Stevie Smith: 1989-2016

May 10, 2021
by Alicia Leggett  


Stevie Smith
Long Live
Chainsaw
1989–2016

Today marks the fifth year since Canadian downhill legend died at age 26 after a motorcycle accident. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on.

Stevie Smith is remembered not only for being Canada's greatest downhill racer, but for the enthusiasm, friendship, and good-natured competitive spirit he brought to the sport. He was humble, goofy, and hardworking. His full impact on the bike community is impossible to put into words, but it will not be forgotten. Here are some of our favorite photos from his riding career.

Long live Chainsaw

2014 World Cup 4 Leogang

Stevie Smith

Stevie Smith

during the World Cup at Mont Saint Anne Quebec Canada. Photo Sven Martin

Bromont 2009 Photo Sven Martin

At UCI MTB World Cup MT ST ANNE Quebec canada Photo Sven Martin

during the UCI WC round in Maribor Slovenia2010 Photo by Sven Martin

Chainsaw at Val di Sole in 2011.

Steve on the podium for the WC overall at the World Cup finals in Val di Sole IT in 2011

Stevie Smith

Steve Smith longlivechainsaw

Steve Smith longlivechainsaw

CWX13 Whistler Photo Sven Martin

Steve Smith longlivechainsaw

at the 2013 UCI MTB World Cup. Ft William Scotland. Photo Sven Martin

Steve Smith longlivechainsaw

Steve Smith

Steve Smith in Follow Me by Anthill

Steve Smith

Steve Smith

Steve Smith at Fort William in 2011.

during the 2012 UCI World Cup Hafjell Norway. Photo Sven Martin

during the Crankworx Festival 2012 Whistler Canada Photo Sven Martin

Steve Smith longlivechainsaw

At UCI MTB World Cup MT ST ANNE Quebec canada Photo Sven Martin

Stevie Smith

Photo Sven Martin

Stevie Smith

during the Leogang MTB World Cup Austria. Photo Sven Martin

Downhill at the 2013 Leogang UCI MTB World Cup Finals Austria. Photo Sven Martin

Stevie Smith

Stevie Smith

Stevie Smith

Stevie Smith

Photo by Harookz

Steve Smith longlivechainsaw

during the 2015 Mavic Transprovence Photo Sven Martin

during the 2016 UCI MTB World Cup round two Cairns Australia. Photo Sven Martin

Stevie Smith will be immortalized as someone who made mountain biking better than it was before he came along.

Rest in peace, Stevie Smith. Long live chainsaw.

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118 Comments
  • 406 0
 The greatest segment of any mtb movie with his mum shuttling him in Seasons, even more poignant when you watched it back again after all his successes.
He made DH racing alive and exciting and seemed like such a cool guy off the bike too.

What amazing work the foundation has been doing in his honour.
#longlivechainsaw
  • 98 0
 youtu.be/v2Y3_Nygzq0

In case the young ones need some education.
  • 24 0
 R.I,P. Stevie Smith. Thanks being you! You're an inspiration to so many of us Salute
  • 36 1
 His run to win the WC DH overall over Gee was one of the best - up there with the Loic/Amaury showdown, but with greater animosity. I yelled at the TV that morning.
  • 14 0
 This video of him is sick: m.youtube.com/watch?v=2t4xFRaBbzM
  • 9 0
 #LONGLIVECHAINSAW
  • 2 0
 That is still one of my favorite segments of any bike video
  • 16 0
 Absolutely agree. One of my favorite segments as well.

I happened to be riding one of the days he was filming on Prevost for that segment of Seasons. My friends and I were hacking our way down the trail and we ran into them while filming. him and the film crew were super cool about it, they might have been filming when we stumbled upon them. there was someone dangling from a cable above when we passed through. It was awesome to see him slashing through that same trail at Stevie speed in the film ... when we were watching his segment on Seasons we were like, "huh ... oh, that's how you do that section. no idea you could do that."
  • 14 0
 Already linked below but bumping to the top.

Tear jerker time after time.

RIP.

www.pinkbike.com/video/444791
  • 1 0
 I just watched that two days ago. I liked how they put her in the credits
  • 1 0
 I liked him and never met him. Bought a Wilson because of him! Seemed like such a genuine person with a ton of talent......always having fun too!
  • 1 0
 Indeed it is. I’ve shown that segment to my kids many times. It still gives me chills.
  • 5 0
 @shredddr: I was screaming like a Banshee at my monitor that morning! It was the middle of the night here when that race happened.... The cops got called because they thought I was drunked up.... The cops laughed and said carry on... They knew of Stevie....
  • 1 0
 @enduroNZ: THank You for this link! I have goose bumps after watching it. Such an amazing race run!
  • 1 0
 Heartstrings
  • 2 0
 i remember that segment, but never made the connection. What a mum. off topic, but i love it when i see mums, who’d rather be somewhere else on a wednesday evening, at our local ski hill/bike park riding the blues on their decades old bikes so that their kid has someone to ride with.
  • 1 0
 @shredddr: Same here. I’ll never forget it. What an epic rivalry they had that year. Both of them in top form. Thanks for those memories Stevie. We all still miss you so much.
  • 274 1
 Thanks Pinkbike for the wonderful dedication to my boy❤️
  • 2 0
 ❤️
  • 1 0
 ❤️
  • 157 1
 What a legend! I’ll never forget him just chatting with my dad in a random hotel parking lot before sea otter one year. I was too scared to chat with him for a bit but he was as down to earth as it gets and chatted with my father, who knew nothing at the time about bikes, for a good while.
Also when I was very young, I had found him on Facebook while just searching my favorite pros names. He accepted and I would message him all the time. I was just a goofy little bike obsessed kid but he gave me all the time in the world and responded every time I wanted to chat with him online. The impact he had on me growing up is immeasurable. He is The type of person this world needs more of.
Gone too soon.
Long Live Chainsaw!
  • 64 0
 Stevie Smith Ghost Run Tribute — Fort William 2016
  • 12 0
 thanks for sharing this.
  • 6 0
 And don't forget @Hwulex who came up with the idea!
  • 56 3
 Fucking ninjas cutting onions...
  • 41 0
 Posts like this ensure he lives forever. Happy Mothers Day momma Smith. We are all sending you our love!
  • 1 0
 this
  • 33 0
 #LONGLIVECHAINSAW
  • 26 0
 I'm not crying, you're crying!
  • 19 0
 In his Championship year, when he was locked in a tight battle for the overall with Gee, he showed up at Crankworx mid season and won everything he entered. Not worried about potential injury ruining his chances, just pure love for racing. What a legend!!!!!!!
  • 4 0
 You could argue the break from wc racing, the atmosphere of the events and the confidence boost from the results was a part of his success in the latter half of the season. He really finished that year strong.
  • 1 0
 @onone26: that smash and grab at the final round was the stuff legends are made of.
  • 21 0
 The mountain bike world lost something special 5 years ago. Go rip a lap for Stevie all! Long Live Chainsaw.
  • 2 0
 I second this!
  • 21 0
 Need to re-release the tshirts
  • 4 0
 I'd buy one.
  • 4 0
 @captainderp:
I’d buy 5
  • 1 0
 And the stickers. I want those everywhere
  • 1 0
 @loamfiend:
Yup those would be smacked all over my bike and my helmet. He was an idol dude, such a legend
  • 14 1
 The DH world is a sadder place without him.
  • 5 0
 He put Canada on the legit list for racing
  • 1 0
 @giantwhip: True, although I think everyone can agree that one was really only matter of time
  • 13 0
 That MSA run....legend
  • 5 0
 I think the thing that strikes me the most, is the impact he had globally as a true ambassador for the sport.
To see so much love from all the people here on PB across the globe for somebody most of you never met or knew, is pretty profound. Stevie wasn't just a local hero, he is a true legend of the sport. One of the greatest that's ever been or ever will be. As @freeinpg said, Go rip a lap for Stevie!
  • 7 0
 Last night I stumbled upon a video of a 2yo kid ripping the Steve Smith Memorial park on the island. That's Stevie's legacy in action.
  • 5 0
 2015 Whistler I was on the run of my life down lower CiU, I mean I was World Cup level quick (In my head)… yeah then over the bridge into HoD I had a reality check! Stevie and I presume it was Wallace came past and honestly if you shoved me out of a plane on a bike I wouldn’t be going that fast… I had never realised just how much faster “they” were than “us” or even that bikes could go that fast, hell I wouldn’t have kept up if I was on a moto!
One of those moments that I remember just about every ride and it makes me smile.
Only saw the guy in person one other time and he had that same huge smile from the pictures.
A great guy and a great legacy #longlivechainsaw
  • 8 0
 One of my favorite riders of all times !
  • 5 0
 My fondest memory of Stevie is from the afterparty at Hafjell in 2013 where we nerded out over moustache wax and twirling techniques. Long live Chainsaw!
  • 2 0
 I want to know everything he said about moustaches!
  • 6 1
 can´t believe it was 2016 #longlivechainsaw
such a nice guy, I had the pleasure to share some words with him
  • 6 0
 No shirts on the rock, NO SHIRTS ON THE ROCK!! #longlivechainsaw
  • 2 0
 Why did they remove that? Made for epic pictures at least ...
  • 1 0
 Greatest memory, Sea Otter soon after he won the DH, sitting in the PB tent we had a drinking contest of who could drink the most of the bottle of tequila. Joke was my bottle was water his bottle was not! It was a great moment for both of us and we had a great laugh. A True Miss!!!!
  • 2 0
 five years.. wow. every year i go through the same emotions. i only got to meet him in person at my work once, nicest guy, stoked that i was stoked on bikes too. a legend, truly.
  • 5 0
 Cover picture is the best. The smile.
  • 5 0
 Great to keep Stevie’s memory alive. Thanks PB.
  • 3 0
 Still remember passing by him in the pits at fort William 2013 and thinking I should say hi.. gutted I didn't. Mountain biking missis you Stevie. Long live chainsaw
  • 3 0
 I'd wake up at 2am just to watch his runs. His attack on a bike is missed. He's an international legend and people of Vancouver Island are proud to call him a local hero.
  • 2 0
 I don’t the round or the year or the venue but I want to see the end of his race run when he threw his bike out from under him when he saw his time. You all know the one, help me.
  • 4 0
 2013 World Cup Finals in Leogang...

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO7xwCFZLUE
  • 1 0
 @mustang-sally: yup, thanks. Made my morning
  • 2 0
 Best ride on Vancouver Island is off the summit of Mt Benson in Nanaimo. Hopefully the snow is gone this weekend and we will be able to pay tribute to the trail that holds his name. "Chainsaw Ridge". Long live Chainsaw!
  • 4 0
 An inspiration to so many. Long live chainsaw.
  • 3 0
 Thanks for the memories and inspiration Chainsaw! Still love to rock my 26" Wilson in the park!
  • 3 0
 Dude was an absolute ACE...Made the DH scene feel alive and exciting...The world was a much better place with him in it..
  • 4 0
 Can't believe its already been 5 years.
  • 2 0
 #longlivechainsaw always a legend always there to help the next guy. Rip Stevie
  • 4 0
 Long Live Chainsaw!
  • 3 0
 THE LEGEND, THE KING!

#LONGLIVECHAINSAW \m/ Big Grin
  • 4 0
 Long live chainsaw!
  • 3 0
 Awesome, thanks for the pics of a legend! #longlivechainsaw
  • 2 0
 On my second Wilson and will hang the frame in the garage when it's done. #longlivechainsaw
  • 2 0
 Canadian Legend, the void he left in Downhill will never be filled. #longlivechainsaw
  • 2 0
 @PB: I vote for this day to be National Stevie Smith day!! The first step to getting this day to become a Stat holiday!
  • 3 0
 Wearing my #longlivechainsaw shirt today ...... rip young man
  • 1 0
 Damn, I wish I could have met him. Rest in Peace, Chainsaw Steve.

Glad to see he started on an older heavy bike like the Cove Shocker, my kind of steed tup
  • 1 0
 Bout halfway down, 27th picture I believe, the picture with a halo above his head. I lost it, RIP you legend! Today's ride is for Stevie.
  • 1 0
 i will never forget when stevie won at mont ste anne.
three day before i told him at mont belu, that he will win
he told me i’ll do my best an humble canadian guy
  • 1 0
 Seemed such a humble fella and terrific rider. Love Brookes tribute on his helmet of Stevie. Often watch his videos on youtube. Ride on Stevie , #longlivechainsaw
  • 2 0
 Mann... He was cool! #Legend
  • 3 0
 #longlivechainsaw
  • 2 0
 Hard to believe it's 5 years...miss you Stevie!
  • 2 0
 Steve is shredding In a better place.
  • 2 0
 Shirts off on the rock for chainsaw!
  • 2 0
 Best mustache in the world
  • 2 0
 In the 27th picture he has a halo over his head. Is that real???
  • 2 0
 Yes, that's the logo at MSA
  • 2 0
 RIP to a Canadian Legend.
  • 1 0
 Watching that epic 2013 season with Stevie on RedbullTV is what got me back into DH after a long absence.
  • 1 0
 Downhill racing just wasn't the same after he died. It'll be a long time before it feels whole again, honestly.
  • 1 0
 Long live chainsaw!

Anybody has a link for the video when riders salute him in the massive train ride pls?
  • 1 0
 As a Brit I was rooting for him to beat Gee. One of my all time favourite riders. That smile, that tash....
  • 1 0
 Five years, really? Feels like yesterday ;(
#longlivechainsaw
#longlivejordie
  • 1 0
 @alicialeggett: The first sentence is missing something. A proofreader, maybe?
  • 1 0
 A real down to earth guy. Met him at val di sole. Just a regular guy who appreciates his fans. Rest in power stevie
  • 1 0
 Life is so precious, then it's gone. Sad stuff but celebrate it all and love your parents!
  • 1 0
 This post makes me want to ride my f*cking bike. #longlivechainsaw
  • 1 0
 RIP Stevie. Long live chainsaw
  • 1 0
 This is making me miss racing too...
  • 1 0
 Gone too soon. Long live Chainsaw
  • 1 0
 Ride In Perpetuity I need to find my Long Live Chainsaw T Shirt
  • 1 0
 What's good in a human. Long live CHAINSAW!
  • 1 0
 "It was the mustache"



R.I.P CHAINSAW
  • 1 0
 Long live a true gent and a legend very sorly missed one love chainsaw
  • 1 0
 Awesome pics of an awesome guy.
  • 1 0
 Great ride up there Stevie!
  • 1 0
 Hero, then and still today
  • 1 0
 Rip. WIsh you where here.
  • 1 0
 Legend.
  • 1 0
 Love ya Stevie!!!
  • 1 0
 long live chainsaw!!
  • 1 0
 Mental rider! Top bloke!
  • 1 0
 A true legend.
  • 1 0
 See you in heaven. amen
  • 1 0
 A true shredder!!
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