Archive for the 'Nitro Circus' Category
The first leg of the Nitro Circus Live tour has come to an end and I can easily say it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. 11 sold out shows in 5 cities including Brisbane, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Melbourne. The roster was intense with the likes of Chad Kagy, Blake Bilko, Jake Brown, Cam Sinclair, Travis Pastrana just to name a few. In front of an average of 15,000 screaming fans a night, we put on a jam-packed action sports show along with off the wall and unpredictable Nitro style stunts.
Every night was spectacular with riders laying it on the line making X games look like a second rate event. Some of the standouts were Cam Sinclair sticking a double back every night, a new guy Clinton Moore sticking a body varial every night, Chad Kagy’s huge 75 foot transfer from the mega ramp to the FMX landing, Wheelz (a kid in a wheel chair) sticking a back flip on the mega ramp, Andy Buckworth sticking the double front on a BMX night after night…I could be here all day but take my word it was an intense show!
The crew was tough and everyone’s competitive nature pushed through concussions, broken bones, blown out shoulders and knees. Almost no one missed a single show.
As a skier and BASE jumper I was way out of my element hitting a mega ramp with BMX bikes, big wheels and roller skis. I was forced to step far outside my comfort zone to keep up. I love the adrenaline and “risk versus reward” type stuff. My skills improved immensely and I was having the time of my life figuring it out.
One of my favorite aspects was the comradery of all the athletes. I had to laugh when I would see pro skater Jake Brown, hanging with a roller bladder, a razor scooter guy and a pogo stick guy. Something you just wouldn’t think to happen.
We got to see some of the country packed in a 12-passenger van driven buy a guy named Gator. Probably the most fun road trip of my life with constant mayhem, random dance parties on the side of the road, and non-stop humor. We raced camels, V8 super cars, tow-in surfed with Tom Carrol, jet boated, skydived, and hung with locals in the cities and the outback.
The Live show is just getting under way so keep your eyes out and it will probably be headed to a city near you! Check out the highlights below…
The merchandise….
Jumping the Kymco…Pastrana no hands and blind folded, Dusty Wygle steering, Lyn-z Hawkins and myself hanging on the back.
A couple of the camels we raced. I was on the little guy and won my first heat and came in 3rd in the finals, beaten only by Tenacious J and the Camel whisperer.
One of the many road side dance parties we had on our road trips. I cannot explain how fun these were!
Pastrana, myslef and Chad Kagy checking out the Aussie coast. This place was called the 12 Apostles.
One of the VIP meet and greets. These 1600 people paid premium prices to come see our crew and answer some questions. It was crazy!
The next photos are me flipping stuff in front of huge stadium crowds. I would have never imagined this is where I would be at this point in my life.
Check out the end of tour highlights below!
Sorry I have not posted in awhile…I’ve been busy finishing winter projects before our 6 week adventure through Australia for the Nitro Live Tour.
My winter ended well filming with TGR around the Whistler area. Most of the skiing and filming we do there is from a snowmobile. Basically we drive our trucks as far as we can up certain fire roads, strap our skis on the snowmobile and head out onto the vast glaciers of BC. The terrain is endless and you can cover a ton of ground with the snowmobile. You can check out the footage in the new Teton Gravity Research film “Light the Wick” due out this Fall.
Me on my snowmobile…
This is an example of the terrain you can get to on a snowmobile. If you look at the tiny spec on top of the cornice…that’s me getting ready to drop in.
Sven Kueenle from Germany was one of my partners in crime while in the B.C. backcountry.
Tonight I leave for Australia with the rest of the Nitro Crew for our Live Tour. It is going to be one crazy show. I will put up an update after our first shows in Brisbane May 7th, 8th and 9th. WooHoo!!
The cast of Jackass just came to Tahoe to work on Jackass 3 the movie. Not only are they shooting another movie, this one will be in 3D. They asked me to come out and “play” while they were in my hometown. Needless to say I was pretty terrified about the abuse I might take. Fortunately, it ended up all fun…and little fear. Check out the Jackass 3 this fall to see the craziness!
At the wrap party and Knoxville’s B-day mustache party in Truckee.
The Dudesons, 4 Finnish friends somewhere between Jackass and Nitro Circus, were also in town. I had fun day in the snow with them as well shooting for their TV show. Good times!
These were my first attempts hitting a mega ramp on a bike….
Here’s teaser footage of the mega ramp that will come on tour with us this Spring…
My winter has gotten off to a great start. Just after the New Year I headed to interior British Columbia with the Dynastar/Rossignol team. We traveled around Revelstoke, Nelson, Vahalla’s, Snowwater, and Whitewater. We spent time in helicopters, snowmobiles and snow cats chasing the terrain and snow around. It was a super fun trip with a great crew…good way to start the year.
The Dynastar and Rossignol teams checking out Mt. MacKenzie in Revelstoke.
The crew getting ready to load up…
…in the B12.
Finishing up a perfect day snowmobile skiing and taking in the last light.
On a much needed down day everyone gathers in the girls room for movie time.
Cat skiing in the Valhalla’s
At the end of our trip we spent 3 days at this lodge in the middle of nowhere with a helicopter in our back yard. See it parked in the back.
There it is! I slept in the cabin on the right with a window view of the helicopter. Not too bad!
Loaded up in the Heli with Matty Richard and Photographer Blake Jorgenson
Some of the terrain we got to ride
More snow cats
Waiting for a pick up
Here are a couple links from photographer Blake Jorgenson of the team trip.
http://www.blakejorgenson.com/files/webgalleries/Snowwater:valhalla/index.html
http://www.blakejorgenson.com/files/webgalleries/revelstoke/index.html
After British Columbia I returned to Tahoe where it proceeded to snow heavily for almost 2 weeks. The new snow was relentless which resulted in some of the best skiing I can remember in Tahoe. I have no photos or footage from this time because I was busy riding everyday all day not slowing down to capture any of it. When it is that good out…sometimes you just need to ride. You’ll have to take my word…it was awesome.
I just returned from the 2010 Powder Magazine Video Awards in Aspen. Powder hosted a super fun night and I ended up 4th place in the Reader Poll, which is basically people’s choice. I was pretty shocked and pumped at the same time. Thanks Powder and everyone who voted for me!
Swooping up my award!
I am off to hit the Nitro Mega ramp for a few days and then fly straight to the North Cascade Heli operation in Northern Washington. I’m meeting up with Seth Morrsion and Sage Cattabriga to film for Teton Gravity Research’s new film. Should be a good time!
