These were my first attempts hitting a mega ramp on a bike….
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Here’s teaser footage of the mega ramp that will come on tour with us this Spring…
After another good Nitro Mega ramp session I headed to Jackson Hole to meet up with TGR. The initial plan was to meet at North Cascade Heli with Seth Morrison and Sage Cattabriga. The snow was so good in Jackson we decided to start there first. After a road gap session and a day skiing lines in the backcountry we loaded up the rigs and made the 15 hour drive to remote Northern Washington.
I had no idea mountains like this existed in the US. These mountains are the beginning of the range that extend all the way to Alaska. The mountains are big and the terrain is legit. There’s not much up here…the only food, supplies, store is the gas station. Other than that, there’s a few scattered cabins and a heli barn. It’s nice to be in an area of no cell reception, few people and lots of quiet. We have been out flying 3 days and the snow is slowly coming in. We’re all excited to get some good days!
Our cabin for the next 10+ days.
Me, our unbelievable pilot Seamus (or the leprechaun), and one of the nicest B3 helicopters I have flown in. It’s the sports car of helicopters and Seamus knows how to flex its power.
Seth, Sage and TGR filmer Josh loaded up in the B3
Sage pillow popping
This is a cliff I found I want to ski BASE off while we’re here.
Inside our cabin at the computer lab.
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!
A couple years back a friend of mine, Jeremy Jones, posted a blog of things he was thankful for. His blog was inspiring and I decided to post a few things I’m thankful for. In a time when many folks are struggling it’s important to recognize all the things we are lucky to have…
I’m thankful for my dog Chief. He passed away this summer but I was lucky to have him for 13 years…
I’m thankful for my family…
I’m thankful for my jumping friends…
I’m thankful for my Nitro Circus family….
I’m thankful for my mountain friends…
I’m thankful for Annika…
I’m thankful for the opportunities I have…
I’m thankful for my brother and my nephews…
I’m thankful for catching air!!!
I’m thankful for snow storms…
and powder…
I’m thankful for down time…
I’m thankful for the mountains…
I’m thankful for skiing…
I’m thankful for Shane McConkey…
Here is the new Puddle of Mudd music video “Spaceship”. They asked Nitro Circus to come participate and we were game. It was not really our forte but we made the most of it! Look hard and you might see some of us…
Its that time of year….I’ve been in the thick of fall movie premiers and other pre winter festivities. I started with the premier of TGR’s Re:session in San Francisco at the Palace of fine arts. The Palace of Fine arts is one of my favorite movie venues. Many times bars are involved with standing room only but this is a legit theater for your viewing pleasure.
Next was the Salt Lake City premier of the Nitro Circus DVD Country Fried. The movie was shown at the Energy Solutions center, the old Delta Center where the Jazz play. I must say the Nitro fans have grown significantly in the last year. The place was packed, way oversold and I’m sure not up to fire code.
After, it was right back to San Francisco for the SF Ski Fest. The Ski Fest is genius…San Franciscans can explore gear booths, different resorts and an unbelievable winter sale. On top of it all there is wine and beer tasting to loosen up the crowd. The event was a great success.
After all that I got to stop in Lodi on my way home for some skydiving….nice little reward!
Signing posters at the Palace of Fine Arts at the TGR premier
Ski fans filling in the seats getting ready for the show!
Next was Utah…nice to catch a glimpse of late fall in the Wasatch.
Nitro Fan Mayhem!
We signed everything…clothes, posters, hats and foreheads.
Back to San Francisco…
The SF Ski Fest was bumping!
More mingling with fans….thanks everyone for all your support!!!!
Last week was a fun one! It started with “Puddle of Mudd” asking the Nitro Circus to be part of their music video for the new single “Spaceship”. It sounded like a good time so myself, Pastrana, Andy Bell and Jeremy Rawle headed to LA for a new experience. It was a long day but in the end we had a good time, met some cool people and got to wreck some stuff! Look for the Spaceship video from Puddle of Mudd coming out soon!
After the POM shoot I met Annika for some downtime at Disneyland. I know I am supposed to be too old for Disneyland but there is something magical about that place. As soon as I enter the park I feel like a kid again immersed in the creative fantasy world Walt Disney started years ago. When I go to Disneyland I get up early and get inside the park before everyone else and this time we made sure to be first in line at the gate. In the first 3 hours we tagged most the rides with no waiting in line…it ruled!
After Disneyland we met back up with the Nitro Crew for a private jet headed for Vegas to watch Andy Bell box radio personality Jason Ellis for Ellismania. I have never been on a PJ (private jet) before and I must say it’s the best. Drive right up to plane and take off in luxury…are you kidding me!
On top of the PJ we had the Sky Villa at the Palms which was far and away the nicest accommodations I have ever had or seen for that matter…Multiple suites, revolving circular beds, water features, a huge hot tub over hanging the hotel, and service like you cant imagine. It was truly a rock star experience.
Puddle of Mudd giving away a signed Nitro t-shirt to their fans.
Travis and I had to get creative with what was available to pull off some stunts for the video. Myself and a Big Wheel rounded out this one…
First in line at Disneyland and anxious for the park to open…look out little ones I’m coming through!
That Splash mountain is one hell of a scary ride!
The crew loaded up in the PJ and ready for Vegas!
Our ride too and from the PJ…
Sky Villa living…I could get used to this.
Ring side with Travis Pastrana and Matt Hoffman.
