As we lead up to Rampage, we’re checking in with various athletes who are laying it all on the line for the big show in Virgin, Utah on October 27th. Last week we chatted with Tyler McCaul and for this feature, we’ll be catching up with steeze cat, Ethan Nell – a Virgin Utah local.
We first met and rode with Ethan a couple winters ago when he was visiting Santa Cruz. Since then, he’s been picked up by YT, hopped on board the FEST train and has made a bit of a name for himself in the freeride scene.
Lately, as you can see above, Ethan has been spending loads of time on his moto – which makes for pretty good Rampage training. Anyhow, this will be his first year competing in Rampage, despite being well familiar with the red Utah dirt. Here’s what Ethan had to say…
MTB-Mag: What are some big changes you make to your bike for Rampage?
Ethan: Changes to my bike for Rampage don’t include too much. I mainly ride at home in Virgin, Utah and on the FEST series the whole year, so most of my riding is big hits anyway. My bike is always set up super stiff.
MTB-Mag: Do you have any major changes of kit or your protective wear?
Ethan: As for changes in my kit I will wear a Moto chest protector over my t-shirt but other than that just the classic Moto pants, knee protection, ankle braces, and padded shorts.
MTB-Mag: Do you have a line picked out or have anything in mind? Are you planning on teaming up with anyone in particular?
Ethan: For my line I want to build massive hits to spin all the way down the mountain. I may team up with Reed Boggs on a few features because we’re the new guys without a previous line built.
MTB-Mag: What’s your biggest fear or concern this year?
Ethan: My biggest fear or concern for this year is building my line right, feeling good and looking good on it, all in the short time we have to do it. Not too many concerns though, this is my home riding spot. I feel the best here.
MTB-Mag: Do you have any goals for your line or your result? Any tricks you want to do?
Ethan: I kind of touched on that in the previous line question. Big hits, big spins, style line. Not stressing results – just stoked to be in it…
Find Ethan on Instagram
