Take for example Scott Griffin, national sales manager for the Specialty department, who’s ridden motorcycles for 30 years, and sport bikes for the last five. Scott gets invaluable experience from his riding: “I’m able to talk to customers and consumers about our products from firsthand knowledge. I don’t have a sales pitch that is memorized - I can actually deal with questions and nuances posed by consumers.” But for Scott, the real benefits of riding are more intangible. “I enjoy the rush you get from riding as well as the independence you feel while riding on the road. Riding helps to clear my mind, as it takes total mental concentration. I’m usually more mentally tired than physically,” he told MaxxDaddy.

Tire Design and Development Engineer Dan Moss is a professional triathlete, competing in about 12 contests per year. Because triathlons call for swimming and running as well as cycling, they’re among the most demanding races that any sport can offer. But Dan has another take: “As intimidating as triathlons can sound at first, it is probably the best sport(s) you can do for your overall health and fitness. Cycling is by far my favorite of the three sports, even though I have been a runner for well over ten years now. Riding your bike just gives you a sense of freedom and accomplishment unlike any I have experienced from running. It’s even better when you are able to say that you’ve ridden your bike further this week than you have driven all week.”

Dan believes that his racing career is an asset to his work at Maxxis: “As the tire design engineer for bicycle, it is critical that I understand our products and what can be different for future tires. Firsthand experience and knowledge is the best way to learn. I do several group rides during the week and can get great feedback about road and cyclocross products. I occasionally come across the mountain biker doing a road ride and can speak with them, too. It’s a lot easier for these guys to communicate with me about the tires when they know I participate in it as well. But one of the most important parts in helping me with my job is simply attending events and speaking with riders about our tires.”

As if his triathlon schedule weren’t enough, he’s also raced cyclocross this past season – riding Maxxis all the way. “I ride the Maxxis Columbiere on my road bike. On my triathlon bike I use the Courchevel. The reason is that the Columbiere is quite simply a great all-around tire, perfect for putting lots of miles in various conditions on them. As for the Courchevel, it’s a great tire, too. It’s a fast, lightweight tire, which is perfect for a TT bike. On my cyclocross bike, I ride the new Raze tires. These tires are perfect cyclocross tires for their effective rolling on pavement, plus the tire’s ability to handle the trails and mud.”

Scott Newby has ridden motorcycles for 15 years, and he’s raced in motocross/supercross, supermoto, GNCC’s and hare scrambles. “I really enjoy the competition, the adrenaline rush, and the friends you make racing or riding,” he said. “The racing helps me set and accomplish goals, plus it’s a good way to relieve stress!”