On The Spot: Bikesutra interviews Hans "No Way" Rey

Hans Rey, multiple Trials National and World Champion, is one of the pioneers of Trials and Extreme Mountain Biking. Through his spectacular mountain bike trials shows and adventures, Hans has made himself a name far beyond the mountain bike scene. His skills and image are constantly opening the doors to media coverage all over the world "No Way" Rey has been demonstrating his talents in over 40 countries. BIKEsutra: What made you get into mountain biking in the first place? Hans: I've been riding trials since I was 12, when I came to America in 1987 I was introduced to mountain biking through the Laguna RADS biking club. I started doing trials on mountain bikes besides the 20 inch bike which I had used until then. I also started to do some Downhill and Slalom events. BIKEsutra: How did you get into Trials and then Extreme Biking? Hans: I grew up in Germany where we had a motocycle trials club, we started on bikes, after competing in trials for 10 years I started to take those skills into non-competitive situation. I guess I was one of the pioneers of extreme bikers. BIKEsutra: What goes on in your mind when you are attempting a dangerous stunt? Hans: I make sure I can visualize a move before, so i anticipate what could go wrong. I tried to be focused and committed. BIKEsutra: What is the most challenging stunt that you have performed to date? Hans: It's hard to pinpoint. Sometimes there are unpredictable factors such as weather, raging water, lava,... sometimes it's harder to make the stunt safe than to actually execute it (bungy jump, ....).riding on the hot lava in hawaii always comes to mind. BIKEsutra: You have travelled extensively. Any favourite countries where you have memorable moments during your travels? Hans: I like certain things about every place I've been to. it's one of the nicest things about my job to be able to travel the world....I love South America (peru , chile, brasil). I love the Alps and Italy.most impressive site the pyramids in Egypt and Machu Pichhu in Peru BIKEsutra: What are one or two instances of such moments? Hans: Arriving on the top of the ridge and viewing Machu Pichuu for the first time after a brutal 3 day ride was awesome. BIKEsutra: Do you feel afraid when attempting a stunt for a first time? Hans: A certain fear is always there that keeps you alive BIKEsutra: What was your worst injury sustained when performing a stunt? Hans: My worst crash was in a DH race in Hunter Mountain, NY in 1992. I broke several ribs, punctured a long and lost lots of skin..... BIKEsutra: Do you always crave to find new stunts to perform? What drives you? Hans: I like to do things which I think are possible, There is a fine line between pushing the limits and going over the limits. you got to know yourself and your abilities well to get close to that line on a consistent basis. I look at the world as one big obstacles with many lines and possibilities. BIKEsutra: Do you always crave to find new stunts to perform? What drives you? Hans: I like to do things which I think are possible, There is a fine line between pushing the limits and going over the limits. you got to know yourself and your abilities well to get close to that line on a consistent basis. I look at the world as one big obstacles with many lines and possibilities. BIKEsutra: Where did your "No Way" nickname come about? Hans: When I first came to the USA friends gave me that name after watching me over and over again ride stuff which they never thought possible. No Way! Rey BIKEsutra: What gave you the inspiration to form the Hans Rey Adventure Team? Hans: I was getting too old for racing, after competing for almost 20 years I was burned and didn't have much motivation left. I always had done videos in exotic locations, but often it felt not right, I wanted to have a reason to be on those trips and a mission to accomplish. That's why I'am always in search of something histroical or mysterious. Like a mysterious Dwarf tribe in China, headhunters in Borneo, the Pyramid secrets in Egypt, or Che Guevara in Cuba..... BIKEsutra: For all those young riders out there aspiring to be the next Hans Rey, what advice do you have for them? Hans: Have fun with it, be consistant and don't expect anybody to carry you too the top. And last but not least it takes more than just biking skills.... BIKEsutra: What is your motivation that keeps you going everyday? Hans: There is many different reason. Sometimes it's because I still want to be respected, other times for the pure fun, and sometimes for business reasons - after all it's also my job. BIKEsutra: What is your fitness regime like for you to keep in shape? Hans: I mainly ride all my different kind of bikes. one day I might ride stock bike trials, the next day I go for a mountain bike ride, or a freeride session, .... see ya in the dirt hans We would like to thank Hans for the interview and wish him and the Hans Rey Adventure Team more great adventures!

About Hans Name: Hansjörg Rey Nickname: "No Way Rey" Birthdate/Place: June 4th, 1966/Kenzingen, Germany Nationality: Swiss Hometown: Laguna Beach, CA Sponsors: GT BICYCLES ADIDAS shoes/apparel LUK clutchesSWATCH watches FOX Racing Shox Syntace bars and stems SDG Saddles Mavic wheels Bell helmets Maxxis tires ADIDAS Eyewear Other Highlights NEW! See the Hans Rey Adventure Team mountain bike Cuba Hans visits Bob's Bicycles and does what he does best! See Hans in the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame Hans on Bike Trials Click here to find out more! View Han's GT Ruckus iDrive at our Reader's Rides section Han's bikes Click Here Be sure to visit hansrey.com