Video & Photo Epic: This is Home with Thomas Vanderham

Feb 17, 2020
by SHIMANO  


bigquotesIt would be a dream for most mountain bikers of the world... the chance to grow up on Vancouver's North Shore. That became reality in Thomas Vanderham's life as a young kid when his family moved to North Vancouver's Deep Cove. The raw and unruly North Shore terrain was a perfect complement to his natural ability on a bike, and he quickly rose to the highest ranks of a roaring freeride revolution. Thomas' name became synonymous with his distinct style, creativity, and amplitude; attributes which landed him in countless film segments that have inspired mountain bikers across the globe. His impact on the sport has been present ever since.
 
More than 20 years later Thomas still calls Deep Cove home and is as involved as ever in the sport of mountain biking. Like the trails of the North Shore, he has evolved- refining his craft along the way and balancing his duties as an athlete with that of being a father and a husband. Through it all, he has continued to find ways to pass his passion for mountain biking on to past and future generations of the sport.

This is Home.
Sterling Lorence

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Vancouver as seen from Vancouver s North Shore

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home in Deep Cove British Columbia Canada.

Thomas Vanderham This is home visiting his childhood hometown of Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham This is home visiting his childhood hometown of Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham This is home visiting his childhood hometown of Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham This is home visiting his childhood hometown of Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham This is home visiting his childhood hometown of Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham This is home visiting his childhood hometown of Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham This is home visiting his childhood hometown of Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham This is home visiting his childhood hometown of Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham This is home visiting his childhood hometown of Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham This is home visiting his childhood hometown of Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham This is home with his father in Edmonton

Thomas Vanderham This is home with his father in Edmonton

Thomas Vanderham This is home with his father in Edmonton

Thomas Vanderham This is home with his father in Edmonton

Thomas Vanderham visiting his dad in Edmonton Alberta

Thomas Vanderham visiting his dad in Edmonton Alberta

photo

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Thomas Vanderham rides with Wade Simmons This is home in Vancouver British Columbia Canada

Previous This Is Home videos:
Brett Rheeder
Jill Kintner
Carson Storch
Greg Minnaar
Thomas Genon
Richie Rude
Casey Brown
Tom Van Steenbergen
Tahnee Seagrave
Jesse Melamed


Photography by Sterling Lorence

Author Info:
shimano avatar

Member since Apr 7, 2000
85 articles

109 Comments
  • 216 1
 Truly stunning video and photo essay and an amazing tribute to Thomas' career and passion for the sport. Amazing work by the whole crew and we're all so lucky to have enjoyed 20 years of TV (and Simmons) ripping on camera. Here's to 20 more!
  • 10 0
 give credit where credit is due. @sterlinglorence for capturing such amazing shots .
maybe we can get a this is home on some photographers too .
  • 3 0
 Just wow! One of the best videos I've seen in quite a while. Stunning.
  • 101 1
 Snap. This might be my favorite photo essay of recent memory.
  • 52 0
 Great storytelling and such a great tribute to a great character/rider who has influenced and shaped the development of our sport (including myself) in so many ways and for such a long period! Awesome work and well done!

Turning 40 this year, riding/racing for well over 20 years, having three kids by now, being involved in the mountainbike industry for many, many years and still riding 3 times a week, I can so much relate to the statement "having a family has certainly changed my priorities and the way I use time...and being less selfish". I still love mountainbiking and it is still my greatest passion, but family comes first! Reconciling both is without a doubt quite challenging at times...but it's so much worth it!

My greatest respect to you, Thomas Vanderham!!
  • 3 1
 Second that, same for me!
  • 53 0
 One of the best photo story I've ever seen... LEGEND!!!!!!!
  • 3 0
 and a good choice of vinyl!
  • 1 0
 @BartDM: 93 Till infinity, i see you hiding.
  • 28 0
 This is the best piece of media work I've seen in a long long time. Vanderham and Simmons, quiet and humble shredders. I have so much respect for both professionals. I'm also seriously impressed with Thomas' selection of Whisky.
  • 28 0
 5th horse men in the damp dark and wet and a smile on your face, Thomas you are a true north shore boy
  • 14 0
 Don't discount those 2 lines on Wild Cherry either.

Rather sketchy in the rain! :O

The old guard are still ripping for sure.
  • 1 0
 These dudes riding the classic shore lines in the fog is just true mtb in my mind. Nothing is more pure awesomeness. Could watch all day until I get to get and and ride myself.
  • 27 0
 The combination of Thomas and Sterl was one big reason I started taking pictures in the Mountainbike szene. Thank you both!
  • 19 0
 Cheers Chris
  • 12 0
 @sterlinglorence: Second that. You boys crushed this piece out of the park. Loved the photo essay there.
  • 21 0
 Such a great video, and Sterl’s photos are as amazing as always. Makes me want to go for a slippery Shore ride.
  • 17 0
 Wade back on a Bomber...and all is right with the world
  • 9 0
 Coil front and rear!
  • 10 0
 I think what stands out most about Thomas, to me, is that in all my years working with athletes and media in the bike industry I've never heard anything negative about him at all. Not remotely. He has left his mark as a hard working, solid guy that people can really look at as an example of how to do it right. This was a fantastic video and essay. Thanks for sharing.
  • 14 0
 What a sweet article and video! And 5th in the wet is sketch!
  • 11 0
 This is easily the best article / collection of video/photo that PB has ever released. That was perfect.
  • 9 0
 Well, it's comforting to hear that the Cypress lines that scare me scare Wade and Thomas too. That chute at 7:10 is way steeper and gnarlier than it looks in the video or the stills.
  • 6 0
 That was my first response, "if it looks that scary on video I can't imagine what its like in person!"
  • 6 0
 Vanderham, Simmons, and Dave Watson were my big three. They never went for the crazy tricks, just had that effortless style, made crazy tech trails look easy, and they all had perfect table-tops. Brings back memories of Ride to the Hills, boosting wide open lips above Howe Sound. Great to see some of the legends still getting after it.
  • 10 2
 Got a major issue with this, actually. There was no mention of Honey Doughnuts in Deep Cove. These are the ONLY donuts, this omission is unacceptable.
  • 23 0
 Major hole in the story...Wink
  • 1 0
 You are so critical! ????❤️
  • 5 0
 That was incredible. Perfect combination of the right talent, wonderful cinematography, story arc and Sterl’s photos. Really reminded me of my formative years of biking and stirred emotion I just don’t get from social media. Vanderham really is a class act.
  • 8 0
 Thomas, from one North Shore kid to another - thank you for a life time of inspiration!
  • 7 0
 DAMN! What can you say about this other than absolutely amazing! This is the best
  • 8 0
 Insane camera work and story telling, well done !
  • 7 0
 Vanderham and Simmons riding that super steep greasy tech was sick. Legends.
  • 5 0
 Having to move to Vancouver for 7 weeks for trade school had me down, watching this reminded me I get to ride my bike on the shore for the next 7 weeks! Vanderham is pure class
  • 3 0
 Damn! 1. thing, love that guy, his style and attitude,
2. thing, this is the most epic photo edit/ movie edit of last years which perfectly catch the mood of north shore forrests and trails, i was brainFCKed last 15 years of my riding, by all that videos and photos from there, in 2016 spend a whole Year on NS, and it was best year of my life, and for those who dont know, what northshore is, i will simply play this video and they get it!
  • 5 0
 Window into the soul of where it all began, nice job Sterl. Thanks for including all of the small things. Makes me miss home like a mother :')
  • 7 0
 Absolutely beautiful
  • 6 0
 P.S. really well done, thanks Shimano!
  • 2 0
 Almost impossible to watch this without the eyes tearing up a little... One of the best videos and hands down the best photo essays I've ever seen. Captures for me at least, what it was to grow up with a mtn bike shaping the course of your life. Thank you for making this!
  • 2 0
 "Keep the Mountain to Mountain Biking" - TV in 'Seasons' ... I'll never forget that one. Such a great article about a legend of the sport and how he has kept with what he loved and added to it all with family, despite getting older.
  • 3 0
 Shimano truly does their athletes justice with these series. The mellow video- and photography style matches Thomas so beautifully. This one deserves a typical Sterling Lorence slideshow with Phontaine in the background.
  • 5 0
 Awesome to see that last build ridden! Nice one Thomas.
  • 1 0
 Ok this has been haunting me for a very long time: In the photostory, in the part with the older magazine photos, there is a small black and white photo of Thomas jumping a huge dirt gap with no landing to be seen. Where is that from? Big Grin I think I saw Simmons jump that as well in some old video, but have been looking for it for years. Can anyone solve this mystery for me please? Smile
  • 2 0
 Thomas inspired me to ride montainbike as a part of my rehab from my injury. And now i'm fully having fun with mountainbiking. Good job for the article, cheers Thomas and Sterl
  • 3 0
 This is so awesome, what a journey! Seeing the photos and video ripping around in Edmonton was epic! Super awesome to see the neighborhood and local trails showcased so well!
  • 2 0
 Again brings me back some good old memories dreaming of the North shore from my little mountain in France. Probably one of the best rider to watch riding clean smooth with style an example of control of the bike.
  • 5 0
 wow best vid ever!!! awesome!!
  • 2 0
 That was brilliant. The riding was incredible and I noticed not a single wiggly turn with a fake slide out to make an easy trail look hard. This is what I aspire to but will never get to.
  • 2 0
 That old ad from Dakine, love those shots where you are looking at it and think: Where did he come from? And where is he going?

Not to take anything away from Sterling's work of course! Great vibe/shots!
  • 4 0
 Absolutely stunning editorial and video, made my f**king week!
  • 4 0
 Thanks - this was creative, different and interesting
  • 2 0
 Wow absolutely incredible. So many small tributes to awesome classic trails including Thomas’ amazing career. Glad to see the last line alive and well.
  • 3 0
 Stoked to call the north shore home for the last 30 years. Ok now to go for a ride. See you on the trails ????????
  • 3 0
 Well, that made me miss living in Vancouver. Vanderham is definitely one of the best all time.
  • 5 0
 GOLD
  • 4 0
 class act. Thanks for the content.
  • 2 0
 Safe to say that Thomas inspired a generation of riders including myself. I loved my time living on the shore. Beautifully done stills and video. Fantastic piece!!
  • 2 0
 Thomas Vanderham. Sterling Lorence. The North Shore. Stump Jumps. Not enough people will know why that combo is forever epic.
  • 2 0
 Can this just be video of the year already?

So glad Simmons showed up, wouldn’t be compete without those two together. This was just perfect.
  • 1 0
 This legend is on the list along with Gully, Bearclaw, Hunter, Simmons; all the rad dudes that for me exemplify what mountain biking is all about.
  • 3 0
 WOW... what an epic article.
  • 4 0
 Pure love for the shore
  • 4 0
 loved this
  • 3 0
 Really enjoyed this one. This whole series is just so good.
  • 2 0
 That was beautiful, between the trail conditions, storytelling, cinematography, and color grade, so good!
  • 3 0
 can we get a bike check on the slayer?
  • 4 0
 No, it broke..
  • 2 0
 Legend. One of my favorite riders of all time. Helped make the sport what it is today.
  • 2 0
 Simply stunning photos and a great story. One of the all time greats captured by another all time great!
  • 2 0
 This particular combination of video, stills and story is really heartwarming. Thanks to all who were involved.
  • 1 0
 Whats his day job??
A 1.7 -2.0 million dollar house in the cove ! 2 kids ! Free time to ride his bike - amazing. Can someone explain his income to me
  • 1 0
 epic! what a flashback seeing all those old magazine pictures of him. some tasty records in his shelf! thomas keep on rocking!
  • 2 0
 awe inspiring, beautifully shot, humble pioneers both Thomas and Wade, thank you Pink Bike, you have done it again.
  • 2 0
 Awesome video! Really enjoyed it Smile is that a Slayer I see with a dual crown or is it a new Maiden design ?????
  • 2 1
 Great video about Thomas Vanderham without showing a single Vanderham whip. Alright....
  • 2 0
 Absolutely beautiful. A new standard in personal photo essays?
  • 2 0
 Man TV looks good on a bike.
  • 2 0
 That slayer with a fox 40 is pretty dope-ass.
  • 3 0
 That was awesome
  • 1 0
 what a legend . nice video also i love your trail that you built sterling
  • 2 0
 That was really F'ing good.
  • 2 0
 almost too much good content for just one article. thanks for that!
  • 2 0
 Class video and photographs. Made my day
  • 2 0
 What a work of art. Why is this not a Netflix series?
  • 2 0
 I might be crying! ???? so good! A Honey donut wouldn’t hurt, though.
  • 1 0
 Listen to today's NSMB pod for more North Van stoke - even some stuff about Vanderham in there! Truly the promised land.
  • 2 0
 Love this series and wow maybe the best one yet.
  • 1 0
 Wow dude you're one of a kind.
  • 1 0
 FREERIDE the only answer!
  • 1 0
 Sick Clip! lets make one in PERU! we know you know the real deal here!
  • 1 0
 Nope....not jealous at all!
  • 2 0
 Legend!
  • 2 0
 This is fantastic stuff.
  • 2 0
 great piece of work
  • 1 0
 Mac-Ride! My son loves his. Great pictures.
  • 2 0
 Beautiful photos !
  • 2 0
 Amazing. Well done!
  • 2 0
 Superhero.
  • 1 0
 What's the beer he's drinking? Is that a can of Superflux?
  • 1 0
 Superflux colour and shape
  • 1 0
 This was incredible! Amazing video and photo essay.
  • 2 2
 major index finger rsi but the new slayer looks really sick
  • 1 0
 sik
  • 1 0
 amazing life story!
  • 1 0
 good job
  • 1 0
 Awesome
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