Huckfest Bike Festival with the Swedes

Mountain biker jumping over the photographer.

Earlier this year, I ended up in a chairlift with a group of friendly Swedish mountain bikers at Järvsö Bike Park. By the end of our second lap together, I had successfully convinced Simon, Victor and Oscar to come visit me in Norway and ride at the Huckfest Bike Festival in Ål, Hallingdal.

As the festival approached, a severe rainstorm inundated the whole Hallingdal region, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and trails. Consequently, the festival was postponed by one week. Festival participants, organizers, and the local mountain bike community came together and helped rebuild the bike park. Luckily “The Swedes” could rearrange their schedules and still make it to the festival.

The “Fest line” in Hillbilly Bike Park has pretty much been the same for 10 years. It's not the size of the jumps that is intimidating, but rather the timing and finesse that is required to get enough speed to clear the largest jumps. The Swedes' were extremely excited about the course, and it didn't take them long to start incorporating style and tricks on the large moto ramps.

Simon Johansson catching some well deserved fresh air after a long car ride. *Photo: Magnus Grönberg*

Huckfest Bike Festival
Since 2009, Huckfest Bike Festival has firmly established itself as Norway's premier mountain bike festival. An incredible spirit of volunteerism and an iconic jump line has transformed the festival into the highlight of the year for both mountain bikers and the enthusiastic audience.

Activities going on during the festival:
• Guided tours and shuttles to the best trails in the area
• Fest Series Session
• Whip-Off Challenge
• Huck to not so flat (long jump competition)
• Death Grip competition
• Dual Slalom
• Clunker Race
• Beer pong
• Live music
• FMX Show

"Enthusiastic audience" scrolling through Craigslist for a Stihl or Husqvarna. *Photo: Magnus Grönberg*

Ingrid Lonar putting down the hammer on the moto ramp. (First female rider through the "Fest-line"). *Photo: Gisle Johansen*

Witnessing 12-year-old Tess ride the first three obstacles on the "Fest-line" had many guys wishing they could "ride like a little girl"...

12 year old shredder Tess Van Weerdhuizen *Photo: Gisle Johansen*

The freeride scene in Norway is flourishing due to various factors. Norway has great “freeride ambassadors”, more riding facilities, and skate parks and jump spots are emerging. This summer, the Huckfest course opened to the public. Mads "Makken" Haugen runs "Ramp Camps" in Huckfest Bike Park, and Brage Vestavik "Brage Sesh" in Trysil is a valuable place for up-and-coming freeriders.

Key Takeaways from this Year's Huckfest Bike Festival:
• The freeride scene in Norway is thriving
• Witnessing 12-year-old Tess ride the first three obstacles on the "Fest-line" had many guys wishing they could "ride like a little girl"
• You can get a free tattoo at Huckfest Bike Festival
• Even a 500-year flood couldn't stop «the Fest»*

*The storm Hans resulted in significant costs and considerably lower revenues for this year's festival. The fate of next year's festival and future operations is currently uncertain.