Video: Darren Berrecloth Retires From Freeride Competitions

Oct 24, 2018
by Pinkbike Staff  

The name you think of when someone asks you about big mountain riding? It can only be Darren Berrecloth. From his rebellious roots in British Columbia to glacier expeditions high in the Arctic, The Claw is regarded as one of the best freeride mountain bikers in the world.

He may not be competing anymore but his name will go down in history as one of the most iconic riders mountain biking has ever seen.

Credit: Red Bull.

Posted In:
Videos Tires Darren Berrecloth


Author Info:
pinkbikeaudience avatar

Member since Jul 22, 2013
3,465 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
56491 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
42898 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
42191 views
Tree Root Pierces Harriet Harnden's Foot at Round 1 of the British National Downhill Series
38813 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in TWO WEEKS!
35050 views
Review: Race Face's Era Chainring Uses Steel, Carbon, & Aluminum
28388 views
First Ride: Fox's New Transfer Dropper Post - Adjustable Travel, Up to 240mm of Drop
27027 views
Industry Digest: Crowd Funding 36" eBikes, Canfield Bikes' Relocation, Recalls & More
26766 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

123 Comments
  • 294 0
 You are a legend. Thank you for taking freeride to the next level.
  • 33 0
 Remember when big mountain 360 found the claw.
  • 41 0
 @chyu: I was there at Crankworx when he did that first 360 off the road gap near the end of the run. There was a collective gasp throughout the crowd. I was beside myself and immediately called my buddy. That was an iconic moment in this sport.
  • 12 0
 trick guy big mountain guy adventurer legend Be safe, ride healthy for the rest of your life. And maybe undertake another big adventure. Thanks for everything you've brought to the sport of mountainbiking!
  • 9 0
 for me his turndowns are iconic on his sx.
  • 2 0
 I hope he continues to host the invitational event!
  • 1 0
 @bcbikeman: dude that's soooo f*ckin awesome. He's a legend
  • 1 0
 12
  • 134 0
 Darren Berrecloth and Cedric Gracia got me into mountain biking. Darren is an absolute legend he should be a judge at rampage.
  • 32 6
 That would be good. Someone that has really ridden it and knows what it's like could give realistic scores..
  • 20 0
 @clarky78: I might be wrong, but I think all the actual judges have
  • 2 0
 Fuckin this!!!!
  • 7 0
 Paul Bas, Simmons, Tippie and Claw for judges
  • 4 0
 @clarky78:do you even know who the judges are???
  • 55 0
 I wonder if he knew what he started when he 3'd the big drop at Crankworx? Such a pivotal moment in the sport.

Thanks Darren for all you've brought to the sport. Hopefully there is more big mountain content coming... love where you're taking the sport over the past few years.
  • 12 0
 If he didn't, everyone else sure let him know, along with the superman seatgrab over the gap at the 2002 Rampage. He has done so much for the sport especially for big mountain riding. Its awesome to see him around guiding other riders and helping them build.
  • 4 0
 @scott-townes: for me the superman seatgrab is all-time iconic. I was fourteen when that happened and it seared itself into my brain the moment I saw it. then my brain melted.
  • 3 0
 @gemma8788: On a borrowed bike, not scheduled to compete no less. Game changer
  • 1 0
 @scott-townes: wasnt he on Gareth Dyers borrowed bike too?
  • 34 0
 Grew up watching your Kranked 5/NWD/Roam segments on repeat and was honoured/terrified to shoot with you for Builder. Thanks for all the inspiration over the years Claw! *blasts Symphony of Destruction *
  • 6 0
 Symphony of destruction is the song automatically starting in my head every time I see or ride something GNWARLY. Guess why.... That part was a total blast
  • 26 1
 You know someone's inspiring when back in the day some 15-year-old German guy thinks it would a great idea to name his profile after them. The best way to reminded yourself of an absolute legend once in a while. Thank you, Mr. Bearclaw.
  • 23 1
 Dude, do you have any idea how many hours of my life were spent watching your videos with absolute awe? Seriously, your stamp on this sport cannot be overstated.
Besides, screw competition sport - i got a feeling we'll still be seeing more of the claw in other productions in the future.
  • 20 0
 All the best in the future! Thanks for being awesome!
  • 16 1
 Darren.....You have treated us all to so many iconic moments through out your long competitive career. Thanks for the memories bud.....Ride on Claw!!!
  • 12 0
 Dude...the segment and the words you had said on "Season" says it all. Hard work pays off. From above comment the 3 u pulled off at Crankworkx started all this craziness...Thank you
  • 6 0
 I was lucky enough to witness the 3 off the drop at Crankworx in person. It was literally unbelievable. All these years later the only word I can think of that captures that moment is: iconic. Just like the man himself.
  • 5 0
 There is only one CLAW! It makes me so happy to see him get the recognition he truly deserves from his peers and fans. He will be forever know as the guy that changed the game forever. #TheClawForever
  • 4 1
 He is humble and works hard to achieve what he has done. I always admired his sense of raw power matching his skill when throwing down the big moves.
Four back injuries? Holy crap! Glad you can still move let alone ride your bike!
  • 3 0
 NWD4 filmed in 2003/04 introduced the first big 360 drop done on a then "DH" bike and we were all floored back then. Even to this day, if you can pull off 360 drop, you're ahead of the game by far.
Enjoy your retirement Claw, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of you in other aspects of MTB. Smile
  • 6 0
 His section in ROAM where he is building the trail and then rides it on his SX trail got me stoked to dig. Absolute legend
  • 3 0
 Thanks Darren! Your segments in Roam and other flicks from the good old days were amazing, and are what got me back into mountain biking after a long hiatus. I'm glad that after all the hard work you've put in the sport, all the crashes and injuries, you're able to 'step down' whilst still in ok health. Hope to see more Freeride content coming, you are and will always be a legend!
  • 5 0
 Legend and very nice hombre. Got to watch him push a 34t when many of us were hike-a-biking laguna. Tuff mo fo
  • 2 0
 Darren has forged a path that many have followed. He has shown us what was once unimaginable on a bike is more then just possible. He no longer needs to push the limits for new found glory. Darren thank you for all the incredible riding you've shared with us and we look forward to what the future brings.
  • 2 0
 Ridiculously sad announcement. He’s one of the few peoples responsible for actually creating the sport. So many little kids dream of being comic book super heroes. People like Berrecloth and Zink are the closest real flesh and blood gets to actually having super powers. They show what’s possible within the confines of being human. They’ve inspired so many others regardless of age to get off the couch, away from the screens and push themselves to be greater than they are. Thank you Darren.
  • 2 0
 Darren, though we've never met I fee like we've grown up together, I too am in my mid 30's at this point in life with a wife and kids. I have followed your career for the past 15-20 years and watched as you went from a punk kid, your words lol, to a true ambassador and diplomat representing both the sport and especially your character. I give you the highest praise I can give to a fellow man, that you're a good one, a good man! Best of luck on your next endeavors in or out of the sport!
  • 4 0
 Yes, amazing riding over the years. My favorite has to be ROAM www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgwnwqLLsXs
  • 1 0
 Probably one of the best riders, he rips on everything, big mountain, slopestyle, dirt jump, started riding since watched NWD 6 and 7 at 13, now at 26 still belive you are one of the best riders!!! Keep pushing bike scene to the limits
  • 4 0
 It's unusual to see everyone in the forum giving respect. Unanimously, as one. Long live freeride. Long live the claw.
  • 3 0
 Respect Claw! I don't know that any other athlete has impacted the progression of Freeride like you have.
  • 1 0
 im a basketball fan and when i see someone retiring its seems very normal, but when i saw this in the world of mountain biking, it felt different, i have a thought that they were immortals, for sure its just me..... Smile
  • 1 0
 Thank you for inspiring me to ride. From 11 year old me to now 25 year old me I will always look up to you and your massive 360s of drops as the all time most badass trick. From NWD days to now you'll forever be a legend!
  • 2 0
 Have a relax claw,you’ve definitely earned it!.
His big mountain films,where the trail ends,nightfall and up the Fraser are still my all time favourites.
  • 1 0
 Thanks Darren, just thanks. Thanks for the inspiration you gave me and so many more. Thanks for all those moments that you gave us watching you ride a mountain bike. You are the definition of legend.
  • 1 0
 Thanks for being an amazing role model for so many of us. The Claw is my all time favorite rider....but I am bias, I live on Vancouver Island!
  • 3 0
 I'm not crying, you're crying!
  • 3 0
 killed it for so long... going to miss him competeing
  • 2 0
 nothin stays the same, 'cept the major respect for riders like the claw. he was a major part of freeride evolution
  • 1 0
 Had the chance to ride with the Claw for a couple laps 2 years ago in Whistler as he prepared for rampage, such a great guy and a complete class act
  • 2 0
 Incredible rider - love his segment in Seasons. Looking forward to seeing what he gets up to next!
  • 2 0
 His 3 drops changed the freeride game as much as any other moves from any of the other legends....
  • 2 0
 His video parts got me into mountain biking - I couldn't imagine my life without it now it's that important to me.
  • 3 0
 youtu.be/6Ir2dsTEHt8
Bearclaw 360 drop at 1000fps
  • 3 0
 You make the island very proud. Enjoy your new life
  • 3 0
 Bring back the Berrecloth Invitational with all that "retired time"!
  • 1 0
 Mad respect to the Claw!! You've had a huge influence on the sport and will continue to! Thanks for all the awesome footage and thrills over the years!!
  • 2 0
 The legend continues... Darren made everyone in BC, and on the Island so proud, I can't wait to witness the next chapter.
  • 2 0
 Berrecloth is the reason I bought a mountain bike. He's an inspiring rider and a great person. Thank you claw!
  • 2 0
 Such an inspiration. NWD 9 Freeriding in the Gobi Desert, who the f*ck thinks of that? Guy wasn't afraid of any frontiers
  • 1 0
 Was there a claw edition bike? Someone should of released one for this kind of big news. Or a Limited Edition range, designed by him to celebrate with a bang!
  • 1 0
 Ride on man! Heal propperly and ride for yourself, but please be still visible, shoot edits and dig interesting lines at backyard!
  • 1 0
 Huge fan Claw! Thanks for all you brought to Mountain biking! You're one of the raddest riders ever!
  • 1 0
 Bearclaw retires and Zink probably crashed out today. Sad day for freeride.
  • 2 0
 wheres the trails ends,is wheres all begin for many of us thanks claw!
  • 1 0
 Cheers Legend!! Claw will be missed on the runs, but hopefully continue in the scene..
  • 1 0
 Dudes pushed the limits for long enough ! Still got some of the most clicked 360 tables around though!
  • 1 0
 The best time to walk away is when you're still able to do just that. Tip of the hat to the Claw.
  • 1 0
 Much respect for Darren and everything he has done for our sport, way to rep the island Claw!
  • 3 0
 THANKYOU.
  • 2 0
 GOOSEBUMPS. THIS IS OUR LIFE YA'LL.
  • 1 0
 If his opening scene in Roam doesn’t get you stoked to ride, sell your bike and take up knitting!
  • 1 0
 Darren Berrecloth is the one name I think of when I think of Rampage.... what’s he gonna do now with Rampage? Be a judge?
  • 2 0
 RIP to over-rotated 360s to flat.
  • 1 0
 "We'll never know until we step out of our comfort zones and off this continent."
  • 1 0
 The Godfather II. Game changer, huis 360 was just the injection to MTB like Simmons with the Murano gap. #Legend.
  • 1 0
 You, the main reason we all switched to MTB from BMX.
  • 1 0
 the most interesting man in the world has nothing on you. stay thirsty!
  • 1 0
 why do i have tears in my eyes??
  • 3 0
 Onions. I'm blaming onions. That Zink comment at the end got me.
  • 1 0
 RIDE ON CLAW! The reason I ride mountain bike
  • 1 0
 Thanks for everything Darren! Such an inspirational guy!
  • 2 0
 Respect
  • 1 0
 Ride on Claw! Thanks for the progression of our sport!
  • 1 0
 Respect brother....life changes....you’ll always be the MAN.
  • 1 0
 You started with your 360 the clawzation of mtb... Higher level
  • 2 0
 Legend!
  • 1 0
 You are an inspiration for thousands!
  • 1 0
 Words can’t explain how thankful we are. Thank you Darren
  • 1 0
 Inspiration and a legend! Thank you Claw!
  • 1 0
 What an inspiration - massive respect
  • 1 0
 Living legend in freeride. His videos are pure insanity.
  • 1 0
 Thanks Claw! You already a legend!
  • 1 0
 Thank you very much Claw!
  • 1 0
 Thanks Claw! The best moment with you in Gobi Desert.
  • 2 0
 #LONGLIVETHECLAW
  • 1 0
 Out of curiosity what was the last competition he took part in?
  • 1 0
 Rampage last year I believe.
  • 2 0
 Now I feel old... Frown
  • 1 0
 Yeah but this means more time for big trips and more awesome content!!!
  • 1 0
 legend and an inspiration
  • 2 0
 It was time to stop.
  • 1 0
 Emotional! Thanks claw. Huge inspiration
  • 1 0
 Hall of famer right there.
  • 1 0
 Mad props brah
  • 1 0
 Thanks Claw!
  • 1 0
 G.O.A.T
  • 6 8
 Berrecloth getting out of the craziness before Randy can show him how its done.... Jokes aside The Claw deserves it. Cant think of a name more synonymous with freeride
  • 1 0
 Claw!
  • 1 0
 Legend!
  • 1 0
 Thanks Claw!
  • 1 0
 Cheers man! Legend!
  • 3 4
 I heard the Claw retired so he could spend more time shredding with his good buddy Randy
  • 1 0
 Seasons.
  • 1 0
 Ciao Claw. 100% legend
  • 1 0
 Thank you Darren!
  • 1 0
 thanx Claw!!!
  • 1 0
 Next stop, hall of fame.
  • 1 0
 Thanks Claw!!!
  • 1 0
 RideOn Claw! Big Grin
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.070444
Mobile Version of Website