Video: Vanderham and Shandro go Chasing Trails in Chile

May 27, 2015

by SHIMANO

Thomas Vanderham Andrew Shandro Ignacio Roco and Nicolas Rieutord in Nevados de Chillan Chile.

In the early 80’s, mountain biking emerged from a core group of friends using their bikes to find new adventures. The technology has evolved a lot since then, but the reasons why we ride will always remain. That pull of adventure, is what brought us to Chile this past winter. And while we travelled to a different hemisphere to find it, we were reminded that no matter where you live, who you are or how you ride, nothing beats a mountain bike adventure with your friends.

00:00 04:21

Discovering new places to ride is always so fun but when you can add the bonus of meeting locals and riding with them, it's the ultimate. We were fortunate to meet locals, Nico and Ignacio and they tuned us in to all their gem trails and had us all giddy with mega smiles the whole time - Sterling Lorence

Chile Shimano trip images by Sterling Lorence

Thomas Vanderham Andrew Shandro in Nevados de Chillan Chile.

00:00 04:21

I was blown away by the terrain in Chile. This was one of the first zones we got into on the trip and from this point on I knew we would be getting the goods. High alpine trails, volcanic dirt, a great crew and that light... - Matty Miles

Thomas Vanderham and Ignacio Roco in Nevados de Chillan Chile.

On every riding trip there is one piece of trail that sticks with you. For me in Chile, it was this natural halfpipe with a tight canopy of trees overhead, giving it the feeling of flying through a tunnel. It had all the elements that you might want in a trail: speed, just the right amount of traction and enough lines to satisfy the creativity of any rider. When I think back on the riding we did in Chile my mind will take me right here and I will want to be back! - Thomas Vanderham

00:00 04:21

Thomas Vanderham in Nevados de Chillan Chile.

Andrew Shandro in Nevados de Chillan Chile.

Andrew Shandro and Ignacio Roco and in Nevados de Chillan Chile.

Chile has been on my wish list to travel to for many years and this was my first time to South America. We were very fortunate to connect with two local riders Nicholas and Igancio - awesome people with a deep passion for riding. We had just finished a long day of epic riding, Nico invited us back to his idyllic little cabin in the woods for a traditional Chilean bbq. What a perfect day. - Andrew Shandro

00:00 04:21

To start this trip with people you don't know and then end the week feeling you have new friends... it's a indescribable feeling!!! My greatest pleasure was sharing my backyard with the crew!!! - Nickolas Rieutord

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63 Comments

166 1

skippy888 (May 26, 2015 at 0:22)

This page is awesome. Agreed?

11 1

zion-i (May 26, 2015 at 5:04)

All the colours! Yea.. its pritty dope

10 2

richierocket (May 26, 2015 at 6:15)

Best fed dogs in Chile that week!

scapegoat2010 (May 27, 2015 at 21:56)

Love the new layout!

50 1

Lem0n (May 26, 2015 at 5:34)

My country is A M A Z I N G....Is nice to share it a little bit

mark3 (May 27, 2015 at 11:14)

your very fortunate to live in a place like that, I wish I was there to ride them trails, great vids

40 0

nickmtb (May 26, 2015 at 7:13)

Probably one of the best photo stories I've seen on pinkbike.

22 0

Fliberico (May 26, 2015 at 0:25)

A bit dizzy by the new format but i guess it will take some time to get use to... P.S. loved the dogs

16 0

xenophile (May 26, 2015 at 10:03)

WOW! One of the best epics PB has ever shared. Sterling, the photos are absolutely outstanding! Anthill, as per usual, you did an amazing job of telling a great story with the video. Thanks to all who shared this story. Chile, I'm coming for you!

13 0

JUGIZMO (May 26, 2015 at 10:35)

we will be eagerly waiting for anyone who wants to come down, shred, fil, and share this amazing place with us!
We have alpine, woody foresty, mellowy singletrack, volcanoes( a lot), all kind of weather ( we do have 4.400kms of lenght, so that makes for some amazing climates in diferent locations) we also have barbecues, piscola, frendly dogs, hero dirt, some more barbecue...and so on!!!
Did i mention BBQ?

Uberbob102000 (May 27, 2015 at 16:19)

Oh man, I'd love to get my bike down there! You have a truly astonishingly incredibly country filled with amazing people, amazing landscapes and lots of variety. I've been there 3 times and they won't be the last for sure. Next time I'll be sure to pack the bike

13 0

boxxerace (May 26, 2015 at 7:12)

I really dig the visual storytelling. The feast kept coming as one scrolled down, stopped, pondered and then scrolled again only to be stopped by "moving" still images!

A+ on the 12 x 5 ish ratio / full screen width images and the occasional short video. Dig it PB.

12 0

Skulz (May 26, 2015 at 10:30)

Been living in Chile for 9 years. The riding all over the Andes and in the coastal range is phenomenal. Those trails in Chillan are as good as it gets. I head down to Chillan at least once per year to go ride. Garganta del Diablo, Fumarolas, Aguas Calientes, the bike park... all ridiculously fun. Nico and the gents are doing an excellent job with the bike park and scene there. Nevados de Chillan is rightfully getting the world's attention over the past few years. Folks who are looking to ride there won't be disappointed.

mrpilsen (May 27, 2015 at 13:24)

Nevados de Chillan is great indeed, but don't forget there are many other great mountain biking spots in Chilean central-south area (Pucon, Valdivia/Corral, Conception, Corralco, Lake district, etc.) not to mention Santiago and its surroundings (Roble, Tiltil, Chicureo, Durazno, Manquehue, Sn Cristobal, la Parva, Las Varas, Nido de Aguilas, Santuario Naturalza, Yerba Loca). I've heard that on the northern Patagonia region (Cohiaique/Aysen) there are great trails (last year Jérôme Clémentz spent some time there jeromeclementz.com/videos/patagonia-trip-new-trigger-cannondale-27-5) who knows, maybe we'll see a EWS round there on 2016.

Skulz (May 27, 2015 at 17:46)

@mrpilsen- agreed. The riding all over central to south Chile is phenomenal. It's been great to see the riding scene develop over the past decade, and explode on the global scene over the last couple of years. The whole mtb scene in Chile deserves it. Minus a few, I've ridden all those spots, and can't seem to ever choose a favorite. When Cabuco blew its top, it broke my heart for that area, for the people who lost so much, and for those beautiful trails too. The Cohaique/Aysen trails have been on my radar for awhile. I'm currently recovering from a surgery, but am hoping to do the loop around Antuco for my next new trail quiver addition. What do you know of the trails above 7 Tazas? EWS '16 is coming... at least that's the rumor mill. Exposing the world to the rest of Chile's awesomeness would only boost the whole riding industry in Chile that much mas. Saludos!

mrpilsen (May 28, 2015 at 5:45)

@Skulz, I've never been in 7 tazas, I assume you are talking about the natural reserve (montenbaik.com/2015/03/montenbaik-tours-otono-en-la-region-del-maule) not the XC course organised there every year which seems to be quite boring. Regarding Volcano eruptions in Chile -local people suffering put appart- the resulting terrain can be interesting for mtb, e.g. northeast Conguillio park. Otherwise, I forgot to mention Matanzas, 7 portones Zapallar, Puchuncavi/Canela (next week Enduro race) and the list goes on. 10 years ago I came for holidays and went to Icalma lake beside a small national reserve and crossed to Argentina with my brother on HTs, I've fond memories of that trip, beautiful landscapes. There is so much mtb potential here, on February I was at Puma Lodge, Cajon Cachapoal, an hour southeast drive from Rancagua, it's at the crossroad of 4 or more valleys, rough terrain but a huge mtb playground. Cheers!

13 0

cmoney (May 26, 2015 at 15:34)

That is how to do a promotional video I didn't even know it was a Shimano video till the end. SRAM take note we don't need to get it rammed down our necks.

wipz07 (May 28, 2015 at 5:32)

to be honest it was not a video about xt in Chile, rather an edit with a sponsor but it did tell nothing about xt at all

10 0

Theeeeo (May 26, 2015 at 3:03)

Cats, dogs, locals, pigs heads, LBS', food, trails, BIKES!!!!!!!!!!! Those are the components of adventure.

FuzzySockSucker (May 26, 2015 at 1:55)

Awesome format. Story told through pictures. More like this!

ardee (May 26, 2015 at 0:52)

Living the dream!

mtbiker4Lyf (May 26, 2015 at 4:05)

great article (and layout!) nice video! looked like a great time!!

ride on!

Sshredder (May 26, 2015 at 8:22)

These pics could easily be made into a large format book celebrating the spectacular riding in Chile. Thank you!

carlosmanzo (May 26, 2015 at 9:28)

Puta que es weno chillan por la ctm....

boombeer (May 26, 2015 at 11:39)

chichichileleleVIVACHILE¡¡¡¡!!!!salute viva mtb

parnifel (May 26, 2015 at 4:23)

Is Vanderham riding proto Dakine kneepads...???

Janosch (May 26, 2015 at 7:22)

Yes. And so is Agassiz.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/12236852

JAVIGUTZ (May 26, 2015 at 4:38)

Love to live here in Chile! Superb trails!!!!

jftoha (May 26, 2015 at 20:20)

By Chilean summer, I should be riding that dirt and breathing that crisp dry Chilean air. I can't wait to be in Nevados de Chilean!! For now, the east coast of the US will have to do.

corollafreak (May 26, 2015 at 2:47)

That is a trail ride come true.

elkhan (May 26, 2015 at 2:04)

Very nice made article! Like a reading magazine. Great pictures and story. Honestly I'm a little bit envy

joose (May 27, 2015 at 19:28)

This is another stunning piece guys. Fantastic work and fantastic riding by the maple leafs and the local chargers. So cool...so cool.

Machalino (May 26, 2015 at 10:08)

Excelente, esa es nuestra gente, nuestra patria, nuestra tierra....Viva Chile mierdaa!!!!......

Tomascw (May 26, 2015 at 17:20)

Que cool ver a Chilito en PB! Amazing story PB! Thanks for sharing our country with the world!

Patagonian75 (May 26, 2015 at 18:49)

What amazing way to show Chile and the MTB scene! (You guys need to share those GPX files)
Salud!

Zuman (May 26, 2015 at 19:56)

Movies! Pictures! Moving Pictures! that does it, i'm saving up for that new XT, it will surely take me to places just like those.

omegalung (May 27, 2015 at 18:21)

Great Video, Great story, Great pictures. PinkBike, MORE, MORE,MORE of these please.

Honzo15 (May 28, 2015 at 1:06)

This is next level, best combination of things I've ever seen on Pinkbike. I've just fallen in love again, with mountain biking and with Pinkbike. Thanks guys!

Cl0wner (May 26, 2015 at 16:24)

PUPPIES!

WAKIdesigns (May 26, 2015 at 5:23)

If they only rode SC Nomads, they would be excused to use donkeys for shuttling

JUGIZMO (May 26, 2015 at 10:37)

Donkeys are used in another part of chile where access to the magic is harder. "Las Trancas" alpine town has acces to all the goodies, either via pedal or shuttle!.....or a Lift if its the season

JAVIGUTZ (May 26, 2015 at 10:53)

I rode a nomad here in Chile and never used a lift of any type

Allier (May 26, 2015 at 11:14)

WAKI Sarcasm lessons for you both...

extremerider FL (May 26, 2015 at 6:20)

Just awesome guys. Such an inspiration. Love the photos and small clips !

Janosch (May 26, 2015 at 7:24)

And yes, this is all very very nice, but where is Simmons?

RodrigoRossi (May 26, 2015 at 9:12)

Please can anyone tell me how can I make contact with Nickolas or Ignacio for information about the trip?

JAVIGUTZ (May 26, 2015 at 10:55)

ignacio andres rojo picand [rojoracing.rrt@gmail.com]

Allier (May 26, 2015 at 11:15)

@RodrigoRossi Nickolas Mail: nrieutord@nevadosdechillan.com

Paulina Acevedo B.
Jefa Depto. Reservas
Nevados de Chillán
+56 042 2 206 117

vanrox (May 26, 2015 at 21:34)

Rodrigo. Estivemos no Chile em fevereiro passado. duas semanas de bike em Santiago e CHillan...se precisar de ajuda, dicas..da um toque,

FABIANBIKE (May 26, 2015 at 20:30)

Best report of my country ever seen....

compulsivebikewasher (May 27, 2015 at 4:24)

So... For the next summer, anyone interested in this trip? Send me a message.

Joe27 (May 27, 2015 at 17:37)

Awesome! Need to save up for Nevados De Chillan now, bye!

cardonethebear (May 26, 2015 at 9:53)

Anybody know the song in the video?

LeDuke (May 26, 2015 at 21:05)

"Wiser" by Old Man Canyon. Great band.

Below threshold threads are hidden

lenmerderdenfer (May 27, 2015 at 21:18)

2nd. Post due to Speciesist f*cks censoring freedom of speech! Go Vegan 4 Life! Did you know that pigs are smarter than dogs and are very loyal too. Make the connection. Why love one and eat the other?

scottsecco FL (May 27, 2015 at 21:39)

@lenmerderdenfer Your post wasn't censored, it's been downvoted by other users. It's under ''Below threshold threads'' at the bottom.

lenmerderdenfer (May 28, 2015 at 8:10)

Censorship nonetheless! I call for compassion and it's been deleted. Outstanding!

Allier (May 28, 2015 at 8:56)

I would eat dogs too if it was legal...

d-man FL (May 28, 2015 at 14:22)

Compassion for an animal that is raised for food? Eat what you want but don't try to put your personal veiws onto others

1 15

lenmerderdenfer (May 26, 2015 at 10:12)

Go Vegan 4 Life! Did you know that pigs are smarter than dogs and are very loyal too. Make the connection. Why love one and eat the other?

Selgovae (May 26, 2015 at 15:14)

Pigs taste better.

alexhyland (May 26, 2015 at 15:49)

You know that for a fact? Just saying...

cuban-b (May 27, 2015 at 15:20)

we'd have to be talkin' about one charming motherf*cking pig. I mean, he'd have to be ten times more charming than that Arnold on Green Acres, you know what I'm saying?