#RiseoftheShredder
Joe Connell has been busy putting together a new video. Time to catch up with Joe Connell and #RiseoftheShredder.
Shredder noun [C] –
One whom likes to participate in dangerous bicycle riding and other extreme stunting activities. A Shredder loves to indulge in drinking the finest brewed beverages (beer) and consumes only the freshest of comestibles (pizza).
Example: “Dude! Did you see that brown pow explosion after that shredder got pitted in the berm??!! Dude was all like, KWUUUPAAAAW!!!”
To get into the mindset of a true Shredder, I recently asked Joe Connell some questions about our latest edit, his early riding inspirations and what he’s got coming up for the 2015 season.
First off I’d like to thank you for all the hard work you put into our latest Shredder edit. Can you tell me a bit about the project and how it all came about?
I had worked with Stuz on a video back in 2012 and I was sat on a flight back from Switzerland a couple of months ago, thinking it would be cool to work with him again. So we had a chat and set up a couple of days filming for after the last race of the season. I put in some time digging a few jumps and sections for it and then when Stuz came down to film we just had a good laugh got some material for him to work with. I’m happy with the way the video turned out, I feel Stuz’s style of filming/editing fits to what I like to see in videos; more of a Sprung/earthed style rather the new school super slow-mo stuff.
How did you get into mountain biking and how big a part did Blebo play in those early years?
I started riding bikes really young with my Mum and Dad. Then when I was about 8 I started riding at the local abandoned tennis courts in Crail with some guys like Mike Anderson, John Duncan and John Mackie. They were a lot older than me and would build new jumps to ride all the time. My dad would take me out riding to places like Tentsmuir Forest and I just loved riding my bike. It wasn’t till 2005 when I went to see the Fort William World Cup that I really realised that downhill existed. Then I did my first downhill race in 2007 when I was 13. Blebo has been my local track since I moved there when I was 12, so I’ve been riding there for the last 8 years. It’s still good going up there for a ride when I’m back from racing around the world.
Which riders influenced you the most growing up?
I’ve always really looked up to guys like Peaty, Minnaar, Hill and Blenkinsop and I still do to this day. I was also into Skateboarding before I started racing and I’ve always had an interest in Motocross and BMX so I guess I was influenced by the top guys in those sports too.
What did you get up to throughout 2014? What was your favourite race of the season?
I raced all the World Cups except for Cairns and all the IXS European Cups. I had a good time riding some awesome tracks around the WC circuit and seeing my mates who race too. I really enjoyed MSA and Windham this year, I had the most fun at those races and also got my best results of the year with a 25th in qaulis at MSA and a 31st in finals at Windham.
What have you got planned for the off-season?
I’m currently down in Malaga, Spain working for Roost DH as a guide which has been awesome so far. Gnarly tracks and warm weather. So that will be my off-season, enjoying the the good weather, hanging out in the pool and riding my bike with some sound dudes.
What’s your thoughts on the current state of mountain biking?
I think downhill is growing again, I think RedBull’s involvement is a big positive. I’d like to see downhill get onto a mainstream TV channel as it’s definitely an entertaining sport to watch and follow. I’d like the WC’s to be on more classic style tracks like MSA and Schladming too. Meribel this year was really cool.
Can we expect to see Joe Connell at an Enduro event in the near future?
Downhill is definitely my main thing at the moment but who knows, maybe I’ll do some Enduro at some point.
What races can we expect to see you at in 2015?
Hopefully all of the World Cups and maybe a few of the BDS if I can make them.
Thanks again Joe and good luck for the 2015 season. Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Thanks to Mal at Roost DH as I’m currently sat in a jacuzzi writing this after a sick days riding. My Family, Chris Ball, Debbie Sergeant, The Robertson Trust, The Peyer Family, and all the good people that have helped me along the way. Cheers!
So there you have it. You now know a little more about the life and times of one of Scotland’s best Shredders. Now all you have to do is watch the edit. Enjoy!
You can now let everyone know how much gnar you shred by wearing a Shredder t-shirt, available to buy in the Fresh Lab Store.
