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‘Unrealistic’: 2 MTB Riders Reflect on Fear and Aging

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In this contemplative vid, two middle-aged mountain bikers reflect on what it means to keep shredding as they look toward their twilight years.

No matter how old you are and how long you’ve been riding — the process of facing fear remains the same.

That’s one of the lessons in this endearing little film from Hallingdal Rides. It follows Emil Carlson and Svenn Fjeldheim, the first a clinical psychologist who rides downhill for fun, and the second a former Norwegian national champ.

But they’ve both been riding mountain bikes for more than 3 decades. They’re also both nearing 50 years old. As they soar down gorgeous Norway trails together, they also discuss the prospect of getting older — and what that means for an adventurous life.

Runtime: 7 minutes

Working on the first ascent of Papadarius (5.14ab) at the River Wall, Button Rock Reservoir, Lyons, Colorado

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