Last Thursday, Dimes Club kicked off Pride Weekend with captivating music and exceptional cocktails. Hosted by Seven24 Collective, the event featured music by the renowned DJ Eliad Cohen and was co-hosted by Mezcalum and reality TV star Erin Lichy. The evening was an electrifying celebration of inclusivity, community, and music, setting the perfect tone for upcoming Pride festivities.
Tristen Yang
Last Thursday, we attended a delicious Summer Solstice event at STK Steakhouse‘s downtown NYC location on 12th Street. The event was hosted on the rooftop, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline and Hudson River.
An Evening of Wine and Art with Oliver Jeffers and Caran d’Ache
Last Thursday night, we had the pleasure of attending a Wine and Draw event celebrating the exclusive collaboration between Caran d’Ache and the renowned Northern Irish illustrator and writer, Oliver Jeffers.
Gottmik Hosts “Pride on the Park” at the Park Lane’s Darling Rooftop
This Wednesday evening, Gottmik hosted “Pride on the Park,” a stunning kick-off cocktail party to Pride Month at the Darling Rooftop of Park Lane New York.
Indulging in the Delights of Cloudy Bay: A Dining Experience in East Hampton
This week, we had the privilege of attending an extraordinary dinner event hosted by Cloudy Bay, a celebration of the art of entertaining amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of an outdoor setting.
The atmosphere was set from the moment guests arrived at the Fireplace Farm in East Hampton, dressed in chic Garden Party attire. As we stepped onto the property’s driveway, a warm greeting awaited with a glass of Cloudy Bay’s signature Sauvignon Blanc, a tantalizing prelude to the delights that lay ahead.
A testament to Cloudy Bay’s heritage, the Sauvignon Blanc has been the brand’s flagship wine since 1985, earning its reputation as a zesty, vibrant, and captivating vintage that forever transformed the perception of ‘new world’ wines and Sauvignon Blanc as a variety.
A leisurely stroll down a scenic trail led to the event space, where a deck adorned with bouquets and vines of blooming flowers and lush greenery offered an idyllic vantage point overlooking the azure ocean. The waterfront ambiance, coupled with the inviting warmth of the evening breeze, provided the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photo opportunities. Among the notable attendees were Suki Waterhouse, Jessica Wang, Ty Hunter, Ryan Clark, Shelcy & Christy Josephs, Kelsea Olivia, Charlotte Bridgeman, Laurie Ferraro, and more.
Suki Waterhouse wore a white silk dress by Stella McCartney paired with tan Aquazzura heels.
The evening commenced with the Cloudy Bay team gathering the guests for opening remarks, encouraging them to forge new connections at the communal table. The underlying theme of sustainability, farming, and community echoed throughout, as they toasted to good food, stunning locations like Fireplace Farm, and the joy of making new friends.
A highlight of the toast was from Amber Waves, a non-profit organization, who lauded the partnership and expressed gratitude for Cloudy Bay’s commitment to sustainability. The event’s collaboration with Outstanding in the Field also garnered appreciation, acknowledging the dedication of local farmers who brought delectable food to the guests’ tables. We were also reminded that, regardless of our diverse backgrounds and journeys, we all come together at the table, united by the simple act of breaking bread.
Soon, the guests took their seats at a beautifully adorned table, each plate bearing a charming shell inscribed with our names, a thoughtful touch that mirrored the breathtaking waterfront setting.
Teaming up with Outstanding in the Field, esteemed Hampton chef Jason Weiner orchestrated a culinary masterpiece thoughtfully paired with Cloudy Bay’s iconic portfolio of New Zealand wines. The menu tantalized the taste buds, featuring delightful dishes such as Amber Waves Farm summer squash with cracked wheat pita; tantalizing Tuna: Crudo & Cured, adorned with fermented carrot dressing and caraflex cabbage; and Steamed Clams boasting Dylan’s soba, charred Balsam Farms corn, lemon balm, Jonny’s mushroom dashi, Amber Waves Farm tatsoi, and wheatberry miso, each artfully complemented by Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2022, Cloudy Bay Te Koko 2020, and Cloudy Bay Te Wake 2018, respectively.
A standout among the wines was the Te KoKo, a captivating blend with notes of white flowers, warm hay, and succulent summer stone fruit, gracefully balanced with preserved citrus and subtle brioche undertones. The palate offered a delightful texture, revealing layers of white peach, pear, and white flowers mingling with mineral nuances, all culminating in a refreshing acidity and an elegant, lingering finish.
As the night progressed, the dinner transformed into an evening of conversations, laughter, and newfound friendship among the guests.
The dinner experience at Fireplace Farm with Cloudy Bay Vineyards was an ode to the art of entertainment and the allure of exquisite wines, set against the backdrop of an unforgettable view. The grand finale of mignardises of lemon bars, macarons, and chocolate truffles around the fire left a lingering sweetness to the wonderful evening. With memories made, connections forged, and palates delighted, the enchanting evening marked another chapter in Cloudy Bay’s story is one of vision, adventure and captivating flavor.
On the Scene: Empire Steak House’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
This week, Empire Steak House lit up with celebration as restaurateurs Jack, Jeff, and Russ Sinanaj marked a much anticipated milestone—the 10th anniversary of their premier dining destination on West 54th street in New York City.
The Sinanaj brothers warmly welcomed guests to join for a special cocktail party on July 19th in heart of midtown. Upon arrival, we were met with the gracious hospitality and thoughtful attention to service as hosts and management ensured everyone’s needs were met, happily greeting attendees and accommodating dietary preferences.
The ambiance of Empire Steak House was nothing short of lively as the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filled the air as guests mingled, enjoying great company and conversation in the spacious venue. The celebration unfolded with an array of delectable treats. An open bar served a tempting selection of wines, and a fruit and cheese spread added a touch of sophistication. The endless parade of hors d’oeuvres, featuring delectable chicken skewers, savory burger sliders, and more, delighted taste buds throughout the evening.
Empire Steak House’s journey began nearly four decades ago when the Sinanaj brothers arrived in New York City from Montenegro. Their unwavering determination, fueled by an unyielding work ethic instilled by their father, led them on a path of success. After honing their craft at Peter Luger Steak House, Jack, Jeff, and Russ set out to create a dining experience that exudes warmth and hospitality. They’ve achieved this vision, with Empire Steak House locations gracing NYC on East 50th Street, West 54th Street, and most recently, West 49th and Broadway, as well as an establishment in Tokyo.
Empire Steak House has remained a go-to destination for discerning diners, earning its reputation for exquisite cuisine, luxurious ambiance, and mouth-watering steaks. Now, in the heart of summer, there’s no better time to experience their culinary delights. The restaurant proudly participates in NYC Restaurant Week from June 24th to August 20th, offering an enticing array of meticulously sourced prime cuts of beef, succulent seafood dishes, and a superb selection of fine wines and craft cocktails.
During Restaurant Week, guests can savor the $60 dinner special featuring mains like the succulent New York Strip Steak and classic Chicken Parmigiana, as well as the $45 lunch special offering delights such as Filet Mignon and The Empire Burger. To top it all off, a divine selection of desserts awaits, including the beloved New York Cheesecake and indulgent Chocolate Mousse Cake.
The Sinanaj brothers have created more than just a restaurant; they have crafted a haven where guests are embraced like family. As we celebrated the remarkable 10-year journey of Empire Steak House, it became clear that the brothers’ passion for exceptional quality and heartfelt hospitality have made this establishment an enduring treasure in the heart of New York City.
Music Sampling Meets Recycling: Coca-Cola, Mark Ronson, and Madlib Make Magic with “Recycled Records”
The Coca-Cola Company has embarked on a groundbreaking musical experiment, teaming up with two of the most celebrated names in the history of music sampling, Mark Ronson and Madlib, to introduce “Recycled Records.”
We joined voco for its Grand Opening in downtown Chicago, marking its first location in the Midwest and the fourth in the country. Following the Grand Opening event, we were invited to a staycation to experience the new hotel firsthand.
The voco Chicago is a reimagined hotel with contemporary rooms and upscale amenities set in the heart of Downtown Chicago with a focus on comfort and style. Operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts, this renovation is the hotel chain’s first dual-branded voco and Holiday Inn property, adding to voco’s 41 properties worldwide. With the temperature dropping and winter approaching, we were looking forward to experience voco’s first hotel in Chicago and a warm retreat in the Windy City.
The voco hotel lives just across from the Merchandise Mart and train station, making it a convenient stop from all corners of Chicagoland. We took the Purple Line from my home in Lincoln Park and made it door-to-door in around half an hour.
Tucked on the cross streets of Kinzie and North Orleans Street, we followed the sign to the newly renovated check-in desk, one side designated for voco and the other for the Holiday Inn
The Grand Opening event was held on the 15th floor “living room” of the voco Hotel and drew in a crowd of hospitality professionals, press, along with friends of the hotel. The modern décor and seating served as an inviting space for guests to enjoy Chicago inspired bites, live music, a dessert bar, and a festive photobooth. This floor is the heart of the hotel, encompassing the lobby, event space, and dining, while boasting a soaring atrium and open space making it a perfect venue for events like the Grand Opening. Television screens throughout the hotel welcomed guests with a curated selection of things to do in Chicago like a hot chocolate race in Millennium Park where runners can enjoy a jog through the city with street treats, and an immersive experience at the Field Museum’s “Wild Color” exhibit where visitors explore how plants and animals use color to ward off predators. For food and drinks, the Waterview Kitchen and Bar offer a comfortable invitation to enjoy a signature cocktail alone, or gathered with friends and colleagues. A favorite was the “Owl” cocktail, an elevated Old Fashioned made with Four Roses Bourbon, Regan’s bitters, and orange bitters.
credit: Marcin Cymmer
Check our on-the-scene highlights from the evening here.
Location:
Steps away from Millennium Park, Merchandise Mart, Fulton Market, the Loop, and more. Whether dining out at Chicago’s most acclaimed restaurants or jogging through the Chicago Riverwalk, guests can experience all of what downtown has to offer at their fingertips.
The voco Experience
Having never stayed at an IHG hotel, we were excited to spend a night following the grand opening event. We were welcomed with an eco-friendly “Birds of a Feather” package which included a pair of sustainably made All Birds Tree Runners, hotel signature tote bag, craft soda, and welcome note — a charming treat to begin the stay.
“Birds of a Feather” is one of the new limited-edition packages available at the voco Chicago that feature exclusive amenities and experiences, built on the brand’s unique and inviting ethos focusing on sustainability. The machine-washable tree runners are made with sustainable materials like eucalyptus tree fiber and the shoelaces are made from recycled plastic bottles. The package also includes a QR code to access local guides and explore Chicago, which was the perfect opportunity to discover the vibrant nightlife at my own leisure. Other limited-edition offers in international voco locations include a “Very Important Peddlers” package that giving guests access to a fleet of bicycles, and a “Sip & Paint” package with complimentary Pinot while creating your own masterpiece.
The guest room offered everything you might find in a premium hotel like thoughtfully curated furnishings, power outlets, storage and closet room, and a plush King bed. Where voco sets itself apart is the ambience and small touches that make the guests feel like they’re home away from home.
Chicago inspired artwork complements the accents and textures of the guest room. Refined and modern bathroom features Apotheke toiletries in delicious white vetiver, a perfect clean scent with added depth. Muted green wallpaper gives the room character and a designed aesthetic.
With this being during work week, I needed to be productive and relaxed, and the room delivered on both of those needs. The room was equipped with a comfortable and ergonomic desk, Nespresso pods, and beautiful artwork that not only made for a productive day of early meetings but also a calm and comfortable environment to relax.
At night, we saw views of the iconic Chicago skyline and the vibrant lights from the Merchandise Mart. The morning sunlight offers a stunning view of the river and architecture of the Michigan Avenue bridge.
Although the hotel did not offer room service during the time of our stay, we had the chance to grab breakfast from the Riverbend Market (which is also open 24 hours) for a hearty Chicago-inspired plate of Chicken and Waffles, made with Belgium waffles and spiced maple syrup. We also loved the reusable water bottles with refill stations on every floor, eliminating the need to go out and buy bottles of water.
The 24-hour fitness center adjacent to the indoor pool and sauna is equipped with brand new state-of-the-art machines and Peloton bike.
Starting at a rate from $120 per night, this a great value for a newly renovated IHG property. Even if you’re not staying here, we would recommend paying a visit to the Waterview Kitchen and Bar for a casual, inviting ambience. Overall, we had a wonderful stay at the voco Chicago and will be sure to keep a look out for other voco hotels in the future.
Test Riding the 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster: Classic Icon, Modern Experience
This fall, to celebrate the newest addition to the Harley-Davidson Sport category, I was invited to test ride the 2022 Nightster motorcycle. I’ve been looking forward to follow the next chapter of the Sportster story and for a chance to renew my love of Harleys after test riding the Sportster S last year, so the Nightster was the perfect opportunity to hop back on the road. What I found riding this bike around Chicagoland was more than just my passion for motorcycles: the Nightster served as a vehicle for discovery and expression.
My journey began at the Harley-Davidson Headquarters in Milwaukee, where I met with Paul James, PR Manager at Harley-Davidson, who gave me a walkthrough of the Nightster. Immediately, I was struck by how elegant this bike was. In lush Redline Red (also available in Vivid Black and Gunship Grey—for me, red can’t be beat), the 2022 Nightster takes the quintessential profile of the iconic Sportster model and updates it for a new generation.
The first thing I noticed was the Revolution Max 975T powertrain, with its snaking exhaust headers and Metallic Charcoal finish. The powertrain is complemented by exposed rear shock absorbers that highlight each other to make a sleek profile with obvious might, striking that perfect balance between refinement and strength. When the Sportster was first introduced in 1957, it was positioned as an alternative to heavy cruisers, and the 2022 Nightster continues this legacy, built in the enduring Sportster silhouette. After plenty of time admiring the Nightster with Paul, I hopped on. In just a few minutes, I was immediately comfortable with the bike. The forward riding position, mid-mount foot controls, TFT display, and safety enhancements remind you that you’re riding a piece of cutting-edge technology. Equipped with signature Harley-Davidson gear including a limited-edition H-D x Jason Momoa Ka Pō jacket, insulated leather gloves, and BOOM! Bluetooth helmet, I was in good hands and ecstatic for the ride back home.
I picked up the bike in the middle of October, when autumn was just starting to come into full effect. Everyone talks about the changing colors of the coast lines on the East Coast, but you can’t beat the picturesque landscape of the Midwest in the fall. On the ride back to Chicago, half the trees still clung to their green leaves, the other half erupting in deep oranges, yellows, and reds. It had rained just a few days before, and even through my helmet, I could smell the aroma of wet earth along the road as I drove through miles of vibrant trail and fields down the I-94. The Nightster immediately rejuvenated me, alleviating the burnout and tedium of my busy lifestyle.
The Ride Modes beautifully complement the safety technology like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), TCS (Traction Control System), and DCSC (Drag-Torque Slip Control System) intervention. Each mode uses a carefully calibrated combination of safety settings, translating to an incredible amount of flexibility and confidence on the road. No matter the adventure, and even with the maximum amount of intervention in Rain Mode, I always felt like I was the one riding the bike—and not the other way around.
The City
After I’d made it back to my home in Lincoln Park, it was time to give the Nightster a test in the city, I was curious to see how this motorcycle would handle Chicago’s busy traffic, crazed drivers, and bicyclists. As a city dweller and motorcycle enthusiast, it can be hard to find the right bike for the crowded, chaotic conditions of city riding. Unsurprisingly, the Nightster delivered the same great performance on the highway as it did on the streets of Chicago.
My first destination was downtown, to meet some friends in Fulton Market for dinner and drinks. I love Fulton Market—the rows of delicious restaurants and innovative bars remind me of my days in LA, lounging with friends and family at open air malls like the Grove. The close-packed buildings, broad streets, and gorgeous industrial architecture remind me of my favorite parts of Brooklyn, too. As much fun as it is to be in Fulton Market, getting there is another story. The streets are congested, parking is a chore, and there are always tons of pedestrians. Usually, I’ll just grab a bus or a train, but I took this as a good opportunity to test the Nightster.
The Nightster’s low seat height at 27.8 inches and light weight (481 pounds, wet) make it a quick and nimble machine that’s extremely pleasurable to ride through downtown Chicago. In addition to its razor-sharp handling, the fuel tank transposed under the seat shifts the center of gravity lower on the motorcycle, making it even easier to maneuver with confidence. As with all motorcycles, parking was a breeze on the Nightster. Getting to Fulton Market is such a pain that I made sure to leave well in advance. Between the agility of the Nightster and the ready parking I found on a motorcycle, I got to my location 30 minutes before my friends—enough time to get some shots of this beautiful bike.
The month I had it, the Nightster was my “yes man,” always encouraging me to say “yes” to adventure. The bike gave me an open invitation to be more curious, and to be as excited to take the ride to my destination as I was to be there. This is what I love most about riding a Harley in Chicago: it gives you a reason to explore the city and experience the incredible variety of living here, like feeling the warm breeze of the lake or discovering a local restaurant tucked in the city’s remote corners.
Naperville
On National Motorcycle Ride Day (October 15th), I took another opportunity to say “yes” and test the Nightster’s long-distance capabilities and ride modes.
Right after I jumped on the highway, I immediately grew a hunger for more torque and acceleration. As soon as I flipped on Sport Mode, the engine roared to life. For the past two weeks, the Nightster had been my nimble sidekick, taking me through city streets with tactility. Little did I know the understated power of this machine. The liquid cooled Revolution Max engine is insanely smooth—switching gears was effortless, with none of the jitters common to older bikes.
Before arriving in Naperville, I saw some off-the-beaten-path signs to the Green Valley Forest Preserve and Whalon Lake. Still in a mood to say “yes,” I decided to make a detour. I let myself be taken in by the incredible autumnal beauty of this part of Illinois while the Nightster handled the rural roads with ease. When you need it to, the bike seamlessly blends into the background, making it an intuitive ride. Again, I felt invigorated and rejuvenated cruising through autumn trees and endless fields.
When I arrived back home, a Triumph Scrambler parked in my usual spot caught my attention. Hearing my motorcycle engine, the owner of the Scrambler, Christian, opened his window to introduce himself and we immediately hit it off. Having a motorcycle is a great way to meet people and I was pleasantly surprised by instantaneous connection between bikers and the love of riding. Noticing Christian also had a Harley-Davidson Bluetooth Helmet, we instinctively decided to pair up and explore the city.
Over the next few days, Christian and I strapped on our helmets and set off for adventure. With Bluetooth connected, we had crystal clear conversations as we roared down highways, discussing movies, bikes, and everything in between. Mostly, I’ve used my helmet for navigation and music, but this was the first time I’d used the microphone to talk in real-time on the road. Riding with Christian while having a fluent conversation became a unique and special way to grow our friendship.
Kettle Moraine and Baháʼí Temple
As my time with the Nightster was coming to an end, I wanted to finish with a scenic ride through Wisconsin and cruise through the nature preserved roads of the historic Kettle Moraine.
I flipped on Rain Mode to tackle the rain-slick roads, and I immediately noticed an increase in traction. I could feel the throttle response change to the inclement conditions almost instantaneously. That kind of tactility is so important on a motorcycle as powerful as the Nightster; even on a wet highway, the Nightster in Rain Mode gave me reassurance. The nimble 19-inch front and 16-inch rear tires also made carving down winding roads effortless. I’m not the most confident backroad rider, but my apprehensions faded on the Nightster.
Even this late into fall, there were still plenty of green leaves on the trees, mixed in with the more traditional fall palette. Being immersed in nature grounds me, a juxtaposition with hectic city life. Taking those winding roads in Wisconsin, the Nightster gently purring underneath me, and the rich, crisp air all around… I felt a calming sensation of serenity I’ve never experienced before.
On my way back, I stopped by the Baháʼí Temple in Evanston. Since coming to Chicago, I’ve always wanted to see it. The Baháʼí Temple is one of twelve standing temples of worship for the Baháʼí faith in the world. I’m not a particularly religious person, but its famed architecture convinced me to see it in person. A superstructure in ornate concrete and quartz cladding, the central dome of the building, surrounded by nine pillars each adorned with symbols from world religions, stands tall among immaculately curated gardens. Nothing in the area looks like it, and when you’re standing within its Foundation Hall, looking up at the intricate details, you are transported someplace else.
I had an amazing time riding the 2022 Nightster. This bike is a marvel of engineering, delivering a smooth, comfortable experience that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of power. It’s a stunning design, sleek and modern while echoing the best features of the classic Sportster. With the Nightster, I got to experience more of myself and the Midwest: heading downtown for drinks, riding with Christian, and taking day trips up to Wisconsin to highlight a few. The Nightster handled the transition from city to country seamlessly, allowing me to express my curiosity and passion for adventure—which is the underlying theme of my relationship with the Nightster: expression. Expressive in its design and expressive in the way it makes you feel.
When I think back to my (too-short) time with the Nightster, I’ll remember the incredible experiences that this machine gave me. The way it encouraged me to say “yes.” From its ease of use and comfort to its incredible power, the Nightster is a proud entry in the legendary history of Harley-Davidson’s design and legacy and a beautiful homage to the beloved Sportster.
The 2022 Harley-Davidson Nightster motorcycle is now available at Harley-Davidson dealers starting at $13,499.
2022 Red Bull Rampage and The Incredible World of Freeride Mountain Biking
This October, we traveled to Southwest Utah with Red Bull to experience the world’s premiere mountain biking competition, celebrating its 21st year since inception.
Red Bull Rampage is the world’s premier big-mountain freeride competition, this year bringing together 18 of the world’s most skilled mountain bikers to Virgin, Utah to compete in a battle that balances skill and mental preparation that define the extreme sport of freeriding. Athletes carve through slopes and narrow lines of sandstone ridges with the help of their two-person build crews. The broadcasted competition showcases the best jaw-dropping and mind-blowing tricks where athletes complete a run from the top of the mountain demonstrating precision, skill, and balance along the way.
This year for the first time, Red Bull Rampage streamed live on ESPN+. The event replay is available on-demand now on both ESPN+ and Red Bull TV. You can also follow our on-the-scene highlights here.
The free ride movement began as a spinoff of the ski and snowboard scene. The genesis of Red Bull Rampage is the brainchild of Todd Barber, a certified legend in the mountain biking scene, who saw an opportunity to apply the free ride movement of the ski and snowboard scene to the world of mountain biking.
Naturally, teaming up with Red Bull in the early days with limited infrastructure and production proved to be challenging: there was no audience on TV, and no carved slopes and trails. However, as the slopestyle movement of mountain biking gained traction (with jumps, stunts, and tricks), it transitioned into Rampage which introduced polished takeoffs and landings (like digging up bushes and chipping rocks) for the extreme stunts of today.
Athlete DJ Brandt zips down with his bike at Red Bull Rampage
We embarked into the exhilarating world of Red Bull and the culture surrounding professional mountain biking with an inclusive experience on everything Red Bull Rampage – from adventure in the mountain to meeting the athletes and players who made the competition a reality.
As a bi-coastal cosmopolitan living between the east and west coast, transportation on this journey wasn’t your average Metro ride; arriving at each location utilized a variety of transportation methods, including UTV, helicopter, and hiking.
Descending into St. George, Utah, the porthole view was filled with a horizon of mountain, brush, and sand as we landed into a quaint airport seemingly in the middle of the desert. Greeted by our Red Bull hosts and joined with two other writers, our media team of five were immediately whisked away on the first leg of our adventure for a UTV tour rolling over 50,000 acres of the Red Sand Dunes and Sand Trails of the Sand Hollow Mountains.
Red Bull team preparing to ride into the mountains
The Red Bull group rode through a vista of sand, terrain, and rock for over four hours, and by the end of the ride I was contemplating whether I wanted more or to never do it again. The only comparable experience that reminds me of this is watching Mad Max: Fury Road. Our group departed looking like sand-battered veterans – a great teaser and entry to the mountain culture.
Preparation before the competition
The following day before the main event, we were invited to a preview of the course, by way of a spirited UTV ride into Virgin, Utah where Red Bull set up a Rampage city of tents, preparing for the fandom and excitement, starting from the top of the mountain, leading into the slopes, and trailing down to the finish line.
Carson Storch and team looking out at the Red Bull Rampage course
Guided by members of the Red Bull team and previous Rampage contestants, we discovered the intense and manual preparation of Red Bull Rampage and its origin from an ideation to now a worldwide phenomenon.
Time is of the essence in preparing for Rampage. While we hiked up the course, we saw a digger preparing a line before the competition the day ahead with limited resources: shovels, rakes and water. With diggers working morning until night, it’s not uncommon for their arms to fall asleep every day due to the intense labor.
Beginning on the scouting day, athletes and teams walk through the mountain as a blank canvas and see what they want to do and where they want to go. Teams are given just four days to dig to build their lines, followed by a mandatory rest day on Sunday. During this time, they’re not allowed to touch their bikes or practice. Then the following week, there’s four more days of building and riding from Monday to Thursday leading up the big event on Friday.
Diggers build at Red Bull Rampage
Each team gets 75 pounds of sand to work with. Diggers fill up sandbags, stack them, and then layer dirt on top to shape the slope. If teams want to do a feature, they can combine their sandbags and efforts to work together to make a certain drop. The collaboration could be a complete feature or a trail that joins for one point and then separates.
Competition Day
On site, due to projected wind, we learned that the new start time of Rampage got pushed back to 10:30AM, a delay that would hint the outcome of the competition to follow. Spectators hiked into the mountains early morning, eager to find the best viewpoints to watch the show, while the event began streaming live exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S., and on Red Bull TV in all other countries. Media and photographers followed the course along the mountain and soon enough athletes began flying down from the top of the course accompanied with drones, helicopters, and cameras all focusing on the riders’ lines trailing to the finish line.
Every year the top five finishers of Rampage are automatically invited to the next year’s competition, then a panel of judges vote for the rest of the riders. This year, Red Bull Rampage invited 18 riders from around the world to compete for the grand prize.
The athlete to watch was Brandon Semenuk, a four-time Red Bull Rampage champion and Rally racer, who made the last-minute decision the past weekend to compete in Rampage and Rally this year, exemplifying quite an athletic and mental feat. Semenuk prepared both for races this month, flew between Utah and Michigan, took home the championship for the Rally on Saturday, and had eyes to win again for Rampage within the same week.
Brandon Semenuk wows the crowd at Red Bull Rampage
Athletes are judged not only on insane tricks but also the embodiment of the sport spirit, characterized by the early slopestyle movements with steep, extreme stunts. For example, hitting the Canyon Gap, a legendary feature made 74-feet from takeoff to landing, would score significant points. Canada’s Brett Rheeder did just that with his balance of complex tricks and steep jumps, earning him first place with a score of 90.66 and taking the most coveted title in mountain bike freeriding, and now a three-time champion of the Rampage games.
“I was pretty unsure what was going to happen this year. I had a lot of changes I went through as a person, and I didn’t know if I’d ever get back to this level of riding. So, I didn’t come out to win, to be honest. I just want to make sure whatever I do is for me. Only for me. Not for any sponsors, not for my competitors, not for any ego. I want to make sure it’s for guiding the sport in the right direction and having a good time while doing it,” said Rheeder
Brett Rheeder performing his winning run with complex steep drops, spins, and tricks during the first half of the competition
We were also looking forward to Reed Boggs, who we spoke to just days earlier on his quest for the prize. Boggs almost secured his place in third until Brandon Semenuk took the last run down a knife-edge ridgeline, completing a 15-feet-deep jump right from start line along with a tail whip, back flip, and 360 spin knack garnering him the Best Trick award, rocketing him into third place.
Watch Reed Bogg’s insane POV as he nails his run (sound on!):
After the first run, several riders opted to go in for a second attempt to boost their scores, however, the wind proved to be too strong to continue another successful run cementing the first run as the final scores. Following the announcement of the results, crowds rushed to the finish line to celebrate the winners of the 2022 Red Bull Rampage with champagne and trophies.
Winners Szymon Godziek, Brett Rheeder, Brandon Semenuk
Find all things Red Bull Rampage here and lookout for tickets to attend the event next year in-person.