SMITH: Life Beyond Walls: New Zealand Ep1

Check out this first mountain bike episode of SMITH's Life Beyond Walls webisode series, Life Beyond Walls: New Zealand, Episode 1. 

This first episode sets the stage for a 3 part journey that will be released over the coming few weeks. This series is all about the journey and giving viewers an inside look at what happens along the way.  No matter how much planning is done, some things are just out of your control.  All you can do is keep the cameras rolling.

Life Beyond Walls: New Zealand Episode 1 from SMITH OPTICS on Vimeo

Members of the SMITH mountain bike team sent it down to New Zealand to explore the south island, ride single track, destroy an RV, forge storms, and have run-ins with the local law. What was captured in this three part video series reveals a glimpse into their life on the road.

1. Smith Day 1 Café: “We did it. We’re here. The idea of coming to New Zealand to film, ride, and explore was underway.”


2. Smith Day 1 Camper:  “Our trusty Apollo RV.”

3. Smith Day 1 Gas: “Within just a few hours on the road we had our first "oh sh*t" moment. I will never forget the look on Lars's face when he told me he had just put gas in our diesel RV.”

4. Day 2 Nelson: “Within a few turns of our first ride in Nelson the rain returned, we couldn’t catch a break. Our first ride was quickly cut short, gear wet and filming came to a halt for the day.”

5. Smith Day 2 Kaiteriteri B : “With the weather lingering in Nelson, and our helicopter plans canceled due to wind, the team decided to head to Kaiteriteri Bike park just outside of Nelson.”

6.  Smith Day 2 Kaiteriteri : “Warm sun, golden sand and turquoise water greeted us in Kaiteriteri.”


Team Riders:
Joey Schusler
Lars Sternberg
Mike Hopkins
Rosara Joseph
Alex “KrunkShox” McGuinnis
Carolynn Romaine

Photos: Paris Gore
Film: Joey Schusler and Thomas Woodson
Team Manager and Words by: Mallory Burda