Introducing Tom Deacon

Tom Deacon (Current UK National Point Series Elite DH champion) is on the Banshee/Mythic Factory Team this year riding the world cup races. Keep an eye out for him, he is fast AND consistent, and will be riding the Legend MkII at all world cups this year, as well as representing Great Britain at the World Championships.

Not only is Tom a consistently fast ripper, but he also has great flow when dirt jumping, and spends a lot of his time building lines, and is a really nice guy to boot! I'll let this video do the talking!



Official Press release with sponsors list etc to follow... I am really excited about this year, as the Deacon / Brayton pairing is going to be a force to be reckoned with! So If you are going to be at any WC evets this year, dust off that cow bell and give them some support!

Team Banshee Deadbros

Hey everybody! Wow, the time just flies, and here we are in the year 2010, preparing for the new race season. The quiet guys of team Banshee deadbros are no exception. Queitly lifting, riding, climbing, running, sprinting and otherwise preparing ourselves for the competitions to come. We've changed a little, added a rider or two, wich brings us up to five. Don't worry, though, dynamite comes in small packages, too.

I'm excited to announce our plans for this season. We'll be concentrating on the Mountain States Cup, but don't be suprised to see us at other events, rockin' out. Come see us at the banshee tents, you can go ride one of my bikes as long as you promise not to steal it. and leave your car keys. and your wallet. and your next of kin, you know, as colateral. I really like these bikes. So, ok, we don't have that much of a plan.
I am pretty stoked on the guys helping hold all this together. There is a lot of genuine talent here, even if we are relatively low key.
Curt Clemetson, for example. This dude is rad, Whenever I think about getting to my forties, I just hope I've got it together like him. Curt is an accomplished man, teaching skiing to the rich and famous in Aspen, ColoRADo all winter, he spends his time working hard all summer preparing the snowmaking facilities for the next season. With his busy schedule, he still manages to make all the downhill races on the MSC and a few more in Utah every year. Look out, 'cause he's THE MAN!

Nick Hansch has joined the team this year after his glorious return to ColoRADo. Nick is a sportsman, one of the best I have ever known. He's taught a lot of people a lot of things when it comes to bikes, skis and firearms. A great marksman, he's always on his line, pointing whatever weapon he has at the time right where it counts. Nick is starting out this year in CAT 2, but I'm sure he'll make a few podiums and be right on CAT 1 tails in no time. I love the style this kid carries, always showing dedication and precision to his various sports. Downhill has been a passion of Nick's for several years, and in the year to come I'm sure that will shine through.

Evan Elliott is the team's pro, and we're excited to see him come on board. The seasoned racers will know who he is, but I'll fill in for the rest of you. Evan has come up the ranks, starting in junior categories all the way to juinior expert. He has been teaching and coaching with the infamous Durango DEVO for the past few years, bringing with him experience that is so valuable to the team. This will be his second season racing pro downhill and he's got racing in his blood, some things your just born to do.

Darin Binion has lived in ColoRADo since, I think, '96. Since he's gotten here, his reputation as a rider of snowboards and single speed bikes has only gotten bigger. There's no excuse but a good one, he's earned his rep. As part owner of The Gear Exchange, Glenwood Springs' coolest gear and bike shop, his passion for outdoor sports is a catalyst for his coolness. Darin's willingness to put himself through tortures like the Leadville 100, 24 hours of Moab and too many other endurance events to list shows the dedication to a bold lifestyle he loves so much. Not many people do 100 mile pleasure rides on their single speed Paradox, do you?

And then there's Linden Carlson. A Fruita, ColoRADo native, I grew up riding bmx, road bikes and moto. That, and being a redneck. I rode all that sweet singletrack on a bmx bike before Fruita was known for mountain biking. "hey, kid, get a helmet" was the most heard phrase in my youth. Now adays, I don't ride motorcycles, mostly because my last street bike got wrecked and I never got around to the rebuild. I ride several bicycles, a little road, a little fixie, a lot of street, a lot of trail. I plan to do my best in the new to me discipline of super-d.

So that's the rundown of the team this year. We're not big and fancy, I'm still working on getting jerseys together. The team has a few sponsors. Banshee Bikes being number one, thanks for all the sic bikes you've helped us with, not to mention undying support. I'd also like to thank Crank Brothers for the deals on your amazing products, I'm really looking forward to those beautiful wheels. White Brothers\MRP has given us a lot of help, thanks Ryan for the bro deals you've hooked up, keep up the good work. I really want to give a huge shout out to Bern helmets, you guys have kept our brains in our heads way more than you know. Massive thanks to all the companies here, and we look forward to rallying all year.

I really can't say enough good things about the people and companies mentioned here. So, until next time, checkout the guys on facebook, check out the sponsors, and then you'll be able to fill in what I just can't put into words.

never stop ridin'

Brighter Movie Premiere Kamloops (19yrs and up)

Hey Hey Kids!

I wanted to let everyone know I am going to be hosting a premiere for the new bike film Brighter. I'll be hosting the event at The Commodore in Kamloops BC. $10 at the door, cash only. This show will be open to people 19yrs and older. The doors open at 8pm, the show starts at 9pm, and the party goes all night long! There will be a give away and pro riders in attendance as well. Feel free to invite your friends. Check out the trailer, and order your own copy at:

http://www.newwavecine.com/

You can also check out the facebook events page at:

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/event.php?eid=381680701390

Hope to see you all there!

Days Ride - Alan Hepburn

Matej - last 3 weeks - HATTRICK!!!

Hey Keith, Jay and all others.

After a 2 weeks break from racing there were last 3 weekeds filled to the
top.

The first there was a 3rd race of National series which took place in Bozi
Dar, the highest situated village in Czech Republic and ended with a sprint down the road into town . It was pretty
challenging race for me, because I was leading the cup by a couple of
points. I had to do my best in semifinal and also in final. Both raceruns I
was carrying the speed well and was also in my pretrained line. I finished
1st in both runs and made bigger gap in overall between me and second.



The second weekend (22.-23.8.2009) I thought I'll be off. Unfotunatelly I
found a Hungarian National Champs in Tokod on UCI Calendar. I managed to try
it. First part of the course was really steep and loose - real fun to ride.
The second part was speeding on the meadow with open fast corners and one
big jump. At all the course was good. I tried to push it, I did a couple of
small mistakes but I crossed the line with the fastest time, tho! I was
really surprised, how the people from hungary was carrying about me. They
made me a VIP pit, they were coming to me and telling important
things...nice experience.


The last weekend I traveled across the east border to Slovakia (Velka Raca -
Oscadnica) where a lot of guys from my country are going to race when there
are no races in Czech. It was 4th race of Slovakian National Series. On
Saturday there was non-stopping rain, heavy rain! I decided just to walk the
course and watch the lines. On Sunday, the race day, I did 3 runs before the
racerun. I know it's not too much but I felt really good, tho. I did really
smooth run with hard pedaling and I won the race with 6seconds gap!!


Pin it!



Cheeers

Matej Charvat

www.CharvatBros.com

Roadtrip to Goatstyle

After 12 hours of driving from whistler to creaston BC, myself ,reece and Lachie arrived for Goatstyle. As soon as i got out of the car i witnessed 5 crashes in a row on the last jump, there were so many kids trying to send it and this was only practice on Thursday. I went to go register and the clouds opened up and a 2 hour down pour began so everyone went for cover. Once the rain stopped the course dried out super fast and a sloppy but fun jam was had on the last two jumps.

The next day was all practice and Friday night lights which was a best trick contest held at 9.30pm. Practice went fine just flowed the course not really doing many tricks ,just chilling. Again the younger kids were hucking there meat on a bunch of tricks which made for many more entertaining crashes, but props to all who threw down in practice. Big ups too Dustin Greenall and Casey Groves for building a super fun and smooth course too. So practice wrapped up and it was dinner time and a little rest before the big show later that night.

Friday night lights turned out to be probably one of the craziest hour of riding on a couple jumps i had ever seen. Everyone was trying there banger tricks, and with the rider line up that there was it made for some really good riding, everything from flipwhips, 360 whips, double whips, front flips, super flips, 360 inwards, double truck drivers, 720s and more were all thrown down in that hour. With money being handed out for every big trick landed everyone wanted a slice of the pie. I landed my super flips and 3 inward then i was thinking of what else to try so i figured i'd give flip superman seat grab indian airs a try, i had gotten a few into foam prior to goat style so it was worth a try i guess and if there was ever a time to start trying them this was it. first attempt sucked, 2nd attempt was close and felt like it would have worked just like in the foam but i ditched last second.
3rd attempt resulted in my front wheel looking like a taco so that was the end of my night. Tt was a super fun jam tho and all the riders were cheering and stoked on each other so what more can you ask for.

Saturday was qualifiers, all went pretty well i guess i got my 1st run clean which got me through to the finals. 2nd run was going fine until i over cleared the 1st jump at the bottom on a cork 1 hand Xup and landed flat destroying my rear wheel sending me into the ground with a nice straitline pedal stuck in my ribs, all was good tho a little winded but fine 5 minutes. After that it was more rest time and just chilling out.

Sunday finals and the weather was perfect, a little hot but no wind and no rain so it was perfect. Finals started at 4pm and a lot of riders layed down amazing first runs. My first run went as planned so i was stoked to get one in the bag and not have much pressure on me for the 2nd run. Again tho 2nd run i crashed haha, went a little to fast in to the last jump as the course had gotten a bit quicker as it got bone dry. Anyway looped out on a 3inward and sailed to flat getting a bruised heel for my efforts, but whatever it was a fun day and the other riders rolled the dice too on there 2nd runs, a lot ending in crashes but some killing it and making it through.
Eric lawrenuk had a killer first run with some banger tricks at the end which got him a well deserved first place and a 1 way ticket to crankworx.

All and all it was a rad weekend, i'd like to say thanks to reece for driving me to goat style, Casey Groves parents for letting us dirtbags stay in there room the whole weekend(thanks so much), and Casey himself for letting me use his spare wheels after i destroyed both mine.
Also thanks to Banshee, Straitline and Raceface for there support.

-Alan Hepburn

Another cool vid from Matej on the WC circuit

Unfortunately a crash stopped the weekend a bit early for Matej, but he put together this really nice video to show us.

More from Matej

Hey Keith...just little summary of last month...

First two weeks of this month I was forced off the bike. I crashed in 4X
race which I did just for fun in my home city of Prague. I strained some
ligaments in my left wrist and had to wear a cast for 4weeks.


After 2 weeks and consultation with my doctor I decided to remove the cast
and try to race on European Champs! I've had to tape my wrist and wear
special fixation over it. I did some training runs, felt on it in seeding
run, but still was able to ride with just little pain. I did smooth run in
Final and finished 9th!!! Hey, I think it's not too bad ;)

Matej Charvat - European Champs 2009 from CharvatBros.com on Vimeo.

Next week, bad luck! I crashed in world cup quali in Maribor, Slovenia. That
kept me off the pace...

Last weekend I participated in second race of the National Series which took
place near to east border of Czech Republic in small ski resort called Velke
Karlovice. Actually, this area is striked by the flood. The race wasn't
exception. Whole day of unstopable rain. I was really motivated to win after
victory in first race. I did pretty agressive run with a lot of mistakes,
but in this extreme conditions I was the lucky boy which made it down in
fastest time! I did a little gap between me and the others in overall.

Legend is Awesome...

Cheers!

Matej Charvat

What's Next?

Aaron Larocque (the talented young film maker from BC), has been busy filming and editing recently. Check out the trailer for his latest creation which features 3 of our up and coming riders (Alan Hepburn, Mark Mathews and Matt Brooks).
Jay chimes in Keith how could you forget Dustin Greenhall... the guy throws it down large. Make that 4 riders.
Keith: Oh man, sorry Dustin, didn't see your name even tho I thought you would be in it and was a bit suprised when I didn't see your name... but there it is! Sorry bro! Sweet, this is just the Dustin on the cake! haha, man I'm so funny!

This is going to be Aaron's first full length film, but I think you'll agree that it looks like he has a great future and will hopefully be making many many more.

What's Next? Trailer from Aaron Larocque on Vimeo.

Update from Matej Charvat.

Hey Keith,

I just want to write you highlights, how I started the season 09.

First two races were two worldcups (La Bresse/FRA/, Vallnord/AND/). Pretty hard to ride first timed run in the season like World Cup Quali J.

Both races I passed thru the quali sieve. Finals: La Bresse – 67th, Vallnord – 59th(just +9s behind Peaty). It’s pretty tight, man!

After these, first of our National series took place in Bournak(CZE). I dug really deep and carried away 1st place!!

I’m really happy about that, but I must work on myself and try to rip better results in worldcup!

Cheers!

Matej Charvat

www.CharvatBros.com

Dustin Greenall gets Pinkbike POD!

With this great shot! Props to the photographer (sorry I don't know who took this, let me know if you know!)

Nice trickery on your new rampant Dustin!

You can comment on the pic here...

Matt Brooks starting off the season

Hey Everyone!!!

Kamloops is finally somewhat ready to ride, so I decided to put on my semi formal tuxedo t-shirt and get dirty on Sunday. It was my 2nd day of riding this year and it was a real nice sesh. It was an all day digging and hitting fangers extravaganza. We started the day in the corral (dirt jump area) at the bike ranch digging and blowing the cob webs out on some small jumps. Lots of cool stuff went down and it was like no one had gotten rusty at all. Saw the first hand foot plant (pic attached) which was pretty cool. Once everyone was feeling comforatable again we decided to go hit the step up located mid way down the trail in the park. It is one of the best trick learning jumps I have ever hit. Every one was going off. There were a few very close 720's, some nice big t-whips, and some peoples first attempts at back flips. I was busy trying to figure out cork flips, and I think I have the idea now. Unfortunatly I bent my rear wheel on an earlier attempt and didn't notice until it buzzed my frame while comming off the lip, which caused a nice crash. My ribs will be sore for a few days but it was worth it I supose. Big thanks to Jeff Conner, and Cole Chalmers for taking manning the cameras. Enjoy the pics!

Matt Brooks

Alan and Chris PB VOD

Pinkbike Video of the day


dipped 360 unlookback is the last trick if you wondering

The Aussie Crew Vid

Check it out.

These guys just keep getting better

Frame Testing... Banshee Style!

This is how we test our frames outside of the lab.

If you want frames put through their paces, then a good option is to send them to some crazy Aussies to shred on, so thats one of the things we did! there is definately something in the water down there!

Some legend testing footage from 2 young rippers,

Ben Nylen

Ben Nylen. from kane chenoweth on Vimeo.

Ryan Hunt

Ryan Hunt Promotional Video - Uni Track from Nick Peterson on Vimeo.

Keep it up guys, you are shredding, great to see the legend doing what it was made to do. You now know the names, so keep an eye out for them!

And an old favourite put this vid together of testing over the last 2 years.

Chris Soininen


(chris just told me it is 45.7C there today! I would vaporise!)

It is a hard life being a bike tester!

We have test riders all over the world, but it is summer in Australia, so they tend to be riding the most right now.

What goes on at the funny farm!

Link to vid

Winter jibbing by Matt

Hey Jay

Just wanted to wish see how your x mas went. Mine went well...dinner with the family ect ect. same as usual. Thought I'd send ya some sweet gmx ing pics. throw them on the blog if ya want, and perhaps wish everyone a happy new years for me. take er easy.

Matt B
Thanks Matt for the pics... that actually looks like a lot of fun. Keep enjoying the snow... only a couple more months until it thaws out a bit and you can get back on the wheeled version. Me... I'm going back to Taiwan and 20degree weather... I got a Legend back there and I need to build up my 29r.

Matej's first impressions of the Rampant

Rampant after two weeks:

I built up my Rampant two weeks ago with an exact idea in my mind. I wanted to have a fast, light, versatile 4X/Dirt/Slopestyle bike which fits me. Considering that, I built it up with these components:

Frame: Banshe Rampant, size: Long, color: Team Red/White
Fork: Fox 32 Talas (QR)
Bars/Stem: Funn Full-on/SMX
Cranks: Funn Hooka DH
Rims: Mavic
Brakes: Formula ORO K2
Seat: Funn Skinny RL
Shifting/Dear.: Sram X9
CG: Shaman Racing 4X Comp

I didn’t put on it any lightweight components and it weighs about 13.8 Kg (30.4lbs). Cool, isn’t it?

How does it seem to be after two weeks of riding?

First feature which I love on my Rampant are the looks. Everytime I show it to someone, they always say: ‘Oh, It’s a pimp‘ or something like that...Nice!
Now let’s check the riding features. The first time I sat on it, I felt a bit weird. It was long and super low. But when I tried it first time I was hooked! The lowness of that bike and its geometry...awesome. Fast accelerating powered by VF4P independent suspension which makes it possible to pedal and brake on rought surface without any unwanted feelings.

I also love the way the Rampant feel in corners. It’s predictable and fluent handling is lovely due to low center of gravity and the right angle of headtube.
I’ve been riding it on a lot types of tracks. BMX tracks, Djumps, Trails, Local DH tracks etc.
When I’m riding Djumps or BMX I’m using a lockout on my rear shock and high compression om fork. It makes it possible to hit the takeoffs better and accelerate faster.

When I’m riding in the woods or rough terrain I use my shock unlocked and I switch the fork to 120mm/140mm setting to use all the advatages of suspension.

I love to ride my Rampant and at the moment it’s the only bike I use!!

Thanks Guys.

Matej

Alan gets on the cover.

Alan on his new Rampant

Alan sent me this video of him riding some of his local spots in Aus on his new Rampant. He claims that this is taking it easy... ha yeah ok then!



Click here to see the vid on pinkbike

Nice skills as always! Oh man I want to hit those berms!