Getting to Know Makken Haugen
Hailing from the mountains of Norway, Makken Haugen, along with cohorts Andreu Lacondeguy and Graham Agassiz, amongst others, has become synonymous with the rising tide of the FEST series. Disenfranchised with the way freeriding was being portrayed, these pioneers struck out and have since been electrifying fans with their progressive outlook and wild abandonment on their bikes. Makken, as he is more commonly known, is at the forefront of the movement, even organising and hosting his own round of the FEST series in Norway. While the 'Hillbilly Huckfest' has grown over the years, it wasn't the first time that riders in Norway realised the true potential of big jumps and big bikes. The 'Days of Thunder' - Norway's original 'big bike' freeride event - was way ahead of its time and set the scene for the riders, like Makken, who would push the boundaries of what was once considered impossible on a mountain bike.
Hafjell. Photo: Mayhemedia.
Who is Makken Haugen?Your daddy. On the hunt for adrenalin!
Where are you from and where do you live?I'm from Vang I Valdres, which is a small mountain village near Jotunheimen, but in 2007, I moved to Lillehammer to live closer to the Hafjell bike park.
Who do you ride for?I ride for Sweet Protection, Red Bull, Hope Tech, Footprint Insoles, Can-am, Rolling Solid and The FEST Series. I have solid support man and I'm proud to be working with these people.
Where are you happiest?In the forest or in the mountains and not necessarily on my bikes, but usually...
What’s been your favourite contest venue?The Hillbilly Huckfest in ål, Norway. All of the FEST events are outstanding, but Huckfest is special for me!
Where are your favourite trails?It has to be the Hafjell bike park, man! I also love the riding in BC, Kamloops, the Sunshine Coast and I'm finally going to Nelson this summer! I love the bike culture that Canada has... The people there ride for the right reasons I feel.
What are your strengths?I go for what I want and I do things for my own reasons.
What are your weaknesses?I have zero patience man... and for some reason, I am not able to learn from it or make it better.
What’s been your worst crash over the years?I crash a lot... There isn't one that really stands out. They all sucked!
What’s been your luckiest escape?Once, in Kamloops, I almost got run over by a truck. I slid under it, but the truck ended up three wheeling and the tire that was supposed to hit me got lifted and I was just laying on the ground watching it roll over me... I was so shocked man... Still hard to put into words.
Which bike from over the years, conjures up the best memories?I had a signature bike with YT for 3 years. A sick-ass steel frame with my graphics on there. That was pretty bad ass man.
What bikes are you riding right now?I'm looking for a bike deal right as it happens... Anyone? I want the pay of a road cyclist, but I won't do be doping or shaving my legs, ha ha. I do like the electric motors they are cheating with these days, though, ha ha!
Who’s your favourite rider?It's always changing and I've got a few... Chase Hawk, John Jackson, David Gonzalez and Drake McElroy to name a few.
Who or what inspires you?Music and the energy it gives me...
What do you enjoy doing away from bikes?I do a lot of things, but the goal is always to catch some air. Braaap!!!
What are you listening to right now?Them Crooked Vultures.
What’s your favourite movie/ TV show?I don't own a TV so I don't watch that much... It's only commercials and sports like cross country skiing and soccer on there anyway. I do watch a lot of MX racing, though. Both the outdoors stuff and supercross of course.
What’s your favourite non-bike website?Youtube as I always find fascinating clips to watch!
What’s your favourite motto or saying?"If you pay with bananas, you get monkeys."
What grinds your gears?People. You know a person might be smart, but they can also be pretty stupid too!
What makes you happy?Riding! And in every type of way.
If you weren’t a pro mountain biker, what would you be doing?Something similar. Catching air for sure, and not necessarily with wheels. Considering I'm from Norway, a winter sport maybe?
If you were in charge of the sport, what changes would you make?We started The FEST Series man. We are in charge now. Everyone else is just trying their best.
When you hang up your riding shoes, how do you want to be remembered?As a free rider.
What does the future hold for Makken Haugen?Having good times and the older I get, the happier I get, so I'm excited about what the future holds.
MENTIONS: @sweetprotection / @redbullbike / @hopetech / @TheFEST / @Mayhemedia / @makken
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Member since Jun 8, 2005
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Come on YT step up and give a guy a chance...again.
Since when?