Photo: Joel Anderson Blasts Around Grizedale On A Stumpjumper

Words & Photos: Chris Lanaway

I've been lucky enough to work with Joel Anderson earlier this year on a soon to be released project and it was an absolute pleasure! Joel is always stoked to go ride and push his limits by leaping into the unknown, he's also an all-round nice guy which as a photographer makes my life a load easier. He's pretty forgiving when its comes to the all too familiar call of "looks sick mate but can we do one more?" Anyone who has been in front of a camera will relate to this. Last week we met up at Gloucester and rolled up to Grizedale in the Lake District for Specialized's Trail Days mountain bike festival. In the back of the van we had the all-new Specialized Stumpjumper which would be Joel's ride for the week.

Those that know Joel will probably think of him for his insane downhill videos and whips usually on his Demo 8 downhill rig. Someone forgot to tell him that the Stumpjumper isn't necessarily a downhill bike but being Joel that wouldn't stop him from trying. I should add that Joel is an exceptional talent on the bike, probably one of the most talented new riders I've seen in a long time. As we arrived in Grizedale I was intrigued as to what he might do when we hit the trails, he is a creative rider that can always seem to get loose in places most riders wouldn't even notice.


First stop was Grizedale bikes where we hooked up with Pat McGurken, manager of the shop and well in the know about where to ride in the Forests around Grizedale. He's also a shredder in his own right, getting involved in the action at Trail Days. With some solid local knowledge we headed into the forest on some mellow trails where Joel familiarised himself with the bike. It didn't take long for him to find new lines. With the light fading, we headed back to the van to find our accommodation and refuel ready for the day ahead, touching base with Pat again to find more hidden gems within the forest.



We woke bright an early, not out of intention but the sheep in Grizedale were clearly stoked at the amazing weather that had struck the Lake District at 5am. We managed to get out for a morning session of a short but techy trail behind our campsite before the duties of the day called. It didn't take long for Joel to start seeing beyond the well-worn route to make up his own lines, he was on a mission to jump some stumps. I mean it seemed like the right thing to do on a Stumpjumper surely? Initially I thought he was joking when he said he was going to send his chosen stump, it was mossy, rutted and pretty tight to a substantial tree. He sends it first go, cameraman in shot. Mate, can we go again? Sure enough, he sends it again only going even faster and even bigger. The shock yelped from the impact but Joel rides it off with the biggest grin, and shout "sick bro".


The following day the weather had improved again, it was roasting! We headed off to explore some more local gems with Pat leading the way, but we arrived at the top of a mountain with little sign of any riding to be had. We scrambled through the bushes until we were suddenly presented with one of the steepest and most slippery trails around, trying to walk down with 15kg of camera kit is not advisable! Controlled falling would best describe my action on the trail. With little consideration and no idea where the trail would end up Joel drops in and descends quickly picking up speed, sliding around he narrowly avoids the mature trees that sit right were any exit route might have been. The only option is to ride it out until you hit the bridle path at the bottom, brakes are merely for damage limitation here! Without being asked he kept riding the trail which made my life a load easier. Each time getting faster and faster, sliding bends and flying down what felt like a near vertical descent. At this point I fully realised his ability, Joel is an exceptional bike handler which paired with self-confidence means there is little beyond his ability. I mean most riders wouldn't consider this line on anything other than a full DH rig and full face, Joel had no issue riding it repeatedly on a trail bike (albeit a very good one) with his open face helmet and goggles.




We were tipped off by a couple of locals about an abandoned quarry that we should check out, we turn to Joel and with no hesitation is keen. With Pat as our guide we hit one quarry, not the intended one but that didn't matter. Right off the mark Joel carves this steep back of loose shale that's pilled up, again and again, and again. This guy loves to ride and will ride anything given the chance. It's not long until we spot a hip on the slag heap, a little walk around to see if it's actually rideable followed by nods all round we line up in anticipation. The thing with shooting with Joel is that his bag of talent is so big and so consistent you can never really predict what he might pull out of it at any one time, this is probably why he's fast becoming my favourite rider to shoot and observe. For someone that doesn't like peddling I've never seen him pedal so furiously, building up the much-needed speed to hit the hip. Next thing we know is he is properly airborne tucked way above the slag heap, it's well worth looking on instagram for the video of the landing to get a sense of how big he actually went. He lands with both shock and fork fully compressed, its no stress and he rides it off again with a huge grin on his face.


Still keen to track down this quarry we were tipped off about we headed out of Grizedale into the mountains near Coniston, we found it again thanks to Pat. There wasn't much in the way of big drops that usually appeal to Joel but he quickly unleashed his creativity to launch onto a natural shark fin, not happy with it he does it repeatedly until he's content. I sit and keep shooting as each go is better than the one before. On the way up to the quarry we noticed yet another slag heap, only this one was even bigger and way sketchier. Joel eyed it up but was unsure. It was likely to cause an avalanche of shale, but on the way back to the van curiosity got the better of him. He eyes it up, lines up... asks if we're ready, "Ready!". He shouts across the valley, "this will go one of two ways"... whilst riding up to it with considerable speed. A little hop in and he's flying with substantial chunks of shale following him down and a dust cloud behind. He made it, we're all buzzing and Joel can't hold back the stoke. He's laughing as he pushes back up to the top, "one more time before lunch?" I reposition whilst he makes his way to the top, again he drops in with great speed heading down this mini mountain of a slag heap. Hits the bottom only this time with a crowd of ramblers and picnicking families watching in awe, I don't blame them!




As we leave Grizedale we sit hunched up in the van, laughing and joking whilst we consider which service stations offer the best road snacks and coffee. I can't help but admire Joel and his love of riding, he has a significant following in the riding community in the UK yet he remains completely down to earth and stoked on everything. He encapsulates what riding is about, having fun with friends. So on that note, get stoked and go ride. It doesn't matter what you're riding as Joel has pointed out by killing just about everything on his trail bike, make do with what you have and get loose!

Thanks for reading!

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