Behind the scenes of Danny MacAskill's Drop and Roll Tour

Munich, April 8th 2015 – Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll team collected a year’s worth of footage to create a behind the scenes documentary showing what it takes to put a world-class show on the road: https://youtu.be/5nGm-c21X-I
Also, keep reading to find out how you can run next to Danny MacAskill and the Drop and Roll Team at the Wings For Life World Run.
 
Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll team includes Tour Manager, Duncan Shaw and one of the most technical riders on the scene, Ali Clarkson, as well as Austria’s rising star, Fabio Wibmer. But the wizard behind the tour is professional tinkerer, Dave Mackison. The new video, "A Year in the Making" shows how the Drop and Roll Team comes together to create one of the most energetic and interactive live sports shows there is. For them, the hardships of building a custom made rig and traveling across Europe with a 3.5 tone trailer is nothing less than fun and adventure. Their new documentary gives you a glimpse at the challenges they overcame along the way.
 
“2014 was a lot of work getting Drop and Roll setup. This year will be awesome hitting the road again for more shows and filming trips.” – Dave Mackison
 
The 2015 season blasted off with an awesome two-day appearance at the F.re.e Munich trade show in February. Now, back in bonnie Scotland, the team are preparing for one of the biggest shows of the year. The entire bike scene will kick off their season at the Riva Bike Festival, so naturally the Drop and Roll team will be there, presented by Livigno, to show their skills. Do you want to see how Danny does his “ball–flip” from the “Imaginate” film? Or maybe watch him ride along the famous spikey fence from the original 2009 “Inspired Bicycles” video. Come along on May 1st and 2nd for two amazing days of live performances by Danny MacAskill and his team.
 
“Drop and Roll’s first year was incredible and far surpassed our expectations. This year is looking to be even better with awesome team video projects in the pipeline and new show stops like the Fort William World Cup in June. This crowd is probably going to be one of the raddest we have ever had. See you there....” – Danny MacAskill
 
In 2015, the Drop and Roll Tour will be travelling across Europe to perform at trade shows, festivals, town events, and other happenings. The team have spent the winter months dreaming up and creating new features and tricks to add in the shows. A Drop and Roll show is an interactive feast as commentator Henry Jackson gets the spectators involved in the show and dishes out loads of free gifts from the tour partners. Apart from the upcoming show at Riva del Garda, confirmed highlights include: The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup stop at Fort William (June 7-8, UK) and the largest bike trade show in the world, Eurobike (August 28-29, GER). You can follow the event news here: www.facebook.com/dropandrollteam
 
"After having so much fun on the road with the team last year, I have spent all winter thinking up even more exciting show features and tricks. Now I am just stoked to be back on tour.” – Duncan Shaw
 
Also – Danny MacAskill and his team will be in Munich on May 3rd for the Wings for Life World Run. This incredible event is guaranteed fun for everyone, so why not join the race and support a good cause. Anyone can join the Drop and Roll team and run alongside Danny in Munich. If you can’t make it out to Munich – then you can still sign up and run at a different location! Your results will be listed in the team. For the top three runners there will be awesome goodies packages up for grabs from the Drop and Roll partners, Continental tyres, GoPro, Five Ten, Lezyne, Magura and Muc-Off.

Useful links:
 
Register for the Wings for Life World Run here: www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com
 
Join the Drop and Roll Team here: https://teams.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/gb/en/27d65a1cc3ea4d639ef3597cacf73fb1/join/12a7d92e576ab88abe82a1ba6e2d02b6
 
For event bookings and information please contact: dropandroll@rasoulution.com
 
Make sure you follow the team on tour via:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dropandrollteam
Twitter: www.twitter.com/dropandrolltour
Instagram: @Dropandrollteam

Kali Protectives Launches New DOT Carbon Shiva Full Face Helmet

There is a long standing debate among gravity riders about whether or not to wear a motocross or bicycle certified helmet while mountain biking. There are advantages and disadvantages to both standards, and depending on the crash, the argument could go either way.

Ultimately the two standards are not that different.The main difference is that the DOT certification requires a higher drop test, a stiffer chin bar, and an additional penetration test.

The DOT penetration test is designed to simulate crashing into a pointed object like a curb, peg, or handlebar. On a bike, you may encounter similar scenarios if you crash in a rock garden, or catch a pedal.

We've also found that it's not unusual for gravity riders to hit similar speeds as off road racers. Last year for instance, racers at multiple world cup tracks clocked speeds of over 50 mph (~80 kmp) through speed traps.

The disadvantage of a DOT helmet is the size and weight. Due to the more stringent testing standards, DOT helmets have to use thicker shells and more EPS foam. This results in heavier helmets with higher foam densities, and thicker shells.

When we began developing the SHIVATM, we wanted to meet all of these challenges. What makes our full face helmets unique in both the cycling and motorcycle industry is that our shell and foam is in­molded. That means they are one piece, rather than being glued or taped together like that crummy skate lid you wore as a kid. This enables us to make lighter and thinner shells, which means in an impact, the shell can begin transferring energy into the foam sooner.

We consider ourselves to be industry leaders in innovation, so we've continued to evolve our manufacturing process by introducing a unique multi density foam liner. With the use of geometric shapes, our foam liner helps to spread impact loads over a larger surface area, and better absorbs medium to big hits. We combined this multi density foam (which marketing calls Composite FusionTM Plus) with a softer layer around the head for lower speed impacts.

As we continued to evolve this process and test new ideas, we discovered a triangular pyramid shape which helped dissipate energy even better. When we tested it in one of our existing bicycle full face helmets, we found we could pass DOT testing without making any compromises in foam density, shell thickness, size, or weight.

Taking what we learned from testing, we designed the SHIVATM to incorporate this new technology, as well as meeting other goals – like reduced size and weight. While saying something is the lightest and smallest in the world is certainly a great talking point, particularly from a fatigue perspective, recent research indicates that by reducing the size of a helmet by 10%, you can reduce the effects of rotational forces by 22%.

With the SHIVATM, we’ve created a downhill certified helmet, with all the benefits of the DOT standard, and none of the compromises. For those riders who like to push the limits on their pedal bike, or grab throttle on the weekends, the Shiva offers a one helmet solution in a bike sized package, that is that is measurably smaller, lighter, and safer.

Key Facts: Kali Protectives Shiva Full Face

Smaller, lighter, safer. If we had to choose three words to summarize the technology behind our revolutionary new ShivaTM full face, we’d be hard pressed to find three better adjectives.

Weighing in at a mere 1050g, the ShivaTM is between 400­600g lighter than our competitor’s highest end offerings. In addition to being one of the lightest DOT helmets on the market, it’s also 30% smaller than your average motocross helmet.

These features aren’t just great talking points, they also offer considerable safety advantages. Recent research has shown that smaller & lighter helmets are crucial for reducing the risk of brain trauma during an impact.

This reduction in weight and size is possible due to our COMPOSITE FUSION THREETM technology, which consists of a multiple density EPS liner that is in­molded to the carbon fiber shell.

This new third generation of our technology utilizes triangular pyramids to distribute forces laterally, which allows us to use a lighter density foam throughout, and reduces the thickness of the shell.

Technology:

• ●  COMPOSITE FUSION:​Unlike standard construction helmets where the foam is glued into a shell, our technology allows us to inject the EPS liner directly into the shell. This in­molding technique is standard on bicycle half shell helmets, but Kali is the only manufacturer capable of doing this in a full face helmet. The advantage of this design is that it eliminates the gap between the shell and foam, which reduces the number of impacts the brain is subjected to in a crash. Rather than two impacts (ground to shell, shell to foam), there is only one impact with a COMPOSITE FUSION helmet.

• ●  COMPOSITE FUSION 3:​We’ve improved on our original in molding technology by adding multi density triangular pyramids throughout the EPS liner, to better dissipate energy laterally. This allows us to reduce the size of the shell, and use a lighter density foam, which is crucial for mitigating the effects of both low and high speed impacts.

• ●  Lighter and Smaller:​Everything is subject to the laws of physics. In school the phenomena is explained by the equation Force = Mass x Acceleration. On the trail, it’s ultimately the rider who determines acceleration, so we strive to reduce the weight and size of our helmets in order to minimize the forces applied to the head and neck in an accident. Recent studies have indicated that reducing helmet volume by 10% can reduce rotational forces transmitted to the brain by over 20%.

• ●  Breakaway Visor & Helmet Shape:​The Shiva utilizes a breakaway visor and less angular helmet shape, which is designed to not snag the ground in a yard sale.

• ●  Integrated Removable Camera & Light Mount:​Includes mounts for GoPro, Contour, Light & Motion, and a universal bar mount

  Highlights:​

• ●  World’s lightest DOT certified helmet. Weighs 1050 g

• ●  Retail Pricing is $500 USD, $399 Euro

• ●  Available in sizes XS, S, M, L, & XL

• ●  Comes in three colorways: Raw carbon, Speed Machine, & Stripes

• ●  Meets DOT, ASTM DH, ASTM BMX, ASTM Snow, and CPSC Standards

  Product Features:

• ●  Full carbon fiber shell

• ●  Integrated Airflow system, w/ 8 forward facing vents, and 8 rearward vents

• ●  Camera and Light Mount accessory Kit

• ●  Premium Travel Bag

The Ripple Effect: Rogatkin Set To Make Waves In 2015

Munich, March 24th 2015 – In 2014 the new kid on the block, Nicholi Rogatkin from Boston (USA), created ripples in the FMB World Tour scene – this year, he is pre-qualified for the FMB Diamond Series and ready to make waves. Riding with the support of new partners, in 2015 we could be witness to another rider joining the ranks of the top dawgs on the scene.
 
Last year took mountain bike slopestyle to a whole new level. Athletes were dropping new tricks left, right and centre. Nicholi Rogatkin was one of these athletes and 2014 was only his debut season on the FMB World Tour. This dark horse rode out of the shadows at 26TRIX (Leogang, AUT) when, after an incredible trick battle with other world-class FMB athletes, he finished the weekend with a win. Triple tailwhips, long dart fronties, and cashrolls are just some of the bangers on his repertoire.
 
Nicholi quickly earned a spot in the FMB Diamond events and after finishing 6th overall in 2014, he is now pre-qualified for the 2015 FMB Diamond Series. Riding for Specialized, KALI, Ninja gloves and armed with the support of new partners, including head partner XDubai, DT Swiss, VP Components, Spank, Continental and Alpinestars, Nicholi is ready to start a promising and glorious year. Nicholi’s manager, Tarek Rasouli commented: "I am excited to see Nicholi going into his 2nd FMB season. Nicholi has worked hard during the off-season to be fully prepared for the competition this year. The additional support from his partners is another great confidence boost as well."
 
Nicholi's bike for 2015 screams "technical", "finesse" and "state of the art" - with top notch specifications, he is equipped for action:

Just recently, Nicholi joined the line-up of elite showman at Masters of Dirt in Vienna. This none competitive event with big jumps and high level of riding is a good warm-up for the season ahead. The FMB Diamond Series will be at the top of his list because this is where the FMB World Championship is won, but we can also expect to see him at Gold events such as 26TRIX (AUT), Colorado Freeride Festival (USA) and FISE. First FMB highlight event will be the Diamond event, Crankworx Rotorua (March 29th, NZL), followed by the Silver event Vienna Air King (April 12th, AUT).

 

Nicholi himself could not be more eager to build on the success of 2014: "Joining the MTB world has been unreal. All of my experiences so far have been mind blowing and unforgettable. I couldn't be more stoked on all the companies I'm working with in 2015. I'm fortunate to pick the very best companies to dial in every part of my bike. And in addition I'm happy to represent a new company, XDubai who is here to put Dubai on the map as a destination for generations to come."
 
Follow Nicholi Rogatkin on Facebook and Twitter.

Livigno Bringing Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Tour To The BIKE Festival Riva

Livigno (ITA), March 20^th 2015 – Danny MacAskill is no stranger to the Italian holiday destination, Livigno. Last year, Livigno partnered up with Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Tour for Eurobike and now they want to tell the world that Livigno is ready for the 2015 bike season by bringing their incredible shows to the Ziener BIKE Festival powered by MINI on May 1^st and 2^nd.

The BIKE Festival Riva is one of the most important cycling events of the year and signals the start of a new season. So, it seems perfect for Livigno to bring Danny MacAskill’s Drop and Roll Tour to the centre of the action. Livigno has a lot to offer this season and Danny MacAskill with his team will be in Riva to make sure you know about it. New trails, a groomed bike park, MTB events, contests and a great biking infrastructure is at your finger tips in Livigno. So if you are at the BIKE Festival Riva this year on May 1^st and 2^nd, come and check out the amazing Drop and Roll Shows presented by Livigno and find out how you can make the most of your season in Livigno this year.

In total, there are four shows “presented by Livigno” on the schedule. After the shows, Livigno invites you to a Signing Session where you can get a personal autograph and photo with Danny and his team. Make sure you put the schedule into your festival calendar:

Friday, May 1^st

1-1.30 pm: Drop and Roll Show presented by Livigno at La Rocca (directly at the start- and finish area of the BRÜGELMANN City Eliminator)

From 2 pm on: Signing Session at Livigno Booth (Festival Area, A15)

6.30-7.00 pm: Drop and Roll Show presented by Livigno at La Rocca

Followed by: Signing Session at Drop and Roll Tour Bus (La Rocca)

Saturday, May 2^nd

11.00-11.30 am: Drop and Roll Show presented by Livigno on the festival stage

2.30-3.00 pm: Drop and Roll Show presented by Livigno on the festival stage

From 3.30 pm: Signing Session at Livigno Booth (Festival Area, A15)

Between the shows Livigno will be bringing a little taste of the beautiful region to its booth (A15). Everyone is more than welcome to stop by and try some delicious local delicacies – including some refreshing Livigno beer.

To give you a little taste of what is in store, take a look at the Danny MacAskill Drop and Roll Tour presented by Livigno: http://youtu.be/qmxkrlUnP28

You can learn more about Livigno here:

www.livigno.eu

www.facebook.com/LivignoFeelTheAlps

twitter.com/Livigno

plus.google.com/+livignoeu

www.youtube.com/user/livigno08

VIENNA AIR KING 2015: Top High-Flyers Return For 10th Anniversary

Vienna, March 17^th 2015 – For the last ten years, the world’s elite mountain bike dirt jumpers have been gathering at Vienna’s town hall square for the VIENNA AIR KING. This year, the top dawgs are back from April 10^th to 12^th as the FMB World Tour Silver event celebrates its 10^th anniversary. Brett Rheeder (CAN) has two consecutive victories under his belt and will be riding for a third. Dirt jump maestro, Sam Pilgrim (GBR) is a top rival in the line up, but the competition does not stop there. Gemma Corbera will also be the first girl to challenge the guys at a FMB event.

Brett Rheeder will have to perform at his best to defend the VIENNA AIR KING title. After a long winter break, mountain bikings’ top athletes can no longer wait to get back on to the dirt. 16 of the world’s best dirt jump riders have been invited and roughly 45 pre-qualifiers will step up to the mark to compete at this 2015-jubilee edition. With his rookie year behind him, Nicholi Rogatkin is now getting down to business and will fly in from across the pond for a crack at the crown. The North American athlete caused a sensation last year with his cashroll and signature-trick, the long dart front flip. 2014’s second place and best-trick winner Szymon Godziek (POL) will try everything to step up a notch for the victory. Then there is also the trick machine, Thomas Genon (BEL) who landed in third last year but has a bag full of new technical combo’s to show off in Vienna.

Per usual, the French-connection stack the line up with their best riders including, youngster Tomas Lemoine, Louis Reboul, Antoine Bizet, Simon Pages and Mehdi Gani. From across the Channel, Great Britain is sending renowned high-flyer Daryl Brown, Matt Jones and previous VIENNA AIR KING Champion, Sam Pilgrim. Tomas Zejda will be representing the Czech Republic, Anton Thelander will be flying in from Sweden and Oszkar Nagy (HUN) will be looking for a strong start to the season in Vienna. From closer to home, Peter Henke will be riding for Germany.

Alongside the big names, 45 pre-qualifiers will be given the chance to ride at VIENNA AIR KING. Ten of these riders are resident Austrians and will have the home crowd advantage of moving up into qualifying. One of Vienna’s crowd favorites and 2013 Best Trick winner, Pavel Alekhin is back to get the spectators pumped and throw down more epic combos. From Canada, young gun Bobby Lamirande and experienced trick machine, Sam Dueck will be on course, ready for business. And for the first time, a girl will challenge the boys on dirt. Gemma Corbera from Barcelona will compete against the guys in Vienna for a spot in main contest. For all pre-qualifiers, the competition will be fierce; 14 will advance to qualifying and ride against the set riders - a unique opportunity for upcoming riders. All the action will go down on April 12^th at town hall square in Vienna.