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Nathan Rennie
27th October 2004
James
We chat to the guy who launched 70 feet and landed it. Thats right, 70!
The pictures are all over the web, but this guy doesnt stop there, he's also a top notch DH racer and all round nice guy!
FTMB: Name?
NR: Nathan Rennie
Age?
23 years
Location?
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Whats your favourite downhill course?
Maribor, Slovenia beacause of the great scenery. Any wide open, fast course.
In Australia, whats the scene like? Are there a lot of races?
The problem is that the races are so far apart in distance that you would have to drive 500 kms each week to get to them. There are 5-6 National races each year. There are a lot of regional clubs but with less than 20 riders who organise their own races every couple of months.
You aussies seem to be funding sport a lot more than most countries, does DH get this too?
No. Mountain Biking is still a poor second cousin to Road Cycling and Rugby League, Australian Rules football, Cricket and Soccer get all the limelight. We have a part time Downhill coach in Scott Sharples. The main sport is run by the competitors and interested officials.
What the progression of bikes?
I started when I was 15. Hardtail, Diamond Back Dual-E suspension, Sunn Dual, Avanti Moto, GT, Yeti, Iron Horse, Santa Cruz.
Nowadays, is it the frame design or shock performance that matters more?
Both. You cant make a sh*t bike work with a good shock and visa versa. The rider's use of these tools has a lot to do with it.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Riding bikes.
Who do you look up to?
Anyone taller than me.
Do you miss Sam Hill and Bryn Atkinson after travelling so much with them last year?
Yes, they are good friends but we see each other all the times and we stick together a lot.
Favourite race of your career so far?
My first race which I won on the hardtail. The World Championships in Kaprun.
Favourite MTB dvd/vid?
Earthed.
You've jumped 70 feet, plans to go further?
Yes. 70 feet is not that far these days and I did it pretty easy.
What do you do when you're travelling around the world to events?
Hang out, ride, play Nintendo, ride, eat, ride, drink, ride, fly, ride, drive, pack, ride, unpack, ride, drive, ride. And the next day, do it all again
If you werent riding bikes, what would you be doing?
Wishing I raced mountain bikes or outdoor Motocross.
What do you think of the North Shore stuff, teeters, ladders etc?
Fun for amateur riders. It takes alot of time to set up for a very exact ride. i like to choose my lines.
Ideal place to live other than australia?
Under the sea.
You've been riding in the Whistler Bike Park, is this how the sport can progress?
Yes, this is how the sport can progress. There needs to be more places like this around the world.
Anyone you would like to thank?
Yeah, heaps of people. Mum and Dad, all the people who have given me a leg up, so many, don't want to miss anybody out by naming them all. They know who they are.
Rennies a busy guy, major thanks to him for answering our questions! Best of luck for the remainder of 2004 and beyond!
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