I’m in the process of starting a new dirt jump spot this winter. After only two weeks of hand digging it’s starting to take “shape”…very stoked on this project!


The forest dirt is all time right now for packing and shaping!

Ryder’s Eyewear Photoshoot

While in Europe this summer, my good friend Ross Measures of www.mtbville.com thought it would be funny to enter me in Ryder’s Pro for a day contest. I had no expectations of winning but two months later I get a message from Harookz telling me I better send it for him because I won.  Knowing Harookz already, I thought this was kind of funny but I was still stoked to get the chance to shoot with him and produce some cool shots for Ryders.
The day went smoothly, productive, and was an all around good time!

WIth Joe Schwartz on board as the new brand specialist, and with some newly hired designers Ryders eyewear has really stepped it up. Everyone should consider supporting a local brand and taking a look at their 2012 stuff, it’s going to be legit!

Check out Joe’s blog post from the day here:
http://ryderseyewear.com/node/6464

Augsburg, Germany

Augsburg is a city in the German state of Bavaria about 70kms Northwest of Munich. Ross Measures and myself spent our last few days in Europe here chilling with the locals, going to the river, riding some local jump spots, and we made sometime for sightseeing.  

Augsburg is one of the coolest places I’ve been to, I love there and need to go back someday. Here’s some of Ross’ shots from our 2nd last night in germany (it was also my first time riding since breaking my leg!):
http://www.mtbville.com/2011/07/steak-on-sticks-and-pumptracks/

Venturing through the Alps

For the past 2 weeks I have been in Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany and Austria. I’m here for Chatel Mountain Style (July 2-3) and the Dakine Airstrike Festival going on this weekend. The original plan was to compete in both events and get lots of filming done. 

Unfortunately, I had an awkward crash at Jordie Lunn’s Jumpship contest. As a result I suffered a tibial plateau fracture that’s put me out for 6 weeks. It’s very disappointing investing so much into a trip and not being able to ride,  but injuries are part of our sport and I’m doing my best to recover as fast as possible.

I’m traveling with Ross Measures and Geoff Gulevich, always a good time with these dudes!  Ross has been covering our trip well and his blog entries can be found at: http://www.mtbville.com/
Hoping to be back on the bike in under 2 weeks and more stoked than ever… BC I am coming for you! 

North Saanich Freeride Park- Season opener

Well, It’s been nearly 9 years since Fraser Hayes and I first submitted a letter to the municipality of North Saanich asking for a spot in town to build jumps. It’s finally open as a free completed public park after years of dealing with council meetings, liability/ insurance issues, and building up a strong base of volunteers. Everyone in the community made this happen, and it’s a super rad spot for kids to progress and get into the sport!

Adam Billinghurst and Jordie Lunn just completed the latest phase that includes a mini 10 second slalom run and a killer pumptrack.

Here’s a few photos from the opening day:






  



 

A photo shoot with Kristopher Gower

My buddy Kris made the trip over to Vancouver two weekends ago. We partied it up and shot bikes!
We were at this one location for only an hour and came out with a few good shots. Here’s some photos from the session:

Finally starting to dial in and stomp 360 Tailwhips, I’ve been hucking them for a couple years now.

3-tables are my favourite trick right now

No Footed can

Hopefully I’ll be mountain biking in the mountains again soon! Dirt jumping just isn’t cutting it right now and I’m itching to shred DH.
At the end of the Month I’m headed to France for Chatel Mountain Style, and then Austria for the Dakine Airstrike fest. A shout out to Jon Hadfield at Banshee Bikes for hooking me up with a cheap Wildcard frame, it’s on the way and will be my freeride bike for the season!

Kristopher Gower is a professional photographer living on Vancouver Island, BC
Keep an eye on his blog at http://www.kgbikephoto.blogspot.com

Random Screen Shots

I came across some old screenshots of myself today while cleaning up files on my computer. The photos include:
A super can at Teva Mountain Games, a 360 table, and shredding on air guitar to Dragonforce (before riding clearly)!  

In the Spotlight

Late summer last year, my buddy and local Victoria shredder Luke Fulton invited me over to his house for a night session. He gathered up some lights and a bunch of our friends to dial in the jumps before sundown. Everything was lit up pretty well, but filming must have been a challenge. I went on Vital MTB this morning to see filmer Caton Garvie had made made experimental edit with his footage. This turned out to be pretty creative and it’s the first video footage I’ve seen from that night, besides my attempt at using my GO PRO camera in the low light. 

Caton Garvie’s Video:

IN THE SPOTLIGHT from Caton Garvie on Vimeo.

My Go Pro Edit:  

Mark Matthews on Vancouver Island Part 2 from markmatthews on Vimeo.