Freeride is perhaps the most extreme form of the sport.
“(In freeride) they’re riding over what seems to be unrideable terrain...,” Peter continues. “Some of the top pros are jumping off 10’ to 20’ high cliffs and landing on the scree slopes below. They have a “no pain, no gain” philosophy.”

Watching the pre-rides and the race, it’s easy to see the pain. One young man slides around a sharp corner on his hip but gets up quickly, and reassures concerned spectators that he’s fine, all the while trying to kick his front tire back into place and continue his descent.

After clearing one jump, another rider hits a large rock on the trail. His front tire pops and he loses control. Despite the trickle of blood beneath his knee pad he pushes his bike back up the narrow track, jumping out of the way of other riders when necessary. Often a plume of dust and the rattle of rock are the only advance warning of oncoming riders. Reaching the top of the hill, his first concern is his bike’s flat tire. Only after he’s changed it does 16-year-old Jordaine Weber tend to the deep cut and scrapes on his knee.

Just six weeks prior to this downhill race, Jordaine suffered another, more serious injury. “I’d just landed a 13’ drop and an 18’ drop,” says Jordaine. “Then I was practicing other jumps and I crashed.” The result was a trip to Emergency for nine stitches and four chipped teeth. “I have my Care Card,” he jokes with a grin, displaying a flawless smile thanks to a visit to the dentist.