CB’s own Glenn Nugent has this to say:
“Here’s a pretty cool edit my good friend Mark Butler made when I was in Halifax, some of the footage is kinda old but still good. Its got clips from Mark Lockhart, Brandon from Wisconsin, Drew Bezanson, Kean Fougere, Ben Moore, Colin Kenny, Greg Flag, and myself.
Here’s another video I just found. This is a bit newer footage from Halifax and PEI.
This is a dope little bmx/skate edit from Ben Moore.
Enjoy!”
Most people are aware of the huge crackdown in the HRM in regards to helmets. There are lots of reports of fines and even abuse at the hands of overzealous officers. I have no idea if there is any truth to any of that. We all have ran into a jerk cop in our life, but in my experience the vast majority are pretty down to earth people. I was riding a park in Wolfville the other night to stretch out an injured ankle. I was just pedaling around and did not bring my helmet. A couple police officers dropped by and told me I should have one and that and the fine is $138 for not wearing one (in a park OR around town). The two officers I mentioned seemed friendly enough so I decided to ask them some questions about the recent crackdown. It seems as though the police forces in Nova Scotia are being pressured to to start enforcing these laws much more than they have in the past. The officers I spoke with described trying to enforce this as “a nightmare for us”. It seems they dont wan’t to have to enforce it anymore than we want to get ticketed. They did not actually give me a ticket, and at this point seem more apt to give out warnings in hope that the message gets accross. But they will have to give tickets soon (apparently this is happening daily at the commons park). I generally wear a helmet, so it’s not really a big deal for me to just throw one on everytime now. I do however, know of a lot of skateboarders and riders who hate them.
To compound the issue further I have noticed in various places online that huge arguments have broken out between mostly older riders and younger riders. The older guys tend to believe the younger are stupid for not wearing them. I am somewhat in between the common riding age groups and get to see both perspectives. The problem I see is not one of kids following trends. As long as bmx riding has been existance wearing helmets has never been a common sight. Some riders can’t afford them, some just don’t like them. I do know one thing that most bmx riders and skateboarders hate though; people telling them what they can or can’t do. Most people I have met partake in these sports because its a way to experience freedom that you just cannot get anywhere else. I see a ton of resistance to personal attacks on helmetless riders. And the bottom line is that no matter how much you tell someone they should do something, they never will - simply because they don’t want to hear what you have to say. Period. If you want to help, leave them alone and let them make their own decisions. I wear a helmet, but I am in no way going to force this on other riders or skateboarders. I am not a police officer and will not try to be one. They understand the consequences, and they understand the fine. Personally attacking people for their decision is just splitting the riding community needlessly for no gain whatsoever! And THAT is something I do not want to see happen.
So I guess the point my post is this. I’m not going to tell you what to do, but please be aware that there is a fine, and the police are being pressured to enforce these rules. Even if they don’t necessarily want to. If you don’t mind wearing helmets, maybe it will be worth it just to avoid the needless confrontation. If your someone who already wears one, don’t go pressuring other people, it acheives nothing at all. It simply splits riders into groups when we should be comming together. I’d love to see some comments on this. Particularly from those of you living in Cape Breton and other parts of the province. Is it the same? Not a big deal yet? You tell me.
Looks like this summer is going to have several ride weekends at Ski Wentworth! There will be shuttles to bring you to the top after each run and there is beginner and advanced trail sections. This promises to be a good time for all downhill lovers. Keep in mind that if you are a minor you will need to have a parent available to sign a waver. Here is a list of the vitals:
$20 per day.
Fullface Helmets are mandatory.
June 21st and 22nd.
July 12th and 13th.
It is not often we get opportunities like this in Nova Scotia. If you want to see the downhill scene grow in this province than you should really check it out.
Tags: Wentworth, Mtb, Mountain Biking, Ski Hill, Downhill, Shuttle
Just a quick post to help clarify the author situation. It seems many people are viewing this as “Mark’s site” which is really not the intention. Sure, I do the majority of management, but I actually ENCOURAGE other riders to post. I would love to see stories up on Eastride every day. There is no limit (that I am aware of) on how many authors we can have. So if you want to post some stories, photos or anything else simply comment in a story and I can set you up. All riding styles and abilities are welcome. If your ‘just a beginner’ don’t worry about not being wanted to post. Show us your scene! Once people know there are riders out there more group rides can happen and you can meet other local riders. Not only is that a good thing socially, but you’ll even progress your riding skills faster! So this is a call for authors. Anyone who wants to post up some material from time to time, let me know.
Tags: authors, mtb, bmx, eastride, east coast
The Super D race held at the gorge last weekend was a great time for everyone involved. About 30 riders showed up to race. The night before left us with some fresh rain which we soon found out, made the course a slippery mess. On the top half of the course riders were struggling to carry speed through the slippery roots and mud. Sliding around at speed on the lower half the course was equally challenging. To top it off was a slippery, somewhat steep climb midway through the course. For someone who hasn’t been riding trails much this year such as myself, this climb was brutal. It really highlighted the need to be in shape to do well at this race. At the end of the day many riders actually enjoyed riding a slippery course since it made things more interesting. This was a super fun day with a bunch of riders who just wanted to have a good time, and we did. For those of you that missed it, make sure you make it next year (or even this year if there is a ’round 2′ at the Gorge). Here are some photo’s of the event, thanks to Aurthor Delaney and Tammy for the photos. If you want to see the results, scroll down past the photos.
Open Hardtail:
1. Jeremy Gass 4:20:67
2. Mark Taylor 4:24:32
3. Brandon Minor 4:24:57
4. John Canavan 4:52:82
5. Joseph Allison 5:00:18
6. Jamie Hannebury 5:11:02
7. Kate Scallion 5:13:14 (Kate also wins Gold in the Women’s race)
Jr. U17
1. Brandon Curry 4:05:99
2. Aymes Mustard 4:31:07
3. Zachary Herrick 4:36:56
4. Kaegan Murphy 5:21:11
Open Sport
1. Dave Marshall 3:44:76
2. Ryan Lindh 3:48:49
3. Chris Price 4:08:95
4. Kirk Long 4:12:20
5. Derek Gates 4:25:86
6. Ryan Goss 4:33:36
7. Arthur Delaney 4:37:54
8. Adam Shore 4:40:38
9. Greg Towndrow 4: 42:53
10. Joseph Allard 4:57:88
Open men
1. Josh Thibodeau 3:39:23
2. Connor Scallion 3:48:32
3. Nathon Rands 4:06:94
4. Christopher Nowlan 4:20:40
5. Robert Overmars 4:22:04
