ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: Hans ‘No Way’ Rey

Athlete Spotlight
Written By Emily Van de Wall

Hans "No Way" Rey is a pioneering mountain biker and trials rider known for his competitive achievements, stunt riding, and adventure expeditions, which have significantly popularized the sport globally. He also founded the charity Wheels 4 Life, providing bicycles to people in developing countries to improve their access to essential services.

Check out our conversation with Hans Rey about his film 'Once Upon A Ride In Umbria', featured at Coast Film and Music Festival 2023 in Laguna Beach, additionally highlighting "Nothing’s for Free." The former captures his journey and enduring connection to a farm in Umbria, while the latter delves into the history and evolution of free-ride mountain biking. As an OG Laguna Rads, Hans was one of the pioneers of freeride and has helped keep the original spirit from the early days of mountain biking alive to this day.

Mountain Biker, Trials Rider, Adventurer, MTB Hall of Fame

‘Once Upon a Ride in Umbria’

Hans Rey reminisces about his former home, "Podere il Falco," a 300-year-old farmhouse in Italy, where he dreamt of a future life intertwined with the country's culture and landscape. Despite considering a soft exit from his professional mountain biking career, Hans continued to achieve remarkable feats, becoming a pioneer in freeride and setting records such as summiting Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya. During a nostalgic visit, Hans explores the property, recalls making olive oil and wine, and shares stories of the area's trails, ancient sites, and his deep connection to Monte Cetona. Once Upon a Time in Umbria highlights the simplicity and beauty of Italian country life, from breathtaking landscapes and ancient trails to delicious local food and wine. Hans's adventures underscore the region's allure for mountain biking and the timeless charm of its rural heritage. Ultimately, the visit concludes with a heartwarming toast to "la Dolce Vita" with Hans's sister, who now runs a bike hotel in the area, realizing a part of Hans's dream.

‘Once Upon a Ride in Umbria’ is available on YouTube.

‘Nothing’s For Free’

"Nothing’s for Free," produced by Outside Studios in collaboration with Freeride Entertainment, traces the origins and growth of free-ride mountain biking from a niche activity to a worldwide sensation. It takes viewers on a 30-year journey, showcasing the pioneers, visionaries, and industry leaders who propelled the sport to its current status. Nothing’s For Free is the real story of the birth and legacy of freeride mountain biking. The film chronicles the blue-collar story and rise of a cult sport to a global phenomenon that put the race-driven sport of mountain biking on the map in the world of action sports and the mainstream. Nothing’s For Free features the biggest names in mountain biking, from the early pioneers of adventure to modern-day internet superstars like Hans Rey, Danny MacAskill, and Brandon Semenuk.

Check out our discussion below during Coast Film and Music Festival 2023 with Director Derek Westerlund, Hans Rey, Richie Schley, and Cameron Zink.

‘Nothing’s For Free’ is available on Apple TV and Amazon.

Director: Derek Westerlund

Emily Van de Wall https://proteadesignstudios.com
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