An interview with Josh Bender—one of the founding fathers of Free Mountain Biking.
Free mountain biking is probably the biggest reason for the catch phrase “extreme” in sports. Forests mountain biking, the main free rides go, finding natural; large features – like cliffs – jump out of them. Josh Bender came to our attention in the early 2000s when he was involved in Down syndrome and New World Disorder. He likes to laugh at the high cliffs of the mountains, he made a suitable addition to these rocky free-ride movies. Bender was one of the first mountain bikers to take a mountain bike to the limits, competing with the now infamous Red Bull. Rampage Crashes are famous for Bender’s destruction, but also for the huge drops he attempted. I caught up with Bender after he jumped a 25-foot gap in Boulder City, Nev., on a 29er – Mountain bike with 29″ on wheels
Tell me something about yourself, how long have you been riding, where is your hometown, how did you get into free riding?
I always rode, and never had a coach. Anywhere I’ve sat with my brother, Alaska seems to be just as much of a free rider as a whole. Free riding is spontaneous and you don’t need much to enjoy this type of mountain biking, so it was and is a natural progression for a lot of athletes like me who just want to ride.
What do you say to those who say you crash a lot?
When you exceed the capacity of your equipment, things will happen. I’m not a broken bender.
How long did it take you to recover from breaking your back?
Six months, then some people wanted footage of me to go big, so I came to the states. I would probably regular work 9-5 job if it wasn’t that.
How you
To be assumed, with effort.
Any advice for the newly broke?
Life is too short not to come out great.
How has your free will movement helped your individual development?
I am still developing, still walking, still cutting; still goin’ for it
What do you think was your contribution to free riding?
Bender Step-down in Jacksonville, Ore. So I took matters into my own hands. This was when my friend, Simeon Schatz, who shot pictures for me back in the day, contacted Thor Wixom, and the rest is history. The Bender Step-down was the first mountain bike jump with a solid 30-35 foot vertical cliff face. Of course I went further, but then it was a big step, a real measure placed in new terms.
Are you afraid before you try any of these jumps?
Yes, Bender, he was afraid! Everything has to be perfect or damn near. A small mistake and there are big consequences.
What does it mean to throw away?
They don’t mean anything about it, I just did a lot. Salt was bigger in Kamloops, but it didn’t get much air time.
What is the significance of this fresh salt?
The implication is that I am a 29er in the city of Boulder – you can still send in a 29er-do for those 26ers who are worried about something. I jumped from these cliffs under 25 feet, and landed safely.
What are your goals for 2012?
Wherever Lucy rose, I am there.
What would you like to see happen in the cycling industry?
Just continue the development of the game with the kids taking it further.
A tip for newbies lookin’ to take it up a notch?
You are safer in the air.
Again: I have never sought the light of lime. My older brother told me not to worry about sponsors, just do what you can and it will come to you.
Anything you would like to add?
No.
