Freeride Day X with BikeAttitude.net

First, I know I missed the ArmadaCup. I Missed pics of Emma Twigg winning the race and Mahe Drysdale (5 times rowing world champion). It was a hard choice to make – between rowing; my primary passion, and freeride; which is a really amazing sport. I took freeride and don’t regret it. Here is why…

Just coming back from Chaumont where I spent the day with BikeAttitude.net the freeride association of Neuchâtel (Switzerland). It was an amazing day which I started by standing speechless for an hour on top of the panoramic tour of Chaumont. Here is a little taste of it:

After that, I dedicated the rest of the day to photographing numerous riders. It was a great opportunity to test my brand new Nikkor 10.5mm F/2.8 DX fish-eye. This tiny lens is amazing. Once set to the hyperfocal, I just had to put my rider in the frame (180° angle) and trigger. As bike is a really fast sport, I combined this lens with a flash to shoot in full-manual (focus & exposition).

The Freeride Day X was the closure day of the freeride track built by BikeAttitude.net.  A funicular takes you to the top and you “just” have to get down. Don’t forget to stop and take in the view of the 3 lakes land and the Alps.

Lunch was offered by BikeAttitude.net, the guys brought 2 sets of raclette (melted swiss cheese), with some hot-wine and other energy drinks containing some bull hormones. As the season can’t be closed by just eating and saying goodbye, the association projected in AP, the freeride movie – From the Inside Out (teaser). I reckon that I was again speechless due the craziness of the tricks like this amazing road gap above a running train.

During the break BikeAttitude.net organised a raffle with prizes going from the cap to the full-helmet and some back-packs. A photo contest was organized for the best picture of the day – judged by the public and the applause-meter. I presented 5 of my shots and won the first prize. I won a Dakine Mission Photo bag. Pretty good bag that is now carrying my gear. Thank you guys.

Here is the winning picture:

Thanks to BikeAttitude.net for the invitation, it was a really nice day.

You’ll find my freeride pictures here

Cheers

Félix