Freeridenz Blog: November 2009

Nov 13, 2009

Wanaka Lismore Jump Jam 09

Rider: Phil Mclean

Thank god summers here and no better way to usher it in than a dirt jump comp at Wanaka’s one and only Lismore Park. Last year the jam went off with many sick riders throwing down big tricks on some sweet jumps, this years competition made last years competition look like a cycle safety day at the local primary school. Local 443 member Dan Hayden had taken many unpaid months off work to completely rebuild the course (with help of some other locals) and turn it into a smooth buttery dirt jumper’s dream. Not to mention the standard of riding had gone up to, Christchurch rider Phil Mclean set the standard on practice day with Tuck no-hander flips and Tailwhips!

The jam day on Saturday the 24th of October was perfect, sunny with little to no wind. The young local kids of Wanaka put on a fine display and it is scary to think if a 10 year old can do all the jumps in the park, what the hell will they be doing in 8 years time when they are my age!?

Kiakoura’s local ripper Quinn Nicholls started the junior grade with a hiss and a roar leaving everything on the course including much skin and a concussion or two. Inevitably Phil Mclean claimed first with his huge trick bag and unmistakable style, his partner in crime Tani TePou get second and showed even though he has only been riden for a year, he is one to watch out for.

Rounding out the top 3 was Wanaka local Monty Vass with tones of boost and style on his bmx, he even wore a helmet for the comp. The open grade did not have as much skill as the junior grade but was just as thrilling. Elmo Cotter claimed first with massive 3’s and flips, John O'brien got second after punishing himself on the jumps all day. Finally I got a disappointing third after a bad day with not been able to do some of my tricks and an injury from the day before. I crashed out attempting an x flip, bad day at the office lol.

All in all sick day thanks to Dan Hayden and all my boys from dunz ( you no who u are) and Shoosh cycles and FreerideNZ.

Words:
Tom McPherson

Nov 12, 2009

Wanaka Urban Downhill Jump Demo

Rider: Sam Proctor
Photo: Sam Walker

The Wanaka jump demo organised as part of the highly successful Urban Downhill proved to be a great success. Over the day the drawing crowd of spectators were treated to a diverse display of freestyle mtb/bmx from both locals and out of town riders who had travelled from all around for the demo.

Initially however the event was under some doubt, waking to a light but persistent drizzle I found myself worried that my travel all the way from Dunedin had gone to waste! However I made my way down to the main street at around 8oclock to join fellow Shoosh Cycles team member Tom McPherson where in the now patchy but noticeably heavier rain we set up the freestyle ramp supplied by Reaper Pit Bikes. The ramp was covered in blankets and tarpaulins in hope we could keep it dry until the event!

By 1oclock, to the surprise of everyone the sun had broken through the cloud and created an exciting atmosphere for the riders and spectators. The covers were taken off the ramp and once it was dry it was time to ride!

As spectator numbers grew the riding became more and more exciting. The crowed were treated to back flips, nacs, can-cans and a variety of other tricks. An uncertain morning had become a great afternoon for both riders and spectators, the combination of the jump demo with the Urban Downhill made for a brilliant day of riding and everyone who came went away smiling!

Words: Sam Proctor, Dunedin, NZ