mountain bike magazine

www.freeridermag.in

EXCLUSIVE

EXCLUSIVE STORYMTB Himalaya ix | 4

PHOTO SPECIALRampage Framed | 16

HOT STUFFCoast Gravity Park | 22

FIRST LOOKMontra Rock 2.2 Disc | 26

BLAST FROM THE PASTRocky Mountain and Yeti | 29

FRESH JUICENew gear for trail | 32

RIDER PROFILEJibin Joy | 36

WHATS UPThe Duke’s Descent + More | 39

COVER | PHOTO: Vineet Sharma | RIDER: Michael McLean | LOCATION: Gada Kuffar (Himachal Pradesh), INDIA

It is Movember and we at Freerider Mountain Bike Magazine have some facial hair-raising content packed in this final issue of the year. It has been a power surge recently for the Indian mountain biking scene. With the release of “High in the Himalayas” video series by Red Bull Media House and a first time appearance for India on the Asian DH race circuit, the future looks bright.

In this edition we bring you the subcontinent’s biggest mountain bike stage race, ‘MTB Himalaya’. Intense action images by Malcolm Mclaws from ‘Red Bull Rampage 2013’ and the latest ‘Coast Gravity Park’ project by Canada’s Coastal Crew. We also take a look at southern India’s hidden trails and give our verdict on the newest riding gear and components.

With this edition we call it a wrap for 2013. We’ll bring you more pumpin jumpin action in the New Year.Wishing each one of you tread spinners a great Christmas and a wicked New Year! See you all in 2014.

Vinay MenonDeputy EditorFreerider Mountain Bike Magazinevinay@freeridermag.in

Freerider Mountain Bike Magazine#410, Sector: 10Panchkula (Haryana).134109 - INDIA.........................................................This magazine is intended forfree distribution and is onlyavailable through our web portal. E-mail us for more details.www.freeridermag.in........................................................Feel free to write or contribute.E-mail at: vineet@freeridermag.in | vinay@freeridermag.in

Contributing Editors and PhotographersMalcolm McLaws, Alex A. Salikan, Omar Sherif,Gautam TaodeSahba Rowshan,Michael McLean

The Team:

Editor in Chief: Vineet Sharmavineet@freeridermag.in

Deputy Editor: Vinay Menonvinay@freeridermag.in

BMX Agent: Dipak Panchaldipak@freeridermag.in

Himalayan Trails Minister: Naveen Barongpa

Gautam Taode and Vinay Menon in Bali during Asian Downhill Championship, 2013.

The 2013 race saw some major changes:

The race circled Shimla district and some

famous older stages like KulluSarahan,

TaniJubbar andGada Ghuseni were missed by

the veteran riders. Long distance stages of upto

80 kilometers, consisting of killer climbs and

downhill stages through beautiful villages and

pristine pine forests challenged the riders.

The major attraction this year was the

Portuguese Pro XC rider Luis Leao Pinto.

He is ranked World #9 and has participated in

demanding mountain bike races around the

world such as the Titan Desert (Morocco),

Salzkammergut MTB Trophy (Austria) and has

scored podium finishes in the 2012 MTB Jurmala

Marathon (Latvia), 2012 MTB Tour of

Catalunya and the Endurance H2ote 6h race

amongst many others.

MTB Himalaya; formerly known as MTB Himachal entered its 9th year and the 6 day race was an

overall success. Organized in the beautiful Himalayan state of ‘Himachal Pradesh’,MTB Himalaya is

India’s premiere Mountain Biking event and one of the toughest cross country mountain bike stage

races in the world which takes place in some of the most scenic places in Himachal Pradesh.

FR MTB MAG | 4Words and Photography: Vineet Sharma

Racing in Men’s Solo, Luis shocked everybody with a 3 hour lead every day. The Portuguese National Champion was a rare sight for everybody during the race including the photographers. Pinto, who was killing all the MTB Himalaya records, did confess during an exclusive interview with Freerider Mountain Bike Magazine that despite leading the race, he is really pushing his limits, and he hasn’t experienced a race like this before.The champion was accompanied by his friends Eduardo Periera and Luis Nuno Canto Moniz.

Together they were giving tough competition to all the participants, especially the Indian Army mountain bike team who were present with the largest contingent ever. Having a total of 15 riders. 5 of whom were racing in the men’s open with the rest spread across in teams of two, the Army team had one motive: Winning.

The Indian Army team has been a regular participant since day 1 and has been dominating the team category ever since. Sishir Man Singh Karki, a veteran of the race, mentioned; “With new team riders, The Army mountain bike team is performing much better compared to 2 years ago since they switched to serious mountain bikes and he is really happy with the overall performance and determination”. Though he does feel the need for a more experienced coach for the team. Someone who can help them develop their skills towards becoming flawless mountain bikers who can race and win, anywhere in the world.

FR MTB MAG | 5

FR MTB MAG | 6

While the Indian Army team has been present since the first MTB Himalaya race, there is one more person who has not failed to astonish the participants every year with his trademark barefoot riding fashion. Dattatreya Patil competes in the race every year, barefoot, never failing to surprise other racers with fancy mountain bike shoes. Going in the face of the obvious dangers such as mud and stones, Datta Patil says that he feels more comfortable without the shoes and has never felt the need for them, even in the hike-n-bike sections!

Unfortunately, The race this year was not spared by the

rain God’s. It rained everyday and it rained a lot!

The nights were cold and damp.

Day 1 finished at a camp in Gada Kuffar on an

ominous note; A young racer, Ashwin, had an

unfortunate accident and suffered major injuries.

It was Ashwin’s first race. The Campsite for the rest of

the race was in Dhoomri, a small ski slope in Narkanda.

While the temperature dropped thanks to the rain, fresh

pakoras and snacks helped ease the cold and keep riders

sprits high.

FR MTB MAG | 7

The riders from Nepal however, were enjoying the cold weather. Nepalese riders have been dominating the series since the last 3 editions. Expectations were high from the Nepalese trio this year. The team was supported by the veteran rider Jean Louis. Jean was one of the riders during the first editions and was happy to see how the race format has progressed and was excited to race this year in the Masters Category, which he won. His fellow team members were Lelish Maharjan, Kumar Tamang and LaxmiMagar,Laxmi was one of the few female riders during the event who performed really well. This was her first race in India and she dominated the race in the Open Women’s Solo category.

Completing the race in 32 Hrs 06 Min 25 Sec with a lead of over 10 hours on her nearest rival. Laxmi also won the title of Fastest Female Downhill Rider which was presented by us at Freerider Mountain Bike Magazine. The second fastest downhill rider was Zoe Beesley. Both of them were rewarded with top end riding gear by us and iXS Sports Division.

FR MTB MAG | 8

FR MTB MAG | 9

Another female rider racing the MTB Himalaya for the first time who inspired us was Vamini Sethi.

Vamini was apprehensive about her performance due to a recent ankle injury. But determined and excited,

Vamini not only completed the race but scored a top 4 finish in women category. Thrilled by this adventure Vamini Sethi

told us: “This was my first time in MTB Himalaya and while I expected it to be tough, nothing can prepare one for the

experience. While I have been biking for almost 3 years and have participated in various MTB races, MTB Himalaya is at a

different level all together. 6 long days, insane distances, arduous climbs and exhilarating downhill’s challenged my spirit

every day. The mind kept coming up with many reasons to give up every hour, every day. Continuing despite all odds and

still finishing the race is what makes you feel like a winner at MTB Himalaya. On day 5 while I was riding through a slushy

and narrow path I had a major fall and I slid off a cliff. I landed on a ledge and my bike fell on top of me, injuring my neck

and back. There was no one in sight but I somehow managed to push my bike back on the track, crawl onto the path and

limp back to the finish line. My determination to continue the race that day and to finish the race on the last and final day

gives me confidence that I can handle anything life throws my way.” She is a strong contender for the next season

While it kept on raining and the race was becoming tougher day by day, another rider who shined through the adversity gracefully was Kiran Kumar Raju from Bangalore. Kiran races for Specialized Kynkyny Cycling Team and is the only mountain biker from the team with exceptional performance and style.

Kiran completed the race in 22 Hours 40 Min and 30 Seconds which got him an overall 6th. All fired up with a top ten finish, Kiran plans to train hard this season and is definitely going to be a tough contender for the next season.

FR MTB MAG | 10

Michael McLean, a British rider who has been organizing guided mountain bike tours in India was seen shredding on all the downhill stages. Mike who was competing in Masters Category came to enjoy the Himalayan scenery but his inner demons made him crank hard and he took 2nd position in his category followed by Luis Nuno Canto Moniz.

FR MTB MAG | 11

With 2 days left, all the riders were excited to complete the toughest stage of the race; the climb to Hatu Peak at 3400m. Unsurprisingly, Luis Pinto was the first rider to finish the climb. With Pinto’s stage finish came heavy rainfall, hail storms and some serious cold weather. About an hour later, we were surprised to see Devender Thakur, a young rider from Kullu finish the stage in second place after Pinto. Drenched and cold, the young lad decided to descend down and so did the following riders. The stage was pretty chaotic and cold weather mixed with rain really slowed down the race.

FR MTB MAG | 12

FR MTB MAG | 13

With the race wrapped up, Ashish Sood, the Director, was happy his team’s efforts had paid off. He mentioned that “MTB Himalaya 2014 promises to be a much grander event with more professional riders coming and racing here. Team MTB Himalaya is also planning to organize races throughout the calendar. A few big ones will be - MTB Shimla; Tour of Spiti and one more race in winter. We are also looking at the possibility of a downhill race. The idea is to get top riders from across India for a top quality MTB DH race in India. We will also continue with our training camps and customized bike tours. 2014 looks to be very promising”.

With the sun finally making an appearance on the last day, it was time to finish the race in Shimla. But riders still had 3 more stages to finish, and nobody was expecting it to be easy. At the world’s 3rd toughest mountain bike race, easy is not in the dictionary. After leaving tread marks in the remote villages and trails of Himachal, the riders raced back happily remembering the good times and the great food, Leaving behind a slushy campsite which looked more like a war zone.

FR MTB MAG | 14

FR MTB MAG | 16

This year Red Bull Rampage witnessed more big air time and historic riding by some big names who love big mountains. Famed action sports photographer Malcolm McLaws witnessed some kick ass action at the 2013 Rampage and here are some epic photos by him from the World Famous event.

Photography: Malcolm McLaws

FR MTB MAG | 17

FR MTB MAG | 18

FR MTB MAG | 19

FR MTB MAG | 20

FR MTB MAG | 21

FreeriderMTB_India_TRAILRS.pdf 1 22.08.13 14:24

The newest Mountain Bike Park to be built in BC is the Coast Gravity Park located on the Sunshine Coast near Sechelt and will open in 2014. The park is built by riders for riders and will bring riders an ear to ear smile. This will be the only year round gravity park in the Northwest, built below the snow line to give mountain bikers their adrenaline fueled fill anytime of the year.

FR MTB MAG | 22Words & Photography: Malcolm McLaws

The Coast Gravity Park is being created by the Coastal Crew, an international know trio of riders, film makers and builders. They are Dylan Dunkerton, Curtis Robinson and Kyle Norbraten who have produced the film “From the Inside Out” and the new movie “Arrival” This group has built trails for Brandon Semenuk as well as others in the elite rider/ video group.

FR MTB MAG | 23

After riding other resorts and building they have decided to create the most rider friendly trails in BC. They had a Media day and invited their friends to come and try out what shovel to dirt has produced in golden dirt to date, 4 trails from expert to intermediate full of berms , tables and fresh loam had everyone smiling. When the Coast Gravity Park officially opens in the fall of 2014 you can be sure riders will come to this new mountain bike mecca carved out the forest and dirt of the Sunshine Coast. It is supported by the local community and investors who are sure it will enhance local tourism and bring the spotlight to this area of beautiful British Columbia.

For more... Check out: http://coastgravitypark.ca

FR MTB MAG | 24

FR MTB MAG | 26

Words & Photography: Vineet SharmaRider: Devender Thakur

Montra bikes, which has been developing better quality bicycles in India is a sub brand of T.I cycles India. Montra has also taken an initiative to develop performance carbon bikes IN INDIA! Amongst their inventory they recently developed an entry level mountain bike which might give a hard time to competitive brands like Firefox, Suncross and the entry level models offered by Trek Bikes in India.

We checked the Made in India Montra Rock 2.2 Disc which is expected to be launched this month. The bike which made its debut in the 9th MTB Himalaya this year was tested through demanding trails and this is what we have to say; “a great job done by Montra”.

This hard tail XC bike features a matt finish alloy frame with nice curves, forged dropouts and great graphics which surprised us and our test rider Devender Thakur who tortured the bike during the race. We also compared the frame with the prototype Montra frames which had much cleaner lines compared to the Rock 2.2. But they had no plans to feature those in the production bike.

While we are reviewing the frame, but we will not hide the components featured on the Montra Rock 2.2. RST Blaze 100mm fork with lockout and preload adjustments, a 21 speed Shimano Acera drivetrain which is hated by most people. To make it better it was not adjusted properly. The Jagwire cables with matching colors also make the bike appealing. As mentioned earlier, this is an entry level mountain bike, so it comes with Shimano mechanical disc brakes which are fine for normal use, but if you plan to ride hard you might want to upgrade to hydraulic disc brakes and a better headset too, as the one on this bike seemed a bit unreliable for long term and aggressive riding.

FR MTB MAG | 27

The 31.8 handlebar and stem and Schwalbe Rapid Rob tires are a welcome point on this bike and this package is expected to be priced at around INR 26 to 27,000.

Riding: Though we are not sure about the weight, but Montra Rock 2.2 is not a light weight category bike which might be a snag if you are about to hit a steep and long climb sections. However, the RST Blaze fork with a lockout was a bonus and it helped our rider to ascend little faster. Getting on the technical trail was just like any other entry level bike we have checked before. The Shimano Acera did not fail to rattle all the way and the headset did give up eventually. There was no flex in the frame, but the crankset and chain slip spoiled the overall riding experience on technical sections. But the frame is not designed for aggressive riding. But few upgrades with your riding style can make it do wonders on trails.

Overall, Montra Rock 2.2 Disc is a decent package for an entry level mountain bike which is Made in India and can be made better with superior drivetrain like Shimano Deore or Sram X-5 or above with 8 or 9 speed. The price being offered is attractive and the bike can be a good deal for those of you getting into the sport.

FR MTB MAG | 28

Who invented the first ever mountain bike is still a big debate. Luckily this debate does not affect our sport in anyway and it just gets better every season. The way mountain bikes have progressed from a simple Klunker to a super complicated human powered machine is very exhilarating. Not to mention about some classic old school bikes which will never be forgotten. That’s why we are dedicating a new section “Blast from the Past” to some legendary mountain bikes that changed our riding style and the perspective of our sport.Alex A. Salikan, a rider from BC proudly presents these two renowned mountain bikes which he proudly rides till date. Check out the 1998 Yeti Lawwill DH-6 and the 2000 Rocky Mountain RM6.

FR MTB MAG | 29

Words & Photography: Alex A. Salikan

The bike is a size medium; everything on it is stock except for the Kooka cranks & bashguard, Kenda Kinetics 2.35” tires, Lizard Skins North Shore lock-on grips, 8” rotors, and a temporary Shimano Tiagra short cage rear derailleur until I get around to fixing the stock XT medium cage; and the whole thing weighs 37.14lbs as she sits. This is the plushest bike I’ve ever ridden, and also the flexiest.

The 2000 Rocky Mountain RM6 was my first dedicated mountain bike. Before that, I rode some trails on my dirt jump hardtail, but when I was 15, I decided that I needed a long travel full suspension bike to supplement the street riding. By then the Rocky Mountain RM6 was already obsolete, and parts failed regularly. This got worse about a year later when I snapped my hardtail in half and had to press the RM6 into full time street riding duty as well. The most notable change that I’ve made is definitely the 2003 RM7 swing arm. The first generation RM6 swing arms were thin and known for snapping off, which mine did about six months after the hardtail died. Other notable failures include the square taper bottom bracket spindle snapping, and both brakes suddenly deciding to go on strike.

FR MTB MAG | 30

The 1998 Yeti Lawwill DH-6 was my first endeavor into vintage bikes for the sake of vintage bikes.I bought it in the summer of 2010 because the price was right, and it’s one of the most iconic, innovative, and best looking downhill bikes of all time.It features the original 6” RockShox Boxxer fork and a Rock Shox Coupe Deluxe pull shock delivering a matching 6” travel, Hope hydraulic disc brakes with a floating rear brake mount, still-current through axles at both ends, a custom own-brand chain-guide to keep the Shimano XTR drivetrain in check, and Mavic D521 rims (which some World Cup racers still run today under a different model name).Unlike the RM6 which I still use to-day for cross-country riding, I bought this bike strictly as art. I admire it every day, but even if I wanted to risk scratching my pride and joy, my 6’4” frame isn’t the best match for its size small one. Custom built by the previous she weighs 37.46lbs.

FR MTB MAG | 31

Five Ten, a renowned name for quality shoes developed the Freerider VXi shoes a while ago for flat pedal shredders who want a super grippy shoe that will never let them down. This is a great looking mountain bike shoe which comes with the Stealth Contact outsole with slick contact area which easily allows to adjust the foot position on the pedals. The Freerider VXi also comes with a breathable, abrasion-resistant upper, a new performance-fit, and an asymmetrical welt that provides extra crank-side durability.

Five Ten Stealth technology that was developed in the 80’s is very durable. It is ideal for hiking and riding as it absorbs more shock than traditional rubber outsole. The Freerider VXi shoe grips way better than any other flat shoe we have tried so far. It does not slip even on those wet and dirty days and that’s exactly what everybody wants. However the slick sole contact area might become troublesome occasionally when you want to hike with your bike on wet rocks and roots.

The shoe performed great on long rides and gravity assisted trails. But... after a month, we noticed the sole coming apart from the point where there is maximum flex. This did raise a lot of question if the Freerider VXi can take long term beating. However after almost 3 months of use the shoe is working fine apart from the sole that came apart and it still looks new once you wash or clean them nicely. To sum it up, Five Ten has been making great shoes and the Freerider VXi is definitely a good investment for riders who want a good looking shoe that performs well at the same time. It would have been “The” perfect shoe is a lace closure strap was included. We just hope it will last us for long like other Five Ten shoes.Words & Photography: Vineet Sharma

DBX IIIIn today’s time when you can attain “break neck” speeds on a mountain bike, its only appropriate to make the neck brace

mandatory in your armor kit.

With several brands flooding the market now, we got our hands on the big daddy of neck brace brands, Leatt.

FR MTB MAG | 33

Words & Photography: Vinay Menon and Gautam Taode

The ‘DBX Ride III’ is a bicycle sport oriented neck brace made for the BMX and Mountain bike lot. Light weight fiber with an adjustable back plate makes this affordable model a good buy!

FR MTB MAG | 34

We’ve been running this ‘Ride III’ through our crew for a couple of months now and have had some nasty bails off cliffs, jumps and rock gardens. Every time the Leatt protector has saved our teams giraffe necks so we could sport a gold chain. With a reasonable MRP of USD 199, the Leatt ’DBX Ride III’ gets 3 leaves from the FR MTB MAG Crew.

• New exclusive Lycra TPR logo padding.• New 2-piece, super-low profile, DBX cut, padding design.• Injection-molded, fiberglass-reinforced, polyamide resin material.• Alternative Load Path Technology™• 3-way adjustability.• A collarbone relief section.• A break-away rear strut and crush zones for enhanced safety.• Padding kit removable/washable.• Size medium weighs 1.76 pounds (800g), without optional chest strap.

FEATURES

FR MTB MAG | 35

FR MTB MAG: Your most preferred style in mountain biking?JIBIN: I like Downhill and Freeride.

FR MTB MAG: Are your parents supportive of what you do on your bike?JIBIN: Yes. My parents are happy about my passion for the sport. They encourage me to ride more.

FR MTB MAG: How does your productive week look like? Is dabbling between college lectures and Riding a smooth affair?JIBIN: Even though I wish to ride a lot, right now due to busy College schedule I can’t spend much time on my bike. Once my University exams are through, I’ll be ripping on the trails all day!

Nickname: Chippy | Age: 19 | Hometown: Kuttikanam | Years riding: 6 | Current Bike: Kona Hoss

FR MTB MAG | 36

Interview by: Vinay Menon

FR MTB MAG: How did your “Mountain Bike Kerala” journey come about?

JIBIN: I met Michael McLean eight years ago when he was here in Kerala on a trail scouting visit. He introduced me to mountain biking, taught me the intricacies of the sport. He even gave me one of his bikes so I cud ride more. Somewhere around 2007 I joined the “Mountain Bike Kerala” team and started working as a trail guide with the crew. Riding with the guest riders I’ve been able to improve my skills and gain more trail time. I’ve made a lot of great friends while just riding my bike.

FR MTB MAG: You’ve had a podium finish at the 4X Nationals last season and finished 5th at the BBCh 2013 DH event. Do you wish to race more often?JIBIN: Yeah for sure! Racing seems like fun. It was great winning the 2nd spot at 4X Nationals in my home state of Kerala earlier in 2012. I hope to ride harder and win some of these events.

FR MTB MAG: Where do you see yourself 10 years from now in the sport?JIBIN: I see myself riding more, racing more and having a great time working with the ‘Mountain Bike Kerala’ team.

FR MTB MAG: Any shout outs?JIBIN: I’m very grateful to Michael McLean, my guru who got me this far in mountain biking. Pat Fitzpatrick, pushed my riding as well. Big thanks to RakeshManandhar, Varun M Nayar and my brother Jithin George for supporting me. My buddies, Aju George and Augustin Thomas for helping me. And a huge thanks to you guys at Freerider Mountain Bike Magazine!

FR MTB MAG | 37

https://www.facebook.com/BigRushIndia

1799 South India, The Duke of Wellington stands below a mountain, invincible after his victorious battle with Tipu Sultan in the Mysore wars. He stands in awe at the near vertical 2000m high wall of jungle in front of him, for a moment unsure. He marches his troops up.

Turn over the pages of time and its 2013. Three mountain bikers are rolling the rocks on the one of the most tech descents in the world. Top Station. They take a breather and soak in the view, across the valley the mist is clearing revealing a switchbacked trail carved into the grassland. Their eyes follow the rising mist up and up to a ridge. Fast forward a few more days and the same riders are there on that very ridge. Fingers hovering over the brakes, nervous, primed to ride what no rider has ridden before. Kohlkumalai trail.

FR MTB MAG | 39

Words and Photography: Michael McLeanwww.mountainbikekerala.com

Kohlkumlai lies in the fertile Western Ghats on the border between Tamil Nadu and Kerala and is home to one of the highest tea estates in the world touching the sky at over 2400 meters high. We jeeped in from Munnar some 30km away then winched our way up the 1000 meter of vert jeep track pedaling slowly, below us the views unfolded revealing more and more tea rolling down like a carpet to the lake below. As you would expect with almost 2000m of vert descent to play with there is a loads of variation in the trail. From tight jungle switchbacks to rolling grasslands to flowing forest singletrack with enough tech bits to send downhillers to the back of their bikes. The trail rolls down from Kohlkumalai Tea Factory; home to the world’s highest grown organic tea; with tea pickers venturing up the craggy peaks to pluck some of the finest tea in all of all India. From rocky jeep track the trail swings off into open grassy singletrack before plunging itself into the jungle as the trail retreats into a narrow snake like slither of dirt. Switchbacks are revealed at the last second as the jungle greenery opens just enough to make the tightest of corners rideable, tyres gasp for grip with barely enough time to recover before the next and then the next. This is switchback unrelenting.

As the trail descends deeper into the jungle the trail widens into loaming leaf, corners are more welcoming, moss backed rocks ask to be jumped off, daylight can’t penetrate here and the ride takes on an other worldly feel before the trail turns steep into a series of recently cut dirt chutes delivering us gasping for air and light into the open grasslands.

FR MTB MAG | 40

With the light comes the views and they are simply incredible. Rugged rocky peaks peer through the mist whilst on the opposite side of the valley, perched on a ledge is the tiny village of Middle Station the rest point on the equally challenging Top Station trail. Riding the grasslands is riding blind. The lemon grass weaves together over the trail leaving just enough dirt visible to hold a line. With rocks and exposure it’s techi riding before the trail opens up and becomes a more defined ribbon of brown through the straw green. Its fast and flat out into the bermed rocky strewn corners, riding high is the line here.

From grasslands to forest from cool high air to warm tropical heat, the last 6 km of trail here is just endless fun. Steep chutes run onto large tyre gripping rock slabs which speed into flowing singletrack weaving through the trees. Buffalo and goats grazing on the forest floor are signs that we are nearing the village of Korangani and the trails end. We speed down through the trees to a clearing, cross a rough looking cricket pitch, a few step downs and we are in the village for tea, snacks and to grab a vehicle to take us the 80km back to Munnar. Like the Duke of Wellington we look up the mountain to where we came from in awe. An epic ride an epic day

FR MTB MAG | 41

Bas Keep has built and ridden one of the biggest dirt quarter pipes ever made, reaching heights of more than 45 feet.

Towering at twice the height of a double decker bus and taking around four months to complete, the idea to build the quarter pipe came to Bas around five years ago when he approached Red Bull with a sketch drawn on a piece of paper.

Bas said: “I’ve always said I wanted to do something like this, I just thought it would be really fun. I remember scribbling down a drawing years ago, with tiny stick people and a double decker bus and, although it is strange seeing your dream become a reality, it’s exactly how I’ve always pictured it.”The quarter pipe, which was built in Llanygynog in west Wales, was shaped by fellow rider Kye Forte and built by Dan Atherton and a team from Revolution Bike Park. Fellow riders Ben Hennon and Ruben Alcantara joined Bas to ride the quarter with him.Speaking after riding the quarter for the first time Bas said: “At some point most riders get into dirt jumping because it’s simply good fun to build something yourself and then ride it. I hope people see thefootage and think, I want to ride that.”

FR MTB MAG | 42

Sahba Rowshan visits bikers’ paradise. Check out one of the best mountain bike trails of Nepal in our next issue.

mountain bike magazine

https://www.facebook.com/freeridermtbmag