Contents Re gular
Issue 15 Volume 3 January 2009
Features
12 Spoken
68 Pro Opinion
Poetry in motion...
You want answers? We got em...
54 Pro Bike Check
Jared Graves Yeti quiver.
78 DH’s Most Wanted
A goodbye.
88 Josh Button
Trek Session 88 and Intense M6 ridde n.
58 Bryn’s 28 inches
Gets deep and meaningful.
60 Random Shite
98 National DH Round 1
From the brain of Jared Rando.
Adelaide’s Eagle Park was the place .
60 Grunt can stunt
104 Aussie Hicks?
Determined to stir the pot.
Our Search for a freerider winner.
62 The GudeX Files
110 How To
The university of life.
Our take on the stepping the fark up!
116 Downtime
DVD and music reviews.
Giveaways
Jen is back.
15 Unit gear package*
118 Naturopath
Get yourself some by showing us your
120 Tech 101
16 New World Disorder 9*
Rick Boyer gets down and dirty.
The most rock’n’roll MTB flick of the
122 Bike Reviews
ride!
year.
BMC, Commencal and Merida.
128 New Prody
Tires, gear and clothing. Check it.
134 Low Profile
Bring on the new faces.
140 State of the nation
Keep up to date with your neck of the
146 Last words
Andrew Neethling.
woods.
COVER//The best [R]evo cover yet. Seriously! Tim Burford making the magic happen. Check it again. Throw the horns. Hell yeah. Find out more about Tim on page 18.//DAN PETERS CONTENTS//Alan Hepburn corking a killer step down on BC’s Vancouver Island//JASON HEADLY *Only open to Australian residents,
sorry NZ crew.
014 BITS & PIECES Bringing the big mountain back...
Rampage The evolution continues by Kelly McGarry
When I found out that I was one of 28 riders invited to ride Red Bull Rampage I was fired up and kinda nervous at the same time. I was stoked that I would be shredding the gnar in the Utah desert with some of the best riders in the world. It turned out I was the only rider from the Southern Hemisphere. So I was looking forward to repin ‘downunder’. So my GF Sha and I loaded up our van with bikes and a bed and hit the highway for a 29 hour drive from Whistler, B.C., Canada, to Virgin, Utah, USA (via Las Vegas for the Interbike tradeshow). When I arrived at the Rampage site I was blown away by the vast landscape, gnarly access road, local wild life (tarantulas, rattle snakes, etc.) and the size of the gaps the course builders had made was insane! It was set be a wild weekend. We got underway with two days of practice and line building. Getting your bike up the steep hillsides to the top of the course proved challenging, but thanks to the nice people who volunteered as “bike hauler’s” the task was made a bit easier. There were two ridges you could chose from for qualifying, with ridge one being saved for finals. I was surprised how long some riders spent on building their lines, some spent the entire first day just digging. Darren Berrecloth definitely knew what he was doing and dug an all original line with flow and big drops from top to bottom. While other riders made shorter links off the main ridges. Line selection was tricky and I was torn between the two ridges. I initially liked ridge two, it had more of a slopestyle feel with a dirt jump built into the line and a wooden booter final feature. But I didn’t think it was burly enough so I opted for ridge three which was fast, flowy and had bigger features than ridge two. I came to the conclusion that riding in the desert was a hell of a lot of fun. On the morning of qualifying I awoke to pouring rain and the official call was made to postpone qualifying for a day. The weather turned it on for Sunday and the rain had made conditions perfect - the previously loose dry dirt was now packed and rolling fast. ABOVE//Brandon Semenuk threw down the new school big mountain style//IAN HYLANDS RIGHT//Kelly McGarry making sure the Southern hemi was represented//JOHN GIBSON
With the access road a mud plug, there was only enough time to allow one qualifying run. The one run format added extra pressure as there would be no second chances, you had to nail your run for a chance in the finals. Ridge two riders went first, Kurt Sorge looked impressive with loads of steez along the ridge then stomping the large 40 foot wood to dirt final feature gap with ease, Bearclaw also had a styley flawless run. I watched the action go down before I headed to the top ridge for my run. I was the third rider to drop in on ridge three. Behind Gee Atherton and Cedric, I was petty nervous sitting under the Red Bull arch at the top of the course with the chopper hovering around and looking down at all the spectators. When the Rampage official at the top said “send it when you’re ready Kelly“, I was psyched. I rode the top of the ridge as fast as I could, linking a few of the gaps together on the way. Half way down the ridge was a burly 40 foot step down. I hit it quick and clicked an X-up, the wind kind of caught me on the way down and I landed a bit off balance and ate it so hard, smashing the peak off my helmet and generally ringing my bell. When I got up I was so gutted that I had binned it, I took my helmet off and was about to chuck in the towel for a few seconds. When I realised I could still finish my run, I picked up my bike and figured I didn’t have much to lose so I slammed my helmet back on and pumped myself up to flip the big table at the bottom of the ridge. It was probably the highest speed back flip I had ever done and I didn’t want to knuckle it at that speed so I hit it tapped and floated it super slow, for a moment I thought it wasn’t going to work out but it was all good I landed miles down the landing and rode away. The crowd went bananas and it made me feel a whole lot better about my run. The judges marked me down a lot for my crash and I didn’t get to the final but I was stoked anyway and just super happy I got a chance to ride. I stayed for the next day and watched the finalists tear it up in the finals area on ridge one, it was so insane, plenty of people were sampling the desert soil, Cam Macaul was seeing stars after a big get off on a drop and It was a shame Gee Atherton dislocated his shoulder in practice as he was in with a decent chance of winning. Every one was going for broke, watching Thomas Vanderham suicide no hander the 60 foot ravine gap was probably my favourite with Mike Kinrade’s double drop line not far behind. In the end it was Brandon Semenuk on top with style for miles, super smooth and a perfect 270 hip drop to finish his run. The 2008 Red Bull Rampage raised the bar in big mountain riding and I am really happy I got to be a part of it. I’m sure plenty of riders are hoping the Rampage will live again next year!
052 BITS & PIECES Not one but three...
Pro bike(s) Jared Graves
Well damn, what a year Jared has had, eh! We all watched with baited breath, glued to our TV screen as he rode this BMX in the Olympic finals. Then just a few short weeks later we stood screaming on the sidelines as he pedalled his hardtail to victory in the 4X Stromlo World Cup. And how could we forget witnessing him school the entire field aboard this proto DH machine at the recent South Australian National opener… Over the past few months Jared has again proven himself as a total a weapon on any bike, in any discipline he puts his head (and horse power) to. Which made him an obvious choice for this issue Pro Bike Check. Our dilemma was we couldn’t decide which of his Yeti’s we should feature him with… So we picked all three! Enjoy.
Yeti BMX
The Beijing Olympic BMX Frame One off custom Yeti BMX Seatpost Thomson Masterpeice”30.9, Size custom for me, but it would be cut down to about 4 inches long classed as Pro XXl by most companies, Grips ODI ruffian lock on in which their frame sizes vary on top Brake Shimano DX-R tube length, it has 21.5” top tube Seat SDG Ti Flt, Yeti team Custom Fork One that I paid for, so no props. Cranks Shimano DX-R Bars Sunday Triumph Length secret Width 28.5 with ODI lock on overhang. Chainring43 Headset Chris King Pedals Shimano prototype DX Stem Profile Acoustic, 53mm Wheels Chris King hubs, DT Swiss
Yeti DJ
The 4X Weapon (that he won the Stromlo World Cup on) Frame Yeti DJ Grips ODI Lock On Size Long Brakes Shimano XTR Fork Fox F-80 Seat SDG Ti Fly, Yeti team Custom Travel 80mm Cranks 09 Shimano Saint Bars Sunline Vone, mid rise Length secret Width 28.5in Chainring Saint 38t Headset Chris King Chan Device E-13 LG-1 Stem Thomson X-4 Rear Mech Shimano Shadow XTR Seatpost Thomson Masterpeice Pedals Proto Shimano DX
double butted spokes, and nipples. front wheel radial lace. Tyres Maxxis DTH 1.75 Pressure depends, anywhere from 60-80, depends on the track Custom Mods/tweaks Just maintained perfect, so its always ready to roll 100%, everything that can be cut shorter (steerer/seat pole ect ect) is cut to save weight
Wheels All DT Swiss, ceramic 190hubs with oversize axle, Revolution spokes, alloy nipples, 4.2D rims Tyres Maxxis Single ply Minion front 2.35, Exception larsen TT 2.0 rear Pressure Varies a lot, from 30-50 Custom Mods/tweaks All 100% stock, apart from the seat and pedals.
Yeti 303 R-DH The prototype DH Bike (winner of Nationals Rnd 1) Frame Its called the 303 R-DH Size large, medium is better for me, but im testing the large. Rear Shock Fox DHX 5.0, custom valved Travel 8.5 inches Fork 09 Fox 40, shown with 08 40’s, my new forks just got a proto damper, so im running the 08 40’s for a bit to compare to the new 09’, to give feedback to Fox. Travel 7.5in
Bars Sunline VOne low rise Width 750 (30 inch) Headset Chris King Stem Sunline Integrated Seatpost Thomson Grips ODI lock on Brakes Shimano XT Seat SDG Ti Fly, Yeti team custom Cranks Shimano Saint Length 170 Chainring e-13 38T Chain Device E-13 LG-1
Rear Mech XTR Shadow Pedals Purchased Wheels All DT Swiss, 5.1D rims, 240 hubs, supercomp spokes, alloy nipples Tyres Maxxis Minion/High Roller/ Ardent, it always changes. Pressure Anywhere from low 20’s to 30 Custom Mods/tweaks Mainly just the suspension, Fox have sent a bunch of new stuff for me to test lately, I still haven’t tried it all. 7spd for better
BITS & PIECES 053 Not one but three...
You wish you had this garage...//SCOTT MILLETT
068
//SVEN MARTIN
Of all the stories and features that we’ve run in the past, undoubtedly the ones that’s sparked the most feedback would be the ‘Pro Opinion’ article we ran back in issue 9. The idea behind the story was simple; why not take one of the dozens of letters we receive from our readers asking for advice each issue and instead of just answering it ourselves as per usual, forward the question onto some of the very best riders on the planet? The subject of the readers question was about how to build confidence and the responses we got back from the ‘pro’ guys was incredibly varied. Different people, different perspectives, different experiences and therefore different advice. Anyways that story sure did seem to strike a cord with many of you and the follow-on letters have been flooding in ever since. So this issue we’ve decided to throw another ‘Pro Opinion’ out there. This time around we picked a question relating to one of the most common and broad topics we’re asked about here at the mag, ‘progression and how to step that shit up to the next level!’
Hi Malcolm. It’s always easy to do sections of a track fast in practice but you have to be able to do that the whole way down in a race run. Try doing full runs in your practice and see if that helps a little bit. Fitness will definitely be a key factor to going faster, cross training will help you loads across the board. I hit the gym in the winter and build upper body and leg strength. I also do a few road rides and lots of XC rides for stamina. If you break down a weekends race you can get pretty tired before your final run on the Sunday afternoon, so if you spend the time training you will hopefully be fresher for your race runs and that in turn will help you throughout the season too. People get tired towards the end of a season so you need to prepare properly. Get some sprints done through the week too. DH is all about being able to get back up to speed ASAP and then recover before the next sprint. Hope this helps mate. Steve Peat Santa Cruz Syndicate
//DAMIAN BREACH
Be patient. Being a fast rider and a good racer are two completely different things. Most anybody can look fast going into a corner but it’s the speed you maintain through and exit the corner with that matters. Consistency and skill comes with time, practice and trying different techniques in racing or riding, like getting your braking done early and entering corners a little slower to ensure you come out of them with maximum momentum, or working on flowing and line selection. Cross training is important as well. Going to the gym will help with core strength and explosive power (sprints will also help with explosive power) Cross country riding or running will be good for your cardio and general fitness. Another important area to work on is mental strength which can be done by working on your concentration and focus as well as your confidence. Fitness is important but without skill you’re going no where! The more technical variation you can throw into your riding the better your riding and skill will get. Having a hardtail to shred skateparks or trails on will teach you to be smooth and to flow and is a good way to work on your confidence for hitting bigger stuff. XC bikes are great for practice with selecting lines, being smooth and again flowing through turns. Motos are real good for getting used to going flat out and working out your upper body.
So you can see there’s a lot of different things you can do and it’s just a matter of finding the time to fit them all in and finding out what works for you. It is always good to try and ride with faster people than yourself at races or whenever you ride, as this will help with your skill too. If you know or have any pros around where you live, introduce yourself, and see if you can hang out with them and go for a ride. They might be able to give you some pointers and this will help you see first hand the techniques that work for them and will give you loads of things to go away and try, to help you improve. A good investment would be to get a timing system like Freelap or something similar so you can set it up on a track and try different styles of riding and line choices and then you can compare times and splits. This will help fast track finding out what is going to help make you a better racer. Don’t get frustrated! it takes a lot of time and practice. The top dogs make it look easy because it’s their job and that is what they have been doing day in and day out for a long time. I hope this helps Malcolm. Ben Cory Commencal Bikes Australia
078
ls downhtilw ed t n a s o m
//TONY NOLAN
088
Interview by Peter Karas] Photos by Stephen Hillenbrand
096
//DAN PETERS
he City of Churches played host to the National Series season opener for the second year running. Bigger and better is always a good motto and Eagle MTB Park did not disappoint. Last years accommodation was right on the main freight train line going in and out of Adelaide so it was a bit noisy especially in the early hours of the morning, this year we managed to find out what it was like to be a sardine crammed into a tin can, well one of five sardines, hopefully next year we’ll find the right place under a flight path or something.
Will Gower back on home turf and seriously hammering down the Eagle Park DH track//DAN PETERS
Mitch Delfs//TIM BARDSLEY-SMITH
By Rick Boyer
The offending $1.50 broken part//HILLENBRAND
The pit area was alive and humming all weekend, trade sites, teams and clubs were all in the one area pumping the atmosphere of the race village. There were plenty of mountain bike related events to keep the punters amused, trials demos and comps running and some of Adelaide’s best dirt jumpers were giving demos on how far mountain bike progression is coming in Australia. We all got a free show on how strong the scene is specifically in South Australia courtesy of Alan Hepburn and Co. who were ripping and going big all weekend. There was a race going on too, some dudes cruising around in lycra with shaved legs and on skinny tyres but we’ll leave that story for another time or another place. Downhill was rocking on all weekend with plenty of practice and heaps of fast shuttles. The track had a few issues ironed out from last year and was a pleasure to ride.
104
AUSSIE HICKS AUSTIN HICKS
BY JAMES PATTERSON
A year down the trail with our ʻSearch for a freeriderʼ winner
FROM DIRT JUMPS TO DOWNHILL, AUSTIN HICKS, OR AUSSIE AS HEʼS KNOWN BY MOST, IS MAKING A NAME FOR HIMSELF AS ONE OF THE YOUNG GUYS TO KEEP A CLOSE EYE ON. WINNER OF [R]EVOLUTIONʼS ʻSEARCH FOR A FREERIDERʼ COMPETITION HELD EARLY LAST YEAR, AUSSIE IS ONE OF THE MOST TALENTED ʻALL ROUNDERʼ RIDERS I HAVE MET WITH SKILLS TO MATCH THE TOP RIDERS OF NEARLY ALL ASPECTS OF MOUNTAIN BIKING. BACKFLIPS, TAILWHIPS, OR GOING STUPIDLY FAST ON ANY OF AUSTRALIAʼS DIVERSE DOWNHILL TRACKS IS THE NORM FOR AUSSIE. I MANAGED TO SEIZE HIM FROM THE BIKE AND AWAY FROM THE GIRLFRIEND TO ASK HIM A FEW INTIMATE QUESTIONS. PHOTOS BY DAN PETERS
110 //DAN PETERS
Basic Skills Dirt Jump Downhill Freeride
We had never understood what it was with MTB mags running endless ‘how-to’ features on the lamest stuff. Like ‘clearing double jumps’ or ‘riding loose corners with ease’ and ‘attack water bars with confidence’… yawn! But then recently it dawned on us, that must be what you guys are after and we’ve been overlooking it the whole time. Things had to change, so straight away we made a few calls and asked a couple of everday riders if they’d be able to help us out and run you guys through a few very basic MTB skills. For the low down on tackling those tricky double jumps, Chris Soininen has you covered. We asked Chris Kovarik if he could let us in on basic cornering skills. And finally, we asked Grant Allen to run through a few simple pointers on proper water bar techniques. You asked for it...
*We’d like to take this opportunity to quickly apologize for our riders interpretation of their chosen ‘How To’.
Dirt Jump Skills with Chris Soininen
Clear double jumps with ease*
*Flipwhip yo!
Prep
Mid way through
On the dirt jumps I like to ride a stiff bike, it gives you more feel. As does 55-60psi smooth rolling tyres with short hard suspension. This will help you roll faster and a bit of rebound gives you better pop. With a face like mine you would want me to wear a full face, not only to protect but to cover, like a bag. I also never ride without knee and shin guards.
Halfway round. Continue to look over your shoulder and have your leg out to catch the whip as it comes round.
Run in You need to quickly get past the, ‘Oh my god, I’m going to die’ mindset and get to the, ‘neh I’ve got this in the bag’ headspace. On a run in I like to think of myself, oh, landing the trick of course. So think about how it should work and see yourself rolling out, use that to build your adrenaline and just kill it. I generally ride a lot better high strung and all goofed up on Red Bull.
Taking off The general explanation of a flip is to try to manual off the tip of the lip then tuck your bars in once you have left the jump. In a flip whip you want to look over your shoulder on the lip and as soon as you’re off the lip start kicking the whip. If you’re not dialled with tail whips you’re at a big disadvantage here…
Spotting your landing People always tell me that they can spot their landing on flips but I never seem to. I can just feel where I am in relation to the landing and know if too much time has passed and I‘m still upside down. That’s when you ejecto seato. When you can feel the landing coming up, pull the bike to your chest so you can drop the nose into the landing and not come up short. This also depends on the size of the jump.
Landing and rolling away Most riders prefer the upright on 2 wheels approach to landing their cycling unit. I would 2nd that.
128 NEW PRODUCTS All the stuff you need!
New Products Photos by Tony Nolan
HUTCHINSON Model Toro (tubeless) 2.35” Weight 980gm Contact Pac Brands 03 9235 0055 Browse www.hutchinsontires.com
Syncros Model BHT 2.5” Rear Weight 990gm Contact Dirt Works 02 9679 8400 Browse www.syncros.com
INTENSE Model DC EX Lite 2.35” Weight 860gm Contact ECI 03 9735 9911 Browse www.intensetires.com
Syncros
Model BHT 2.5” Front Weight 990gm Contact Dirt Works 02 9679 8400 Browse www.syncros.com
MAXXIS
Model Minion Rear Tubeless 2.5” Weight 1160gm Contact KWT 07 3891 1044 Browse www.maxxis.com
INTENSE
Model DC EX Lite 2.5” Weight 860gm Contact ECI 03 9735 9911 Browse www.intensetires.com
MAXXIS
Model Minion Front Tubeless 2.5” Weight 1160gm Contact KWT 07 3891 1044 Browse www.maxxis.com
MAXXIS
Model Ardent Front ‘TCT’ 2.6” Weight 1124gm Contact KWT 07 3891 1044 Browse www.maxxis.com
MAXXIS
Model Minion Front 2.5” Weight 1090gm Contact KWT 07 3891 1044 Browse www.maxxis.com
DMR Model Transition 24” – 1.9” Weight 940gms Contact Dirt Works 02 9679 8400 Browse www.dmrbikes.com
INTENSE Model Microknobby 2.25” Weight 710gm Contact ECI 03 9735 9911 Browse www.intensetires.com
KENDA
Model Small Block Eight 2.1” Weight 510gm Contact Velo Veta 02 9695 7744 Browse www.kendausa.com
Schwalbe
Model Table Top 2.25” Weight 640gm Contact Bike Box 03 9555 5800 Browse www.schwalbe.com
Ritchey
Model Z Max 2.25” Weight 810gm Contact Dirt Works 02 9679 8400 Browse www.ritcheylogic.com
DMR
Model Red Shift 2.25” Weight 710gms Contact Dirt Works 02 9679 8400 Browse www.dmrbikes.com
DMR
Model Moto Digger 2.35” Weight 840gms Contact Dirt Works 02 9679 8400 Browse www.dmrbikes.com
Syncros
Model FLT 2.35” Weight 800gm Contact Dirt Works 02 9679 8400 Browse www.syncros.com
DMR
Model Moto RT 2.4” Weight 1200gms Contact Dirt Works 02 9679 8400 Browse www.dmrbikes.com
MAXXIS
Model Minion Front 2.35” Weight 1160gm Contact KWT 07 3891 1044 Browse www.maxxis.com
130 NEW PRODUCTS All the stuff you need!
DSP Ti Springs
Browse www.dhdirect.com.au What can you really say about a ti spring? Well they weigh half as much as the standard steel spring that came with your shock, (which is a shit load) and these DSP ones cost half as much as most Ti springs on the market – nice.
Ogio 950 Helmet Bag Browse www.ogio.com
You spend half a thousand dollars or so on a helmet, so why not go to a bit of effort to protect it when it’s not on your head? This would have to be our pick when it comes to aftermarket lid bags. This generous sized bag will fit any lid and features a fully fleeced inside, hard moulded base, carry handle and even a separate (also fleeced) lens filing pocket system! If the CMYK colour scheme as pictured here isn’t your cup of coffee, you’ll be pumped to know the 950 is also available in black.
Jet Black Pedals
Browse www.jetblackproducts.com Thinner than Posh Spice, these new pedals from Jet Black come in an horizon or funky anodised colours, spin on a stiff cro-mo axel and have 21 replaceable pins that do a kick arse job of keeping your tootsies securely in place when the going gets rough (between the sheets with posh spice?).
Parktools DS-1 Digital Scales Browse www.parktool.com
Quite possibly the coolest item to arrive at our office in years, these digital scales from Park Tools are so simple to use and can accurately weigh anything from an empty chip packet right up to the heaviest DH known to man (20kg’s). You can hang ‘em on a wall or clamp them into a standard bike stand with ease, plus the display weight changes between KG’s and pounds with the flick of a button.
Pro FSR Bars, Stem & Grips Browse www.pro-bikegear.com
FSR series from PRO is all class. Made to take a beating on any DH/FR bike, these oversized bars are 670mm wide, have 40mm of rise and tip the scale smack on 295gms. The stem comes in either 50 or 70mm length options, features a tough 4-bolt clamp with slick etched graphics, and adds just 138gms to your ride. Thing we like most about these lock-on grips is that they’re nice and wide, at 145mm. The closed end caps are a nice touch also – especially now that race Commissaries seem to be hell bent on everyone having end caps…
DMC Moto Trainer
Browse www.dhdirect.com.au If you’re serious about your riding and want to go faster, here’s the sure fire way to get the results you’re after. This tiny handlebar mounted stopwatch sits between your grip and your brake lever and is easily activated with your thumb, to time each and every run, lap, sprint, whatever you like. At less than $70 it’s a really affordable training tool and what’s more it’s water resistant and can store up to 100 runs/laps to then view later.
Camelbak Mule NV Browse www.camelbak.com
We should have shot this pic from behind so that you could then check out the rather slick new ventilation system, where by the pack actually sits 3cm off your back, encouraging air flow and making this pack so unique in the Camelbak range. Other sugar features include a pull out rain cover, 3 litre bladder capacity, a small fleece lined pocket to stash your iPod and pivoting shoulder straps meaning that even if you’re a fatty this pack will still fit snug and stay in place throughout the day.
Smith Interlock Spoiler Sunnies Browse www.smithoptics.com
You’ve got’sta love a set of shades that come with 3 different lens options in the box. It allows you to switch and select dependant on the light conditions (or your amount of hungoverness). These shades also come in a range of frame colourways, plus they’ve little inbuilt rubber pads to keep them comfy on your temples and nose.
Banshee AMP Frame Browse www.xxiv.com.au
Banshee’s all new little alloy jump frame has just hit production and should be in stores by the time you read this. By using internal ribbing they’ve managed to slam the rear end to just 400mm in length, meaning this can manual and track through the trails like a demon. Tubing wise we’re talking custom hydro formed 7005 T6 throughout, lovely. All things considered you can really see why all the overseas mags and web sites have been getting so amped over the new AMP frame.
MRP Mini G Chain Device Browse www.mrpbike.com
So all of a sudden no one’s running full bash guards anymore, eh!? Makes sense we guess, why carry around all that bulky material when the only point of contact with the earth is the bottom 3rd of a standard chain device. Easy. This simple design will bolt straight to your ISCG tabs, take a plethora of abuse and hold your chain snugly in place. Bam.
134 LOW PROFILE The kids are alright...
Tom Fogarty
Locale Sydney Words Tristan Cardew I first met Tom Fogarty (more commonly known as Fogs) back in December 2007 while en route to Thredbo for Round 3 of the National Series. I say en route because I literally spent 7 hours sitting next to the guy in a car packed full of bikes, bags, and bodies. Now I’ll admit; it wasn’t most accommodating of situations to be faced with, but having such a relaxed and cool-headed 17 year old on my wing definitely did make it more bearable. Fast-forward 12 months, and many more cramped hours in various cars, and I can tell you more about the Fogs I know and love today. Having first picked up a proper MTB (his dads) back in 2001 and competing in his first Interschools in 2004, he’s raced his way through multiple downhill rigs including four Giants, an Ironhorse, and one of Mick Ross’ old GT DHIs, which allegedly “worked like shit and cracked four times”. He’s been known to build his own secret downhill trails all over Sydney’s North Shore, and is equally as comfortable riding them by himself too. This method proved to get the better of the young-gun though, when he awoke one sunny afternoon, 15 minutes after attempting a jump 10 metres to his left, and found both his wrists broken. Having no phone credit and no money meant having to drive himself to the nearest servo to contact his mother. The funny thing is, when reflecting on the situation, Fogs admits to not remembering any of the crash, the driving, or the call. But besides having multiple mountain-bike induced injuries (and multiple mountain-bikes), this fella is still keen as mustard and quick as Nestle. He has hopes to complete a whole National Series, hit up the slopes of Europe, and of course keep pinning his self-constructed local. And I hope to see much more of him in the future.
//TRISTAN CARDEW