Red Bull Rampage 2012 - Friday: 56 Nugs

Oct 6, 2012
by Julian Coffey  
Red Bull Rampage
  Gully practically leaps out of bed everyday.

It was a dusty morning in the desert. As the riders meeting got underway the mountain was almost hidden for a while...
  It was a dusty morning in the desert. As the rider meeting got underway the mountain was almost hidden for a while...

rider meetings in utah have sick light at Redbull Rampage 2012
  Rider meetings in Utah have sick light at Redbull Rampage.

Todd Barber is the ring leader for Rampage we are so fortunate to have him...at 2012 Redbull Rampage
  Todd Barber is the ring leader for Rampage we are so fortunate to have him.

Athletes drawing in their lines to give to the judges first thing in the morning.
  Athletes drawing in their lines to give to the judges first thing in the morning.

 And your line is gonna be... Mike Kinrade filling in the details so Todd Barber the event organizer can determine a rider start order for the Rampage qualifying round.
  And your line is gonna be...Mike Kinrade filling in the details so Todd Barber can determine a rider start order for the Rampage qualifying round.

Riders had to hike to the top but there were staff to carry bikes up.
  Riders had to hike to the top but there were staff to carry bikes up.

 If you think it s easy doin one night stands Try playin in a rock roll band It s a long way to the top if you wanna rock n roll. -AC DC
The morning started with unusually still air. Dust hung until it settled to the ground instead of moving off.
  The morning started with unusually still air. Dust hung until it settled to the ground instead of moving off.

Early morning preparations and EMT s on hand to watch and be ready at a given moment.
  Early morning preparations and EMTs on hand to watch and be ready at a given moment.

Garett Buehler was one of the first riders on the hill for the final practice session.
  Garett Buehler was one of the first riders on the hill for the final practice session.

Red Bull Rampage
Garett Buehler doing some early morning warm up laps.
  Buehler doing some early morning warm up laps.

Garett Beuhler at 2012 Redbull Rampage
  Buehler , post warm up full on charging.

Brendan Fairclough washed out his front tire in an unexpected pile of moon dust on his first run--early am practice sessions sloughed loose dirt into his line. Bren-dawg took that in stride and then charged his second run strongly enough to qualify. Instead of launching that sick looking canyon gap he s fashioned high up on the track he opted to hit a hip a just below it. I m saving that one for Sunday s finals. It s only scary looking until you re on the lip.
  Brendan Fairclough washed out his front tire in an unexpected pile of moon dust on his first run - early am practice sessions sloughed loose dirt into his line. Bren-dawg took that in stride and then charged his second run strongly enough to qualify. Instead of launching that sick looking canyon gap he's fashioned high up on the track he opted to hit a hip a just below it. "I'm saving that one for Sunday's finals. It's only scary looking until you're on the lip."

Red Bull Rampage
  Fairclough - drop.

Fairclough looks a little less than excited by the prospect of tossing his carcass down the side of the mountain.
  Fairclough looks a little less than excited by the prospect of tossing his carcass down the side of the mountain.

Casey Groves in the start gate
  Casey Groves in the start gate.

Casey hit this line beautifully as his trail of dust tells.
  Casey hit this line beautifully as his trail of dust tells.

Red Bull Rampage
  Groves fully committed to the stratosphere.

Dropping in towards the end of his line.
  Pierre Edouard Ferry dropping in towards the end of his line.

Nico Vink is in the finals. Kinda funny that a guy who lives in a country that s about as flat as a pancake can ride big mountain so well.
  Vink post Oakley Icon sender.

Red Bull Rampage
  Gully seems to be awake by this point as he flattens it out.

Martin heads back in for his second lap.
  Soderstrom heads back in for his second lap.

Martin Soderstrom linked this line together on his second lap qualifying him for the finals.
  Martin linked this line together on his second lap qualifying him for the finals.

Red Bull Rampage
Martin Soderstrom boosting out of a little step down - step up that he built...
  The Swede boosting out of a little step down/step up that he built.

Heli footage for Howey.
  Heli footage for Howey.

Brendan Howie throwing down on the step down.
  Brendan Howie throwing down on the step down.

Howey trying to up the ante on his qulaifying run number 1 at 2012 Redbull Rampage
  Howey trying to up the ante on his qualifying run number 1.

Hopkins with a one way ticket to the pain cave. The gap measures around 68 feet. He landed well beyond the sweet spot
  Hopkins with a one way ticket to the pain cave. The gap measures around 68 feet. He landed well beyond the sweet spot.

Mike Hopkins took one of the hardest crashes I ve seen in a long time and still walked away from it. 60 foot step down gap and the top of the landing is at the bottom right. Just a little bit bigger than needed probably a solid 80 feet on this one...
  Mike Hopkins took one of the hardest crashes I've seen in a long time and still walked away from it. 60 foot step down gap and the top of the landing is at the bottom right. Just a little bit bigger than needed - probably a solid 80 feet on this one...

Red Bull Rampage
  Margus captures Hopkins mid-flight.

Red Bull Rampage
  Thomas Genon on the horizon of his first Rampage.

Red Bull Rampage
Thomas Genon won Joyride this year and he threw down some beautiful airs here in Utah. Unfortunately it wasn t enough.
  Genon won Joyride this year and he threw down some beautiful airs here in Utah. Unfortunately it wasn't enough.

Messere learning what is takes at Rampage...at 2012 Redbull Rampage
  Messere learning what is takes at Rampage.

photo
  Messere won't be in the big show on Sunday. He missed his landing by a good 10 feet in run one after someone moved his marker rocks and crashed lower down on run 2 - over a drop with a very short landing that had him dragging a foot.

Messere isn t a stranger to having bird following him
  Messere isn't a stranger to having bird following him.

Anthony Messere threw a huge no hander over a canyon gap on his second run.
  Anthony threw a huge no hander over a canyon gap on his second run.

Rampage ain t easy .at 2012 Redbull Rampage
  Rampage ain't easy son.

Kyle Norbraten had a great first run sticking a solid 360 and edning up in the third place spor in qualifying.
  Kyle Norbraten had a great first run sticking a solid 360 and ending up in the third place spot in qualifying.

Norbs crushed it today .at 2012 Redbull Rampage
  Norbs crushed it today - nuff said.

Rheeder being the good student and studying every detail of what it takes...at 2012 Redbull Rampage
  Rheeder being the good student and studying every detail of what it takes.

photo
  And looking incredibly comfortable on course.

Red Bull Rampage
Brett Rheeder
  Brett Rheeder and style for miles.

Red Bull Rampage
Doerfling also sent the Sender but stomped the landing. He then railed the line Gee Atherton pioneered lower down--the step down to hip landing--and garnered enough points to lock up second place in qualifying.
  Doerfling sent the Sender and stomped the landing. He then proceeded to rail the line Gee Atherton pioneered lower down - the step down to hip landing - garnering enough points to lock up second place in qualifying.


With qualifying over Cam McCaul and a number of other riders wasted no time in getting on the hill to start working on their lines for the finals until nightfall shut them down.
  With qualifying over Cam McCaul and a number of other riders wasted no time in getting on the hill to start working on their lines for the finals until nightfall shut them down.

Cam McCaul with a solid and unique far rider s right ridge line that had good flow some fairly hairy exposure and one small canyon gap.
  Cam McCaul with a solid and unique far rider's right ridge line that had good flow, some fairly hairy exposure and one small canyon gap.

photo
  McCaul just had to qualify for the super finals this week. Instead of taking it easy Cam dropped a massive line in zone 3 and was the only rider to hit the canyon gap today. Look for Cam Zink to join him over here on Sunday.

I want this same photo on Sunday with Cam McCaul with his Sunday best at 2012 Redbull Rampage
  We're looking for this same photo on Sunday with Cam McCaul in his Sunday best.

Red Bull Rampage
  McCaul checking for enemy aircraft.

The qualifiers--minus a few riders who took off to rest up after a long hard day on the hill.
  Qualis podium.

Red Bull Rampage
  Sorge closes out with the sunset shot.




Author Info:
JulianCoffey avatar

Member since Aug 9, 2010
158 articles

112 Comments
  • 77 1
 Can someone tell,why there's no picture of Bizet who qualified in 4th spot?
Photographers are Kona haters too? Smile
  • 26 3
 I have one in my gallery but it's vertical, and vertical shots usually won't be used here...
  • 8 0
 is there a place to purchase any of these pictures?
  • 5 6
 ^^^ i recommend you save the picture to your documents and print it out, the photos are really high quality so it should look pretty good Smile

Bizet: www.pinkbike.com/photo/8751040
  • 7 1
 Hi Ian,

Yeah,I saw it in your gallery.
Still this shot (Antoine is doing a backflip) shows that was the interesting run,so I'm pretty suprised that we watch so many pics of Messere and Genom who didn;t qualified and none of the 4th qaulifier...
Kinda weird...
  • 4 0
 Even on the quali's podium! Is he real?
  • 1 0
 @thewelshmtbstig not big enough. want to get a massive print.
  • 1 0
 as always, don't look for bizet in the official pinkbike articles.. I don't understand why..
  • 19 4
 Messere got screwed, did someone move his marker rocks on purpose? Lucky he didn't get hurt.

Love that pic of Ferry dropping in, and that section Soderstrom built deserves major props...looks fun. Can't wait to see B Dawgs run tomorrow!
  • 12 0
 With hundreds and hundreds of spectators walking all over the side of the mountain and all over the course things get knocked over and moved. It's not deliberate, no one is that stupid...
  • 23 6
 First comment of Protuor with no negative feedback? Smile
  • 22 2
 Honestly someone moving his marker rocks was just an excuse because he didn't perform the way he wanted too. He BUILT this line he should know it inside and out before his run.
  • 2 0
 are the spectators confine to some part of the mountain or they can move freely everywhere they want?
  • 2 0
 If I read it correctly, spectators are advised to stay in designated areas near the finish line.
  • 1 1
 @rex bikes. At the speeds these guys are going at down a line they've only completed a day or 2 before, you need markers, especially if your expecting them, as they were there on the practice runs before!. Most of those step downs/shuttes are all blind and being just a couple of inches off line spells game over..
  • 2 1
 The Article said he missed the landing completely by a good ten feet. He should know that if he's going to be competing on this course he should be thinking before he drops in about all the lines he needs to be taking.
  • 3 1
 @rexbikes perhaps you should go to the site and try to ride any of the lines before criticizing someone for something you know nothing about...
  • 2 0
 Funny, because I plan on heading down there at some point this year, should be fun!
  • 10 0
 Fairclough may be interesting, but I don't know... I'm missing CG. Hope he s doing well with his pelvis...
  • 4 0
 And if I'm speaking about missing legends... does anyone know, what's up with Matt Hunter?
  • 1 0
 He was up and moving around on crutches in an interveiw about 2-3 weeks ago.
  • 2 0
 What happened to Matt?
  • 3 13
flag dirtjumperalexb (Oct 6, 2012 at 15:46) (Below Threshold)
 AMERICA!!!!!
  • 1 2
 lol dude wats up with merica
  • 1 0
 Going big!!! Hell ya!!!
  • 1 8
flag dirtjumperalexb (Oct 6, 2012 at 21:38) (Below Threshold)
 AMERICA
  • 11 5
 some sick lines and pics...thanks pinkbike Smile

...rampage is crazy n all, however i cant help but notice more and more how much 'manufactured' or 'man-made' so many of the lines and elements are... maybe its just me, guess i prefer seeing the more 'natural' lines with less wood n sandbag etc.

anyways stocked for the final, should be epic!
  • 9 18
flag hoolydooly (Oct 6, 2012 at 8:27) (Below Threshold)
 Yeah i noticed this too. Its all about the jumps now, and most of them have been built with a bobcat or out of wood. Its just like Joyride but with a couple of chutes here and there...
  • 23 2
 It is not just like Joyride.
  • 5 1
 I get what you are saying, I think I lot of people appreciate that as well, but..... I think you have to take progression into account. We are all treated to the amazing new tricks, stunts, drops, jumps, gaps and all the other balls-to-the-wall things these world class riders bust out. But as the sport grows and shit gets gnarlier, people would be bitching that they had seen it all before if it stayed stagnant. Go back to the beginning of rampage, what was big then is not considered to be now. The other aspect that is easily over-looked is the commercialism. Massive sponsorship dollars, marketing campaigns, live coverage, films and photography, a TV series from Red Bull. With so much exposure it is going to be pushed to new highs every time the event is held. Wish I was there, maybe next time!
  • 3 0
 yep i guess ur right with progression playing the major role... dont get me wrong i love rampage... its just got a slightly different feel to it Smile
  • 3 0
 That jump of Hopkins is just... incredible , good to see a rider making his own mega jumps and not using the prebuilt ones.
  • 3 0
 I am hearing you gdr. I really loved watching the early videos, seeing those guy dropping big stuff with only minimal shovel work. I've got to believe that the event would still progress even if the landings were not carefully created. What these guys can do on a bike is mind blowing. However, REALLY big drops probably should have a rather nice landing, and big air makes for better TV. I guess I just my Rampage raw.
  • 2 6
flag nouser (Oct 6, 2012 at 11:26) (Below Threshold)
 Hoolydooly go fall down one of the chutes.
  • 5 0
 All the 'manufacturing' bothers me. Grab the terrain by the balls and get the most out of the natural spot.. Still, huge respect to those guys.
  • 3 0
 Ever since the begining people made thier lines, built them. No they have more builders thats all. I think what you would like to see is a Where the trial ends style compition, With anual venue changes and a ban on hand tools.
  • 3 0
 Where The Trail Ends style competition would be cool. I don't think a total ban on hand tools is needed, it just gets a bit over the top when people come in with bobcats and a 60 person build crew.
  • 3 0
 yep, that would be sweet.
its like big mountain skiing or boardin... 'heres the mountain, ride it.'
u get a slightly different kind of creativity, different kind of lines, maybe even see some changes to the bikes n gear...the bigger travel bikes become necessary maybe!? etc...

however.... i am scratching like a drug addict, waiting to see the final today Smile
woot woooooot.... canyon gaaaap !
  • 2 0
 To all that are commenting about the excessive "building" There were 4 wooden features, the Canyon Gap, the Oakley Sender, the wooden step up jump, and the mine shaft/quarter pipe, that's it, that's all. Everything else was built by the riders and a few helpers, no power tools, and no bobcats... That is no different really than it was 4 years ago, the only difference is they had a few extra days to build...
  • 2 0
 ^ look at this guy with his facts and actual experience. Ian...for future reference if you want to make an informed opinion your best bet is to sit in your mother's basement and talk shit about things you will never be capable of doing yourself.
  • 2 0
 Im not sure if you're being Sarcastic or not.. I'd hope so..
  • 2 0
 Hooly my friend. I poorly conveyed the tone of my comment. I was absolutely being sarcastic. I am 1000% certain that Ian has a better understanding of the course layout and the build process of the features than any of the above forum warriors.
  • 1 0
 I thought so, but you never can be too sure with some people on here.
  • 8 0
 Antoine Bizet 4th and no photos?????
  • 10 5
 Who's the girl on teh podium? and why no Fairclough or Soderstrom?
Mccaul sending it over the canyon, huuuuge!
  • 6 1
 there is no girl, i think you're talking about wil white...
  • 2 0
 Soderstrom is in the centre of the podium.
  • 5 1
 girl!?!? omg joshleb :p
  • 2 12
flag dirtjumperalexb (Oct 6, 2012 at 15:48) (Below Threshold)
 AMERICA!!!!!!!
  • 4 1
 fucking stop with that please. thats the 3rd one in a row, on the same page
  • 3 1
 Any news on Gee? VitalMTB lists him as injuried and not competing, but haven't ready any of that so far on here nor on Red Bull Rampage's page nor on Gee's twitter. Hopefully they're just getting too ahead of themselves and Gee's ok to throw down tomorrow. The pics of his line had me quite excited.
  • 3 0
 in one of the other pinkbike pages it says his foot is injured and he's taking it easy in hope of riding sunday
  • 5 0
 So many epic pictures but I can´t decide which one I should choose as my desktop wallpaper Big Grin
  • 9 0
 mcCaul on the canyon gap
  • 6 0
 Hopkins should qualify just for attempting that gap, 68 feet!!
  • 3 0
 he landed near 80, thats a HOLY SHIT moment
  • 3 0
 Has anyone got a photo of the sheet/form the riders use to mark out the intended run on?! I'd be really interested to see what's where and all the start points etc... Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Good call , it's hard to figure out where on the mountian these lines actually go.
  • 3 0
 Great pics, btw just stocked that Rheeder uses a single crown for a Rampage.... 180 in's Travel for super big jumps, Salute to him...
  • 1 0
 in response to manufactured lines . NWDisorder 8 they did recon where they all went to some un ridden lands in mexico ,and guess what??? They had a hard time finding any cool lines all the way down a range . Virgin and Moab are ideal for this kind of riding . Cendric Gracia said at the end of recon ,as they were leaving ,looking at the mountain ,"Un rideable ,it sucks "lol they were bored of trying to find anything ,as awesome as it looked ,there were few cool lines .
There are so many lines at Virgin it's overwhelming to look at , it's way beyond even Moab
  • 3 0
 I'm so glad Brendan Fairclough qualified!!

I can't wait to see him do that massive jump and tear it up!!! GO BREN-DAWG!! We're with ya 1,000%!
  • 1 2
 Technically you can't have 1000% Actually, 100% means 100/100 so it is impossible to have more than 100%, because that means more than everything.

Go on Brendog! We're with you 100%!
  • 3 0
 Hello Rampage-PODs for the next few days, nice to meet you
  • 3 0
 McCaul should definitely send a flip over that canyon gap in the finals.
  • 1 0
 I personally think the first 3 riders in the fmb world tour standings should qualify automatically. Sucks that Martin & Brandon are qualified but not the leader.
  • 1 0
 yeah it would have made a interesting finish to see who gets the FMB crown ...now its a 2 horse race to the finish
  • 1 0
 the hard question is which picture is going to be my new desktop background...
  • 2 0
 Casey Groves is tiny!!! I never pictured him to be that short!!! hahaha
  • 1 0
 super sick riders. disappointed about Messere.
  • 2 0
 Sick photos. Thanks!
  • 1 0
 Absolutely! I was about posting that for myself when I saw your comment. Thanks PB for covering that great event with such nice photography.
  • 1 0
 really? what a coincidence! me too!
  • 1 0
 AMA SO STOUKT TO FREERIDE NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111
  • 2 1
 SOo sick.... but where is semenuk ?
  • 2 0
 Finals
  • 2 0
 oh.. thx Big Grin
  • 2 0
 I wish Cedric was here
  • 2 0
 man hopkins went huge!
  • 1 0
 what player i need for the rampage videos? wher can i get it? thx!
  • 1 0
 PODs for the whole next year. Nice job guys!
  • 1 0
 Mr. Brett Rheeder WOW!!!
  • 1 0
 anyone have photos of CVD?
  • 1 0
 what happend to pilgrim ????!!!!
  • 2 0
 Its going to be sick!!!
  • 1 1
 I really cant think what to say that hasnt already be said. Roll on tomorrow!
  • 1 0
 Im lost when does this air
  • 1 0
 tomorrow I believe but I'm not sure on time
  • 4 0
 You should find "countdown" timer from the Redbull.tv -live site: live.redbull.tv/events/114/red-bull-rampage
  • 1 0
 12noon on pacific time
  • 1 0
 Amazing article. Thanks so much! tup
  • 1 0
 WOW BOY, there are so many potential PODs here!
  • 1 0
 What time red Bull rampage Will be broadcast if iam in eastern Time zone
  • 2 0
 3pm I think. I believe it's 1pm mountain time wich is two hours behind eastern.
  • 1 0
 Thx
  • 1 0
 I love the contrasting styles of the photographers. Good work pinkbike!
  • 1 0
 What about the other WC rider Mick Hannah? Anyone know how he did?
  • 1 0
 Sick pictures!
  • 1 0
 not bad Smile
  • 1 0
 nice
  • 1 0
 so cool
  • 1 0
 Awesome shots! :-D
  • 1 0
 Go big or Go home
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