MUST WATCH: Martyn Ashton - Road Bike Party 2

Dec 10, 2013
by Mike Kazimer  
Just three months after suffering a severe spinal injury, Martyn Ashton, international mountain bike trials legend and ex-World Champion, announces that he has today released his spectacular sequel to Road Bike Party: Road Bike Party 2.

Following the 9 million YouTube view success of the original in 2012, Martyn has been secretly working on the sequel, however his accident during a bicycle trials demo on Sunday 1st September at Silverstone’s Moto GP, England – in which he dislocated his T9 and T10 vertebrae, leaving him a paraplegic and a wheelchair user – cast doubt as to whether it would ever be finished.


‘With A Little Help From My Friends’
Thanks to some very strong friends – chiefly, Danny MacAskill and Chris Akrigg – rallying around and committing to help Martyn and videographer Robin Kitchin complete the film, the project is now ready for release.

“It’s very different to what I planned but I’m really starting to love it and care for it,” Martyn says of the finished film. “It’s a brilliant collection – you can lose the fact that we’re on a road bike as it just looks like a great piece of riding. The first Road Bike Party was all about it being a road bike but this one, the road bike doesn’t get a chance – the stuff that we do collectively is beyond what would be ‘normal’ for a trials bike. It’s exceptional.”

photo

Photo: Robin Kitchin


About Martyn Ashton
Martyn Ashton started riding motorcycle trials at the age of 11, reaching a high standard by the age of 18 and competing in national competitions. At this age he then ventured into bicycle trials with immediate success seeing him selected for the Great Britain squad to compete at the World Championships. In 1993, the following year, Martyn won the British Bike Trial Championship and continued to dominate the British competition scene for the next 10 years.

1995 was a big year for Martyn. He joined the all-conquering Volvo-Cannondale Mountain Bike Race Team and won a World Bike Trial Championship. He then spent the next seven years riding on the Volvo-Cannondale squad with his focus gradually moving more and more to live shows and media coverage.

In 2002 Martyn started riding for Animal Clothing and also created his own bicycle brand ‘Ashton Bikes’; Martyn's designs were strikingly different and influenced trials bike design for many years to come.

During his career with Animal, which continues to the present day, Martyn has taken his live shows from a one-man demonstration to an annual national tour (actionsportstour.animal.co.uk) with action from some of the best extreme sports athletes in the country.

One of Martyn's strengths has always been producing great riding footage for videos. This talent was evident in his early career in VHS hits such as the Trainspotting-inspired Chainspotting, Tricks and Stunts and, more recently, with huge YouTube phenomenon Road Bike Party which has received more than 9 million views to date.

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167 Comments
  • 250 2
 Healing vibes to a true legend of the sport. A great ambassador and a gentlemen. Best wishes to you Martyn!
  • 16 2
 I bet warranty departments hated him till they saw his vids, lol. I can't wait to see it, best of wishes Martyn!
  • 44 6
 I think that if Lance Armstrong had ridden like this when he was off his tits on drugs nobody would have really minded, okay he still would of cheated but if went down the mountains on his front wheel backwards and crossed the finish line with a front flip I think people would have forgiven him....
  • 11 15
flag saltine (Dec 10, 2013 at 10:14) (Below Threshold)
 Sortah, you'd be surprised how similar a road bike feels to a trials bike! Very light, with the bars in a very low and forward position, plenty of engagement and a mid BB... excellent video.
  • 2 20
flag ryansimonovich (Dec 10, 2013 at 11:04) (Below Threshold)
 Fuck of karolijcooke746
  • 3 0
 Great video, wow! Gutted for Martyn, but l couldn't help but wonder what Downhill Bike Party would have been like...Fair bit harder l imagine xD
  • 3 7
flag mfbeast12 (Dec 10, 2013 at 15:51) (Below Threshold)
 is SORTAH a shared account or something? between an actual person and a troll? because this is the only time he's ever said something I agree with.
  • 3 10
flag saltine (Dec 10, 2013 at 17:56) (Below Threshold)
 I love how much I got downvoted for that.... I ONLY ride road and trials. I'd like to think I know a little bit about them.
  • 2 2
 @richie rocket, actually if road bike party #1 is anything to go by martyn only got 1 puncture throughout the whole of the filming it,and that was only because the rear tyre blew out whilst he skidded the bike around the bend coming down the hill, otherwise he would have got away with no damage at all.. all three riders are unbelievably talented beyond words and all three fully deserve the respect the get.. .
  • 1 1
 Well, I TOTALY agree. I didn't and never would say that they don't. My last comment was just joking around.
  • 1 1
 sorry richie it was'nt meant to look as though i was having a go bud.my bad !!!!
  • 1 1
 ^^cheers!
  • 11 2
 you guys wanna get a room or something?
  • 1 1
 very cool! well done! positive vibes
  • 66 0
 Such an awesome video but can't help feeling sadness for Martyn. We've not heard anything for ages so you think everything is maybe ok, but this confirms it isn't. Thanks for the edit Martyn, and everybody else be careful out there.
  • 17 0
 Not to come across all 'facebook stalker-y' but Martyn has a facebook page you can follow which he puts occasional updates on. The man is a legend, both on and off the bike.
  • 3 0
 He posts updates on FB and Twitter. A lot of people visit him and I hope these visits make him feel better. Best wishes to Martyn!
  • 9 0
 I'm a bit out of the loop since I have no Facebook, how's he doing? How is the long term looking for him?
  • 3 0
 As far as I remember, he should take 6 month self-recovery and only after that he will be diagnosed about what to do next and how.
  • 6 0
 Facebook looks like he's out of bed and into a wheelchair, can't gain much more than that but at least he's now mobile! Pretty hefty brace though fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1491783_568713083209546_687876016_n.jpg
  • 3 0
 It says 'paraplegic' above. Obviously I've quickly Googled it, and it sounds pretty final for a diagnosis. Hopefully someone on here can tell me otherwise. Can anyone recover fully from that? I hope so!
  • 4 0
 I hope he gets the use of his legs back! Knowing what Martyn is like he will do everything he can to!
  • 4 0
 It was really good to see him smiling in the end credits. I know this is not the last we'll hear from Martyn in the bike community. I couldn't imagine the sport without even a little bit of Martyn involved. Can't wait to hear of any progress!
  • 2 0
 dglobulator, It depends on the damage to the spinal chord. On the account after the injury it mentioned that he had lost feeling below the level of the injury, which is not a good sign for prognosis. That would likely put him at an ASIA A complete spinal chord injury. Hopefully he was just in some spinal shock and will get some of the sensation back and maybe some motor function. Best of healing vibes going towards Martyn, absolutely inspiring rider.
  • 40 0
 holy shit a threesome.
  • 59 1
 "For sale: A road bike, lightly used, as good as new"
  • 9 0
 A trifecta! Who could ask for a better way to complete this! I couldn't imagine 3 riders I'd rather see than these guys! Martyn is truly an inspiration and what better guys to step in than Dany Mac and Chris A. They've done some of the best, most imaginative, and creative videos in the past couple years and this is right up there with all. Had nothing but smiles, chuckles, and a few laughs as the screen rolled to Akrigg and Danny! Martyn is a true ambassador. Thank you Martyn as always!
  • 4 1
 "rims may have a few minor dents"
  • 34 0
 I shed a single manly tear while watching that. So sad for Martyn, but so cool that Danny and Chris could help this project come to fruition. Sidenote, this REALLY makes me want to abuse my road bike.
  • 6 0
 Yeah, it sorta does but the lastt time I rode my road bike on soft dirt I ate shit, your so far forward and low, it's just fu*ked to keep those skinny tires planted. I've tried doing a couple little drops too, pretty sketchy. They make it all look easy and fun.

Creativity off the charts, that ride up the skinny mossy log was my favorite. I imagine for next year they will take the Colnago's to Rampage?
  • 2 0
 That sounds sooooo wrong!!!!
  • 26 0
 This is the best cycling video I've ever seen, hands down. I was smiling the whole time, and that's what cycling means to me.
  • 2 0
 I can't stop watching it... Great riding, but better story/community shown by Chris and Danny. All three killed it and I keep switching which is my favorite part.
  • 25 1
 Peter Sagan you got nothin!!! Big Grin
  • 12 0
 Wow wow wow.. Dam that was good. No that was amazing. This has got be one of if not the the best web edits I seen. And plus 2 for the healing vibes. A true legend of the sport.. And thanks for your hard work , making this video..
  • 10 0
 Awesome vid - i watched from a direct link so did not know about Danny and Chris being in it - it was just heart warming to see all these guys helping out and helping finish this video, loved seeing them riding treading their old stomping grounds but on the road bike instead. Really good fun, excellent riding - congrats to Martyn, Danny, Chris and Robin and any others that made this all possible -healing vibes to Martyn and his family
  • 6 0
 I read down to where it confirmed Martyn was a paraplegic.... saddened I didn't want to read any further so I had no idea that Chris and Danny would be in the vid... watched the vid and just had smiles watching the opening scenes and seeing Martyn doing what he does... as it continued, I couldn't help but laugh, giggle, and well up with tears as Chris and Danny popped up. Truly heart warming... Much props to Chris and Danny! Well wishes to Martyn and his family.
  • 1 0
 he is moving and recovering well - im sure he will be back and riding soon www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=568713083209546&set=a.196972963716895.50094.189430164471175&type=1&theater
  • 3 0
 For me the affirmation that we are part of a community that shares in each other's trials and successes is heartening. To see Chris and Danny step in and fill the void left by Martyn's injury not only brought a tear to my eye, but reminded me that none of us are in this alone.

Martyn, I wish my wishes for you could change your physical realities; knowing I can't, I do wish you the ability to find ways to thrive in life as it is for you now. You have been an inspiration for me for years, and that hasn't changed. I remain in awe.
  • 10 0
 man, l feel so bad about the injury... geeez, that totally sucks.
not that it's any consolation but, at least it happened doing something he loves to do (compared to it happening by getting hit in a car by a drunk driver)


this is one dope video, off the charts, mad skills with the camera as well on the bike


l will keep it on file for all the goobers out there who poo-poo certain types of bikes and certain types of riders.
to me, if it has two wheels, it's cool. far too many times, l see people poo-poo certain people based on what they ride.

these guys are killin' it on a road bike.
it's the people who can be jerks, not the bikes they ride.
  • 12 0
 my new life goal is to ride my bike down a water slide
  • 9 0
 Idea for a new fourcross series perhaps?
  • 3 0
 best idea ever! I gotta find a way to get into a water park and rip down the snow covered slide!
  • 7 0
 Simply amazing. Thank you Martyn. You have been a life-long inspiration for me & so many other riders. I pretty much wore-out my Chainspotting & Cunning Stunts VHS tapes! I'd love to see you back on a bike one day. Stay strong!
  • 13 7
 Holy damn! That guy just got piXXed off at life for being a btch and decided to show it who sets the rules here. I always enjoy seeing such energy and will power. Great rding, grea story, thank you for entertaining us, insipiring us, just making us do WOWs and smiles! On a dark cold wet day like this I have here, it makes everything better!
  • 16 3
 have you lost some keys off your keyboard....
  • 9 10
 Last time I spelled those words correctly some mod blocked me saying that if I can't comment without swearing I should not comment at all. That guy deserves to be insulted on a regular basis - he cut out 3 days from my life!
  • 10 0
 video of the year?
  • 7 0
 Wow. Thank you.
  • 2 0
 No. WOW THANK YOU!
  • 6 0
 Mind = BLOWN!! front flip of the flat drop was unexpected.

Healing vibes to Martyn. wishing you all the best in your recovery.
  • 7 0
 Martyn I don't know what to say, your accident sucks but you will always be a legend. thanks for the fantastic video!
  • 4 0
 Did anyone else notice possibly the most subtle but most important point here...WD40 are sponsoring bikers! At last, its the only reason the sports metal on metal parts still work! Now we just need a zip tie manufactuer to get on board Wink seriously though, that was amazing, how any of that is possible I don't know - Ive lost track of how many parts I thought to myself 'that was the best bit!' - get well soon!
  • 4 0
 They have a range of bike specific lubes etc. now.
  • 1 0
 and duct tape...
  • 3 0
 Some one may have already said this, but I'm not going for point on originality so... YEah Amazing!!! I couldn't help but go into this video feeling sick with sadness in my stomach at the state Martyn has got himself, and nervous that they might show the accident that caused his injury (for the record I really didn't want them too). But seeing Danny and Chris do their (equally astonishing) thing reminded me that they've been through some either long or horrific hospital time and gave some hope that Martyn can come through this.

In a way this video is all the more awesome for having all three trials legends taking part. Congratulations on finishing an impressive project. Eatridegrow wishes you well, Martyn! Get well soon!
  • 2 0
 I don't mean this in a disrespectful way and I hope hes gets use of his legs back but if he doesn't, I hope he doesn't let a wheelchair stop him. I'm sure he can inspire many other disabled wheelchair users to do something different with them.
  • 4 0
 Mind altering stuff, been waiting for this, all the very best for the future and much respect Martyn Ashton..
  • 1 0
 Today, approximately 5000 fifteen-year-old Pinkbike readers will be out in the cold, breaking everything imaginable on Dad's $10k road bike. Then again, I got home from work today and my SuperSix is nowhere to be found. I like to think it knows what I have planned for it.
  • 1 0
 I read an interview he did a few weeks ago and the sad fact is he will never recover :-( He said that his new life goal was to stand again and that could take 10-15 years. He really was a hero growing up and is even more of a hero to me now. It's so cruel how the sport we love so much can sometimes treat us this way... Martyn's inspiration will stay with me as long as I ride and I hope the videos of him will continue to inspire a new generation of riders. Stay strong Martyn!
  • 3 0
 The full set of best bike handlers in the world. Awesome! Hoping Martyn proves the doctors wrong and bounces back stronger than ever!
  • 1 0
 Amazing video, and for Martyns parts to still be holding up so strong against anything Akrigg or Macaskill can do shows how good he still is. I remember getting him to sign my bag at the Cheddar challenge back in early 90s! Always a hero of mine. Heal up strong!
  • 1 0
 What a legendary video from the worlds top 3 trials riders! Does anyone know if Ashton has a chance of recovery and remobilisation or are his injuries permanent? Whatever happened to stem cell research that could fix these injuries?
  • 1 0
 This is a dream video gathering three world top tirals legends showing off some of the most stunning, imaginative biking skills, if not art. You couldn't help wondering at what price did the legendary pioneers achieve their sacred frontier land. They did help broaden our visions of biking as an art. Thanks Martyn and your legendary friends. Recover soon
  • 1 0
 Trials f*cking REPRESENT!!!! What's more awesome, the fact that Martyn is back at it, or what it is that he's back at?!!!!! Akrigg & Mac in the mix? Shut the front f*cking door Brad Ewen!!!!! Just f*cking shut it down, lock it & throw away the f*cking key!
  • 1 0
 sick video. and the fact that they threw in 2 other riders other than ashton really made this video amazing. i loves the first road bike party but likes this one waaaaaaaaaaaaaayyy more. sick riding danny marty and chris keep the road bike party going!
  • 1 0
 Today is the first time I've watched this video, and I've gotta be honest: this makes me want to ride my bike more than anything else I've seen in recent memory. I giggled and laughed out loud and am so overcome by the friendship that's evident here... This is delightful. Thank you, Martyn, for giving us this chance to watch you and Danny and Chris absolutely destroy it... And have so much fun. My prayers are with you during this time and healing vibes are coming your way. ❤️
  • 4 0
 I guess road bikes can be awesome
  • 25 4
 I guess if you allowed Rob Warner and Tippie to play in StAndrews, golf would be fun as well...
  • 3 0
 Nothing short of bloody marvellous old chap... Keep on keeping on Martyn... Best wishes for 2014 and beyond.
  • 4 0
 Incredible. Just needed Ryan Leech!
  • 2 0
 Sad to hear Martyn suffered a debilitating injury, i also suffered the same fate last June i broke my neck(C5) during a trail ride.
  • 2 0
 I knew there had to be a good use for a road bike!!!! ha ha Thanks guys for the film and dont ever give up Martin we all send good vibes to you. Cheers
  • 2 0
 Nothing worth saying that ain't already been said by the 76 Pink Bikers before me, i'm not religous . . . but god bless ya Mr Ashton, that put a bloody huge smile on my face.
  • 1 0
 Now this is what road bikes are for lol.silly me I just thought they were to look at and say 'what an ugly bike' But seriously what a vid!!! These 3 riders are super human.amazing!!!!
  • 1 0
 Martyn, and the boys, I cannot tell you how stoked that video made myself, not only on what I just witnessed, but also how much I hope you heal up, and get back at it. You are a legend Martyn. Heal up buddy.
  • 1 0
 Massive love to Martyn and his family your a true hero and idol to many. Heal well and strong and continue to show the world the impossible is achieveable. Your never alone we are all here with you. Xx
  • 2 0
 You are not supposed to do that on a skinny tire road bike. Wow that was pretty awesome Skills.
  • 2 0
 No Martin Hawyes in the vid? I thought he would have put in an appearance. They were as 'thick as thieves' back in the day
  • 14 0
 Hi, Martin Hawyes doubles for me in opening scene on the rollers. Still thick as thieves :-)
  • 1 0
 That was incredible... I know this is repetitive, but it's worth repeating... Gotta be video of the year made by my top three heroes.
  • 2 0
 Really shows the skills these guys have that they can do it all on a bike not designed for it! Props!
  • 4 0
 that was fucking insane
  • 2 0
 jaw literally hit the floor when he did that front flip!
  • 1 0
 literally literally, or figuratively literally?
  • 1 0
 Ohh shit, you need to go see a doctor, that's not supposed to happen... did it detach completely or is it still hanging on by a thread of sinew>? amazing video though.... yup.\
  • 1 0
 its all good I wrapped it in a towel and ice and the docs just glued it back on, good as new Big Grin
  • 1 0
 I don't know about you guys but I gonna grab my bike and go out to ride right now!!!
F******* great video!!
  • 1 0
 Couldn't have been better brings together the three biggest legends of trials riding !!
  • 1 0
 Did not think such feats were possible on a road bike, incredible. Hope you heal quick and well Martyn.
  • 1 0
 Trying to think of something clever to say that would do this video justice, but i cant, just WOW!!
  • 3 1
 What kind of enduro is this?
  • 2 0
 Seems I underestimated the strength of them bikes
  • 1 0
 cant believe my own eyes, they go places I cant on foot. TAKE MY MONEY..NOW
  • 1 0
 massive respect and best wishes towards recovery Martyn, spent most of my life wishing I had the skills you do on a bike
  • 2 0
 3 British legends. Get well soon martyn!
  • 2 0
 OMG . best vid I've seen yet
  • 2 0
 The legend strikes again! Get well soon Martyn. Smile
  • 2 0
 amazing. I cant think of anything else.
  • 2 0
 Epic, best segment I have ever seen. Get well Martyn.
  • 1 0
 These guys ride street trials much better on a road bike, than I ever did on a proper trials bike. Big Grin
  • 1 0
 WOW.

Just…WOW.

Nose wheel, backwards down a hill. A wet hill, no less.

I guess a 29er can ride slow tech stuff...
  • 4 1
 A road bike is only a 28er...dun dun duuuuuun
  • 4 0
 The non Brits, (and possibly a lot of UK southerners), will not know how mentally steep that hill is that he is nose wheelying down, it's hard work using 2 brakes to control your speed, that is totally unbelievable riding ability!!
  • 1 0
 They're both using the same rim diameter.
  • 2 2
 Yes Reformed Roadie and some wheel manufacturers like Mavic make MTB rims for 50mm wide tyres that are same width as road rims for 23mm tyres (like my Crossmax ST wheels) Companies like that should get a freaking grip and stop being so tete de la course
  • 2 0
 Sickness. Sweet Colnago also
  • 2 0
 So many heroes on wheels!!!!
  • 4 2
 Let's face it, this is the best use of a road bike ever.
  • 2 0
 how to destroy your road bike ,this guy is just amazing!!!!
  • 2 1
 The only one who makes me love road bikes! Big up also for the special guests, this is called FRIENDSHIP!
  • 2 0
 gives you a little bit of confidence in carbon fiber
  • 2 0
 Praying for Martyn's recovery. Thank you for this video Martyn.
  • 1 0
 this is sick i was thinking it was mint and then when Danny came on.. oh dammn
  • 2 0
 Best video on PinkBike in a while.
  • 2 0
 how does he not pinch flat on all those rails?! 200psi?
  • 1 0
 That's pretty much all I kept thinking. I was amazed with the riding, don't get me wrong. But how was that possible on those tires?
  • 1 0
 FUCK YOU AND YOUR BIKE LOGIC! This is crazy, amazingly, awesome, bike porn at it's finest!
  • 2 0
 So amazing and so much respect to Ashton.
  • 2 0
 One of the best vidoes EVERA
  • 1 0
 Dude's amazing. I hope he continues to improve and regains more use of his body. Healing vibes man.
  • 1 0
 Makes me want to buy a road bike!
  • 2 0
 Amazing!!!
  • 1 0
 ther are a best biker of the world........ best video
  • 2 0
 awesome video Smile
  • 2 0
 TOP !!! LINDO!
  • 2 0
 Amazing!
  • 2 0
 wow!
  • 1 0
 I am interested how many parts was destroyed during this movie?
  • 1 0
 Faved! You can feel the bond between these guys from watching the video.
  • 1 0
 S**t the bed,those boys are good.
Hope things work out for you Martyn.
  • 1 0
 Craigslist be like: Always ridden with care, never taken offroad
  • 1 0
 holy breaaasttttttttttttt
  • 2 0
 That was awesome!
  • 2 0
 Wow!
  • 1 0
 Is the Rampage next? Holy shit that was entertaining.
  • 2 0
 Amazing!
  • 1 0
 So cool he got to ride around Thorpe park!
  • 2 0
 great video!
  • 1 0
 Always enjoy watching these guys, great work again
  • 1 0
 Now where can I buy this bike on CL?
  • 1 0
 I would love to see a roadie relation to this being filmed.
  • 1 0
 Reaction.
  • 1 0
 I love it. Yet I started out doing DH stuff. So I guess I am not a true roadie…
  • 2 1
 Can anyone think of a type of bike chris akrigg hasn't don trials on???
  • 4 0
 Grifter, Chopper, Penny farthing, Raleigh aero pro burner etc, not that it matters
  • 1 0
 What the hell! Thorpe park legends!
  • 1 0
 Martyn and the bike are a unique thing, GREAAAT as always!
  • 2 0
 Awesome!!!
  • 2 0
 Now thats road biking.
  • 2 0
 Now that's a party!
  • 1 0
 The three amigos! I love it!! Get well Martyn.
  • 1 0
 6 minutes WELL spent... This is epic at its finest Big Grin
Salute
  • 1 0
 No frames were harmed in the making of this video.....
  • 1 0
 The holy trinity, captured on film together for the first time!
  • 1 0
 the last jump isn't martyn ashton
  • 1 0
 Amazing
  • 1 0
 classic!
  • 1 0
 Now...Now it's a party!
  • 1 3
 Did they just make road bikes cool??? only if all roadies were like this I wouldn't be so tempted to show them my front bumper on my car when they cut me off on the road
  • 1 0
 Um, WHOLEY SH*T!
  • 2 2
 Holy cow!
  • 2 5
 Omgg his insain that soooo sick how he dose that a+







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