I recently had the opportunity to go for a sweet ride up in Bellingham with Brad Walton (Spectrum Techwear), his wife, and a few other local characters. These guys are probably more passionate about their riding and riding community than any I have met. Brad having been such an influence on myself where riding and attitude is concerned, I thought that I would see if I could squeeze a little interview out of him for you all to enjoy and get to know the man behind the amazing clothes a bit better …
How did you come to be known as Wild Willy?
Well, I grew up XC, then started jumping stuff on my XC bike because XC got boring. The whole ‘freeride’ thing just happens to have started at this same time, and I started seeing movies pop up about hard core mountain biking. Continue reading ‘The Brad Walton Interview’
I am always looking for story that illustrates the core attitude that makes our sport
of Gravity Mountain Biking rock…
Andy and Pip are ride buddies. I have the privilege to ride with them and consider myself one of their friends. From this vantage point I have witnessed the bond that these two riders have. So, when Andy told me that he was editing together a couple years worth of personal cam footage of he had shot of Pip, I knew that this was going to be interesting. A regular festival of Pipness!
Continue reading ‘Rider Profile: The Ride Buddy’
Update: Lars has made it to the US Worlds team as a discretionary selection. In fact, all of the DH riders were chosen in this manner. Get the full story on PinnedMTB.com
Congratulations to Lars Sternberg of Port Angeles, WA and Fluidride on his 4th place finish at Angel Fire. Now he’s off on the next two legs of a World Cup trip that hopefully gives him the points he needs to compete in DH at Worlds in Italy. In 2006, Lars placed 13th in MX at the Worlds in Rotorua. This was his only other time competing at the World level. Lars has been dominating in regional races and he got a top 25 at this years Sea Otter which sees the majority of the World Cup racers. I have a lot of hope and expectation that it is now Lars’ time. I wanted to know what Lars had to say for himself and about his journey.
It actually snowed in Angel Fire, NM during the practice days. How did this affect you when it later dried up for qualifying and the finals?
It didn’t bother me at all really. I’ve done a ton of riding all winter so it wasn’t a shock to have to ride in the snow. As soon as I heard it would be bad conditions I tried to prepare myself mentally as much as possible. Then getting to race in bone dry conditions was just a bonus. Continue reading ‘Interview With Lars Sternberg’
The 2008 Qashqai Challenge has seen the world’s top freeriders hucking on courses in the core of major European cities — Milan, Madrid, Munich, Paris and London.
UPDATE: Northwest rider Phil Sundbaum ended up in the fourth spot in London and sixth overall in the Challenge after several weeks of solid runs — including two 360 tailwhips in London — landed him ahead of some of the usual suspects typically found on slopestyle podiums.
Here are the overall results for 2008:
- Lance McDermott
- Benny Korthaus
- Trond Hansen
- Paul Basagoitia
- Sam Pilgrim
- Phil Sundbaum
- Jamie Goldman
- Martin Soederstrom
- Brandon Semenuk
- Kurtis Sorge
- Adam Hauck
- Andreu Lacondeguy
And here are a few thoughts from Sundbaum about the Qashqai Challenge, Europe and the rest of 2008: Continue reading ‘Phil Sundbaum: News from Qashqai’
South Africa’s Greg Minnaar won the Sea Otter 2008 Pro Men’s Dual Slalom on Saturday and then woke up and won the Downhill on Sunday. Watching him practice I was impressed with the strength that he showed. His riding was smooth and aggressive, but there was also a raw display of power in the more pedaly sections that many other pro riders lacked. Greg Minnaar is new this year to the Santa Cruz Syndicate.
How did it feel doubling up at Sea Otter?
Twice as happy….. No just kidding, I didn’t expect it at all. I felt good on the Slalom and things went my way. The downhill is super padaly and I didn’t think I had the legs, it must have been the cliff protein bar.
Continue reading ‘Interview With Greg Minnaar’
Simon Lawton hired me to produce Fluidride: Like A Pro. Through this collaboration, I got to know Simon as a man with many “irons in the fire.” He’s a consummate pro rider, a shop owner, and a pro instructor. Even after spending the time with him to learn his ways while producing his DVD, I knew there were a lot of things that I still wanted to ask him. The following interview his born of respect and knowing that there is a ton more I can learn from Simon.
Simon, what is your definition of fast?
Being comfortable using the power of the hill to give you speed. This requires the confidence that comes with absolute control.
Continue reading ‘Interview With Simon Lawton’
Brian Bartlett - Downhill Amputee Mountain Biker
This great video tells the story of an athlete that won’t quit. Brian Bartlett gets it done. Watch this great video where we go ride with him and get to know what motivates him to not only to overcome his handicap, but also to race with able-body athletes. Check the video…
Continue reading ‘Brian Bartlett’
We meet up with Atomlab rider Joe Perrizo at Spokane’s Beacon Blowout. This guy does it all on a “Trail Pimp” hardtail, DH, Dirt Jump, Urban. Check out the video.
Continue reading ‘Joe Perrizo’
A day with Darcy.
She rides for brodie and a self-proclaimed “freerider”, she throws down with ease. Check out the video. Continue reading ‘Darcy Turenne’
The Mike and Grant Show
We get a little wisdom about freeride and riding from Mike Metzger and Grant Brashears in Spokane, Washington. Check out the video.
Continue reading ‘Mike Metzger and Grant Brashears’
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