 Tyler dropping "Bender's World" courtesy of Phree Media |
Tyler "Super T" Klassen Update
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For all of those who have been wondering what Race Face UFC winner Tyler "Super T" Klassen has been up to, here's the latest:
Tyler has just returned from a trip to Zion, Utah where he was filming with Phil Edlefsen (of the Down series). After consistently hitting 15 to 25 foot cliff drops, Tyler decided he wanted to look at "Bender's World". This 30 plus foot drop gets its name because numerous pro riders such as Robbie Bourdon, Joe Schwartz, Wade Simmons and Dave Watson have all looked at it and declined an attempt.
It was about 7pm when the crew arrived at "Bender's World" and although there was a couple more hours until dark, the landing was quickly being consumed by shadows, giving Tyler a mere ten minutes to get to the top, scope out his landing and drop. Tyler scrambled to the top of the cliff and with cameras barely in position, "Super T" called out that he was rolling. A few seconds later and 30 feet lower, Tyler touched down on the steep tranny, now engulfed in darkness. Tyler was only the second rider to land this drop and he did it with butter smooth style on a bike with 5 inches less travel than his predecessor.
After a brief celebration by the crew, Tyler set his sights on "Welcome to Utah" - the forty foot drop seen in the "Double Down" cover. When Tyler mentions he's thinking of trying it, Phil Edlefsen points out that it has lost light and probably won't make a good shot. Tyler decides to give it a go, regardless of the photographic value. So up he goes, once again to the top of an insanely large cliff drop. A brief discussion ensues about where he should land and how fast he should come off the takeoff. Tyler then asks everyone to leave so he can prepare mentally for the drop. As the cameramen scrambled to position themselves, Tyler could be heard shouting "ready". Moments later, Tyler hit the takeoff exactly as everyone had discussed and sailed 40 feet to another smooth landing. Within ten minutes, Tyler had successfully cleaned two of Bender's most famous drops.
Never one to know when to call it a day, Tyler decided to attempt a hat trick by trying the tow in ravine gap that Bender does in "Double Down" and "Fat Tire Fury". The jump is 54 feet long and the ravine is 12 feet deep. To nail the jump, Tyler would need to be towed in at 55 miles an hour. Dean Williamson of Bike Zion would do the honors of getting Tyler up to speed. With only a brief debate concerning bike setup, Tyler gives the go ahead for the tow. Dean brings Tyler up to speed and turns off, leaving Tyler to coast up to the takeoff at highway speeds. Super T launched off the ramp into a high arc over the huge ravine. Struggling to keep the bike underneath him, Tyler managed to pull through and touched down within inches of his planned landing.
To the amazement of the crowd, crew and fellow riders, Tyler was able to conquer Bender's home turf on a stock bike with significantly less travel. Whether this lessens Bender's mystique or increases Tyler's mystique is still up for discussion. However, everyone who witnessed the events of that afternoon is certain of one thing: Tyler has proved himself as one of the best freeriders in the world.
"Earlier in the day, Tyler asked me what it would take to get him an invite to the Red Bull Rampage this October." Said Dean Williamson, "After this incredible display of strength, balls and bike handling skills, I not only guarantee that I will get him a slot in the Rampage, I'm also certain that he will finish in the top five. And if I had to place money on any one rider to win it this year, my money would be on him."
"Super T" will also be performing in the Flow Show during the Grouse World Cup, July 5-7 and will be available to the media for interviews.
