5 Mins with Darren Berrecloth

Darren should need no introduction but for anyone who does’t know he is a free-ride pioneer, bike handler extraordinaire and is one of the riders who made doing tricks on a mountain bike look better than good.

DW: Darren, how is Crankworx going for you this year so far?

DB: It?s been pretty good, the scene here is sweet, there was some rain earlier in the week so the trails are super good right now. Everybody has been having fun riding some well maintained trails and for the Slopestyle contest, which is my big event here at the festival it has been going good. The top of the course is fun, the middle section is pretty wacky but we’ll get through it and I’ve got some good stuff done already. I’m feeling good and looking forward to the next couple of days. I’ll get in some more practice and get ready for the big show on Saturday.

DW: How do you think things will go on Saturday?

DB: Good, the weather is supposed to be nice and I’m crossing my fingers for no wind as today (Wednesday) practising with the wind was hectic. All the boys are super hungry as it’s the biggest event of the year. Everybody trains for it, everybody is geared up for it and a lot of the riders are gearing up to cope with the wind. There are 10 riders out there who can win if they have a good run and it’s not ever a one sided event.

DW: So apart from you taking the gold on Saturday who is going to get silver and bronze?

DB: *laughs* Who knows, seriously there are 10 guys out there who can win it if they have a good run.

DW: So for 2011 what bikes are you riding?

DB: Personally I run the whole quiver of bikes: Demo8, Enduro, Stumpjumper to the P line and BMX’s, I love it all. I’m a very diversified rider and if I ride one type of terrain for too long I get bored so I switch it up to the next discipline.

DW: I was talking to Nic Sims (Specialized global marketing manager) on Sunday night and there is a rumor that you are prepared to try a 29′er.

DB: Oh yes, I’m full on the 29′er program. I think it would be awesome if they gave me a 29′er downhill bike, I think that’s the future. Sure, there’s some limitations and drawbacks such as wheel stiffness, especially for the riding I do as I need really strong stuff but for the most part I think it would be pretty cool to be rolling over stuff that you couldn’t usually roll over.

DW: There are a lot of doubter’s in the UK about 29′ wheeled bikes but in America the scene has really taken off. Your thoughts?

DB: Just think of the rocks you could roll over on a 29′er bike. Rock sections that guys on little wheeled bikes were previously flipping over the bars and all of sudden you are just plowing through it.

DW: Awesome, final question and it’s goofy but it is a Descent-World classic: How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

DB: A hell of a lot of wood if a woodchuck could chuck wood? *Yes!!! laughs*.

DW: Thanks Darren for your time, we really appreciate it, good luck on Saturday.

DB: Thank you, have a good time here.

So there you have it. I have to say that Darren was a really cool guy to talk too and it really was a pleasure to be able to grab 5 minutes of his time during this really busy week at Crankworx.

Words & Photos Bob Hodge