Red Bull Rampage 2014: Practice Day Photo Epic

Sep 26, 2014
by Danielle Baker  

RED BULL
SESSIONS

RAMPAGE

By midday today the temperature reached almost 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the weary and worked teams took a break, some poolside, some siesta-ing. The level of energy after a week of crafting this new venue from a blank and unforgiving landscape had left everyone worn out and low on energy. Finally when the sun started to drop the riders were able to start sessioning their new lines, break new ground, and test new ideas. Some won and some will hurt tomorrow, but everyone got out alive.

Ghosts of Red Bull Rampage
  Morning dirt sessions.

Bendog has a few blisters. No gloves bro.
  Brendog has a few blisters. No gloves bro.

Busting out rock cutters to dial in the lines.
  Busting out rock cutters to dial in the lines.

Rampage zone reflected in Aggy s shades.
  Aggy checking out the sunrise.

Norbs making sure no one gets robbed this year.
  Norbs making sure no one gets robbed this year.

Getting after it with the stone cutter high on the upper section of the course.
  Getting after it with the stone cutter high on the upper section of the course.

Not every tool is up to the task of shaping the Utah dirt into something special...
  Even the tools can't stand up to the work here.

It s not just the riders that make the Red Bull Rampage what it is rather it s the diggers.
  It's not just the riders that make the Red Bull Rampage what it is; rather, it's the diggers.

Brandon Semenuk chipping away.
  Brandon Semenuk chipping away.

Now that is a well used shovel--polished to a mirror finish from digging in the Utah soil here in Virgin UT.
  Rampage fashion.

Cam Zink packing in the last patches of dirt on his mega drop.
  Cam Zink packing in the last patches of dirt on his mega drop.

Norbs hanging on the loops of Brandon Semenuk.
  Norbs hanging on the loops of Brandon Semenuk.

Digging Tools
  Tool either abandoned due to the heat or marking a rider territory.

Red Bull Rampage 2014 Rider s meeting
  Riders' meeting.

REd Bull Rampage athlete meeting
  Paying close attention while dreaming about their lines.

The man behind the Rampage Todd Barber. It was his vision back in 2001 that launched the first Red Bull Rampage.
  Todd Barber, the man with a vision.

There s no hiding from the sun when you re a digger at the Red Bull Rampage. Sunscreen 50 was the protection of choice.
  Trying every option to survive the sun.

Jeff Herb and Carson Storch get in a midday swim to cool off.
  Jeff Herb and Carson Storch get in a midday swim to cool off.

Taking refuge in the maddening miday sun.
  Taking refuge in the maddening midday sun.

Red Bull braap truck
  Red Bull braap truck

Louis Reboul
  Louis Reboul dropping in.

Graham Agassiz
  Graham Agassiz getting all the attention.

Kelly McGarry.
  Kelly getting a feel for his line.

Tom Van Steenbergen was the first to guniea pig the canyon gap and hit it nearly perfect.
  Tom Van Steenbergen was the first to guniea pig the canyon gap and hit it nearly perfect.

With great big air comes great big crashes. Jeff Herb Herbertson. Luckily for him he walked away un-injured.
  With great big air, comes great big crashes. Jeff "Herb" Herbertson luckily walked away un-injured from his crash today.

Kelly McGarry soaring off a hip high on the upper ridge before plunging into the meat and potatoes of his line.
  Kelly McGarry soaring off a hip high on the upper ridge before plunging into the meat and potatoes of his line.

Kelly McGarry
  Kelly just before the bad landing that he luckily walked away from, fairly unscathed.

Tomas Genon getting used to the ridgeline jumps.
  Tomas Genon getting used to the ridgeline jumps.

Andreu Lacondeguy goes 76 feet.
  Andreu Lacondeguy goes 76 feet.

Jackson Goldstone scoping lines and mentally preparing for a contest in his future.
  Jackson Goldstone scoping lines and mentally preparing for a contest in his future.

Mike Hopkins guinea pigging his first big drop on his line.
  Mike Hopkins guinea pigging his first big drop on his line.

Brendog hitting the sniper stepdown that sets up for his double canyon gap line. This is almost just as gnarly as any mistake to the right could send him over a 100 feet down the cliffs.
  Brendog hitting the sniper stepdown that sets up for his double canyon gap line. This is almost just as gnarly, as any mistake to the right could send him over a 100 feet down the cliffs.

Gully.
  Gully heading off into the golden light.

Stoke-age was high after Gully guinea d the massive double drop section of his run.
  Stoke-age was high after Gully guinea'd the massive double drop section of his run.

Aggy guinea s the biggest drop at Rampage. He over shot the landing by a good 15ft but somehow managed to hold it together. After the crew measured the distance and it came in at 76ft. That s Icon Sender territory.
  Aggy guinea's the biggest drop at Rampage. He over shot the landing by a good 15ft, but somehow managed to hold it together. After, the crew measured the distance, and it came in at 76ft. That's Icon Sender territory.

Tyler McCaul a bit bummed to not be riding this year but here in moral support.
  Tyler McCaul is a bit bummed to not be riding this year, but he's here for moral support.

Brendan Howey.
  Brendan Howey dropping in from the top of the ridge.

Graham Agassiz
  Graham Agassiz upside down.

Aggy was on fire today and going bigger than anybody.
  Aggy was on fire today, and going bigger than anybody.

Will White the warrior.
  Will White, the warrior.

Tom VanSteenbergen first to air the 70 foot canyon gap.
  Tom VanSteenbergen first to air the 70 foot canyon gap.

Scenic Virgin Utah
  After a much needed big day of riding it was time to pack it in and get some rest.

Check out all of our images from the Red Bull Rampage 2014 here.

Posted In:
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108 Comments
  • 149 4
 Andreu Lacondeguy looks so hungry for the win, I really hope he takes top step...his dumped 3's are beyond perfection, and his accuracy is mind-blowing. Also, he's bloody RAD.
  • 11 1
 I so hope he'll finally takes the win, too. Let's see. The level will again be maddening, when you think of all the expertise that is there...
  • 26 1
 Lacondeguy is hands down my favorite rider these days. I really hope he gets this one. He's hungry, always enthusiastic and has a positive attitude. Timeless moto style. Kill it dude.
  • 17 1
 Could be anybody's.. I can't wait to see Brendog's death line!
  • 5 0
 I just like the way the guy talks haha..........and of course his riding.
  • 13 1
 Yah my bet would be on Andreu, Aggy, or Brendog to win this one.
  • 9 2
 I'm a fan of Norbs. He is one of the guys that got me into mountain biking. It's changed my entire life and opened me up to a new sport I can do in my late 30's that I never really knew existed. That being said if Andreu and Aggy win I would be stoked. Respect to all riders. Thanks for providing me something to aspire to. Be safe all.
  • 15 1
 AGGY!!!!!! THE GOOSE IS LOOSE!!! LET'R RIP BRAH!!! EEEEEYYYEEEEWWWWW!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Fastest madman out there... As long as he doesn't get 4th AGAIN!
  • 1 0
 Fingers crossed for Morris Milatz.
  • 1 0
 he is also incredibly fast down the hill with great control
  • 6 1
 Another vote for Lacondeguy, one of the few who actually looks like he's having fun. Backflips and big distance are overrated, I wanna see speed and flow.
  • 4 0
 Yes ...he's seems to be just enjoying riding his bike for a living ...always energnic & exciting to watch true freestylist in my op.....yes hope he gets top spot this yr also kelly mcgredy
  • 3 0
 Hope no one gets hurt to much! Lacon deserves it but lets see. Respect for Genom does he unsally have brakes on his dirtjumper. Liked his and Ferrys line last year.
  • 2 1
 AGGYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!
  • 57 0
 I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THEY ARE WALKING AWAY FROM THESE STACKS! INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 12 0
 I was thinking the same... I was watching Kelly's crash and these guys are good at nearly everything when it comes to bikes... even bike crashes. During his hard landing, the wheels and suspension took most of the energy from his crash. He somehow stayed with his feet on the pedals and his legs were spared. If he did slip a pedal in that situation.... there would have no Kelly to tell a story! Anyway... there is only one thing to say... it is really impressive and I also believe we don't have a clue about HOW REALLY dangerous rampage is!!!
  • 2 0
 Is there a video of Kelly's crash? I've only seen photos of it.
  • 6 0
 Nvm found it: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc_251KfdP8
  • 36 0
 I know what I'm doing on Sunday...and it has nothing to do with football.
  • 49 1
 what is football?
  • 56 9
 a repetitive boring sport the encourages violence and hatred on an international scale and supports obscene payments to utter f*ckwits. god i hate football. rant over. can't wait for rampage!!! Big Grin
  • 9 0
 by looking at the flags beside your names, i think you are talking about different sports- but really you are mos def talking about the same problem.
  • 2 2
 Re: footbal..you could not be more correct!!!
  • 3 3
 Ya know that definition fits american football (NFL) also.
  • 6 3
 Yes..I meant American Football (NFL). All American popular sports-Baseball, Basketball..Don't get it!!!
  • 5 2
 I think those are all great sports, and have enjoyed playing every one of them. but no doubt our society enables unacceptable behaviour from their athletes for the sake of entertainment.
  • 20 5
 Please do not bash a sport that many, many people enjoy. I really like biking, road, mountain, freeride, and the Rampage is super cool, been following it since the first one when Wade won it. Yes some NFL players are idiots, but others are probably really nice people. Promoting and expressing a love for one sport should not involve putting down others. To each there own. It's okay to say you hate football but don't make silly arguments like it is full of hate and idiots. Every sport has its good and bad.
  • 3 3
 @someguy - there needs to be a double like option comments like this. thank you sir, for reading my mind.
  • 8 3
 Quite honestly most of these pro American football players are thugs. No respect. They also get paid millions. Pro mountain bikers do this for love not money and are mostly down to earth. Sorry if that sounds like I am stereotyping, of course there are exceptions, but yeah, I'm stereotyping.. because it's true.
  • 2 5
 dear davedw, thank you for your comment, but isn't there a damsel in distress crying out for you to save her somewhere?
koombaya dude!
  • 4 1
 I'm not sure why anyone in america even wants to watch NFL when with cable/satellite tv they could be watching CFL instead.
  • 4 0
 @davedw To my ignorance I was purely referring to the 'english' game (AKA soccer). Sure, i've generalised, there are plenty of nice fans and players out there, and i enjoy smashing a football around now and then. But, generally speaking the serious supporters and players alike are utter a*sholes. Go to a live game or a pub showing - nothing but aggression, riots and racism. It's disgusting. I'm not making a silly argument - just an observation! And show me the equivalent 'bad' in cycling?
  • 2 0
 davevdw--Actually PLAYING the sport is an entirely different matter..(NERF football in the backyard with friends=most fun form of football ever..IMO)...In contrast to: TEAM mentality version in which the word "WE" (spoken by the typical, team, sports fan) is applied to Teams/Players in which there is little or NO connection whatsoever between fan/spectator or colleges/cities/etc. they represent...Example-I have neighbors that CHALK our street with their team colors during the "civil war" football game..they are dressed head to toe in team colors..and their cars sport TEAM license plates and flags..WHY?..because the overweight/out-of-shape, uncoordinated, screaming at the Bar/Home TV Sports Fan, who currently does not or has EVER participated in their sport/obsession of choice has such a connection to the Teams/Players-representing "their" spot on the map- who were recruited from all over the U.S., and, sometimes-for one season, wear a particular colored uniform..You know, the typical American sports fan...who has as much in common with "Bird-Watching" as they do with Football, etc, ect.
Regarding the NFL players..of course there are "Nice People"/exceptions to the rule..BUT I would venture to say, there are probably more convicted FELONS in the NFL than any other sport....So..Yes..every sport has its good and bad..but I will stick with PARTICIPATING (usually more fun than watching) in Progressive sports that have managed to evolve beyond a different uniform, "the dunk' and "the crossover"-formerly called "carrying" by refs..
  • 1 0
 Sorry to someguy. I did not realize you meant real football. I thought you meant NFL, which I am used to as football altho thename for your version makes more sense I will concede. I agree the racism and riots and rival clubs fighting is very much a turn off. Lexdamis you make a very interesting ppoint and that is I suppose partly why I follow rampage because I can somewhat relate to the riding and it is something I do myself. Funny I didn't care to pay any attention to road biking until I started riding once myself and developed a respect and interest for it. I still enjoy football the most for sure. I mainly just watch and only play goofing around on the beach and stuff. I find the strategy interesting as well as the athletic ability of many of the players is off the charts. Thanks for a meaningful discussion here guys!
  • 2 0
 @davevdw..and THANKS to you!!!.. Really appreciate your Cool response and not getting offended over my Rant..refreshing on PB.
CHEERS!
  • 30 3
 Kelly McGarry for Rampage 2014 WINNER!!!!
  • 2 0
 Hopefully he'll ride after that bike-crunching crash! Is there a live stream of quails today?
  • 2 0
 He was up and laughing pretty quick; he'll be riding.
  • 22 0
 Aggy and Andreu bombing 76' drops is so sick!!!!! Fest riders are going to kill it!
  • 1 2
 I don't think so josh binders drop wasn't e that big and he never landed it
  • 2 0
 Josh benders drop was also hardly landable,im from kamloops and iv been there,that run out was terrible and cant be compared to this
  • 2 0
 Wasn't Josh Benders landing practically to flat and onto a soft, clay like surface? Hence making staying on the bike a mission in itself.
  • 2 0
 Agreed...Jah Drop is a completely crazy cliff ..but he kept trying
  • 4 1
 and he was on a tank of a bike with crap suspension.....
  • 2 1
 Exactly flamiinx0r, it was a pretty flat landing with next to no run out and yes also a clay like surface aka moon dust, doesnt matter what bike you would have tried it on the end result would be pretty much the same, in reality its not even a drop. Its just a cliff someone was dumb enough to ride their bike off of thinking it could work.
  • 15 0
 Marcus RIga, what a photographer..
  • 5 0
 Fo' sure!

I love the photo "Aggy was on fire today, and going bigger than anybody." At first look you think, mmm... ok that nice, then you look closer and see just how high Aggy is relative to every possible point you think might have been a take off. Ok, I'm stumped, I DID he get there? Smile
  • 4 0
 i was about to comment on his photos too. great pictures!
  • 14 1
 Aggy for the win!
  • 1 0
 preach it.
  • 8 1
 neg prop the heck out of this but how in world is using a "stone grinder/cutter" creating "Natural lines?"
and people whine about wood features? seriously.
  • 1 0
 Because it's not adding anything to the hill that wasn't there before? if you smooth out a rough section of rock, you're still riding on rock that was naturally there, it's just less likely to kill the rider. I think we can agree that's a good thing.
  • 8 0
 Well f@*k, now I'm all riled up right at bed time. Thanks pinkbike.
  • 8 0
 These photos are incredible, next level stuff, great job guys!
  • 7 0
 Im loving all of the pre-rampage updates!
  • 4 0
 McGazza's crash was GNARLY! Any footage of Herb's crash on the canyon gap? Equally gnarly or no?
I thought the biggest drop at rampage was Zink's drop - which one is Aggy hitting?
  • 6 0
 AGGY all the way!!!!!
  • 5 0
 I really want Aggy to win this year !
  • 3 1
 My dream result for Rampagr finals:
1. Aggy and Andreu tied for 1st Place
2. Semenuk/McGazza
3. Brendog
4. Zink/Strait/Vink
5. Storch/Howard
  • 1 0
 NORBS?!?!
  • 1 0
 Where is Aggy coming from and going to ?!? - looks like a pilot missing a plane. I don't have a favourite, ok that's a lie, I hope he wins. Fantastic style and he looks more like a wild man every day.
  • 2 0
 Stoked that Wil White actually has some support and a new bike. Guys riding at rampage and risking their goods shouldn't be on a cobbled together rig.
  • 1 0
 Aggy checking out the sunrise...I don't know you bro, but damn, you got some perfect flavor savors. Five hour gravey, anyone. Protein boost. Hahaha
  • 1 0
 They are monsters m8, a Bike TITANS Razz
  • 4 0
 Rampage Andreu Series
  • 4 0
 Kelly McGarry FTW!!
  • 2 0
 this year's rampage looks insane. hope all riders make it safe. Fucking Zink is gonna blow some minds.
  • 3 0
 no stream for qualifiers?
  • 1 0
 Apparently No :-(
  • 2 1
 Rogatkin will lawn dart front flip a big gap. Money on Zink or Aggy top step
  • 1 0
 I thought that one picture was kevin costner, then i read the name, tod barber, haha!
  • 2 0
 Wow, Tom was the first to hit it TWICE?
  • 4 1
 Wil White is a thug
  • 2 0
 Go Norbs Go
  • 2 0
 aggy rules
  • 2 0
 Brendogs line is crazy as f*ck.
  • 3 1
 will Tom front flip the canyon gap?
  • 1 0
 Hmmm, seems Paul Bass went to Scott this year. Anyone knows any details?

AGGY ftw!
  • 4 0
 He was on Scott last year, when I bought a Kona frame from him, that was shipped in a Scott box...
  • 2 0
 That's interesting. I remember he rode a Kona Entourage in last year's Rampage.
  • 1 0
 I'm sorry, I got last years frame from him this spring(2/14)! You're right about him riding Kona(entourage) last year at Rampage...
  • 1 0
 Got it. Thanks dude.
  • 1 0
 A ton of guys have winning lines and are riding at the top of their game. Gonna be a sick comp!
  • 2 0
 Aggy seems to want it bad this year.
  • 1 0
 I'm just hoping that the storm coming in doesn't affect the finals on Sunday.
  • 1 0
 I know, I want that RedBull school bus too.
  • 1 0
 can anyone tell me where's kurt sorge this year?!
  • 2 0
 He broke his leg about a week or so ago. Not sure exactly when he did it.
  • 1 0
 oh that's bad
  • 1 0
 Stoke levels at an all time high.
  • 1 0
 Anybody know if any where showing this in Auckland city live?
  • 1 0
 Gully's T-shirt reads Bicycle ...ckers?
  • 1 0
 Rockers
  • 1 0
 Aggy FTW ... Definitely :Cool
  • 1 0
 This is going to be the best year yet!!!
  • 1 0
 A lot of riders with narrow wide this year.
  • 1 0
 I AM BUSTING for live action....................off the hook excitement
  • 1 0
 Aggy stands for pure natural Rampage flow, like his hair these days Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Margus Riga for President!!!
  • 2 2
 are they gunna use WOOD in this Rampage?
  • 1 1
 hopefully not much
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