Adios
When I was a very young man, my father taught me how to ride a dirt bike for the occasions when we would go to the Rocky Mountains and ride singletrack, almost as if on a pilgrimage. I looked forward to going to visit the mountains as if they were a friend, yet a difficult one to conquer. We didn’t go every year, but when we did visit, it was a momentous occasion.
Fast forward to now. My life has changed so much in the decade I have been at QBP and with Salsa. I found the love of my life. We had a child that teaches me more everyday than I could ever have imagined. However, the one thing that has remained consistent is that the mountains have continued to call their siren song to me. I have finally given in.
Mid-October, I will move to Montana. I will actually chase my dream of working in the hunting industry. I always have claimed that my Achilles heel is to work in an industry that I am passionate for. This passion is why I have spent all of my life working in the bicycle industry. As I look into the future and where I want to be when I retire, the hunting industry and conservation of the amazing public lands we have here in the United States is where I see myself. The time was right for me to move to this world.
I cannot be more excited to go to work for Sitka Gear. It is the Salsa Cycles of the hunting world. My family will live in Bozeman, Montana, where we will chase Waylon around as he continues to grow into a young outdoorsman. One thing is for certain; I will remain the number one Salsa fan on this planet. I truly believe in what the brand stands for, but more importantly, what the individuals of the brand bring to the cycling world. There is not another team in the bicycling industry that is more genuine, authentic and passionate about adventure than this team that I leave behind. They are more than coworkers; they are family. I will miss their daily interactions more than they will ever know. They are the greatness we call Salsa Cycles.
I have to thank you, the Salsa Cycles riders, sponsored racers and superfans. You have allowed my family to live an amazing life and do what we are passionate about. However, more than that, you have shared your stories on how the bicycle has changed or improved your life and that is what it is all about at the end of the day. I want you to know that it has enriched my life more than you will ever know, and for that, I thank you!
Life is good! Value the outdoors! Adventure starts when things go off plan. Thank you for letting the Julian family be part of your family! I hope our wheels may cross again on the trail!
Thank you for everything!
Justin, Christina and Waylon Julian
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IN RESPONSE...It is with a small tear in my eye that I write this short response.
Justin, you will be missed. On behalf of the Salsa Crew (aka Team Kickass), we thank you for your years of leadership. We've all learned a great deal from you, and anyone that says otherwise is a dirty rotten liar. ;) You've made us all better at what we do. Together, we've worked hard, and we've played hard too. We wish you nothing but the best. May you find continued success, big trout, and a nice bull elk.
It's been one hell of a time. We'll do our best to carry on. -Kid
Salsa Cycles Presents: Hello, My Name Is Waylon from Salsa Cycles on Vimeo.