Slopestyle

[thecat]

If aus was to have a big Slopestyle event would you be excited?
Would you pay to watch?
Which riders would you like to see compete?
What feature would you like to see in the course?

[patto_15]

Are we talking an international contest or a showcase of local talent?

[thecat]

Invitational. Best of the locals v best of the world type thing

[patto_15]

Definitely be interested =]
Spectator wise, would it be like $10 entry or something like that?
I can see it getting off the ground and progressing, i know a few people that are keen to get over to Aus for a ride =]

In response to course style... Depends where its held.. I think the sport has moved away from Jindy style courses. Would it be man made with structures close to cities or using natural landscapes and actually protruding into a side of a hill?

[thecat]

Price would be more then $10 to get in but will have other stuff to go along with it

Side of a (famous) hill... Just above a city...

Man made course. We have been promised all the dirt we want, shipping containers and possibly wood.

[patto_15]

Price would be more then $10 to get in but will have other stuff to go along with it

Side of a (famous) hill... Just above a city...

Man made course. We have been promised all the dirt we want, shipping containers and possibly wood.

Side of Parliamant?

Sounds like a plan! The only thing i can see people kicking a stink about is entry fee, as i cant recall many Aus mtb events before that you have had to pay.. People hate change =p But i think they'll cope..

[dcrofty]

I'd make a trip to Bathurst to be involved in something like that for sure.

Vital lesson from the last two crankworx I vollied at was that tricks have to be large but not stupid large so that guys still trick them and don't just try to survive like they did in 07 Cworx.

[Dug]

So when do I need to get time off work to go to this.......:D

[thecat]

I'd make a trip to Bathurst to be involved in something like that for sure.

I knew someone would catch on ;)


Vital lesson from the last two crankworx I vollied at was that tricks have to be large but not stupid large so that guys still trick them and don't just try to survive like they did in 07 Cworx.

That's what I'm thinking. Slopestyle rather than freeride. Big but trickable with lots of line options.

Plans are falling into place, now how to get the riders and the crowds to come..

So when do I need to get time off work to go to this.......:D

Late 09, lots to do before now and then...

[R33F]

Yup - would be making the trip down from Brisvegas for that one !

[dcrofty]

I'm back in Oz next year and I'm keen to be involved in this. I've got a fair bit of experience at crankworx now after two years of heavy volunteering so I'll have a bit of a think about things that they do well and things that can be impoved on and post here in a couple of days.

But if you need helpers then please keep me in the loop 'cause I'm keen to be a part of it.

[RaID]

s i cant recall many Aus mtb events before that you have had to pay.. People hate change =p But i think they'll cope..


Youll have to pay at the worlds next year

[patto_15]

Youll have to pay at the worlds next year

Thats in the future ;)

[unitec]

I would pay a lot extra if I thought what was built for the event would remain afterward for the MTB comunity to enjoy.
Seems like people would be paying for a lot of wasted resourses otherwise

[carpo]

If aus was to have a big Slopestyle event would you be excited?
Would you pay to watch?
Which riders would you like to see compete?
What feature would you like to see in the course?

i just got to latest smack down dvd and i think i would be awsome if they brought slopestyle to aus its mostly man made terrain so it would be great for aus

[heppy]

now how to get the riders and the crowds to come..



prize money/big event sponsors= international riders..

If it were invite and the event holders/sponsors were prepared to pay plane tickets for riders then i know a bunch of international riders that would come.

the one problem with Bathurst is its far away from anything.

[thecat]

the one problem with Bathurst is its far away from anything.

true. but theres not a lot of other places willing to throw money at this type of thing, let alone approve the course...


On the prize money/appearence fee. that's where we are now at. It's kind of catch 22 at the moment.

If I can guaranty the big names I've got TV interested. I I get TV interested I get sponsors interested. If I get sponsors interest I can guaranty the big names...

[dirtrider_]

Hells yes! But where to host it? Maybe friday flats of Thredbo? :eek:

[dek_norco]

that sounds like a really good idea would love to be involved only problem is getting there, maybe a long train trip from sydney can do the trick lol

[kemmis]

That would be a pretty cool idea. also would we (the public) be able to ride it on non event days? Anything to do with Newtons?

[thecat]

would we (the public) be able to ride it on non event days? Anything to do with Newtons?

No and yes.

though I haven't got any more details at this stage

[kemmis]

ok so not to public riding it, and yes to being about newtons. You seem to be a man in the know so can you enlighten us on newtons maybe having a downhill event next time? Will this slopestyle be instead of or aswell? If its to off topic dont worry about it.

[thecat]

ok so not to public riding it, and yes to being about newtons. You seem to be a man in the know so can you enlighten us on newtons maybe having a downhill event next time? Will this slopestyle be instead of or aswell? If its to off topic dont worry about it.

DH? We are considering but there isn't that much fall and it is going to be One day event this year so that sort of rules it out. (Sunday last year was pretty lonely with most people hung over from the Music so heats and practice will be through the week with main/public day on the Saturday, at this early stage anyway)

Slopestyle was something we thought was lacking and would go with the whole vibe. So looking into it.

The DS, while a fun little event, kinda died for TV/spectators in comparison to the other events so I think we'll leave off that in favour of MtnX, maybe extreme Mtn X with big drops in the A lines... i don't know

[g-fish]

This is great! It's great to see Australia finally getting onto the slopestyle scene! I would be sure to go, train trip down from sydney... I'm sure there'd be heaps keen on it... As long as the entry fee is stupidly high then i'd pay... as long as it was going to be a good event with some good riders.

[Lukas]

If aus was to have a big Slopestyle event would you be excited?
Would you pay to watch?
Which riders would you like to see compete?
What feature would you like to see in the course?

Pay to watch? I never ever heard to pay to watch Crankworx, Adidas Slope Style, RedBull Rampage, etc...
If you want to promote this sort of the sport here in Australia you cannot ask for money from spectators (that is wrong idea).

[dcrofty]

Pay to watch? I never ever heard to pay to watch Crankworx, Adidas Slope Style, RedBull Rampage, etc...
If you want to promote this sort of the sport here in Australia you cannot ask for money from spectators (that is wrong idea).

Would you pay for a music festival with a bonus of a weeks MTB and other events thrown in :)

[thecat]

Pay to watch? I never ever heard to pay to watch Crankworx, Adidas Slope Style, RedBull Rampage, etc...
If you want to promote this sort of the sport here in Australia you cannot ask for money from spectators (that is wrong idea).

That's odd. 3000 people paid to watch the Dual Slalom at the same event last year....

Oh sure they got a music festival featuring the best Aussie band and DJs and a heap of other stuff thrown in too but it was the DS they came to see:p:p


I can't remember a single person that paid to get in to last years event complaining. In fact some competitors couldn't believe they got in so cheap.

[DJninja]

I would consider coming from Townsville to ride a slopestyle course. I wouldn't mind paying a fee either.

[Lukas]

That's odd. 3000 people paid to watch the Dual Slalom at the same event last year....

Oh sure they got a music festival featuring the best Aussie band and DJs and a heap of other stuff thrown in too but it was the DS they came to see:p:p


I can't remember a single person that paid to get in to last years event complaining. In fact some competitors couldn't believe they got in so cheap.

I just simply reply on your 1st message. And I think I was right, therere is no fee to pay for any slopestyles around the world. ;)
If this slopestyle will be part of the music (or so) festival that is the diferent question :) of course.

[unitec]

That's odd. 3000 people paid to watch the Dual Slalom at the same event last year....

Oh sure they got a music festival featuring the best Aussie band and DJs and a heap of other stuff thrown in too but it was the DS they came to see:p:p


I can't remember a single person that paid to get in to last years event complaining. In fact some competitors couldn't believe they got in so cheap.

Throw a rock band in and enough alcohol and people will go to anything but are you really promoting slopestyle?
After all this is a country that has no legal slopestyle trails or recognized sport.
It seems to me half the people that went to the recent downhill at Stromlo would tell you that they had a great time but in reality would have been too waisted to really appreciate the event.
Hate to sound cynical but it sounds like a money grabbing slap in the face to all the freeriders that don’t have a venue. If you have that much influence maybe you should be aiming your efforts on the establishment of a permanent slope style venue. Even if half the ticket price (or more) was allocated to making this happen I think that more genuine people would be willing to attend.

[thecat]

Throw a rock band in and enough alcohol and people will go to anything but are you really promoting slopestyle?
After all this is a country that has no legal slopestyle trails or recognized sport....

Hate to sound cynical but it sounds like a money grabbing slap in the face to all the freeriders that don’t have a venue. If you have that much influence maybe you should be aiming your efforts on the establishment of a permanent slope style venue. Even if half the ticket price (or more) was allocated to making this happen I think that more genuine people would be willing to attend.

OK This is not a grab at money it's a grab at being part of a much larger event that gets a hell of a lot of media exposure.

Yep there is no legal freeride/slope style course in Aus. This is changing and we are hoping this event will be a bit of a catalyst for getting the style recognised.

That said the type of course and level of riding we are looking at wouldn't be something any council would be happy approving for general public, no hold barred access.

In fact this festival host a whole bunch of stuff that has purpose built infrastucture for a whole bunch of different things none of it gets to stay behind. that is the nature of the venue. Those damn mussos pull their stage down and taking their amps with them too. Should they be left behind so would be rockstars from the general public can use them for free?

We are looking for this to be the granddaddy that fathers a thousand bastard children.

If you think getting approval for these type of things is easy and you can make money out of it what are you waiting for.

As for a slap int he face for freeriders with out legal placed to ride what about giving them their own high profile event on home soil? what of getting major *positive* exposure in the mainstream media?

Mate if you don't think the event is for you or it doesn't lives up to your ideals don't come, it's no skin off my nose. But I put in a shit load of time and effort supporting MTB in my area and beyond to be accused by some random on a website of doing things as a money grab!


As for permanent venues open to the public keep your eye of Kurrajong and Del Rio a lot of work is going into to those by more hard working volunteers and we're hoping to work them into this whole shebang aswell, but details aren't confirmed and I can't give out any more on that front

[maxwolfie]

I would be interested, as I would be with any form of riding really!

Have you thought of a possible site/venue/area?

[thecat]

I would be interested, as I would be with any form of riding really!

Have you thought of a possible site/venue/area?

For those not picking up the hints
http://www.newtonsplayground.com.au/main.asp

And for the record.

For the 08 event I took a week of with out pay. Drove 1.5hrs each day of that week to set up + other meeting throughout the year all coming out of my wallet and got paid nothing. Not to mention the club dropped about $1500 on prizes and infrastructure.

unitec, this is an awesome get rich quick scheme I'm on:rolleyes:

[Deviant_Devil]

Yeah If Aus was to have something like Crankworx, I would go. I'd like to see Berrecloth, McCaul, and Boyko and that Mexican/Spanish bloke that won Crankworx this year he owns. (Cant remember his name:p)

[BUSHPIG]

If aus was to have a big Slopestyle event would you be excited?
Would you pay to watch?
Which riders would you like to see compete?
What feature would you like to see in the course?

If aus was to have a big Slopestyle event would you be excited?
i would be that excited, red bull wouldn't relate to my high.

Would you pay to watch?
No, i would pay to go in it!

Which riders would you like to see compete?
I don't know any Australian freeriders, apart from Sam Hill, but from what ive heard he isn't into it anymore?

What feature would you like to see in the course?
A step up drop off.

[BUSHPIG]

Yeah If Aus was to have something like Crankworx, I would go. I'd like to see Berrecloth, McCaul, and Boyko and that Mexican/Spanish bloke that won Crankworx this year he owns. (Cant remember his name:p)

Andreau Lacondeguie (sp)?

[Bomb446]

Andreau Lacondeguie (sp)?

Lacondeguy :p

[Ryan]

First of all I think this would be great to see happening. In terms of riders I'd like to see; first and foremost I'd hope that the few genuinely good Aussie freeriders get a guaranteed spot, even ahead of any of our recognised 'World Cup' names so;

Pokoj, the Grundy brothers, Heppy, Soineneineineneninninen, Grant Allen and the other Vandals, Ed Bonnin and the other Taswegians would be the first names I'd want to see confirmed.

[nick_dales]

Maybe an idea would be to get a train from central going straight to Bathurst for ticket holder's only, that way some of the costs could be justified (for those who think paying is a rip off (not me).
Plus one carriage could be designated for riders and teams!
And for those who aren't old enough to have a driver's liscence

[Lukas]

OK This is not a grab at money it's a grab at being part of a much larger event that gets a hell of a lot of media exposure.


Ok if it will be part of a much larger event and if it will be only one day it sounds like slopestyle exhibition not competition (usually 3-5 days: practice, qualifying, final days and rock bands and DJ are in the evenings as a part of a much larger slopestyle event :) ) ?
I don't want you to be upset and I appreciate any activities which will promote freeriding in this cricket and rugby massively focused country but if you have know-how to organise something like you mentioned you should organize real slopestyle.

[unitec]

For those not picking up the hints
http://www.newtonsplayground.com.au/main.asp

And for the record.

For the 08 event I took a week of with out pay. Drove 1.30 each day of that week to set up + other meeting throughout the year all coming out of my wallet and got paid nothing. Not to mention the club dropped about $1500 on prizes and infrastructure.

unitec, this is an awesome get rich quick scheme I'm on:rolleyes:

My appologies, no one wants to upset hardworking volunteers to the MTB community however this thread was reading a bit like a promotion for a commercial venture.
Anyone familiar with the cash for comment enquiry would appreciate the importance of declaring ones interest in any commercial promotion in a public forum.
Many Farkin members have a commercial interest in MTB and for the most part they keep it out of forums however the occasional “infomercial” seems to creep in. Similarly I feel that there are circumstances where people representing clubs should declare their interest when commenting certain subjects to avoid a conflict of interest.
I just think that we should be vigilant and if in doubt question the things we read to ensure that farkin doesn’t turn into something ugly.
Rant over

[Ryan]

I honestly can not fucking believe that an idea as exciting as this has drawn two people out of the woodwork to shoot it down already. If either of you thought to look into exactly who thecat was before running your mouths you wouldn't have to waste forum space extracting your feet from them, which is exactly what you both should do.

No one promoting events in Australia is getting rich for their efforts, this isn't a grand conspiracy to defraud you of your hard earned dollars. Believe us when we say that no-one is more interested in preventing Farkin from turning into a spam haven for commercial interests than those of us who've been here since before we even accepted advertising money from sponsors.

[mty10@]

Hey,

I love building stuff and have allways wanted to help shovel a Slopestyle Track. PM me if you need more man power. I also have a couple of ideas kicking around for courses/obsticles. PM me

Ill work for free!! But only one teh SS track!

^^^^^

[thecat]

My appologies, no one wants to upset hardworking volunteers to the MTB community however this thread was reading a bit like a promotion for a commercial venture.

And here in lies the problem with Mountain biking as I see it.

We all complain about the amaturish nature of our trail advocacy and we complain about the amaturishness of how our competions are run. And that amaturish approach is what holds us back from attracting big time sponsorship.

Well guess what, you get what you pay for. Our sport is amaturish and will stay that way until people find it fit to put their hands in their pockets.

Can you go and watch a first grade footy comp for free? No.
Can you and your mates just rock up to telstra Stadium on Tuesday afternoon and and have a game on the field? No


Last year we built a Dual Slalom course and Dirt Jumps for Newtons. After the event they were removed. Was it a waste? As a direct result of what we did at the 08 event council is seriously looking at a permanent mountain bike park near the site. However it's not as easy as saying "OK do it" there are a whole bunch of approval systems and hoops we need to jump through and I doubt it will be approved and built in time for the 09 event.

A purpose built slopestyle course in the middle of the event center will raise the profile of our sport that much more and if successful will put that style of riding in the minds of the council. have no doubt the movers and shakers in council who make the decisions will be at the event. They will be saying "well what benefits does MTb bring to Bathurst? is it worth pursuing?"

Similarly I feel that there are circumstances where people representing clubs should declare their interest when commenting certain subjects to avoid a conflict of interest.

The NSWMTB, Central Tablelands MBC custom title under my user name, the CTMBC logo as my avatar and the links in my signature not obvious enough? How else do you want me to declare my interests? Ring you personally just to make sure there hasn't been a misunderstanding?

[thecat]

Ok if it will be part of a much larger event and if it will be only one day it sounds like slopestyle exhibition not competition (usually 3-5 days: practice, qualifying, final days and rock bands and DJ are in the evenings as a part of a much larger slopestyle event :) ) ?.

Dude due to limitations to the site and the fact we have to work in the the IGSA world cup. heats and practice will be through the week and then the saturday will be the main event with public access, leaving Sunday as a back up rain day. Or so the plan is at the moment.

[nick_dales]

Is there the possibility of having a bathurst road gap. That would definately get alot of media attention

[thecat]

"Gap a supercar!"
Don't worry it has been mentioned. Not a chance they'll let us though

I originally I wanted it down the front of the mountain with a gap over the Mt Pano sign.... Not a chance. Most of the front is private property and the road will be being used

[GTkonaHORSE]

Sounds great .
Will anyone be able to enter or is it like the dj you have to be able to jump not some key board wannabe who complains its too hard and makes the whole sport look like a funniest home video event.
I think it will go of if its pros 4x and s/s this what the sport needs on tv SOMTHING BIG HUGE TRACK AND GUN RIDERS.

[GTkonaHORSE]

B.T.W to go to the SUPER-X tickets start at $39 for 3 hours of racing and we all know REED will win before you get there!
REED has taken SX to a semi profesional leval(in au) and sold out stadiums by doing shit profesionally (tracks/pros only/advertising/sponserships/tv) if you guys want mtb to be looked at serously take good look at what he has done .
Christ $100 for a whole weekend of extream sports and music all of a sudden sounds cheap.
Good luck cat sounds freakan awsome im there.

[thecat]

Sounds great .
Will anyone be able to enter or is it like the dj you have to be able to jump .

The Slopestyle will be invite only. Those guys like Heppy, Shorty and Billy who rode last years DJs are on the top of my list. Other local names will be added + international guys if we can attract them.

There will also be a wild card system where up and comers will have a chance of proving they are worthy and offered a spot, but more on that later.

The MtnX should be open to all, and remember last year it cost less to enter the DS than it did it did to get into the event and registered competitors got free entry to the rest of the site..

This is still only in the dream stage as yet. A lot depends of the promoter getting the sponsorship dollars needed

did some one say media? NEWS (http://publish.vx.roo.com/newsinteractive/inarticlemini/?Channel=NEWS.com.au+video&ClipId=1094_252047&Format=flash&bt=NS&bp=WIN&bst=FF&biec=false&bitrate=300) , SMH (http://media.smh.com.au/?rid=36160)

[Lukas]

I hope i'm not on website where if one says yes everybody supose to say yes also. I hope also i'm alow to say my opinion however sometimes can be diferent. (or?...)

Anyway...

Hey thecat,
here is some inspiration if you are interested:

http://www.horsefeathers.cz/kozzystyle/2008/01_main_en.html

In Czech Republic (Europe) is every year slopestyle event (4th this year i think) there is a video from competition and i think its pretty well made. It was open for anyone, some sponsors, tv involved. There was local riders, some guys from Poland, i think from Germany.

[Lorday]

Awsome idea. Not trying to sound pushy or know-it-all-y but have you tryed simply emailing company's that aren't specific MTB, BMX etc companies such as car companies, buliding companies, sport drinks, banks, shoe companies (nike, etc) etc. Companies with big money. Money can get you on TV, TV = more money, more money = better riders, better riders = more spectators, more spectators = more money, which etc etc etc blah blah blah leads to benefits for the wider MTB community not just at bathurst but Australia wide.

But I'm sure you have already thought about all this.

....oh yeah and I think Farkin.net should be allowed acouple of free signs on the MTNX course.

[woody 14]

yeh bathurst for shore:)

course: big, trickable and unique so after the event you have every one talking about how mad and differnt that was to ride compared to what thay normally ride at home.

riders: all the top names and some unknown aussie talent.:D

[patto_15]

What Aussie contingent could we russle up??
First person to say me gets an e-lollypop

[g-fish]

What Aussie contingent could we russle up??
First person to say me gets an e-lollypop

You! Do i get a lollipop?!?! :) I was actually going to say you... ive seen your superflips...

[BUSHPIG]

I recon hold it at a place in northern Sydney (you all know what ime talking about?) It already has heaps of jumps and stuff. All you need to do is build the wood and away you go.

It has good access.
Its not to far south or North.
Nearly everything built.

I know its easier said than done but just a sugestion

cheers

[g-fish]

I recon hold it at a place in northern Sydney (you all know what ime talking about?) It already has heaps of jumps and stuff. All you need to do is build the wood and away you go.

It has good access.
Its not to far south or North.
Nearly everything built.

I know its easier said than done but just a sugestion

cheers

As opposed to having it at a massive gravity festival, that not only gets thousands of spectators that dont just ride bikes but also has national media attention.

[juliancantride]

First of all I think this would be great to see happening. In terms of riders I'd like to see; first and foremost I'd hope that the few genuinely good Aussie freeriders get a guaranteed spot, even ahead of any of our recognised 'World Cup' names so;

Pokoj, the Grundy brothers, Heppy, Soineneineineneninninen, Grant Allen and the other Vandals, Ed Bonnin and the other Taswegians would be the first names I'd want to see confirmed.
I'd pay $100 to see Ed Bonnin and Sam G ride all day.

[thecat]

I recon hold it at a place in northern Sydney
I know its easier said than done but just a sugestion

cheers

You want me to move Mt panorama to Northern Sydney? That is easier said than done.
I've only got a little ute

[Rickystp0]

if there is a flyout onto the box count me and billy_26 in... haha


nah sounds good i would probs come up. depends on the dates though

[Grantieboy]

maybe you could hold it at olympic park?
this would give you plenty of space to hold the comp(i know they have plenty of spare area) and it is a big plus to have the four cross track there aswell so it is very convineant(sp?). it is also close to the airport(realativly) and they hosy\t alot of media coverage games etc there so it would be easy for the media to come out.

just a though good luck with it it will be so mad if it does happen.

[patto_15]

maybe you could hold it at olympic park?
this would give you plenty of space to hold the comp(i know they have plenty of spare area) and it is a big plus to have the four cross track there aswell so it is very convineant(sp?). it is also close to the airport(realativly) and they hosy\t alot of media coverage games etc there so it would be easy for the media to come out.

just a though good luck with it it will be so mad if it does happen.

I'm guessing a lot of people are not getting it...

The slopestyle would be in conjunction with Newtons yes??

If so, Bathurst is the place it shall be!

[Stinky]

Good luck with this mate. I think that the formula is spot on, by combining with a music fesitval, you will attraact the non riders, increased numbers = increased publicity = increased sponsorship opportunities = ability to pay the top riders to turn up.

I know from experience (10 years in events, 2 years C'worx staff) that to gain government support for this type of event is a great start to things. TV is next. you may be onto it already but channel ten will be launching a new 24 hr free sports chanel on HD and are currently looking for heaps of content to get things rolling.

On the entry fee subject. Whilst you may not pay for many other SS events every Euro WC charges entry fees for all days inc practice.

Good luck. happy to help in any way that I can.

[Grantieboy]

i reckon it should be like this
http://www.pinkbike.com/video/20157/

the second half

[CAMRIDESBIKES]

Sounds awsome man, im really liking this idea. . Count me in! Just a few questions. Firstly wat kind of slopestyle are we talking about eg. Size of jumps. Hopefully its not goin to be like the old school type with huckers on kony stinkys doing suicides secondly wat kind of process will there be to get into the comp? May I sugest a video application???

[patto_15]

...wat kind of process will there be to get into the comp? May I sugest a video application???

Invitional, so invite only, and by the sounds of it, a few wildcard spots, details on how you can apply for those spots will be released when everything is underway and closer to the event..

But for now, it seems like invitional only..

[zstreetco]

so what this is actually going ahead?????? that'd be awesome

can't say i can ride like i usta so i dont think i'd be competitive, but i'd love to have a day to ride the course...would definitely come for a gander if it was somewhere like bathurst

[thecat]

wat kind of process will there be to get into the comp? May I sugest a video application???

Invite only.

NWSMTB is currently working on a smaller "Freeride" series which will give up and coming riders the chance to gain a wild card entry. No further info on this just now as dates and venues are not confirmed.

The video comp is something that we are looking at for interstate riders but way to early to make a call on that just yet.

[Reubs]

Yes I would watch, yes i would pay money to watch. scrap that... YES I'D PAY FISTFULLS OF CASH TO WATCH!! (even though i've seen crankworx and a redbull comp for free...)
You seem to be on the right track, its not like crankworx started out life as the mega-buck circus it is today. It was the Joyride bikercross and slopestyle. As above with Redbull Ride in Jindy years ago...All terrain mtb challenge.

I would spend my hard earned dollars to stay in Bathurst.
I would eat at local restaurants.
I would help to inject money into the local economy.
I would (potentially) buy products based on the sponsorship of the event
I'd even buy overpriced beer in plastic cups, and goddamn it'll be good!

[Rampage Ripper]

i think that freeride mtb has leaned off the rails towards dirt jumps and skatepark. i think a big event, such as the redbull rampage a couple of months ago was good for freeride. myself, i am a cross of downhill and freeride. my track has berms and rock gardens, but then again it has north shore drops and doubles. if i were to make an event, it would surly go down a BIG hill, i mean a REALLY big hill. with a chair lift to the top. then you would rol down a roll in and straight off a 15 ft drop. i would include dirt jump style doubles and wallrides, but i would also put in downhill sections, such as rock gardens and big berms and scrub-doubles. it would be epic. i'd charge no entry fee, free beer, etc... i think it would pick on the riders comprimise skills. if they choose a big beefy DH bike for the DH sections, the NS sections won't be as good as if they were on a single crown, 7" freeride bike, just like sea otter dh.:)

[Stack Shack]

Ok the way I see it

People interested = sponsorship = more money = more events = more money = more facilities = more people in the sport = again more money.

If the sport had more money in it the pros could race a whole season, there would be more places to ride and there fore more people can easily get into the sport.

With the charging for entry I would happily pay 50 bucks to watch it, but my friends at school who don’t ride but potentially could or just want to see some fantastic things would not happily pay 50 bucks to watch. If it was more of a festival eg some local bands, maybe a draw card band and maybe even then some ride or stalls, people would pay more. Make it a thing where parents can take the kids to watch those crazy people and their bikes and everyone can have a good time.

As for transport I like the idea of special trains for cardholders, and maybe a way to get there from Sydney and Canberra

I love the work all the local clubs do, CORC do a fantastic job with races and getting some dirt jumps (hopefully not long now) and I realize that events don’t start making progress for our community straight away but if we get this one right, then the next one will be better.