HOLD ON TIGHT!
Brendan Fairclough and Clay Porter’s new bike ilm, Deathgrip, is a wild ride
“I’VE GOT A lot of good contacts and friends, and thought it was about time we brought them all together in a massive frenzy of roost and dirt!” says Brendan Fairclough, talking about the genesis of his new movie, Deathgrip, which could well be one of the most exciting bike films of all time.
The World Cup downhiller, who’s one of the most stylish riders out there, teamed up with acclaimed videographer Clay Porter ( Won’t
Back Down, 3 Minute Gaps) to make a movie that would “excite people to go and ride”, hooking up with some of the sport’s biggest talents and visiting iconic spots around the world. “Why did I make the film? Because I had such a great opportunity,” says Brendan. “I was good friends with Clay, having filmed together for various projects, and we always talked about doing a film. As kids we all dream of being in a bike movie, and that’s no different for me!”
With so many exciting riders and locations involved, does he have a favourite section? “Umm… I built this cool line in Madeira – that was one of my favourite locations. But as far as fun and stuff goes, they’ve all been f***ing crazy! South Africa was an amazingly fun section to film, Schladming was f***king crazy to film. Josh [Bryceland] was on full form, so it was f***ing fun watching him at full speed!”
Watch the trailer (https://vimeo. com/211430500) and it’s apparent just how much work has gone into the trails being ridden and the risks being taken. “I think it’s pushed the limits of what’s possible on a bike,” says Brendan. “I don’t know about trail building though. I don’t think we’ve pushed the limits of trail building by any means.”
The flow between the contrasting, jaw-dropping segments is seamless, each of them stunningly filmed and packed with personality and, at times, humour. When the credits roll it’s hard to wipe the silly grin from your face or quash the childlike enthusiasm that’s telling you to drop what you’re doing and grab your bike. It seems that Brendan has well and truly done what he set out to do.
Deathgrip will be available to buy from 30 May through iTunes and other digital stores.