This is a second version of an earlier video from three years ago which now involves a motorcycle-mounted camera filming the duo as they ride ATVs on interlaced tracks at speeds of around 60 kilometers per hour (about 37.3 mph).
“It’s a bit choreographed. For example, we know our timing. We know how fast we need to hit, so I’m literally trying to hit my targets.
“Kade is in front of me, behind me, I don’t even think about him. I’m just trying to make sure I’m on point because, if I miss a beat, that’s where I have to consider myself. maybe I should stop or maybe I have to leave earlier.”
Although they ride within a hair of each other, the pair say they felt calm throughout filming, thanks to the trust and respect they have for each other. other.
The moves were all pre-planned and set on a newly constructed route in British Columbia, Canada. Both pilots agreed that location was crucial in producing such an atmospheric finished product.
The location of the route, which took around two weeks to build, was previously a mountain biker’s paradise before much of it burned down last year.
While benefiting from the “ashes in the air and trails of dust,” Semenuk said the project was also meant to help get the property back on its feet.
“I think the footage probably captured it a bit more than the actual video, but just the light hitting the dust and the black trees; if you’re a cinematographer, it’s a bit of a treat,” said- he said, adding that he hoped more routes would be built in the area as a result of the video.
“We were spoiled with that one, as sad as the whole situation was.”
‘Go for it’
It was the two men’s first time working together, but Semenuk never doubted asking Edwards to be his partner.
The British rider is a former junior downhill world champion and frequently rides the toughest UCI World Cup downhill trails, but is no stranger to projects like this.
For Edwards, the chance to create something beautiful with one of the sport’s legends was too good to pass up.
“We got there and we would test the line that morning and that afternoon we would film it,” Edwards told CNN Sport.
“Obviously you’d have a few good shots, you’d have maybe 20, so you sort of figure out what you’re going to do and where you’re going to go, what the timing will be because there’s so much to think about .
“At the same time, you kind of have to not think about it and just go for it.”
Semenuk estimated that they reached speeds of around 60 kilometers per hour on the steepest sections and that even jumps and tricks were performed at around 40 to 50 kilometers per hour (about 24.9 to 31.1mph).
With the two riders so close together in several places along the track, you’d think crashes were commonplace, but the two remained relatively unscathed throughout.
Some tricks and skills may have taken longer to film than others, but both men were happy with the finished product.
“To be an athlete, you have to be good at falls because you’re going to fall,” Semenuk said.
“But if you’re the athlete who crashes and gets injured, then you’re not going to be an athlete for very long.
“So as good as you have to be to pull off the trick, you have to be as good as you have to crash into it.”
Semenuk’s need for speed
Adrenaline for Semenuk is simply a way of life. When he’s not stunning the world on two wheels, the Canadian can drive rally cars at breakneck speeds.
Although the two sports are different in many ways, the common thread of fast-paced, breakneck action has been a constant throughout his life.
Like many who excel in such compromising situations, he says it’s all about staying calm.
“I think if you start panicking you’re already in trouble, you know? If you’re calm, that means you’re fine,” he said.
“As an athlete you know what you have to do. So until something starts to go wrong there is no real panic.
“Kade too, like we put ourselves in a situation on a daily basis where we have to focus or there’s a risk and you sort of get used to it.
“Cycling is honestly my calmest state because you’re just focused on that one thing.”
Watch the video at the top of the page to learn more about the remarkable route.
