The Test of Metal competition takes place annually in Squamish BC near
the end of June. Many pros from the US come over to Canada for this event.
This year, the US pros included Chris Clark, Jeff Lenosky, Lance Trappe, and
Jeremy VanSchoonhoven. The Canadian pros include Mike Bentham and
Dylan Korba. A special feature is also Kris Holm, the unicycle guy. The
weather during this competition was mostly cloudy with some rain to make
the sections even more challenging.
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Brian
This is the reason why Brian couldn't compete. A few days earlier he fell and hit a razor sharp rock on the way down. Since it was so sharp and was such a clean cut, it didn't hurt but looked really bad. He got quick service in the hospital with the blood ALL over his body, shorts and legs. It took 13 stitches to close it up. Little Stevie's reaction was what most people looked like when they saw the stitches.
Here's Chris Clark taking a break with his dirt jumping frame and the US flag in the background. Leaping from a log to his BashRing on the stump.
VIDEO CLIP (click above). One of the best riders in Canada with a fast, clean, very soft style is Dylan Korba. At 5ft 4" tall, he shows everyone that you don't have to be a foot taller to be a pro and do big moves.
Dylan riding for fun after the competition. FW pivot 180 to 180 off the spool (a 360).
Jeff Lenosky is one of the most well known riders to have come out to this competition so far. Here he is jumping off the tear-shaped metal obstacle.
Jeff going from the log to the slippery water-logs. Once you land on them, they sink and your tires could slip too.
Jeremy VanSchoonhoven was the winner of this competition. He rides with a great deal of finesse, power and great balance.
Jeremy's strategic dab up a 5ft high rock was also remarkable. He is so stretched out in this picture. He is a rider you just have to see in motion to truly appreciate in finesse and strategy. Just try doing a dab like this and you'll know how awkward it really is.
Lance Trappe has represented Cannondale for the US ever since the great Libor Karas. Cannondale has other great riders such as Keigou Arizono from Japan and Martyn Ashton of the UK. Lance jumps from the 13 foot high stump down to the 7 foot high van.
Launching to land his bashring on the log in front of him. Check out the video of Dylan doing this same gap to back wheel!
Mike Bentham is from Vancouver Island and a top pro in Canada. He seemed to be the only one who could side-hop from BW to his pedal onto the tire and then get up.
Even pros can make mistakes. Just make sure you protect yourself and know your limits.
As part of the spectacular scenery, Mike drops 6 feet down to the van as the crowd watches on.
Vancouver's world-famous unicycle trials rider. Kris travels across the 1 foot wide beam to the 13 foot high stump.
Gapping the unicycle from the log to the stump! Kris uses the non-pedal kick technique to get over there.
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