The Why We Ride Podcast is designed to drive stoke and exposure to the action sports industry. Each week, we engage in snowmobile related topics with a focus on bringing our personal experiences into snowmobile discussions. The podcast will include interviews into the minds of industry leaders, enthusiasts, action sports companies and action sports athletes so they can share "why they ride". So grab your headphones, connect your Bluetooth, or crank up your computer speakers and tune into each episode. Thank you for listening!
Send us a textOn this week's episode, we get an update on TJ's injury and hear about his experience in his first-ever MIRA race. We also break down the SOO, recap Lucas’s race with ADXC, and look ahead to the upcoming NEXC 150-mile race. Tune in for all the latest! WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
2/5/25 • 75:37
Send us a textThis week, we break down all the action from Park Rapids, including the challenges of racing on a tight and technical course. Plus, we look ahead to the next rounds and share key takeaways from the weekend. Tune in for all the latest in cross country racing!WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
1/29/25 • 27:08
Send us a text This week, we dive into the Star City 100 and the official kickoff to cross-country racing in the East! We’re breaking down the course, the incredible turnout, and all the excitement from the start of the season. We’re hyped to be racing again! WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
1/22/25 • 68:35
Send us a textWe dive into the cross-country race at Ottertail, where the race faced some challenges with snow dust, high winds, and fresh snow that almost put the event in jeopardy. Despite the uncertainty, the race went ahead in a time trial format. Next week, Lucas and TJ head to the first NEXC race of the series, and the excitement is just getting started! WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
1/15/25 • 52:20
Send us a textOn this week's episode, we kick off the 2025 season and reflect on how the holidays went while diving into the latest snowmobile activities we've been up to. We gear up for an action-packed weekend with races happening across the board East and West Cross Country, Snocross, and even Supercross are all making their return. The season is just getting started, and there's already so much to talk about! WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
1/8/25 • 67:57
Send us a textThis week, we dive into Lucas’ adventure at the first cross-country race of the year, Pine Lake 2024. The excitement builds as we gear up for the first Eastern race at ADXC Saranac Lake on January 11th. Plus, Snocross is in full swing, and TJ shares his anticipation for his debut at the legendary SOO I-500. WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
12/18/24 • 62:27
Send us a text This week, we dive into last year’s semi-pro races and reflect on the action-packed season. With Pine Lake just around the corner, the Vaadis are in full race mode, ironing out every last detail to secure a spot on the podium this year. Meanwhile, Snocross is back, and everyone’s getting the itch to race! WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
12/11/24 • 57:14
Send us a textIn this week’s episode, we’re joined by Ernie Bouthiette III and Kyle Such from DS Racing! We dive into their journey, the challenges they've faced, and their unique approach to snowmobile racing. From the track to the shop, Ernie and Kyle share their insights on what it takes to make it in the sport and what’s on the horizon for DS Racing. WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
12/4/24 • 85:13
Send us a textIn this week’s episode, we dive into the importance of health and fitness in snowmobile racing. Some of the top athletes in the world compete in this sport, and they understand that reaching the peak of their performance means focusing on every aspect of their training and lifestyle. We discuss how supplements can play a crucial role in enhancing your diet and improving your overall snowmobile racing experience. Tune in as we explore how to fuel your body for success on and off the track! WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
11/27/24 • 79:02
Send us a textOn this week’s episode, we chat about the excitement surrounding the upcoming season. We dive into some of last year’s cross-country racing results to get everyone hyped for the return of some big names to the cross-country scene. WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
11/20/24 • 69:51
Send us a textThis week, Chip Vaadi joins Lucas to discuss the upcoming season and the Polaris sleds we'll be riding. We take a deep dive into the Polaris 600R we’re converting into a cross-country ice LeMans mod sled. From initial setup to the custom modifications, we share our plans for getting ready to race.WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
11/13/24 • 51:13
Send us a textOn this week’s milestone 10th episode, we’re joined by the man, the myth, the legend: Chip Vaadi. Starting his racing career in the early nineties but riding sleds since he was a kid, Chip has done it all—from snocross to the 500, and even owning his own racing circuit, the Big East Snocross Tour (B.E.S.T.). We dive into his diverse snowmobiling background, but there’s too much knowledge and experience to fit into just one episode! We’re so proud to already be on our tenth episode, with many more to come!4oWWR Intro #1 W/ Music
11/6/24 • 77:32
Send us a text On this week’s episode, we dive into the upcoming season with a strong focus on ice racing. We discuss the versatility of cross-country snowmobiles and the different types of racing we’ll be tackling this year, including cross-country, pure ice, and even some hillcross action. Tune in for all the details as we gear up for a diverse and exciting season! WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
10/30/24 • 67:28
Send us a textOn this week’s episode, we dive into TJ and Molly's experience at the Epping/Fremont NH snowmobile event. TJ had the honor of representing cross-country racing at the factory Arctic Cat booth! We also catch up with Molly Nichols, discussing her past seasons and what’s coming next for her and Jackwagon Racing. WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
10/23/24 • 71:07
Send us a textOn this week’s episode, we dive into the upcoming winter season and break down the differences between East and West cross-country snowmobile racing. While there are many similarities, it’s great to see the unique variations between the circuits, all while keeping the focus on the riders.4oWWR Intro #1 W/ Music
10/16/24 • 68:39
Send us a textOn this week’s episode, we welcome New England professional racer Eric Gleich. Eric has been a well-known face on the racing scene for as long as we can remember. He shares his unique approach to cross-fit training and his extensive knowledge of snowmobiles. Eric’s excitement for the upcoming season is electric, especially with all the new sleds he’ll be rolling out of the trailer this year! WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
10/9/24 • 73:47
Send us a text On this week’s episode, we dive into the incredible support we’ve received from our sponsors and talk about some of the awesome products they offer. We share fun stories and experiences that come to mind when we think about each of them! WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
10/2/24 • 62:48
Send us a textThis week, we’re excited to have pro racer Dylan Thompson on the podcast! It’s always inspiring to hear from a fellow passionate East Coast pro cross-country rider. Dylan shares his journey from growing up around snowmobiles to rising through the ranks in cross-country racing. Not only is he a skilled rider, but he’s also a great guy and someone everyone should meet. Tune in for some valuable insights and a few laughs as we dive into his story! WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
9/26/24 • 96:35
Send us a textIn this week’s episode, TJ shares his experience traveling from Maine to Minnesota for Hay Days. He met with key players in the snowmobile industry, including fellow podcasters Spencer from The Carbide Podcast and the boys from The Shop Talk Podcast. TJ also got to witness the exciting snowmobile grass drags, pit bike, and ATV racing! Tune in as we recap some of his weekend adventure and dive into some great fan questions from Facebook.WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
9/18/24 • 77:12
Send us a textWelcome to the Why We Ride Podcast! I (Lucas Vaadi) start out by interviewing TJ Leach so that both you, the audience, and I can get to know him a bit more and learn about his history in the snowmobile industry. Thanks for listening!WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
9/12/24 • 67:06
Send us a textWelcome to the first episode of the Why We Ride Podcast! I (TJ Leach) start out by interviewing Lucas so that both you, the audience, and I can get to know Lucas more and learn about his history in the snowmobile industry. Thanks for listening!WWR Intro #1 W/ Music
9/5/24 • 53:03
Send us a text"I started spending more time in the mountains where all I did was ride". We all want to spend more time riding. To go out to the park, track, lake, or mountains and spend most of our time doing what we love. As often as we can, we make it happen, that is just what we do! Brandon spends his hard earned time in the mountains when the ground is frozen and work is slow. He has figured out like so many others to work hard when he can, put money aside and use it for what he loves to do. He's also found a career that will give him the time he needs to be out in the mountains progressing on his sled. Though not all of us are as fortunate with our careers, however there are enough backcountry athletes that make it happen, we see that it is possible to make it a reality.
12/22/22 • 34:15
Send us a textReally excited for today's episode. This is a refresher episode from 2021 with Skidoo Ambassador Pro Backcountry Sledder Cody McNolty. The conversation with Cody was so good, I spent around 3 hours with the guy and learned a ton. It was tough to break down which bits and pieces I felt were needed to share for 2023, but this episode is basically just that. If you have not already listened to the original episodes 34 and 35 from 2021, head back there and take a listen. Great value without a doubt. So this episode Cody does break down some amazing thought processes when it comes to being sponsorable. I mean why not learn from an individual that works hard on his passion. And yes... he is rewarded for his efforts. Enjoy!
12/15/22 • 58:08
Send us a text"I truly believe I can do it. Which other people may not think that... but I have faith in myself. I know if I work hard enough, I can!" I am truly convinced that once you set your mind to something, you can achieve it. Whatever goal it may be, whatever dream you desire, whatever outcome you crave, you are capable of making it a reality. The truth is, it takes a little bit of faith and a fair amount of hard work and anything is possible. The mindset of today's guest is a winner's mindset. Jayden is only 18, and in high school when this episode was recorded. This rockstar believes he has what it takes to become number 1! In today's episode we get a chance to dive into this dude's mind and dreams. With many wins under his belt, he is pushing the envelope in his industry and I am stoked to see how his future unfolds. This is a good one. Enjoy!
12/8/22 • 36:23
Send us a textI believe one of the most overlooked opportunities in an Action Sports career is relationship building. I have fallen short so many times in my career with relationships. From missed opportunities because I didn't believe (at the time) there was value in spending my time with individuals to completely leaving a door wide open and not stepping through because I didn't know how to overcome a personal challenge.Today my hope is that this episode will help move the needle in your life. I KNOW if it wasn't for building a relationship with certain individuals, my career would look very different today. It's because of others in my life and me taking action, I have built some amazing relationships that will be lifetime long and continue to serve me in the coming decade and further. The flip side is true too, I KNOW if I mess it up, my career could be over quickly. Fortunately I have a good feeling about the future.
12/1/22 • 25:49
Send us a text"Fort Hall Casino jumped on board and sponsored the film one year!" The opportunity to do more of what we love doing is closer than ever! Today's guest hops on and we get to learn more about the good old days previous to social media and what they had to do as a brand to create the content we so easily have at our fingertips, let alone in our pockets! What an advantage we have living today and being able to accomplish so many amazing goals and dreams. Duncan Lee is a crusader looking to enjoy his passion for riding snowmobiles and mountain bikes as often as possible. As we dive into this episode we get a glimpse of his life and what struggles and successes he's had as an Alpine Assassin.
11/17/22 • 49:02
Send us a text"I always knew I was going to be doing some things, in a specific niche". We all have a passion for the industry. We absolutely love doing what we do. And so many of us are chasing the rush of adrenaline, getting that dopamine hit as often as we can. That is what makes our industry so unique! So knowing what direction you want to take your life and even creating a career doing what you love is so awesome. Not many people really know what they want in life or they will chase different careers without knowing where they want to end up. That is why it's awesome to have Kyle with Snow Bike Nation hop on today's show and really talk about his drive for Snow Bike Nation, how it has consumed his life, in a good way. Tons of knowledge dropping in todays episode!
11/10/22 • 77:23
Send us a text"Someone recommended I try riding a Snowbike in 2011 and I laughed in their face!" It's funny to see what happens when we say one thing and then later in our life it ends up happening anyways! If we could just short cut the journey, I think we'd find ourselves more successful quicker! However, without learning how to pivot and make changes I don't believe we'd learn and grow. So watching JT's life continue to unfold and change each year has been awesome. Becoming friends with the once Timbersled Ambassador and now a Fox Rep and MTN.Top Snowbike Ambassador was a great idea. I've seen what happens when I leave a door closed, I usually miss an opportunity. But when I leave it slightly open, the world is my opportunity. And today we learn more about JT leaving the door open slightly and getting to reach his goals he's set for himself.
11/3/22 • 39:16
Send us a text"I ride pit bikes more than I ride big bikes". It's awesome to learn more about a rider and their background. So many things that otherwise are left unknown to a majority and yet they may be local legends. Quinn is one of those guys. On today's episode we get a better look at Quinn's life and how it began. Some funny stuff has gone on in that dude's life and it's still in the beginning. He has been influenced like most of us, from a sibling or parent to push ourselves and reach goals we set. Some of the best feelings in the world come from crushing it in your life and then helping others do that same. Quinn is a stellar dude and can't wait to have him back on the podcast in the future.
10/27/22 • 40:25
Send us a text"I did wheelie a Harley". Now that is not something most have ever seen let alone done in their lifetime! Greg though is not the typical MX rider either. A drive of passion and love for the industry has helped Greg shape his current career. Today you can see him blowing it up on social media with his content around bike builds, primarily 2-strokes. A bunch of us older guys and gals remember when 2-strokes were the only bikes you would consider buying. However, with demand in our economy and certain advantages, 4-strokes are now the bike to buy and race on the MX or SX track. There are tons of two strokes out there and Greg has found a passion picking them up, restorings them back to the way we saw them on the big screen, racing around the track, bringing back some nostalgia for each one of us and why we started riding in the first place. I'm stoked to hang with Greg and learn more about his lifestyle and career in the industry and cannot wait to see what comes next for this awesome dude.
10/20/22 • 42:48
