Pinkbike Poll - Should Big Mountain Contests Have Artificial Features?

Dec 19, 2013
by Richard Cunningham  
The Red Bull Rampage can be considered to be the first "Big Mountain" professional freeride competition. Until 2004, the Rampage was held on natural terrain, but when the event returned in 2008, artificial features were added which altered both the spirit of the event and the winning strategies of the competitors. Among the reasons that have been put forth by the promoters for adding artificial ramps and features, the most sensible came from the FMB, who produce the Rampage.

Ramone Huntzinger was the first one to hit the canyon gap on run one of the finals.

Ramon Huntzinger, canyon gap.


The Red Bull Rampage is part of the FMB world tour and as such, the ramps were deemed necessary to allow slopestyle riders who may not have big-mountain skill sets to compete and earn points. Fair enough, but a strong case can be made that, since the ramps appeared, judging has focused primarily upon how expertly competitors trick features, while largely ignoring the incredible bike-handling skills that define Big Mountain competition. Review the 2012 Rampage and you may agree that, regardless of line choice, difficulty, trickery and intensity, those who chose not to include the Oakley Sender in their runs were relegated to the rear. Which begs the question: "Should artificial features be part of Big Mountain freeride competition at all?"

Aggy off the old Icon Sender.

Aggy, Oakley Icon Sender, 2013.


Defending the presence of wooden ramps and the Oakley edifice is a no brainer. Large structures with their flags waving, peppered with spectators clinging to an otherwise unpunctuated natural landscape create a focal point for the viewing audience to anticipate the action, and they help put the immensity of the terrain in perspective. There is also the problem of finding suitable venues with which to expand or progress the series. Plus, there is no discounting the fact that the network television audience doesn't know Jack S**t about the difficulty required to build, nor the talent needed to execute a winning race run on natural terrain - but they have been screen-fed freestyle ramp tricks for decades. The sad reality may come down to: No ramps equals no network TV coverage. Sell out? Your call.

2013 RedBull Rampage in Virgin Utah

Semenuk.


Defending Big Mountain freeride competition as a venue that should be held exclusively on natural terrain hinges upon who we are. We dig, we ride. There are innumerable venues for freestyle competition staged upon manufactured stunts and terrain, and that's a good thing - but where is there a competition that showcases the core skills needed ride real mountain trails in a breathtaking venue so precipitous that only a handful of mountain bikers can attempt it, much less trick features along the way? Inspiration? Progression? Watch all the freestyle snowboard or ski competitions you want, and then sit back in awe and watch boarders drop Alaskan heli runs - or skiers shred top-to-bottom runs through the forest. We have brakes and suspension - we can go that big. Big Mountain Freeride is just being defined. We will never discover what is possible to ride on natural terrain until competitions get rid of the flippy flippy ramps and let the riders rampage. When we find the awe, TV will return. Worth it? Your call.

Genon Indian Air flying high again over the desert.

Thomas Genon


The Red Bull Rampage has been used to illustrate this poll and to provide a platform from which to launch a discussion. We do not fault the FMB, Red Bull or Oakley for their ideas of how the Rampage should best be run. Its success speaks for itself. Because the Rampage represents the pinnacle of Big Mountain competition, however, it is fair to judge the venue in the context of how best to progress Big Mountain as a stand-alone sport. Should Big Mountain freeride become a separate series outside of the FMB Tour? That question will have to wait for another poll. Today the question is: Should Big Mountain freeride contests have artificial features? Tell us what you think.

Aggy dropping in big time. His build team was up here all night with a rock cutter getting ultimate last minute preps to get his drop absolutely perfect. As he goes here Aggy continues to head straight down the hill.

Graham Agassiz




Should Big Mountain Contests Have Artificial Features?





Posted In:
Stories Polls


Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
Kona Bicycles' Parent Company Appoints New CFO, Intends to Sell Brand
63559 views
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
63555 views
Downhill Bikes of Sea Otter - Part 1
43403 views
Randoms Round 3: Dario's Treasures
43213 views
Brian's Randoms from Sea Otter 2024
41199 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in TWO WEEKS!
37826 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Araxá XC World Cup 2024
37659 views
Randoms Round 1 - Sea Otter 2024
37450 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

114 Comments
  • 127 3
 These polls always have that one option that is obviously the one the everyone is going to choose
  • 16 2
 No doubt. I know I'm not the only one that scrolled straight to the bottom to see everybody's opinion...
  • 25 2
 I think Rampage needs a taste of features to enhance the land but don't overbuild to make it look like a slope style contest. But we need to understand look at the 2 big balls moves Canyon Gap and Oakley Sender, without "man made" these aren't here pushing evolution.......
  • 12 1
 I honestly don't really care, as long as the comps have lots of gnar and make history with our sport, who really cares? I'm happy either way.
  • 40 0
 t mac went just as large of manmade. his gaps were huge.
  • 22 0
 Tyler McCaul pretty much made stopped the argument in my opinion. His entire line was man built, no wooden features except for one kicker. After all it's called big mountain not slopestyle or dirt jump.
  • 8 0
 Ya T Mac answered this question. Used to think wooden features were alright but they give the riders the easy out. Half the comp is building and Semenuk's gap and T Mac's drop showed you can build huuuuge stuff that's more unique than the main drop that everyone else is gunna hit
  • 2 0
 I think it's a nice feature, especially when you can choose to use wooden features or not. It makes big mountain even bigger. To say it's too manicured is unfair when to do a drop as big as the Oakley sender, without having a built up landing and smooth take odd, is far more dangerous. (I'm not saying it's not dangerous anyway though)
  • 11 3
 i think your definition of ''man made'' is wrong. that is all... dirt jumps are man made anyway stupid poll
  • 3 0
 sorry, english is not my native language, i meant to say that his drop wasn't pre build by the event crew
  • 4 3
 @Frilko, it was the right use if man built. I don't really know what guigui333's point was...
  • 2 0
 okay, thanks man
  • 2 0
 What if they allowed wooden features that the riders and build teams put together? "Oakley Sender" type scale may not be achieveable, but it would still keep it "man made" and puts it on the rider's shoulders to determine whether or not they have the time/energy to actually build "artificial" features to enhance their lines. Perhaps allow an extra day of building to offset the lack of outside support...
  • 2 0
 i found the judges seemed to judge higher to people who went off the manmade (in rampage) even though some of the dirt/rock stuff was as big and way gnarlier. I kind of wondered if they had made it up the mountain to check some of the other stuff out or they stood on the lip of the sender and just admired it.
  • 1 0
 they should only be there to make the ride crazier ie: canyon gap take off
  • 1 0
 I kind of agree with guigui - if you've built a kicker out of dirt what's the difference with a wooden kicker? The competition is about the riding rather than building, and the skill set is demonstrated equally on either feature.

I do think rider built features only would lead to more imagination in runs/routes, rather than the current focus on certain lines...
  • 2 0
 T MAC! that is all.
  • 2 0
 Building artificial features is part of freeride, no matter what the discipline of freeride it is.
  • 40 0
 in all seriousness the riders should be getting asked this question
  • 4 0
 BINGO. Unfortunately,the people that front the money for something like this, will more than likely base their decisions on how they can profit. If they were smart and or decent people with a passion for what this is, they would create a balance of integrity for the sport, while maintaining amazing footage that a channel surfer could be impressed with.
  • 2 0
 Yes, let's get Lyle's answer on this one for sure….
  • 4 3
 I have been sensing it since some time now but these days I am almost sure that there is a subuniverse here on Pinkbike, where only the sponsored riders and industry insiders can comment. Here in the normal "web" we mere mortals cannot see what they write! There must be some different way to log in!

Remember who told you that! Arguably yours - Waki-leaks!
  • 15 2
 Natural, artificial… what does it matter? When I watch someone boost/ride I'm not paying attention to the terrain etc… I'm watching the rider. These polls only divide us as riders… who cares what size wheel you ride, what terrain you propel yourself down, just f@cking ride your bike and have fun!

And if you find yourself asking these questions, maybe you are taking your riding to serious…

OR you are a professional rider. Wink Which is understandable.

Less typing more biking!
  • 10 1
 "The Red Bull Rampage is part of the FMB world tour and as such, the ramps were deemed necessary to allow slopestyle riders who may not have big-mountain skill sets to compete and earn points."

Something about that doesn't seem right. Why have riders in a contest that don't possess the skill set to ride in said contest? Its like "sanitizing" the event, in a roundabout way. (personally, I think they all have the skills, just not the experience... semantics?)

The Rampage should stand alone as the premiere Big Mountain event. I dig having it being part of series like FMB for exposure and $$$. But look at the 2004 contest compared to now. It's not the same thing. Maybe a new venue is order, just to get back to the fundamentals?

Tyler's line was HUGE proof you don't need wooden features to keep it exciting. My opinion is that the riders should decide what's fair game FIRST, since it's their necks on the line.
  • 2 1
 They could have easily said "Paved roads were necessary to allow road bikers to compete"
  • 11 3
 It's called "Big Mountain" not "Big Ramp".
That being said, I don't really care, it's not racing so it doesn't even matter.
..And just felt like leaving a dickish comment.
  • 5 0
 for contests like rampage it is almost essential to have wooden features. The site was used up and there would be no canyon gap, icon sender, etc. These are the most iconic things about rampage that make it the gnar it is today.
  • 2 2
 Except isn't gnar the rough natural stuff? You know: gnarled rocks and stuff? The huge ramps and drops are awesome, but if you want to focus on gnar then you probably shouldn't have wooden features.
  • 2 0
 everything in utah is the gnar
  • 1 1
 Tyler's line show that not to be true. His line was killer, had what was maybe the largest dirt gap/drop anywhere, and not a lick of wood used. THAT is iconic and is (IMO) what Rampage is about.

The wooden features, and the riders that hit them are very impressive - I don't mean to bag on them. But I think that's more "slopestyle". They are two different creatures.
  • 2 0
 @ tale to tell.

When an event is taped for TV some things just come across visually better then others, also camera crews cant easily be relocated all over the course in anticipation of what one rider may or may not ride.
  • 1 0
 You are right about certain features looking gnarlier and larger. I guess it is unlikely they will ever go back to the natural setup now that non-mtb riders are starting to watch. As far as anticipating lines, I think the riders set up their line pretty thoroughly during practice and building to give the crews notice.
  • 1 1
 It would be doable in a few years when production capable cameras get a little cheaper and a little smaller.. also live feeds from rider cameras would make the event a lot cooler to watch IMHO
  • 4 0
 From the perspective of an amateur rider/spectator: I fully support wooden features... but there's a difference between a freeride comp, and a slopestyle course. In my opinion, the key is to have the right amount of features placed in the right areas.
  • 1 1
 I'd limit the number of wooden features to one or two, just to add some "spice".
  • 5 2
 You could call what people create with picks and shovels "artificial", It's just a matter of where you draw the line. IMO, big mountain contests should be limited to what you can build by hand without the aid of machinery or materials brought in from somewhere else.

I really hope rampage can break away from the FMB tour, It doesnt make sense to change and warp what big mountain riding is to accommodate slopestyle riders who might otherwise have no interest in natural freeriding (sam pilgrim). Also, a Big mountain freeride tour would be just the thing to distinguish it as its own discipline.

I have a lot of interest in the subject because ive only been riding for a little over two years, and I started riding (at 21 y/o) only because of seeing the type of terrain the big freeride guys were able to fly down. No other aspect of the sport caught my attention the way big mountain did. Being able to look at a mountain, get yourself to the top with a 35 pound DH bike, and shred and hop your way down terrain that no other human powered vehicle can handle, is beyond words.

Plus big mountain contests are the only type of event I could ever see myself doing well at. I'm not fast, I can't barspin, but put me at the top of some scree slopes and chutes, and I'm sure I can ride stuff others wouldnt attempt.
  • 3 0
 The massive hype around the sender and the relative ease of televising tricks on large artificial features means they're here to stay . However I definitely hope that the judging criteria reward gnarly creative natural lines in the original spirit of rampage. There are no easy routes off that hill, and as a spectator I enjoy the fact that the comp can be won by riders with a variety of specialties.
  • 6 0
 Well the canyon gap would not be as much fun to watch...
  • 8 0
 Lol, the "fly into this rock face and seriously injure yourself because no jump section" doesn't sound good to you?
  • 2 0
 YES! my "predictions" of SLOPESTYLE in the near future, necessarily has alot of artificial features, fantasy and art almost like carnival stuff.
not in every event. Rampage should have only one artificial line, and natural lines should be priority, because the beauty of FREERIDE is all about natural lines, landings untouched. easily i voted, Don't care one way or the other.
  • 3 1
 Ramps are for slope style. Like snowboarding, live big mountain to the mountain. Natural is the way to go. And shame on the sponcers that are worth millions and paying the riders in the low thousands. These guys put there lives on the line for a shity little pay check. I don't care how many MTB fans show up, those riders deserve way more for what they put there selves through. Cheers
  • 3 0
 What's the difference between a wooden ramp and a clay ramp? If Rampage should be a pure/natural freeride event, then they should ban shovels and rakes too. Once you're allowed to arrive a week before the contest and build your own line, it doesn't matter what do you build it of.
  • 1 3
 Ride it how the mtn lays it out in front of you! All Natural!!!!!!!! Do it................
  • 2 0
 There needs to be more big mountain contests that encapsulate MOUNTAIN biking. The FMB champion should have to excel at various disciplines, not just dirt jumping or Slopestyle. So please FMB, give us more natural terrain!
  • 2 0
 Ramp It Up! The bigger the better. Allow riders to go to country's and places where they have no problem to build lines/ramp features. Some of these places would be grateful for the labor jobs the riders provide them for building massive sick lines. And the tourism would greatly benefit their economy.
  • 2 0
 I love all the natural stuff, but honestly, most of the major highlights were off of man made stuff. If you really want your sport to evolve you have to make it a spectacle for all, including non-riders, and sometimes man made obstacles help with that. After all, even all of my non-riding buddies were blown away by Zinc's crazy backflip!
  • 2 0
 Sick of this debate and every comment on the rampage videos etc. The ramps are there for a reason and if anyone actually attended the event you would know why. Pure spectator stoke. I drove a total of 16 hours just to attend and ride the old Rampage site. If you dont want wooden features watch the freeride videos instead there's plenty of them.
  • 2 0
 Big Mountain Contest* there is only one. Chatel is no more, so Rampage is the only event. Chatel had wooden features on that course and no one complained about them. Rampage has evolved, its no longer hucking to crap landings. Riders are building top to bottom trails with hits all the way down, packed landings and such.

The wood provides an additional option. Its not required but can add some serious punch to a riders run. Kelly hit one wood lip, that's it T-Mac hit one wood lip after having a monster line before it. Where his line led, the only option really was the step down to wood step up lip before the finish line. Wil White hit no wood in 2013 but did in 2012. I hit zero wood when I rode in 2012. The debate can go on and on but won't ultimately change anything. The wood makes the event more professional looking for promoting to the mainstream world through NBC and that brings attention to the sport through the WOW factor. The top part of that mountain is nothing but gnar. I could barely walk around up top as it was so exposed. The footage doesn't show how loose and straight down it truly is. Guys like Claw haven't hit any wood at the event and kept it raw, each rider takes their own approach to the event and that is what makes Rampage so cool!
  • 2 0
 As i voted, one way or another it's a big mountain competition. I think the most important part belongs to the judges. you cannot have bigger points being given to riders just because they use more or less of the man-built ramps in the contest.

you can see similar evolutions in music: different styles working together to produce something new. it's diversity at its best, but how can you measure two different styles of riding within the same contest and rank them up on the same board ? I don't think the ramps are the question here, but rather how to measure an athlete's performance.

I think it's the organizer's task to create a remuneration system that can bring these riders together and that can measure their various riding skills on the same track. Else we end up in a cliche that cuts down on progress and creativity in a contest.
  • 2 0
 Redbull Rampage is already the best competition on this planet involving a mountain bike and the few artificial features in it make it that much better so the real question is why not have them
  • 1 0
 Pinkbike poll...cough..cough......Red bull poll....cough..cough...aka it feels more like: What can we do to get the most viewers and in turn make the most money. Hopefully they, more seriously poll past, present, and future redbull contestants and then send something like this out to the viewers and find a happy medium in the answer.
  • 3 0
 Hard to fault them for trying to make any money out of the event. Last time I checked business kinda needs it to survive and I recall as a viewer watching it for free online. In itself not a cheap exercise to undertake!
  • 1 0
 Agreed completely and I'm not complaining. Rampage is my favorite biking event. I just think it is in the limelight more than it ever has been and because of this, I feel it is more vulnerable to corporate money and possible corporate cheese. I just hope the riders have the ultimate say.
  • 1 0
 Let's stop and think about it for a minute. Yes I don't want a contest like crankworx on the side of a mountain outside hurricane, UT. But when compared to Supernatural, yes a redbull event, they combined man made features that replicate what is found in nature. That is something we all can appreciate. What came first terrain or man made ramps? We as humans are looking to replicate things that already exist. I think if anything needs to change it would be the judging at rampage. Let's have the huge features to get the tv coverage, which will lead to popularity and growth but alter the way we judge to reward riders taking those unthinkable lines. Give riders who have to courage to ride those unrideable lines to have a fighting chance against those who take conservative lines with more tricks.
  • 1 0
 "No ramps equals no network coverage. Sellout? Your call."

Then shows a picture of a huge drop.
I don't think there has to be wooden features to draw in the non biking community to watch. If features such as that one are incorporated then I think there isn't much need for wood juhmps
  • 1 0
 I'd really rather see real big mountain runs, what I feel is "Real Big Mountain" taking the riders to the top on a helicopter just like the best skiing vids drop' em let'em shred, I'm not answering the poll as there really isn't a answer for How I feel about this.

That being said I really enjoy watching Rampage and most of my buddies who are not as bike crazy as I really enjoy watching as well if this helps progress the sport then maybe we should have a couple more Rampage styled events but this is good for the sport so let's head down to the Southern Hemisphere it's summer there I here Argentina has some awesome mountains maybe Rampage South America or Australia
  • 3 0
 If you make them huge, the riders better get paid huge too! $100k to the winner minimum, $20-$30k for appearance! Make this the new norm for gravity sport, life on the line!
  • 1 0
 I cant view this as part of the sport i know to me its more of a circus. When i watch rounds of the downhill series i reconise and can relate to it. Same goes for xc. I can appricate the skill and levels of fitness required. But the redbull rampage to me is a circus and not part of the sport i know. Very tallanted people none the less. And its good entertainment so lets have a mix of stuff.
  • 2 2
 What? you can relate to guys in lycra (glorified roadies) racing XC, but not guys going downhill on a bike.. I think you are on the wrong website/forum, go pedal your trainer..
  • 1 0
 I lean towards no but I think there would be less issues with it if the features were not so highly prized as lines. Instead of making the features a big point scorer they should be on par with the other terrain. I mean rampage it was clear that you were much more likely to score high if you hit the built features purely because they were insane. The features need to be dialed down to be on par with terrain to take the focus off man made bits and keep the focus on the development of lines otherwise we are taking away the free part of the sports because there were certain lines or features riders were pushed towards if they wanted to make the final. If we want to push the sport with crazy big gaps and drops let that be done outside of competition with an incentive at the end of the year in the form of a check and award. or we have specific man made and natural events during the championship
  • 1 0
 The debate really, is should rampage have these features. Personally I'd like to see rampage get back to its roots. pick a mountain face in Utah build some lines and see who comes up with the best line/interpretation of big mountain riding. Les Deux Alpes on the other hand seems more like a contest to start throwing in structures. Or replace some perfectly manicured slope style course(seeing as that's all the FMB is turning into )and make it a perfectly manicured big mountain course so the dirt jumping euros can take it on without shitting their pants like at rampage.
  • 1 0
 I like the idea of the fmb series capturing all the essence of freeride. From the big dirt jumps, to the middle ground of crankworx, to the natural lines of rampage. Showcase the skills of the riders to link dirt lines together, all reated by them and their team with shovels and mattocks.... something that the local builder can associate with and draw inspiration from to further develop and progress the sport everywhere, not just where you have loads of woodwork and diggers at hand.
  • 1 0
 I kind of go along the lines of, if you are digging, you are creating a semi artificial enverinment anyway. But digging is obviously a necessity. The difficulty that this always comes back to is the Emphasis the judging places on hitting the massive artificial wooden features. If we are talking about rampage, and big mountain freeride, then i think the lines created should reflect their environment. That to me is natural. Use the materials found in the environment you are riding. I think that most fairly levels the playing field for everyone, and keeps it true to how this sport exists outside of competitions.
If you want big wooden features, build those courses in the forests! If you want big mountain exposed lines, above the trees, build with dirt and rocks! They each have their place, but if we are talking big mountain, keep it BIG MOUNTAIN. And give the riders some more F'ing time to build and ride this sh** before the competition!!!!!

I'd love to see the next rampage offer both options. Build it in the alps or something, where you have both. Imagine a big mountain area that goes from above, to below the treeline, and would offer riders both types of opportunities, but in their natural environments. Would be tough to find such a venue, but not impossible.
  • 1 0
 yes bearclaw is who everyone know and puts to big mountain rideing. here something he started out on bmx bikes as a freestlyer. the first of his many times at rampage he was just rideing the lines.but when he and a few others started to do tricks thats when it became a new wave sport. i dont care how the new gen argues .dual crown bikes arent meant to flip .no handers and can can sure. so with this wave of thinking .do you think slypestyle tricks belong on the shore. yes i watch rampage this year .sure the to guys that did the sender were impressovie. but because of all the tricks they hand to pull out all the stops. it would be nice to thomas vanderham win but it never happen because the guys like the mcall broters and branden smanuck . the true meaning of big mountain is to go big and hold on .go look at the old rampage footage. i take super t,s winning run or robbie bourdon dave watson and the godfather to any of the tricktest . sur i embrace the slyopstlye guys at there own events.rampage wasnt meant to be part of the slopestyle world tour
  • 1 0
 I've always viewed Rampage as an event where top riders push the threshold of freeride mountain biking. I am kind of shocked that this is such a big deal to everybody. If we could all see it in person we'd probably appreciate every aspect of the riding/courses.
  • 1 0
 The option I want is never on the list. I'm all for building whatever. What "big mountain CONTESTS" are you talking about? Isn't Rampage the only one? I'm all for putting anything into any kind of contest. Versatility is why the big bikes rule, but I do think it'd be nice to have at least one contest, that is totally raw. We don't have that & yeah, it's a shame.
  • 1 0
 The icon sender was the biggest feature of rampage, and the most talked about. There always going to have artificial features, and freeride is all about artificial features, just look at half the edits on freeriding
  • 3 0
 artificial feature or no artificial feature big mountain contests are the gnarliest
  • 1 0
 I have a sackload of respect for the man (or woman) who can ride big mountain and throw down. Natural features are scary big, but manmade stuff is just as scary big.
  • 2 0
 To actually make it to the bottom is sweet, let alone having something like the canyon gap or icon sender, it is still a huge display of skill whether they re used or not.
  • 2 1
 The question is what would rampage have been like without the icon sender? I think the wood is a great thing to add but you can only have so much, after all it's called big mountain not big wood...
  • 2 0
 As soon as you put spade to dirt it becomes unnatural terrain, adding wood isn't exactly unnatural either, trees are part of nature... either modify nothing or allow wood.
  • 1 0
 Props^, how are any of those lines "natural", by buffing out turns and building kickers you've created something artificial. Try to find a natural kicker over a canyon--probably can't. However, you CAN find some steep chutes and scree fields that require amazing bike skills just to keep it rubber side down!
  • 4 0
 As soon as a shovel touches the dirt its artificial.
  • 1 0
 True, people don't realize that
  • 1 0
 why don't they should do the contest based on combined points of 2 runs, one run on all natural terrain and one run using artificial ramps, that Way everyone gets a fair chance of winning
  • 4 0
 Ha, you know my answer to this question. Keep it real folks.
  • 1 1
 I think man-made features bring options to the event and open up terrain that would otherwise not be used in the comp. However, given the nature of Rampage and the criteria on which it is judged, I feel riders who use the man made features should be scored lower than riders who do comparable stunts on a natural line. The criteria are:
1) Fluidity and Style
2) Air and Amplitude
3) Tricks
4) Line Choice

I don't think natural lines are rewarded as highly as they should be compared to man made features when Line Choice is being scored. Each is supposed to carry a weighting of 25%, but my unscientific opinion is that the scoring tends to reflect a split of 20-40-30-10.
  • 1 0
 How else will there be 60ft+ gaps? The build crews are dedicated, but I dont think they'd want to do that much work, especially as they're unpaid.
  • 1 0
 not to mention erosion as the day progresses??

If they built a dirt lip for the 72 ft canyon gap, would it last so that it would available for all to hit after two runs??
  • 1 0
 Now.... I wish they would add downhills to all the uphill races I do, so I can get points against all these really great uphill racers.
  • 1 0
 Red Bull Rampage is so LAME! there is no big mountain aspect. Drop these guys off on top of a real mountain and let them find there way down. Helmet cams will tell the tail.
  • 3 0
 there just needs to be more big bike comps in general!
  • 2 0
 Why are they called big mountain events when they are always at the bottom of a hill?
  • 3 4
 Earlier rampages were awesome without any wooden features, but the riders were given way more time to build and practice lines then. In my opinion there should be no wooden features, it takes a versatile rider, such as claw, vanderham and bourdo, to huck and land on rough uneven take offs and landings.
  • 1 0
 evolution
  • 3 0
 Difficult question? No. All Natural!
  • 2 0
 The artificial features gave us two of the largest backflips i've ever seen so I like them.
  • 1 2
 the rampage and crankworks and any other big mountain events .have lost its soul and the very sprit of bigmountain freerideing. i sorry the slopestyle bratts have wreack the only true form of freerideing. even this years winner klye strait. you look back when he won the frist time . no tricks .just find the biggest line and hold on.sure the sender scares poeple. but you look at the early foootage of the rampage you see the best riders totaly scared out of rhere minds. same with the slopestlye event from the early years you had some tricks but the stunts were what made the event. when you see a interveiw with bender year two and he saids hes scared thats going something. i want a event where any tricks get you disqualfied and let the big riders ride the biggest lines .rampage is kill riders like vanderham gully mike k all because they have to trick in order to move on. the kid thomas has been there every year it started
  • 2 0
 things change, its called evolution..

the fact that kyle strait evolved from 2004 until now to win it again should be a testament to his evolution as a rider..

look at your top 5.. 4 out of 5 have probably never been your stereotypical slopestyle rider.. the big mtn boys kicked a$$
  • 2 1
 yes but evolution has kill big mountain rideing. have you watch any of the films were they have done big gaps and big lines .there no tailwhips with barspines or backflips, these are impress of for the kids and young guns.but the contest holders and bike companies are pushing out the guys that made the sport. yes kyle won it this year but he had to kill himself to do it. look at the two runs before him. all kinds of slopestlye tricks. if he didnt hit the sender .no chance. rampage was about scareing the shit out of yourself with big lines to the bottom.
  • 2 0
 Dont agree with you, thats cool..

Bearclaw is the epitome of old school big mtn riding and he tricks tons of stuff..

All the new movies with big mtn stuff have tricks, I have seen them all.

I don't think the 60 (or whatever) ft oakley drop ruined the sport, only 2 guys hit it, one went no handed and one flipped it.. how is that not scary? and again the slopestyle kids didn't do well, its still a big mtn event with the top guys being the best big mtn riders in the world, not the slopestyle kids.
  • 2 2
 Is it me or does it seem like the last 2 years andreu lacondeguy poaches other rider lines ?? At least all rampage clips I've seen it looks like he asked other riders if he can ride their stuff....
  • 2 1
 That's because he rules and rides others Rampage lines just for fun. He should have hucked the Big Gurl Oakley sender just because he can. Then maybe/hopefully we would not have to hear this kinda BS from you. The dude is no joke! Who cares whatever line any Rampage rider chooses, it's going to be treat to watch them ride it. WTF do you have against the coolest guy in MTB anyway?
  • 1 2
 I look forward to rampage every time it come around. However, I feel and I'm sure others feel the ramps and jumps are only going to get knarlyer, which will for certain result in an accident then a debate as to wheather rampage should continue or not. This is the circle of our life, money and greed. Enjoy Rampage now, as it may not last!
  • 1 0
 I hope we can get a Event that the nature trail never been ridden by anybody before.It can test every rider how to ride with free.
  • 1 0
 its a slippery slope. If there are no manmade features, could you have a small wooden lip? Wouldnt a dirt lip also be manmade? A smoothed run-in, also manmade etc....
  • 1 0
 It started out as "BIG MOUNTAIN" and evolved into "FREERIDE" because that's where "MTB" was headed. Not hard....!!!!
  • 1 0
 The shaped and molded landings aren't "natural" features either. Bring the wood!!!.......in moderation
  • 1 0
 Why don't we just let the competitors decided?? We all suck in comparison...
  • 1 0
 Should they allow brakes in future events? Does the pope crap in the woods?
  • 1 0
 Does anybody know what time the Kardashians come on for God's sake!?!?!?!??!?!?!?
  • 1 0
 why the heck try to change Rampage into Nine Knights?????????????????????????????
  • 1 0
 How bout a contest for best artifical feature!
  • 2 0
 Entertaining either way.
  • 1 0
 Well ya cant take em away now...can ya...
  • 1 0
 I think a good combo of both is best!
  • 1 0
 yes
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.059169
Mobile Version of Website