Video: Life Beyond Walls With the Smith Team - New Zealand, Part 1
Episode 1: Arrival in New Zealand
Members of the Smith mountain bike team sent it down to New Zealand to explore the south island, ride single track, destroy an RV, forge storms, and have run-ins with the local law. What was captured in this three-part video series reveals a glimpse into their life on the road.
 |
 |
 |
We did it. We’re here. The idea of coming to New Zealand to film, ride, and explore was underway. It seemed simple enough - fly in, build our bikes, pick up an RV, and make our way around the south island in ten days. Reality quickly set in, and that simple idea was soon forgotten. Traveling with 9 rowdy bike riders was going to be no easy task. Within just a few hours on the road we had our first "oh sh*t" moment. I will never forget the look on Lars's face when he told me he had just put gas in our diesel RV.
 |
 |
After our extended time fueling up and the weather taking a turn for the worse, every mile towards Nelson felt like a victory. Fortunately, we were greeted in Mai Tai Valley just outside of Nelson with a small break in the weather and a chance to get out for our first ride. It was a sprint to the trail head. We couldn’t wait for our tires hit the dirt on Nelson's famous steep, rooty trails. Within a few turns the rain returned, we couldn’t catch a break. Our first ride was quickly cut short, gear wet and filming came to a halt for the day.
 |
 |
 |
With the weather lingering in Nelson, and our helicopter plans canceled due to wind, the team decided to head to Kaiteriteri Bike park just outside of Nelson. With the distraction of the warm sun, golden sand and turquoise water we headed up into the park to see what we could find. With the rising harsh sun we finished what was a quick ride with burgers and "chips" and headed back to the Nelson airport to pick up our last member of the crew.
 |
 | Captains Log, March 8th 2015. After a long three days (which feel like 6) we have finally rendezvous with our final member of the NZ Team, Mike Hopkins. Conditions are variable, spirits still high and the outlook is promising (no one has been arrested...yet!). With filming being a little behind due to weather we made the call to charge ahead. Tomorrow we embark on Craigieburn, God help us. - Lars Sternberg |
Team Riders:
Joey Schusler
Lars Sternberg
Mike Hopkins
Rosara Joseph
Alex “KrunkShox” McGuinnis
Carolynn Romaine
Photos: Paris Gore
Film: Joey Schusler and Thomas Woodson
Words by: Mallory Burda, Team Manager
www.smithoptics.com
MENTIONS: @SmithOptics, @hopkins, @parisgore
Author Info:
Must Read This Week
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup
Some 'Merican bros "sent it down" to New Zealand to showcase their trails and pimp out some sunglasses.
0:46 - Dumb ass 'Mericans put gas in their diesel vehicle. Shocking level of stereotypical stupidity.
0:56 - Dumb ass 'Mericans manage to break the doors to their vehicle.
1:37 - Dumb ass 'Mericans can't figure out how to pitch a $300 tent.
1:42 - Dumb ass 'Mericans can't operate a campsite stove without burning themselves.
2:00-2:12 The only bit of riding we'll see in the entire video. They traveled all the way to New Zealand to put a 5+ minute video (advert) on a bike site and show a staggering 12 seconds of riding.
3:30 - Hey, I have a novel idea! Let's make fun of their steering wheel being on the "wrong" side! 'Mericans are sooooo original and witty!
3:58 - Let's make yet another joke about the steering wheel thing. Maybe the viewers didn't get enough of our witty banner 25 seconds ago. Team 'Merica, fugg yeah!
4:05 - There go the chainstays on your $3600 frame.
5:00 - 'Mericans finally act so stereotypically stupid they get pinched by the authorities. Shocking.
And we wonder why we are the punchline to every country's jokes?
Dear New Zealand (and the rest of the world for that matter),
Not all 'Mericans are bumbling idiots with no respect for your country, your laws or your steering wheel location. Some of us can actually put the right fuel in our vehicles, pitch a tent, be intelligent and not get arrested when we visit your beautiful countries. Please don't hold this terrible video against us. Most of us are pretty alright dudes.
Has anyone seen the new Oakleys?
More on the way, apparently. (or moron the way)
I was there when some American killed people in Hamilton a month ago, I had no problems driving on the correct side of the road. I was stating that the people in the video are acting like retards and not showing much appreciation and respect while traveling, which is embarrassing. Not all Americans can be judged based upon a handful of jackholes, and not all Americans agree with everything that goes on in the U.S.
And it's "people that inhabit"..not "inhibit
(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Well, maybe 50% of the population is.
No ...60%,
Well, its probably closer to 80%...As long as you have a Iphone 6 and a BMW, people don't seem to notice.
I drive a Chevy