There was a time when mountain bikers were the “drunk uncle” at the outdoor buffet: socially awkward, irreverent, “too noisy, too fast,” outcasts on the dusty lam. Hikers called them out for harshing the trail’s mellow. Conservationists pegged bikes as trail wreckers. Decades later, the once rogue group of trail punks have grown up, are wiser, savvy, and organized. The International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) has emptied countless tubs of elbow grease advocating for social and physical space on the trails to ensure we have places to ride.
But here we are again. Same story, new bikes … More
The world’s greatest freeriders will be returning to what was a new venue in 2018. A roster of 21 riders will be able to evolve the many innovative descents, features and drops worked on last year in the hope of producing a winning run that will see them standing atop the podium at the end of the day.
Once again riders, along with their two-person build crews, will shape and build their ultimate lines down the mountain at the site in Virgin. In advance of the competition, the riders, along with their build crews, will spend four days of building and then four additional days to practise in order to build their dream line in what’s touted as one of the most intense contests in the world.
I always seek new spots and it thrills me to discover new places. While I was driving up north in Norway I found this gigantic sand quarry. It turned out to be one of the best stuff to ride. This is my first time riding real freeride lines. I’m absolutely blown away how much fun it was and it felt almost like powder skiing, I can’t wait to go back! – OSCAR HÄRNSTRÖM