Our Wild Stories – The Man in Pink and the Fedora
Season 2025, Episode 9
Featuring: Mike Buenting with Rudy Project, and Matt Miller with Base Performance
This Happier Camper Chat from Wildflower 2025 is packed with unbelievable excitement and insight into the evolution of triathlon. There isn’t a topic these two don’t touch!
Hear about Mike’s first Wildflower, Matt guiding blind and Down syndrome athletes, collegiate racing, and the incredible story of a dinner with the Gill family — where he attests the 70.3 concept was inspired by his passion for Wildflower.
Matt also shares a remarkably accurate history of how Wildflower began, a true testament to his love for the event and years of involvement in its legacy. While Mike talks about his first Wildflower Experience, being off the grid, and collegiate racing with his daughter, who recently graduated.
Together, Mike and Matt challenge the next wave of elite athletes — Sam Long, Kristian Blummenfelt, Lionel Sanders, Sam Laidlow, and Gustav Iden — to take on Wildflower. And wouldn’t everyone love to see Rudy Von Berg return to defend his title? The women’s field is also primed and ready to make their mark and add to the great history on the Stairway of Champions alongside Julie Moss, Andy Potts, Michellie Jones, Chris McCormack, Jesse Thomas, Heather Jackson, and many other great names.
Full of spontaneous stories, laughs, and triathlon legends, this episode is a wild and inspiring ride you won’t want to miss.
Listen on your way to work, during lunch, or out on a run — you’ll be glad you did.
Rudy Project Instagram: @rudyprojectna
Rudy Project Wing Dream Helmet
Rudy Project SpinHawk Edge Sunglasses
Base Performance Instagram: @baseperformance
Base Performance: https://baseperformance.com
Experience Wildflower: A Weekend Like No Other!
Wildflower is not just a race, it’s a full weekend festival. From live music spanning bluegrass to rock, to gourmet food trucks, yoga, and wine tastings, this event celebrates local culture while drawing athletes and visitors from around the globe.
Learn MoreAt its heart are iconic endurance events, including four triathlons from long distance to sprint distance, a gravel triathlon, a 20K trail run, 5K and 10K fun runs, and an open water swim. With family-friendly attractions, a kid’s race, and the stunning backdrop of Lake San Antonio, Wildflower is a can’t miss festival experience! Follow us on social media for the latest updates.
2025 Event Partners
We’re proud to partner with these great brands to bring you an incredible event experience. Whether you’re drenched in sweat, sitting around the campfire or immersed in music, you've worked hard to get there and deserve to have the best time possible.
Your Company can partner with Wildflower Experience to help celebrate one of the hottest California Endurance Sports tradition for over 35 years. Connect with over thousands of athletes from all over world to promote your Brand to this highly engaged and loyal audience.
