Photo: Dirt Action Official Website

A quick note to remind you all that the Australasian Super X series heads to Launceston, Tasmania this Saturday night. So far this series the USA riders have been really strong, but the Aussies are lining up to have a crack and show the world what they have. Expect fireworks at the sweet Tassie track, which features a massive 91m start straight and the longest whoops section of the entire series!

In the Opens class Unit have Aussie's Dan Reardon and Tye Simmonds keen for success, Dan currently sits in 4th overall and Tye in 6th, so both guys are still within striking distance of the podium. In the hotly contested Lites class, Unit's Cody Mackie is holding his own an currently sitting 4th overall, while fellow Unit riders Ford Dale and Robbie Marshall will be looking for some better results in Tasmania, as they currently sit in 12th and 13th respectively. Kawasaki Racing Teams U19 contender Luke Arbon has stepped up into the Pro Lites as well for this series, and currently sits in a respectable 15th place overall, but we can tell you that Luke will be far from happy with the effort, and will be hunting for a much better result come this Saturday night.

Unit's Luke George will be missing from the event, after his shock retirement from racing this week. You can read more about Luke's story HERE.

In case you want to go and see the action live, you can find all the details HERE.

If you can't make it to the track, the event can be seen Saturday night live on Fox Sports 3 at 7:30pm. Or you can see it delayed on Fuel TV, at 9:30pm.

• By Allan H

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Story and photos courtesy ESPN

This past weekend, Switzerland's premier freestyle motocross competitor and 2008 Red Bull X-Fighters champion, Mat Rebeaud, put on a two-day riding clinic at his private training facility in his hometown of Payerne. The clinic was the most recent "Under My Wing" event, a Red Bull-sponsored series that gives aspiring young athletes the chance to learn from and ride with their idols. Previous programs have been hosted by BMX rider Daniel Dhers, surfer Ian Walsh, and Dutch motocross racer Marc de Reuver.

Read full story HERE.

• By Allan H

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It seems we learn a new thing everyday about Unit's newest MTB team rider Andreu Lacondeguy! First of all we stumbled across this footage (above) of him backflipping a full size moto over 2 years ago! And then we found a new clip of him schredding some dirt jumps on a BMX, and not only was he shredding, he was throwing down bangers left right and centre! (Below - Skip to 3.18 for Andreu's clips)

I think it is fair to say Andreu's skill goes way beyond a MTB bike. We can't wait to do some filming with the crazy Spaniad.

• By Allan H

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12 year old Jai Bradley is amazing on a BMX and has a massive future in the sport. We invited him up to Brisbane to film a bunch of new clips, and this is the result!

How many 12 year old kids do you know throwing down truck drivers, 540 airs and 360 tail whips?

Courtesy: Unit Clothing

Film + Edit: Allan Hardy

Music: 'Trophy Kids' by My Fiction www.myspace.com/myfictionband

Thanks: Nick Cooper, Pedro Bradley, Lee Kirkman

• By Allan H

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The Crusty Demons tour hit Adelaide over the weekend, and it sounds like the show was a hit! Here is the highlights clip, featuring Unit riders Kain Saul, Matt Schubring and Beau Bamburg. The tour hits Melbourne this weekend...

• By Allan H

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Jaie Toohey hits all the local Greenville spots for the camera, before heading back home to Australia. A very special thanks must go out to Colin Mackay, Dave Mirra and Ryan Nyquist for letting us crash their spots.

Courtesy: Unit Clothing

Film + Edit: Allan Hardy

Music: 'El Diablo' by Iggy Chop www.iggychop.com

• By Allan H

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Photo: Luke George was the 2008 Australian Lites Champion.

In a massive shock for Australian Motocross, former Lites Champion and Unit team athlete Luke George has announced his retirement from racing, at only 20 years of age! George suffered a massive injury at the last round of the 2009 MX Nationals and has been fighting hard to get back to his peak ever since, and he seemed to be doing just that. However, this news perhaps shows that the injruy and recovery may have taken more from George then he showed.

We can't begin to understand Luke's personal situation, but we are sure that this decision is for the best, and we wish him the very best with his future endeavors. Below is the official press release...

At the age of 20, Chad Reed Racing/ Monster Energy/ Kawasaki rider, Luke George, announces his retirement from professional motorcycle racing. Luke leaves the sport with joy in his heart and looks forward to focusing his efforts on the next chapter of his life.

George’s list of achievements is impressive. In the 15 years he’s been riding, the blond haired “kid” has bagged 5 Australian Junior Titles and the 2008 Australian Motocross Pro Lites Championship with the Kawasaki Racing Team. George also had the opportunity to compete against the world’s best when he scored a ride at a 2009 round of the AMA MX Championship in the USA on a Pro Circuit Kawasaki.

Luke George has always been regarded as a rider who gives 110% all the time. His intense training and fitness regime is well known in the industry and his “dog with a bone” attitude towards anything he sets his mind to brought him great success in the sport and also saw him through a life threatening injury at the end of 2009. After waking from a week long coma (the result of a heavy race crash at Coolum), George immediately focused on getting better and stunned doctors and physicians as he healed much quicker than anybody anticipated, bar Luke. Unbelievably George was able to return to such a level of health where he was not only able to race again, but race competitively.

Luke George says, “I’m sure this will come as a big surprise to many but it’s time for me to focus on the next stage of my life. I’m not sad in any way, I’m very content and happy but I feel in my gut that it’s time to retire. I want to focus on the next stage of my life while I’m still young and able to give it 110%.”

“Thanks to Critto (Ian Crichton). He is so awesome to have in your corner. He kept me totally focused and made me give more and more because he always went above and beyond what I ever expected. My Kawasakis for Super X were just amazing. Troy (McHenry) and I tested heaps and he got the bikes exactly the way I wanted them. Nothing was too hard or unreachable and his ability to see exactly what I needed made my bike so good. The one thing I cherish most of all with Critto and Troy is the great friendship we have and having these two in my corner for Super X gave me the best chance of succeeding this year, but mentally something was missing and if I’m not going for the win, I can’t be out there filling up the numbers. 100% or nothing.”

“This next one is hard for me. Thank you to Chad Reed. Chad has supported me through everything, as a sponsor, mentor, idol and most importantly, as my best friend. Not wanting to let him down has been a big factor in me trying so hard, wanting to follow in his footsteps. This is where I learnt my 100% or nothing attitude. Thanks heaps mate.”

“Last but not least I would like to sincerely thank all the fans, friends and family that have made the last 15 years of my life truly unforgettable. You all hold a special place in my life. I wouldn’t change the last 15 years for anything. Also big thanks to all of my sponsors who have supported me this year including Chad Reed Racing, Monster Energy, Kawasaki, Thor, Motul, Renthal, Arai, Pro Circuit, One Industries, Braking, Motorcycle Specialties (MCS), Scott, Etnies, Ogio, Unit and also thanks to my former KRT manager Brett Whale who continues to be a friend. Whatever road I travel down now, I’ll still remember everybody that supported me. I’ll see you out at the races.”

• By Allan H

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Jaie caught up with Nitro Circus team-mate and fellow Unit rider Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham in Vegas.

Central Coast shredder Jaie Toohey has just sent us a bit of an update after the final round of the Dew Tour in Vegas, where things didn't quite go to plan.

What up, guys! I'm finally back from Vegas, and the Dew Tour season has finshed for another year.

The week I had in Vegas was definitely fun - I arrived in Vegas early on Tuesday so I could have a full day to just chill, hang out and check out Vegas since was my first time there. On Thursday morning we had practice, which started at 12.30. The course was amazing and I was having so much fun. I felt like I was one with the bike and put in hours and hours of practice - so much that I didn't have a food break or anything.

Then, just before the prelims my body started cramping up. I did one last practice run before it was about to start, but when I finshed I couldn't open my hands and remove them from my grips!  I quickly rode over to good friend Trish (she's medic at the Dew Tour) and she helped me out straight away so I could get my hands open.

Unfortunately we then realised I was dehydrated. They tried everything to get me ready for my prelim run, but nothing was going to go in my body quick enough to help the cramping. It took a bit of time and I couldn't ride. I was definitely bummed out, as it was the last contest of year, but these things happen.
 
By far the worst thing that happened in Vegas was one our good friends and legend TJ Lavin crashed hard and was rushed to hospital and put in a coma that night. Thankfully TJ is doing good now - the doctors think he will have a full recovery .

I'm back in Greenville now for two more weeks, then I leave the States and head back to Australia. I've got a few big comps coming up, then Nitro Circus New Zealand and Australian Regional Tours fire up. It's going to be a few big month, and I'm looking forward to it.

• By Simon M

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Unit team rider, and Kiwi moutain bike shredder Kelly McGarry has just scored this awesome cover shot on Revolution Australian MTB Magazine.

Kelly has been racking up the miles lately, travelling all around the world, competing in some massive comps such as Red Bull Rampage and Crankworx, where he placed a very respectful 5th. Kelly will be heading back down to NZ soon, and hopefully we will get a chance to catch up and film some bagin' new video clips. Stay tuned...

• By Allan H

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Nick Franklin takes a Jackhammer to the Horse Of Troy.

Man, our athletes get up to some cool stuff...

Kiwi FMXer Nick Franklin sent us through this amazing sequence of his good self busting a picture-perfect Jackhammer over the Horse Of Troy (the same horse that's part of Roman legend) in Turkey last week. Nick says this demo had about 30,000 spectators turn up to watch and even aired on live TV in Turkey!

"Frangas" is one of Red Bull's regular riders who travel the globe putting on shows for FMX virgins, and helping put the sport on the world map. It's a great gig if you can get it!

• By Simon M

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We have hooked up with Pink Bike to help bring you this cool contest, which gives you the chance to win a whole swag of clothes, riding gear and bike parts. All you need to do is head over to www.pinkbike.com and submit your best Pink Bike shirt design. The top 3 entries will win a chunk of gear so make sure you get on it!

There is a bunch of little handy tips and directions at the OFFICIAL CONTEST PAGE so make sure you drop in there. And good luck!

• By Allan H

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Photo: 12 year old Jai Bradley stomps a clean 360 barspin over the spine at the famous Beenleigh skate park.

Unit's youngest BMX team member, Jai Bradley made the trip up to the Gold Coast this week to hang out with the locals, and film some new stuff with us.

Jaie only just turned 12, and we have never seen anyone so young, ride so amazingly! We spent the day with him at Beenleigh park today, somewhere that Jai has always dreamed of getting to ride and film at. Beenleigh local and fellow Unit rider Nick Cooper has really taken Jai under his wing, and we are stoked with the effort and advice that the Aussie BMX legend is handing down to the youngster. Helping with everything from BMX tips, making sure the youngster gets to bed early enough at night, organising accomodation, and all the way through to hasseling us about filming and making sure the youngster gets the chance to be seen. Good job Nick!

We will be filming at a bunch of Brisbane and Gold Coast parks throughout the remainder of the week, and should have a new video for Jai online soon, so stay tuned!

Photo: Cooper tries on Jai's helmet, but it probably won't fit. We have to say, we are glad to see Jai wearing proper protective gear at such a young age. He really is a long way ahead of any other 12 year old kids. ALl photos by Allan Hardy

• By Allan H

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The first Crusty show went nuts in Perth over the weekend, and if you weren't lucky enough to be there live then this is your lucky day! The crew at Crusty have just released a highlights video from the night, including all of the crazy action including Jacko's massive front flip crash and Unit rider Kain Saul's perfect Harley flip.

Check it out, and if you haven't got tickets to any up coming shows, grab them right now at www.crusty.com

The next stop is Adelaide this weekend, followed up by Melbourne on the 29th / 30th of October.

• By Allan H

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Over the weekend, Nate Berkheimer was lucky enough to get invited along with a few other of the BMX riders in Vegas to a cool little dolphin session at the Mirage, organised by the Dew Tour. It was definitely different then the normal BMX activity, and looked like a good time. Check it out...

• By Allan H

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Photo: TJ Lavin hanging with the Vegas crew during our recent trip to the USA.

Our friend TJ Lavin had big crash late last week while qualifying for the last round of the Dew Tour in Las Vegas, which has caused him some major injuries and left him in intensive care. We want everyone to keep TJ in their thoughts, and hope for the best.

A recent update on the Dew Tour website does provide some positive news... The Dew Tour and our medical team have been in continual contact with the University Medical Center regarding injured BMX athlete TJ Lavin. TJ remains stabilized in the Intensive Care Unit but hospital officials are encouraged by recent test results and are hopeful for his recovery. On behalf of the athletes and the entire Dew Tour family, we continue to keep TJ and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

In other Dew Tour news, Daniel Shers won the series for BMX Park, while Brandon Dosch won the Dirt side of things. Unit athlete Jaie Toohey went into the event with some major bangers to throw down, but his McDonalds diet (haha) took it's toll right before he could drop in, causing him some major cramping. This is a massive dissappointment for Toohey, who has been pushing himself really hard in preperation for the final stop of the tour.

• By Allan H

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This weekend sees a lot of big things happening, so we thought we would give you a little rundown of the action, including updates on some of the Unit athletes who have been in the spotlight.

AUSTRALASIAN SUPER X

The tension is growing, and hype building, as Australia’s best prepare to do battle this Saturday night in Newcastle. Unit has an amazing team this year including Dan Reardon, Tye Simmonds, Luke George, Robbie Marshall, Cody Mackie, Luke Arbon, Ford Dale and Billy Mackenzie, who with the exception of Mac211 who is recovering fro a broken collarbone are looking strong and ready to put it all on the line.

With Chad Reed still unsure of his fitness, Dan Reardon has been titled the man to beat, and looks like the odds on favourite for the series.

Robbie Marshall is the dark horse of the Lites series, after switching back to the 250 2-stroke, and leaving a lot of riders wondering what the result will be!

DEW TOUR FINALE

The Dew Tour heads to Las Vegas for the first time, and they have put in a massive effort, securing the coolest locations. We just hope the athletes don’t get caught up in the lifestyle of Sin City before the event even starts haha.
Unit athletes Jaie Toohey and Nate Berkheimer will both be contesting BMX Dirt, and if all goes to plan, we will see some massive fireworks! Jaie Toohey has been pushing himself in a big way to be ready for the contest, and we recently saw some quick videos of him throwing down the flip triple whip, and enormous backflip superman seatgrabs over the resi, both of which have never been done before in competition.

Qualifying takes place at 12.30pm Friday Australian time, and the finals go down at 12.30pm Sunday.

CRUSTY DEMONS TOUR

The all new Crusty tour takes off this weekend in Perth, and Unit athletes Kain Saul, Matt Schubring and Beau Bamburg are all featured heavily. We got a sneak peak at the rehearsals and set-up earlier this week, and we are putting our money on this being best tour ever! So if you haven’t got your tickets yet, make sure you snatch them up and go see one of the shows. They are hitting Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney. www.crusty.com

ANDREU LACONDEGUY

During Red Bull Rampage, the worlds biggest and craziest MTB event, Andreu had a massive crash while attempting a backflip no-hander over one of the gnarly natural terrain jumps. No such trick had ever been attempted on the natural style course. Andreu came away from the contest with a 4th overall, as well as a few injuries. On Wednesday this week he was still not riding, but left this message on his Facebook, “Gettin better every day... Almost back on my bikes.... Still hurting after my Rampage crash...”

• By Allan H

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Caroline Buchanan sent through a new blog, and has some big news about her recent events...

A record number of riders entered the final round of the UCI BMX Supercross World Cup in FRÉJUS France, 198 men and from 47 women from 27 countries. With the Olympics just two short years away the interest in the world’s fastest growing action sport is rising.

The Australian Team spent a few weeks in Europe after the recent World Cup in the USA. We spent a few days at the World Cycling Center in Aigle Switzerland preparing for the World Cup. My back had a flare up from a disc injury last year which put me off the bike for a few days luckily I recovered quickly.

World Cup leader Le Corguillé crashed in the time trials and was out of competition. 2009 BMX World Champion Sarah Walker won the time trial 0.95seconds in front of myself. Placing 2nd in the time trial was really important for Olympic Country Points and my overall World Cup ranking as seven other elite women were all in the mix to claim 2nd and 3rd spot in the 2010 World Cup standings.

Racing started out good for myself until there was some carnage that I got caught up in over the 1st jump in the quarterfinal round. I crashed going roughly 50kph and got back up to progress through to the semi final. I rode the semi final with my shoulder a leg in a lot of pain. I didn't progress through to the final but having a podium result in Madrid, a consistent season and great time trial results always being in the top 5 throughout the year ranked me in 2nd position in the overall World Cup series.

At 7pm the night of racing I was walking up the stairs in the hotel and felt instant pain in my leg. I hopped to reception screaming for ice and an ambulance, I went to hospital to get checked out with a 4cm high lump on my leg. Turns out I had burst a blood vessel in my leg and I had taken some Ibuprofen for my shoulder that increased the bleeding and didn't help the situation.

I was watching the clock tick my 9pm in the hospital when I found out that my coach Wade Bootes who was at the end of year Swatch Awards night collected my trophy for 2nd in the series and also collecting my trophy for winning the people vote "Female BMX Rider Of The Year".

I am waiting a few more days in Italy at the moment till it is safe to fly home to get MRI's on my shoulder and leg and progress back to training and a rehab/functional conditioning period preparing for next years busy schedule.

• By Allan H

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With the launch of the brand new Crusty Demons live tour only days away, Unit Clothing headed to Perth for a behind the scenes look at how the riders and amazing new course were coming along.

The 2010 tour features a totally revamped show, along with new set, dirt landings and one of the best rider line ups ever, including Maddo, Metzger, Adams, Jones, Jacko, Sauly, Schubring, Mason, Higashino, Bamburg and many more.

Tickets and show dates available at www.crusty.com

Video courtesy Unit Clothing www.unitriders.com

Film & Edit by Allan Hardy

Music by Sonic Syndicate

• By Allan H

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The Australasian Super X series is heating up, and the countries best riders are putting in last minute preparations. We headed out to Robbie Marshall's private track to catch up with Unit's Queensland based riders, and see how they were going in the lead up to the countries biggest moto series.

Luke Arbon and Cody Mackie are fresh back from injury and looking really strong, while Billy Mackenzie is still trying to get over a broken collarbone from his time in the USA. Dan Reardon is back on home soil and looking really solid after finding some speed in the last part of the AMA Outdoors. Ford Dale is riding great, and after dominating the last round of the Australian MX Nationals, is coming into Super X with some real confidence.

The big story though is Robbie Marshall, who has switched back to the 2-stroke 250, to contest the Lites Class!! The choice has turned a lot of heads, and left a lot of riders wondering what the outcome will be.

The Australasian Super X kicks off on the 16th of October in Newcastle.

Courtesy: Unit Clothing

Film + Edit: Allan Hardy

Music: 'Flying Through The City' by Bliss N Eso

• By Allan H

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A quick heads up to all you BMX fans out there, this weekend will see the final stop of the Dew Tour for 2010 go down in Las Vegas. The location is epic, and it looks like the park course is literally built inside one of the casinos! Haha while the vert ramp is built over a resort pool. So if nothing else, it would be worth going just for the party!

Our boys Nate Berkheimer and Jaie Toohey will be on site throwing it all down on the BMX dirt course, and with what they have been telling us, it is going to be a hell of a show!

You will be able to watch all of the action on delay via Fuel TV Australia, or if your in the USA, you will get it all on live webcast at the Dew Tour website. Alternatively, stay tuned to the Unit Facebook page to get updated results as they happen. Stay tuned...

• By Allan H

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It's no secret that Levi Sherwood is one of the brightest stars to emerge from the FMX woodwork over the past couple of years. During our Stateside mission in August we spent a couple of days with the super-flexible Kiwi and snaped some banger pics at the same time. Check out our Facebook page to view 10 previously unreleased images of Levi. You won't be disappointed!

• By Simon M

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If you have the chance, make sure you get along to the TWMX Slam event at Milestone this Saturday! We are stoked to be involved, and will also have US Am Feenom Austin Politelli racing.

• By Allan H

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Unit is proud to be associated with Team MCR this year, and while over in the USA, we hung out with the guys at the crazy Southwick round of the outdoors, which turned out to be the teams most successful outing ever.

This video gives you an inside look into the team and it's riders, and also features a cool private session we had at Star West with Travis Baker and Vince Friese.

Courtesy: Unit Clothing

Film + Edit: Allan Hardy

Music: Iggy Chop www.iggychop.com

• By Allan H

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Sup guys? Here's a little update from my trip so far.... I flew into Melbs a few days ago for the 'Jam For A Cure' at Franga park, which was held to help raise money for little Fletcher Blu, and anyone with Type 1 Diabetes, an incurable disease. It was a really good day and I was stoked to be able too spend some time with him and have a little roll around. I was really moved by how strong he and his family were, it was quite inspiring. I'm headin out next week to spend some more time with them and i'm really looking forward too it!

After that, Cam Pianta, Claw and a few of the local guys took me into town. Collingwood had just won the AFL finals, and Melbourne was epic to say the least! Good night and good hook-ups Pianta haha!! And sorry about the flat battery claw hahahaha.

I'll drop in again after the weekend with some riding updates! Peace.

• By Allan H

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Team MCR has some of the fastest guys in the world racing for them, but what do you think they would be like beyond the race track? We hit up super fast riders Kyle Chisholm and Ryan Sipes to be apart of our special 'First & Last' video series.

Find out more about all your favourite Unit team riders in our new 'First & Last' video series. Broc Tickle, Levi Sherwood, Wheelz, Nate Berkheimer and Dan Reardon episodes are already online at www.unitriders.com

• By Allan H

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We are pumped to announce that the very first Unit concept store is now open on the Sunshine Coast, featuring all of our latest products, videos, art and memorabilia. Stay tuned for more details on an official launch event, but for now you can still go and check it out at Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore, just next to the cinemas.

• By Allan H

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You may not know this, but Broc Tickle is a funny guy with a lot of stories to tell. While in Southwick, we had Broc's girlfriend Jess uncover all of his darkest secrets for our 'First & Last' video series.

Find out more about all your favourite Unit team riders in our new 'First & Last' video series. Levi Sherwood, Wheelz, Nate Berkheimer and Dan Reardon episodes are already online at www.unitriders.com

• By Allan H

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While strolling through our warehouse this afternoon we spotted a couple of blokes furiously wrapping Matt Schubring's new trailer behind closed doors.

Schuie has been super-busy building this rig the past couple of weeks, and when it's finally completed you'll see it popping up at all the different demos and shows the legendary FMXer attends. Word on the street is you'll be able to buy a stack of merchandise out of the trailer... including replica Matt Schubring toys!

Keep an eye out for it at a show near you.

• By Simon M

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David Girsch made his way over to the USA for his first time in 2010, to ride some new places, and try his luck at some contests. Unit caught up with him while he was staying in Greenville, and filmed some sessions at Dave Mirra's and Ryan Nyquist's amazing indoor parks, as well as the local Greenville hangout, Jaycee.

Special thanks goes out to Dave, Ryan and Colin Mackay for hooking us up with places to ride!

Courtesy: Unit Clothing

Film + Edit: Allan Hardy

Music: 'The Dagger' by 'Nebula' www.nebulamusic.com

• By Allan H

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With only a week and a half to go before the Australasian Super X series kicks off, all of the athletes are training hard to get up to race speed and get all their bikes and gear dialled in. Every year the series gains more and more momentum, which results in tougher competition, more public exposure and pressure on the riders. Guys like Robbie Marshall are taking the challenge on, and putting in the extra effort to ensure the best results. Robbie has a perfectly groomed Super X track built on his private property, and has been making some big changes to his routine to prepare. The biggest of those is the switch back to the 250 2-stroke, which he will be riding in the Lites class!! We were lucky enough to head out to Rob's personal track today to check out his form, and his new 250 2 banger, which we think has a real chance of taking Rob to the podium in this years contest!

We also invited along fellow Unit MX team riders Dan Reardon, Ford Dale, Cody Mackie and Luke Arbon to test their skills on Rob's track, and in the process capture some amazing footage of the guys riding great around the tight and technical track.

Injured Unit / Kawasaki Race Team athlete Billy Mackenzie was also on hand for an interview, where he told us all about his dissappointing injury that he sustained while competing in his very first outdoor race in the USA. With a bit of luck Billy will be back within the first few rounds of the Super X series.

Stay tuned for a full video wrap up of the day, including some awesome riding and hilarious interviews! Super X kicks off next weekend and we will have all the details soon.

• By Allan H

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Yo, what up all.

So the weekend was just a blast, Friday night things got a little bit outta hand at my good mate Brad's (Darbos) place, where we had a bit of a gathering to catch up with everyone, seeing as most of us have been hibernating during the winter months. Good times with a bunch of mates and a big fire out back. Things got a little out of hand when Robbie Goodfellow turned up with fire crackers, long story short, don't let me play with anything explosive. My hand is still sore and my ears are still ringing after I held on to one for a little too long.

Saturday I was lucky enough to be Invited by young Fletcher Blu to the Jam for a Cure, held at the Frankston skate park. Fletcher was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and helped organise the jam to raise money for a cure.
There was a really good turn out at the park considering that the AFL was on again, and the level of riding was great. It was also good to catch up with mates who I hadn't seen for a while. Played a few games of add on with Matt and Shan, and rode the park for a good 4 hours before heading off to the city for the night.

Myself, Nick Cooper, Nick Cooney, Mitch Stafford, Jordan Kolb and Claw hit Melbourne hard, and in between chilling behind the Anchor and countless other spots, as well as Cooper asking anyone wearing the collingwood colours if they could "Smell Victory" we had a rad night. Hopefully we will be doing the same again soon.

And i swear I can just remember some dudes head bouncing countless times off the glass panel windows in Bang, but then again i might just be tripping. Lol

Anyways got another event next weekend down Frankston way, so I am looking forward to that and riding late every night because of daylight savings. SUMMER IS COMING! Stoked.

Anyways go ride,

Cam Pianta.

• By Allan H

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Well like I said last week, the 2010 Underground Tour hadn’t exactly been going as well as I would have liked it to be, and with just the final round to go I was sitting in third place in the points standings. I was looking forward to the last round at Zac McKenzie’s compound in Gympie though, as I have been there before and it is one of my favourite places to ride.

The course consisted of two main downramps, one with 75 and 85ft comp ramps onto it, and the other with a 75 and a jacked up 50 footer. As well as these there was a tricky little dirt six pack which caused problems for a lot of riders, you had to turn in the air and land the first one perfectly if you were going to get through the rest of the section cleanly.
The format for this round was a little different, we each ran two qualifying heats, the top seven from those moved through to the next round, and then the top three went into the final.

There were a few surprises in the first round, Lance Russell landed his first flip in competition as smooth as a whistle then went and slipped out in the corner after. After wasting a lot of time getting his bike started again, we all thought he would take it easy.... but not Lance he goes and hucks his first ever heel clicker flip to dirt! He came bloody close to landing but washed out and knocked himself out. Unlucky for him as he was riding awesome.

Brad Burch was riding a round of the Underground Tour for the first time in ages, and was ripping the place to shreds with huge flip combos and perfect upright tricks, but he chose not to hit the dirt section, which would come back to haunt him.

I was feeling the best I had in ages and worked out a run I was pretty confident with. I was the only rider tricking through the dirt section and that really payed off as I qualified in first place! It was a bit of a surprise as Burchy well and truly smoked me in outright tricks, but the judges obviously believed that was an important part of the course.
The next couple of rounds were very similar, although more riders attempted the dirt section, which was entertaining at times!

It was meant to be a three rider final, but it was so close the judges decided to change it to four. Luke Saunders, Matt Smith, Brad Burch and I all made it through. Luke went out first and did a killer run, but unfortunately he got a bad case of whiskey throttle in the dirt section and came down pretty hard. Smithy had been riding awesome all day, he was solid as a rock and the only other rider consistently making it all the way through the six-pack, which was enough to get him his first podium finish of the series. Burchy threw out all his bangers on the ramps, but again it was the dirt which hurt him, as he could only do the first jump in the section.

I was feeling pretty nervous, as I knew I had to win to have a chance of winning the series again. I started off with the dirt section and threw a porti-air, dub can and clicker over them, I was pumped as it was the first time I had done the porti off the first hit. The rest of my run went to plan, and all I could do then was wait for the judges to make their decision.

At the end of the day it was Matt Smith third, Brad Burch second and I somehow got myself the win! I felt pretty bad for Burchy as his tricks were insane, but at the same time I think its cool the judges rewarded the technical side of things too.

The points for the win were enough to sneak me past Luke Saunders by just one point, meaning I had managed to win the Underground tour for the second year in

a row! I’m pretty stoked on that, the way the series had been going for me I didn’t think I had much of a chance at all. We all went out and celebrated the night away... maybe a little too hard though in hindsight... You gotta be careful of RBT’s even at eight the next morning!

Cheers
Joe
 

• By Allan H

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...NOT MANY, IF ANY!

Kiwi teenager and recent Unit recruit Haki Waller posted this pic up on his Facebook profile yesterday and were were absolutely blown away by it.

The 15-year-old Maori ripper has always been known for his killer whips and awesome style at freeriding and supercross, but this photo of Haki Bubba-Scrubbing the snot out of the Dam Jump at the Taupo track has to be one of the craziest we've ever seen.

Haki is a badass kid, and you're going to hear more of him in the future.

• By Simon M

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Red Bull Rampage has just wrapped up, and it was insane to say the least!! So much progression covered the hills of Utah, as the craziest MTB riders on the planet threw themselves off some of the biggest and most dangerous obstacles ever seen in an action sports contest.

Unit team rider Andreu Lacondeguy went big, and threw down some massive flips in his first tun to come home in 4th place. He went even harder in hs second run attempting a back flip no hander over one of the big natural terrain jumps, but a slight under rotation sent him bodyslamming into the dirt.

The eventual winner of the event, Cam Zink attempted the biggest 360 drop ever done, and after 1 massive crash, stuck it on his 2nd effort. You will catch all the action over the coming days on the internet, but for now, here are the results and for a photo gallery, head over to Pink Bike.

1st - (89.20) Cameron Zink, 24, USA, Corsair Bikes
2nd - (82.40) Gee Atherton, 25, UK, Commencal Bikes
3rd - (81.20) Darren Berrecloth, 28, Canada, Specialized Bikes
4th - (79.00) Andreu Lacondeguy, 21, Spain, Mondraker Bikes
5th - (77.20) Geoff Gulevich, 23, Canada, Rocky Mountain
6th - (76.60) Thomas Vanderham, 26, Canada, Evil Bikes
7th - (76.00) Robbie Bourdon, 24, Canada, Intense Bikes
8th - (75.60) Kyle Strait, 23, USA, Pivot Bikes
9th - (74.80) Logan Binggeli, 21, USA, KHS Bikes
10th - (73.00) Kurt Sorge, 21, Canada, Giant Bikes

• By Allan H

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On the eve of the world's craziest MTB freerider contest, the Red Bull Rampage, we are proud to announce that Andreu Lacondeguy is officially apart of the Unit family! We have been speaking with Andreu for some months now, and we think he embodies what Unit represents perfectly. We will have an official press release with more details available soon, but right now, you can check out Andreu in action at the crazy Utah Rampage course.

All of the riders have been on site for the last week, and with the qualifiers done and dusted, 21 riders will hit the hill for 1 last time at 5am tomorrow morning (Monday 5am EST) Fortunately the good folk at Red Bull are going to hook us all up with a live webcast of the event, so you won't miss any of the action. WATCH HERE

Unit team rider Kelly McGarry scored an invite for the event, and had high hopes of doing well, until a gnarly crash took him out of the qualifying round. But, Kelly is a tough mofo, so we should see him shredding again soon, showing everyone his worth! Once Kelly gets back home to NZ, we are going to try hang out and capture some crazy new footage, so stay tuned for that.

Fellow team rider Andreu is known for going big, so it is no surprise he made it through qualifying and into the finals, where we are sure to see the best stuff go down! So remember to tune into the finals at 5am EST HERE and watch the best MTB event of the year take off. In the meantime, here is some of the media and action from the event so far...

PHOTO GALLERIES

-Last Day Of Practice

-Qualifiers

VIDEOS

-Riders Are On Course!

-Qualifyiers

• By Allan H

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• By Allan H

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