An Update From Aggy: "On Any Other Day I Wouldn't Have Dropped In..."

Oct 20, 2016
by Kona Bikes  
Photo by Ale Di Lullo

Graham Agassiz has been chasing the top step at Red Bull Rampage for years. The steep and loose Utah desert terrain suits Aggy’s big mountain style, and in addition to the FEST series jams, Rampage has been a big focus for him for the past few seasons.

In 2013 Aggy qualified in 1st place and nearly stomped a finals run that would have surely been a contender for first. In 2014 he repeated the qualifying performance, yet again solidifying his position as one of the riders to watch at this event, but a knee injury during practice kept him from the finals. In 2015 he was the top qualifier for the third year in a row and strung together a run that landed him in 3rd place in the finals. Close, but not quite. And so the chase continued.

Photo by Ale Di Lullo
Aggy's run began with this massive chute.

Rampage, as you might gather, is a fickle event. Every athlete who is invited to Rampage is riding a fine line between the run of their life and waiting until next year. After a week of hard labor prepping their line, every single element of a rider’s run is calculated, and those who stand on the top of the box link together a clean top to bottom run with style and amplitude. On those last two, Aggy’s got it.

With his performance in 2015, Aggy would have been pre-qualified for this year’s event, skipping the extra competition runs that he’d been forced to do the past three years. As it turns out, Red Bull changed the structure, and the rider list was invite-only. Of course, Aggy was on that list.

Photo by Ale Di Lullo
Arguably the most stylish rider at Rampage, and a fan favorite because of it.

Last Friday, Graham Agassiz was on the run that very well would have taken him to his first victory at Rampage when he went down hard on a huge 360 stepdown. He was taken to hospital in St. George, Utah, and diagnosed with a broken pelvis and six-to-eight weeks’ recovery. From there he transferred to Kamloops hospital, where we caught up with Aggy for a first-hand account of the crash. Here are his words:

bigquotesMy run was feeling really good, though I was getting blown once I got to the mid-ridge section of the line and at that point was almost on autopilot just trying to hang on and get down the mountain.

As soon as I initiated the spin, off of the lip it felt like it was going to come around perfect, I remember thinking to myself "I can't believe I'm about to stomp the biggest move of my life!" But, as soon as I got to 270 degrees in my rotation I could see my landing strip and I could tell right away that I was slightly off of my mark.

Photo by Ale Di Lullo
The actual drop that took Aggy out. Nobody, not even his fellow competitors, was expecting him to 360 this.

bigquotesBy the time I completed the spin it was too late, I clipped the overhanging rock shelf only two feet to the right of the top of the landing. This then immediately ejected my bike from beneath me, where all I could see was this big boulder protruding from the right side of the landing where all my momentum was being thrown into.

The initial impact was beyond aggressive, as the right side of my torso then slammed and wrapped around this rock, and then I continued to get tossed down the rest of the landing, ragdolling to the bottom. The rush of pain that flooded my body was like nothing I have ever experienced before. I quickly checked to make sure my legs were still working which was a huge relief, but once that wave washed over me I knew it was bad.

Photo by Ale Di Lullo
Aggy was thankful for the on-site treatment provided by Red Bull and H5 Events.

bigquotesThe pressure of competition definitely played a role in this incident. Looking back I went against all of my knowledge and experience of what I know can happen in these scenarios with the wind. On any other day, I wouldn't have dropped in. - Aggy

The anticipation of watching from thousands of miles away, of knowing our rider was capable of laying down a winning run and seeing him go down was gut-wrenching. We wish Aggy a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the bike soon.

Kona sponsor logos.

All images by Ale di Lullo.

All of the staff at Pinkbike would like to wish Aggy a very speedy recovery!

MENTIONS: @aggy / @aledilullophotography / @konaworld / #RedBullRampage



Author Info:
konaworld avatar

Member since Nov 18, 2008
137 articles

231 Comments
  • 1965 17
 What if Rampage wasn't a live event, and was divided into two days, one day for each run. They could start early to avoid wind, and have much longer wind delay windows. Maybe it would even make sense to have the riders be allowed to work on their lines for a few hours or something after the first day, to fix bomb holes or other wear. Then the second day would have second runs for those who wanted to take them. At the end of the day, I don't want people to drop in on their lines when the weather is bad just because the event is broadcast live.
  • 248 13
 thumb this comment up, everyone. LISTEN UP, REDBULL

#Zink4UnionPresident
  • 91 54
 Im gonna play devils advocate here and say that would make it impossible to broadcast for redbull. all the casters cameras etc would have to be idle all day waiting for riders to drop that would make it incredibly costly and lets be fair redbull needs to earn something they are not exactly doing it out of the kindness of their hearts.
  • 99 5
 This, for most of the 5 odd hrs it was on for we were watching a bunch of guys stood on a hill, looking at flags.
  • 42 8
 And by cutting out the EXPENSE of the live coverage they could use that saved money and use it in the prize purse.
  • 62 0
 I don't think there will be many who disagree with this. Watching live is usually much more exciting but in the case of rampage where the viewer is all too aware of the jeopardy, and it is palpable, there is nothing cool about watching riders put it all on the line in the full knowledge that despite all their skill and prep work the elements may smack them down, not only spoiling their chances but adding a risk factor that they cannot control and could very well (and does so every year) end in serious injury. Keep the build times and the mandatory down time but give the riders the time to stomp the run of their lives under favourable weather, compress the footage and show it to us afterwards. Fair play to RB for the changes this year, just take it one step further it'll be better for everyone.
  • 8 1
 As I understand it they had a 2nd day as an backup option for the event. However, the weather forecast was worse for that day so they chose to keep the original day.
  • 24 2
 @fercho25: Not really. it would be easier for them to broadcast because they could delete the 10-20-30 minute idle periods out instead of filling them with pre-filmed b.s. and broadcaster jibber jabber.

The event is already incredibly costly and the crew is already on site. 1 more day means nothing. It will actually bring MORE value if it's 2 day and the broadcast on 2 days because it gives them 2 days worth of people logging into their site. And they don't have to pay ESPN or some other network so it's not costing them anything extra to do it.

Redbull is making shit loads of money off of this event. It's one of their most clicked on events. They get tons of web traffic. Tons of material to use in their advertising for the next year. Etc etc etc. Believe me... they ain't loosing money on this event.
  • 15 1
 @pbuser2299: exactly. You could stream that down to 2-3 hours for 2 days. They get double the traffic and more people are likely to watch it because it's not a 5 hour investment to watch an hours worth of riding...

And the fact that clean second runs are much more likely to happen.... adds interest. I for one paid little attention to the second runs because I knew it would either be guys playing it super super safe trying not to get killed... or guys just skipping and saying nope. Which is exactly what happened. I think 2 guys upped their scores from r1 to r2 and they were both low scores to begin with.
  • 2 10
flag Vraiphil (Oct 20, 2016 at 14:52) (Below Threshold)
 ..
  • 12 2
 This is exactly what they need to do. They should do this competition FEST style where the riders can either take as many runs as they want within a set number of days or they should be limited to a number of runs that they can take at their leisure. Then the best full lines would be showcased and no one would be riding in conditions that suck. The FEST series does this for every event and it works well. Rampage should also be rider judged in that the riders riding that year judge each other and no one is allowed to vote for themselves.
  • 12 1
 @onemanarmy: Maybe keep all the scores hidden till that last "definitive" stream with all the rider runs put together. That will make it an actual very enjoyable live but not really experience.
  • 9 1
 The funny thing is it's it's treated as "live" but the network presentation isn't until next month, plus even the redbull stream was delayed.

For the comments that say this would cost more, I believe the bulk of the expenses is in setup and little extras like a helicopter. Keeping the camera and event crews onsite for another day wouldn't add much and it's got to be more cost effective these days to run a commercial drone instead of a keeping piloted aircraft in the air.

They'd be able to control conditions, get better runs & better footage,avoid big gaps of dead air and not miss shots of the action.

@ghotinori this is a good idea. I envision a hybrid between rampage and a Fest event.
  • 5 12
flag billreilly (Oct 20, 2016 at 15:54) (Below Threshold)
 @fercho25: RedBull are doing this, and everything else that they do and sponsor, for the publicity, the advertising, to sell their product... They don't do it to make money.
  • 5 0
 Honestly, I would even be happy to have a week of build time, and a week of finals opportunity.

As we saw this year, the extra build time helped make the event one of the best yet, but I do worry about the rider's safety dropping in on a windy day. making the broadcast live brings a lot of money to the table, I understand, but I think there are ways we can make the event safer and still maintain that broadcast feel.

If the casters and media were kept in the dark throughout the finals period, and runs were recorded similar to how they are now, then we could still have a "live" broadcast where all media is cut together and commentators view the footage of the week. This would have the added benefit of being able to splice the riders view from GoPro's into the broadcast where it makes sense, or have two views of the run, one from heli / ground cameras and one from rider perspective.

Also, I think that the judging needs to move completely away from conventional score systems and become a rider vote. There is no-one that can say who's run is better than someone else's than the actual riders who are completing the event, if it were a ballot type thing that the riders can judge post event, I think it could be awesome.
  • 7 1
 @matjtom90: Yea the FEST series works well except very few watch or care about the FEST series relative to Rampage. The reason Rampage is Rampage is because of the exposure it gets as a big event. Live coverage, hoards or media, coverage on NBC in a few weeks etc. That coverage is a huge undertaking. They can't go out there and set up that kind of crew and cameras that it takes to provide the coverage that they do and just sit around and wait for guys to take runs when they feel like it. You think all those people are just going to stand around wait days for riders to drop in? That the helicopter is just going to circle around for days waiting?

FEST seems cool but its a completely different type of event.
  • 10 0
 Briliant idea!

Redbull would even be able to build the hype over one day . Like "Semenuk got 84 and is sitting in spot#1, will Bizet be able to oust him tomorrow ?" They could get interviews from the riders between the two runs, how they felt it, how they see the other competitors, if they plan anything different for the next. The analysis of the runs could be much deeper as well: end of the day, lets review the runs of .. and .... side to side etc... Maybe more touchy would be to have the judges talking, or at let Cam decrypting the scores. etc...
Making the finals on two day could make it possible to gather much more material for the medias. And Rampage for sure has the potential to fill two days.
  • 2 1
 At the very least, I think they need to have an "intermission" of sorts between runs. After everyone does their first run, allow teams to go up and clean up lines, pack in the blown out areas and make it so that everyone has a clean slate for the second run.
  • 3 0
 @sino428: I kind of see where you're coming from with the filming aspect, but I don't think it would take nearly the amount of people if they weren't doing a live feed and a helicopter in the days of drones is just wastefullness. NBC could still broadcast it, maybe even broadcast it first, Red Bull could let out clips of banger runs similar to what FEST already does as the event is taking place or right after it and all of the boys on the hill could take their runs when they are feeling it.
  • 5 2
 Or.... They could move the event to time of year that isn't so windy!
  • 4 11
flag Marcusthefarkus (Oct 20, 2016 at 17:41) (Below Threshold)
 You dont understand business and operating costs, do you?
  • 3 0
 I'm all for a longer window and not having the event broadcast live. RedBull has the money, they sponser F1 teams, do plane races around the world, send people to outerspace only to jump back to earth.... its not a money problem. Do it like Hoffest, but more competitive. I hate seeing these athletes put themselves in harms way because of the pressure of the situation. They risk enough for our entertainment already.
  • 3 1
 @Marcusthefarkus: trust me buddy basic financial/economic principles and pinkbike simply do not mix.

but hey truth be told the rampage viewer experince has not been particularly fun for the past couple years when we add that to rider hazard maybe redbull changing the business model behind rampage is not a bad idea so let them dream maybe somene at redbull sees this and wonders,
  • 6 0
 @EvoRidge: I agree with the both of you. This event is beyond serious. The article suggests that riders are in a position to get the run of their lives or wait a year.
I think it's more like riders have a chance of getting the run of their lives and or get the last run of their lives maybe even die. Death is a very real possibility at rampage. Riders should be encouraged by design to sellect the absolute best conditions for their runs. For many of the rampage riders, I suspect that their participation in this even plays a major part in them receiving the sponsorship support and funding essential to their revenue.

Therefore I think the riders are in an unfair position to excercise their collective voice even. I've been a professional mountain guide for 15 years. Today I also help large corporations manage risk. Its of my humble opinion that the mountainbiking industry is still young In relation to risk management. The riders are stepping it up every year. What's possible on a bike is still unknown. The number of hazards are always multiple while riding but at this event their consequences are considerably higher than spectators and maybe even some riders appreciate. It's one thing to risk your season/off season, year or carreer for the ultimate ride. It's another thing to risk your life or your ability to walk, talk and feed yourself for an amount of money most of us **make in a year.

Make the event bigger want it on TV cool. But let the riders pick their mountain, build their line and ride their line when their ready durning a period of several days. Spectators can make their way.. it be like older school extreme skiing event. Ride when ready and have all the drones, helicopters, camera crews, judges and rescue personnel work together and cover the zones in numbers and through the use of technology.

It's more or less fun like any local race with the addition of camera crews and helicopter.

**According to an older pinkbike survey
  • 2 0
 This guy is on to a good idea. Though going to the actual event in Utah might be not as constantly action packed, it gives a great opportunity for more calculated and amazing runs for the average viewer.
  • 8 1
 My comment is in no way related to Aggy's crash, but maybe we better accept wind is always going to be a part of the event. Riders should consider lines that reflect that.
  • 5 0
 get well soon aggy. bull ish aside your run was an epic. get well soon.
  • 5 7
 These riders are all stoked to be invited. Stoked to push their limits, knowing they may regret them. None of your/our opinions should matter in the least. Oh, you care about the riders? Doesn't matter. They make the call. The world is safe enough, and nothing great ever comes from playing it safe. That's my opinion and it DOES NOT MATTER.
  • 5 0
 Great idea and maybe take it further like surfing world tour where there is usually a 12 day waiting period for the best conditions at each contest. They are always live on the web when the contest is on even if it takes multiple days to run. The don't rely on the live crowd because the majority of the audience is watching online where the ads make the money. Anyways these guys are freaking crazy! So much mental strength to throw yourself off the side of a cliff. Cheers!
  • 2 0
 @fercho25: Correct me if I'm wrong but they can find the cash to fund a sky dive from space, bet that costs a bit more than two days camera gear.
  • 3 2
 @fercho25: What do you think cost a RedBull formula 1team...dude think before you write nonsense!
  • 4 1
 In all fairness, watching an edit of something that happened already is nowhere near as exciting as watching it live. With the (social) media nowadays you can expect the biggest things that happened to be leaked anyways.

Also the fact that you're watching it live, having no idea what will happen, wether things will go good or bad, no censorship, etc... That's what makes it so exciting. You don't see soccer fans cheering to only watch the recap either. It just takes all the fun and excitement out of watching.
  • 3 0
 @Parkbuilder72: Don't compare costs, compare the earnings (Money, or Advertising Value Equivalent (AVE)). Quote from Forbes: "In just the past five years Red Bull has gained an estimated $1.6 billion in AVE from F1 which alone offsets the $1.2 billion it has spent on Red Bull Racing as well as its investment in Toro Rosso."
So the "come on, RedBull has money so they HAVE to spend it" is not a good argument, they are not a social facility.

Anyway, i agree that RedBull could help by moving the finals to another date because of bad conditions. Actually they wanted to this already this year, but the weather forecast for Saturday was even worse.
  • 1 0
 The idea of ghotinori might complicate the transmission on TV but in the end the riders safety have to be the first and only decision to make.
  • 1 1
 @Parkbuilder72: look the financial team behind rampage is doing a better job than saying we redbull we have dem monies! And who cares we are getting a bunch on intangibles out of it.
They are putting an actual number on those intangibles be it publicity brand presence etc.
The day those numbers are below the actual costs of production is goodbye to rampage time.
@jimmythehat correct me if im wrong but didn't the live feed for that thing was one with the highest viewership ever?
  • 9 3
 Oh stop being such a bunch of fucking hypocrites. WE ALL WANT TO WATCH IT LIVE. That's what the internet turned us into. We want everything instantly, NOW! Admit it. Nobody buys the newspapers in the morning to find out what happened yesterday. Nobody cares what happened yesterday. People would go mad if they couldn't watch it live. Not to mention that after the first day, YouTube would be full of crappy amateur videos uploaded by the spectators and they would get the views instead of the official video.
  • 1 0
 @fercho25: No idea, but was very cool, doesn't change the fact money isn't an issue for Red Bull
  • 5 0
 I didn't even finish the event because it was just them waiting for wind, got pretty boring, and that seems to happen every year.
  • 1 0
 @Extremmist: So do it live over 2 days...
  • 1 0
 @fercho25: Devils advocate eh? Well there should be no excuses for Red Bull to make these changes. TRY HARDER.
  • 2 0
 Great idea! By far the thing i hate most it watching people go down hard. Rampage and the World Cup this yeah almost made me vomit watching some of the crashes. i get pressure. i get crashing. i get sponsor and tv pressure. and i 100% get pushing it BBUUTT live to ride another day!!

Get well soon Aggy!
  • 2 0
 @fastlaneflyer: I see alot of people make this suggestion about moving the way of surfing and operating with a larger window to hold the comp. I just don't see it working. In terms of putting on the best contest it works, but its also one of the main difficulties the surf tour has always faced in terms of gaining exposure. Its infinitely more difficult to promote a contest and try to draw eyeballs to something when you have no idea when then the contest is even going to happen. Outside of the hardcore audience who would follow and tune in whenever, or be into watching replays and highlights, people just don't have the attention span to sit around and wait. As people have pointed out, the FEST series does something more along these lines and as we all know, the FEST series carries relatively little weight compared to Rampage even though the riding is pretty awesome.
  • 2 0
 @sino428: Fest is about the riders. They limit media exposure in a big big way and just run specials on certain outlets. They even limit who they'll let in as far as sponsors and the guys giving them those sponsorships. It's not easy to get into some of those Fest events.

Rampage is a totally different animal.
  • 1 0
 Why not still broadcast it live? So, it's a 48 hour live session, so what (might be a little hard on the commentators and judges, but hey...)? Will also beat all the records held by 24h car races, for longest live broadcast ;-)
  • 9 0
 @sino428: What?

Surf comps are the perfect comparison. I'm watching the MEO in Portugal right now. They get tons of exposure. Have you ever been to one?

I would go as far as comparing it directly to Mavericks. Mavericks is invite only like they did Rampage this year. You get invited you know how to ride... you deserve to be there... you score. The Mavericks window is extreme... this year it's from November to March. 22 competitiors. 8 alternates and 8 wild cards. Sounding familiar yet?

You get a call... you show up in 48 hours. If you don't... an alternate takes your spot. If you can't... an alternate takes your spot.

Does that event have a hard time getting exposure? Nope. It's one of the most widely watched comps out there. So many people show up to watch it that you can't even get on site anymore unless you're press or rider with permissions. Or you pay for a slot on a boat. You show up to a parking lot and they set up a "live" feed big screen.

Rampage can use this as a model but obviously can not get away with being that extreme as guys need to build stuff. With Mavericks... well... it's already built... or it's not.

But it's a major media event. Live feed coverage. Replays. iTunes special releases. Award ceremonies. Etc.

When an event is this gnarly and the riders are this specialized... well.. it can work in any fashion that brings the most out of the event and the riders.

These guys are the big wave surfers of the mtb community.
  • 1 0
 @onemanarmy: exactly what I was trying to say.
  • 2 0
 I've been a Freeride fan since the beginning and I've had a bit of a think about this and one idea is perhaps Freeriding at this level shouldn't be in a competition at all. With changing weather and the weight of riders egos to show off their skills and daring and prove they're the king of the mountain, it's a recipe for broken backs, ruptured spleens and smashed pelvises. Maybe this level of riding should only be for Freeride films, where the riders are working with a film crew and will only attempt their lines when everything's perfect?
Then I looked at the injuries I see in the race circuit and it's carnage. Or even what happens in your average skate park, snow park, local trail, or bike park and people all over the place are getting smashed up doing what they love.
I don't feel it's just the fact it's broadcast live that pushes the riders to take excess risk, as it's been roughly the same format since before the event was broadcast live. They've always waited at the top for the wind, and typically it always picks up by the second runs. It's a dessert, as it heats up convection kicks in and the wind blows.
As long as it's by riders for riders and not just by Sponsors for viewers/marketing I'm happy. I can see how the thought of a load of marketing execs rubbing their hands together to coin in on some riders potentially career ending run rubs people (myself included) up the wrong way. But, at the end of the day it's up to the riders. If they choose the mountain, their line, whether they ride or not and they feel compelled to do it, why should anyone try and stop them?
  • 1 0
 I really like this idea, but I'm not sure how people go to watch the event live would feel? Broadcasted after the fact with edited footage cut down to two or three hours is one thing, but then what happens when attendance falls because people don't want to wait to watch one person drop every hour and a half? I mean, I'd still go, but doesn't that make it harder for people to attend?
  • 2 0
 @slpalmtree: that means an even bigger party
  • 2 0
 Why not start at dawn. It's the desert. It is usually windier and always hotter later in the day. I start all my big rides at sunup.
  • 1 0
 @choppertank3e: Uh...they DO start at dawn. Or earlier. You just have no idea whats all involved with it. Seriously, you cant even imagine how much is involved with it.
  • 189 4
 Dear Aggy,

We were all confident you would kill it at Rampage this time. Your talent is off the f*n charts! Your run had us glued to our seats and we were so gutted when you crashed but we know you'll be back...
Stronger...
Better...
Ready to kill it again...

Healing vibes for now!


Beat regards,
All mountain bikers
  • 8 0
 Cheers that
  • 15 39
flag ibishreddin (Oct 20, 2016 at 16:46) (Below Threshold)
 @aoneal well said, but did you just assume my cycling discipline???
  • 28 1
 @ibishreddin: Triggered rodie over here...
  • 42 1
 Gnarliest wreck i've seen before my eyes, glad you will be on a bicycle again, was amazing to watch you ride, as always. Stik
  • 4 1
 After Jessy Nelson's crash. . . . . . We don't need any more of that. Heal up Aggy
  • 2 1
 @MX298: so true. I live down the street from him and saw his mom yesterday at the market. She can't hold it together talking about him.

Jessy is such a good dude, A model professional athlete . Every kid that rides a dirt bike in north county San Luis Obispo looks up to him.
  • 1 0
 @fastlaneflyer: I know, I breaks my heart. Meet him once when my kids were racing amateur nationals. Not just kids in the north county that look up to him, we all do! Let him and his mom know she's not alone.
  • 31 0
 you're one of the king's of big mountain freeriding, thanks for always pushing the dial to 11. hope yer ass feels fast and painless soldier.
  • 5 0
 I think you meant heals, Ha !
  • 89 60
 I am just wondering whether someone really needs to die, so that people stop talking bollocks about progressing the sport. Aggys crash happened 4 minutes after I started watching. It's been ugly and I turned it off. Then got it on again out of curiosity. Few minutes and Zink drops in. Crashes right in front of his family. WTF. It would be very hard to top how fkng miserable the whole situation would be if he didn't get up. Camera on kid screaming daddy. WTF guys What the fkng fk... Almost as brilliant as Dan Atherton making a course taking out half of the competitors in practice last year. However unlike Redbull guys Dan learned something. Redbull said they changed location to make it safer. Safer my arse, looked worse than last year. You can talk about progression as much as you like, but there's just that much air in the room for that fire to burn.

#f*ckrampage
  • 20 55
flag EvoRidge (Oct 20, 2016 at 15:09) (Below Threshold)
 Pinkbikes slimiest troll emerges from his gutter. Stay Waki, you filthy animal.
  • 29 17
 RAMPAGE: to act or move in a wild and usually destructive way!!! don't like it watch XC racing Mr.WAKI.
  • 77 6
 Nobody asked Aggy to 3 his drop and nobody even expected it. Zink 3 was his choice too. He chose to bring his family...his choice. Don't put the blame on RedBull, these guys are pros like freeskiers or people doing basejumping or wing suit. All their choices. I would respect any rider not participating in this event, but they seem to like it...
  • 11 7
 Well said Waki while watching rampage i was was just hoping no one died. People can complain but look at Sam Reynolds, he won best trick last year and decided to to do his run as with the conditions and weather it wasn't worth the risk
  • 17 6
 Disagree. No one is forcing them to do these things, all decisions and risk are on the riders hands.
  • 16 16
 Agreed. Someone's gonna die. Rampage is absurd. Everyone sending "healing vibes" while we're all complicit in exposing the guys to crazy risks.
  • 20 3
 @jfour: To think that this guys ride rampage for any of us is total bullsh#t!!! They do it for themselves, not for you, not for me or any of the pinkbike commentators. They doing for the same reason some of us do big jumps and ride super tech stuff. We do it for the challenge, the fun, the adrenaline, because its rad. Are they consequences if things go bad, YES!!!! an if you are a mountain biker that is pushing its limits and trying to progress is not a matter if, just a matter when!!!
  • 26 6
 it freakin rampage waki... its the real deal. its heavy. its punk rock. its fuckin burly ass man up shit. its a spectacle. its a freak show. its one of the gnarliest sports events in the whole wide world. its a roll of the dice. its not for everybody. and the spectators and riders love it. rampage type riding will always exist. this years format was great, don't change a thing. best judged event of the year....any sport...rampage smokes em all.
  • 8 14
flag DaFam4mDena (Oct 20, 2016 at 18:42) (Below Threshold)
 Shut up. Stop being a pussy.
  • 8 0
 They don't have to ride? Cam McCaul stopped and I believe it is because he had a kid, it changed things for him.

I don't disagree, but the competitors keep coming, they are not forced to be there. It is crazy what they do...
  • 127 5
 #rampagerules We do this because we want to and love it.


Stop blaming everyone else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 22 5
 WAKI and others- Its simple, you don't get it. That's fine. Freeriding has been around for a long time and has always carried big risks. This is nothing new. The only thing new is your ease of access to watch it live as it happens including all the bad. The riders choose to go to this event, the riders choose their lines, their tricks, etc. no one forces them to do this. Its their life, this is how they want to push themselves and the sport. This has nothing to do with you so don't watch it if you can't handle it.

And BTW its shocking to me how upset the biking community is over this when some have been seriously injured racing DH (omg when will they slow down!? enough of this progressing/pushing the sport BS) or just sessioning dirt jumps (omg why can't these damned kids keep their wheels on the ground, isn't riding the bike on dirt enough!?)

Ever hear of the Freeride World Tour? Its big mountain skiing and riding, highly revered. Many riders have died over the years competing in this event and guess what? No mass calls for protests or ending it because everyone in the game is mature enough to realize its what they want to do, its their choice and its not up to anyone else including those with too weak of a stomach to watch them make their choices or ride at the level they do. In short, its not your jam, I get it, but shut the hell up.
  • 6 7
 @ElVenezuelan: they do it for the $150000 prize. Why didn't Semenuk take his second run?

This would not exist without sponsor which in turn wouldn't sponsor this if not for viewers.

All I'm saying is this is extremely dangerous. These athletes are literally risking their lives with every run and as spectators (and by implication sponsors) we can't simply wash our hands of the consequences when they occur.
  • 11 2
 @claw: Right on Claw! I don't remember the mtb community ever calling for blood. It was you crazy f#@ks coming up with the craziest shit imaginable to do on these things we love to ride. And we love to watch you do it. You killed it btw. Keep it going.
  • 4 1
 @ElVenezuelan: NAILED IT. These guys wait for rampage. Are stoked to be invited.
  • 7 1
 @claw: jeezus, thank you!
  • 5 0
 Me too Waki, I couldn't watch, I don't want to see anyone die.

However, we have to be trusting in everyone's ability to take decisions for themselves AND in the organisers allowing athletes to take those decisions without redress.

I could have died 4 months ago in an accident on my bike, but guess what I am already doing again (only with more respect for the consequences)?

Everyone at Rampage is there because they want to be there. Everyone is both Sam Reynolds and Aggy.

Let's let the athletes do what they want to do and not force anyone to do anything they don't.

Good luck to anyone and everyone who wants to drop in; not me though!!
  • 21 2
 i do believe the claw just dropped the mic.
  • 6 14
flag Beez177 (Oct 20, 2016 at 21:17) (Below Threshold)
 Waki F*ck you
  • 7 12
flag WAKIdesigns (Oct 20, 2016 at 22:57) (Below Threshold)
 I apologize for pissing on baby Jesus. All I wanted to say was that I wasn't entertained.

@stacykohut - you should be a motivational speaker. Reading it was like being a teenager again and watching Russel Crow speaking in Gladiator. I swear I heard Lisa Gerard singing.

Anol shalom
Anol sheh lay konnud de ne um...
  • 5 2
 I managed to break my back in 3 places on a XC ride, some years later I broke my femur in 2 places on a XC ride. I have separated my shoulder and suffered several concussions, plus the usual abrasions and bruises, all riding fairly tame terrain. I do it because I love it. I know the dangers, they are part of the appeal. I have ridden in places where I could have died if the right set of circumstances had come together, that's not being rad, it's being realistic, and it was always my choice.. Are these riders taking a bigger risk considering their massively higher ability? Should we ban all types of off road riding as it's clearly dangerous?
  • 2 1
 @Beez177: obviously a sign of your limited intelligence...
  • 9 8
 @metaam - I can give you the telephone number to a dude who's dad died in his garden. A sailplane fell on his head. There are more road bikers getting minced by cars monthly than total nr of people who died doing "freeride", ever. Are you trying to be nihilistic about it? My grandma just died, being a chunk of rotting meat for last 5 years (as most people do, who die in their beds) so yea, I wish she died doing wingsuit proximity flying or jumped off the cliff on a BMX while she was 65.

Do I worry for riders getting hurt for good? Yea. I am sick with this self perpetuating must-stoke machine, in the very same way as with Olympic games or TDF. I simply do not find perverse pleasure of a guy just running away with it, leading to even more perverse pleasure of showing compassion to a fallen or paralyzed rider. The truth is, some people, even though they don't realize it, they love it, they salivate at the thought that they get touched by a tragedy, (oh I feel sad cuz he died, I am such a moral human being) that they can be a part of mourning. Yes recreational compassion and recreational mourning exist.

@theclaw - my comment had nothing to do with bitchin on riders. I have some level of understanding why you do it. But you must admit that the media side of it, sponsor loyalty, pushes some of you to do more than you are comfortable with, and would normally do. Are you in full control of your motivations here? Maybe, if you are a total manac of the likes of Senna or Armstrong, then I believe you. They were so few though..
  • 5 2
 Thirty two drivers died in Formula 1 so far and I still watch it.
  • 8 3
 @WAKIdesigns: Obviously you, the almighty Pinkbike messiah, only tuned in and saw the two crashes. How fantastically well timed of you, fits so nicely into your comment and opinion.

As for calling out professional cyclists and people who have done so much for mountain biking - in all aspects of the sport - well done you. Bravo sir. You are in no way a perpetual annoyance on this website. Please continue.
  • 1 0
 @metaam: you should let your seat more. Wink
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Sponsors show up because an audience is already there for something. That means people are already watching it and the sponsor are paying to reach that audience. Do people do things for money that they wouldn't do if they weren't being paid? Uhh... it's called work. Your exact same argument of money enticing someone to do something dangerous could be put on firefighters or police officers just as easy as a Freerider.
  • 6 8
 @Rubberelli: fire fighters like bankers or cleaners, tend to be more useful than professional freeriders... can I now get my 20 year ban from Pinkbike?
  • 4 0
 @ibishreddin: Then how come Aggy stated "On any other day, I wouldn't have dropped in." He felt pressure to perform. No, it's not like someone is pointing a gun, but there's pressure nonetheless.
  • 3 1
 @zonoskar: he put pressure on himself. No one would have stopped him if he decided not to drop in
  • 3 0
 The risk is also what makes people watch extreme sports. The most extreme case probably being the Isle of Man race, where basically every year a rider gets killed.
  • 2 0
 @claw: @claw: Didn't you show up to your first Rampage in what, 2003, on a SC Bullit with a Dorrado that bottomed out on every hit, and proceeded to come 3rd? Wild man.
  • 2 0
 @claw: I love watching you guys push the limits! Makes us mortals push our limits. Sick run this year!!

Hope you have a speedy recovery Aggy.
  • 1 0
 @claw: hell yeah...just nailed a drop I've been scared of for at least eight years after watching. Guess what...there was so much wind it scared the shit out of me, but like Zink said sometimes you just feel it and go. Seeing some of those guys get back up after those drops made my ten footer look totally survivable...and I nailed it. Wife told me I'm stupid though, haha. You guys keeps freeride alive and I love showing my boy what it's all about. You and Strait are his idols.
  • 2 0
 @scott-townes: werd to that scott
  • 3 0
 @Rubberelli: thanx bud!
  • 9 0
 @WAKIdesigns: no worries I just get fired up when people try and throw blame around.
For myself and most of the other athletes we roll into rampage with a dream of stomping the best line of your life but the truth is that even without red bull or the event I would still have this dream and persevere to the ends of the earth to achieve it.


I am putting together a film with my brother called "reverence" its going to be a doc style film on fear.


Stay tuned for that!
  • 3 0
 @atrokz: haha yep sure did and I loved every second of it, except when my chain fell off cuz i had no guide.
  • 2 0
 @fastlaneflyer: thanx bud
  • 2 0
 @rcrdrvr: awesome, every small victory is still a victory!!!!
  • 1 0
 @claw: It's great to see you comment on this, sort of hard to argue against the viewpoint of someone who actually competes in Rampage, so good to watch you all pushing the limits, please send Aggy healing vibes from us PB users.
  • 3 4
 @claw - great to hear your answers. I have issues with transferring what I mean. I have isse with Rampage as a live televised event. If you guys want to huck yourselves like FEST series then off course please. But the issue is that nobody wants to watch a likeable guy like you, crash and not get up. A sight of a dude not getting up like Aggy is just fricking heart breaking. To me, you guys no longer push the boundaries, you went to the other side, lifted off and now play on another planet. Average mtb bloke after 10 years of riding is closer to a 10yr old kid that just got his first BMX than to you. Same with Christiano Ronaldo in football, Alex Honnold in climbing or Michael Jordan in Basketball. What you do is completely out of reach of a regular dude. So you are pushing your own game now, it has very little to do with Mountain Biking. That's why when I look at it, I barely see something new compared to 2008, because I can't grasp it. It just looks bigger and sketchier to me. Nothing to your style, I realize circumstances but when I see you from ROAM and you on Rampage, or Semenuk in UNREAL and Semenuk on Rampage it just raises hair on my back. Because here are these two super flowy guys who suddenly, in the face of these insane circumstances ride as if you had sticks in your butt. Even Andreu seemed to be throwing something and be happy to be over with it. Again: flowy rider throwing some style on big stuff on Crankworx Whistler, brought to a fricking mountain of terror,trying to put together a trick on a gigantic feature. Style vs size. This makes me, a loser, a troll, a blatant pussy, think that risk grew way bigger than reward. I watch rigid tricks with high chance of seeing a dude eating sht really seriously. A kind of stuff that if wasn't on live television, would never be replayed. I don't judge Cam Zink for bringing his family. I don't want to watch him hurt himself badly in front of his kid. If a tree falls in the woods and no one saw it falling? Am I a delusional hipocrite? Oh hell no, only the outcome of the competition determines that. You jump from a 100ft cliff and make it alive, you are a hero, always. You crash and you are a martyr to some and loser to other. Duality is present everywhere in everything. When I said #fk rampage I meant it being too sketchy for live TV. Any serious mess up will backfire on RedBull and "your sport"

Someone mentioned other simplier sports being risky too. Yes a girl died on XC race, but that's considered an anomaly. On Rampage it is an anomaly that nobody dies.

Some people have no issues with it, fine. Just like some enjoy watching war footage or road accidents.

Whatever, who gives a sht anyways.
  • 5 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Your opinion doesn't need to be clarified. To point one thing out in your post, "On Rampage it is an anomaly that nobody dies." No, its actually not. No one, thankfully, has died in the 11 times its been held. They say it over and over again how dangerous this event is so any serious mess up will not backfire on the sport. Its an inherent risk everyone (aside from you apparently) are aware of. Its the reality of the event and discipline.

In other sports people have died during live events and it never backfired, it only brought on an honest reflection of the sport and what could be done to prevent a further tragedy from happening. To be blunt, you don't get it so your opinion on the event is irrelevant. Instead of bitching about it, just don't watch it next year. Its pretty simple.
  • 4 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Your War and Peace length fumbling to try and clarify your position is ridiculous, when Rampage's most prominent competitor tells you point blank this is what he would be doing Red Bull or not (completely disproving your thesis that they are made to do it by enticement of $$$ - which isn't some incredible amount anyway). Also ridiculous is to expect any human to perform some incredible physical feat and not want others to see it.
  • 3 4
 I love it how you act as if my wicked opinion could change anything or as if you tried to save me from my own invalid opinion. An a-hole rumbles on the internet, whoopie doo, a sad, frustrated, miserable mother effer writes novels. Just don't fkng reply. How hard can that be... oh no he spreads wrong ideas, we must stop him! He doesn't get it... I can't believe that you guys can fkng reply to me. I can turn around any argument and keep on writing this pointless bollocks just for the sake of keeping it rolling. It is bullcrap, no matter what I write about, Everything. Rampage or boost. I just come in and poke this ant hill with a stick... bzzz bzzz bzzzzzzzz Cheers
  • 6 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Then why do you post? You post to have your ideas validated or responded to, not because you want to poke an ant hill or whatever. Relax, you're not that important, we all like discussing bike things even if its with someone with an absurd idea or opinion.
  • 1 0
 @claw: yeah Claw!!
  • 2 2
 Wacky, your just a flea and I'm a big dog. I'll scratch you off my balls with my motherfucking paws!
  • 2 5
 Isn't fantastic when a pro rider comes and smashes down a really annoying troll in the comment section? That's like once in a life time
  • 1 6
flag WAKIdesigns (Oct 24, 2016 at 10:26) (Below Threshold)
 I mean... Darren wouldn't possibly be biased to defend event organised by his sponsor... I'll show myself out
  • 4 0
 @WAKIdesigns: He wasn't sponsored when he first competed as an unofficial alternate on a borrowed bike when his buddy crashed out and since then always had a favorable lean towards big mtn ripping so yeah... thank you for confirming you don't have the slightest idea of what's going on.

But hey thanks for also confirming that you're trying too hard to validate your useless thoughts because he took a minute to respond to your opinion while at the same time promoting a project we will all be stoked on... I mean that's not pathetic for you to do.... yup.
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Why not come right out and say an event he has been an integral part of the planning and site choice as well. Is he biased? Uh, yeah, thats the entire f*cking point! He knows what he is actually talking about, unlike you. What's next, youre going to bag on WC for being too dangerous to broadcast and when Aaron Gwin hops on to defend it, you will say he's too biased?
  • 1 4
 @scott-townes: Jesus Christ, you are soooo butthurt that someone doesn't appreciate your saint cow, that someone doesn't get what you understand soooo well. I don't get it, and don't find a tiniest merit in getting it, because there is no fkng gold medal for liking and understanding Red Bull Rampage. Nobody gets anything for being the biggest fan.

Ok, I'm off, an a-hole deserves to have his last word
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Not to worry, we'll all be seeing your name pop up soon enough. Can't wait...
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: Apparently you don't know how to read. "Relax, you're not that important, we all like discussing bike things even if its with someone with an absurd idea or opinion."

Stop giving yourself so much credit. You don't mean much outside of a way to kill a few minutes at work.
  • 27 1
 Aggy is my favourite freerider and a fellow Kamloopsian shredder that inspires us all with his skills, guts, focus and positive attitude. Heal well bud and come back stronger!!
  • 23 0
 nice work out there aggy! healing vibes my friend!
  • 20 4
 Aggy we love ya man, peoples champ. Did it for the fans, for the pure love of spinning wheels on dirt. This guy just earned himself a penthouse sweet in the MTB hall of fame. Changing and radically progressing the sport. Crested Butte recognizes the realness. Heal up, get some DMSO and hemp CBD oil in your body. Peace

Please support Paul Basagoitia with his ongoing recovery; quarter of a million dollars raised thus far by US, the true fans/riders (not greedy bags RedBull)
road2recovery.com/cause-view/irideforpaul
~Thanks!
#iride4Paul
  • 13 0
 Aggy is the Stirling Moss of the freeride: the uncrowned champion.
  • 8 0
 Trying not to waste first comment but finding myself speechless. He's a modern gladiator, a compliment to him but a bit of a shame to the rest of us as spectators, sponsors, and organizers. I cringed in repulsion when I watched the crash live. I'm torn about Rampage. Watching these guys stomps their runs is so inspiring, but none of it is worth a life. One thing is for certain, much respect to all the riders and prayers for quick and complete recovery.
  • 5 1
 I understand your emotional response, but a lot of the guys at this event like Tippie, Bender and McCaul were doing the same thing before television, live streaming an prize purses, so I got to think it's down to boys, bikes and jumps. Most of us are also pushing our limits in lots of activities. I don't know what the underlying motivation is, and I don't discount the added pressure of cameras and fans, but I've got to believe these guys would be doing this regardless.

"On any other day, I wouldn't have dropped in" is something any of us might say after it goes pear-shaped, but the key is we say it after, not before.
  • 8 0
 I will never forget sitting in the bike shop with a few other buddies watching his run and all of us just being stoked at all points but when he hit the ground in that crash we all made the same cringing sound and it went really really quiet for a few minutes in that shop. I don't really remember actually giving to much of a fuck about the rest of the event... It seemed like we were all still processing what happened and thinking about Pull Bass the year before and how these tow crashes had a lot in common in how the broadcast was trying to deflect attention and kill time and how just like last year we were in the dark for so long on what had happened.... All of these Athletes just blow my mind with what seems to be such a great ability to deal with fear and still go through with hitting these lines. Being fearless is silly but to overcome fear is one hell of a testament to someone's mental strength. Glad to see Aggy is gonna be alright and hope too see him up and at it sooner than later. To everyone who competes at rampage.. Respect.
  • 6 0
 I know this is not the right place to ask, but where are all the promised injury updates from world champs???
There were like 4-5 seriously brutal crashes and there was not even one single report. What about Elliot Jackson? Is he going to be 'back again' again?
Best healing vibes to aggy, though!
  • 1 0
 yeah I wondered about EJ. Couldn't find anything other than a later thread on PB I think that suggested he was OK
  • 2 0
 He's fine and its off season now so prolly just chilling.
  • 1 0
 @scott-townes: Really? No injury after all? Cause that crash was nasty a.f.
  • 1 0
 @mazze: That it was. From what I read nothing broken or serious. Concussions are a different matter so who knows on that.
  • 11 3
 He should have gotten people's choice!
  • 4 2
 ...and by far. Stupid masses!... Voting riders didn t came down yet!...
  • 2 3
 I disagree. Even though we all love Aggy, brutal but true, its unfair to rid someone that had a clean run down the mountain of peoples choice. I garantee Aggy would say the same.
  • 3 1
 @ibishreddin: I respectfully disagree. Aggy could use a little fan love my friend!
  • 4 0
 Graham{
Just have to say you have an incredible attitude and a large seed bag. You dropped into the wild knowing that you might pull it off as we know the skills you have shown us over and ever again.....this time knowing the high consequences of the run with the wild wind. You took an awful impact, I felt it to my bones......then you held up the OK sign with the bull horns on the stretcher..I'm not sure how you did that but I want to express from all of us who SUPPORT the event and every rider that we got your back like we all did for Paul B.
Keep well and yes I'm sending healing vibes....you got this and much more to come and victories in your future.
Massive Maximum Respect.
  • 4 1
 The speediest recovery wishes!


On the other note, RBR should be all natural terrain, not digged out slope style course on mega steroids!
When they had some inserts of Bender droping in the red pow which was untouched, that was real freeride riding! He was getting and still is getting lots of critics, but his stuff was natural! Underrated.

SO make RBR all natural, remove some rocks from your line and major stuff, but leave the pow and the dirt natural!

That will show who has true freeride skills and that would suit the real Freeriders like Doerfling.
I don't care much for circus tricks in pijamas ( all props - amazing), but I love the simple dirt pow riding on steep hills, wallrides, carving and some drops...do a 360 into an untouched red pow, that requires serious skill.

Make this and it will be beautiful, much safer and everyone will enjoy. That would be unique and natural!

Imagine Doerfling, Aggy, Bourdo riding natural steep lines at RBR...so beautiful...so fun! Maybe the older guys can ride too...Simmons, Tippie...

MAKE THIS HAPPEN RB!
  • 4 1
 I've written this on Sam Reynolds' facebook when he posted about how he didn't compete in the finals because he felt it was too dangerous, and I guess it applies here too: Watching Rampage, I always worry about how many riders are doing it just for the media exposure or because they feel pressured to and are not really having a great time, and I'm not super stoked on that possibility.

Heal up, Aggy.
  • 3 0
 Redbull production crew owe Aggy at least a beer. While he was waiting for wind they rolled a montage of riders talking about Aggy and the last one was Zink, and the last line was something to the effect of "as long as he gets down safely". They might as well have called "Last run", which we all know you just don't do in sports like these.
  • 3 1
 Raddest thing I've ever seen. Absolutely gutted for the guy, I know he took a huge slam...even calling it a slam doesn't do that crash justice but I'm just glad he can recover and hopefully show us how it was meant to go in the future. Great of him to give this insight probably from his hospital bed. Wishing you a speedy recovery dude.
  • 5 1
 I sure hope REDBULL is paying his bills. If not let me know where I can donate to my favorite rider. That crash made my stomach hurt. Get well Aggy!
  • 1 0
 He's Canadien so he has coverage. I do wonder if usa hospital is able to charge canada or how that works...maybe athlete's and and traveler's arrange this prior to..?
  • 4 1
 @jrocksdh: I'm sure he's got some sort of insurance coverage for being out and about as he travels constantly shooting. And I'm sure whatever's left Red Bull will pick up.

But he basically looses his way of making a living for a few months. Sucks.
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: not out of country unless you have extra coverage like Green Shield. This event eliminates most personal insurance.
  • 2 0
 Last year there was quite a controversy about Paul Bas and the fact that RedBull did not pay the bills or required insurance for riders to participate. But I would like to hear from someone that knows this for sure, I wouldn't want to perpetuate an internet rumor...
  • 5 0
 @TheBigMtt: He got tons of help. Pinkbike. YT. Etc. Scott stayed behind him and is honoring the remaining 2 years on his contract even knowing he can't compete for them. As far as Red Bull goes. I do not know specifically what they did but I do know they stepped in to help.

Legally none of these companies had any responsibility to do what they did... but they did.

I'm just happy to see that dude walking.... and riding.
  • 1 0
 @korev: Thanks!
  • 5 2
 I bought Ashes to Aggasiz even though I had never bought an mtb video before. I like bikes and boobs. Then I bought some other videos and they had no boobs. I don't buy bike videos now because Aggy spoiled me.
  • 8 2
 You had a gold medal run...get well soon and stronger than ever...
  • 4 0
 If I would treat this like a wc dh race, for me he would be at least 8 seconds up just before crash. Heal up soon Aggy!!
  • 3 1
 Everyone was/is talking about the wind, but how realistic is it to wait for perfect conditions out there? It seems wind is an issue every year even though this year the flags really didn't seem to be blowing that hard. Even when it looked like the wind wasn't even blowing some guys were talking about getting blown around. I've never been out there so I don't know what the "normal"conditions are, but its hard to imagine that its ever perfect with no wind. Considering the height and exposure of those venues it seems some wind is just part of the terrain. With that said, maybe these riders just need to dial this shit back a little. Considering that in some cases their landings are only a couple feet wide maybe they just can't do some of these things on that terrain (which includes some wind).
  • 2 0
 Speaking of landings, look at POV footage of that drop it's pretty clear that the landing was nowhere near lined up with the takeoff, Sorge nearly missed it and he straight aired.
  • 2 0
 When it comes to sports I'm usually not the big fan guy who wants to meet all the athletes and stuff, but when it comes to @Aggy... I must admit, I would love to sit down with this man and hang out, get to know him... I want to say go ride with him but I don't think i would be riding much. Probably just stand there in awe and watch him...

Aggy, I hope and pray that your recovery is quick and eventless. God bless! You rock!
  • 2 0
 I actually stopped watching after his crash...maybe I was not in the right frame of mind for an evening of rampage action ..I don't know...but after witnessing that horrific accident I questioned whether it was worthwhile potentially watching someone have a serious injury or worse. Don't get me wrong - I get the importance of the event, but as the top commenter mentioned....risking riders safety to fit it into a live event is not in the riders best interest and ultimately I think they will lose viewers...like they lost me that evening
  • 2 0
 The real problem is us because the competition because of the live on red bull TV. We all want watch faster as we could the next run of our favorites riders. Red bull rampage is a competition one of the hardest .... Hard to say words about it
  • 2 0
 Rampage is awesome, but does anyone remember watching kelly ragdoll down those stairs in china? Zero f*cks given for human safety. This runs are dangerous enough. The wind is always wrecking this event. I love that redbull supports mountain biking, but i hate their drink and the fact they care more about clicks than lives. I feel a deep connection to these ridess, most of which i have never met and never will. I want to see the best and the highest level, but rampage is dangerous. Dont make them do it in high wind. Oh yeah...redbull hardline is a joke too, too dangerous. Dont agree, look at the riders that show up. No one wants to ride that course, its clownshoes
  • 2 0
 hardline is built by Dan Atherton... why would he not want to ride his own course?
  • 1 4
 kelly who? please link so I can educate myself Smile
  • 2 0
 It's all relative. Everyone stumbles over their limit and f*cks up at some point. You just have to hope that your body can absorb whatever that entails... This particular f*ck up led to him to the equivalent of falling out of a tall building (the best fall from the greatest heights). I think he understood the risk beforehand. Beyond the short term agony, in the long term you were pretty fortunate mother lucker!!! You get to play again next year. Stay lucky!
  • 2 0
 I was watching it with my 2 year old son. I pressed mute, closed the screen and walked away tearing up.. Fak bud. That was mega and so glad you threw up the horns. heal up soon and keep doing what you're doing!
  • 1 0
 To also add to avoiding live coverage to relieve pressure. Think of how much better ut would be to do an 'as live' event, collect on board footage and the helicpoter / drone footage, so itcan be seamlessly stitched together to give essentially an event that would be as rad as a video segment.

Protect the riders and benefit the viewers so we dont have to watch 3 hours of flags waving on a mountain
  • 1 0
 Really hope Aggy makes a full recovery and gets back on a bike soon. I also hope they had a hospital bed big enough for him and his massive balls! His run at Rampage was unbelievable, so gutted for him that he didn't make it down as I think that would of been the winning run.
  • 1 0
 have you seen that mattress advert on the telly? They simulate a bum landing on the bed with a blue moulded thing. Its actually Aggy's nut sack, or Danny Hart's even...
  • 1 0
 @john260164: Ha ha, haven't seen it but that sounds about right.
  • 1 0
 My thoughts on the whole Rampage and Red Bull is too much, Zink crashing in front of his family, etc. stuff.

There is no question what is in store for these guys when they sign up for Red Bull Rampage. It's billed as, and is, the most extreme sporting event in the world. These are big boys making decisions with all the knowledge of what they're getting into. They are there scouting it all week, building it, checking weather. Some bailed on run 2, some bailed on run 1 even. They make the call they're comfortable with knowing all the risks, but also the rewards.

Aggy wrecked himself. Well, have you seen some of his videos? This guy is gonna do enough gnarly stuff to have that same level accident or worse whether Red Bull is involved or not. There's countless crazy built trails and jump areas that guys are riding daily for fun, no glory other than personal and a few buddies. They're doing this anyways. 40 foot drops? Ok fine, not that on the daily for most, but it's extreme and fast enough to cause as bad an injury or worse. It's no different than other extreme sports.

As for Red Bull. They are making money yes, for sure. They are also providing medical staff that was at Aggie's side within a moment, and he was in a chopper in minutes. That doesn't happen in the woods. I crashed in a highly populated area and I wasn't in an ambulance for 15 minutes. The medics were talking about guys who crash in the middle of the woods and it turns into rescue efforts walking the guy out on stretchers. So, for that, Red Bull is at least making sure the right assets are there.

As for accelerating the sport, well these riders are. Rampage is giving them that platform. Do most guys even know about Rampage? I don't know, but the bikes these sponsored riders are riding, and the shocks and gear they use, it's almost a test lab like any other racing sport. What is learned and offered by them trickles into what we ride. Look at a mid travel or enduro bike today, that itself is more than what they had in Rampage 1.
  • 1 0
 Get well soon Aggy! We all want to see you out riding asap!

As for Rampage - I could do without... . I know it's the pinnacle of the sport and I know free riding is all about pushing the limits. But the pressure of the competition is just too dangerous. The terrain is too exposed to wind. Time for serious rethinking- new place, simply dump it all together, or maybe parachutes?!?!

Anyways, keep your heads up Paul and Aggy!
  • 1 0
 Stupid discussion. It's all relevant. Ask moto guys like Aaro Gwin what they say. IT'S STILL SLOW. IT'S STILL SAFE.

ofcourse you can think that freeride and rampage and fest are pervert dangerous. especially when you look at Aggy, Andreu or Romanuk. Or Zink. but when you stres that fact, it reveals your ignorance! you have no panorama on extreme sports in general! in FMX any trick done is like Zink's Sender Backflip! they just massacre themselves! IT'S STILL SLOW! and it's a good thing! for me the problems described exist in FMX: please no more this! i can not look at that!
  • 3 2
 I think competitions like rampage are awesome and essential for the progression of our sport. I dont think putting on a competition with this much risk and varying conditions within a small time frame is safe how ever, as the past few years have yielded large injuries. I think aggys comment "On any other day, I wouldn't have dropped in" really shines light on the pressure that is put on these athletes to preform, even under dangerous conditions.
  • 2 1
 I was there and saw that crash. I actually have the exact moment he slammed into the rock on my camera. It's gnarly. I can't believe he didn't lose teeth, or break his jaw. He was wrapped around the rock and the corner of the landing, and his helmet was buried into it.
  • 1 0
 Really happy to hear it was "just" an injury that will heal within a couple of months. I was really afraid you were going down the same path as Paul Bas last year Frown Still must have been a terrible experience, both the crash, the time in the hospital and your upcoming recovery. Wishing you all the best and strength!! You rock!!
  • 1 0
 @Kona World: Since the quotes about the wind are separated from the rest of Aggy'a dialogue, I can't tell what context he is putting theverything element of wind in.

Is he saying the wind blew him 2 feet right and that's why he wrecked or is he saying he was lucky he even got to that point in his run despite the wind being dangerous?
  • 1 0
 The quotes are separated for readability, but are together a cohesive statement. The statement about wind refers to the pressure of competition and not to the wind affecting the 360.
  • 1 0
 @konaworld: Thanks for clarifying. The "teaser" on the PB front page mentions the wind, but the 360 is what is on everyone's mind, so it's hard to read it that way at first.

Since this thing is getting more dialed in, my first thought was that they all need a spray can or a bag of chalk to mark their exit line off these blind take offs. If Aggy had a marker to aim for, one less thing to worry about. Or maybe survey flags on the lip so he knows where not to go.

Hindsight is always 20/20 and markers on take offs wouldn't really give any advantage so long as all riders are allowed to use them. They do it in boardercross on snow and at bike parks for blind lips.
  • 1 0
 I agree with all the format change comments. No one unless you're a complete weirdo wants to see these athletes get severely injured. That's on a couple of levels for all of us. We all ride, and we've all been injured at some point. That awful feeling as you lay there on the ground checking to see what moves and where you hurt making that awful primal noise of agony is nothing that anyone who's ever experienced it wants to see happen.
These guys who ride this are among the best athletes in the world in any sport. I don't think a single rider at rampage would hesitate to put on a football uniform and team up against an NFL team. They'd get trounced of course but they wouldn't back down. Any NFL players want to drop in at rampage?? No way, those guys would piss their pants on the first step down and it would likely take two weeks for their balls to drop back down into place.
So, given the courage it takes to ride these lines even under ideal conditions Red Bull should do all it can to guarantee the safety and fairness of the event. If that can't be done within the live broadcast format than so be it. I'd rather wait a day to see an edited 2-3 hour broadcast and know that every rider got a fair shot at stomping it. Than see another rider end up like Paul Bas or Aggy.
Long live this sport of Mtb. The greatest of all sports.

Peace out.
Tim
  • 2 1
 On a more humble level all racers can empathize with the same mentality. When it's time to perform, you put it all out there. In Aggy's case, the stakes as well as the risk was just monumentally high.
  • 1 0
 Is there another time in the year when the wind isn't so bad at the venue ? Wind delays sucked for us spectators live can only imagine for the riders. Adding a wind element for this event is beyond belief.
  • 1 1
 Al the best aggy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 1 1
 well to be honest I dont fully believe in all those stories that you can do shit like that and go beyond any safe your life> instincts. because normally they dont go too far! it's just some guys like Aggy and Romaniuk. When Andreu won, I knew that they both got the same line, and I was worried about Aggy! His eyes were not normal! And Andreu would not even ride that line! It was Aggy who tried that first and Andreu was just scared more to be a king pussy than to die, and he did it also, only because of Aggy! Eventually he crashed in practice before finals and yeah I was kind of not to say happy but you know what I mean when you read this article!
  • 1 0
 Heal up those wounds. There is a place for you and its at the TOP!

In any way you are #1 at heart and soul of riding, and you are in our hearts and minds!

We love you man. Get well!
  • 2 0
 Aggy, man that crash was intense, I'm happily stunned you didn't suffer more major injuries than a broken pelvis. It looked much worse. All the best.
  • 1 0
 If you want to keep wind out, just build a bigly wall. All kidding aside, I hope Aggy heals well, fills his days with positive thoughts and continues to shred with the best of them.
  • 1 1
 That Aggy run was on it's way to epic and the 360 would have cap it off perfectly. As for what to do about Rampage to make it safer... I think that's up to the riders who do it to decide. I can't imagine dropping those lines even on a perfect day but maybe weather is part of it? Maybe more than one back up day or a time of year with less wind??. Rampage, Hardline, Fest ... you name it these specialty events have higher risks and with that comes the challenge and a rush that can't be ignored if you're riding at that level. Personally I don't like the scoring; Semenuk had a great run but I can't help feeling like Rampage is turning into a free ride version of Crankworx. And doing two runs should count for something. I know the Rampage tittle is worth more than the money so what about lowering the prize money so it's not a factor. Spread the payouts more evenly and pay anyone that competes.
  • 1 0
 Aggy throwing down a 360 and trying to nail a small window of a landing. Sick! Thats what we want to see!when your at top the top of your game the risks are huge. Heal up Aggy. Hope to see you stomping Rampage next year.
  • 1 0
 Rampage is not safe. That's part of what makes it great: you can get BROKE the F OFF. It's part of the deal. I'm watching to see the gnarliest riders do the gnarliest stuff. Why are you watching?
  • 6 2
 #GetWellAggy
  • 1 0
 Best of luck and we all hope for a speedy recovery! One of the nastiest crashes I have seen at rampage. It was truly hard to watch!
  • 1 0
 I still can't believe the size of that drop and Aggy actually 3-ing this beast! Was ready to suicide no-hander to jaw drop the shit out of that couch as soon as he landed it!
  • 2 0
 I am going to buy 'Ashes to Aggasiz 2' when it comes out after his Rampage 2017 win.
  • 3 0
 All that wind and hair and beard be blowing u off coarse
  • 2 0
 Heal fast brother, it was a brave run and it goes to show that we are breakable. Be safe out their fellow riders.
  • 4 2
 I dont think I would ride that chute on skis (in snow duh). That is ridiculous.
  • 1 0
 Awesome run! Get well soon! And yeah, I am not gonna watching live stream next year if it only pushes riders to kill themselves just because it on now.
  • 3 0
 Nice of Kona a to declare Aggy the Victor if he had landed it!
  • 1 0
 I think when environmental conditions matter, follow pro surfing. A weeklong holding period where the best days are used....
  • 3 0
 what! jumping of a cliff on a bike isn't safe? i'm shocked!
  • 2 0
 woah, glad you're ok. Can't wait to see you again in 2017!! Heal up!
  • 1 0
 Speedy recovery Aggy, you'll be back. Your time spent at Mac Arthur bmx sure shows in your smooth style.
  • 1 3
 Nice shoes Aggy. That's the same pair of shoes Kelly was wearing the last time he filmed. Get well dude. You're a beast. We love watching you man but I personally don't enjoy watching riders get worked. So get healthy and come back better than ever!
  • 1 0
 we got a lot of repect for you bro, heal up quikly, tonz of love from the Chiloe Island !!
  • 1 0
 I hope he heals well and is able to come out of this injury as close to 100% as possible.
  • 1 0
 Well... its his self who said that on any other day HE WOULD NOT have dropped that in.
  • 1 0
 Sorry man great run in. Bitchen style !
  • 2 1
 The Man ! what a crazy run it was .
  • 1 0
 Heal up Aggy! Wishing you a safe and quick recovery.
  • 1 0
 Aggy, u bad mofo, wish ya the best!
  • 1 0
 Aggy wracaj do zdrowia ! Widzimy się na następnym Rampage
  • 1 0
 Awesome run bro, looked amazing. Rest well, ride soon!!!
  • 1 0
 Heal well Aggy! We want to see you WIN this event next year!!
  • 1 0
 Aggy is my true hero! Speedy recovery brotha!
  • 1 0
 get rid of the rampage, go for a ride and cuddle up with your girlfriend
  • 1 0
 Wish you a speedy recovery aggy!!!
  • 1 0
 All the best, Aggy, heal fast!
  • 1 0
 Maybe Sam Reynolds was right to pull out on the day?
  • 1 0
 this guy looks like Justin Barcia's long lost brother.
  • 1 0
 all mountain Bikers like me are praying for you to get well soon
  • 1 0
 huevos mas grande de todos!
  • 1 0
 Heal up Aggy!
  • 1 0
 Aggy 4 President !
  • 1 0
 GWS Bro!!!
  • 3 2
 Aggy = Hero
  • 1 1
 It was windy for all the riders, wasn't it?
  • 1 0
 Wind and gusts are not consistent. They come and go and you cannot see them to try to anticipate the wind load. So, the answer to your question is no, the wind was not the same for any of the riders. Not the same now than it was 10 seconds ago.
  • 1 0
 WARRIOR
  • 3 1
 Definitely was on the winning run, Aggy's and Doerfling's top line is what Rampage is all aboot.
"Sometimes you just gotta say fk it an roll the dice man"
  • 1 0
 Storm trooper.
  • 1 0
 Rest up bro!
  • 1 0
 Clown biking
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