Freeriding may have seen its heyday, but it’s still alive and kicking. Freeriders can still be found, worldwide, in any patch of woodland. They’re a seldom-seen species who dig booters (jumps) and nail together rickety wooden North Shore stunts. They may emerge from their ‘zone’ for an annual migration to Crankworx, but are usually only seen on the internet via their latest ‘edit’.
Appearance
Freeriders commonly have a stocky and muscular build. Their strength is developed from hours of spadework and numerous jump overshoots. Sadly, many suffer from a chronic case of ‘hucker’s neck’. They’re usually found wearing plaid shirts and jeans, though vests are often worn in hotter climates. This reveals another distinguishing feature – tattoos. Tats and long hair are essential if a rider is to be accepted into a ‘crew’, and the length of their locks is a good indication of their status.
Behaviour
Despite their evasive nature, the call of the freerider is raucous. Loud whooping calls are often heard during riding sessions and shouts of “Broooo”, “duuuude” and “siiiick” may follow a particularly impressive stunt. Displays of bromance include frequent high-fives, fist bumps and the chugging of beers.
Habitat
Freeriders are known to frequently disappear into the wilderness hunting for new ‘zones’. Once a ‘zone’ has been found, many hours will be spent carrying their bikes and hiking up scree slopes in an attempt to emulate ski descents on the “brown pow” (known to the rest of us as “soil”). They’ll emerge days or weeks later clutching cameras full of “nugs” and “footy for the boys”.
Riding traits
The majority of a freerider’s time on the bike is spent in the air. Freeriders seem to have difficulty keeping their bikes in a straight line and often during a jump their feet or hands will come off or they’ll spin upside down. On the ground the same is true. When riding straight sections of trail, the back end of the bike will often be seen fishtailing in a series of ‘freeride flicks’.
Tool usage
A freerider’s primary mode of transportation is his truck. A pick-up with bikes hanging over the tailgate is a sure giveaway that a ‘crew’ is on the move. While in the woods, a freerider is never far from his chainsaw, which allows him to express himself
by sculpting his own line. An aspiring young freerider hoping to elevate his status will always be seen clutching a camera – dropping an ‘edit’ is the best way he knows of to attract sponsors and earn a place at the holy grail of freeride, Red Bull Rampage.
You can subscribe to MBUK here and check out our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts for all of the latest mountain bike action.
And don’t forget to sign up to our newsletter!
