Brian's Blog



Little Ripper
Ran into this little ripper named Ryan last week at Top of the World in Laguna last week. He was super stoked to meet CG & I and we were stoked to meet him. It's not too often you see little guys riding mtb trails on their coaster brake bikes,... [more]

Oakley Test Session
Last week was spent testing out the second version of our 2011 Oakley mtb clothing. CG flew in as did Mattias Fredriksson from Sweden to take the shots for the catalog. The first day we did some runs here in Laguna Beach and then it was off to Palm Springs... [more]






    Brian Lopes has had an unprecedented 20 year career as a professional cyclist, he has been labeled by USA Today "Undisputedly the best all around world class cycling athlete". He has earned the prestigious title of Mountain Bike World Champion four times, first in 2001 soon after 9/11, Brian proudly worn the red, white and blue on the podium. Then again in 2002, 2005 and most currently, last year in 2007. Having raced BMX for most of his childhood, Brian learned how to ride a bike at the tender age of 4, turning Pro at the age of 17 and competing in the BMX circuit for 7 years before channeling all his efforts in 1993 to mountain biking. He has won over 19 titles in his mountain biking career; 9 National Championship titles, 6 UCI World Cup Championship and 4 World Championships. He has more UCI World Cup career wins than any other male mountain biker in the history of the sport.

    Lopes is one of the most recognizable names in the sport; known for his flawless style and winning results, he is an inspiration to bikers and action sport enthusiasts around the world. He was nominated in 2001 for an ESPY "Action sport Athlete of the Year", won two NEA (World Extreme Sports Award) for "Mountain Biker of the Year" in 2000 & 2001 and is featured in SONY PlayStation "Downhill Domination" as himself. And in 2008 he was inducted into the Mountain Bike and BMX Hall of Fame.

    Beyond the bicycle, in 2005 Brian became a published author when he co-wrote a book with long time friend Lee McCormack titled "Mastering Mountain Biking Skills" which has been printed in 6 different languages, with a second edition scheduled for 2009. He has several "signature" products out on the market; TLD signature knee guards Kenda signature tires "El Moco" , Sportsmobile Lopes55 and a signature Bell Helmet to come in 2009.

    In the off-season he enjoys riding his dirt bike. He also trains on his road bike, frequents the gym and gets some water time on his surf board, anything that poses a challenge he is willing to try. He is the son of Thomas Lopes, an electrician by trade, and his wife, Linda. He was nicknamed "Flyin' Brian" during his BMX years, describing his style-of jumping over jumps, that sometimes were only attempted by guys twice his age.

    Born Labor Day weekend on September, 6, 1971, Brian grew up in Mission Viejo, California. He currently resides in Laguna Beach, CA with wife Paula.

    His first bike was a Schiwnn Pixie, with a Rams football helmet on Brian hit the local BMX track in Orange and the rest is history.

    Current sponsors; Oakley, Bell, Marzocchi, Ibis, Kenda, Easton, Shimano, Hayes, Fizik, ODI, MRP, Sportsmobile and Troy Lee Designs.