024 BITS & PIECES Home away from home
On the road...
Josh Button and Will Reischbeith’s home away from home. Interview by Paul Begg.
So was it nice to pick up Borat’s van for a song at auction. Tell us the full story? ha ha, actually Will’s aunty living in Europe has helped us out a lot with a home away from home and a base for our travels and she wanted to help us out with a car to get around in. so we were lucky enough to use her van and deck it out with beds and kitchen, as long as we could pull it all out at the end. so we can’t thank her enough. Can you talk us through some of the custom mods you have made to make this home away from home for the next 6 months? From the top the van is equipped with: 2 beds, 1900mm long by 600m wide, Top bunk 450mm high, Bottom bunk 550mm high, Matt black stockies, spono stickers, 2 kitchen/work benches/tyre racks, with a bolted down kettle and toaster from the op shop, and a portable gas cooker named Karen. We rely on her pretty heavily, so we’ve got to be pretty nice to the old girl. A vice that we got for free from a hardware store. Good for bending back cranks, changing shock bushings and general smashing. So who sleeps on top? WR...we thought it would be a funnier story to tell the boys. Josh having shared a room with Will I know he snores like a barge. How are you coping? Usually I snore as well so I just try and sync the snores. If that fails I have been opting for a bit of wet paper towel in the ears. So have you justified not paying a toll by saying “It’s alright, we’re Australian”? Yeah there have been a few incidents, one in slovenia, where we didn’t even know you had to pay for some toll, even though we had been through 4 booths, an undercover cop car boosts past and pulls in front of us. Josh had fallen asleep without his seatbelt on, and I was changing songs on the ipod. This little LED sign comes up on his rear window, saying, ‘FOLLOW ME’, so we did. he checked out our house, looked at us kind of funny and told us we need a 35euro toll sticker, or a 400euro fine. We opted for the 35 euro payment and off we went.
How many fines have been sent to Jude’s (Will’s aunty and general all round legend)? I really hope none, otherwise the budget gets blown out. I think we’re clear. Will backed it into a post though coming in hot, the door has seen better days. We’re arranging to fix that... I’ve heard the Evil guys are pretty envious of your ride. How do you keep everybody settled down when you drive this puppy in? ha ha, it’s a bit of a laugh each time depending on what we have on the dash, or what items of clothing are hanging to dry off the mirrors. Will worked out how to strap his knee pads on the windscreen wipers whilst still being able to use the wipers, and Josh runs his t-bone pads over the mirrors. There’s a few gypsies over there in Europe, have you got any security provisions? Yeah we pulled up at some pretty funny stops. Because there is no air in the van, we have to have the doors open a little, so before we worked out that you could lock the doors from the inside. We had a bit of chain rigged up between the doors and josh’s bed, so the door would only open a little. Real safe... Josh the night watchmen was equipped with a mag light for any incidents that might happen and our sweet BB gun from Laurie, that happens to always be next to our passports whenever the border patrol ask for them. Bit sketchy. A few years back I rolled a van - have you had any close calls? ha! We thought this might come up. Nah, we have just been keeping it local with low revs to save the petty and driving like old grandmas. Pressure zones. Does this mean anything to you and how was the drive to Fort Bill? Ahh the pressure zones…. We pressured off an L plater and about 3 cars just during the drive to Fort Bill. You have to be focused in this game. As soon as you let that rear mirror get the better of you, it’s all over and you’re being pressured off in to a ‘P’ zone standing for Car park, aka pressure zones. So what happens with the van after the season? We pull all the beds apart, and kitchen, see if we can sell some of our gear, and the van goes back to switzerland all sparkling clean and fresh... who knows from there...
Lifestyles of the rich and famous, Josh, Will and the luxuriously appointed van//Sven Martin
Would you recommend to other racers getting around like this? Yes for sure, though only if you can find someone you know you can handle 24/7. Luckily we both get along awesome. We caught trains and buses everywhere in 2008 for 3 months of racing World Cups, so now to have this van is the best thing ever. We’re still talking about how good the setup is and just to have everything you need right at the track. Especially when you’re racing as you need to be well prepared with bike spares, tyres, clothing, and really healthy food. Tons of fruit and veg. Favorite driving moment.? Probably driving along the motorway to Fort Bill. Will was asleep in the passenger seat when these 2 chicks sped past us and pulled their tops up. It was pretty funny and Will woke up pretty quick. CD player or Euro radio. If I was a hitch-hiker what am I hearing? Depends, nothing beats Triple J back home, so it’s hard. Maybe listen to some of the sets on Radio 1 in the UK. Euro radio blows though. We have the pod hooked up. Delfsy has been hooking us up with some sweet drum and bass, so we’ve been busting that out hard. Have you been to Tunnel Club at all this season? The Tunnel Club closed down back in 2007. The manager (Paul Begg) couldn’t hack it anymore, and went back to listening to Bob Marley and moulding plastic shapes. Man how did Tunnel Club start? 120km pinned, 9 filthy dudes with pedo haircuts and a hitchhiker dancing around in a tunnel. Are you coming back next year? Without a doubt we will both definitely be on the circuit for 2010, excited for such a good looking calendar. We are both already talking about next season, but we will see how it pans out with each others results and go from there. Will we see the van at the Worlds in Canberra? Nah, because according to Google maps, apparently the only way to get to Australia is to kayak across the Pacific Ocean via Japan and it takes 190 days and 17 hours, so we might not make it in time. Anything else you hobos have to say for yourselves? Just a really big thanks to everyone that made this season possible for us both. We’re so fortunate to have such good support both from our sponsors and our family and mates. Keep it pinned. [R]evo rules!
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Troy Brosnan running with the rising sun on a ridgeline to die for.
A good few months ago my photographer mate, Dan Peters got in touch with me to talk about the idea of doing a trip to the northern part of South Australia, the Flinders Ranges in particular. The one ironic thing that is worth noting is that our destination is only around 4-5 hours drive away from my home base. I have been there before camping and had a good idea of its potential but for some reason nevergot up there with my bike. This trip left me kicking myself that I haven’t gotten up there properly before this point in time that’s for sure story by Grant Allen photos by Dan Peters
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After six months of talking about it. I finally got a chance to get south of Sydney and catch up with Cody to shoot some stuff at his local. We locked away 3 days Friday through to Sunday, unfortunately we only got to shoot on the Sunday. Why? Well after delays, weather and just the shitest luck it’s all we had left. It rained in the ‘Gong for two days solid. I got drunk in Sydney on Friday. Rangers, broken mirror, flat battery, spare tyres, rain and mud stopped the train on Saturday. We were both a bit down on it but flung back a few beers and rum and woke to a foggy, cold morning. Quick pit stop at Lavdogs and we were off. Kembla was awash with the thickest mud, two steps through the clay and I had two inch high boots on. By the first corner the tyres weighed an extra kilo but it didn’t stop Cody. He smashed it all day, keen as to show me other tracks, missioning just to get a shot on one corner or a rock section. So you get the idea, rain, mud and eight hours of shooting with a guy that shreds. May I introduce to you...
WORDS AND PHOTOS BY STEPHEN HILLENBRAND
More than likely on the phone to some girl!
Jamie Goldman
Brandon semenuk
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A 40+ hour commute to the other side of the world on planes, shuttles and blacked-out murder vans complete with forest interiors on little if no sleep can leave you wondering what’s real and what’s a dream. I swear sleeping patterns get affected for years after inter-continental flights. I got on a direct flight to Vancouver from Sydney, shot some photos with two of the most insanely talented 26” riders on the planet, checked some of the most amazing riding terrain I’ve ever experienced and before I knew it was clearing customs back in Sydney? I figured I was definitely dreaming cause I wasn’t even doing this for my mag, but for US based Decline in a one of a kind magazine editorial competition. Seriously, someone pinch me... Lets start at the beginning, cause it might get a little lucid otherwise... And while this piece is running in the current Decline, this is the unabridged version. Enjoy. This ‘trip’ all began after a random email invite that went along the lines of; “I have a question for you. If we had a cool project in Canada. Would you be available to possibly attend? Talk soon, Scott Hart Decline magazine” A couple of days bombing Whistlers finest runs, drinking Wild Turkey and a lot of idle talk (most of which was little more than a hazy memory at best) with Scott a week or two prior must’ve lead to this? I guess those brain cells I lost on that BC mission contained the exact details. Anyways, I figured ‘why not?’ and waited for some more detailed information. But when it came to being a couple of days before said event dates, I was beginning to wonder if this was just one of those hazy, booze filled memories. That was when that ominous OSX ‘ding’ of incoming mail broke my already sleep deprived state late at night, mid-deadline on this mag. Luckily I read it, cause I’m the man when it comes to not reading emails... “Scott has filled you in on some of the details concerning the event. You need to arrive READY WITH ALL YOUR GEAR and be prepared to “work” AS SOON AS YOU GET THERE. We’ve rented a house on the North shore of Vancouver and your team members will be Brandon Semenuk and Jamie Goldman . The ball is in your team’s court to nail down a original article in two days. See you then. Tyler Morland SRAM” Roughly translated, I read it as ‘Tyler Morland invites me to shoot and ride with SRAM’s finest shredders’. Enough said and more than enough info for me. The invite attached spelled it out; 3 teams, each representing a magazine has two riders, a photobro, a journo and 2 days to create the best editorial spread possible, all under the slick as hell codename ‘Process Black’. Cool, at least I knew what the hell I was getting into. I had a couple of days to get a ticket, pack my camera gear and bike (which was still half in the box fresh back from the MTB mecca that is Whistler) and get on a plane. Random events are a definite go-er in my world. Planning shit ahead just does nothing for me... Story and photos Matt Holmes
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Luke Madill getting amongst it his first overseas WC event.//Sven Martin
Words by Jared Rando
World Cup DH #1 Petermaritzburg, South Africa I had no idea what to make of a World Cup in Africa. Will there be monkeys everywhere? Will I see a zebra if I go out riding? Are people there even that into bike racing? Well, the answers for those questions turned out to be (surprisingly) yes, yes and hell yes. Well, there weren’t quite monkeys everywhere, but I did see a few in the trees around the house we were staying in (in the middle of the city) and the zebra I saw while I was riding was in a small nature reserve just outside the city, but the people there are definitely into downhill racing and Greg Minnaar rules the place. Greg actually lives about 5 minutes away from the bottom of the Dh track and, as you might expect, he had it pretty dialed. It was an interesting track. For the most part you would call it long and not so steep. Mostly, the riders weren’t huge fans of the track but riding in the dust through the eucalypts, it reminded me of racing in Australia and as it turned out, everyone had a pretty good time there, despite all the pedaling. sick Mick hannah had a better time than most on saturday though, posting the fastest qualifying time. The World Cup for 2009 has undergone some pretty major changes as far as race schedule goes and for the rest of the season it would be practice on Friday, practice and then qualifying on saturday and then practice followed by the finals on sunday. Needless to say, it has changed the racing quite a bit. You are lucky to get about 10 practice runs in before qualifying and if you aren’t ranked in the top 80 for the World Cup overall, you have even less practice time. It definitely favors those riders who can learn a track quickly, riders who have prior experience on the track, or those who live 5 minutes away. All the Aussies were out in force though and for the most part were enjoying the mainly dry, dusty conditions. It did rain on saturday and when it did, the dirt became so slippery and dangerous that a good portion of riders opted not to practice at all. I went up for a couple of runs on saturday and decided that sitting out might have been a good idea. however, the shuttle took about an hour and I needed all the practice I could get! Come race day, it was Greg Minnaar who took the win, much to the delight of his ridiculously large fan club. In his first World Cup after a year long break, Mick hannah finished 2nd only a couple of seconds behind Minnaar. Peaty was 3rd, sam hill, impressively, was 4th on a course which really doesn’t suit him at all and proved that he has been training hard and working on his only weakness, and Gee Atherton rounded out the podium. For the Aussies, it was Jared Graves in 8th, Rennie 11th, Mitch Delfs, Will Rischbieth and myself in 45th, 46th and 47th, Josh Button 62nd and Kovarik who was well capable of a podium, flatted in the finals.
Rennie holding it wide open during his debut Moorewood outing//Sven Martin
And, to all of you Kiwis out there, I didn’t forget about Cameron Cole who finished in a really impressive 6th place. Nice work Rock Eater! Next stop on the circuit would be La Bresse in the North of France.
Back on the road.... Photos and story James Patterson As Easter approached so did the excitement of our annual road trip to Mt Gambier grow in our minds. It’s probably one of the least prepared Interstate trips we do, but definitely one of the best. Differently this year, I had no licence because it was confiscated from me due to foolish acts on my behalf, though luckily Lachie had his, and the road trip was all on track. Leaving my place as early as possible was the plan, so we could reach the G before lunch with half the 3 ½ hour trip over and done with quickly. Astoundingly this didn’t work, as I had to drive my crippled self into town to the doctors which delayed our departure by a few hours. Yes, I had no licence, yes I had a broken ankle, and yes I decided to take the manual ute into town. Damn I’m a smart one. After a lot of fooling around, we managed to get on the road heading for Mt Gambier loaded with Samedi and chocolate. The beauty of travelling over the border to the west meant the trip is 30min shorter than normal. We managed to arrive in town around three in the afternoon, enough time to get some riding done. Well… At least allowing Lachie to get some riding done. Old Mt Gambier Bowls was the place of choice, with Simo rocking up also to join the crippled party with his yet again fractured arm/wrist two years running now, for the Easter weekend. The Adelaide crew was due to arrive the following day, but for some reason they decided to travel across late at night after they had all finished work, arriving just a bit past midnight.
118 NEW PRODUCTS All the stuff you need!
DA BOMB pedals
Browse www.dabombbike.com DA BOMB have been around forever and their range of affordably priced quality parts has become impressive to say the least. These ‘Bullet Hole’ pedals are a classic example. CNC’d from a solid block of 6061 alloy, their super thin profile design boasts 7 pins each side to keep your foot securely in place and are available in a bunch of colours. With so many products to choose from, you best check them online for yourself.
Unit ‘Pokoj’ Cap
Browse www.unitriders.com Unit have honored their long term team rider, Darren Pokoj’s efforts, with his very own signature cap. Darren played a big roll in designing and tweaking this hat and the finished product looks downright amazing we think. Jump online to check out the entire Unit range today and follow Pojok’s adventures as he travels the World snapping necks and banking cheques!
Troy Lee Jersey
www.troyleedesings.com Troy Lee Designs have all bases covered when it comes to clothes to ride in and chill in. Sure they’re range boasts a huge line up of motocross style race gear as worn by our Sammy Hill amongst others, but for those of you not wanting to look too ‘factory’ when out racing or doing shuttles, TLD offers you their ‘Ruckus’ jersey. ¾ sleeves, super breathable and rip resistant.
TSG Helmet
Browse www.ridetsg.com From one of the leaders in head protection, TSG’s latest slick offering feature 14 vents to help keep your head cool, and their pre-moulded heat-sealed interior pads, with high impact ABS shell should keep you safe and sound when skull bouncing across the dirt. What’s more they’re available in a million and one colour and design options.
Banshee frame
Browse www.barspin-imports.com.au The ‘Rampant’ is a super lightweight 4X race machine that we think could quite easily cross over into the trail, dirt jump, skate park, do-it-all territory. It is pieced together beautifully with a hyrdoformed 7005 Alloy tubeset, packs 4” of rear travel and tips the scales just on 3kgs. Each frame comes complete with a seat post, clamp, touch up paint, sticker kit, spare bearings, a spare hanger and a two year warranty. Impressive to say the least!
syncros bar and stem Browse www. T
Syncros bar & stem
Browse www.syncros.com The F31 bar features a 20mm rise (low rise heights are also uber cool right now amongst World Cup riders) and span 790mm in width. As for this sweet little stem, it’s available in a few different sizes and matches those bars so well it ain’t funny.