When I hiked to the start gate at Red Bull Rampage last year, I didn’t know that I wouldn’t be back the following year. I wasn’t thinking about much other than ‘holy fuck, how does it still look this terrifying after six years?’.

I’m a firm believer that every freeride mountain bike fan should see Rampage in person at least once. It simply makes you a better person when you are in the presence of that much talent, passion, and commitment. And it changes your perspective - quite literally - when you are standing in the middle of the canyon trying to comprehend the sheer size of it.

I have developed so much respect for the riders and diggers and what they achieve while under so much pressure and the wisdom and enthusiasm within their community. Even though I hated to interrupt them at work or rest, nearly every interview I conducted had powerful insights including this one with Graham Agassiz after the final last year:

[I took last year off because] I was getting burnt out. To give it 110% and go for the win, you put yourself in a mindset that isn't very comfortable and the decompression from that is horrible. You're depressed afterward, it doesn't make sense but it's because you are holding yourself to a high standard the whole time. I was over it, it just sucked. I hated being in that position and feeling that way. This year I came in with a completely different mindset and I had the most fun I've ever had here. I'm pretty thankful right now.
~Graham Agassiz (2018)

Possibly a little known fact is that after my first year reporting from Red Bull Rampage, I got banned from the event for being too vocal about the conditions and compensation for the athletes and builders. I returned the next year - snuck onsite and actually hid when necessary - and must have done something right because I’ve been allowed back every year since. In fact, I’ve been a Red Bull Rampage Insider host for the VIP tours for the last two years - which has been a blast. And it’s been awesome to see the progression and improvements over the years to make the quality and safety of the event better for athletes and builders (and media too).

Not going to Rampage this year was one of the hardest work decisions I’ve made because it is such a special event and because over the years I’ve had the opportunity to work with our industry’s most talented photographers and athletes in the process. I’ve made some amazing friendships and will miss the annual Rampage community that I’ve come to love but I know that the coverage is in great hands and will be even better with some new energy and personalities on the ground for Pinkbike this year.

Over the years, I’ve written and produced a lot of content from Red Bull Rampage for Pinkbike. Here are some highlights that I’m particularly proud of:

While looking back over these old articles, I found a post of images I took at Rampage in 2015 on a disposable camera. That was a good year.

8 Favourite Stories from Red Bull Rampage

I Wanted to Die

Stormy Days at Bryce Canyon