Freeride Legacy Write Your Own Chapter, Episode 25 (BONUS Q&A)
In the newest installment of ION’s “Write Your Own Chapter” video series, Canadian freeriders Alex Volokhov and Dillon Butcher pay homage to legendary freeride zones in British Columbia. Traveling from the lush forests of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island to the dusty, high-speed trails of Kamloops, Alex and Dillon craft a special tribute to the pioneers who inspired their own careers. Freehub talked to Alex to get the lowdown on his latest project.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
This video in the “Write Your Own Chapter” series honors areas that are historically significant to freeride mountain biking. Could you talk about the relevance of these specific zones to mountain biking history?
Well, Vancouver Island, being right next to Vancouver, and Kamloops, it’s kind of where the OGs first experimented. It’s where people like (Brett) Tippie started riding bikes. It’s cool to go to the island and ride some old stuff that people rode literally 20 years ago.
How do these areas hold significance to you personally, and how do you feel connected to them?
For me personally, they definitely hold a lot of significance. Growing up in Nelson, Freeride Entertainment was based out of here. They had big movie premieres every year and a lot of the videos were shot on Vancouver Island or in Kamloops. Year after year, I’d see people ride at the Kamloops Bike Ranch in their segments. I would watch those videos religiously as a grom, so going back and seeing what features are still there, what’s being used, and what isn’t, feels very nostalgic.
Can you pick a favorite between the two places?
Hard to say, because they’re all kind of my favorite! They’re just in different realms. Vancouver Island definitely holds a special place in my heart. I lived there for a few years, and it’s a very unique place to go mountain biking. Really good dirt, crazy ferns everywhere. It’s the most beautiful forest you’ll ever walk around in. When I spend a lot of time in Nelson, I almost forget how beautiful the island is. It’s beautiful here, but then I go to the island, and it’s just lush and green moss everywhere. No matter where you build a jump, it’ll be a cover-worthy spot.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone who is trying to progress into bigger features, bigger tricks, what would you say?
Never give up, keep trying. It might take a long time, but you’ll get there as long as you persevere. We’re so spoiled now with bike parks; there’s something for everyone. Just ride every day and love it. As long as you love the sport, I don’t think anything can really stop you as far as progressing.
