AIRprentice Documentary by Charles Wilkinson

[cam@nsmb.com]

The long-awaited AIRprentice documentary short is now live on our video page.

Check it out here. (http://www.nsmb.com/videos/index.php)

[freerider15]

that was a sick vid to watch
i was pumped on that
way to go ben!

[Norman]

What an amazing video...

[M_Dub]

the issue with ian is...........? we'll never know...

[Bob Vila]

That was amazingly well done.

Made me miss whistler like crazy.

[mudpuppy]

That was awesome.....great vid.

[cam@nsmb.com]

the issue with ian is...........? we'll never know...

I can't remember what I said actually. :lol: Maybe something about him not being hungry enough? It's a moot point now though because (on the DL) he'll be riding for us in 2007.

[DanB]

Great short film. Looking through his IMDB page (http://imdb.com/name/nm0006658/), Charles Wilkinson seems like quite the talented guy. Anyone who's worked on Highlander gets 2 extra kudos points in my book :-)

[Puck]

I've seen him eat 2 full Denny's breakfasts! :lol:

All kidding aside, Ian had a good session at the Portland jump jam last week... and Benton used his Airprentice experience to the break the seal on attempting a backflip off the opening stepdown. :cool: When he says he likes going upside down, he's not kidding.

The documentary is great glimpse both of these guys doing what they do best, pinning it and having fun at the same time. The film is a great piece of work.

[SIDESHOW]

damn I look pretty pissed off when he interviewed me, that was right in the middle of the CKD edit in my backyard, I must take a breather next time lol.

[Dan CH]

ian is a beast! I've never seen anyone buy so much subway before...

[axx]

haha, it seems as if all im known for is eating! but in all seriousness that was an awsome video. I think it really showed what the comptetition was all about.

[jzogaris]

IMO benton won because he flipped the fruitbowl before none of the judges really recognized him it was crazy tho that he was the only one who tried it and cork flipped it but i dont think he shoulda won because of one stunt some of the other riders were better all around riders IN MY OPINION

[kiddo]

1. Where was ANDREW SHERRY? His 270 line was one of the best all weekend.
2. I'm pretty sure the issue with Ian was that he had "BRIAN PARK IS DRUNK" written on his shirt.

[cam@nsmb.com]

I'm glad you know why Benton won. It's not nearly as clear to me. The process happens by consensus. It's almost a democracy but I hold veto power. This year there was swearing and yelling and a lot of beer on an empty stomach around the judges' table inside the GLC. I promised the crowd we'd be out to announce a winner in 15 minutes - but I think it was closer to 45. At least one of the riders in the audience left - but picking the right rider for our team was more important than keeping my promise to the audience.

It's also important to remember that the best rider for the team may not be the best rider. We ask our riders to do things other than ride their bikes. They are expected to work on getting their own publicity - including shooting stills and video - on top of writing about what's going on with them in our team blog. It doesn't sound too tough I'm sure, but not everyone can get it together. Your skill as a rider doesn't count for shit if you can't follow through on what you commit to, or get your ass out of bed for an early morning shoot. Being sponsored sounds like it's always free forks and sunny riding trips but there are a lot of times when it would be way less hassle to be a free agent and just ride your bike.

The final AIRprentice decision doesn't crystallize until after the hot seat portion is done. Three years in a row I haven't had a clue who we'd pick until after that portion of the comp. Yes we've narrowed it down to four but we really aren't any closer than that. Is the process perfect? Not a chance - but we've managed to pick well every year. I'm not saying there haven't been challenges or disappointments along the way - but we certainly snagged three great riders and team members out of it.

IMO benton won because he flipped the fruitbowl before none of the judges really recognized him it was crazy tho that he was the only one who tried it and cork flipped it but i dont think he shoulda won because of one stunt some of the other riders were better all around riders IN MY OPINION

[Jerry-Rig]

well said Cam....

Benton can also take a crash like no one I've ever seen and come back for more. That takes heart and most riders don't have that.