Fear. You either shrink from it or embrace it. Fear is a state that motocrossers have to touch on a weekly or daily basis. How do they deal with it? How do they manage it? What drives a human being towards inexplicable risk, the limits of physical and mental endurance? Past films have looked at the soul and spirit of racing and riding but ‘Fear Not’ – the very first feature-length production by award-winning videographer Mikey Neale – gets inside the heads of some of the biggest names on the international scene. Insight sits next to inspiration as Neale and his colleagues employ their full range of skills and gadgetry to present these athletes and their capabilities in an utterly engrossing series of majestic clips and montages. McGrath, Wilson, Searle, Paulin, Hill and events like the Monster Energy Cup, and the Motocross of Nations sit next to imagery from free-riding haven Beaumont for this exhilarating ‘skin dip’ under motocross.
The Camtest (that’s right Camtest, not contest) originated in Boulder, CO, back in 2003. Cameron Dowse was hanging out at his homie Bruce’s ramp and decided to throw a contest. With $150 in his pocket it was run and done. Cash went to the winner. No entry fees, no special invite list, anybody who showed up and was down to have a good time was on the list. Over the years, Cam has continued to host these Camtests, each with a special twist to keep things interesting.
In 2011, skateboarding’s good friend Dave Tuck was diagnosed with cancer and since then the Camtests have been in his honor. The 2012 event was at the legendary Pink Motel and in honor of Tuck’s love for beer it was decided to make the divisions based on weight classes. This year the Camtest returned to the Pink Motel as did the weigh ins. Coping was smashed, blood was shed, a few pounds were probably lost but all in attendance gained a good time and over $3,000 was raised for cancer charities. —Joe Hammeke