WFO. That's the best way to describe my Dirt Rider Extreme Job Interview. I don't think any of the applicants and Dirt Rider staff let off for 3 days straight. From dealing with the prick valets at Le Meridien to getting hopelessly lost in an overstuffed and speeding rental car with Mr. Red (Brian) and Mr. Blue (Derek), the interview was nothing short of an adventure.Without sounding like a wuss, the entire interview process was much more difficult than I expected. Even though there was no concrete plan it was soon obvious that the staff was serious about putting their next coworker and new associate editor through the paces. I don't know about the other guys, but my head was spinning trying to get through the pages and pages of writing samples, and my gut was in a knot during the drive out to the riding area. But that's a good sign for me because it shows I was serious about doing my best, and not taking anything for granted. Everyone, the staff and my fellow applicants, made the entire process a memorable one. I'm excited to hear who gets the job, and I hope it's me. I'm not one of those who says, "It was an honor to be picked." Of course it was, but this isn't an award show. It's my career and passion rolled into one. But it's out of my hands now, and I'm satisfied that I gave it my all.Thanks for everything, and hopefully I'll be unpacking my gear bag in L.A. soon.
Dan, a.k.a. Mr. BrownWhat readers should know about some of the staff (I didn't get to hang with Jean or Sean other than dinner)Joe: Joe is not a beginner as he told me during lunch. The guy is an amazing off-road rider, and apparently extremely modest. I'm not embarrassed to I was too afraid to drop into a steep, rocky and dryslick ravine that he easily navigated. Beginner, my ass. And for the record I let him catch up to me in the rocky and dusty downhills. *My other lame excuse is that I wasn't familiar with the bike, and he knew the trails. Whatever.Jesse: He's kind of like Joe's partner in crime. Jesse's the guy who either gets you hooked up with the ladies at the bar, or in a fight with the boyfriends of the hotties you were trying to pick up. His Chevy truck's catalytic converter is on its last leg, and the sounds ruminating from within are a source of embarrassment for the normally unflappable Montanan.Karel Kramer: For the record, his name is not pronounced "Carol." It's basically pronounced "Carl". Karel is Mr. Laidback, and has a million benchracing stories, most of which were self-deprecating even though I know he's more skilled as a rider and writer than he lets on. I was surprised he answered my questions about famous racers and industry types without hesitation and brutal honesty. That alone makes him a good guy in my book.Last, but not least: Jimmy Lewis. My father "warned" me about Jimmy. Said he was a no-bullshit type of guy, and that I should seriously consider calling him "Sir" or "Mr. Lewis." I think the label "workaholic" is respectfully appropriate. I asked the Dirt Rider staff what they thought about the boss, and they all said pretty much the same thing (probably out of fear I'd write what I'm writing). Jimmy is not afraid to say what's on his mind, he's fair, tough, demanding, has a out-of-left field sense of humor, and likes his Pabst Blue Ribbon. His wife Heather is as cool as they come, and the story of how they met is a classic.
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