I’ve known Jeff for a long time now… I couldn’t tell you exactly how we met, but that doesn’t really matter. What I’m getting at is, over the years I’ve learned that Jeff is one of those people who truly believes in riding things until they’re properly worn out. Taking a closer look at his bike, you can see he’s a firm believer in that methodology, and thanks to BSD and Madera, his bike is always running good regardless if it’s brand new or parts he has been running for a year. We decided with him having a fairly new setup for a change, it would be a good time to take a closer look at his current ride! Let’s take a closer look at this dialed unit!
Name: Jeff Dowhen
This photo is hilarious because anyone who knows Jeff, knows he’s always down to help out random strangers.
Location: Well, I’m a regular here in Milwaukee, but Milwaukee has certainly had its share of visitors. The French missionaries and explorers were coming here as early as the late 1600s to trade with the Native Americans. In fact, “Milwaukee” is an Indian name and it’s pronounced “mill-e-wah-que” which is Algonquin for “the good land.”
Sponsors: Madera, BSD, Sun Ringle’ , Ray’s Indoor Bike Park
Years Riding: So, so many. Over 10 but under 25.
Frame: BSD WZA 21”
Bars: BSD Highlander
Fork: BSD Ghetto v2
Stem: Madera Mast topload
Grips: ODI O
Headset: BSD
Cranks: Madera HT’s
Pedals: Odsy trailmix
Sprocket: Madera Helm 28t
Chain: BSD ½ link
Seat / Post / Clamp: B, S, and D
Front wheel / Tire: Madera hub, Sun Big Baller Rim, Wheelsmith spokes, Maxxis Tire
Rear wheel / Tire: Madera hub, Sun Big Ball Rim, Wheelsmith spokes, Maxxis Tire
Pegs: BSD
Hub guards: Madera on all 4
Brakes? Where we’re going, we don’t need brakes.
Newest part on your bike? The WZA frame and BSD parts I brought home from Interbike haha
Oldest Part?
All the Madera parts are from over a year ago, quality American made products right there.
How are things going with BSD these days?
Grant Smith and I met at Interbike for the first time and that guy is a riot. He deserves all of the good coming to BSD. Support rider owned.
What’s new with Madera?
We just added Arik Elstran to the team and it’s about time because he’s the perfect fit. We’re hopefully renting a house on the east coast this summer and having some fun.
Have you been filming for anything lately?
There’s been talks of a full length dvd between us in the MKE area again… Grant C is a motivated man.
What are your travel plans looking like the rest of the year? It sounds like that Ray’s gig gets you out of Milwaukee a fair bit?
Yeah, working for Ray’s is great, not too often someone gets to use their college degree on something they’re passionate about. I travel to Cleveland monthly during the winter and every other during summer.
Speaking of that, you recently graduated college and took on a full-time gig with Ray’s. Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
Yeah I run the marketing and sponsorship aspects of the parks. It’s pretty fun and hectic to have my full-time job be inside a giant playground. The end result is so rewarding I couldn’t be happier.
Did you ever expect to do something like this going into college?
Nope but it couldn’t have worked out better. I’ve learned so much this last year it really helped me figure a few things out.
How can people keep up with you these days? You’re on Instagram, Twitter and all that Social media stuff, right?
Yeah I use all that plus LinkedIn. I also create all the outward facing messages from Ray’s so keep up with that!
@its_jeff
@RaysMTB
Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
As always thanks to my friends and sponsors for keeping me rolling. Love you all!
