Regular12 SpokenEverything starts somewhere.26 The Frew BrothersPutting NZ on the map, one spadeful at a time.32 What’s nextThe making of one amazing fi lm.36 Behind the scenes: BlkMrktCarter Holland stops to talk shop40 BrotationalQuarry dreams and quarry themes46 MTB HoroscopesWhat does your future hold?50 Pro Bike CheckWill ‘Tiger’ Rischbieth’s Giant.52 28inchesBryn Atkinsons world....

54 Grunt can StuntThe pleasure of a cuttie.

56 Random ShiteJared gets blown off by the new breed!58 The ’94 Cairns bowlUncovering what the jungle had eaten up

110 Bike ReviewsFrom Marin, Mongoose and Scott.114 New ProdyOur handpicked selection for 2010122 DowntimeDVD’s, CD’s and the ‘Hoods’.130 Last wordsEndtroducing Kelly McGarry.

Features60 Australian DH series All the rounds and National Champiships!76 Leaf team roadtripTwo weeks on the road is a long time in a van!84 The Nathan Rennie Interview The honest truth, if you don’t like it go get....94 Underground RacingNo rules, no insurance, one winner…104 Timeline of a Champion The Troy Brossnan journey to date COVER//NZ’s Kelly McGarry blazin’ under the cover of darkness. F’n epic!//CAMILLA STODDART

CONTENTS//There ain’t much closer you can get to the action! Delf’s being trailed in the Rischbieth backyard//STEPHEN HILLENBRAND

ContentsIssue 19 Volume 5 April 2010

Jayco National DH Series Round 1 Glenorchy, Tasmania • Australian National MTB Championships 2010 Adelaide, South Australia • Jayco National DH Series Round 2 Shepparton, Victoria • Jayco National DH Series Round 3 Thredbo, NSW • Jayco National DH Series Round 4 Stromlo, ACT

60

Jayco National DH Series Round 1 Glenorchy, Tasmania • Australian National MTB Championships 2010 Adelaide, South Australia • Jayco National DH Series Round 2 Shepparton, Victoria • Jayco National DH Series Round 3 Thredbo, NSW • Jayco National DH Series Round 4 Stromlo, ACT

Words by Rick Boyer

Chris’s team were paying for him and his girl, Clair, to travel to each of the fi nal three races. Pardon the pun but it really paid off for them too! National Champion plus two of the three round victories to man with the gigantic calves//CHRIS PROHM

78

Words byMatt Whitmoreand a fewrandom others

The ‘token’ team shot. Set-up by Oliver before he legged it to get in place//OLIVER SMITH

It was an early morning wake up, hitting the snooze a few times wouldn’t cut it this morning as we were on a tight schedule. On the road by 6am, fi rst stop Blue-mountains. Blackheath offered some fi ne cafes and after a nice meal and plenty of coffee, it was back in the car to continue the trip.

After much driving, an adventure was needed. We decided to head over to Evans Lookout and found some amazing views. The Blue Mountains is a spectacular place, the hills and gully’s were just epic. We decided that our 2 hour rest stop would be best spent at Bathurst and seeing as Mount Panorama is a public road, we couldn’t help but take the drive around. Matt still hadn’t fi nished his 2 hours, so it was off around the track with him driving. 60km/h was the limit and with another few days of driving, we weren’t about to risk our license. Dead on 60 km/h, we drove around the track. Taking the corners was tricky, with all the weight on the roof the car just wanted to fl ip over. We also learnt that Bathurst isn’t a one way road (who the hell drives the opposite way?) it was almost a disastrous experience.

We stopped at some old towns along the way. The scenery really started to change as we drove on. Blayney was the location for lunch. After searching around for some nice pub food, it was the local Asian take away store that would serve us and apparently you just can’t have lunch at 2:04 pm.

Before we left we decided we’d rough it the fi rst night, fi nd a good spot to set up camp... maybe have a small fi re to cook on. West Wyalong would be our location for the fi rst night. Rivers aren’t as common as we thought they might be. We checked the caravan parks, but the only caravan park, with its rock hard ground, just wasn’t going to cut it.

When we went in search of the local information centre, it was the ladies there that told us we’d have a better chance in another town. Narrandera only 2 hours away, seemed like it was going to be our best option.

Time was critical. So much to do before sundown.

Day 1 You could hear them outside, a deep growl. The beast was barely fifty yards away, the darkness... absolute. The night was thick with humidity and perspiration, temperatures soaring well past thirty six. We sat listening quietly for more noises; the music of the river gurgling softly in the background was no reassurance. The first night of the trip was going well...

This guy is relentless once he gets going. Patto letting another one sail well past dark//CALLAN ROBISON

84

Raw and candid. What will the future hold for one of the greatest DH’ers to ever walk the planet, that’s still in his prime...?//MARK WATSON

MY HONEST TRUTH*

*IF YOU DONT LIKE IT YOU CAN GET F@#&ED....

It’s been 6 months since Nathan’s last magazine interview. This conversation took place on the 1st day of March and to date hasn’t ridden a bike so far this year. Hasn’t even sat on one. Talking to him, a distinct change was clear in the sound of his voice. That voice rolling down the phone line was a different one to that that I’d grown used to hearing over the past decade or so of knowing Nathan. He sounded, well, happier. More alive. Relaxed and nowhere near as guarded as in years past.

The time off, away from everything was obviously doing him a world of good. It was enabling him to clear his head and shed some of the mental baggage that comes with having to deal with the pressures and responsibilities of being sponsored by large organisations. Performing to the highest levels and having to live up to expectations 365 long days a year. The constant battle to cross your t’s and dot the i’s and having to always be on guard out in public, looking over your shoulder in case prying eyes catch a glimpse of you not toeing that perfect corporate line. Being the walking, talking, face of so many brands over the years sure must have taken its toll.

Nathan fi rst travelled overseas to race back when he was just 15 years old. The very next year he found himself overseas for longer, contesting multiple races. The year after that he signed his fi rst factory ride. And that was that. From that point on riding bikes and being a superstar was his full time job, day in day out.

The glitz and glamour of the World racing stage, sure does seem attractive to an outsider, but it isn’t always smooth sailing as we’ll soon discover. Companies don’t just pay you six fi gure salaries and not want anything in return. The pressures and demands are phenomenal. For Nathan the travel, endless back-to-back fl ights, being on the road year round and living out of a gear bag took its toll. The wear and tear on his body, injuries from races, that never quite get a chance to heal. Then on top of everything else the bombardment from the media, fans and industry always wanting a piece of him, had quiet literally run Nathan into the ground.

After nearly a decade at the very top there was only one place he could ever go. His vanishing out of sight ever since his fi nals run at last years Canberra World Championships has certainly had people talking. Speculation has been running rampant. With so much bullshit fl oating around Nathan, we thought we’d get in touch with him and see if he was keen to have a chat and set the story straight. And so after months of laying low, he is fi nally ready to talk again. In his own words, the Nathan Rennie story.

WORDS + INTERVIEW BY JONATHON TAYLOR

NATHAN RENNIE INTERVIEW

THE

94

No Rules. No Insurance. No Numberplates. 2 Sick Tracks. 2 Weekends. Invite only.

[R]evolution Underground Racing Series Words by JT

Goffy knows all too well that to be the best you have to be able to rule all conditions. And watching him ride in the mountains and then down the ‘gong it’s clear he is a master of all terrains. To be honest we were a little surprised his times weren’t quicker. 4th overall is was well respectable, he just looked a lot faster in the fl esh. Goffy also took out the award for most runs each day. Fit much//HOLMES

Cillian Kennedy

Age: 27

Sponsors: Marzocchi, Bikeminded.

Hometown: Blackheath, NSW

Normal day job: Canyon/Climbing instructor

Local stomping ground: (secret places)

Years riding: 14 all up, but took 5 years off in the middle and didn’t ride much

Years racing DH: 5 years serious

What was your take on the 2 weekends, the format and all that jazz? The two weekends were really good. It was awesome to catch up with every one outside of a normal race format hang out and talk some shit. Didn’t really hear any jazz but I’m sure it was good!

What did you think about the fi rst track, Blue Mountains? Really cool lots of rocks.

What about the second track, down the ‘gong? Awesome, I always enjoy riding down there.

Describe your style? I try to be smooth and hold speed.

Explain your perfect day? The two days we spent doing this story would not be far off just needed a few chicks in skimpy underwear lingering in the bushes when we were pushing sections. Good Times.

Who’s going to win (senior) Worlds this year? Sam Hill

Your race bike: Specialized Demo 8 2010

Forks: Boxxer World Cups but soon Marzocchi 888 Evo ti

Rear shock: Fox RC4

Brakes: Avid Code calipers with Elixir Mag levers

Tyres: Minion on front HighRoller out back

How do you like to set it up? Being 6 foot 3 I have to set it up pretty big. Lay back post, 55mm stem, petty tall front end, 60mm rise bars 550mm wide and a wicker basket on the front full of spare parts!

Ryan ConnellAge: 16

Sponsors: Cycle Logic, Rotec Cycles,

Hometown: Austinmer, NSW

Normal day job: Yr 11 at high school

Local stomping ground: Illawarra/Austinmer

Years riding: 2yrs

Years racing DH: 1yr

What was your take on the 2 weekends: Had an awesome time riding. Both tracks were fresh as. The days turned out perfect.

What did you think about the fi rst track? it was the roughest and rawest track I have ever encountered added for some good atmosphere, great track.

What about the second track, down the ‘gong? Super pinned out track, probably my favorite place to ride.

Describe your riding style? Smooth as a babies arse!

Explain your perfect day? Morning swim, ride all day then beach in arvo with everyone.

Who’s going to win (senior) Worlds this year? Rob Warner

Your race bike: Roctec RL 9 2009

Forks: RS Boxxer WC

Rear shock: Manitou X6 Swinger, Cycle Logic custom tuned

Brakes: Avid Juicy 7

Tyres: Minion F 2.35 based on the front, High roller 2.35 on the back both tubeless

How do you like to set it up? Soft forks and rear suspension, low bottom bracket, 30inch bars old school.

Inspired by Dirt’s 1.04 track idea and fuelled by wanting to take the concept one step further, we decided rather than craft a single rider on a single track we should invite a bunch of

riders and hit the road to different locations around the state. That way no one could have home track advantage and even if one style of track suited a rider, it was almost certain the other would not. If this was going to be the [R]evolution race series we sure as hell weren’t going to do things the normal way. First and foremost we wanted to make sure everything was kept super low key, underground almost. So no number plates, no wind-trainers, no race order. We threw invites out to 8 riders that were each handpicked because of their style. Not just ‘cause they’re quick, but because each of them has stood out to us over the past year and represents what [R]is all about. A burning sense of passion, bullshit skills, style and of course balls-out raw speed!

The fi rst thing we had to decide on was locations. With riders coming from all over the State, we weren’t really limited to a specifi c area. We ended up settling on the idea of two tracks that were worlds apart from each other in terms of terrain. We decided the fi rst weekend should be at Old Bathurst Road, right on the foothills of the Blue Mountains. The track there is an epic. It’s like a moonscape where barely a tree exists; everything is covered in massive sandstone boulders and the track is made up of blown out white dusty corners and steep shoots. As a contrast and to make things harder for the riders, we chose Wollongong’s ‘uni track’ to run the second weekend. The Uni track is made up of moist deep brown loamy dirt, lined with lush grass, covered in trees and featuring a heap of tricky tech sections that would be sure to test the riders.

Once we had settled on the idea of running multiple tracks, we then had to fi gure out how we were going to time the riders and really that was probably the easiest decision we had to make in the whole process. Only one timing system exists that fi ts into what we were trying to achieve with our non-conformity race and that’s Freelap. Nearly every pro rider we deal with uses Freelap watches and timing poles as the accuracy and simplicity of the system is amazing.

Joshy B only has two speeds, wide open or standing still//TIM BARDSLEY-SMITH

Cillian back riding the trails he cut his teeth on more than a decade ago.//TIM BARDSLEY-SMITH

100

Troy Brosnan’s rise-up through the ranks of mountain bike racing has been nothing short extraordinary. Within just 4 years of throwing a leg over his fi rst MTB, Troy now fi nds himself signed to the mighty Monster/Specialized Bikes Team. This season under the watchful wing of team mate, Sam Hill, Troy will contest his fi rst full overseas race season. He will also be donning the Aussie national uniform when he lines up in Mount Sainte Anne, Canada, for his fi rst crack at World Championships glory. Although Troy’s journey to racing success has been a rapid one, it hasn’t come without hard work, massive family support and a whole heap of mentoring from some older riders around him. It’s clear that Troy has the goods when it comes to skills and speed, and now with the backing of a factory race team it would seem he’s got all the pieces of the puzzle to really set the racing world on fi re. As much as we’re looking forward to following his progress in seasons to come, we thought we’d take a look about over the years at the milestones and events that helped shape this little champion to date.

The Troy Brosnan Story to date...

Troy fi rst came to my attention many years ago when I just happened to be at his school teaching a bike education course. We were doing some exercises out on basketball court this particular day, simple stuff like cornering around witches hats, and there was this one kid that just shone out from the bunch. There was just something special about the way he rode. His style, the way he controlled his bike. For years I’d taught a heap of these classes at so many schools and I’d never had a kid stand out like Troy. Straight away I got talking to him and began to take an interest in him and I guess tried to push him along the MTB path. I remember encouraging him to head along and check out a DH race. He’d raced BMX for years but MTB was totally different for him. One day I fi nally got him along to a race and he got straight into the swing of things. I was still racing a heap back then and so I’d spend a bunch of time over a race weekend helping him out on the track, with different sections and what not. He’s a kid with so much bike talent, he was certainly born to be on two wheels. Steve Marsh Aussie MTB legend

//STEVE HILLENBRAND

Words by JT

1993

July 13th Troy is born at 10:22pm weighing 7lb 3oz

1995

Troy scores his fi rst bike at Christmas, a 12 inch beast with

training wheels.

1996

After many laps at the local school, Troy loses the training wheels

1997

Begins racing BMX at the Happy Valley Club

Words by JTWords by JT

114 NEW PRODUCTS All the stuff you need!

SixSixOne Evo SuitBrowse: www.sixsixone.com

We often get sent armour jackets to check out and shoot for the mag, but nothing ever seems to come close to a Dainese in our minds. At least, that was the case until the SixSixOne Pressue Suit arrived on our doorstep. We immediately slung the thing over our shoulders and were blown away with how well it fi ts. They feature heaps of padding and plenty of additional adjustment.

CONTINENTAL KAISER TYRESBrowse: www.conti-online.com

We’ve been running those ‘Rain King’ tyres we featured a few issues back for a while now with plenty of praise and thought it was time to check something else out in the Continental range. These Kaiser’s look like a fi ne choice with their fat nobs that feel insanely tacky. They also feature a really sturdy rounded casing and are surprisingly light.

FOX V3R CARBON LIDHonestly we cannot get over how light this helmet is. Fox have been making MTB lids for a while now, but have never really looked 100%. Seemed strange too, considering they make the best moto lids on the market. So, for 2010, they made a MTB lid in the exact same vein as their MX range and this looks amazing. It feels incredible on your head as well. Super comfortable with mega protection, you can’t go wrong. Just heard Mick Hannah has signed with Fox Racing for the season, I wonder if that means they’ll be bringing out a fl uro yellow one in the near future?

MARZOCCHI DJ 1’SBrowse: www.marzocchi.com

Quite possibly the worlds most popular dirt jumping fork over the years has fi nally received a complete redesign. They’re packed with new features and improvements like an upside-down crown design which alone increases the forks overall stiffness by 30%. They’ve also got back to an open oil bath system for dampening, so no more sealed cartridges just waiting to explode at any second. For the money and reliability they’re damn hard to beat.

New ProductsAll photos Tony Nolan

STRAITLINE SILENT GUIDEBrowse: www.straitlinecomponents.com

Surely chain guides can get more minimal than this? A beautifully machined outer bash ring combined with elastomeric guides feeding your chain top and bottom ensuring everything runs smooth. Available in ISCG and ISCG-05 models, and two sizes, 32-36t or 36-40t.

VANDERHAM ‘PRO’ SADDLEBrowse: www.pro-gear.com

Read the interview we did with Vanderham earlier this issue about his signature range and how the development process all went down? You should. You should also head down to your local bike shop and check out his range for yourself. This saddle is probably our favourite in the line-up. It’s comfortable, it looks tough as guts and thanks to those Ti rails it’s pretty damn light.

UNIT TBrowise: www.unitriders.com

Unit’s range just keeps looking cooler and cooler each season. (It grows a lot too!) This new tee dubbed, ‘Noxious’ is a bit of a standout piece in our eyes. Not just a cool print either, Unit tee’s are some of the fi nest fi tting in the land.

TROY LEE DESIGNS D3Browse: www.troyleedesigns.com

What is it about this helmet that makes us want one so bad? Is it the bold new ‘squarish’ styling, or is it the generous long strands of carbon fi bre running from front to back that glistens in the afternoon sun? Perhaps it’s the piece of mind that comes with knowing you’d be wearing one of the most technologically advanced and likewise safest helmets on the market. The list of possible reasons just goes on and on….

LEAF CHARLSTON FRAME Browse: www.leafcycles.com.au

Another fi ne frame offering from Euro company, Leaf Cycles. The Charlston frame is a slick little thing indeed, with its clean lines and minimal fuss. Made entirely from Sanko-cromo tubing ensuring the quality is held high whilst the weight is kept low. In the box comes a removable derailleur hanger, so you can run it if you want gears or keep the back end streamlined if you don’t.

MAXXIS LOC-ON GRIPSBrowse: www.kwt.net.au

Bet you didn’t know Maxxis made grips? Utilizing the same sticky rubber that keeps you stuck to the ground through those blown out corners, these grips have are nice thin diameter and feel pretty comfy. Two clamps keep them locked in place and they even come with a nice little engraved bar plug.