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Freeriding's alive and well south of the equator |
Words by Caetano from BikeZone.com.br
Photos by BikeZone.com.br
On September 7, BikeZone.com.br promoted a great event, when several riders from São Paulo's DH scene showed up at the first BikeZone Freeride Jam Session, a new competition promoted by BikeZone at the Souzas Forest bike park near São Paulo city. The guys went crazy over this new place that offered so many options and possibilities for all kind of manoeuvers. Many of the big names in the Brazilian DH scene were there, such as AIRSTYLE Team, AMC/Bikerspoint/Cantareira, and BIKETECH-Jardins as well as many other independent riders who turned up to ride. It was a full day of fun that started at 10 a.m. and went until dark. The park is really great because it offers many options for the bikers. Beginners or experts can be sure that they will have fun. The place has six trails that are approximately one kilometre in length each, with two for beginners, two for intermediate, and two for experts. It is located on an old family farm, and most of the trail building has been done by six bikers. |
 Shore riding - 11,000km south of the Shore |
It's a great place to ride due to the fact that the builders know exactly what a biker looks for in a freeride session. Let's introduce them: they are Ulisses and Paulo, both from MEGA BIKERS Bike Shop, a well known BMXer from Paulinia City area; Lambida, owner of LAMBIDA CICLE and a couple of riders named Guilherme, Ricardo, Renato, and Leandro. We have to mention that Renato and Guilherme were excellent guides, taking the beginners on the tricky and mysterious new trails.
 Airing it out, Brazilian style |
The professional team of riders, Jovito, Claudia Clement, Igor, Yuri, Luiz Clement, Fabio Gouveia, and Guilherme, Zelito, Klebinho (all from the National DH team) among others, tested all the trails and each one of them chose the one they felt was the best to do their thing. However, at the end they all liked the giant gap built up over a fence. But the guys wanted more adrenaline so they got a truck and put it between the jump and the landing. After that, they spent the rest of the day flying through the air. On one of the trails, you can get going really fast through the trees and with only a little slip end up giving a biiiiig kiss to one of those trees. The way down is full of curves, drop-offs, and full of holes but there's a lot to enjoy because it is really fast and fun. |
Besides each one of the six main trails, there are secondary options but the best part are the radical manoeuvers. The most difficult one goes down a built-up wood ramp, North-Shore style, which demands excellent technique and great bike control.
From the beginning to the end of the trail, there are many situations that require all the rider's ability and control, otherwise he'll end up with a cast on his leg.
Another great thing about these trails that really gets the adrenaline going is the North Shore stunts built by those nuts. Some of the structures are about two metres high or more, and are as narrow as 30 centimetres. There are also drops, wall rides, see-saws, ups, and downs... Oh, man! It is crazy! Throughout the park you also find double jumps that are up to five metres high, with a lot of loose drops that surprise riders on the way down. The Souzas Forest Bike Park is a great place to spend the day and add many new photos to your album. It was a great day and the gang's comments were the most positive. It's worth it to go there but in our opinion, we don't think that only one day is enough. |
 Riding tropical skinnies |
