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