Called the Godfather of Freeride by many, Wade was one of the first guys I looked up to in the business when I started paying attention to the scene. One of the cool things about Wade is that he’s really fun to ride trails with as he’s always having fun and it translates in his riding style.
For this seggy, we hit a new trail up on Fromme Mountain (North Vancouver, BC) that had just been reworked. The forest got a bit snowy on our last day of shooting, but we still had fun.
IXS package including Back Country Gloves, Phobos full face helmet, Hammer Team DJ helmet, Hack elbow pads, Slope knee pads and Signature Series knee shin pads.
I've had the pleasure of ripping w/ Wade on Seymour, and just like was said- he sees things a bit differently. He epitomizes flow and smooth riding style. Great to see him in his native environment!! I liked how he aired a few rollers and Ryan had to suck 'em up.
well to be fair - Wade's on a RM Slayer and Ryans on a Podium (correct me if I'm wrong but that look likes the same bike as in the first part of the video). Bobsled's not a big bike trail but still fun on any bike
I hear ya leelau.....I rode all over BC for 2.5 months this spring/summer, and some places (William's Lake for instance) didn't need a DH sled at all!! That being said, I didn't complain (too much) when we rode flatter trails, just pumped, pedaled, and flowed AS HARD AS I COULD!!! I also hear the Podium is a very poppy bike.........hopefully I'll be able to tell you better this next year!!!
Is it just me or is Ryan a pretty average rider? Not to be a hater, but how does he get sponsorship etc. I think the bulk of riders in Nelson are as good or better than him. I enjoy these vids but they are all kind of average to me ( I know I sound like Simon Cowell on Idol). I guess it doesn't hurt when your bro is one of the biggest names in the game.... anyhow, I'm just saying. I think Ryan did these "Stoke vids" to promote himself for his sponsors. Sorry Ryan.... but love Wade!
I think there's more to getting sponsored then just riding. Perhaps you should look at the "professional" part of being a pro-rider as also being presentable, articulate and being able to articulate a thought without saying "dude", "rad" or generally sounding like a tool? I have no idea whether the "bulk of riders in Nelson" are bro-tards unable to say a word to the camera without coming across like idiots. I also have no idea whether the "bulk of riders in Nelson" are able to put together a video-series comparable to what Ryan has done in terms of getting exposure. Bottom line, Ryan seems like the kind of rider with the package of skills, professionalism (there's that word again) and media-savvy who's able to justify being sponsored.
Of course, I could be completely off-base and Ryan's only being sponsored because he's riding his brothers coat-tails as you imply.
Don't get me wrong, he is a solid rider but maybe I have just been spoiled by so many epic videos on Pinkbike that these just don't do it for me. As for professionalism, I completely agree that he does represent the sport and himself very well. I think that mtn biking in general has very well spoken athletes and not as many "tools" as some other mainstream sports. When I see interviews by guys like Atherton or Kinrade they come off intelligent and engaging (as does Ryan). I do however feel that making connections through his brother has certainly helped his career. Given 20 riders of the same calibre, a sponsor would take a "Berrecloth" any day over an unknown name.
I do appreciate Ryan's love of the two wheeled pleasure sled and his pursuit of having fun.... which is why we all ride.
no brainer, if you see an add with Barrecloth on it you start reading it, you don't stop reading it when you realize it's Ryan. we all watched the whole video, not just because wade was in it. he must be O.K. if he's good enough for Simmons to ride with.
I watched the whole video just because Wade was in it. Truth be told out of all these stoke vids i've only watched three the whole way through shredding with Gully,Squamish and this one(just to watch Wade shred period). The others were ok. Ryan rides way better than me and i would love to shred with both! Now lets go ride, shall we? Oh yeah i know Kenny Smith kills it, i can just do without the story board.
i just have to reply. i rode with a group of riders a few yrs ago may long weekend in kelowna. a huge group with a lot of rippers. ryan was in there and even though these trails were new to him he stood out. he was one of the fastest and did all the stunts with ease. kind of quiet but seemed like a good dude. rad too hehe
That was so good I loved it how they were just having fun by jumping everything not trying to race each other, does anyone else think Wade looks abit like Brian Lopes with glasses in that picture on the link.
i guess the only downside of being sponsored by oakley is that you have to wear their butt-ugly sunglasses. they look like the front end of a japanese drift car.
Under normal circumstances this would have stoked me out like crazy, but now that snow is falling in the alpine mountains, it seems like all i'm interested in is my board! Awesome video though.
not really.. these videos are getting REALLY boring. every one is pretty much the same thing..this will probably get VOD, even though it does not deserve it.. its getting old..
Of course, I could be completely off-base and Ryan's only being sponsored because he's riding his brothers coat-tails as you imply.
I do appreciate Ryan's love of the two wheeled pleasure sled and his pursuit of having fun.... which is why we all ride.
Thats a nice prize btw
www.endlessbiking.com/services.html#privateWade