Moterra SL: It Was a Sweet Launch

Launching an all-new mountain bike is as fun as it is challenging. The planning never ends, the targets keep shifting, the paperwork piles up – and that’s only what starts after years of intensive design, development, and engineering to bring it to life in the first place.

So what does it actually take to pull off a new bike launch? After the successful introduction of our new Moterra SL in Portugal a few weeks ago, we did a retrospective with some of those who made it happen: Cannondale’s Senior Mountain Bike Marketing Manager, Mike Marro; Founder and Manager of local-experts-for-hire WERIDE, João Mourão and João Gomes; and legendary shredder and Cannondale Ambassador, Josh “Ratboy” Bryceland.

Mike Marro, Senior Mountain Bike Marketing Manager for Cannondale:

Q: What’s your role all about?

Q: Had you ever ridden in Portugal before, or even been to Portugal before? What did you think of the launch trip?

A: I have always heard about how cool the riding was in Portugal, and have a few friends that have done MTB vacations there before, but I’ve never ridden in Portugal. Other than layovers in Lisbon, this was my first opportunity to spend time checking out trails, riding with locals (our guides from WERIDE), and some other global Cannondale teammates. It was awesome. The trails in Terras do Bouro, north of the city of Braga, were so amazing. A mix of exposed rock slabs, rollers, drops – very raw and natural at the higher elevations. But as we descended into the forest, the soil was a great mix of loam and hardpack, and the trails the local crews have been developing are super fun and challenging for all skill levels.

Q: What were the challenges of putting this all together? Were there any challenges specific to Braga or the trails there, compared to other major MTB destinations?

A: Well, any time you are hosting global media for a press event, there are always challenges behind the scenes: arranging travel, accommodations, shipping bikes, building bikes and storing them, etc., but I could not be more thankful for the hard work that my Cannondale colleagues put in from logistics and beyond. By the time our guests arrived we were ready to rock and roll.

Q: Was this launch different than others you’ve been a part of?

A: Every launch is different, but there was something really special about this one. We set out to ensure that we provided the right balance of experiences. Instead of massive corporate presentations, we kept that stuff minimal and allowed for interaction between staff, team riders, and editors. It was an amazing experience for sure, and I feel everybody’s personalities were an authentic embodiment of Cannondale’s brand personality as a whole.

Q: Any big surprises along the way good or bad?

A: In a way, the biggest surprise for lots of us was how fun this beast (Moterra SL) is to ride. We know our engineers are some of the best in the business, but it was still shocking what they were able to achieve. You get the best bits of e-bike power, combined with aggressive trail bike ride feel, without that weighted push you can feel when riding eMTBs hard, especially downhill. Another surprise was how hospitable the locals in Braga were, and how fantastic our guide group was. We're all super grateful to Gomes and all the Joãos (inside joke as three of four guides’ first names were João!), although I think I have had my fair share of Bacalao for a while!

Josh “Ratboy” Bryceland, Professional Mountain Biker and Cannondale Brand Ambassador:

Q: Is it true it was kind of your idea to do the event in Braga?

A: I guess so!

Q: Why Braga? Why Portugal?

A: I just love the country. The terrain is phenomenal and so are the people and culture. My first downhill race outside of the UK was in Portugal back in 2005. We raced a Maxxis Cup in Gouveia. I really like it as a preseason destination for the good winter climate, and have come back pretty much every year of my DH career.

Q: Did previous experiences inspire you to do a dream shoot there?

A: Yeah, I have ridden all over Portugal, but there’s something about the north. There is the most rainfall there, so I guess it feels most like home away from home (the UK).

Q: What is it about the terrain here that you love?

A: The huge, rounded boulders are just so striking. It makes me wonder how they got there. Some look like they have been placed. So rad!

Q: Follow-up to above: Does that make for great eMTB riding?

A: For sure. The traction on the granite allows some rad climbing lines, as well as fun descending.

Q: Do you plan to come back?

A: Yes, please.

Q: Do you see this as a training ground of sorts as you dabble again with World Cup?

A: Haha we will see!!!

João Mourão (Founder) and João Gomes (Northern Regional Manager) of WERIDE, a Portugal-based MTB tour guide operation Cannondale leveraged for the launch:

Q: Why did you decide to set up WERIDE here in Portugal?

A: WERIDE is a team of passionate people that are proud of their country, its history, and its culture. We're about giving other passionate riders from all over the world the thrill and stoke of mountain biking. Providing unique experiences and memories from Portugal and its trails. That’s our focus.

Q: How long have you been organizing tours in the Terras de Bouro region of Portugal?

A: Terras de Bouro is our main spot up north, and WERIDE North started in late 2018. It’s now one of three base camps of WERIDE.

Q: What is it about the terrain here that you love?

A: The north of Portugal is more mountainous, and here you feel the amazing experience of riding in nature more. The trails are mint, with loamy hero dirt and grippy rocks.

Q: What makes the terrain great for eMTB riding?

A: Grip and lightness is what we look for when riding an eMTB. This dirt and the rocky boulders made of textured granite are the perfect terrain for this new superlight Moterra SL. This combo is what it’s all about.

30.9 km | 1,121 m | 22.5% Max Grade

Q: Favorite trails? Segments? Features?

A: The variety of trails is great, but Rosa trail and Syndicate trail will stand out for trail riding with an eMTB. Features like steep and grippy boulders, and "in the woods" sections, or riding along with wild horses, are always memorable and unforgettable.

Q: Did you know of Josh Bryceland, or were you fans of his before showing him the trails here?

A: Everyone “knows" Josh, at least ones that love mountain biking. He is unique and his personality stands out from all the professional riders out there. We did not know him personally before this media camp event, but really feel that he will be our dude here in Terras de Bouro.

Q: How was it working with him?

A: When work feels like playing around, and your goals and results surpass your expectations, you know you are working with Josh. We had one of our best experiences working with him, such a professional dude. He gave us what normally we give to others as mountain bike guides: even more stoke about riding!