Dan Atherton back on the bike - Video

111 Comments

21 3

bpatterson6 (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:29)

I'm glad to see him back on the bike hitting DJ's again. TBH, I expected him to be wearing a full face with a Leatt brace. I'm not a quality rider or Dirt Jumper like Dan Atherton is but accidents happen. He knows better than anyone. I'm too scared not to wear my full face and Leatt brace while dirt jumping.

bryantaber (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:10)

You know what, I just read the new Decline where Dan stated that he was gonna proudly sport the new 600.00 Carbon Leatt this season.. Gee and Rachel had made a joke about how wearing one could supersticiously bring on a bad crash. Gee just won't even talk about it. I think if the Factory Team one doesnt weigh hardly anything, wear it!! Your chances of a full recovery on a second neck injury are a long shot. Your just messing with the odds now bro!!!!

philipstonier (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:59)

what was it he broke/ his neck it think it was?..

browniebiker (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:20)

C1 Vertebrae I believe, in the sam crash he also fractured his skull but this wasn't noticed originally

mzk1997 (Apr 6, 2011 at 18:08)

Those are amazing DJS

november29 (Apr 6, 2011 at 18:17)

I think it was actually C3

MrFrenchy69 (Apr 6, 2011 at 18:52)

"On Tuesday night of this week Dan was out riding dirt jumps at his local trails in Llanfyllin, when he crashed and landed awkwardly on his head. Dan was taken to Shrewsbury hospital in a ambulance where they X-rayed his upper spine. The results confirmed a fracture to his C2 vertebrae with a further CT scan confirming another fracture to his C1 vertebrae."

MrFrenchy69 (Apr 6, 2011 at 18:53)

July 2010.

RideBikes927 (Apr 6, 2011 at 19:35)

thats good to see he made a good recovery!

11 2

scott-townes (Apr 6, 2011 at 19:40)

Guys chill. People have been jumping forever without full faces and leatt braces. It might be hard to believe but just straight airing jumps when you've been as skilled as the Athertons isn't a big deal at all. You can't tell people that you don't know to wear every bit of protection available. Yes accidents happen, but don't you think they know when certain protection is required? That level of skill coincides pretty well with the quality of personal judgement.

6 22

maxnordstrom (Apr 6, 2011 at 21:02) (Below Threshold)

scott-townes: He was straight airing a dirt jump when he broke his neck the first time.. Even pros can't know when an excident is going to happen you are just dumb. I think Dan is sooo stupid right now riding without a leatt. It could give him so much respect and positive feedback but I guess he's just another "cool dude" too cool for wearing it..

scott-townes (Apr 6, 2011 at 21:31)

^ Haha, OK man, keep assuming whatever you want...

mavster (Apr 6, 2011 at 22:34)

good Atherton bear. nice to see Mr.s bear back on a bicycle. =D

toldownhill13 (Apr 7, 2011 at 0:44)

good to see this video come out the same day i was riding with him and doing uplifts. him gee and rach. so i already knew he could ride and we were riding small downhill sections at llandegla

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dcm6861 (Apr 7, 2011 at 1:09) (Below Threshold)

not true... he wasnt straight airing a jump when he broke it... it was on attempting a backflip on a newly built lip after hitting only once

Jamieep (Apr 7, 2011 at 3:19) (Below Threshold)

neck braces aren't nice to ride with anyways,, they limit your movement meaning your vision is restricted...

bpatterson6 (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:53)

Leatt braces if properly adjusted don't even get in the way at all and you can't feel that you are wearing one. You don't know what you are talking about.

bigburd (Apr 7, 2011 at 9:47)

Dunno about you Jamieep but I only look forwards when I ride

warhorsey (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:26)

Well Jamieep, if you ever break your neck, then you'll find out what real limited movement is. I wear a neck brace every time I ride now, DH or DJ, since I had a close call last year. Your spine is precious, and you should protect that.

Barbour1994 (Apr 7, 2011 at 13:23)

It was his C1

JoeyBratten (Apr 7, 2011 at 13:35)

@dcm6861,

he was not trying a backflip u stupid person, he was just straight airing his local dirt jumps

bryantaber (Apr 7, 2011 at 14:12)

Correct. All in all I think everybody was surprised to hear that Dano got so hurt airing in his backyard. Regardless of how new the line was, that would have been the last place I would have thought something that serious could have happened to someone so good. I saw a kid get pretty effin hurt on the big kickers at hiland on last day of the season, (I'm still not sure how that ended up for him.) That was all it took for me to buy one. As a forty something I would love to see the pro WC and Slopestyle Leatt sponsored riders actually wear them when the cameras AREN'T on them and their guard is down. Precisely like in this video. I think it's gonna make a big impact on saving lives. 2 US hopefuls were killed at their local Bike Parks last year. TJ Lavin and of course DA both in scary scenarios. Every time I read about one, it just brings the fear level up a little bit more when I ride. Sorry for the preachy ramble!!!

16 1

burito-bandito (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:01)

good to hear, but the video wont play for me for some reason...

adam-mitchell (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:28)

same problem here...

potthead (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:06)

same

devo123 (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:20)

yeah i dont even see a video link here...

Contour (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:23)

Are you all on the same browser? Seems odd that it won't work. I'm watching on Chrome and it works fine.

potthead (Apr 6, 2011 at 18:45)

internet exlorer, i tried a bunch of oyther vids and they played fine, i dont even see the video on the page.

Bjammin (Apr 6, 2011 at 19:05)

This is in the contourHD player, thats probably why. Go on the site and see if it will play there

petersavage (Apr 6, 2011 at 20:17)

those jumps gave me a boner.

karl-burkat FL (Apr 6, 2011 at 23:21)

For those that couldn't get it to play, can you try directly on the Contour page. And let us know! contour.com/stories/dan-athertons-first-day-back-on-the-dirt-jumps

bryantaber (Apr 6, 2011 at 23:37)

You guys might want to think about switching browsers. I liked Mozilla over Explorer but then I found Google Chrome . The CHROME browser is just awesome. I havent had a problem with any videos since. Just an FYI.

adam-mitchell (Apr 6, 2011 at 23:39)

I'm using safari because i'm an apple whore, i'll try firefox

11 0

ScottB-408 (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:00)

Glad for a full recovery...

Chamakazi (Apr 7, 2011 at 1:08)

QUEENSTOWN! So happy that you've made a full recovery Dan!

xetal (Apr 7, 2011 at 17:16)

Nice good stuff Dan happy for ya !

boothy (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:18)

Gorge Road, Queenstown, New Zealand.

Daire (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:03)

Good to see that the banter between Dan and Gee will return for the next Atherton Project series! Hope he gets a solid season down to settle himself back into DH

nukethewhales (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:21)

SHHYESSS!!! That is awesome, guy was in a halo... now he's a hero.

Contour (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:34)

Man, every time I watch this video it puts a smile on my face. I love it. So glad to see Dan back.

downhillinged (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:16)

I tell you what, fair play it is AWESOME to see him back on the bike. After that injury - he was lucky to be alive, to see him riding again is just amazing

bigburd (Apr 7, 2011 at 9:49)

Yeah totally man , might sound funny but cos of the Atherton Project you kinda felt like you knew him a bit so I went from feeling pretty shitty when he was 1st injured to feeling happy as fekk for him.

downhillinged (Apr 11, 2011 at 14:50)

Yeah man, totally know what you mean by feeling like you knew him - Atherton Project does make you feel like you know them, i guess cos it shows you there day to day life and personalities and stuff. But yeah, he was good at Moelfe this weekend. Also good to see all the Athertons wearing neck braces when they were riding DH there.

tom1603 (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:03)

broke his neck on DJ's and after the recovery he is back on them straight away got to love dan for that

Bennyy4x (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:33)

I was riding with Dan today at their team launch, didn't mention the neck brace at all nor did he wear it.

notallowedtoswear (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:01)

soooo glad to see him back

Rob-Chapman (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:02)

Great to see him riding again

He'll be even more determined to do well now!

JonnyNorthshore (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:12)

Soo pleased to see Dan back on the dirt jumps, hope they all have a trouble free year!

devojc4 (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:20)

great to see him back on the bike... excited to see you rip it up this year!

crzyirishman (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:01)

SO glad to see Dan back on the bike! Congrats on a full and speedy recovery bro!

samh11 (Apr 7, 2011 at 0:15)

contour.com/stories/dan-athertons-first-day-back-on-the-dirt-jumps this works for me

cookiemonster229 (Apr 7, 2011 at 1:54)

I seen dan using a leatt up the gondala so he is wearing one most the time not sure why not on the dirt jumps though

RobB1984 (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:11)

Looks like Dan has the Leatt DBX Pro for DH this year looking at the news feed on the main page.

m-madonna (Apr 10, 2011 at 17:49)

where is this park it looks super fun and glad to hear your back out like that id be scared

hiphumper (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:01)

Just goes to show "it's like riding a bike!"

mongoosemaniac (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:02)

Just cant stay away can you Dan! You animal! love it lol.

hyperpower88 (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:31)

Tought after the injury last year he would wear the Leatt at all times, guess I was wrong.. Glad that he's full recovered!!

goonrider (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:57)

who is the photographer at the end?
I want to see some pics of their session!

Contour (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:27)

I believe that's Sven Martin.

endlesstrailz (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:27)

So good to see him back on a bike! Way to go Dan! You'll be back at racing in no time and winning!

LukeCowley77 (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:28)

AAAAAAAAAARRRRHHHHHHHHHH I want this as a pinkbike vid so I can add it to my favs, trail looks AWERSOME!

shrockie (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:51)

Great to see he's back at it!
was the video playback jumpy as hell for anyone else? seems the GoPro vids play smoother..

shrockie (Apr 6, 2011 at 18:03)

hmm.. better now, that was weird.. That was a helluva manual at the end!

bigbluebike FL (Apr 6, 2011 at 19:15)

Love it that dan is back straight to djs- no fear!!! Also, ridic manual was so sick.

joesimkins (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:29)

its good that he is riding reallly well aswell! they loook like some good jumps!

snide (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:54)

Didn't even read the article, just stoked to hear that you're back on the bike. Awesome.

jcoakes (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:24)

Great stuff, trails look sick too!

StinkyD-509 (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:02)

Good to see your back on the pony! Good luck this season!

toddosworld (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:09)

It really takes a super athlete to make a comeback like that. Crazy.

danieldh (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:20)

QUEENSTOWN NZ, Best Place on earth indeed! Welcome back to Dan!

TdeskO (Apr 7, 2011 at 9:13)

YO THATS A PALATIAL DIRT JUMP REGALIA

coolman123 (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:53)

where are these trails?

agill135 (Apr 7, 2011 at 14:30)

well in dan the man with the plan is BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bikerboywill FL (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:10)

where is that place?!

Herndonmtb (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:29)

HELLZYEAH DAN ATHERTONS THE MAN! good to see him on a bike again!

caiocrz (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:38)

LOL i got so happy when I saw it on the news feed. Im glad hes riding

laurencepellerin (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:41)

where is that park ,,,,

goonrider (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:45)

new zealand, queenstown..

chainsawnz (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:45)

Gorge Rd Jump Park,Queenstown,NZ. Been hailed as one of the best free parks in the world.

DownHillCooper (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:58)

that berm at the end was crazy

Augs (Apr 10, 2011 at 23:08)

You have no idea man! it goes over vertical.

DownHillCooper (Apr 11, 2011 at 16:23)

id love to ride it lol

metalmike (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:59)

Totally Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love these guys.

D-ponko (Apr 6, 2011 at 19:04)

dude. sick to see him back, but he needs to be wearing a leatt and full face. thats just asinine without one. i broke my neck back a few years ago, and i dont leave the house without mine now.

sagetthegreat (Apr 6, 2011 at 21:27)

Stoked to see affy back finally!

baca262 (Apr 7, 2011 at 4:43)

now i'm going to troll a bit - you get drunk in your ff? wtf?!

spencergrof (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:30)

neck brace!!!! dont wanna see this kid off his bike anymore

haydendmorrison (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:32)

Wouldn't have saved him before unfortunately and it's all about open faces for djs

lmxfer (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:47)

put your neck brace...

old-hucker (Apr 7, 2011 at 14:50)

I can't see any video.

kieranmineham (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:06)

TRUELAD.

gezza (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:10)

yeh boi!!

jptothetree (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:52)

YA DAN!!!!!!

corey32 (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:36)

i dont see the video

Leesethebeast (Apr 6, 2011 at 18:14)

Me neither...

jerryhazard (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:44)

Super Cool!

ahlmanj2011 (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:46)

Where are those jumps?

tom-cuthbert (Apr 6, 2011 at 18:27)

New Zealand.

Good luck getting here.

sngltrkmnd (Apr 7, 2011 at 15:23)

qtown?

Augs (Apr 10, 2011 at 23:06)

yeah man that place shreds! ive hit the rock drop line and its sooo smooth. just dont nail the jumps...Greenwood is watching.

galliwasp (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:34)

Yeah, Dan! Yee-doggie!

Below threshold threads are hidden

AdsUK (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:20)

No neck brace?

baca262 (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:27) (Below Threshold)

i bet dan's like: even though i broke my neck i still think they're for pussies. lol

videorc (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:49)

or maybe because he isn't wearing a full face.... its only dirt jumps guys.

josh-j (Apr 6, 2011 at 15:49)

true

bryantaber (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:17)

It was only dirt jumps on his backyard track on a routine run that he has probably ridden a 1000 times before ,that he broke his neck last time. I watched it on the Atherton Project. It's gonna be hard to come up with a good excuse for why he broke it, if it happens again, when the Leatt is prbably sitting right in the van. I fucking hate wearing mine on local trails, but I do it for my family.

DhGabe FL (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:32)

^^^^+1 I was just about to say yeah it was only dirty jumps that got him in the halo in the first place. I dont care what trail it is, I dont care how much shit my friends give me for rockin the full face all the time, I've had nasty spills with little xc helmets. Concusions aint fun and neither is explaining to everyone why your face looks like ground beef after sliding face first across the trail. I dont care how easy a trail looks, any injury is possible.

coralcorn (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:35)

I believe the jump he crashed on was a new line that he had made not one that he did routinely..

baca262 (Apr 6, 2011 at 16:38)

lol i was jk

well yeah, shit happens, it only depends on how willing you are to minimize the damage. you could wear your ff helmet and your neck brace the moment you get out of your bed in the morning, but do you?

bryantaber (Apr 6, 2011 at 17:36)

Only if I forgot to take it off the nite before while going to bed while drunk. Other than that I usually wait until I arrive to the trail head and I plan on biking that day. I think I would look pretty foolish showing up to work and giving out orders in my bike gear. BUT since we have or kidding hats on, My guess is that you are either 1. working on , at least, your second concussion. OR 2. You don't actually read your posts before you hit send..... Just a healthy brained guess. :-) That's not a professional opinion or anything. Good luck at the neurologists.

ctd07 (Apr 8, 2011 at 20:07)

I broke my neck riding dirt jumps, on a jump I'd ridden well over a hundred times before and I wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary - mistakes happen!