Video: 'Pick-A-Part' - Trail Breakdown with Wade Simmons

Nov 22, 2020
by Race Face  


We are kicking off our latest video series by letting Race Face ambassador, MTB Hall of Famer, and legendary freeride Godfather, Wade Simmons, loose on BC's North Shore trail system. He'll be sharing real world insights about tackling features and conditions that you might find in your own backyard.

Watch above to see Wade break down a Shore classic - Dale's Trail.




bigquotesThe Shore riding is so technical, and every time I'm out shredding with a group, I'm helping someone drop into a scary steep line who's never done it before. So, I had an idea that it would be awesome to showcase some of the "North Shore's" most technical trail features and dive into how I look at the crux moves and talk through technical skills in a simple way – giving riders the knowledge and confidence to tackle tech trails and features....wherever they are riding. So stoked to get out on the Shore to Pick-A-Part – starting with the gnarly Dale’s rock!—Wade Simmons

Liked what you saw? Want to see more of Wade and other RF pros sharing technical knowledge and skills to help you become a better rider - from stomping steep rock rolls to cleaning tech climbing lines? Have a favourite trail that you just can't quite clean a feature on? Sound off below!




bigquotesThe North Shore is the 'punk rock' of mountain biking - a raw, grimy, hardworking, unapologetic kind of place that churns out the highest quality of riders and trails.—Wade Simmons



Posted In:
Videos Riding Videos Race Face Wade Simmons


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118 Comments

  • 120 2
 I’ll watch videos like this all day long over back flips and bar spins. Because someday I might actually be good enough to take my 36 year old bones down trails like this!
  • 13 2
 Ride to the Hills - Kid on scooter breaks his glasses. 'Hey, you're Wade Simmons. You suck. My brother says you're totally washed."
  • 21 0
 36.....cmon man youre just gettin started. Get out and ride yer bike!
  • 5 0
 @lastminutetech: There are 15 inches of snow on the ground here right now! But the studs are on.
  • 7 1
 36 yr old bones? Wtf?

I’m 32 and feel like a kid from a athleticism standpoint...

Buddy of mine is 48 and smashes dh + backcountry Skiing.

Don’t give up dude!
  • 1 0
 @Andykmn: fire up the sleds Andy!!
  • 1 0
 @lastminutetech: It is great so far. Never seen this much snow so early on out here on the prairies. That being said, I have 3 and it seems that is the magic number to keep one running at all times! The newest is 15 years old, but out here we aren't guaranteed to get enough to ride every year (last time I rode was March 2019) so not thinking $15k is a great investment on a new one! So I'll just keep replacing fuel lines and cleaning out carbs.
  • 1 0
 @nvranka: I thought that at 32 too! But a ACL reconstruction made me a bit more timid. I don't have issues with steeps and roots, but definitely feel it the next day if I do something dumb.
  • 14 0
 Glad you enjoyed it, not every episode will feature double black moves, some will be triple black. Wade has lots to share with us so stay tuned!
  • 74 0
 Nice to see Wade is back, it's been way too long.
  • 30 0
 Wade too long! .......



(Couldn't agree more).
  • 18 0
 Wades world, pick a part time, excellent.
  • 5 0
 @Neale78: woowooowoowoo
  • 3 0
 This line is much tougher than it looks here.....or should i say what wade made it look like. Its commitment from the top and need carry a tad more momentum into the rock berm than youd prefer. I usually skip it in the wet
  • 5 0
 @Neale78: YES! We need this on a T-Shirt!
  • 5 0
 @lastminutetech: 100% Wade makes this look easy, This is a serious move, but his insight certainly helps if something like this is in your wheelhouse
  • 2 0
 @raceface: He should pick a part the tough section on 5th. That would be a good one
  • 44 1
 Great vid from a legend. As the previous guy said, would much rather see clips like this then the endless cool guy Instagram banger look at me to hip hop standard junk that we get flooded with. Learnt something.
  • 5 0
 Cheers! Thanks for watching and sharing
  • 29 0
 Wade is a legend
  • 17 0
 Nice! The only time I rode that I didn't even notice that line. I went further out to the left and then just hung on for grim death while being thankful for my Santa Cruz Bullit's 19" bottom bracket height Big Grin I see Wade uses talent and intelligent line choices instead.
  • 7 0
 Ahhh the good old days where sky high BB's would both save you and kill you ????
  • 13 0
 7 years ago I tried that rock face on 26" wheeled Giant Anthem XC bike and ended up being one of those with a dislocated shoulder (amongst other things). I have to build up the courage to try it again sometime now that I have a more capable bike. It's very intimidating.
  • 2 0
 Thanks for sharing! Gives some perspective on how gnar this is, although that bike wasn't helping you one bit!
  • 12 0
 Such a great tutorial on one my favurite trail! I never rode that scary rockface and always go for the chicken line... GOPro does not make any justice to the rock... 100% North Shore Gnarly stuff... Wade Simmons could we get a video of " Lower Ladies" or of the bdst trail ever " bookwus"? Good to see the Godgather is still shreddng!
  • 3 0
 Cheers Frenchy! Thanks for those great suggestions, Lower Ladies has got Pick-A-Part written all over it!
  • 1 0
 @raceface: can t wait to watch it!
  • 9 0
 This is sweet! Wade is so down to earth yet he is super talented on a bike .
Dale's trail is an odd afair. Starts off as a flow trail has sick gnar section in the middle with machine build road at the bottom. And that rock section is a brain f.ck! Wade made it look easy!
How about doing Upper / lower Boogie man next?
  • 1 0
 Another great suggestion! Thanks for sharing and watching
  • 1 0
 @raceface: I'll film Wade with my DSLR if he does lower Boogie man OG. And Empress. Double bill of gnar.
  • 9 1
 l remember doing Dales Rock on an aluminum Rocky Mountain Stratos with 3" Manitou FS Ti fork, low bars and 70mm stem.....never gave the rock a thought. Today......must be the age thing. That rock is the definition of commitment.
  • 1 0
 You animal! Would have been a wild ride!
  • 9 0
 Best explainer I've seen on this crux move to date! Now have to dig up the ol' Dainese body condom, Roach pads and 50lb DHer for some redemption and relive the glory days! Wade's THE legend.
  • 3 0
 Hahah sounds like the original North Shore starter pack! Cheers!
  • 9 0
 The world might seem like it is going to hell in a hand basket. But Wade riding a Rocky with Marzocchi suspension has made it seem right, even if only for a moment
  • 1 0
 hahah well said, something never change, and they never should!
  • 10 0
 Sweet. Looking forward to more of these. Thanks!
  • 10 0
 the man. the myth. the legend. Steve McQueen of mtb.
  • 1 0
 haha great comparison! haven't heard that one before!
  • 6 0
 Great video series! 3 years ago, at the SGC camp, I was lucky enough to ride Whistler’s Trespasser together with Wade. So, we were able to get this pick-a part live! An unforgettable experience and one of the greatest days in my mountainbiker life! Still remembering his insights, when riding steep gnarly stuff. Thanks, Wade!
  • 1 0
 Sharing a ride with Wade is always an unforgettable experience! Thanks for sharing and watching!
  • 7 0
 also love the fact the person who to me is the biggest inspiration in mountain biking, makes Moto sound effects riding a trail.
  • 4 0
 Of course, Simmons takes the scariest and sketchy line on the first line he picks apart. I'll pass and take the easier line to the left of the tree with the wider turn into the off-camber rock face.
  • 3 0
 Can’t wait for the next instalment of this series.

Nice to see how Wade breaks it down.
And I’m glad that he recommended that you take a look first.
As others have said, the GoPro effect doesn’t do it justice, it’s a big move.
  • 1 0
 Thanks for sharing! Let us know what you'd like picked apart!
  • 1 0
 Empress. I have ridden everything on it, but would love Wades take on it. Also the last section of Boogieman rock face and pile driver. @raceface:
  • 2 0
 I stared at that rock move for about 20 minutes the last time I rode the shore. I’ve gotta say, I typically don’t learn much from these types of videos, but he’s got some good pointers. I’ve never thought to ride it like a berm. Hopefully I check that one off the next time I get up there!
  • 1 0
 Happy to hear you found it helpful! Hope you can check it off the list too. ✔️
  • 5 0
 Thanks wade! Been meaning to pluck up the courage to hit this one...
  • 3 0
 this is pure mountain biking!! one day i have to fly with my mtb there and ride these fantastic and iconic trails!! cheers from italy Wade!
  • 2 0
 I just walked this line last weekend... we were trying to piece together how to ride the main line and we were very very wrong. It’s definitely on my hit list for next season. Thanks wade.
  • 2 1
 Thank you Wade! Never thought of going in on the inside. I’ve only done the Dale’s rock once with another rock star Noel Buckley from Knolly Bikes who showed me the middle line. It was one of the most challenging rocks that I’ve done. Scary AF! North Shore is where it’s at!
  • 1 0
 Great breakdown - I feel like I'd be most concerned about clipping my right hand...or my head, on the rock on the right side by leaning into the sloped "berm" rock. Clearly it's rideable, but I know that would be all I could visualize look at that line.
  • 2 0
 gopro does not do justice to that section of Dale's - he's making it look easy but it's far from it. A lot steeper and committing than it looks on here - the way he rides it so smoothly and confidently is very impressive
  • 1 0
 The Godfather indeed, sharing the wisdom of years of experience with a glint in his eye as someone who has ventured out into the unknown trails of possibilities and found gold in them hills and brought back the tales of wild adventures from a land beyond and he gives you just enough to go on to get your own wheels yearning for a bit of that rock and root and maybe a boost...... Yes, the Legend......
  • 6 2
 That son of a bitch stole my move.
  • 3 1
 So did your mom.
  • 17 0
 He stopped short??
  • 2 0
 Awesome, will be looking forward to this series! My only feedback might be that it would have been super cool to see a few different line options.
  • 3 0
 Who is this Dale guy Wink

His trail can be pretty gnarly but damn its fun Smile
  • 3 0
 North Shore legend. He flys a float plane in the Chilcotins now.
  • 5 0
 Godfather!!!
  • 4 0
 Total legend and total Gent.
  • 3 0
 This is awesome.

I'd love to see a breakdown of:
Lower Severed Triple (steep section) and the S-turn on the R&R climb
  • 2 0
 North shore looks awesome, paradise tracks!!! its a shame that in New Zealand we get founding and permit to just build green tracks.
  • 2 0
 Sweet! Should do one on the Gangler on 7th, always lads posted up there staring at it. Its a fun one and it makes that whole trail IMO...
  • 2 0
 More please!!! We want more, we want more....you get the picture. Either way I can't get enough of Wade Simmons, his attitude is mountain biking personified.
  • 4 0
 You know you're in BC when that's on a single black trail...
  • 3 0
 what helmet does he ride?
  • 1 0
 Bell sixer
  • 1 0
 Bell 4forty
  • 1 1
 No it's a giro
  • 1 0
 @oldfaith: i checked bell but it wasnt. tnx for the hint, looks like Giro fixture!
  • 2 1
 Does anyone else have issues playing embedded videos with their iPhone? YouTube videos never work and this one plays sounds but it’s just a black picture...
  • 2 0
 making it look small and easy of course. this is a great idea for a series, i want to see wild cherry!
  • 3 0
 That was great! Excellent explanation too.
  • 2 0
 Never thought to cut that inside. It feels like you're riding the spine otherwise, which feels pretty sketchy.
  • 3 0
 So good! Stoked for more!
  • 1 0
 legendary trail with a legendary rider. I'm so close to taking this one down, its a sweet line for sure. Thanks for the video Wade
  • 1 0
 Thank you! I struggle with that rock every time, and end up taking the left line every time. SO GREAT to have it finally broken down and explained!
  • 2 0
 I bought the RF wool onesie strictly off how cool Wade made it look... That video was hilarious.
  • 2 0
 Haha! What a classic! ????

www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXSglwg1bL8&t=4s
  • 2 0
 @raceface: Thanks for the link! I just watched it again, and would buy it again!! haha
  • 2 0
 Love the moto sounds on the drops...reminds me of being a kid riding a bike.
  • 2 0
 100% braaaaapp!
  • 1 0
 If Wade's getting a little bit of belly, i'm okay with my fitness then, considering we're the same age and share a birthday...
  • 1 0
 The GoPro effect is hUge in this clip, it is way more intimidating to look at when you first rock up on it in person, especially in the wet.
  • 2 0
 The Mike Stewart of mountain biking.
  • 1 0
 Hells yes - breakdown that incredible ride on Bookwus in that fantastic 'dumbing down the shore' video
  • 2 0
 Yes! Another awesome Wade edit!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0wFHyOCdFA
  • 1 0
 @raceface: Probably one of the best you've ever done
  • 2 0
 Wild cherry entrance next pls
  • 1 0
 You're not alone, this is certainly on the list!
  • 1 0
 @raceface: what else (on the map) is on the list? Does wade still hit wardens? One of the alternate ladies’ exits? Steps on 5th would be a good one.
  • 1 0
 Thank you Wade! This is great and of course we want to see more Shore tech riding.
  • 3 0
 Wade Simmons = Legend
  • 1 0
 ????
  • 2 0
 More of these please Wade. Feel free to make them twice as long too.
  • 1 0
 Haha! Thanks for sharing, we'll remember that
  • 3 1
 Wade Simmons, my brother says he’s all washed up
  • 1 0
 nice one, totally washed dude
  • 1 0
 So washed
  • 2 0
 Tell your brother to shut his mouth. haha
  • 2 0
 More Wade please he’s a legend
  • 2 0
 Anyone else notice he's on the Pipe Dream in one of the photos?
  • 1 0
 of course!!! it was a proto toward the new slayer!
  • 1 0
 That bike is so awesome, such a cool retro project Rocky did, and he still rips it here and there!
  • 2 0
 Cool I have that exact bike ordered! Can't wait to ride next year.
  • 1 0
 seems to work just fine for Wade. Nice Choice!
  • 1 0
 That spider man kit tho...
  • 1 0
 I got one word for ya - Wade rules!
  • 1 0
 I love techy stuff. I too will ride the Shore...
  • 2 0
 YEAHHHHH Wade you rock!
  • 1 0
 Audric! You rock too! Miss you hope alls well!
  • 2 0
 Like, like, LIKE!
  • 1 0
 Great to see Wade! Still shredding and havin a blast going it. Legend.
  • 1 0
 More godfather
  • 1 1
 Who is this gurl?

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