vonslonaker

Right? Talk about no fear. I used to think I was a reasonable rider, then I see a video like this and think I should just take up cross stitching or such.

You've got to play/pause etc. #4 frame step to really get a sense of the artistic beauty of that crash.

Good points, but to me, it is the wacky kinked seat tube near the bottom bracket. Makes it look broken. Wonder why they felt that had to do that on the al model, as seems it would weaken the integrity of the bike?

Absurd riding, and talk about kahunas! Half a dozen times they nearly ate it in what would have been a hella crash, but somehow kept it together. Definite props to the NZ riders and to the country as a whole.

Man, I second this comment. This may be the worst video I've ever seen on Pinkbike. On top of that, I'm a bit ashamed...if all Americans were like this, I wouldn't blame NZ for keeping us out of the country. Just back from two months riding there, absolutely awesome place, and I'm just glad I didn't run into this group or anyone like them. Oakley for life.

As your preference is AM and you're coming from SLC, I'd hit up the Phil's Trails network just west of Bend; lots of interesting terrain from CC to FR (especially at The Lair and The Whoops), deeper shuttles into Phil's out of Pine Mt. Sports bike shop if that is your style. Love that place, plus you could run up to Bachelor for some lift-assist action if you like, tons of free camping west of Bend too (hit up McMenamins Old St. Francis school for a $5 big hot tub soak and a shower). As was mentioned above, Blackrock west of Salem is incredible for FR (all levels), as is Sandy Ridge east of Portland. Post Canyon is my favorite place in Hood River, anything from CC to FR and is a huge network of trails. Even a small place west of Portland called Stub Stewart that has a couple short (1/2 mile) low to mid-level FR stuff plus some nice CC trails. It'll be an awesome trip.