen Yang
written by Tristen Yang

This weekend, we joined Compound Long Beach for an exclusive VIP preview of the creative cultural space packed with diverse programs. Located in the Zaferia District of Long Beach, California, the long awaited complex will invite guests to explore the intersection of contemporary art, wellness, and community. 

The VIP event commenced with a variety of visual and interactive experiences that make use of its expansive 15,000 square feet location which included an arts workshop by Slanguage and sound bath by Sabrina Rollo in the outdoor sculpture garden, along with crystal readings by Place 8 Healing and a ceramics pop-up with artist Jen King in the community space. In addition to art and immersive experiences, Compound will also have scheduled programming of classes and workshops focused on wellness. With a mission to provide a cultural sanctuary for its community, programming will also feature artist talks, farmers market pop-ups, breath work, sound baths, and meditation.

Sound bath by Sabrina Rollo

Art workshop by Slanguage

Long Beach native and creative Shelley Bruce opened the inauguration of the event, expressing the importance of inspiration and individual contribution our current state of chaos and uncertainty followed by an original poem. Artists Shauna Davis and Glenn Kaino were also in attendance to support the opening. Notable guests included artists Fritz Chesnut, Lita Albuquerque, Anna Sew Hoy, Robert Reynolds, actress Molly Shannon, gallerist Esther Kim Varet, and philanthropist Joy Simmons.

Accompanied by a soundtrack created in collaboration with Nosaj Thing and Jacques Greene, Glenn Kaino’s Tidepools is “a new sensory experience in between true science, science fiction, spirituality and art, each vessel is a unique spiritual, physical, and emotional lens for us to consider our life journey.”
—Glenn Kaino

The installation is the first to be commissioned for Compound, featuring cloud chambers that simulate a dream-like experience powered a particle detector, made in partnership with NASA designers, and also most notably the highlight of the exhibition, the bioluminescent wishing well developed with help from the Scripps Institute of Technology.

Organized by Compound Artistic Director Lauri Firstenberg, the inaugural show space named Radical Empathy showcases artists and artist-activists who are invested in both poetry and politics. Artists featured are Andrea Bowers, Noah Davis, Todd Gray, Leslie Hewitt, EJ Hill, Jenny Holzer, Mildred Howard, Isaac Julien, Jibade Khalil Huffman, Glenn Kaino, Rick Lowe, Narciso Martinez, Rodney McMillian, Jason Moran, and Tavares Strachan. The rotating art space highlights the confluence of art and activism and encourages social activism and cultural thinking.

Performance by Marcella Lewis and Shamar Watt

After a brief intermission of the day’s activities, Gxrlschool presented an interdisciplinary exploration of Afrofuturism co-curated by Shauna Davis live at Compound including the premiere of BLACK.ECO, a film by Shauna Davis, and a series of musical and dance performances by  V.C.R & Chatwaka Jackson and Marcella Lewis & Shamar Watt. Following the showing, Compound held a conversation with Shauna David and AJ Girard on the merging of art, sci-fi, diaspora, and histories to tap into where we are, where we can go and places we can put ourselves.

Compound is now open. Reserve tickets at compoundlb.com.

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