British Columbia mountain biker Nate Atkins is charging up the ranks in National and International Enduro competitions as well as downhill events. But as we can see in this heart-felt season recap, he’s still a down-to-earth Kootenay kid.

Earlier this year we featured Nelson, British Columbia, teen Nate Atkins in an article saying he’s “The Next Best Phenom Tearing Up the MTB World.” Obviously the coverage didn’t go to his head because we received a letter recapping his 2019 season and we had to share it. For a guy who placed first in the Western Open Canada Cup Downhill Race at Kicking Horse this summer, he sure is humble. Below is the letter, written in his own words, along with some highlight photos throughout the season.

In His Own Words – Nate Atkins Recaps the 2019 Season

It was an epic winter filled with 68 days of skiing, free-ski competitions and awesome days on the hill with friends and family. Many early mornings and evenings were spent fat biking on the snow-covered trails. The winter was coming to an end and the freshly uncovered dirt was inviting me to play. It was March and the true mountain bike season was kicking off.

I believe my winter season training on my fat bike, skis and in the gym really prepared me for a successful start to the competition season.

Above photo by Al Danks. Top photo by Nathan Gaffran.

With tons of amazing bike time the first race was fast approaching. I headed to Nakusp, BC, for the first Marin Wildside Enduro of the season where the conditions were prime and I was happy to grab first place. It was such a fun event!

Between events I was riding every day with my brother, friends and participating in as many local events as possible.

Tom Atkins photo.

This season I traveled to two Canadian National Enduro Series stops. The first event was in Revelstoke and the second was at Panorama Resort, where the National Championships were held. I was happy with the way I rode at each event and managed to keep things consistent in the U-21 category. I love these races with all the amazing riding time on incredible trails!

I also competed in three BC/Canada Cups during the summer. I made my way to Big White for the first stop of the DH series. It was an awesome track with insane conditions. Fresh snow and moisture on the track made it loose and so much fun! I was stoked to grab second. Next up was Kicking Horse, this super fast and technical track made for some amazing racing and I was very pleased to grab first. It was then time for Panorama, DH and Enduro National Championships. During this weekend I raced both events back to back and it was exciting to say the least! There was so much riding, just the way I like it. I managed to grab sixth in the DH.

Nathan Gaffran photo.

During the season I also attended Nelson’s Beer League DH Series and Fat Tire Fest. These events are so much fun as their format and style is so unique. It creates an amazing atmosphere for all riders.

It was time for the annual family trip to Whistler for Crankworx. This is always an extremely exciting time! With thousands of vertical feet of descending on the bike park and local Whistler classics, as well as sessions at the dirt jumps and skate park it truly is amazing. It’s so awesome ripping laps with my little bro Wyatt and friends.

Tom Atkins photo.

The racing during Crankworx was such a good time! I raced my first Enduro World Series event which was incredible. I was happy with my riding throughout the day and quite pleased with my overall result. Next up was the Air DH. I felt as though I had a strong run going but unfortunately had a crash near the bottom, that’s the way it goes sometimes. Still…such a good time, this event is so special and I absolutely love it!

I would really like to thank everyone who has helped me out during this amazing season. The whole crew at The Sacred Ride, everyone at NRG Enterprise, Devinci Cycles, Craft Sportswear, Mountain Culture Group and Kootenay Health Services; as well as Levi Koroscil, Tucker Braund, Al Danks, Travis Hauck, Tristan Martin-Preney, Nathan Gaffran and my family.

This season has been so much fun and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received. I will ride a bike whenever I can, wherever I can and with anyone that wants to ride. If nobody can ride, I ride alone. Ride and smile!