Yo Hoots Jay 04 - the
year in review
Hoots shoots from the rear view mirror
If you would like to ask a question about technical riding fire
them to Jay
Well it is now only a couple days before New Years and I can’t help but to think about what the 04 season may hold for all of us, but first let's take a look back at oh three shall we?
I am stoked on how my personal season went, with the exception of a serious knee injury. I am also jazzed about all the talented riders I came across – enjoying the outdoors and making it all more fun. This year I traveled a lot, rode my bike and hooked up on as many social scenes as I could. I figured ol’ Hooty could use some worldly experience given I write an advice column and such : ) So, in my dreaded wisdom I’ll share with you all the highlights I remember from 2003.
| I have watched the street scene grow for many years but 2003 exploded with the likes of Chris Donahue, Aaron Chase, Dylan Tremblay, Nigel Quarless and a number of über talented style cats, killing concrete and steel, taking it to the next level. Heck, even the likes of Ryan Leech and Jeff Lenosky have morphed trials skills and street riding, elevating the possibilities of terrain adaptation. Kurt Voreis, World Cup DH and 4X racer extraordinaire, was also on a one-man mission to open minds to street, park and dirt riding. Red Bull kicked down and put on some spectacles that showcased the unbelievable talent the cycling industry has to offer. From DH racing in mineshafts and city streets to street style battles and of course ‘The Rampage’. Each of these competitions was professionally organized and media hyped for optimum recognition and, in my opinion they legitimized our sport tenfold. |
 Hoots Jay Krantz - checking the Rampage terrain in Utah |
Group and shop rides are becoming more commonplace. It seemed like 2003 was the year that groups of riders were stoked to ride and grow together. There is a shop that reportedly has over 300 members in it’s club rides - how cool is that? I think shop rides are the best - it’s a true symbiotic relationship and everyone gets pumped on riding and smiling! Get out and join one if you can.
There was an injury epidemic during 2003. I steered clear of damage until July but I guess my ACL decided it was time for me to chill. I assure you it wasn’t my choice but at least my misery had company. Many riders have healed and are ready to rip now, but unfortunately there is a small group of riders that will never again have the pleasure of expressing themselves on 2 wheels at the same level. A tip of the dread to our fallen brothers - peace.
2003 really saw some talented riders step up and show their goods. Wade making his kick-ass comeback from his broken leg is my favourite part. How inspiring - he is riding so strong. Word of the year: RehabiliSimmons! Darren Bearclaw opened many doors for both riders and industry to gain some insight on what balls-out, kick-ass riding is. Geoff Gulevich, Kyle Scully, Cam McCaul, Kyle Ritchie (Hercules), Kyle Guay and Ryder Kasprick gave us all an opportunity to see a snapshot of the future. Gareth Dyer rode the wheels right off his bike and Dylan Tremblay recalibrated his groovy guns and came out blazing with silky style, sick tricks and buttery smoothness. Cedric Gracia proved beyond any doubt that he has the skills to pay all the bills. What can’t Cedric do?
Drop In ran for it’s second consecutive season - huge! However controversial the 2003 format may have been compared to 2002 the fact remains that our beloved sport is being represented by both Tim and Mike the producers and especially by the very talented group that toured on the bus. If you don’t know their names you should! Bad mountain bike rider.
Hootie dropping in on the McNugget
Interbike 2003 had more ladder bridge, Shore-style and street/dirt jumper products than probably the previous 5 years combined, ‘Freeride’ is now officially mainstream.
DownHill Domination! Ah yeah. If there was any doubt as to be what could be done on a mtn bike this video game defines it all. I knew 1080 no footed can to Indian air backflip over a lava canyon was possible now it is proven, it’s just a matter of time…
Bike Vids. Isn’t it amazing how many riders who grew up on the Shore and in BC now have clips in video’s of them styling Utah drops and jumping desert gaps? Hmm... sumpin' that makes you go hmmmm. I think that 2003 produced the most bike videos ever in one year and most of them were put together with less budget than a McDonald’s burger flipper brings home in a year. I love independent films. I have always been more interested in the feel of a movie than sheer big box riding and glamour rock shots. I must admit though that every movie I saw last year was inspiring one way or another and I am amazed by the amount of talented riders representing.
World cup at Grouse for the 3rd year and this time it was all about the 4x and downhill!! Crazy weather for the final 15, and Hooty learned a valuable lesson. Turns out that the final 15 riders weren’t pissed that the rain squashed their chances on points or winning. Instead they were stoked on riding that course wet. Every one of those guys seemed happy that Gary Houseman won it - and that’s world class. (unfortunately Houseman tested positive for THC soon after and was stripped of his points) And how about that full week of racing and events at Whistler for the Gravity Festival? Nationals were on that week, plus the first on dirt slopestyle (Freezride is on Snow!) that had some of the best top guns in the cycling world givin’er. A rowdy week for sure.
Whistler continues to raise the bike park bar. While already enjoying the fame of being the largest, smoothest most diverse bike park in the world, Whistler stepped up and developed several new kick butt trails and then introduced a revised and more technical 4x course only to be outdone by the inception of ‘The Bone Yard’. Damn!
For me VPS day was a very high point to the 2003 season. Never before in mountain biking has a manufacturer stepped up to give back on such a crazy level. I seem to recall that half price tickets and free service was supposed to be given to those with Norco bikes but if memory serves right I recall anyone who needed help found their bike on a stand for service with a smile.
What is the deal with backflips? The backflip in 2003 is like bell bottom pants
in the 70’s. Huh? Maybe not enough of us are old enough to remember those
days.
Hoots Jay articles continue… the horror, the horror…
2003 seemed to be the year that many riders from different countries stood up
and shared their trails. Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Brazil, America,
England and Russia were among the many places that
trail builders have been active building Shore style stunts and freeride style
trails. These countries including Ireland have also spawned talented riders
who have put their riding passion amongst the best in the world.
How about daredevil Dave Watson and his airing over the Tour
de France? Love it or hate it Dave really turned some heads in the
cycling world. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Dave.
So there it is, 2003 highlights as I see them. Naturally there are probably
many things I have missed or forgotten but I am sure there will be other articles
that will cover them. Good thing I wear a helmet all the time now - at least
I have some memories to share. All the best in the New Year to each and every
one of you! I can only hope that 2004 will be as exciting as 2003, with less
injuries all the way around.
Ride On…
Hoots Jay
Check out the fine produce at the Hootsgear Web site.
Hoots Jay is sponsored by Norco, Progressive Suspension, and of course Hoots Gear.
Photos Cam McRae
