SLIDESHOW & PHOTO SELECTS
The New Dark Age
All things that grow and flourish are in a state of continuous change, subject to decline and destruction. On Vancouver’s North Shore, this idea of impermanence can be witnessed as newer faster and more aggressive trails get scratched in beside the skeletal remains of decaying ladder bridges. At this intersection, the only constant that remains, is the dark, brooding and uncompromising nature of the Shore with it’s steep, forested slopes shrouded in mist. To match the mood of this infamously rugged landscape, the geometry, suspension design and materials of mountain bikes have undergone periods of radical evolution. Emboldened by technology and inspired by history, riders who grew up on a steady diet of freeride from an early age continue to redefine what is possible, ushering in a new age of mountain biking in North Vancouver. This project isn’t about remembrance, it’s a celebration of change and a new age of riding on the Shore.
Cover Image: Nigel Quarless
RIDERS: Matt Beer, Tim Coleman, Sam Higgins, Caleb Holonko, Ted Morton, Nigel Quarless, Cooper Quinn, Jonno Lo, Scott Mackay, Matt Macduff, Stephen Matthews, Bella Roelveldt, Brian Serneels, Andrew Teit, Fraser Vaage, and Max Wharin
ARTWORK: Nigel Quarless
And thanks to Zac Elik and Patagonia Vancouver for originally putting on this show and gallery event back in March 2022. All proceeds from the show including prints, swag and beer sales at this event went directly to support local trail builders via the good folks at the NSMBA.
Dirt snakes and ladders with Bella Roelveld on Kirkford.
Norco's Dave Cox on the machine that he designed for just this purpose.
Most of the time I don't mind if the sun ever comes out but sometimes I like the occasional ray of sunshine.
Welcome to my parlor said the spider to the Shiggy.
Matt Macduff just before the rebuild shutting down Boogie Nights in style.
The first frame from my first shoot as an NSMB photographer so many years ago - Monochrome for life.
Matt Macduff on the infamous CBC wall ride - the worst of its kind in all of British Columbia according to the Jank Janitor.
Cooper Quinn inspecting greasy trail features.
Cooper and friends inspecting his tire pressure.
36 satisfactory exposures on a roll means a photographer is not trying anything new - Freeman Patterson
Caleb patiently waiting for the light.
Caleb got sick of waiting.
The first Shovel-head. This photograph of Mole is a part of a continuing series of portraits featuring North Vancouver trail builders.
Comments
Perry Schebel
1 year, 6 months ago
the timing of this ode to dankness is impeccable. liked & subscribed.
Reply
Todd Hellinga
1 year, 6 months ago
That was great, Dave! Really nice to watch a slide show and absorb the dank...and just in time to get me stoked for the annual Devil's night ride Friday!
Reply
Jerry Willows
1 year, 6 months ago
Jank Janitor says the Salvation wallride is probably worse?
Reply
Dave Smith
1 year, 6 months ago
Isn't it decommissioned?
Reply
Jerry Willows
1 year, 6 months ago
still going strong...
Reply
Deniz Merdano
1 year, 6 months ago
More like still going wrong
Reply
Mark
1 year, 6 months ago
thanks fellas
Reply
Ryan Walters
1 year, 6 months ago
Man, these photos - I can feel them as much as I can see them.
Reply
mikesee
1 year, 6 months ago
Phantastique.
The slab/ray shot near the end...
...exquisite. And 16 other words that are escaping me right now.
Reply
DirtSnow
1 year, 6 months ago
Awesome! After missing out on the show at Patagucci I’m glad I got to enjoy your work online. Excellent capture of the dank days we all love and enjoy.
Reply
Cooper Quinn
1 year, 6 months ago
It was better live, because there was more beer.
Reply
Alex D
1 year, 6 months ago
Mega, Dave. Just mega. I hardly ever use desktop backgrounds, but the machine in my shop has your work on rotation.
Reply
PDub
1 year, 6 months ago
Wow... this is stunning! Congratulations Dave!
Created an account just to say: Thank you from the other side of the planet.
Reply
Mike Willms
1 year, 6 months ago
Awesome photos. Is it still possible to buy prints for those of us who didn't make the show in March?
Reply
Dave Smith
1 year, 6 months ago
RE: PRINTS. If you're local we can arrange for something.
Reply
Cam McRae
1 year, 6 months ago
I know Mike (Hey Mike!) so I can help with this if needed.
Reply
Peter Appleton
1 year, 6 months ago
love the contrast, super raw
Reply
Tim Coleman
1 year, 6 months ago
What an incredible slide show Dave, that's a piece of art. I love the music / sounds as much as the images. Every shot somehow captures an emotion. I've watched it a few times, and there's just so much texture though out. I do wonder though, what is the cumulative "one more times" in this presentation?!
Reply
Dave Smith
1 year, 6 months ago
Thanks! and I would estimate somewhere between 69 an 420?
Reply
Andy Eunson
1 year, 6 months ago
Love it. It captures the beauty of what some see as mundane.
Reply
kcy4130
1 year, 6 months ago
It's amazing photos like these that make me miss living in the pnw. Superb photos! Great music too.
Reply
Andy Krull
1 year, 6 months ago
Amazing work!
Reply
earle.b
1 year, 6 months ago
After what seemed like endless summer sun we've now returned to "Dave" season.
Reply
4Runner1
1 year, 6 months ago
Amazing stuff Dave
Reply
Ddean
1 year, 6 months ago
Unbelievable captures of the Shore, in all its realness and glory.
Reply
Dave Smith
1 year, 6 months ago
This comment has been removed.
SixZeroSixOne
1 year, 6 months ago
Stunning photos and nice to see it's not just bros you ride with 😉
Reply
Dave Smith
1 year, 6 months ago
Bella rips harder than most bros.
Reply
Carmel
1 year, 6 months ago
Sick shots! What equipment do you mostly use? Haven't shot moving targets much on film yet.
Edit: I guess that some of these are also digital
Reply
Dave Smith
1 year, 6 months ago
It's all digital except for one frame. I haven't shot film since my old Nikon FM2 days and I will never go back. Those that have been out in the dank with me also know that I work 'til i'm happy which is a hold over from my revisionist tendencies as a graphic designer.
I use all Nikon lenses on a Nikon d850 except for a few sigma prime lenses and the result is a very traditional and filmic look.
I also have a fully manual fuji x100f rangefinder that I carry on no-pack days.
I do have my own monochrome presets and processes which I've made over the years.
Reply
Carmel
1 year, 5 months ago
Glad to hear there are still some Nikon shooters out there, I use a Z6 now.
Reply
Dave Smith
1 year, 5 months ago
I would liked a Z9 but its not in the cards at the moment
Reply
Sethsg
1 year, 5 months ago
Awesome photos! I find too many MTB-related photos lack originality and a cohesive theme/story.
You should try film again, it is worth it, especially in medium format. Don't know if you have ever used these film grain overlays but I find they are often the "cherry on top" when editing digital images.
Reply
Please log in to leave a comment.