POV: Brendan Fairclough’s Canyon Gap – Red Bull Rampage 2013

Check out the official Red Bull Rampage site for more videos, photos, and a host of awesome interactive features.

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2014′s Hottest Race Bikes: XC, Enduro and DH

If you’re wanting to get into mountain bike racing, whether of the cross-country, enduro or downhill flavour, there are plenty of bikes that are ready to race from the shop floor or box. No changes necessary, these bikes are fully kitted out with the products that make each excel at its chosen discipline. So you can spend more time racing and less time setting up. That’s if you’ve got the funds, of course…

The Spark is a long-time favourite of cross-country racers, combing a tight suspension platform with a light build and fast handling. Scott lead the way with carbon fibre and the heart of the bike is a HMX carbon frame with a four bar suspension configuration.

Their TwinLoc technology, a remote handlebar lever operating the Fox Nude shock, lets you easily switch between the three available suspension settings on-the-fly. So you can flick the lever to lock out the shock on the climbs, open it up fully on the descents, or into ‘traction’ mode when you want it a bit firmer.

£5,599.00 is a shedload of cash but you do get a bike decked out with some bling parts, and that ensures the bike is pretty svelte on the scales. And of course ensures it is ready to race anything. The 23lb weight will give you a fighting chance on the hills. SRAM’s XX groupset offers slick shifting and Shimano XTR disc brakes handle the braking duties. Syncros XR RC 29in wheels are shod with Schwalbe Rocket Ron treads. It’s a package that offers you few excuses other than you’ve not been training hard enough.

Price: £5,599
More information: Scott Spark 900 RC

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2013 Red Bull Rampage: Impressions

AGGY
Every year after Rampage you leave thinking “That was the craziest shit I have ever seen, it can’t get any gnarlier than that!”. But it does, time and time again, and this year was no exception. For the grip full of athletes that are out there to win, we’re literally putting our lives on the line and I know that a lot of us feel that the risk to reward ratio is never in our favour.

On finals day my crew was up at 5am working on my line, I got to the site at 7am and look up to see headlamps and a stone saw roaring through the Mesa. They were working on the line pretty much to the point right before I had to drop in, they were easily one of the most dedicated crews out there. Working on not one but two separate lines simultaneously, from sun up to sun down every day.

It was an emotional week for me, so many highs and lows and not only physically but mentally exhausting as well. I can’t thank my crew enough, Taylor, Brad, and Matty. Also Sterl, Shandro and Sorge for coaching me. Rampage will forever be on my bucket list – came pretty close this year but there’s always next!

T MAC
Going into Rampage this year I planned on not holding back an ounce, I wanted to win. I found a drop that I wanted to incorporate into my line that I can confidently say I believe was bigger than the Icon Sender, and it was dirt to dirt. My crew and I started building and the nerves started to sink in. I was confident in my line though and felt that it had the potential of getting me onto the podium. Come finals day I was more confident than ever until I woke up to howling winds and word that I would have to drop first. There was no practice that morning because we were all afraid of dropping in the wind. My first run was the first time I rode a lot of that stuff, and my confidence wasn’t all there as I was just waiting for the wind to push me around off of my drops.  

After loosening up a bit in my first run, I felt better and was ready to ride the way I had originally anticipated for my second run. I flipped one of my step downs like I wanted and was planning on no handering the big dirt to dirt drop that followed it, but I guess I still had the wind in the back of my mind and left my hands on the bars. It was still enough to bump my score up 5 points though and I was beyond thrilled to be less than 2 points away from first place. In the end, that second run didn’t end up counting because not everyone was able to drop in for their second runs due to wind, and I had a real weird feeling about that score being taken away from me. However, there’s no real way around that rule and I understand that that’s the way it had to be. Getting top 5 two years in a row with no crashes still feels like a win to me and I already can’t wait for next year. I’ll be back hungrier than ever in 2014.

BEARCLAW
I had an interesting way to see the Red Bull Rampage this year, spectating rather than competing. Though I would rather of been shredding with my buds I still enjoyed being there to see all my friends shred and for the unfortunate ones who went down. I still favour the natural hand built lines and always will for this event, but ya can’t deny how rad it was to see Zink stomp that backflip. It was really weird to only have used the first runs, since the wind and injuries prevented the rest of the boys from doing their second runs. It would of been even weirder if Semenuk and Aggy would of stomped their second runs. All in all I thought this year’s event kicked ass, the boys gave it their all despite the elements and for nothing else than respect from you and me.   McGAZZA
After a few shocking Rampages in the past, I went into the 2013 Rampage wanting to set the record straight and make it through the Red Bull arch at the bottom of the course without plowing my face into the dirt or breaking any bones. The course was so rad this year, the crew did a great job and it was cool to be a part of the event and ride the crazy stuff they built. Standing on the Rampage podium with Kyle and Cam was a massive career highlight for me and I can’t wait for next year’s event! LACONDEGUY
For my second run, I think I’ll just throw a grenade at the judges tent and fly back home…nah, I’m kidding.CHUBEY
It’s kind of weird how they bring all this wood and stuff into the desert and build it, it’s super sick because it opens so many more opportunities, but I’m not going to say I’m against it because I’m hitting some of it, but it’s definitely different and I know it’s like a huge expense to put it up. NORBS
It would be nice to have a couple extra days to lessen the stress, and to get more riding time. Getting a line together with a just a couple of days is tough. Everyone is taking risks out there, like building, hanging out on the edges of cliffs and they can’t even get lunch. It’s sad. Everybody is risking their lives and I don’t feel like anyone has really be rewarded as much as they should be. It is a really fun event to be around, as much as it is gnarly and stressful, it is still something that is really fun to be a part of with everybody. STRAIT
With all of the new riders coming up its hard not to get wrapped up on all the new tricks they can do. I try to stay focused on the experience that I have over them and the tricks I can do. So much has changed but not all of it. Back in the day I realized that Claw did so well because he had his 5 tricks on lock down and could do them on anything. I have tried to take that and run with it.  ZINK
Another weird contest day in 2013. It rained all day Thursday while I was in the hospital for 8 hours, then Friday and Saturday were the most perfect weather we’ve ever had out there. Sunday morning it was howling at 6 am and nobody could practice before finals started. We all just did speed runs and warmed up a bit. It was in T Mac’s hands, the first rider to drop, whether the contest would start or not. He took the leap of faith and crushed it! All the first runs were absolutely ridiculous. This year marked by far the most variety, flow, skill and size that Rampage has ever had.

Strait and I had a winning line with the steepest section on the mountain, some flow and step downs, then into the biggest air on the mountain. We knew if we nailed it, it would be really hard to beat. He rode that line like he was doing A Line laps…so steezy and made it look easy. And we both agreed that drop is much much bigger than it looks making it probably the biggest drop ever done. After the second runs started it got way too windy after a couple injury delays. After freezing and getting blown for hours, the organizers decided to call it and we were all safe. Bitter sweet because like most people, I wanted a second run to go for the win, but not in that wind. It’s hard being a competitor because even though I was lucky to be riding after they wanted to cut my leg open and do surgery a couple days prior, I still was crushed the last couple days to not have a second run and to have blown the bottom of my first run. As for all the judging discrepancies, Strait chose that line because it was a winning line and he could have ridden anyone else’s line on the mountain better than them. He trained for this event by eating salad the whole week leading into it.”

WESTERLUND
This year there was a level of intensity at Rampage that I had never felt before, people were going big and pushing themselves like never before. The boys came to play and it was serious business from moment one. Losing the practice day added an extra edge. Nobody had the time to get comfortable on their lines. The biggest take off on the Sender was landed by Strait and Zink literally minutes before dark the night before finals. If Strait wasn’t the absolute beast that he is his first attempt could have went drastically wrong. He square tagged the lip of the landing. Most humans would have got bucked and scorpioned their way onto a spine board – but somehow he rode it out and we all breathed a sigh of relief.

For me it was an emotional roller coaster. I love all the dudes out there like family and watching some of them push the limits is exhausting. When Zink landed that backflip in finals I honestly shed a tear. I was so happy that he was safe and not going to be in a wheelchair or a hospital bed when he held his daughter for the first time. Watching Logan and Chubey get carted off left an ominous vibe during the second round and the wind was maybe mother nature’s way of telling the boys to settle down a notch, be smart and keep their egos in check. I think it was super smart and mature of everybody to make the call to tap out. There was camaraderie around the decision and it was done for all the right reasons. Shows our sport is growing up and everybody wants to live to ride another day. 

Final thoughts: T Mac and Andreu did get robbed but they took it like men and it shows great character amongst the competition. Aggy is a bad ass dude and to me is the epitome of freeriding.

MONTGOMERY
2013 Red Bull Rampage, I just wanted to survive it. For 2014 I’m going for it!VANDERHAM
This year’s Rampage was definitely a new experience for me. After digging hard for 4 days with a great build crew I took a big crash the evening before finals and took myself out of the competition. For the first time ever I was just another spectator on Sunday and that gave me a new perspective on the contest, both good and bad.

As per every previous Rampages the riding was ridiculous. The amount that guys push it every year never ceases to amaze. Earlier in the week I was speaking to Kelly McGarry about the canyon gap and he was telling me that he was having trouble getting enough speed to clear it, then out of nowhere he’s flying over it upside down! Zink was in Rampage mode as always and a ton of other guys had awesome (and near awesome) performances (McCaul, Agassiz, Strait and Andreu to name a few). I really can’t say enough about what we as athletes go through every year at the Rampage, the nerves, the crashes, the elements…it an absolute man vs mountain war out there. 

The big question mark for me after Sunday was the cancellation of the second runs. The finals at Rampage are a two run format for very good reason and it’s a format that has been guarded and treated like the law at the past 7 Rampages. In 2010 during the second finals run a storm rolled in while I was in the start gate waiting to drop. The contest was put on hold for almost 2 hours and the event organizers made their way to the top of the course and met with all of the riders. The message was clear: “We will stay here until dark and we will come back tomorrow if that’s what we have to do to get through these second runs.”  Since I crashed in my first run, I was very happy to hear that coming from the people in charge. Watching on Sunday it was very clear that priorities have changed. I can only speculate as to what the motivation was to cancel the event with almost 2 hours of day light left (keeping in mind that Monday is also a scheduled weather day). I feel badly for the 9 or so riders left at the top who were robbed of the chance to redeem a first run mistake or to better their score. But I feel sick for all the riders who DID drop in for a second run. Some of them bettered their score just to have it taken away, some walked away from crashes that could have been a lot worse, and some took crashes that they couldn’t walk away from. All of them put their health on the line for what turned out to be a null run and I don’t think that’s right.

BUEHLER
I left Rampage feeling strange due to the final call, as the call was made the mega gusty wind calmed down and we all realistically could have rode, it felt weird, like budgets and logistics weren’t in our favor, completely understandable given the location, and production of the event. I wasn’t stoked the organizers never called an official remaining riders meeting with all the riders to discuss the options, however, it was said it had to be called at 5pm due to a storm brewing and needing to get spectators out of there before it hit (there was lightning and a storm in the distance). No one really wanted to ride that day to begin as it was howling in the morning, but we all cooperated and marched to the top in the morning to hopefully keep things on schedule. It’s terrible for Andreu who got bumped off the podium, and Doerfling from 10th, and T Mac from 4th to 5th after – I think all scores should have counted not just run 1 for the final tally. It’s mountain biking and weather is always a factor in the mountains, but again, a tough call, just hard to not reward someone after risking their life and laying it down like those boys did. It seemed like a lot of pressure on everyone under bad circumstances, and timing restraints, and I keep kicking my self and I’m totally pissed and embarrassed I was a part of the riders who were sitting up there and walked down. What’s done is done, and in all reality it was a safe call.

Besides, it’s not like it wasn’t a hell of a show, mega props to Zink, McGarry, Strait and everyone out there going for it, especially under the circumstances presented at the start of the day. If everyone was given another run there is no way the show wouldn’t have been finished. Bottom line, I think it’s a show to help the progression of the sport, to help mountain biking grow, the spectators to get pumped and inspired, and for the riders to have an opportunity to push themselves, express their style, and at the end of the day for everyone to have fun. Once people were stacking and it was getting sketchy and super windy no one was having much fun anymore, at some point earlier in the day that was all accomplished…so it’s not to necessary to dwell on the ‘what ifs’. Once again, Rampage went off and everyone involved should feel proud!

KINRADE
Rampage will always have a special place in my heart, however I would really like to see these events go back towards the athletes a little more. I think the athletes have been calling that out for a while. If everything else that was here left, the riders would still be here. As much as we do need certain parts of all this to help us, there’s nothing here that we actually need to just ride our bikes. ROBINSON
Only three days to dig and practice makes it pretty insanely difficult. Rampage for me growing up was the one event growing up where you can be original and different, now that we are only given three days, basically the course builders have built multiple lines and built features and so many lines are left behind from previous years that they are almost forcing you to use what is already there, which is taking away from the originality of the whole event itself. It doesn’t really stick out the same as Rampage used to, it’s becoming just another contest. Every slopestyle event is dangerous, but the exposure, wind and all the elements can really be the end all and to not have enough time to practice and know your lines is really dangerous. SORGE
This year’s Rampage was the first one I have sat on the sidelines for since I started competing in the event. All week it was leading up to be the best yet. The lines that were getting built were insane, all week the excitement and nerves were building and building. Huge guinea pigs were going down and massive crashes.

When it came down to it the guys just didn’t have enough time to practice their whole lines for finals. This isn’t unusual for Rampage but from experience I know it sucks to have to go for it in your run. But when it came down to it everyone rode extremely well and there was many potential winning runs. T Mac’s line was a big stand out, one of my favourite lines of the comp. Semenuk – if he would have landed his run would have been tough to beat, as well as Aggy’s. He came one step down away from taking the title. Zink too, if he would have finished off his run like he wanted to it would have been insane and probably a first place run. But that is one of the biggest things for Rampage…you need to make it to the bottom. The runs that were completed were amazing and it sucks for the guys who bettered their scores in their second runs. No way in my mind should any runs at Rampage be wiped clear. If you risk your life putting a run together there should be no way someone can take that away from you. That rule might work for dirt jump comps and slopestyles but it shouldn’t be for Rampage. If Semenuk or Aggy would have landed their runs I am almost positive that wouldn’t have gone down.

Also to call the contest like that because of costs seems dumb. All the riders and diggers are there on their on dime. We don’t have huge budget where we can afford to put everyone up and feed them all. You’d think the event would at least put up the riders and diggers. But nope, the diggers aren’t even entitled to breakfast or lunch on the hill. Working sunrise to well into the night sometimes, essentially making the contest happen. But of course it was windy and a huge factor in why the contest was called. I have mad respect for everyone that rode and was nervous to see all my friends send it so hard. It was a great Rampage and I look forward to the next one!

GULLY
Rampage is always the gnarliest event of the year…and continuously getting gnarlier.

It’s funny seeing and hearing about the build up before hand from other riders. Everyone is actually on the big bikes ‘training’ for Rampage. I know I for one had a few things I wanted to get locked in for this year. After being at the past three Rampages at the same venue, it was obvious that it wasn’t your average run down the face that was going to take it. You needed some high consequence moves in risky locations. I was set to have a flip step-down and a 3-drop in my run. I found them both, nailed them both in practice, however, after that nearly season ending hit I took Saturday, I couldn’t keep my marbles in check and hold it together for Sunday.

I don’t know if the progression in this one zone is a good thing or just terrifying. Next year you aren’t going to be able to get points on the board unless you do something ridiculous. People are getting so desensitized to us hanging our necks out there for a TV show and a couple bucks, I think the event has to find a new location with less man-made features to take it back to what it was all about: riding bikes down the unthinkable and looking badass while doing it. But whatever, a few words aren’t going to stop it…and I ain’t going to stop either.

CAM McCAUL
With this being the 4th year holding the event at the new venue, the creativity was through the roof on a whole new level. Tougher lines, ridden faster, with more tricks in more places. Everyone was getting the bugs worked out in Run 1 and it was already clear that this was going to be the biggest and baddest Rampage in history. With everybody looking to push the envelope in Run 2, unfortunately some of our soldiers began to drop. With a couple delays to get our buddies helicoptered to safety, the clock began to tick on our weather window. At a certain point, mother nature decided our time had expired. A decision was made that the wind wasn’t going to improve and the rest of the event was cut short. It was a bittersweet moment for everyone involved. Some who stomped their 2nd runs realized that these improved scores wouldn’t count. Others who broke bones in an attempt to better their scores, realized that their failed Hail Marys were essentially thrown after the buzzer. I was in a position where I had more in the tank, but didn’t get a chance to dump it out.

At the end of the day, I think we all realized, regardless of what place we ended up in, we do this more for ourselves than anything else. Rampage is all about setting personal goals and working for a week straight to accomplish them. It’s an excuse to spend time in the desert with friends and push the limits of a sport we love. The emphasis is to have as many riders as possible pull their runs, and as few riders as possible be helicoptered out. But with a strong steady headwind, it got to a point where it looked like there would have been a lot more helicopter traffic if the event continued. It wasn’t ideal, but mother nature is an unpredictable force, and sometimes she makes the rules. Thanks to everyone who makes this event possible, there’s nothing else in the world like it, and we can’t wait to get back out there next year!

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Strength Training for Mountain Biking

How to increase your strength without feeling sore and tired on the trail…

James Wilson is well known in the mountain bike world for training athletes at the World Cup and Olympic level, but he’s also got some great tips for the everyday rider. With the winter season firmly upon us, you might be looking for the secret weapon to keep you faster than your riding buddies when springtime comes along…

One of the paradoxes of strength training for mountain biking is that in order to get strong you need to lift heavy stuff – but lifting heavy stuff can leave you sore and tired. If you are sore and tired then you can’t ride as effectively, which isn’t what you want from you workouts. This means that finding a way to build strength without affecting your riding is a key to a good mountain bike strength training program.

One of my favorite methods for this purpose are Rep Ladders. Rep Ladders have you stick with the same weight each set but step up the number of reps each set. Once you reach the highest number of reps you drop back down to the first rung on the Rep Ladder and repeat.

For example, if I wanted to use Rep Ladders for the DB Clean and Press I’d pick a weight I could get for 5-6 reps and then do a 2/3/5 Rep Ladder sequence. If I did this sequence twice it would look like this…

Set 1 – 2 reps
Set 2 – 3 reps
Set 3 – 5 reps
Set 4 – 2 reps
Set 5 – 3 reps
Set 6 – 5 reps

You want to rest as long as you need to in order to give a high quality effort on the next set. Don’t make the mistake so many riders do and try to turn everything into a form of cardio training.

With this workout I was able to get 20 high quality reps in with only a couple of sets feeling “hard”. I’m increasing my strength from the volume of work done but I’m doing it in a way that doesn’t take the body to the edge every set.

This means you won’t feel nearly as beat up as if you had maxed out every set and tried to do something like 4 sets of 5 reps, which would give you the same 20 reps but would leave you far more sore and tired the next day.

Remember that as athletes you are after quality movement practice with your strength training sessions and Rep Ladders are one of the best ways to keep that quality high without placing excessive wear and tear on your body in the process.

In this video I  go over Rep Ladders and show you how they would look in action with the DB Clean and Press.

Try this workout next time you train, starting with going through the Rep Ladder sequence twice and working up to five times. You’ll find your strength and endurance will increase without making you sore and tired in the process. And this will lead to the ultimate improvement – having more fun on the trail.

If you have any questions about using Rep Ladders just post a comment below and I’ll do my best to answer them. And if you liked this article and video please click one of the Like or Share buttons to help spread the word.

Until next time…
Ride Strong,
James Wilson

MTB Strength Training Systems is the world leader in integrated performance training programs for the unique demands of mountain biking. As the strength and conditioning coach for World Cup Teams and 3 National Championships, his programs have been proven at the highest levels. James has helped thousands of riders just like you improve their speed, endurance and skills on the trail. Visit bikejames.com to sign up for the free Trail Rider Fundamentals Video Mini-Course.

How do you plan to keep your strength and fitness up over winter?

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Adolfo Almarza: Be Determined

As a sports commentator, I see many athletes, from professional to grassroots riders, fighting their own personal battles to the finish line. More often than not, those battles are temporary and can be usually be fixed with replacing a component on a bike or taking pain medication for an injury. For Chilean rider Adolfo Almarza, the daily challenge of being a double amputee professional downhill racer is greater than most of us will face in our lifetime and it is one of the most inspiring stories in our sport. Adolfo at the start house for the Garbanzo DH 2013. Photo credit: Scott Robarts

I was so pleased when I saw Adolfo Almarza competing in his second Crankworx in Whistler, Canada this year. At an early age, Adolfo tragically lost both his legs in a road traffic accident but his disability has only made him stronger and he’s now riding faster and going bigger than many able-bodied riders.

If I can, you can too. I invite you to be determined – Adolfo Almarza
During Crankworx this year, Adolfo proved to be an instant hit with the crowds. When co-commentator Brad Jay and I announced Adolfo was on track during one of the races, the crowd turned their gaze up towards Whistler Mountain to watch this truly inspirational athlete tear down the track and cheer him on across the finish line. Competing in the Pro category during the week-long event, Adolfo raced the Garbanzo DH and Air DH where he secured impressive times in both races. Riding a bike is a helluva lot harder when you’re relying on prosthetic legs to get down the track. Adolfo Almarza taking the high left line through In Deep. Photo credit: Colin Meagher

At the Crankworx Whip Off World Championships, Adolfo styled it up alongside freeriders and downhillers. Hitting up Crabapple Hits, he left a trail of dropped jaws in the crowd below and behind him. By the end of the week, Adolfo’s achievements had made him a true Whistler legend and a true inspiration to us all.

Adolfo getting a tune-up. Photo credit: Claudio Olguin

You can follow Adolfo on Facebook or learn more about him and his achievements via his website.

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Steffi’s China – Part Three – Wonder Wall

ALL THE WONDERS OF THE ORIENT

What do paper money, the compass and fireworks all have in common? Well they’re all marvellous things to have come out of China. And you get the impression there’s more to come, especially for the bike industry. Officially closed to foreign visitors until 1974, China now seems on the verge of a tourism explosion… currently the third most visited place in the world. There’s so much to see, so much opportunity and so many interesting, friendly people. Pinkbike only had 10 days to strike the mountain bike gold with Steffi and while we found the good stuff (further evidenced this episode) it was a big regret we didn’t have longer to cover all the spots we were hearing about across the land. Nevertheless, here we are lucky enough to be riding mountain bikes in China one last time, in the final installment of our grand adventure scoping out the many wonders of the Orient…

So from our Beijing stronghold we headed northwest, stopping a little short of Inner Mongolia at a mighty ski resort in the making. Currently with one solitary lift, Chongli aims to have 22 before you can say ‘Shénshèng de gou shi ‘ (holy sh*t) and a plethora of upmarket hotels to back up the development. It is massively remote, a stone’s throw from absolutely nowhere. And well, it seemed our visit was in the nick of time before the place went into hibernation for a long winter.

I didn’t know 3 hours north of Beijing we would feel so close to the eskimos! Deep snow, poisonous animals and I didn’t bring my thermals…or snake bite antidote– Steffi
‘Through the clouds’… Great trail name, but there were none to fog our lenses on this bluebird day. We’d heard too many over the top warnings of the cold so far on our trip to take them seriously and were glad to have been travelling light… until this point. Chongli was absolutely far-gone polar and all that crying wolf left us in shorts and rain jackets in an arctic tundra.

Anyway, one good thing is how at this point on a journey like this you suddenly become aware of the amazing bond of professionalism that has developed between rider and photographer. A genuine respect…You’re doing your job… I’m doing mine. A sense of ‘we’re nearly there; lets focus and see it through, behaving in as streamlined a manner as possible.’

I can’t imagine a better first day of winter. Riding across the frost with no people for hundreds of miles around. It was like carving big turns on skis down the countless switchbacks! A few more tracks like this at Chongli and the bikers will start to outnumber the skiers in future seasons! Steffi

There’s a super inspiring atmosphere to these ancient courtyards. Although it couldn’t be busier, it feels like an island in the middle of the capital, where despite all the political and religious history there’s a deeply spiritual vibe among these temples – Steffi




When I first set foot in the night market I was excited by all the beautiful red lanterns and all the nice Asian jewelry. At second glance I quickly turned pale at the thought that anyone would eat such things. My eyes were met by a Chinese chef in a white overall, sliding live baby scorpions onto skewers Steffi

The feeling of a scorpion claw cracking between my teeth was worse than any bike crash for me haha! As much as I didn’t want to disappoint anybody, I also absolutely didn’t want to eat that spikey, black, chilli-topped, delicacy. No offense to these great chefs of Beijing! Steffi

To say I was impressed by The Great Wall is a true understatement. The word ‘epic’ has come to irritate me badly, but for once I was speechless to say something else as I looked out over it – Steffi

On our climb to the wall we found a sign which said, ‘Take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints’. Well we I guess we left our tire prints instead – Steffi

It’s always so sad when you come to the end of road on any adventure, but not this time because I’m definitely far from finished with China – Steffi
Many Xièxiès (thank yous) are due to Travis Ott and Larry Wang at Trek Bicycles as well Karl Burkat and Karen Zhang of Pinkbike fame who each played huge roles in making this unforgettable trip a possibility.

Steffi’s China Part One: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Rice-and-Roost-Steffis-China-Part-One-2013.html
Steffi’s China Part Two: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Steffis-China-Part-Two-Panda-Mania-2013.html

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This Is Peaty – Season 2 Episode 7 // Leogang / Hafjell

This Is Peaty is back for Episode #7 inside. Watch as they travel to Hafjell, Legang, participate in some midget boxing, and much more.

It was a slow start to Peaty’s 2013 campaign… Building through the year and gaining speed whilst others faded, Norway was set to be his World Cup highlight, smashing his way back into the top 10 and just missing out on a potential podium place, behind his team mate Greg Minnaar!

Carrying this form and confidence into the final round in Leogang was key and Peaty didn’t look set to slow down at all… After a huge off in practice, some thought he might take it easy, but once again he powered through to a solid 9th place finish in Finals and also got to cheer the pet Rat on the podium!

Thailand is a place of many things… If you have the money, i’m pretty sure you could do ANYTHING you wanted. We only touched the surface last year, so another trip to Chiang Mai to see the Loose Riders, with Ratboy and Sambo in tow seemed like a plan.
Another hectic week, with bikes, beer, ladyboys and bars, we were all ruined and ready for home.

Images: Duncan Philpott

Be sure to catch the season Finale next month… See more episodes and visit thisispeaty.com

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Review: 2013 Evil Undead – Part 1

We tested out the latest and greatest carbon downhill bike from the EVIL camp this year called the Undead. A beautiful frame no-doubt but how did it ride and hold up this season for us? Check inside to learn more.

[Review: 2013 Evil Undead]

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Autum Riding in Whistler

NSMB Team and Norco Bicycles rider Paul Stevens got together with fellow Whistler ripper and Rocky Mountain rider Fanny Paquette to film this short spot for Tourism Whistler. In this past weekend’s Whistler Funduro – an ironic name considering it was organized by Clark Lewis, known for his punishing course designs – Paulo grabbed 2nd and Fanny was 1st in the women. Congrats guys!

As summer winds down in Whistler the cross-country riding only gets better. Cooler days and overnight moisture means the trails are in top shape and as the autumn colours paint themselves throughout the forest it makes for some really stunning rides.

In this video local riders Paul Stevens and Fanny Paquette head out for some early morning shade laps in the Cheakamus region followed by some beauty afternoon-sun laps up above Green Lake on “White Knuckles” and “Shit Happens.” Throw an après session in there and it turned out to be a perfect autumn day of Whistler riding.

It doesn’t snow in the valley until November… keep pedaling!

Paul and Fanny enjoy the solitude (and excellent dirt) of an autumn day riding in Whistler. Photo Spencer Craig.

Words and video courtesy Whistler Insider.

Whistler’s Valley trails are rideable beyond bike park season… what’s your favourite loop?

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Local Winner for 2013 Red Bull Foxhunt Race

It was down and dirty as 400 mountain bike fanatics took on the Mourne Mountains in Co Down for the third annual Red Bull Foxhunt epic. Pic of the Mass Start down Slieve Martin, on the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails.

Before any nature lovers get upset the only blood spilled was from grazed knees elbows and wounded pride.  The riders took on the Mournes and Multiple World Downhill Cup Winner Gee Atherton ‘The Fox’- in a mass rush to get down through granite boulders and pine forest trails.

Riders in action!

But this time the professional was outfoxed by local rider Colin Ross from Stoneyford who thrilled the crowd as he beat off all to take the Red Bull Fox Hunt title at Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails in Kilbroney Park.

Speaking about his win and taking home the coveted trophy Colin said “I’ve had a real blast this weekend.  The course was tough but I managed to beat a World Champion so for me, that is something pretty awesome!

Colin Ross from Stoneyford, Winner of the Red Bull Foxhunt 2013 is pictured with Multiple World Downhill Cup Winner Gee Atherton and all the competitors.

The event was one of the biggest ‘Mass Starts’ in Europe and participants packed in a weekend of pure-adrenaline in the stunning surroundings where bikers hailing from all over NI, ROI and England as well as some international guests, battled the elements to race to the finish line.

Winner Colin Ross.

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