i h8 bikes - Bay Area, Portland, Ashland/Southern Oregon Downhill, Freeriding, All Mountain, Dirt Jump, Freestyle Mountain Biking

Technical Trail riding with Lars

jasonvh — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:13:53 +0000

Just about everyone has posted links to the latest edit from Transition Bikes, but it contains so much awesome it would be wrong not share it here as well. Lately I’ve been a bit obsessed with cranking faster lap times at the local spots, but that isn’t what riding is supposed to be about. Burly trail riding is my favorite pastime, and this just speaks to exactly what kinds of stuff we’ve been about from day one. (Plus our buddy and snowboard photog maestro Tim Zim is featured doing his thing) Don’t get me wrong, downhill bikes are rad, but riding super gnar trail with just a skid lid and some knee pads? That’s all mountain style — Sign me up.

While on the video subject, this video, “Shit Mountain Bikers Say” is getting around fast too. ‘Cause its damn funny. If you watch it, it will make you laugh.

Reviewed: The Lust worthy Vapor Pro iPhone Case

jasonvh — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:22:30 +0000

When the new iPhone was finally released after a long wait, I finally pulled the trigger and upgraded from my 3g model. Other than a small crack in the plastic backing, it has held up well. Much of its longevity can be attributed to the number of different protective cases on it during its 3+ year life span. With a significant investment in a fancy new smart phone, investing in a case can be a good idea. Provided they can do the job.

The different cases I ran on my iPhone 3g helped keep my phone functional, but when it came to the cosmetic side of things, they didn’t do as well. While they protected the phone during the inevitable drops to the ground, every model I’ve used collects dirt and dust. In addition, when removing the cases I found the plastic backing covered in scratches. Eventually just stopped using a case altogether, preferring to run it bare in my pocket. The irony is that it didn’t get any more beat up, provided I kept keys and change away from it. The dirt didn’t build up either, since I wiped it down regularly.

My 3G held up so well, that I was unable to justify the expense of upgrading to a newer model until recently. The 4S was too much of a temptation though, and so I finally succumbed. Having a new phone, I of course wanted to protect it from the eventual “oh shit” moment. But I wasn’t about to run any old case on my favorite piece of hardware. You can imagine I was beyond stoked when Rob from Echos Communications shot over a sample case from Element Case. The model we received, the Vapor Pro isn’t just any old case – I’m almost hesitant to say it, but as someone that appreciates craftsmanship, it is a piece of art. Like many of our favorite bike parts, the protective frame is CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum. This alone wouldn’t prevent scratches and dirt, but it is just one component of the case. A lot of thought clearly has gone into every detail of this product, from the stick-on suede backing to the polymer segment of the case that prevents signal loss.

the Vapor Pro Black Ops Element Case

This isn’t a typical phone protector. Clearly, a lot of thought has gone into every detail of this product- from the alloy casing itself, to the comfortable suede backing. Also included:

Clear screen protector (2x)
Padded zipper case
Sunglass-style wipe
Custom tool for the case hardware that includes extra hardware

Installation

Installation was easy enough. I started with the clear plastic screen cover. Having added these to my previous phones, I took extra care installing it. Although two are included, experience with similar protectors meant rushing and doing a sloppy job would leave me with air bubbles that I’d have to stare at for each time I used the phone. The thin membrane is noticeable in the light when using the phone during the day, but knowing the screen is a bit more protected is not just reassuring, but in limited light isn’t noticeable at all. I prefer using the phone with the uncovered screen, but when I do end up using the phone to watch Netflix or other similar apps, it tends to be in lower light anyway. The black suede backing also has an adesive backing, and I took equal care in applying it to the phone. It has a nice tactile feel to it, and in contrast to the alloy case, really adds to the experience of using the phone. As a bonus, because it sticks on, I’m unconcerned about dirt getting underneath it and causing scratches like other phone protectors I’ve used.

Adding the alloy case itself is unlike installing any other iPhone case I’ve owned to date. It bolts together using small allen keyed bits, and a cool little allen tool. (included with the case) As with everything else, care was taken at this step to avoid stripping the heads or the case in the installation.

Installing the Vapor Pro iPhone case

In addition to the alloy case and the stick on protectors, a zip up padded case was included for traveling with the phone on more rough and tumble adventures. I haven’t used it much due to the additional size and space it takes up in my pocket, but for trail building, motorcycling, snowboarding or other endevors where I’d want a bit of extra protection it seems like a great addition. The only drawback for me is that since I use it rarely, I have been finding myself misplacing it. While it would provide quite a bit of shock protection for the phone when the phone was inside, it doesn’t appear to be water resistant in any way, so for my uses it has limited value, since it takes a bit to put the phone in and take it out. It is a nice bonus add-on though, that I wouldn’t have expected. I have yet to test how much it damps the phone signal. Since I’ve become fond of documenting my rides via GPS and the Stave app, it could come in very handy. While I haven’t used this way yet, if one wanted to travel light, there is room for stashing an id, credit card and a bit of cash if you wanted to leave the bulk of a wallet behind during an adventure.

Protection

I’ll be straight forward here; I have yet to drop my phone with the case on it. Dropping phones, especially the first time is one of those events I’m planning to avoid as much as I can. I’ve dropped previous models of the iPhone a number of times, and unlike my girlfriend’s phone, mine keep going afterward, with the addition of a ding or scratch or two, thanks to the solid state drive and the lack of moving parts. While this case is all about keeping things classy, I have no doubt it adds to the drop-ability factor of my phone. I imagine the case won’t look as sleek after a solid impact with concrete, so I’ll update this post after the first time this inevitable event occurs.

At $150, this case isn’t cheap, but it is a nicely produced product, and adds a stylish, industrial look and protection for your number one electronic gadget. Many cases don’t compliment the design of the iPhone- the Vapor Pro does. The craftsmanship on it is top notch, and it has a solid feel in the hand. While it took a minute to get used to it, it adds a bit of heft that feels reassuring. In addition, I haven’t felt that the phone’s signal strength has been compromised in anyway.

The Vapor Pro iPhone Case by Element Case

Pluses

Craftsmanship, design and incredible attention to detail
Shape easy to hold onto with gloved hands
Reliable feel
Includes padded zipper case (I’d even take this motorcycling/ dirt biking/ dirt jumping)

Minuses:

Some headphones may not fit though the machined holes
Recessed buttons slightly difficult to press
Unlikely to be compatible with iPhone docks without disassembly
Price- quality and good design isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for. The Vapor Pro will set you back $150.00

Details go all the way to the final presentation and packaging

For more info, check out Element Case.

New Zealand Pumptrack Radness

jasonvh — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:15:47 +0000

New Zealand has been popping up quite a bit on the radar lately, and the more I hear, the more I want to figure out a plan for getting down there and checking it out. A few weeks ago I was out with local DH Racer/ Ripper Mikey Haderer and we were putting the New Zealand designed DH frame the Zerode though its paces for a bike check for Vital MTB. Shortly after that I went on a ride with a native New Zealander now living in the bay area. Clearly the universe is telling me I should pack up and move to New Zealand. Or visit and ride their trails.

Their summer runs from December through February, which makes it a highly desirable destination for those that have X-Mas vacation time saved up, especially if you’re a rider based in the northwest that needs a break from the wet and cold. There is a big push in their marketing for cycling tourism with at least two bike parks that I know of, the Woodhill Mountain Bike Park and the Queenstown Bike Park. The Queenstown Bike Park recently opened, and from all the photos that have been popping up online, the scenery looks epic.

Not content with some apparently sweet downhill tracks, there is also a jump park. For pump track fans they’ve also added a new pump track that’s designed to act as a social hangout for locals and tourists alike near the bottom of the Skyline Gondola. The track is sponsored by the Outside Sports Ride Centre, and to make the track a reality, they brought Pro DH racer Justin Leov on board to design it and get it made.

When planning a pump track, your design doesn't need to be super fancy.

Their planning for the pump track wasn’t terribly complex. Often times you see these computer drafted images that look great, but sometimes just getting a rough plan is all you need. Sometimes these things are way over designed and things that look good on paper don’t always turn out as planned. In the end, regardless of your design, you’ll end up changing things up if you really want to dial it in.

This track was roughed out and ridable within two days of work.

It is great when you have good soil to work with on site. Often times it isn’t the case.

Break in runs.

Watering the track

Once the track was officially open, they celebrated by having a big jam making an edit. Looks pretty fun for a public track!

Photos courtesy of Outside Sports Ride Center.

Backyard Spotlight: Izaak’s Pumptrack

SF Bike Expo Scene: Part 2

jasonvh — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:18:19 +0000

I ride my bike around the city a lot more than I get to ride it in the dirt. It is a sad reality of life in the city, but what can you do? Since I’m a big gear head with a fashionista girlfriend, it stands to reason I’d eventually become intrigued with gear that works for casual riding in the urban setting as well as the gear I wear while shredding trail on the weekends.

I’ll admit I don’t wear a helmet on the street that often, since when I’m just cruising around at low speeds I don’t see the need to. Coming from a background riding BMX on the street, I have a skillset that translates to my city bikes as well; hopping up and over curbs and dodging in-attendant drivers simply raises the fun factor for me. That said, most casual cyclists don’t take the time to develop this sort of skillset, and wearing a helmet is never a bad idea. Most helmets have traditionally looked on the lame side though, especially if you’re dressed for a day in the office.

Yakkay Helmets

Yakkay is European company that has taken a novel approach to helmet design. Based out of Denmark, they produce a basic helmet similar to the classic dirt jump/ skate helmet, but offer a number of different covers for them, making your helmet look more like a hat. A very big, oversized hat. However, if you’re rolling through the business district in formal wear already, there is something to be said in having a helmet that matches your suit. Last time I checked, they weren’t available stateside, but it appears they have secured US distribution, and there are even three shops in SF set up as dealers. (none in Portland)

The Paris Black Oilskin helmet by Yakkay Helmets

I’m still waiting for a helmet company to come up with a solution to the helmet hair problem, (not such a problem for me since I base my hairstyle around having messed up helmet hair) but in the meantime, check them out: Yakkay

Rickshaw Bags

SF is known for being the place the popularized messenger bags, and companies like Timbuk2, Chrome and Mission Workshop made their names with their take on the classic shoulder bag. Rickshaw Bags is one of the few manufacturers that still offer a custom made bag to order. You can choose and accessorize your bag on their site and even come watch bags being made at their in-house sew shop.

Friendly faces from Richshaw Bagworks

Check them out: Rickshaw Bags

Speaking of bags... is this a boom box, or a shoulder bag?

On the subject of bags, this shoulder bag disguised as an old school boom box by High Fydelity combines form and function with integrated speakers that connect to your media player. While they’re definitely more of a lifestyle piece, they definitely cause a double-take. Get old school with their stereo bag. High Fydelity

Virtue One City Bike

I’ve never heard of Virtue Bikes before, but this city bike is kind of interesting. It has the clean lines of a fixed gear with no visible brake levers or cables, and has a coaster brake- perfect for the wanna be that has no business whatsoever riding sans brakes. Or for someone that just wants are super basic bike for getting around town. Full Chromoly frame and fork, 700c tires, double wall rims make for a decent spec that ends up keeping a small price tag. I believe they start at $300 or so, which is less than what you’ll generally find a chromoly frame going for, making them a genuine bargain. For that price you could tear it apart and paint it crazy to match your new Yakkay helmet. If I didn’t already have an classic old school lugged frame built up as my grocery bike already, I’d be all over something like this. And yes, the dropouts are slotted, so a quick rear wheel change later, you can go fixed and hang out at the cafe with the other kids in their skinny jeans and shoe lace belts. Check them out: Virtue Bike

Felt Deep Six Cruiser

Felt took a crack at getting into the freeride market last year when they sponsored Cam Zink to ride their bikes, and while their MTB line hasn’t really taken off, they offer a pretty sweet line of rides in nearly every category you can think of. Their take on the cruiser caught my eye, but they also have a three speed in their Fixie line that has me thinking. Check them out: Felt Bicycles

The Dirt Rag crew

Seems like these cats are everywhere- now that Dirt Rag also publishes a companion magazine covering the Urban Bikescape, Bicycle Times, it was only logical they’d be on the scene in SF. Check it out: Bicycle Times

SF Bike Expo: Cool stuff from the floor, part one

jasonvh — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:32:15 +0000

We didn’t make it to Interbike this year, although we had been looking into going until the last minute. My favorite part about the bicycle industry’s biggest trade show is looking at cool new product I haven’t seen before and geeking out on it. With the SF Bike Expo you were able to experience much of this, as the floor was filled with a good number of bike industry vendors. Although there is a big emphasis on urban lifestyle, there was a nice mix of product from other product categories as well.

VP Components VP-69 Pedal

I’ve been in the market for a new set of platforms, so when I saw the VP-69 pedal, it caught my eye. These babies are optimized for sticky rubber shoes with a minimal number of pins- six, if you’re counting. They look pretty solid, but I’ve been looking for something a bit more on the slim side. VP Components had their new slim pedal (to be released in 2012) hiding in someone’s pocket somewhere, and teased us with it in their marketing pamphlets. It looks to have a similar concept and execution to the new Tioga slim pedal, though the rep I spoke with claimed theirs would be much stronger. Called the Pilot, it’s 6.5mm thin. They also had their version of the adjustable headset on display, called the Varial. Check them out: VP Components

Five Ten Cool Hwip Clipless Shoes with sticky rubber

Speaking of sticky rubber, Five Ten was on the scene and had a few of their new models on display. This new clip-in compatible shoe is titled the “Cool Hwip” after one of the best Family Guy clips ever. It is a bit lighter than their previous release the Minnar, which was a bit on the portly side.

SPD+Sticky? Make it light enough for all day, and I want a pair.

They also had a Karver model in blue which looked pretty nice.

Five Ten Karver in Blue

I’m tempted to get one just to match the blue kit I’m putting together to match the site’s colors. They also had their new skate shoe on display, the Dirt Bag. Check them out: Five Ten

Black Market Roam

Carter Holland of Black Market Bikes is that much closers to getting his new all mountain machine, the Roam into production. The build on this thing is much like the current build on my Nomad C, which means it will likely be a sweet all around shredder for the gravity inclined that also likes to pedal all day. Check them out: Black Market Bikes

Wolfhound Cycles

Our buddy Fred Cuthbert from Wolfhound Cycles surprised us by showing up at the Expo Pre-Party at Marin Bikes HQ. He brought a few of his latest all mountain 29er creations with him. His bikes are built one at a time, and they have amazing detail work. They aren’t the lightest out there, but as an owner of a Wolfhound, they are solid, and fun to ride. He also boasts one of the shortest chainstays of a wagon-wheeled bike due to his interrupted seat-tube design. Check him out: Wolfhound Cycles

Renovo Wood Hardtail

Bamboo has pretty much established itself as an alternative material for bicycle frames. Portland, Oregon woodworkers Renovo want you to consider wood as an option as well. Claiming a fatigue life that rivals carbon, and longer than aluminum or steel, these are certainly gorgeous looking frames. They still use baseball bats made of wood, so it seems logical that you could ride one. Ranging from $2k-$3800, it is unlikely you’ll be seeing one at the local coffee shop. Unless you’re in Mill Valley or down the street in their SE neighborhood. Check them out: Renovo Bicycles

Nemesis Project - although that guy from Wolfhound managed to sneak into the photo...

Next stop on our hand built bike tour was Nemesis Project out of Sacramento. Brad has been building dirt jump frames, bars and stems, and catering to the freestyle crowd for a while, so when fixed gear freestyle came around he was already in the mix. Regardless of whether you think FGFS is awesome or just don’t get it, these builds are burly as get all. Check them out here, and don’t forget to give Brad a bad time about the lack of a proper website already: Nemesis Project

STOLEN: NW Trail Alliance Cargo Trailer with Trail Building Machine

jasonvh — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 05:01:46 +0000

Portland, Oregon Mountain Bike Non-Profit, the Northwest Trail Alliance is asking all mountain bikers to put out the word- this morning they discovered that their newly purchased ST240 trail building machine, that cost $75,000 was stolen. It was stored in a gray utility trailer, and parked in the maintenance yard of Stub Stewart State Park, the location of a new trail network currently under construction.(about 35 miles northwest of Portland near Vernonia). Tom Archer of the NWTA is asking everyone to keep their eyes peeled in hopes that they can track it down.

Please be on the lookout for an 18-foot, enclosed, gray utility trailer with the “Northwest Trail Alliance” black logo and the IMBA logo on both sides of trailer (license plate of U449427), and post the information to your social networks.

The NW Trail Alliance received a grant to purchase the ST240 machine in September 2010 and they’ve been actively building a network of mountain bike trails at Stub Stewart. Archer says there are only five ST240 machines in existence (they’re made nearby in North Plains) and they’ll eventually need parts and service.Please call (503) 877-5637 immediately if you see the trailer or have any information.

To see a closer look at the trailer, click here.

The Conclusion to the Vandeman Saga… on Newstands Now

jasonvh — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 06:14:03 +0000

We reported on the trial and arrest of Mike Vandeman, the extremist anti-mountain bike crusader earlier this spring. Shortly after that, I made the acquaintance of Peter Frick-Wright, a writer from Portland that treked down to the Bay Area to follow the story. Peter had dedicated himself to covering the saga of Mr. Vandeman’s trial, and was on a mission to try to understand the motives behind his actions and beliefs. Peter is a thorough writer and researcher, and he spent a considerable amount of time gathering information and interviewing the principles involved in the trial as well as people that knew Vandeman. He even *attempted to interviewed Vandeman himself. (though he didn’t respond) Peter had pitched his story idea to Bike Magazine, and we began talking about a lot of things, including riding bikes, advocacy, trail building (a few things I’ve had some experience in my time as an former employee of the International Mountain Biking Association) and the state of trails in the Bay Area as well as Portland, Oregon. It led to us collaborating on the piece.

James Lanham on the trail.

I haven’t been on the trail for several years, so I met up with Peter and we dropped a car at the bottom and did a quick shuttle run. Afterwards I began talking with Justin Bruss and James Lanham, two of the riders involved in the trial, and started the process of photographing them in the hopes of creating a visual narrative that would match the details of Peter’s story.

Justin rocked his rigid steel hardtail harder than anyone I've seen in quite some time.

This month, the story was published in Bike, on newstands now. (You can also preview some of it online here.) I put some time into these shoots, and while I hoped to spend a bit more time on the trail shooting, (Ian Richards declined at the last minute to be photographed for the article) I think it came out pretty solid. Quite a few of the images we shot ended up being run- which admittedly stoked me out.

Since it was unlikely I'd be able to get Vandeman to pose for a photo, I ended up "playing" him in our reenactments.

Interestingly enough, none of the actual encounters the riders had with Vandeman happened on actual single track. Instead it was on the fire road sections that riders use to connect the single track sections. It was enough to make me wonder if there would be user conflict if a single track route was possible all the way down? It’s unlikely we’ll ever know, as the trails are on private land owned by the University.

We tried a number of different concepts for the shoots before settling on a direction. Ironically, we did reenactments of James’s encounter with Justin, instead of with James. Whoops.

The fog on the day James and I went out shooting made for some great lighting, although we ran out of time while on the trail.

James Lanham puts his serious face on.

You've come a long way, baby. How's this for some b-roll?

Heh. I promised not to publish this shot... we've all had a clip-in pedal fail, it's never worse than when someone is holding a camera.

The issue has been out for a few weeks, so if you want to read the full story, I recommend you pick it up. (You can also preview some of it online here.) Hope you enjoyed the behind the scenes b-roll.

*Updated 11/29/11

The Trial of Mike Vandeman

SF Bike Expo: Pedal Savvy Fashion Show

jasonvh — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 20:31:47 +0000

It used to be that if you were planning to ride around town on the bike, you were limited to your regular clothes or mountain biking clothing. Or maybe you’re one of those people: dressed in spandex (when you probably shouldn’t be dressed in skin tight clothing) with horrible neon windbreakers that were extremely noticeable, but visually offensive. Wearing your regular clothing around town meant arriving at your destination sweaty, and wearing the right gear meant bring a change of clothing with you. Fortunately, today there are a growing number of options for those that want functional clothing that work for a lifestyle on the bike, while looking sharp all at the same bike.

Gwen Lutz put together 35 different looks for men and women for this years SF Bike Expo Pedal Savvy Fashion show. I’m not sure what to say about some of the women’s outfits, but there were a lot of great options to choose from for guy, whether you wanted to roll business casual or full bike guy.

I’m not quite sure what to think of women’s cycling wear – like the typical “performance” options you see in your typical bike shops, there were a few garish colors and styles. I don’t know any women that would or could rock these looks to work very often here in SF. I’m surprised that women’s lines haven’t presented more classic pieces that could be mixed and matched more. Compare that to the men’s options that focused a bit more on the staples: pants, shoes, jackets and bags. Makes sense to me; I have four pairs of bike specific jeans now that I rotate though. Black riding jeans look a bit dressier and can hang with sneakers or dress shoes. I own a few different blue jeans (I’m rotating between Betabrand, Levi’s and Swrve jeans) that go with everything, and a pair of khakis (Levi’s) and chinos (Betabrand) for days I’m going for more of an office look. Shirts are definitely a harder choice- high performance fabrics are available, but a nice fitting shirt made from these materials are on the pricey side, which is tough to justify for something you can only get away with wearing once or twice a week.

My camera was offering me technical issues all weekend, so we weren’t able to document all the looks, (said camera is now at Canon getting rebuilt) but there are lots of great options presenting themselves these days for riding gear, both casual and performance. Our favorites marry functionality with style — the best part is that we have a lot of great options presenting themselves for active wear clothing that doesn’t have to always look the part.

Looking to change out your “meh” clothing for some bike friendly duds? Check out a few choice links:

Betabrand Bike to Work Pants and Jeans
Chrome Knickers and Bags
DZR Shoes
Levi’s Commuter Jeans and Jacket
LuluLemon Work to Play Pants
Rickshaw Bags
Swrve Jeans and Jackets

Fresh Gear: SDG Duster Saddle and Grips

jasonvh — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:53:49 +0000

I’ve been a fan of SDG saddles since way back when. I had a red kevlar covered saddle they made back in the day on my dirt jump/ slalom bike for years, and I’ve owned almost one of every i-beam model they’ve made. Since I’ve changed from my i-beam Gravity Dropper post to a Rockshox Reverb, I’ve been a bit bummed that I can’t run my saddle of choice, the i-Beam Formula MT.

While hanging out shooting pics at AT’s Showdown last weekend at the SF Bike Expo, we ran into Tyler from SDG at the Decline booth where he showed off some of the latest 2012 offerings. On the mountain side of things, SDG has pared back their line a bit to focus on their core products: saddles (railed and i-Beam) and seat posts. In addition to their solid staples, they are also releasing a set of bolt on grips in conjunction with ODI.

SDG Duster Ti-Railed Saddle and co-branded ODI bolt-on Grips

I’m a huge fan of ODI’s bolt-on grips. They pretty much set the standard these days, and the SDG lock-ons might be my favorite of their offerings to date. The grip pattern is essentially made up of the SDG logo, which covers about 3/4 of the grip surface. The circular pattern isn’t all set at one level though. The inside of the logo, which looks like a saddle has a slightly lower profile. According to their marketing copy, it effectively damps shock and spreads pressure across your palm, while providing traction. That sounds good, and when grabbing a handful of grip, I’m inclined to agree. It feels really good. What I really like about it though, is that the diameter has a nice mix between the feel of one of ODI’s bigger diameter grips, and their smaller grips. On the other side of the grip, the pattern ditches the circle altogether, and just has the saddle forms.

The grips also feature new snap-in end plugs, and these are my faves to date from ODI.

SDG/ ODI Lock-on grips. New grips instantly make your bike feel more awesome than before, and these grips: +1

I haven’t had a chance to do a ride with the new Duster saddle, but it looks pretty sweet and ticks off the boxes. Ti-rails, a light bit of padding, and a complete lack of heft. The logo is embossed on the surface to provide a bit of traction where you need it. The best part about the Duster is that it keeps much of the shape that made me so fond of the Formula models, in a very slopestyle friendly XC-trail package.

SDG Duster Ti Saddle

UPDATE

Just finished up a weekend of riding on the grips, and these suckers have a great feel, and grip really well. Just like that, I’ve got a new favorite set of grips.

SDG/ ODI Lock-on grips installed

SF Bike Expo: AT’s Showdown

jasonvh — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 04:59:33 +0000

The big event of the San Francisco Bike Expo is Andrew Taylor’s freestyle MTB comp, known as AT’s Showdown. This year, the emphasis on slopestyle was taken down a notch and in it’s place, the focus was on a head-to-head dirt jump format. Or, as I was calling it, “watchin’ dudes on bikes hitting big-ass jumps, going really-really f*cking big.” The jumps were huge, and tricks were being thrown down left and right. And the crashes were even bigger.

How's this for perspective? The jumps were rather large, with nice big dirt landings.

No write up this time, check Pinkbike for Tim Zimmerman’s coverage and photo documentation as well as video edits that just hit.

View from the top of the hill.

Andreu Lacondeguy flies like superman. He got a lot more stretched out with his feet much higher than his head, but I personally liked the frames I had before that, and the look of the classic man in flight.

I know more than a few dudes in the NW that would talk shit about the stem and bar set up on Benny Phillip's bike, but I think he would tear them up and piss all over what was left over. Seriously, this new arrival on the slopestyle scene has tiger blood.

Benny ate shit over and over trying to stick this inverted flip-tail-whip-I-don't-know-what-the-f*ck-he's-doing.

Seriously, this kid is a tough mo-fo. Just one of many hard hits to the ground he took. And he kept trying to stick it. If he had, he probably would have taken best trick.

All of the riders were throwing down, and there was a significant amount of carnage witnessed.

"I got this, I got this.... nope." And yes, my camera totally missed the focus on this shot. Which is why it is currently on it's way back to Canon for a serious tune-up.

The riders pushed back up this hill dozens of times. I imagine many of them were feeling it come Monday morning.

AT shredding at his name sake event. As is the norm with so many mountain bike events, you couldn't take a photo without 2 to 3 photographers and videographers getting in the composition. I even had a few people step right in front of me and block my view. Politeness is not always a trait found amongst MTB photographers.

I'm not even sure what this guys trying to take a photo of.

A rider whose name currently is escaping me, whipping with some seriously rad style. James Visser?

And one more of the local slopestyle hero from Santa Rosa, Andrew Taylor; Super-flip.

If you were curious about who won the comp, here’s the top 6 line up copied and pasted from Zim’s write up on PinkBike:

1st Greg Watts
2nd Ryan Howard
3rd Andreu Lacondeguy
4th Linus Sjöholm
5th Martin Söderström
6th James Visser

for best trick:

1st – Andreu Lacondeguy – Double Backflip
2nd – Anthony Messere – Tuck No Hander Frontflip