2010 Mitre10 Wanaka Urban DH Results

Saturday 23rd October 2010
http://www.freeridenz.com/

OPEN MEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM TIME GAP OVERALL
1 Eddie Masters 111 Dunedin 1:20.74 +0:00.00 1
2 Reon Boe 51 Queenstown 1:21.13 +0:00.39 2
3 Joseph Nation 76 1:21.75 +0:01.01 3
4 Jimmy Pollard 1 Alexandra 1:22.26 +0:01.52 4
5 Jed Rooney 116 Oamaru 1:24.51 +0:03.77 6
6 Zac Williams 65 1:25.28 +0:04.54 7
7 James Hampton 79 1:25.31 +0:04.57 8
8 Michael Jachacy 108 Wanaka 1:27.11 +0:06.36 12
9 Matt Wood 67 Dunedin 1:28.02 +0:07.27 16
10 Blair Smith 27 Wanaka 1:28.83 +0:08.09 22
11 Peter Miller 13 Invercargill 1:29.64 +0:08.89 24
12 Dylan Sanchez-Pinsent 113 Dunedin 1:29.74 +0:09.00 26
13 Jack Lister 45 Wanaka 1:30.05 +0:09.31 31
14 Sam Proctor 37 Dunedin 1:30.22 +0:09.48 33
15 Jamie Tompson 97 Wanaka 1:30.56 +0:09.81 35
16 Tyrone Price 78 Christchurch 1:31.15 +0:10.41 36
17 Nathan Hogg 44 Wanaka 1:31.15 +0:10.41 37
18 Stuart Coburn 106 Wanaka 1:31.57 +0:10.83 39
19 Phillip Walsh 68 Dunedin 1:31.74 +0:10.99 40
20 Kalle Oliver 54 Alexandra 1:31.89 +0:11.15 42
21 Ben Wooster 57 Wanaka 1:32.21 +0:11.47 45
22 James Allan 18 Queenstown 1:34.07 +0:13.33 55
23 Emmerson Wilken 84 1:34.08 +0:13.34 56
24 Mikael Alftbers 103 1:34.13 +0:13.39 57
25 Tim Hodges 7 Invercargill 1:34.43 +0:13.68 60
26 Andy Mackay 94 Wanaka 1:34.51 +0:13.77 62
27 James de la Cruz 47 Wanaka 1:34.73 +0:13.99 63
28 Andrew Parsley 39 Dunedin 1:35.11 +0:14.36 65
29 Peter Jefcoate 61 Invercargill 1:35.49 +0:14.75 67
30 Owen Jones 86 Wanaka 1:35.89 +0:15.15 69
31 Darren McCauley 46 1:36.19 +0:15.44 70
32 Tim Norris 56 Westport 1:38.35 +0:17.61 73
33 Peter Campbell 48 Dunedin 1:40.98 +0:20.23 77
34 Michael Dawes 87 Wanaka 1:41.99 +0:21.25 81
35 Calum McLean 42 Invercargill 1:46.94 +0:26.19 95
36 Ethan Kelly 38 Dunedin 2:39.37 +1:18.62 112
DNF Blair Kinlaid 40 DNF
DNF Phil Cochrane 52 Wanaka DNF

OPEN WOMEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM TIME GAP OVERALL
1 Naomi Wilson 105 Queenstown 1:35.53 +0:00.00 68
2 Chrissie Sergeant 104 Wanaka 1:41.32 +0:05.79 80
3 Gemma Harper 109 Wanaka 1:42.92 +0:07.39 84
4 Vikki Peguero 2 Alexandra 1:43.76 +0:08.23 87
5 Shell Cobby 21 Alexandra 1:46.56 +0:11.03 94
6 Hayley Furze 66 Albert Town 1:53.08 +0:17.56 100
7 Shannan Miller 12 Dunedin 1:59.03 +0:23.50 103
8 Liz Cobby 23 Dunedin 1:59.30 +0:23.77 104
9 Roxana Prince 69 Wanaka 2:08.15 +0:32.63 107

MASTER MEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM TIME GAP OVERALL
1 Blair Christmas 30 Queenstown 1:23.35 +0:00.00 5
2 Fraser Gordon 58 Queenstown 1:27.49 +0:04.14 14
3 Murray Nash 28 Queenstown 1:27.83 +0:04.48 15
4 Julian Thompson 99 Wanaka 1:28.46 +0:05.11 17
5 Christian Meuli 60 Queenstown 1:28.52 +0:05.17 18
6 Callum Smith 15 Wanaka 1:28.74 +0:05.38 21
7 Jamie Fraser 41 Bluff 1:30.05 +0:06.69 30
8 Kevin Fife 114 Queenstown 1:30.10 +0:06.75 32
9 Ryan Purcell 85 Queenstown 1:31.87 +0:08.52 41
10 Tristan Muirhead 25 Wanaka 1:31.90 +0:08.54 43
11 Dan Haydon 98 Wanaka 1:32.19 +0:08.83 44
12 Mike Topp 90 Queenstown 1:32.22 +0:08.86 46
13 Martyn Anlezark 6 Queenstown 1:32.27 +0:08.92 47
14 M Kanaora 64 1:32.54 +0:09.19 49
15 Andrew Corish 62 Wanaka 1:33.87 +0:10.52 53
16 Danny Maguire 74 Kaitangata 1:34.05 +0:10.69 54
17 Hugh Nimmo 63 Wanaka 1:34.17 +0:10.82 58
18 Tim MacKenzie 88 Christchurch 1:34.48 +0:11.12 61
19 Jamie Greenway 118 Wanaka 1:34.96 +0:11.60 64
20 Jack Bradbrook 91 Franz Josef 1:35.28 +0:11.93 66
21 Dave Zee 101 Queenstown 1:37.67 +0:14.32 72
22 Tim Davies 14 Wanaka 1:41.13 +0:17.77 78
23 James Bennie 32 Arrowtown 1:42.48 +0:19.13 82
24 Maurcicio Limari 83 Queenstown 1:45.68 +0:22.33 90
25 Craig Tuck 31 Arrowtown 1:53.90 +0:30.55 101
26 Jeremy McNeill 49 Queenstown 2:21.76 +0:58.41 109

MASTER WOMEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM TIME GAP OVERALL
1 Gina Matete 19 Queenstown 1:43.74 +0:00.00 86
2 Natasha Dawes 50 Wanaka 1:45.21 +0:01.47 88
3 Indri Clendon 16 Queenstown 1:46.17 +0:02.43 92

UNDER20 MEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM TIME GAP OVERALL
1 Ben Roulston 36 Wanaka 1:26.12 +0:00.00 9
2 Nick Fisher 22 Wanaka 1:26.17 +0:00.05 10
3 James Hoggan 77 Christchurch 1:26.27 +0:00.16 11
4 Quintin McCrostie 59 Alexandra 1:29.63 +0:03.52 23
5 Cam Johnson 115 1:29.64 +0:03.53 25
6 Robert Howie 26 Invercargill 1:29.86 +0:03.75 27
7 Dan Trewern 107 Dunedin 1:32.28 +0:06.17 48
8 Daniel Bennie 80 Dunedin 1:39.19 +0:13.07 74
9 Adam Hutchison 29 1:42.73 +0:16.61 83
10 George Tilson 17 Ashburton 1:45.88 +0:19.76 91
11 Jake Neaves 81 Dunedin 1:48.99 +0:22.88 97
12 Sam Kirkwood 100 Invercargill 1:49.03 +0:22.92 98
DNF Rupert Paterson 9 Wanaka DNF

UNDER 20 WOMEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM TIME GAP OVERALL
1 Georgie Wight 20 Alexandra 1:37.26 +0:00.00 71

UNDER 17 MEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM TIME GAP OVERALL
1 Dan McCombie 110 Dunedin 1:27.34 +0:00.00 13
2 Troy Stewart 96 1:28.57 +0:01.22 19
3 Elmo Cotter 117 Wanaka 1:30.00 +0:02.66 29
4 Connor Harvey 55 Invercargill 1:30.55 +0:03.20 34
5 Greg Cochrane 24 1:31.46 +0:04.11 38
6 Josh Perkins 75 Wanaka 1:43.68 +0:16.33 85
7 Josh Timu 3 Wanaka 1:45.67 +0:18.33 89
8 Jacob Cornwall 34 Invercargill 1:51.11 +0:23.76 99
9 Toby Lee 5 Wanaka 1:55.89 +0:28.55 102
10 Chris Sope 35 Invercargill 2:03.79 +0:36.45 105
11 Joshua Rogan 92 Wanaka 2:20.75 +0:53.40 108
12 Joshua Knowler 95 2:23.21 +0:55.87 110
DNS Michael Noone 70 Wanaka DNS

UNDER 17 WOMEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM TIME GAP OVERALL
1 Phoebe Coers 43 Wanaka 1:46.39 +0:00.00 93
2 Juliette McMullan 112 Waikouaiti 2:32.29 +0:45.91 111

VETERAN MEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM TIME GAP OVERALL
1 Andy Patchett 8 Queenstown 1:28.70 +0:00.00 20
2 Peter Page 93 Christchurch 1:29.87 +0:01.17 28
3 Willem Groenen 4 Albert Town 1:32.65 +0:03.95 50
4 Graham Dunbar 10 Wanaka 1:32.86 +0:04.16 51
5 Eddie Spearing 71 Wanaka 1:33.57 +0:04.87 52
6 Ewan Straight 72 Wanaka 1:34.21 +0:05.51 59
7 Phil Oliver 53 Alexandra 1:39.91 +0:11.21 75
8 Pete McInally 82 Queenstown 1:40.63 +0:11.93 76
9 Purple Voice 33 Buller 1:41.19 +0:12.49 79
10 Mark Elliott 89 Wanaka 1:47.72 +0:19.02 96
DNF Brett Jarvie 73 Wanaka DNF

VETERAN WOMEN
PL NAME SURNAME # FROM TIME GAP OVERALL
1 Sally Patchett 11 Queenstown 2:03.95 +0:00.00 106

Czech Republic to NZ

Ludek Frydrych came from the Czech Republic to NZ to ride some of our finest trails. Below is a few days he had riding around Wanaka.


Day one of my stay in Wanaka began with a warm up ride in the now famous 'Sticky Forest'. An awesome trail network so close to the town centre. Some of my favourites were Sick Boy, Crankin’s Fine and Carrot Cake trails. I was well impressed with the trails, they were well looked after, flowy and fun to ride. The afternoon was spent swimming in the refreshingly Lake Wanaka with a beer on the beach!

The second day was all about the down hilling. We headed to Dirt Park with FreerideNZ. We managed to squeeze six long rides into the afternoon thanks to the shuttling wagon. Another mixture of trails here as on day one including safe wooden features, fast dusty stretches of single track and rock gardens. Riding with Dan and a bunch of locals was a great experience.

My third day involved a scenic ride on a FreerideNZ Guided Wanaka Cross Country Tour. The ride was over an hour to get to a remote beach tucked away in a remote forest. The whole ride was full of impressive views of lake Wanaka and surrounding mountains. Given its remoteness, it is a place not many people go or ride so i was stoked to be out there!

Another day of riding was to be had. This time the FreerideNZ van was on its way over to Alexandra for some mountain biking action. Another offer from Dan i could not refuse! After my three days of riding around Wanaka we took an hour drive to Alexandra. It is a completely different type of terrain than what i got used to in Wanaka. It felt like being on the moon, just dust and rocks, no trees, heat with no shady spots around but trails to die for!

All in all – A package with all the riding action i was looking for all rolled into one giant trip! I look forward to seeing you again which may happen fairly soon – probably this coming summer.

Wanaka Urban Down Hill Race!

FreerideNZ Winter Programe

FreerideNZ's winter programe is up and running. We are your solution to finding the best snow in the Southern Alps, any day, any time.


Day trips to:

The Remarkables
Coronet Peak
Cardrona
Snow Park (Night Riding)
Treble Cone


Escape the crowd and shred the pow at:

Ohau
Round Hill
Dobson


The hassle free way to get the most out of what the Southern Alps offer.

For up to date conditions and guiding options free dial 0800 RIDE NZ

WWW.FREERIDENZ.COM

We Came, Saw & Concured!

Photo: Evan Welsch. www.evanwelsch.com

Scree slopes and bikes might not be everyone’s usual ride outing but it sure is fun!

With base camp at the bottom of the mountain we sat around our lakeside fire nervously sharing stories of what awaits the following day. Had this ever been done before? Seemed to be the most repeated question. It was certainly fair to say there was a high amount of anticipation in the group which was later made easier with a night cap or three. We woke early and headed up the mountain with our 4x4 access.

“See we just ride down there, it’ll be sweet” I remember saying. But as the drive up continued we began to relise the what looked like small looking pebbles were no smaller than a basketball! Oops what have I got the team into here!

We left the truck when it couldn’t get us any higher and endeavoured to summit the mountain of rocks ahead of us. We all scrambled our way to the never ending top with bikes being hung, slung dragged up behind us. Shortly after getting our breaths back at the peak began the horror and realisation that we still needed to RIDE back down this mountain! The rocks looked smaller on the next slope so we walked along the exposed ridge line to find small rocks that weren’t the little pebbles they looked like from below but certainly more realistic than the boulders we climbed up on.

There wasn’t really much we could do but look straight down the barrel of our scree shoot and pretend it’s not so bad. Walking back down would probably end up harder than riding down so a way I went. Leaning back and looking a head. Brakes are virtually impossible on this stuff so you’re completely in for the ride. Not knowing what was over each brow but hoping for more scree and no big rocks.

I made it and god did it feel good! Will I do it again? Yes please!

Dan

65kms in one day… No biggie!

I had passed through it countless times, each passing I was left wondering what actually lies behind those mountains? Are there trails back there? I had never heard of anyone riding bikes there but surely its possible…maybe?

Enough with the pondering I wanted to find out what’s back there! Find out if there is trails deep in the Lindis Pass. After grabbing some fresh topo maps we set out into the unknown. It’s a 5.45am wake up and we are on the road. We are travelling down a gravel road that just wont end. Chomping at the bit to get on the bikes and explore. The map suggests there’s parking up ahead, we take the next corner and come over the rise to find two big campers and a couple of cars on the side of the road. We thought we were the pioneers! Who are these impostors!

After parking up it seems like splits of second before we are clipped in, camel packs filled and riding towards the campervans to get to the start of the track. As we approach some friendly kiwi faces pop out of their weekend trailer home and offer us coffee. There’s the lingering smell of cooking bacon smouldering out of the caravan door which they are leaning out of. We were so pumped on the ride even coffee and a chance of a cooked breaky couldn’t distract us!

Off we set. Into the mountains and the great unknown. The trail starts off flat before a steady climb through numerous valleys. We become completely surrounded by barren mountains with no sign of life anywhere. As the riding continues the trail is forced over the top of the mountains. We stop at the summit of the first mountain and can almost look down to the Linids Pass road, even the ocean isn’t out of sight from up here! Being amongst the mountain peaks gives you a real sense of adventure and achievement. There’s plenty of Kodak moments on the peak as we prepare for the well deserved descent! Life doesn’t get better than this!

Dan

New Heli Bike for 2010

Out with the old, in with the new! Our new Wanaka heli bike has riders landing at over 6000ft, high enough to see Mt Cook! Enjoy the spectacular giant lakes below while standing beside a high alpine lake at the beginning of the ride. Conveniently the trail ends at the Lugget pub for a thrust quencher and a chance to talk about one heli of a ride!

For more information check out www.freeridenz.com

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

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

Helmet Cam - Urban Downhill Wanaka

Rider: Tristan Muirhead
Event: 'AWS' Urban Downhill Race
Location: Wanaka

The ContourHD Helmet Camcorder used in this footage can be purchased through FreerideNZ. Contact us today to find out more. info@freeridenz.com

freeridenz.com

'AWS' Urban Downhill Race In Wanaka, NZ from FreerideNZ on Vimeo.

New Zealand's FIRST Urban Down Hill Race

New Zealand's FIRST Urban Down Hill Race was a huge success in Wanaka with a great turn out of competitors coming far and wide to hit the streets of Wanaka! Spectators made a day of it too with up to 200 screaming fans cheering on riders at the 'Red Rock Bar' stairs!

For many competitors this was actually their first race, with the course suiting most riding abilities as it wasn't as steep as a traditional downhill race course. The race categories were wide spread with many kids making the most of the unusual low age group for a topical down hill race.

A big thank you to 'AWS' for making it all possible

Thanks to Laurel Morrison, Mark Morrison and Nick Busse who have worked together with myself over the last 6 months to make New Zealand's first Urban Downhill Race an enjoyable event for all!

Cheers,

Dan

Brand new web site out soon!

..exciting new tours including:
-Cross Country, All Mountain, Down Hill specific tours
-3 Day South Island/North Island Tours
-10 Day NZ Wide Tours!
-Australian Tours!

New FreerideNZ.com website out within a few weeks!

Freeride GIRLS 'Clinic'

NEW Freeride Girls clinics coming this summer!

For girls wanting to experience the enjoyments of 'freeride / downhill' mountain biking.

Hanging out with like minded girls, being coached and riding amazing trails throughout Central Otago. Come rain or shine, bring it on !!

CLINIC 101...

DATES - LOCATION - CLINICS

BASED IN WANAKA...

Woman's Wednesday - 3pm @ i-site

11th Nov - Sticky Forest - Wanaka - Bike set up for freeride/downhill

18th Nov - Sticky Forest - Wanaka - Body Positioning while riding

25th Nov - Snow Park Downhill - Braking skills

2nd Dec - Alexandra - Cornering

9th Dec - Queenstown - Jumping

16th Dec - Sticky Forest - Wanaka - Putting all skills together for a final race!


Spaces are limited on this program, so please call Angie in advance on 0210621528 to confirm a place. It is recommended to complete the 6 weeks to achieve full progression. Also remember to bring food and refreshments.

$15 per session Includes Coaching clinic by 'Freeride NZ', transport & shuttles.

Recommended equipment : Suspension bike, body protection, helmet & gloves. ( Please contact Angie for hire prices if needed)

Austalian Multi Day Tours...

Dan riding above Wombat State Forest, Victoria, Australia

Australia was my country of choice for the Southern hemisphere winter this time round and it's worked out a TREAT! So put another sausage on the barby and I'll tell ya all about it...

While many Australians cross the ditch to New Zealand to experience mountain biking on one of our Freeride NZ multi day tours, it's always intreeged me to know what the riding would be like in their own back yard.

So while winter continued to batter the home land with record dropping temperatures and well even a huge earth quake which managed to shift the country sideways I got to have some fun on my bike in slightly warmer temperatures!!

I based myself in the AFL fan crazy city of Melbounre. It wasn't long before I was riding with some previous Freeride NZ multi day clients who where happy to show me some of Victoria's hidden gems!

The trails so far have all been all-mountain and cross-country style as there seems to be a shortage of ELEVATION around here!! ..compared to what i'm used to living in ski resort towns anyway!

The spots that stood out the most would have to be the Youyang's for the mecca range of trails (located 45mins drive from Melbourne's CBD) and of course single track heaven in the Vic Alps.

The riding must be good here in Oz as after extensive work I have teamed up with some local operators to offer the finest single track multi day tours of Australia! Riding package include cross country and all-mountain for now with the hope of putting together a down hill specific package in the near future! We are all really excited about these unique packages and can't wait to share them with you shortly!

All info of our Australian single track multi day tours will be on the new FreerideNZ.com web site within a few weeks!

Cheers,
Dan

New Heli Bike for 2010

Out with the old, in with the new! Our new Wanaka heli bike has riders landing at over 6000ft, high enough to see Mt Cook! Enjoy the spectacular giant lakes below while standing beside a high alpine lake at the beginning of the ride. Conveniently the trail ends at the Lugget pub for a thrust quencher and a chance to talk about one heli of a ride!

For more information check out www.freeridenz.com

Thredbo State DH Round #1

Danny Bonello....deep in pre race thought

The weekend of the 4th and 5th of April 2009 saw the first round of the NSW state DH series hosted by South East Mtb Co. The turn out was pretty impressive with over 250 riders spread across the categories. There was even a category for people making a statement against rear suspension. Crazy.
The rain that had fallen in the days prior to the event had left the track in a condition that could only be described as ideal. It seemed as though there was more grip than people could deal with. I even witnessed one man weeping by the side of the trail. He later told me that he had never seen such glorious dirt pass under the tires of his cycle and the initial feeling it created was overwhelming for his emotions.
With the Oceanas having been held at Thredbo three weeks prior, the organizers knew what they were dealing with. They were so relaxed that they decided no one needed a race plate until race day.
The atmosphere is always so good at Thredbo races. With the chairlift running all day, everyone was at ease about their practice schedule, while still being anal about scouring the hill for places to wash fractions of time from their race runs. With the fastest times being in the early to mid six minute area, this track really does beat riders up so self control is always needed when hoping to conserve energy for Sunday.
Race day saw the sun revealing itself even more than it had on Saturday, though up top the wind had really picked up. This made it pretty tough for riders to stay warm for their runs as the temperature was hovering between 5 and ten degrees. The track was was no area for concern a,d remained just and tacky as Saturday, but was showing the results of some pretty greedy braking techniques.
At the end of the day it was Tim Eaton who was fastest down the hill in both his qualifying and final run. Ricky Boyer managed to snatch second place ahead of AMB Feb/Mar cover boy Cody Eichorn. A big congratulations to Tim, as this is a well deserved win. Times and results for all other categories are not something I have stored in my head, however I have no doubt that there is a website with a full list of results waiting to be viewed. Also check out pointoffocus.com for all the official photos from the race.
The next round of the NSW state DH series will be held at Ourimbah on May 2nd and 3rd. Be there, because it will be fun.
Danny Bonello

09 Riders Invitation Jam

Tom McPherson X up backflip

I got invited to the 09 riders invitation jam down at frews on the 14th of March. Only 10 riders in NZ were invited (INCLUDING ME!!!!!) and 5 gravity pros from the USA.

I completely tacoed my rim on practice day trying X-up flips on the super booter. I just landed a bit sideways but it made for a cool photo. Unfortunately I didn’t get to ride in the comp but had fun chilln with all the riders.

Till next time
Tom McPherson

8 Day Multi Day Tour

It was after a downhill session with my mate Rob and another regular campaigner, with beer in hand at a pub, that a cunning plan was hatched to hit some trails in New Zealand. It was around early 2008, and we were keen to see what the land of the long white cloud has to offer.

Mountain biking medias such as 'Dirt Magazine' and 'Drop In TV' have painted such awesome landscapes of the place, it seemed criminal not to make the effort and see what its all about.
We were aware that there were established outfits dedicated to multi day trips in New Zealand, however we had certain expectations of what type of riding we were wanting to do. We both had bikes that had 6+ inches of rear suspension, so freeride/ all mountain / downhill riding was what we were up for. We were looking at around 7-10 days of being in NZ, and we did not want to be wasting much time on dud trails, or hunting around for tracks scrawled on a pamphlet or magazine.

....After looking at several options, and making initial enquiries, we decided to go with Freeride NZ. We opted for an 8 day multi day trip in the south island, and concentrating around the Queenstown and Wanaka area. With plans in motion, the plane tickets were purchased, and I was about to embark on my first mountain biking holiday.

Wanaka Heli Biking With Freeride NZ

The Trails...In terms of being able to gauge the type of riding that we were up for, I would have to say that Dan was right on the money each and every time. The rides were so varied from each other each time, riding National downhill tracks at Clyde, super slippery runs in Dunedin, or brake burning descents in Alexandra. There were moments where I was riding the trails and couldn't help but think that I was riding on things that you only see in the films and magazines. It's so inspiring to see that there are so many great trails out there, and certainly makes me more keen to travel with the bike.I could write volumes about the trails that we rode over the eight days, but I fear that I would just not do it justice. Those who have ridden the south island would know what I am talking about, and those have not yet but are thinking about it, I would seriously encourage you to hook up with Dan and the crew from Freeride NZ - you would not be disappointed.

Mark trail riding in Alexandra

The People...Part of what made riding the tracks a lot better was the fact that we had a chance to ride with local riders on their home turf. As Dan explains, it gives us tourists not only a chance to be able to interact with riders who are in the area, but also so we are not just coming into someone's home turf, ripping up their tracks, and then ducking away like ships in the night. It was great to have a chance to talk to this guys about all manner of things like how the trails developed in the area, line choices, and even reliving old war stories about riding that they have done in places like Whistler. I met some great people in my travels, and would gladly show them my local trails if they ever came to Brisbane.

Rob riding in a forrest near Dunedin

The 8 day multi trip experience with Freeride NZ was all in all, quite unforgettable. I found myself being challenged, pushing my personal boundaries of my riding, as it is not often that you get that feeling of danger day in day out. A big thanks to Sarge, Tom, Quinton, Kelly, Ashton, Hunter, Naomi, Kev, Tristan, and Russ for sharing their time with us on the trails. Also a big shout out to Dan and Glenn for making the trip all that it was - can't wait to catch up with you guys again!

The land of the 'long white cloud!'

Cheers,

Mark and Rob